IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF TYPE AND OTHER ARTICLES USED IN LETTER-PRESS PRINTING
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Louis Léon Foucher, of 5, Petite Rue Taranne, at
Paris, in the Empire of France, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF TYPE AND OTHER ARTICLES
USED IN LETTER-PRESS PRINTING."
Sealed the 18th August 1857, and dated the 18th February 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Louis Léon Foucher at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th
February 1857.
I, LOUIS LÉON FOUCHER, of 5, Petite Rue Taranne, at Paris, in the
Empire of France, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF TYPE
AND OTHER ARTICLES USED IN LETTER-PRESS PRINTING," to be as follows:-
My Invention of apparatus for the manufacture of type and other articles
for letter-press printing relates, first, to machinery or apparatus for casting such
articles, in which the molten metal is forced into a mould by means of a pump;
"& consisting in" [and secondly to] the construction and arrangement of the
parts of the mould, which is formed of two principal parts, one stationary, the
other moveable on a fulcrum; the moveable one has a motion which causes it
to recede sidewise and to rise upwards a little, leaving a vertical space between

page_text: them. The part which forms the bottom of the mould (the type is cast in a hori-
zontal position) is formed in the solid metal of the one main part, while the part
which forms one side of the mould is formed in the solid of the other principal
and oscillating part; these two parts (below the mould) abut come together
when the mould is formed, whatever may be the size of type to be cast.
The opposite side of the mould is formed by a sliding piece fitted in the
stationary part, while the upper part of the mould is formed by a sliding pieco
fitted in the oscillating part; these two sliding pieces abut against each other
when the mould is closed; they are forced towards each other by springs, and
their position regulated by nuts and screws. This regulation of these sliding
pieces is for the purpose of increasing or diminishing the thickness of the
type. If the type is to be larger, the piece forming the top of the mould
is advanced towards the piece forming the moveable side, which latter piece
is caused to recede a corresponding distance. The springs of these parts
afford sufficient resistance to the pressure of the metal, but will recede in case
of anything rigid getting accidentally between them, which would otherwise
injure the mould.
The stationary principal part of the mould is fitted to rise and lower,
and to slide towards and from the oscillating part, for the purpose of adjust-
ment when the mould is made larger; this part is lowered by adjusting
screws or blocks placed beneath it, and again fixed in position by a binding
screw above. The oscillating part is also adjusted by a set screw under the
mould. This oscillating part receives motion from a cam acting on an
extended arm, which is furnished with a spring to obviate rigidity and
permit the adjustment mentioned, this part, however, being thereby always
brought into contact with the other half of the mould with sufficient forco
for the purpose. The channel from which the molten metal flows is always
(while casting) held close up to the jet or entrance apperture to the mold. A
plate with a small hole is placed between the injecting pipe and the mould.
One side and the top of the jet is fixed to the oscillating part, while the bottom
is fixed to the stationary part. The fourth side of the jet is a sliding piece
(adjustable) fitted in the stationary part of mould; it receives motion to throw
the cast type out of the mould; another sliding piece which receives the
same motion takes effect on the side of the eye of the type, thereby giving it
a simultaneous push at either end. The cast type or other article so ejected
drops between the main part of the mould and descends by a shoot. The
matrix moves on a slide and advances towards the mould, the moving parts
being so arranged that the mould is perfectly formed and in a stato of rest
before the matrix comes in contact, which prevents any ebrasion or rubbing of

page_text: the matrix.. The matrix is adjusted, sideways by a screw in its carriage, and
is further adjusted at each time it advances by parts attached to the mould.
It is adjusted in the one direction by a stationary part, and in the other
direction by a projection on the oscillating part of the mould.
Instead of making the parts of the mould adjustable to suit different sizes
of type, separate pieces to constitute the mould may be fitted and removeable
to change the size of mould, tho motion and fittings being otherwise alike. In
this case the bottom and one side are stationary, as before, while the top and
opposite side are moveable. These parts when closed overlap each other,
leaving the cavity of the mould between them. The several moving parts of
the mould and matrix are moved by cams on a rotating shaft.
The second apparatus, according to my Invention, for this manufacture
consists of two knives or cutters fixed on two surfaces mounted on an oscil-
lating shaft, which knives cut or pare the type to an uniform substance of body.
Each type is inserted between the cheek plates or surfaces which hold it in
position, while it is sustained from below by a fixed support, when so inserted';
the cheek plates and knives are brought down by a treaddle, producing a partial
revolution of the shaft, and thereby cutting both sides at once; after passing
the knives it is freed from the pressure of the cheek plates, from between which
it slides, when these parts rise again by the force of a spring in readiness to
repeat the operation.
Another apparatus necessary to the completion of the type, according to my
Invention, consists of a knife or scraper, which descends on a type laid on a slide
to be scraped on one side (this is only applicable to such letters as f and g, or
where the eye (that is the form of the letter) projects beyond the substance of
the type) by the motion of a cam on a rotating shaft; the knife or scraper first
descends close behind this projection and remains stationary, while another cam
advances the slide and scrapes or cuts the type on one side; the other side of
such type is smoothed in the ordinary manner.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Louis Léon Foucher in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 18th August 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 'I, LOUIS
LEON FOUCHER, of 5, Petite Rue Taranne, at Paris, in the Empire of France,
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by. Her Letters

page_text: Patent, bearing date the Eighteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord
"One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twentieth year of Iler reign,
did for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Louis Leon Foucher, Her special licence that I, the said Louis Leon Foucher,
'my' executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Louis Leon Foucher, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
timė 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 "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF TYPE AND OTHER ARTICLES USED IN LETTER-
PRESS PRINTING," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Louis
Leon Foucher, 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 Patont.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Louis Leon Foucher; do hereby declaro
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained-in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the five Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the letters and figures respectively marked theroon (that is to say):-
My Invention of apparatus for the manufacture of type and other articles
for letter-press printing relates, first, to machinery or apparatus for casting
such articles, in which the molten metal is forced into a mould by means of a
pump; and consisting in the construction and arrangement of the parts of the
mould, which is formed of two principal parts, ono stationary, and the other
moveable on a fulcrum; the moveable one has a motion which causes it to
recede sidewise, and to rise upwards a little, leaving a vertical space between
them. The part which forms the bottom of the mould (the type is cast in &
horizontal position) is or may be formed in the solid metal of the one main
part, while the part which forms one side of the mould is formed in the solid
of the other principal and oscillating part; these two parts (below the mould)
come together when the mould is formed, whatever may be the size of type to
be cast. The opposite side of the mould is formed by a sliding piece fitted in
the stationary part, while the upper part of the mould is formed by a sliding
piece fitted in the oscillating part; these two sliding pieces abut against each
other when the mould is closed; they are forced towards each other by springs,

page_text: and their position regulated by nuts and screws. This regulation of theso
sliding pieces is for the purpose of increasing or diminishing the thickness of
the type. If the type is to be larger, -the piece forming the top of the mould
is advanced towards the piece forming the moveable side, which latter piece is
caused to recede a corresponding distance. The springs of these parts afford
sufficient resistance to the pressure of the metal, but will recede in case of
anything rigid getting accidentally between them, which would otherwiso
injure the mould.
The stationary principal part of the mould is fitted to rise and lower, and
to slide towards and from the oscillating part, for the purpose of adjustment
when the mould is made larger; this part is lowered by adjusting screws or
blocks placed beneath it, and again fixed in position by a binding screw above.
The oscillating part is also adjusted by a set screw under the mould. This
oscillating part receives motion from a cam acting on an extended arm, which
is furnished with a. spring, to obviate rigidity and permit the adjustment
mentioned, the part.being thereby always brought into contact with the other
half of the mould with sufficient force for the purpose. The channel from
which the molten metal flows is always while casting held close up to the get
or entrance aperture to the mould. A plate with a small hole is placed
between the injecting pipe and the mould. One side and the top of the get is
fixed to the oscillating part, while the bottom is fitted to the stationary part.
The fourth side. of the get is a sliding piece (adjustable) fixed in the stationary
part of the mould; it receives motion to throw the cast type out of the mould.
Another sliding piece which receives the same motion takes the same effect on
the side of the eye of the type, thereby giving it a simultaneous push at either
end. The cast type or other article so ejected drops between the main parts
of the mould and descends a shoot.
The matrix moyes on a slide and advances towards the mould, the moving
parts being so arranged that the mould is perfectly formed and in a state of
rest before the matrix comes in contact, which prevents any abrasion or
rubbing of the matrix. The matrix is adjusted sideways by a screw in its
carriage, and is further adjusted at each time it advances by parts attached to
the mould. It is adjusted in the one direction by a stationary part, and in the
other direction by a projection on the oscillating part of the mould.
Instead of making the parts of the mould adjustable to such different sizes
of type, separate pieces to constituto the mould may be fitted and removeablo
to change the size of mould, the motion and fittings being otherwise alike. In
this caso the bottom and one side are stationary, as before, while the top and
opposite side are moveable. These parts, when closed; overlap each other,

page_text: leaving the cavity of the mould between them. The several moving parts of
the mould and matrix are moved by cams on a rotating shaft.
The second, apparatus, according to my Invention, for this manufacture
consists of two knives or cutters fixed on two surfaces mounted on an
oscillating shaft, which knives cut or pare the type to a uniform substance of
body. Each type is inserted between the cheek plates or surfaces, which hold
it in position, while it is sustained from below by a fixed support; when so
inserted, the cheek plates and knives are brought down by a treadle, producing
a partial révolution of the shaft, and thereby cutting both sides at once. After
passing the knives it is freed from the pressure of the check plates, from
between. which it slides, when these parts rise again by the force of a spring in
readiness to repeat the operation.
The above apparatus is also applicable for casting and completing blanks,
stops, vignettes, or-ornaments used in letter-press-printing.
Another apparatus necessary to the completion of the type according to my
Invention consists of a knife or scraper, which descends on a type laid on a
slide to be scraped on one side (this is only applicable to such letters as f
and 19, or where the eye (that is the form of the letter) projects beyond the
type), by the motion of a cam on a rotating shaft; the knife or scraper first
descends close behind this projection and remains stationary, while another
cam advances the slide and scraper, and scrapes or cuts the type on one side;
the other side of such type is smoothed in the ordinary manner.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Particular Description of the Principal Organs of the Machine.
The Mould.-Sheet 2, Figs. 1, 2, and 3.-This mould is mounted on a founda-
tion plate U+, which is fixed to the plate D by screws T+, (Sheet 2, Fig. 1.) The
lower part N of the mould is fixed to the plate U+ by a bridle V+. The blanks
Y and Z slide on the part N; and are constantly pushed forwards by springs
coiled on their stem, whilst the nuts A+ maintain these blanks at their proper
place. The upper part M of the mould is mounted on the foundation plate U+
by means of the screws N+ traversing the lugs O+, which are fixed to the
plate U by the screws B+ (Sheet 2, Figs. 1, 2, and 3). The upper. part M of
the mould is, like the lower part N, traversed by a blank D.+, constructed upon
the same principle as Y+ and Z+. To each of these blanks is fixed a small
piece of hardened steel, in order to avoid the necessity of hardening the whole 3
piece, and also in order to be able to regulate and change the thickness of the
types. A small steel piece forming part of the jet is also fixed to each blank
at the part nearest the furnace (Sheet 2, Fig. 3), excepting the jet plate of

page_text: the blank Z+, which is not fixed thereto, and, on the contrary, slides between
the rules and guides G+ (Sheet 2, Fig. 3,) and actuated by the lever R*, as it
is herein-after explained, and serves to disengage the type when it is cast.
The upper part of the mould when it is closed rests on a screw H+, which
regulates the extent of its movement (Sheet 4, Fig. 1). The thickness of the
type is regulated by advancing the blanks Y+ and D+ from the right to the
left for the thicker letters, and from the left to the right for the thin ones. So
soon as the thickness is regulated, the matrix is regulated so that it may como
to the position it must occupy during the casting, as is indicated in the
description of the matrix. When it is wished to change the thickness of the
body, the supporting block X' under the lower part N of the mould is changed,
substituting a thick one for casting thin type, and substituting a thin one in
order to cast thicker type.
The Matrix.-Sheet 3, Fig. 1, represents a side view, and Fig. 2 an end view,.
of the matrix. It is fixed by two screws on the side of a matrix carrier A, mado
of steel. This matrix carrier acts between the cheeks M+ and the rollers N+,
and rests on the plate O+, made of hardened steel, which is constantly pushed
up by spiral springs placed underneath. This plate O+ is pierced with four
holes, very nicely adjusted to slide on the rods, upon which are coiled the
springs, and which serve as conductors. The base of the matrix carrier P+ is
adjusted by its ends between rules or guides serving as conductors. The
spring Q+ pushes constantly the conductor E towards the lever K; this con-
ductor slides between the two guides U+, so that when the matrix is fixed in
its carrier A, and when tho carrier of the matrix is introduced between tho
cheeks Mand the roller N+, the approach can be regulated by screwing or
unscrewing the screw 3, which thus gives to the base P+. (which is constantly
pushed by a spring against this screw) a horizontal motion, and by this means
the approach is regulated; when definitively regulated, the base P. is fixed
on the table of the inachine by means of the screw 4, when the lever K,
put in motion by a cam, comes in contact with the end of the conductor E and
pushes the matrix against the mould, which in being closed presses its pro-
jecting bracket against the screw 5, which motion causes the matrix to descend
to the position it must occupy to be in line. The line is adjusted and
regulated by means of the screw 5.
Sheet 1.-P is the furnace, within which the vessel of molten metal is
maintained; L*, the pump plunger; f, the lever, constantly, raised by the
spring M; U; lever, acted on by the cam on the main shaft; and T, the rod
transmitting the down stroke at the proper time to produce the injection of the
metal.

page_text: MODE OF OPERATION.
As soon as the motal is hot enough, the nose C' of the-furnace P. (Sheet 1,
Fig. 1,) is put in contact with the small plate I+, which is placed between the
mould and the nose C'. This is dono by making the furnace P movo. back
on the shaft Z by means of the lever J* fixed to one end of the shaft Z, which
lover is held by the catch K fixed to the frame C (Sheet 1, Fig. 1), and so
maintains the nose C¹ and the plate I+ perfectly close to the mould. This
being done, and the rotary motion being given to the driving shaft E, tho
injection of the metal' takes place by means of a piston or plunger as by an
ordinary pump. As soon as the metal is injected, the matrix recedes from
the mould by means of a spring Q+ acting on the carrier of the matrix E+
(Sheet 3, Fig. 1); the upper part M of the mould, acted upon by the spiral
spring P+, then turns on the two pivot scrows 'N*, supported on the lugs 0+,
thus leaving the type free, and resting only on the lower part of the mould
(Sheet 4, Fig. 1); immediately after, the slide Q fixed to the lever R+, and
put in motion by the cam J', disengages the type. (See the special description
of the mould) (Sheet 2, Figs. 1, 2, and 3). The type once disengaged falls
into a shoot and passes out of the machine. The cam G' now acts upon the
roller of tho upper part M of the mould (Sheet 2; Fig. 1,) and causes it to bo
closed. The lever K, put in motion by the cam, passes against the back part
of the carrier of the matrix and brings the matrix up against tho mould; a
new stroke of piston then takes place, as before'described, and the operation is
repeated.
In conclusion, it will be understood by the preceding description and the
Drawings annexed, that, first, after having fixed the matrix of the letter to be
cast, as indicated in the description of that; secondly, after having put the
nose in contact with furnace and the retort containing the melted metal by
means of the lever J+; thirdly, after having regulated the thickness of the
body by means of block or pieco X* and of the screw of bridle V*; fourthly,
after having regulated the thickness of the type by adjusting the blanks Y+
and D by moving them from the right to the left for the thick letters, as for
the letters m, w, &c., &c., and from tho left to the right for the thin ones,
as i, l, &c. &c.; fifthly, after having regulated the approach of the matrix
and the line, as described under the head matrix, the machine is ready for work.
That then, by turning the driving shaft furnished with its fly wheal and cams,
ono obtains, first, the injection of the metal into the mould; secondly, the
recoil of the matrix; thirdly, the opening of the mould; fourthly, the dis-
engaging of the type; fifthly, the shutting of the mould; sixthly,. the return

page_text: OII.
of the matrix against the mould, and then a new injection of the metal, and so
Instead of the oscillating motion of the moveable part M of the mould, a
vertical and rectilinear motion may be substituted, and instead of putting tho
blanks Y and Dt in the interior of the parts M and N, as they are indicated
in Sheet 2, Fig. 1, 2, and 3, they may be placed externally, and adjusted in
position by means of screws and springs, as indicated in Sheet 4. In this
system instead of pushing or disengaging the type by the means of the jet
only, as in the Sheet 2, Fig. 3, I cause the blank to be pushed with the jet
attached to it, when the moveable part of the mould disengages the type in
going down, and again to assume its position for repeating the operation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIMMING OR RUBBING MACHINE.
S¹ is the plate or table of the rubbing machine (see Sheet 5, Figs. 1 and 2,
and Sheet 1, Fig. 1,) mounted on a frame C.. Upon this table S¹ are fixed
two supports T, in which are tapped the screws G', supporting the shaft U¹; on
this shaft is adjusted and fixed a knife carrier V¹. X is another knife carrier
to slide on the smooth part of the middle of the shaft U', and furnished with
a key to fix it on the shaft, which allows it to be moved horizontally from right
to left; the nuts Y' serve to give it this motion. By loosening one and
tightening the other, the knife bearer X' is regulated and fixed according to
the thickness of the type to be rubbed or trimmed. On these knife carriers
V' and X' are fixed two hardened steel knives perfectly straight and even.
On the table S is also fixed a support for the type under operation, upon
which is fixed a knife A°, of about the thickness of the typo to be rubbed or
trimmed: This knife A° bears on one side towards the knife Z fixed to the
knife carrier V, and is kept up on the other side by the knife Z' of the knifo
carrier X. One end of the small lever B+, fixed on the shaft U', is connected
by a rod to the spring F+, and the other end is connected with a treadle O.
Thus the typo with its jet broken off is introduced foot first into the recess a
formed on one part by the knife A°, which supports it, and on another part by
the knives Z', Z, which embraco the sides. The attendant then presses on
the treadle, which commands the lever B+, and so gives a circular motion to
the shaft U+ and to the knives Z. It is easy to understand the effect pro-
duced, which is this:-The type maintained by the knife A° is forced between
the knives Z', Z', which are so regulated as to rub or scrape the two sides of
the type, the space between the knives Z', Z', having been previously exactly
aljusted to the thickness of type required. When the motion of the knives
brings them to the point where a kind of recess or conduct 6 (Sheet 5, Fig. 1,)
is formed, the type is freed, and falls, its foot forwards, into the drawer II+

page_text: under the table S'. The slope of the face of the type on each side of the cye
is cut by the knives Z', which are formed and adapted for that purpose.
Having described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as my Invention, to be secured to me
by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the combination of parts constituting the mould, the method of adjust-
ing and the movements of such parts for the purposes of the mould, all as
herein described, for the manufacture of type and other articles used in letter-
press printing.
Secondly, I claim, the combination of parts constituting the matrix carrier
for adjusting and bringing the matrix into position for the manufacture of
type and other articlos used in letter-press printing, as herein-before described.
Thirdly, I claim the combination of parts herein-before described consti-
tuting the machine for rubbing or scraping and trimming type and other
articles used in letter-press printing.
In witness, I, the said Louis Leon Foucher, have hereunto set my hand
and scal, the Seventeenth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness,
P. POIRIER DE ST. MARLES.
FOUCHER. (L.S.).