JMPROVEMENTS IN MATRICES PRINTING SURFACES FOR AND MACHINES FOR JUSTIFYING THE SAME
Year: 1885

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 16th day of November 1889, Amended under:
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883-
ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 323 High Holborn, London, in the County of
Middlesex, England, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the invention for
JMPROVEMENTS IN MATRICES
PRINTING SURFACES
FOR
AND MACHINES FOR
JUSTIFYING THE SAME, and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention is directed to the rapid and economical production of type
surfaces relief surfaces or forms as they are variously termed for letter press
printing without the use of movable type and without the usual labor and expense
of composition.
It relates generally speaking to a system in which a suitable mechanism is
employed to indent impress, or embed the characters to be printed in proper
sequence in papier-mache or like material thereby producing a matrix from which
to cast the type surfaces.
In practicing the invention the characters are embedded in proper sequence and
as far as possible with suitable punctuation and spacing, in a single line in
a continuous matrix-strip of paper or equivalent material. This operation which
forms no part of the present invention may be performed by means of any suitable
mechanismi.
The matrix strip produced as above is subdivided into sections of a length
approximating, as nearly as possible the width of the column or page to be printed.
These short sections commonly denominated "line strips" are arranged parallel
with each other and secured in place on a backing sheet or support, each line being
properly spaced or justified.
The justification is best effected by bending or crimping the line strips upward
at suitable points between the words in such manner as to reduce their length, the
raised portion serving to produce a corresponding depression in the casting taken
therefrom.
The backing sheet or support with the series of line strips secured thereon
constitutes a matrix for the formation of a type surface in page or column form.

page_text: For the purpose of spacing or filling up the lines of the matrix when necessary,
quads or spacing pieces are employed each having a raised rib thereon in order to
produce corresponding depressions in the casting. After the production of the
matrix there is applied thereto a suitable, mold into which is delivered molten type-
metal or other material.
The best results are secured by constructing the casting frame with a series of
slots corresponding with the respective lines of the matrix sheet whereby it is
adapted for the production of separate or independent printing bars, each bar
bearing on its face properly spaced and justified, the characters for printing
a number of words.
The printing bars produced as above are delivered from the mold in a finished
state ready for immediate use and are adapted to be assembled or locked together
in such manner as to produce a solid "form" or body having all the advantages
of and adapted for use in all respects like the ordinary forms of independent type.
The printing frames are commonly composed of a series of bars or sections
connected in such manner that they may be readily separated in order to effect the
release of the printing bars.
Referring to Sheet 1 of the drawings Figs. 1 to 9" represent the manner of
producing the matrix sheet.
A represents the matrix strip which leaves the indenting or printing machine in
the form represented in Fig 1, in a narrow continuous ribbon or strip containing
a single line of letters, punctuation marks and other characters in the order in
which they are to appear in print. It is to be noted that the strip is of such width
as to leave blank marginal edges hoth above and below the characters to receive
and support the casting frame as hereinafter explained. In the possession of these
distinct margins, the matrix strip differs from those heretofore known in the art
which were purposely made of the least width which would admit the characters.
In utilizing the strip the first step is to divide the same either between words or
syllables, into short lengths or line strips a such as shown in Fig 2 corresponding
in length as nearly as possible with the width of the required page or column.
These line strips are next arranged parallel with each other on a backing sheet or
support B as seen in Fig. 9 and secured thereon by any appropriate means.
It is usual to employ a paper sheet and to attach the strips thereto by glue or
cement but a metallic or other sheet may be used and the strips seated in dove-
tailed grooves, therein or otherwise confined thereto.
Previous to or during the attachment of the strips a they are regulated in length
to properly space and justify the matter. If the strip is too long it is shortened by
bending it upward at one or more points as shown at e It is preferred to notch or
incise the blank edges cutting small portions therefrom as seen at and to bend
upward the intermediate neck. In this manner the strip is shortened without
being severed, and at the same time one or more raised portions or protuberances e
are produced of a width less than the strip so as to leave continuous level margins
to receive the mold. If the mold is suitably constructed however the incisions
may be omitted and the bent or raised portion extended entirely across the strip as
represented at e¹.
Good results may be secured by completely severing the strip at suitable points
and bending up the contiguous ends as in Figs 5 and 6 or by lapping one end over
the other as in Figs 7 and 8, but the first described plan is preferred. It is to be
particularly observed that my method of reducing the length prevents the formation
of joints or cavities into which the metal could flow so as to produce raised surfaces
at improper points in the casting.
The justification above described applies only to lines which are too long. In
the case of line strips a which are too short, they are divided at suitable points,
separated at proper distance and blank quads or spacing pieces * such as seen in
Figs 9 and 9 introduced to fill the spaces. These quads are made with longitudinal
raised ribs at the middle so that the resulting cast will contain corresponding
depressions and thus be prevented from taking and giving off ink at improper

page_text: points The edges of the quads are flush with and form continuations of the blank
edges of the strip so as not to interfere with the application of the mold.
After securing the justified lines in place the matrix is completed by the
application of side-strips or bearers g of equal thickness therewith fitted closely
against and across the ends of the strips as shown in Fig 9, which represents
one half of a complete matrix sheet adapted to produce a page or column of
matter either in a single plate or on independent line bars, according to the
nature of the mold which may be employed therewith.
For the purpose of incising or bending the matrix strip to effect the justification
shown in Figs 3 and 4 and to facilitate the application of the justified strips to the
backing sheet I provide an automatic mechanism such as represented in Figs 10
to 19. This mechanism which may be sustained by frame work of any suitable
character embraces a guide for the strip, a knife to effect the severance of the strip,
a second knife to nick or incise the edges of the strip, devices for bending the strip
at the point of incision and a slotted frame to which the justified strips are
transferred one after another and by which they are retained in parallel lines
during the time of application to the backing sheet.
C represents a fixed bed plate arranged for convenience in an inclined position
Drepresents a slotted or grated frame arranged to slide lengthwise of the bed (
between guides E and retained in position by friction springs F and a pawl G or
either of them The frame is of a size corresponding with the page of matter to be
produced and its cross bars are grooved or slotted on their under edges as in
Figs 19 and 20 to admit of the indented strips a being inserted thereunder on the
upper surface of the bed C each strip thus inserted being overlapped and held down
at its marginal edges by the bars of the frame. The purpose of this frame is to
retain the strips during the operation of justification until they are transferred to
the backing sliect. To guide and deliver the strips to the various slits of the
frame D in succession there is at one side of said frame a grooved guide H the
edges of which are adapted to overlap and hold down the blank edges of
the matrix strip as shown in Fig 4 leaving the characters exposed to view through
the top,
For the purpose of directing the strip to the guide H and also of
presenting thereto spacing strips strips containing punctuation marks, characters
for the correction of proof etc the movable plate I provided with a series of
parallel grooves with overhanging edges is arranged at the right of the guide H
adjacent thereto This plate is sustained by means of the sliding rod K or other
suitable guides so that it may be shifted laterally to bring one or another of its
grooves in line with the guide H at will, A spiral spring L on the rod K tends to
throw the plate upward to its normal position with the groove through which the
main matrix strip is introduced in line with guide H A hook M pivoted to the
lower end of the rod and arranged to engage fixed pins N serves as a means of
holding the plate with one or another of its grooves opposite guide H as occasion
may demand.
For the purpose of completely severing the strip at suitable points mainly to
divide the same into line sections there is located between plate I and guide H a
pivoted knife O as in Figs 10, 16 and 17 which acts in connection with a fixed
plate Plocated thereunder. A spring beneath the plate I with its free end
adjacent to the blade Pacts beneath the strip to throw the same upward from the
knife after being severed and also to assist in retaining the strip in position against
accidental movement, The end of guide H adjacent to the knife is severed from
the remaining portion and sustained by a spring S as in Figs 11 and 16 so that it
may descend with the strip during the severing action of the knife. The knife
may be actuated by any suitable means but it is preferred to connect the same
with a rod R extending downward and adapted to be actuated by the foot of the
attendant, a spring being applied as in Fig 17 to effect its elevation when released.
The short sections or line strips after being severed from the main strip by the
For this
knife O, require justification before being passed into the frame D.
purpose the justifying device T is located at an intermediate point in the guide H

page_text: as shown
This device consists mainly of a forked knife acting beneath the strip
to form the notches in its opposite edges, a stationary finger located beneath the
strip, and a descending grooved head or former by which the strip after being
notched is pressed downward over the anvil finger the latter acting at such times to
bend the strip upward as before described.
As seen in Figs 11, 12 and 15 the guide H contains a transverse slot or opening
through which there ascends a forked punch or knife i the two arms of which pass
through opposite edges of the strip contained within the guide The strip is held
on the upper side against the action of the knife i by an anvil recessed to admit
the arms of the knife and having said recesses extended through its top that the
chips or punchings may escape therefrom.
In the opening between the arms of the knife or punch there is a fixed
transverse finger or former k the upper end of which terminates below the space
occupied by the indented portion of the strip.
The point of the finger is located directly beneath the anvil which is recessed
to receive the same so that upon being depressed the anvil would embrace the
point of the finger In the guide H on opposite sides of the finger k I locate
springs acting as a portion of the guide and serving to sustain the matrix strip
normally above the point of the finger the construction being such however as to
admit of the springs being depressed when the parts are in action.
The action is as follows: the matrix strip is advanced into the guide H until the
point at which it is to be shortened is brought under the anvil j.
The forked knife i, ascends and forms the notches in the opposite edge and
recedes.
The anvil next descends depressing the strip in such manner as to fold or
double the neck existing between the notched edges downward over the upper end
of the finger the effect of which is to raise the neck in a looped form as shown in
Fig 3 drawing the ends of the strip towards each other reducing its length as before
explained.
At the completion of this action the anvil j is elevated and the shortened strip
raised from the finger by means of the springs l.
The strip may be advanced step by step and the operation repeated at such
points as may be demanded.
The mechanism for effecting the above movements is shown in Figs 11, 12
and 13.
The knife has its stem extended through fixed guides and its lower end
provided with a pivoted tongue or dog m. The spiral spring n, surrounding the
spindle and acting on a shoulder thereon depresses the knife when it is released.
A cam lever o pivoted on a fixed support engages at one end with the shoulder or
dog m, and thereby raises the knife causing the cut. The dog is thrown into
engagement with the elevating lever by a spring r but its movement toward the
lever is regulated by an adjustable screw or stop p When the lever has elevated
the knife to a sufficient distance, its end passes from under the shoulder of dog m
disengaging therefrom, permitting the spring n to depress the knife thus the knife
is released and permitted to descend automatically at the proper time.
During the reverse movement of the lever o its end passes beneath and
reengages the shoulder of the dog preparatory to the next elevation of the knife.
The adjustment of the screw will cause the knife to be released when it has
reached the greater or less elevation. The lever o may be operated manually or
otherwise but it is preferred to employ therefor an operating rods, extended
downward in position to be operated by foot either directly or indirectly as
represented in the drawing.
The devices for operating the anvil jare shown in Figs 12, 13 and 14.
The anvil is attached to the upper end of the vertical rod w sliding in fixed
bearings and provided with a fixed arm y operated by a cam z.
The cam is on the rear end of the shaft or journal of the knife operating lever
before referred to. The parts are so timed as to their action that during the period

page_text: that the knife is being lifted and until it has been released and depressed the cam ≈
remains inoperative.
Immediately after the depression of the knife the cam encounters the army and
depresses the anvil upon the finger to effect the bending of the strip The reverse
motion of the lever permits the auvil to rise to its original position and there
remain until after the next action of the knife.
While it is preferred to employ the punching and bending devices in the
relations specified, so that one will operate immediately after the other it is obvious
that the punching mechanism may be located at one point and the bending
mechanism at another in which case the strip will first be punched and then
advanced to bring the proper point over the bending devices. In operating on the
strip with the justifying mechanism it is necessary to provide means of determining
in advance the number of units of length to be removed in order to bring the line
strip to its proper length. For this purpose the guide H is provided at its left end
with a scale of graduations & The line strip being severed from the main strip by
the knife O will extend thence forward through the guide H to a greater or less
distance upon the scale The scale being provided with an indication at a distance
from the knife O equal to the length of the required strip the latter will extend
beyond the required point to a greater or less distance according to its length. By
reading upon the scale the distance or the number of units to which the strip
extends beyond the required point the operator is enabled to determine precisely
the reduction in length required. It is recommended for the convenience of the
operator that the units on the scale correspond in length with the width or
thickness of the justifying knife so that each action will provide for shortening the
strip one unit. Instead of placing the scale on the guide H the latter may have a
line or mark to which to bring the end of the strip and the graded scale be applied
to the guide I on the right of the severing knife. In such case the strip is
advanced until it reaches the fixed point on the guide H The operator then notes
the point at which the strip must be severed by the knife O and observes on the
scale the distance at which said point is located at the right of knife O. The
number of units comprised in this distance will represent the number which are to
be removed from the strip. These scales or either of them will also enable the
operator to determine the number of units to be supplied in the event of the strip
being shorter than is required.
The quads or spacing pieces will be carried in quantity in the grooves in plate I
so that they may be readily transferred and introduced at the proper points.
Each line strip after being justified is passed from the guide H into one of the
grooves in the under side of the frame D which is then advanced to bring the next
groove into position to receive a strip and so on repeatedly until the frame is
completely filled completing the matrix for a page or column of justified matter.
Preparatory to obtaining a cast from the matrix the strips are commonly
transferred to the backing sheet as before described. This may be accomplished in
any suitable manner but a simple apparatus for the purpose is represented in
Fig 20. A flat plate U having a slot V formed obliquely through it from front to
rear is placed at the end of and flush with the bed plate C on which the grooved
frame rests.
A sheet of paper or equivalent material is passed through the groove V from the
back of the plate and its forward end attached to or held in contact with the end
of frame D. The frame is then advanced end wise over the plate U thereby causing
the sheet to pass upward through the plate and the indented strips to be carried
successively upon the surface of the sheet as in Fig 20, The sheet may be provided
with adhesive material to cause the instantaneous attachment of the strips, or
coated with material which will become adhesive upon the application of heat. In
either case the strips will be retained upon the sheet and may be removed therewith
from the frame in the form shown in Fig 9 after which the cast will be taken from
the sheot in any suitable manner.

page_text: In place of the incising and bending devices above described, I may substitute in
connection with the guide H severing knife O receiving frame D and other parts, a
mechanism such as represented in Figs 21 to 29 This mechanism consists of four
· principal parts, the bed or guide A× over which the matrix strip is passed and by
which it is supported the vertically moving knife B* to incise the edges of the strip,
the vertically moving finger (* which rises beneath the strip through the center of
support A to bend the strip upward at the point of incision and the two vertically
and longitudinally moving clamps D to engage the strips on opposite sides of the
finger and urge its ends together on opposite sides of the portion which is elevated
by the finger. The support A* consists of two bars having flat surfaces of a width
equal to the matrix strip They are secured rigidly in line end to end, with their
adjacent ends notched or recessed vertically on opposite sides in size and form
corresponding with the incisions to be made in the edges of the strip The edges or
arms of the incising knife B× which descends through the matrix strip, pass into or
between the recessed ends of the supports A*. The finger (*consists of a thin
blade sliding vertically between the inner ends of the supports Ax the width of the
blade being such that it may be straddled or embraced by the knife as the latter
descends. The jaws or clamps DX are each of a forni in cross section and of
suitable width to cover the top of the matrix sirip and extend downward past its
edges, and past the guides A to which they are loosely connected, In the operation
the clamps are drawn backward from each other then depressed to engage the strip
and finally moved inward so as to urge the two ends of the strip towards each
other.
The action is as follows: the parts stand normally in the position shown in
Fig 21, The matrix strip being introduced between the upper surface of the
support Ax and the under surface of the clamps D* the knife B* descends as shown
in Fig 26, and incises the two edges of the strip and immediately rises to its
original position The clamps D* then descend upon the strip and immediately
advance inward toward each other During this movement the finger C× is
elevated in such manner as to act on the under side of the strip between the
incisions in its fedges and force the intervening portion upward between the two
clamps in the manner indicated in Fig 28, After thus elevating the strips
and before the clamps have completed their inward movement the finger recedes
so that the continued motion of the clamps will close the elevated or looped portion
e of the strip and the edges of the incisions together.
I will now describe the details of the operating mechanism. The guiding
surfaces A are fixed in position on the bed. The incising knife B* is attached at
one end to a vertical rod Ex extending through the bed plate and guided by a
bracket or standard bolted to the bed plate. The knife is prevented from swinging
laterally by a vertical guiding slot in the standard through which it extends as
shown. On the upper end of the spindle Ex there is a spiral spring G bearing at
one end against a collar on the spindle, and at the opposite end on the standard, the
spring thus applied serving to elevate the knife when released, The spindle E* also
carries a second spiral spring H× bearing at its upper edge against the underside of
the standard and at its lower end against a collar on the spindle. This spring of
comparatively short length checks the asceut of the knife after it has risen some
distance above its operative position.
The two springs tend to counteract each other to a limited extent so that when
free from their influence the knife assumes the intermediate position shown in
Fig 21, being capable of rising and falling from said position under the action of
devices hereinafter described This arrangement of the spring is employed for the
purpose of enabling the knife-operating cam to act in a proper manner.
To depress the knife there is mounted in bearings in the bed plate a transverse
shaft 1 provided with a sector plate J* carrying a fixed laterally projecting
cam Krepresented in Figs 22 and 23, A spiral spring L* extends from the lower
edge of the sector plate to a fixed connection and tends to turn the plate backward
to the left and hold the same in the position shown in Fig. 23 A rod M connected

page_text: to the upper edge of the plate and extended thence to a treadle or other operating
device serves to turn the plate Jx downward so as to carry the cam K* past the
side of the anvil-bearing spindle Ex which has on one side a stud NX represented
in Figs 22 and 23 in position to engage the cam the forward motion of which
consequently effects the depression of the incising knife The plate J× is turned
forward a sufficient distance to carry the cam K× past the stud N* thereby releasing
the latter whereupon the the spring G* which was compressed by the descent of the
knife spindle immediately elevates the spindle and knife to their original position
the stud Nx being carried upward past the rear end of the cam K* after which the
cam plate J is turned backward to its original position
Inasmuch as the
stud Nx must stand normally below the point of the cam K preparatory to the
action of the latter thereon the spindle Ex on which the stud is carried must
descend slightly after the cam has retreated It is to secure this action that the
second spiral spring H* is applied. The stud having been acted upon by the cam
and having been carried upward in rear of the same as described the cam in passing
backward moves beneath the stud which rides over its upper surface. The cam is
eccentric on its upper edge and in passing beneath the stud forces the same together
with the spindle slightly upward thereby compressing the spring H As soon as
the cam has been carried clear of the stud the spring II depresses the spindle and
stud to their normal position as in Fig 23. the stud standing at a suitable point to
be engaged beneath the cam as the latter again advances. In order to ensure the
ascent of the knife in the event of the parts binding or of the spring G* failing to
act, the shaft. I is provided with a second sector plate Ox having on its forward
face an inclined surface Px to act against an arm Qx projecting laterally from the
knife as plainly represented The parts are so adjusted that the incline P* rides
beneath the arin Q and elevates the knife in a positive manner after the depressing
cam Khas ceased to act.
Referring next to the vertically moving finger it will be seen on reference to
Figs 22 and 27 that it consists of a thin blade secured at the lower end to a
stock R* guided at the upper end in an opening in the bed and at the lower end in
the arm S This stock has on one side two pins Tx and Ux one above the other.
The upper pin Tx serves to elevate the finger and is acted on by a spring cam Vx
consisting of an elastic plate secured at one end to the periphery of the sector
plate Ox and provided at the free end with a laterally projecting eccentric lip
clearly shown in Figs 21, 23 and 24 As the plate Ox is turned forward the lip
rides under the pin Tx forcing the same upward and elevating the point of the
finger above and between the supports A* s0 as to bend the matrix strip
upward.
x
To depress the finger after the action of the elevating cam V the fixed cam W×
is applied to the plate Ox as in Figs 23 and 24. This cam located in rear of
cam V engages the stud Ux and depresses the finger during the forward motion
of the plate Ox. During the backward movement of the plate the elevating
cam V yields and rides over the stud T after which it springs downward to its
original position.
Referring to the clamps or jaws D× it will be seen that they are cach guided by
means of studs cx, passed through their sides and seated laterally in longitudinal
grooves in the sides of the supports A* this action permitting the clamps to slide
end wise and also to rise and fall at or near the forward ends. The clamps are raised
and lowered and are held down on the paper at the proper time by fixed studs e
entering slots in the sides of the clamps. The slots have their rear ends
extended horizontally and their forward ends extended downward and forward as
represented in Fig 21, so that upon moving the clamps forward the slots will
cause them to be depressed and lield down, while a backward movement of the
clamps will cause them in like manner to be clovated.
The longitudinal motion of the clamps V× is produced by means of vertical
levers Xx mounted on horizontal pivots below the bed plate their upper ends being

page_text: forked and connected by transverse pins Y* to the respective clamps Springs Zx
secured to the frame acts against the lower ends of the levers Xx to throw the
clamps backward when released The levers are operated to move the clamps
downward and forward by cam surfaces formed on the side faces of the sector
plates J and Ox before alluded to. The cams are so located that they move the
jaws simultaneously after the action of the incising knife and during the elevation.
of the finger Cx their action continuing after the finger has been depressed to
tightly close or fold the elevated portions of the matrix-strip.
It will be observed that the action of the mechanism last described is in most
respects similar to that of the first described mechanism and that the two are
mechanical equivalents of each other.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what
I claim is
1. The continuous-matrix-strip having a single line of characters, impressed-or
indented therein and having blank edges or margins extended above and below-the
type to receive a mold frame as-described.
2. A matrix-strip for casting mutter arranged in page or column-form the same
consisting-of-n-series of independent-matrix strips or lines mounted on a backing
sheet or-support.
3.1. In a matrix-sheet for stereotype purposes a matrix strip having characters
indented therein, in combination with quads or spacing pieces.
4.2. The improved method of shortening matrix strips for stereotype purposes
consisting in bending or doubling the strip in an upward direction at a suitable
point or points in its length.
53. The improved matrix strip having blank marginal edges, a single line of
characters indented in its middle and raised loops e formed thereon.
64 A justified matrix strip having its edges incised as shown at 6 and the
intervening neck or portion elevated as shown at e.
75 In combination with a backing sheet or support, a series of justified matrix-
strips or lines and the marginal strips y both secured permanently thereto.
S. In a machine for justifying matrix-strips the combination of-n guide-for-said
strip, a knife-to-sever the strip in said guide and a grooved frame to receive the
short lengths or sections.
6. In a machine for justifying matrices, a guide to receive the strip a movable
slotted frame to receive the short lengths or sections subsequent to their removal
from the main strip and mechanism substantially as described to effect the bending
and shortening of the strip previous to its passage from the guide.
10. In a justifying machine the combination with the guide H and severing
knife 0, of a movable-frame I provided-with-a-series-of-grooves-adapted to receive
supplementary matrix strip spaces etc.
11. 7. In a machine for justifying matrix-strips, the combination of the guide H
the movable guide I containing a series of grooves the intermediate severing knife O
and mechanisms for incising and bending the strip.
12 In-a-machine for justifying matrix-strips-the-combination of a guide for said
stripe, a knife-adapted to sever the strip and a graduated seale to indicate the
length-of-the-severed-strip-and-the-length of the required line.
138 In a mechanism for shortening or justifying matrix-strips the combination of
a knife to incise the edges of the strip, longitudinally moving clamps to engage the
strip on opposite sides of the knife and a finger acting between the clamps to
elevate the strips.
14. 9. In a machine for shortening or justifying matrix-strips, the combination with
an anvil or support for the strip, of two clamps to engage the strip and mechanism
substantially as shown for approximating said clamps whereby they are adapted to
urge the opposite ends of the strip towards each other.

page_text: 15. 10. In a machine for shortening or justifying matrix strips the combination with
an anvil or support for the strip, of a forked knife B* to incise its two edges and a
finger or bending device Cx acting between the arms of the knife.
16. 11. In combination with the incising knife B× and its two springs GX and H*
the clamps Dx and finger Cx the levers Y* and the rock shaft I* provided with
cams as described to operate the lever, knives and finger.

page_text: I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 323 High Holborn, London, in the County of
Middlesex, England, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN MATRICES FOR PRINTING SURFACES AND MACHINES FOR
JUSTIFYING THE SAME, and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
-
This invention is directed to the rapid and economical production of type
surfaces relief surfaces or forms as they are variously termed for letter press
printing without the use of movable type and without the usual labor and expense
of composition.
It relates generally speaking to a system in which a suitable mechanism is
employed to indent impress or embed the characters to be printed in proper
sequence in papier-mache or like material thereby producing a matrix from which
to cast the type surfaces.
In practicing the invention the characters are embedded in proper sequence and
as far as possible with suitable punctuation and spacing, in a single line in
a continuous matrix-strip of paper or equivalent material. This operation which
forms no part of the present invention may be performed by means of any suitable
mechanism.
The matrix strip produced as above is subdivided into sections of a length
approximating, as nearly as possible the width of the column or page to be printed.
These short sections commonly denominated "line strips" are arranged parallel
with each other and secured in place on a backing sheet or support, each line being
properly spaced or justified.
The justification is best effected by bending or crimping the line strips upward
at suitable points between the words in such manner as to reduce their length the
raised portion serving to produce a corresponding depression in the casting taken
therefrom.
The backing sheet or support with the series of line strips secured thereon
constitutes a matrix for the formation of a type surface in page or column form.

page_text: For the purpose of spacing or filling up the lines of the matrix when necessary,
quads or spacing pieces are employed each having a raised rib thereon in order to
produce corresponding depressions in the casting. After the production of the
matrix there is applied thereto a suitable mold into which is delivered molten type-
metal or other material.
The best results are secured by constructing the casting frame with a series of
slots corresponding with the respective lines of the matrix sheet whereby it is
adapted for the production of separate or independent printing bars, each bar
bearing on its face properly spaced and justified, the characters for printing
a number of words.
The printing bars produced as above are delivered from the mold in a finished
state ready for immediate use and are adapted to be assembled or locked together
in such manner as to produce a solid "form or body having all the advantages
of and adapted for use in all respects like the ordinary forms of independent type.
The printing frames are commonly composed of a series of bars or sections
connected in such manner that they may be readily separated in order to effect the
release of the printing bars.
Referring to Sheet 1 of the drawings Figs 1 to 9a represent the manner of
producing the matrix sheet.
A represents the matrix strip which leaves the indenting or printing machine in
the form represented in Fig 1, in a narrow continuous ribbon or strip containing
a single line of letters, punctuation marks and other characters in the order in
which they are to appear in print. It is to be noted that the strip is of such width
as to leave blank marginal edges both above and below the characters to receive
and support the casting frame as hereinafter explained. In the possession of these
distinct margins, the matrix strip differs from those heretofore known in the art
which were purposely made of the least width which would admit the characters.
In utilizing the strip the first step is to divide the same either between words or
syllables, into short lengths or line strips a such as shown in Fig 2 corresponding
in length as nearly as possible with the width of the required page or column.
These line strips are next arranged parallel with each other on a backing sheet or
support B as seen in Fig 9 and secured thereon by any appropriate means.
It is usual to employ a paper sheet and to attach the strips thereto by glue or
cement but a metallic or other sheet may be used and the strips seated in dove-
tailed grooves, therein or otherwise confined thereto.
Previous to or during the attachment of the strips a they are regulated in length
to properly space and justify the matter. If the strip is too long it is shortened by
bending it upward at one or more points as shown at e It is preferred to notch or
incise the blank edges cutting small portions therefrom as seen at b and to bend
upward the intermediate neck. In this manner the strip is shortened without
being severed, and at the same time one or more raised portions or protuberances e
are produced of a width less than the strip so as to leave continuous level margins
to receive the mold. If the mold is suitably constructed however the incisions
may be omitted and the bent or raised portion extended entirely across the strip as
represented at e¹.
Good results may be secured by completely severing the strip at suitable points
and bending up the contiguous ends as in Figs 5 and 6 or by lapping one end over
the other as in Figs 7 and 8, but the first described plan is preferred. It is to be
particularly observed that my method of reducing the length prevents the formation
of joints or cavities into which the metal could flow so as to produce raised surfaces
at improper points in the casting.
The justification above described applies only to lines which are too long. In
the case of line strips a which are too short, they are divided at suitable points,
separated at proper distance and blank quads or spacing pieces h* such as seen in
Figs 9 and 9 introduced to fill the spaces. These quads are made with longitudinal
raised ribs at the middle so that the resulting cast will contain corresponding
depressions and thus be prevented from taking and giving off ink at improper

page_text: points The edges of the quads are flush with and form continuations of the blank
edges of the strip so as not to interfere with the application of the mold.
After securing the justified lines in place the matrix is completed by the
application of side-strips or bearers y of equal thickness therewith fitted closely
against and across the ends of the strips as shown in Fig 9, which represents
one half of a complete matrix sheet adapted to produce a page or column of
matter either in a single plate or on independent line bars, according to the
nature of the mold which may be employed therewith.
For the purpose of incising or bending the matrix strip to effect the justification
shown in Figs 3 and 4 and to facilitate the application of the justified strips to the
backing sheet I provide an automatic mechanism such as represented in Fig. 10
to 19. This mechanism which may be sustained by frame work of any suitable
character embraces a guide for the strip, a knife to effect the severance of the strip,
a second knife to nick or incise the edges of the strip; devices for bending the strip
at the point of incision and a slotted frame to which the justified strips are
transferred one after another and by which they are retained in parallel lines
during the time of application to the backing sheet.
C represents a fixed bed plate arranged for convenience in an inclined position
D represents a slotted or grated frame arranged to slide lengthwise of the bed C,
between guides E and retained in position by friction springs F and a pawl G or
either of them The frame is of a size corresponding with the page of matter to be
produced and its cross bars are grooved or slotted on their under edges as in
Figs 19 and 20 to admit of the indented strips a being inserted thereunder on the
upper surface of the bed C each strip thus inserted being overlapped and held down
at its marginal edges by the bars of the frame. The purpose of this frame is to
retain the strips during the operation of justification until they are transferred to
the backing sheet. To guide and deliver the strips to the various slits of the
frame D in succession there is at one side of said frame a grooved guide H the
edges of which are adapted to overlap and hold down the blank edges of
the matrix strip as shown in Fig 4 leaving the characters exposed to view through
the top, For the purpose of directing the strip to the guide H and also of
presenting thereto spacing strips strips containing punctuation marks, characters
for the correction of proof etc the movable plate I provided with a series of
parallel grooves with overhanging edges is arranged at the right of the guide H
adjacent thereto This plate is sustained by means of the sliding rod K or other
suitable guides so that it may be shifted laterally to bring one or another of its
grooves in line with the guide H at will, A spiral spring L on the rod K tends to
throw the plate upward to its normal position with the groove through which the
main matrix strip is introduced in line with guide H A hook M pivoted to the
lower end of the rod and arranged to engage fixed pins N serves as a means of
holding the plate with one or another of its grooves opposite guide H as occasion
may demand.
For the purpose of completely severing the strip at suitable points mainly to
divide the same into line sections there is located between plate I and guide H a
pivoted knife O as in Figs 10, 16 and 17 which acts in connection with a fixed
plate P located thereunder. A spring Q beneath the plate I with its free end
adjacent to the blade P acts beneath the strip to throw the same upward from the
knife after being severed and also to assist in retaining the strip in position against
accidental movement, The end of guide H adjacent to the knife is severed from
the remaining portion and sustained by a spring S as in Figs 11 and 16 so that it
may descend with the strip during the severing action of the knife. The knife
may be actuated by any suitable means but it is preferred to connect the same
with a rod R extending downward and adapted to be actuated by the foot of the
attendant, a spring being applied as in Fig 17 to effect its elevation when released.
The short sections or line strips after being severed from the main strip by the
knife O, require justification before being passed into the frame D. For this
purpose the justifying device T is located at an intermediate point in the guide H

page_text: as shown This device consists mainly of a forked knife acting beneath the strip
to form the notches in its opposite edges, a stationary finger located beneath the
strip, and a descending grooved head or former by which the strip after being
notched is pressed downward over the anvil the latter acting at such times to bend
the strip upward as before described.
As seen in Figs 11, 12 and 15 the guide H contains a transverse slot or opening
through which there ascends a forked punch or knife i the two arnis of which pass
through opposite edges of the strip contained within the guide The strip is held
on the upper side against the action of the knife i by an anvil j recessed to admit
the arms of the knife and having said recesses extended through its top that the
chips or punchings may escape therefrom.
In the opening h between the arms of the knife or punch i there is a fixed
transverse finger or former / the upper end of which terminates below the space
occupied by the indented portion of the strip.
The point of the finger is located directly beneath the anvil j which is recessed
to receive the same so that upon being depressed the anvil j would embrace the
point of the finger In the guide H on opposite sides of the finger k I locate
springs acting as a portion of the guide and serving to sustain the matrix strip
normally above the point of the finger the construction being such however as to
admit of the springs being depressed when the parts are in action.
The action is as follows: the matrix strip is advanced into the guide H until the
point at which it is to be shortened is brought under the anvil j.
The forked knife, i, ascends and forms the notches in the opposite edge and
recedes.
The anvil next descends depressing the strip in such manner as to fold or
double the neck existing between the notched edges downward over the upper end
of the finger k the effect of which is to raise the neck in a looped form as shown in
Fig 3 drawing the ends of the strip towards each other reducing its length as before
explained.
At the completion of this action the anvil j is elevated and the shortened strip
raised from the finger by means of the springs l.
The strip may be advanced step by step and the operation repeated at such
points as may be demanded.
The mechanism for effecting the above movements is shown in Figs 11, 12
and 13.
The knife has its stem extended through fixed guides and its lower end
provided with a pivoted tongue or dog m. The spiral spring n, surrounding the
spindle and acting on a shoulder thereon depresses the knife when it is released.
A cam lever o pivoted on a fixed support engages at one end with the shoulder or
dog m, and thereby raises the knife causing the cut. The dog is thrown inio
engagement with the elevating lever by a spring 7 but its movement toward the
lever is regulated by an adjustable screw or stop p When the lever has elevated
the knife to a sufficient distance, its end passes from under the shoulder of dog m
disengaging therefrom, permitting the spring n to depress the knife thus the knife
is released and permitted to descend automatically at the proper time.
During the reverse movement of the lever o its end passes beneath and
reengages the shoulder of the dog preparatory to the next elevation of the knife.
The adjustment of the screw p will cause the knife to be released when it has
reached the greater or less elevation. The lever o may be operated manually or
otherwise but it is preferred to employ therefor an operating rod 8, extended
downward in position to be operated by foot either directly or indirectly as
represented in the drawing.
The devices for operating the anvil j are shown in Figs 12, 13 and 14.
The anvil is attached to the upper end of the vertical rod w sliding in fixed
bearings and provided with a fixed arm y operated by a cam z.
The cam is on the rear end of the shaft or journal of the knife operating lever
before referred to. The parts are so timed as to their action that during the period

page_text: that the knife is being lifted and until it has been released and depressed the cam s
remains inoperative.
Immediately after the depression of the knife the cam encounters the arm y and
depresses the anvil upon the finger to effect the bending of the strip The reverse
motion of the lever permits the anvil to rise to its original position and there
remain until after the next action of the knife.
While it is preferred to employ the punching and bending devices in the
relations specified, so that one will operate immediately after the other it is obvious
that the punching mechanism may be located at one point and the bending
mechanism at another in which case the strip will first be punched and then
advanced to bring the proper point over the bending devices. In operating on the
strip with the justifying mechanism it is necessary to provide means of determining
in advance the number of units of length to be removed in order to bring the line
strip to its proper length. For this purpose the guide H is provided at its left end
with a scale of graduations 61 The line strip being severed from the main strip by
the knife O will extend thence forward through the guide H to a greater or less
distance upon the scale The scale being provided with an indication at a distance
from the knife O equal to the length of the required strip the latter will extend
beyond the required point to a greater or less distance according to its length. By
reading upon the scale the distance or the number of units to which the strip
extends beyond the required point the operator is enabled to determine precisely
the reduction in length required. It is recommended for the convenience of the
operator that the units on the scale correspond in length with the width or
thickness of the justifying knife so that each action will provide for shortening the
strip one unit. Instead of placing the scale on the guide H the latter may have a
line or mark to which to bring the end of the strip and the graded scale be applied
to the guide I on the right of the severing knife. In such case the strip is
advanced until it reaches the fixed point on the guide H The operator then notes
the point at which the strip must be severed by the knife O and observes on the
scale the distance at which said point is located at the right of knife O. The
number of units comprised in this distance will represent the number which are to
be removed from the strip. These scales or either of them will also enable the
operator to determine the number of units to be supplied in the event of the strip
being shorter than is required.
The quads or spacing pieces will be carried in quantity in the grooves in plate I
so that they may be readily transferred and introduced at the proper points.
Each line strip after being justified is passed from the guide H into one of the
grooves in the under side of the frame D which is then advanced to bring the next
groove into position to receive a strip and so on repeatedly until the frame is
completely filled completing the matrix for a page or column of justified matter.
Preparatory to obtaining a cast from the matrix the strips are commonly
transferred to the backing sheet as before described. This may be accomplished in
any suitable manner but a simple apparatus for the purpose is represented in
Fig 20. A flat plate U having a slot V formed obliquely through it from front to
rear is placed at the end of and flush with the bed plate C on which the grooved
frame rests.
A sheet of paper or equivalent material is passed through the groove V from the
back of the plate and its forward end attached to or held in contact with the end
of frame D. The frame is then advanced endwise over the plate U thereby causing
the sheet to pass upward through the plate and the indented strips to be carried
successively upon the surface of the sheet as in Fig 20, The sheet may be provided
with adhesive material to cause the instantaneous attachment of the strips, or
coated with material which will become adhesive upon the application of heat. In
either case the strips will be retained upon the sheet and may be removed there with
from the frame in the form shown in Fig 9 after which the cast will be taken from
the sheet in any suitable manner.

page_text: In place of the incising and bending devices above described, I may substitute in
connection with the guide H severing knife O receiving frame D and other parts, a
mechanism such as represented in Figs 21 to 29 This mechanism consists of four
principal parts, the bed or guide A* over which the matrix strip is passed and by
which it is supported the vertically moving knife B* to incise the edges of the strip,
the vertically moving finger C* which rises beneath the strip through the center of
support A to bend the strip upward at the point of incision and the two vertically
and longitudinally moving clamps D* to engage the strips on opposite sides of the
finger and urge its ends together on opposite sides of the portion which is elevated
by the finger. The support A* consists of two bars having flat surfaces of a width
equal to the matrix strip They are secured rigidly in line end to end, with their
adjacent ends notched or recessed vertically on opposite sides in size and form
corresponding with the incisions to be made in the edges of the strip The edges or
arms of the incising knife B* which descends through the matrix strip, pass into or
between the recessed ends of the supports A*. The finger C* consists of a thin
blade sliding vertically between the inner ends of the supports A* the width of the
blade being such that it may be straddled or embraced by the knife as the latter
descends. The jaws or clamps D* are each of a form in cross section and of
suitable width to cover the top of the matrix strip and extend downward past its
edges, and past the guides A to which they are loosely connected, In the operation
the clamps are drawn backward from each other then depressed to engage the strip
and finally moved inward so as to urge the two ends of the strip towards each
other.
The action is as follows: the parts stand normally in the position shown in
Fig 21, The matrix strip being introduced between the upper surface of the
support Ax and the under surface of the clamps D× the knife B× descends as shown
in Fig 26, and incises the two edges of the strip and immediately rises to its
original position The clamps D× then descend upon the strip and immediately
advance inward toward each other During this movement the finger C* is
elevated in such manner as to act on the under side of the strip between the
incisions in its edges and force the intervening portion upward between the two
clamps in the manner indicated in Fig 28, After thus elevating the strips
and before the clamps have completed their inward movement the finger recedes
so that the continued motion of the clamps will close the elevated or looped portion
e of the strip and the edges of the incisions together.
I will now describe the details of the operating mechanism. The guiding
surface A* are fixed in position on the bed. The incising knife Bx is attached at
one end to a vertical rod E* extending through the bed plate and guided by a
bracket or standard bolted to the bed plate. The knife is prevented from swinging
laterally by a vertical guiding slot in the standard through which it extends as
shown. On the upper end of the spindle Ex there is a spiral spring G* bearing at
one end against a collar on the spindle, and at the opposite end on the standard, the
spring thus applied serving to elevate the knife when released, The spindle E* also
carries a second spiral spring H* bearing at its upper edge against the underside of
the standard and at its lower end against a collar on the spindle. This spring of
comparatively short length checks the ascent of the knife after it has risen some
distance above its operative position.
The two springs tend to counteract each other to a limited extent so that when
free from their influence the knife assumes the intermediate position shown in
Fig 21, being capable of rising and falling from said position under the action of
devices hereinafter described This arrangement of the spring is employed for the
purpose of enabling the knife-operating cam to act in a proper manner.
To depress the knife there is mounted in bearings in the bed plate a transverse
shaft I provided with a sector plate J* carrying a fixed laterally projecting
cam K represented in Figs 22 and 23, A spiral spring L* extends from the lower
edge of the sector plate to a fixed connection and tends to turn the plate backward
to the left and hold the same in the position shown in Fig. 23 A rod M* connected

page_text: to the upper edge of the plate and extended thence to a treadle or other operating
device serves to turn the plate J* downward so as to carry the cam K* past the
side of the anvil-bearing spindle Ex which has on one side a stud N* represented
in Figs 22 and 23 in position to engage the cam the forward motion of which
consequently effects the depression of the incising knife The plate J* is turned
forward a sufficient distance to carry the cam K* past the stud N* thereby releasing
the latter whereupon the the spring G* which was compressed by the descent of the
knife spindle immediately elevates the spindle and knife to their original position
the stud Nx being carried upward past the rear end of the cam K* after which the
cam plate J is turned backward to its original position Inasmuch as the
stud N* must stand normally below the point of the cam Kx preparatory to the
action of the latter thereon the spindle Ex on which the stud is carried must
descend slightly after the cam has retreated It is to secure this action that the
second spiral spring H* is applied. The stud having been acted upon by the cam
and having been carried upward in rear of the same as described the cam in passing
backward moves beneath the stud which rides over its upper surface. The cam is
eccentric on its upper edge and in passing beneath the stud forces the same together
with the spindle slightly upward thereby compressing the spring H* As soon as
the cam has been carried clear of the stud the spring H* depresses the spindle and
stud to their normal position as in Fig 23, the stud standing at a suitable point to
be engaged beneath the cam as the latter again advances. In order to ensure the
ascent of the knife in the event of the parts binding or of the spring G* failing to
act, the shaft I* is provided with a second sector plate Ox having on its forward
face an inclined surface P* to act against an arm Q* projecting laterally from the
knife as plainly represented The parts are so adjusted that the incline P* rides
beneath the arm Q* and elevates the knife in a positive manner after the depressing
cam K has ceased to act.
Referring next to the vertically moving finger it will be seen on reference to
Figs 22 and 27 that it consists of a thin blade secured at the lower end to a
stock R* guided at the upper end in an opening in the bed and at the lower end in
the arm S* This stock has on one side two pins Tx and Ux one above the other.
The upper pin Tx serves to elevate the finger and is acted on by a spring cam V*
consisting of an elastic plate secured at one end to the periphery of the sector
plate Ox and provided at the free end with a laterally projecting eccentric lip
clearly shown in Figs 21, 23 and 24 As the plate Ox is turned forward the lip
rides under the pin Tx forcing the same upward and elevating the point of the
finger above and between the supports A* so as to bend the matrix strip
upward.
To depress the finger after the action of the elevating cam V* the fixed cam W*
is applied to the plate Ox as in Figs 23 and 24. This cam located in rear of
cam V engages the stud U* and depresses the finger during the forward motion
of the plate O*. During the backward movement of the plate the elevating
cam V yields and rides over the stud Tx after which it springs downward to its
original position.
Referring to the clamps or jaws D× it will be seen that they are each guided by
means of studs c*, passed through their sides and seated laterally in longitudinal
grooves d in the sides of the supports A* this action permitting the clamps to slide
end wise and also to rise and fall at or near the forward ends. The clamps are raised
and lowered and are held down on the paper at the proper time by fixed studs e¹
entering slots f¹ in the sides of the clamps. The slots have their rear ends
extended horizontally and their forward ends extended downward and forward as
represented in Fig 21, so that upon moving the clamps forward the slots will
cause then to be depressed and held down, while a backward movement of the
clamps will cause them in like manner to be elevated.
The longitudinal motion of the clamps Vx is produced by means of vertical
levers Xx mounted on horizontal pivots below the bed plate their upper ends being

page_text: forked and connected by transverse pins Y* to the respective clamps Springs Z*
secured to the frame acts against the lower ends of the levers X* to throw the
clamps backward when released The levers are operated to move the clamps
downward and forward by cam surfaces formed on the side faces of the sector
plates J and Ox before alluded to. The cams are so located that they move the
jaws simultaneously after the action of the incising knife and during the elevation
of the finger Cx their action continuing after the finger has been depressed to
tightly close or fold the elevated portions of the matrix-strip.
It will be observed that the action of the mechanisin last described is in- most
respects similar to that of the first described mechanism and that the two are
mechanical equivalents of each other.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. The continuous matrix-strip having a single line of characters, impressed or
indented therein and having blank edges or margins extended above and below the
type to receive a mold frame as described.
2. A matrix-strip for casting matter arranged in page or column form the same
consisting of a series of independent matrix-strips or lines mounted on a backing
sheet or support.
3. In a matrix-sheet for stereotype purposes a matrix strip having characters
indented therein, in combination with quads or spacing pieces.
4. The improved method of shortening matrix strips for stereotype purposes
consisting in bending or doubling the strip in an upward direction at a suitable
point or points in its length.
5. The improved matrix strip having blank marginal edges, a single line of
characters indented in its middle and raised loops e formed thereon.
6 A justified matrix strip having its edges incised as shown at b and the
intervening neck or portion elevated as shown at c.
7 In combination with a backing sheet or support, a series of justified matrix-
strips or lines and the marginal strips g both secured permanently thereto.
8. In a machine for justifying matrix-strips the combination of a guide for said
strip, a knife to sever the strip in said guide and a grooved frame to receive the
short lengths or sections.
9. In a machine for justifying matrices, a guide to receive the strip a movable
slotted frame to receive the short lengths or sections subsequent to their removal
from the main strip and mechanism substantially as described to effect the bending
and shortening of the strip previous to its passage from the guide.
10. In a justifying machine the combination with the guide H and severing
knife O, of a movable frame I provided with a series of grooves adapted to receive
supplementary matrix strip spaces etc.
11. In a machine for justifying matrix-strips, the combination of the guide H
the movable guide I containing a series of grooves the intermediate severing knife O
and mechanisms for incising and bending the strip.
12 In a machine for justifying matrix strips the combination of a guide for said
strips, a knife adapted to Fever the strip and a graduated scale to indicate the
length of the severed strip and the length of the required line.
13 In a mechanism for shortening or justifying matrix-strips the combination of
a knife to incise the edges of the strip, longitudinally moving clamps to engage the
strip on opposite sides of the knife and a finger acting between the clamps to
elevate the strips.
14. In a machine for shortening or justifying matrix-strips, the combination with
an anvil or support for the strip, of two clamps to engage the strip and mechanism
substantially as shown for approximating said clamps whereby they are adapted to
urge the opposite ends of the strip towards each other.

page_text: 15. In a machine for shortening or justifying matrix strips the combination with
an anvil or support for the strip, of a forked knife B* to incise its two edges and a
finger or bending device C* acting between the arms of the knife.
16. In combination with the incising knife B* and its two springs G* and H*
the clamps D* and finger Ox the levers Y* and the rock shaft I* provided with
cams as described to operate the lever, knives and finger.