IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR MAKING MATRICES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES a
Year: 1884

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION,
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR MAKING MATRICES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF
PRINTING SURFACES a communication from Robert Lewis Kimberley of the
City and County of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania United States of
America to be as follows:-
"
This Invention relates to the formation of matrices or moulds for the production
of plates for letter press printing by the impression in proper sequence and relation
of selected members of a series of type and character dies, into a suitable medium,
without the employment of set forms of type and without the practice of the
operations of hand composition, distribution &c which are necessary preliminaries
in the ordinary method of manufacturing stereotype plates.
The Invention consists of certain novel devices and combinations of mechanism
embodied and performing their several functions in an organized structure or
machine, for forming impressions in matrix blanks or beds as hereinafter set forth,
the same comprising an insertable and removable key board, carrying a series of
letter and character dies, of special construction, and a series of keys by which any
desired die may be selected, and the key board brought into and fixed in proper
position to admit of the formation of an impression of the said die in a matrix
blank; and improved movable chuck, holder, or carrier, adapted to receive and
hold a matrix blank or bed; mechanism substantially as hereinafter described
actuated by the movements of the key board and keys and serving to impart
different degrees of movement to the matrix blank holder in a direction parallel
to the line of movement of the keyboard; mechanism for adjusting and securing
any selected die of the series in a firm bearing against a fixed abutment, and in
proper position relatively to the face of the matrix blank to form an impression
therein; mechanisin substantially as described for moving the matrix blank holder
towards the face of the selected and adjusted die to such distance and with such
pressure as will effect the impression of said die into the matrix blank; mechanism
for withdrawing each die from its adjusted position after having made its impres-
sion so as to admit of the lateral movement of the matrix blank carrier and the
adjustment of the next required die for a new impression; mechanism for with-
drawing the matrix blank carrier from the position occupied during the formation

page_text: of the impression and for periodically imparting movement to the matrix blank
carrier perpendicularly to the line of movement of the key board.
In carrying out this Invention a substantial frame or table resting upon legs or
standards serves as the support of the operative mechanism and power is imparted
through a horizontal countershaft provided with fast and loose pulleys and mounted
in bearings below the top of the table. The countershaft is continuously rotated
when the machine is in operation through the application of power from any
suitable prime power, and, to effect the impression of any one of the series of dies
hereinafter described imparts to a driving shaft a single revolution when a key is
depressed through the intermediation of a clutch coupling and suitable tripping
mechanism. One section of the clutch coupling is secured upon the countershaft
and the other section upon the driving shaft which is mounted beneath the table
in line axially with the countershaft. The specific construction of the clutch
coupling need not be here described as any mechanism suitable for the purpose
may be employed.
The several dies of each series or "font" are mounted in a key board which is
adapted to be inserted in and removed from the machine at pleasure so that any.
particular font may be used whenever required and removed to admit of the substi-
tution of the key board of any other desired font. The key board is fitted to slide
horizontally and longitudinally upon the machine over friction rollers mounted in
bearings in guides or ways on the top of the table and is provided with a handle
by which it may be more readily moved to and fro and lifted from the machine to
be replaced by another. A series of dies of hard metal and having the configu-
ration of the letters and characters of the font which is to be used are formed each
upon one end of a rectangular stock or body the opposite end of which is plain
and parallel with the face of the die. Two of the sides of the die stock at right
angles with one another and perpendicular to its face, are faced off so as to present
truly plain surfaces which serve to guide the die stock when clamped in position
for impressions as hereinafter described. Each die stock is likewise bevelled or cut
at an incline opposite the angle of its two guide sides, and near its die end to
engage with the correspondingly formed end of a clamping rod or bar, by which
it is locked in impressing position as required. The die stocks are pivoted freely
and independently upon steins resting in line longitudinally, in bearings or blocks
on one side of the key board, the stems passing through the stocks at such portion
of their length that the preponderence of weight shall be at their die ends thereby
causing the die stocks to hang in an inclined position when not effecting an
impression.
The blocks which carry the pivots of the die stocks have the capacity of a
limited degree of movement in the line of the die stocks governed by springs
interposed between one of their sides and an abutment on the key board in order
to admit of the slight longitudinal movement of the die stocks required to bring
their blank ends to a proper bearing against the abutment upon which the impressing
force is exerted. The dies of each font are arranged in sets or classes according to
their width of face those of the same width being placed together. In manu-
facturing the dies the width of their several faces is governed by the space which
the letter or character which they are designed to impress should occupy in a line
together with one-half the space on each side, which is necessary to properly
separate it from the preceding and the following letter or character, in the line.
A series of keys corresponding in number with the dies is located and its
members fitted to move freely in vertical holes formed in the key board on the
front side thereof, or in upper and lower plates secured thereto. A flat head suited
to receive the impression of a finger of the operator and marked with the letter or
character of the die which is to be governed by the key that is to say the die whose
location and impression it primarily affects, is secured upon the top of each key
and a spring bearing against the lower side of the head, serves to maint in the key
in its highest position so as to be completely clear of the table except when
depressed by the operator for the purpose of locating locking and impressing its

page_text: die. The several keys are arranged upon the key board in such positions relatively
to their respective dies, that when by the movement of the key board any one of
them is brought above one or the other of two vertical openings formed in a
bar secured longitudinally upon the front of the table beneath the key board, the
die with which the selected key corresponds will stand in line transversely of the
machine with a stationary guide socket or recess on the frame so that when swung
upwardly upon its stem or pivot the end portion of its stock or shank will enter said
recess and may be clamped firmly therein prior to effecting its impression. The
keys are by preference arranged in double line longitudinally on the key board and
are alternated in position transversely, that is, each member of one line is opposite
a blank or solid space in the other. It therefore follows that the openings in the
bar hereinbefore referred to secured upon the front of the table and which openings
are in line transversely cannot be simultaneously engaged by keys, and, consequently
the depression of any selected key by the operator ensures that its proper die stock
and no other shall be located longitudinally in proper relation to the guide which
it is to enter preparatory to impression. The depressed key slides over the surface
of the bar until reaching the opening beneath the line in which it is located it
drops therein and stops the further movement of the key board and by such
operation the dies may be successively selected and impressed with rapidity and
accuracy.
The guide socket or recess which receives the die stocks as they are successively
selected for the impression of their dies is located at or near the middle of the table
longitudinally and is formed in the lower portion of a stout rib or web of the
frame or in bars secured to said web which projects upwardly from the frame over
the key board so as to permit the latter to slide freely beneath it. The direction
of the guide is perpendicular to the line of movement of the key board and it is
divided into two completely detached portions by a clear opening the form and
dimensions of which are such as to admit of the free passage through it of the
standards which support the die stocks together with said stocks when in their
normal inclined position before location. The forward portion of the guide, that is
to say the portion nearest the front of the machine terminates at a fixed abutment
against which the blank end of the die stock bears when the latter is turned into
a horizontal position and a shield or guard having an opening of sufficient size to
admit the dies is secured upon the outer end of the rear portion of the guide the
die projecting through the opening of the shield for a distance equal to the depth
of impression which is required to be made in the matrix material. The shield
may be formed separately from the bar in which the guide or recess is cut for
convenience of construction and its function could be equivalently performed by
correspondingly regulating the length and the dimensions of the end slot in the
rear portion of the guide if preferred.
A horizontal rock shaft having a longitudinal spline or key way is mounted in
bearings on the table beneath and about in line vertically with the position of the
axial line of the stems of the die stocks and a clutch piece or arm having an
upward projection which engages a slot or recess in a lug on the lower side of the
key board is fitted to move freely along said rock shaft. A key or feather on the
bub of the clutch piece engages the spline of the rock shaft and the clutch piece is
thereby caused to partake of the rocking movements of said shaft while free to be
moved longitudinally to different positions thereon in accordance with the move-
ments of the key board with which as before stated it is engaged. A slot or recess
in the lower end of the clutch piece is adapted to engage with any one of a series
of tongues secured in the upper arms of rockers which are mounted upon a fixed
horizontal shaft below the table the lower arm of each rocker being connected by
a bar or link with a device for partially rotating one of a series of feed discs.
An arm is secured upon the horizontal rock shaft and projects downwardly for
such distance as to be vibrated by a cam or tappet on the driving shaft. At each
revolution of the driving shaft the rocker with which the clutch piece is engaged
will be vibrated by the movement of the latter and will correspondingly rotate the

page_text: feed disc with which it is connected. The rockers and feed discs are so located
relatively to the series of dies that the movement of the key board which locates
any selected die in position to enter the guide will coincidently cause the engage-
ment of the clutch piece with the rocker of the feed disc proper to impart tho
degrees of lateral movement to the matrix bed required by the width of the class
of letters or characters to which the selected die belongs.
The depression of the key and the movement of the key board being properly
located, the stock of the selected die to be clamped in impressing position in the
guide and the clutch piece being engaged with the rocker which actuates the
proper feed disc, the next succeeding result which ensues upon the depression of
the key to its furthest limit is the rotation of the driving shaft to the extent of a
single revolution the first effect of which is the lateral movement of the matrix bed
or block the distance required for the proper feed of the die, next the clamping of
the die stock in the guide, and thereafter the impressing of the die in the matrix
bed followed in due course by the release of the die stock, the retraction of the
matrix bed and the arrangement of the feed discs in proper mutual relation for a
new operation.
The rotation of the driving shaft is effected through a tripping rod which is
fitted to slide vertically in bearings in the frame of the machine and is provided at
top with two pins entering the openings on the table which receive the selected
keys. A key when entered in to and depressed in one of the said openings will
bear upon one of the pins therein and thereby depress the tripping rod. The
lower end of the tripping rod rests upon the outer end of one arm of a rock shaft
journalled in the frame the opposite arm of which shaft when raised by the
depression of the rod removes an incline on the end of the said arm from the path
of a stud and the engagement of the said pin which is on that section of the clutch
coupling which is secured to the driving shaft with one of a series of spurs or
drivers on the other section of the said coupling which is secured to the con-
tinuously rotating counter shaft herein before described. Such engagement produces
one revolution of the driving shaft after which the sliding pin is returned to its
former position in readiness to be moved out for the next succeeding revolution.
A hook on one part of the coupling riding over an incline on the arm of the rocker
positively returns the said arm to its position. A spring connecting the arm of the
rock shaft upon which the tripping rod bears with the frame returns the tripping
rod to its highest position when the pressure of the key is released from its pins
and depresses the opposite rock shaft arm into proper position for tripping the
clutch when next required so to do. The extent of motion of the rock shaft is
limited by a suitable stop.
Upon the rotation of the driving shaft the cam or tappet thereon first performs
its function of partially rotating a feed disc as before described, and then by means
of another cam secured upon the driving shaft in such relation to the former cam
or tappet as to act subsequently thereto, the die is locked in the guide. This
locking cam in its rotation forces upward a locking bar which is formed in two
sections the upper of which moves in vertical guides on the frame and carries upon
its top a clamping piece which is bevelled or inclined on its face corresponding
with the bevelled or inclined recesses formed on the die stocks opposite the angles
of their guide sides. Upon the elevation of the locking bar to the upper limit of
its traverse by the cam the clamping piece lifts the located die stock into a
horizontal position and its bevelled face bearing against the correspondingly
bevelled recess of the die stock locks the latter firmly in position in the guide
by pressing its two regulating or guide sides against the corresponding sides of the
guide its blank end being adjusted by means of springs to bear against the end
abutment thereof. The upper and lower sections of the locking bar are connected
by a spring so that their descending movement may be coincident and this effected
by their own gravity, supplemented if desired by a spring or weight. The end of
the lower section of the locking bar fits into a socket on the upper section a spring
. being interposed to compensate for wear and prevent the excrtion of undue pressure

page_text: upon the die stock. To ensure the descent of the die stock into its normal inclined
position after an impression of its die has been made and thereby to prevent
obstruction to the next succeeding movement of the key board an arm is pivoted
to the frame adjacent to the guide in such position that its free end may rest above
the top of the die stock when the latter is locked in position. This arm is coupled
by a link having a slot in its lower end to a pin on the locking bar which bar in
its descent will through the link and arm press down the die end of the die stock
into its proper position should it fail to fall thereinto by its own gravity.
The matrix bed or block in lieu of being held stationary to receive an impression
from a die which is moved up to its face as has generally been the case heretofore
is according to this invention moved up to and pressed against the die which is
stationary. It is secured to a face plate on the forward end of a sectional carrier
holder or chuck the lower section of which is fitted to slide laterally between
longitudinal guides on the top of the table and it carries an upper section which at
each revolution of the driving shaft is moved towards and from the die end of an
adjusted and locked die stock to effect an impression of said die in the matrix block
and to retract the latter for a succeeding impression. The transverse movements
are imparted to the matrix block carrier by an eccentric secured upon the driving
shaft which eccentric through its strap and rod vibrates a rocker journalled on the.
rear side of the frame of the apparatus. The lower arm of the rocker is coupled to
the eccentric rod and the upper arm by a slotted eye to a longitudinal rod on the
matrix block carrier so as to admit of the movement of the latter by the rocker
irrespective of changes in its lateral position. The eccentric is fixed upon the shaft
in such relation to the feed cam and the locking cam hereinbefore referred to that
in the revolution of the shaft the functions of said cams shall be performed prior to:
the completion of the impressing movement of the carrier.
The matrix block is clamped upon the face plate between a flange on one side
thereof and a clamping plate on the opposite side the latter plate having a series of
prongs or projections adapted to engage the matrix material and being pressed
against the same by an eccentric. The clamping plate is provided with guido pins
entering holes in an adjustable piece which may be clamped in any position by a
screw passing through the said adjustable piece, and bearing against the face plate.
This screw carries the eccentric and is operated by the same handle. In order to
present the matrix block to the dies at different angles as desired the face plate
may be journalled centrally on a vertical supporting plate of the carrier so as to be
capable of being adjusted about the centre of its journal by a toothed wheel or
segment and a pivoted bell crank and spring.
The vertical supporting plate may be adjusted vertically, relatively to the
horizontal sections of the carrier in order to impart the requisite vertical feed to the
matrix block at the end of each line. To provide for such movement it is secured
at top to the upper end of a slide bar fitted to move vertically between guides on
a vertical plate formed upon the forward end of the upper horizontal section of the
carrier. The sliding bar and the connected vertical supporting plate and matrix
block may be maintained in position vertically during the formation of a line by a
pair of eccentric clamping discs connected by a spring or by a pawl or ratchet or
any other suitable retaining device.
1
A saddle plate located near the lower portion of the vertical plate of the carrier.
and adapted to be moved vertically relatively thereto carries two eccentric discs
which are drawn together by a helical spring so as to clamp a sliding bar between
their peripheries. On the return of the matrix block carrier to its initial position
after the completion of its longitudinal transverse in forming a line the vertical
movement required to give the proper space between the completed and the next
ensuing line is imparted to the face plate and matrix block by the contact of a pin
on the saddle plate with an incline secured to the table of the machine the saddle.
plate being by such contact raised and carrying with it the sliding bar the face plate
and matrix block a distance equal to the required vertical feed. The incline is
secured adjustably to the table so that by moving it towards or from the matrix:

page_text: block carrier and fixing it in position as required a greater or less amount of vertical
feed may be imparted to the matrix block. A spring bears upon the top of the
saddle plate so as to ensure the descent of the latter into proper position to allow
its clamping discs to take a new hold upon the sliding bar after each vertical
movement.
A lug is secured by a thumb screw to the saddle plate so as to be adjustable
vertically upon said plate and a double armed tripping lever is pivoted to the
vertical plate of the matrix block holder in such relation to said lug that one of its
armis may fit beneath the same when the saddle plate has been moved upwards by
the contact of the pin with the incline the said arm preventing the saddle plate from
dropping down and imparting a series of short upward feeds to the sliding bar as
the matrix block is carried to the right after each impression by the releasing device
of the feed mechanism presently to be described. When the matrix block holder.in
its traverse in the formation of a line has carried the pin beyond the reach of the
incline an arm secured to the end of the tripping lever furthest from the lug strikes a
pin fixed. to the table and thereby releases the opposite end of the lever from the lug
upon which release the saddle plate drops a distance equal to that which it has been
raised by the contact of the pin with the incline and is in readiness to again impart
& vertical feed to the matrix block after the completion of the line. The arm secured
to the tripping. lever is connected adjustably.to the tripping piece so as to admit of
changes in its position as required by different thicknesses of blocks. Upon the
completion of the matrix the sliding bar is unlocked by the movement of a pair of
pivoted levers which bear.against.the.eccentric.clamping.discs.and.the.face.plate.is_
returned to its initial vertical position in readiness for the insertion of another
matrix block.
The lateral movement of the matrix block carrier prior to each impression by
which the proper spacing of the letters and characters in the line is effected and
which as before stated is the first operation resultant upon a revolution of the
driving shaft may be imparted by any proper feed mechanism so organised that the
traverse of the matrix block carrier shall in each caso be exactly equal to the space
required in a line by any one of the class of letters or characters to which the letter
or character to be impressed belongs. i
'
. :
I
An example of feed mechanism which may be employed is as follows: the letters
and characters composing the font being divided as to their width of face into say
seven separate classes and the formation of one or a multiple of any one space of
four different classes (of which the smallest is a measure of the other three) has
likewise been provided for. As a consequence at least eleven separate feed discs
would be required but for convenience of construction the discs of the three feeds
most frequently used have been duplicated, thus making fourteen in all. The
construction of said feed discs and their combination with other members of the
mechanism will now be described.
The feed which it is preferred to employ consists of a number of discs each fitted
loosely upon a sleeve having an internal key or feather fitting a longitudinal groove
in a horizontal feed shaft mounted and adapted to be rotated in bearings beneath
the table adjacent to the rear side thereof. An external stop is formed
upon each
of the sleeves against which a corresponding stop on the disc carried by said sleeve
abuts. Each feed disc may.be rotated upon its sleeve until its stop comes in contact
with the stop of the sleeve. The sleeves may be moved longitudinally on the feed
shaft but cannot be rotated independently thereof. Each feed disc has a circum-
ferential flange which is cut from its outer edge or highest point to a point at or
near, the face of the disc into a series of steps serrations or shoulders the depth
of each of which is equal to the length of lateral movement which the disc is
designed to regulate and govern. A series of sliding pieces is fitted to move freely
longitudinally upon guide rods or bars above and parallel with the feed shaft ench
of said sliding pieces having formed upon or secured to it.a distance piece interposed
between and having its ends bearing against the plain side of one of the feed discs
and the stepped or serrated flange of, another. The sliding pieces are coupled

page_text: together by slotted links the slots of said links permitting each of the sliding
pieces to close up or move towards the left as the feed disc on the left thereof is
rotated so as to bring a lower step or serration of said .disc in contact with the
distance piece carried by the sliding piece.
The position which the feed dises occupied at the commencement of a line is with
their bighest serrations (or those furthest from their plain sides) uppermost and in
contact with the distance pieces. The series of sliding pieces is drawn out to its
fullest extent and is prevented from being closed up or moved to the left by the
interposition of the distance pieces between the plain and the stepped sides of the
feed discs. At each partial rotation of any one of the feed discs corresponding to
and coincident with the impression of a die of the class to which said disc is
apportioned all the sliding pieces to the right of said disc will be free to move to the
left a distance equal to the depth of one of the steps of said disc and no more and
such freedom of movement to the left over a determined traverso. which will
correspondingly be imparted to any movable number which may bear against the
foed disc on the right of the series is applied in effecting the regulated lateral feed
of the matrix block carrier.
Rotation is imparted to the feed disc severally, by a series of double armed
anchor or pawl pieces each of which is forked at one of its ends and provided with
pawls which engages a series of ratchet teeth formed on the adjacent feed disc. The
anchor pieces are pivoted to downwardly projecting arms and their ends below
their pivots engage slots in links coupled to the rockers hereinbefore described and
by the vibration of the said rocker is moved transversely to the axis of the feed
shaft. The purpose of the slots is to maintain the engagement of the links with
the anchor pieces irrespective of the longitudinal movements of the feed discs.
Springs bearing against the outer ends of the links return the anchor pieces to
proper position after each partial rotation of their respective feed discs.
The successive lateral movements of the matrix block holder in the formation of
a line are effected either by the gravity of a weight the action of pressure upon a
moveable piston or by the tension of a spring one end of which is connected to the
table and the other to a strap or bar secured to the matrix block carrier and the
occurrence and degree of said movements is coincident with and governed by those
of a sliding frame composed of a pair of cross heads one of which carries a sleevo
a pair of connecting bolts and an upper strap or bar. This frame is fitted to move
freely longitudinally on the feed shaft, and is coupled adjustably to the matrix
block carrier by, a hand screw the oject of such adjustable connection being to
enable the matrix block holder to be moved into position to be started at any
desired point in a line. The inner one of the two cross heads or that nearest the
feed discs provided with a pin or projection which abuts against the end disc of
the series and the frame is drawn up by a spring so as to keep the series of discs
closed together and maintain the bearing of the sliding frame against the end disc
as any or all of the series are turned from higher or lower serrations.
Upon the rotation of the driving shaft resultant upon striking any desired key
as before set forth and after the movement of the feed disc required, a cam secured
upon the said driving shaft moves a rocking lever pivotted to the frame of the
apparatus and coupled at its opposite end by a connecting rod to a rocking pawl
lever which carries on it a pivoted pawl engaging a longitudinal ratchet or rack on
the sleeve of the sliding frame. The pivoted pawl is coupled by a spring so as to
act only in one direction in order that the sliding frame may be drawn past it to
the right prior to the commencement of each new line of impressions. The
rocking pawl lever is coupled by a spring to a post on the frame in which post it is
pivoted.
.The effect of the movement of the rocking lever is to release the pawl from the
ratchet teeth and thereby to render the sliding frame and its connections subject
to the traction of the spring which closes up the series of feed discs. The impression
of the die being made in the matrix block and the matrix block holder drawn back
from the die the cam (which moves the rocking lever) at the completion of the

page_text: revolution of the driving shaft, effects the movement of the rocking lever in the
opposite direction the pawl engaging with the ratchet and moving the sliding frame
in the opposite direction. By such movement the tension at the spring upon the
series of feed discs is released thereby leaving all the said discs free so that any
one of them may be rotated for the impression desired.
Upon the completion of a line the sliding frame is drawn by a hand lever coupled
to the sleeve carrying with it the matrix block holder to position for commencing
another line and separating the series of feed dises to the greatest length occupied
when turned with their highest serration upwards. The operator then depresses a
button on the top of a vertically sliding rod which through a lever pivoted to the
frame withdraws a pin from its engagement with a recess in the feed shaft such
engagement having been made for the purpose of locking the feed shaft to prevent
rotation during the formation of the line. The feed shaft is then rotated by the
band wheel fast thereon and the series of feed discs is turned so that all shall stand
with the highest serrations of their flanges uppermost. In such rotation of the feed
shaft a pin thereon depresses a pivoted lever and swings a flat bar against the
peripheries of the feed discs causing it to engage with. pins on the said feed discs
and arrest the rotation thereof when all have been brought into such position that
their highest serrations stand uppermost.
A pawl pivoted to the table of the apparatus and pressed upon by a spring
engages a notch or catch on the sliding frame when by the movement of a lever
the said frame has been moved to the limit of its traverse to the right and thereby
holds the frame and matrix block carrier free from the draft of the spring during
the rotation of the feed shaft by the hand wheel. A bar fitted to slide upon the
top of the table transversely to the feed shaft carries at its outer end an eccentric
button and is provided at its opposite end with a notch which engages the pawl
pivoted to the table. A spring catch on the bar is adapted to engage a notch in a
vertical rod which is coupled to an arm connected to the stop bar of the feed discs.
The spring catch drops in to the notch in the rod when the pin or the feed shaft
has turned the stop bar against the peripheries of the feed dises its function being
to hold the bar against the feed discs during the rotation of the feed shaft.
After the feed shaft has been rotated sufficiently to bring all the feed discs to
their proper positions a button is turned so as to draw forward the sliding bar and
thereby release the pawl from the notch in the sliding frame and leave the said
frame and its connections free to be acted upon by the spring attached to the
matrix block. At the same time the movement of the sliding bar carries the spring
catch pivoted thereto out of contact with the vertical rod which by the tension of
its spring and through the coupling arm withdraws the stop bar from its contact
with the pins on the feed discs and leaves the said feed discs free to be rotated as
required.
The anchor pieces by which the feed discs are rotated are moved into such
positions as to give the latter greater freedom of rotation by a sliding bar which is
moved slightly to the right when the sliding frame has been brought nearly to the
extremity of its traverse in that direction. A lug fastened to said frame moves in
and bears against the end of a slot in the sliding bar and imparts to said bar a
limited longitudinal movement. This bar has upon one of its sides a series of
inclines which in its movement are drawn against pins on the links which move
the anchor pieces and by their action on said pins free the anchor pieces from the
ratchets and thereby impart increased freedom of rotation to the feed discs.
Dated this 26th dow of Nouch 1001.

page_text: I JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
"IMPROVEMENTS
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this Invention for
IN MACHINERY.OR APPARATUS FOR MAKING MATRICES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF
PRINTING SURFACES" which Invention has been communicated to me from abroad
by Robert Lewis Kimberly of the City and County of Philadelphia in the State of
Pennsylvania United States of America and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This Invention relates to the formation of matrices or moulds for the production
of plates for letter press printing, by the impression, in proper sequence and relation
of selected members of a series of type and character dies, into a suitable medium
without the employment of set forms of type, and without the practice of the
operations of hand composition, distribution etcetera, which are necessary prelimi-
naries in the ordinary method of manufacturing stereotype plates.
The improvements consist in matrix blanks or beds, and in certain novel devices
and combinations of mechanism embodied and performing their several functions in
an organised structure or machine, for forming impressions in matrix blanks or
beds as hereinafter set forth, the same comprising an insertable and removable key
board, carrying a series of letter and character dies, of special construction, and a
series of keys by which any desired die may be selected, and the key board brought
into and fixed in proper position to admit of the formation of an impression of said
die in a matrix blank; an improved movablo chuck, holder, or carrier, adapted to
receive and hold a matrix blank or bed; mechanism substantially as described
actuated by the movements of the key board and keys, and serving to impart
different degrees of movement to the matrix blank holder in a direction parallel to
the line of movement of the keyboard; mechanism substantially as described for
adjusting and securing any selected die of the series in a firm bearing against a
fixed abutment, and in proper position relatively to the face of the matrix blank to
form an impression therein; mechanism substantially as described for moving the
matrix blank holder towards the face of the selected and adjusted die, for such
distance and with such pressure as will effect the impression of the said die into the
matrix blank; mechanism substantially as described for withdrawing each die from
its adjusted position after having made its impression, to admit of the lateral
movement of the matrix blank carrier, and the adjustment of the next required die
for a new impression; mechanism for withdrawing the matrix blank carrier from
the position occupied during the formation of the impression, and for periodically
imparting movement to the matrix blank carrier, perpendicularly to the line of
movement of the key board. The improvements claimed are hereinafter fully
set forth.
To enable those skilled in the art to practise this Invention the accompanying
drawings illustrate the construction of a machine in which the above mentioned
elements and combinations of mechanism are embodied. A detailed description
thereof, in order to be fully intelligible, must necessarily involve, to a greater or less
extent, the recital of sundry constructive details of the mechanism upon the
employment of which, specifically this Invention, is not, of necessity, dependent,
and for which any known equivalent may be substituted. I shall, therefore,
preparatory to entering upon such detailed description proceed to explain in as
brief and general terms as may be, the general structure and mode of operation of
a machine such as that referred to above.

page_text: เ
Having provided a blank, block or bed, of any material or composition, the
texture, consistency and permanent character of which renders it suitable for the
formation of a matrix as, for example, pine wood, and a series of raised or male dies,
of sufficient hardness and sharpness of outline to form a depressed counterpart in
the blank, each of said dies having the form of a letter or character required for
typographical or letter press reproductions of manuscript of printed copy or of
dictated matter, and being carried by a proper stock or body the impression of said
dies into the blank is effected by locating and holding them successively in the
required sequence, against an end abutment in a fixed guide or socket, and forcing
the blank against their faces by the applications of such a degree of pressure to the
blank as will suffice to indent or impress the dies therein to a required and
uniformly regulated depth. After each impression the blank is retired from the
face of the die, moved the proper distance to present its surface for another
impression, and the operation is repeated until the matrix is finished.
The essential instrumentalities of a mechanical structure such as that of which
a general outline has been given above, are a series of dies and stocks, a fixed
guide and abutment adapted to receive and hold any one of said series, means for
selecting and locating a die stock therein, a matrix blank holder, means for forcing
the matrix blank against the faces of the dies when located, means for governing
the depth of the impressions, means for withdrawing the matrix blank from the
face of the die after each impression, and means for moving the matrix blank
holder to successively present another portion of the surface of the blank after each
impression, in proper relation to that portion on which the impression has been
formed.
In the machine illustrated in the drawings a series of letter and character dies,
the width of the faces of which is greater or less, as the case may be, as governed
by a determined mutual relation, are formed upon or secured to the end of
stocks or bodies which are pivoted in bearings in a key board, fitted to slide freely,
between guides, on the top of a supporting frame or table, and to be insertable in,
and removable from, said frame at pleasure. Each die stock is located on the key
board in such position, relatively to a key marked with a letter or character
corresponding with its die, that when on depressing a key and moving the key
board the said key is inserted in an opening in the table and the die stock will be
brought into a guide or socket and locked in position therein, with its end opposite
the dio bearing against a fixed abutment on the frame. A matrix blank holder
having the capacity of movement in three directions, to wit, towards and from the
face of the adjusted die laterally relatively thereto, and vertically, is fitted to slide
in guides upon the table, and is adapted to be moved towards and from the die by
the vibration of a rocking lever, which is coupled to the rod of an eccentric or cam
on a driving shaft connected by a clutch coupling and stripping mechanism with a
countershaft rotated by any suitable prime mover. A series of circumferentially
flanged discs, the flanges of which are cut into steps or serrations, corresponding in
depth with the width which is required to be occupied in a line of typography by
any of the several characters (and its proper lateral spaces) of the class or series to
which each disc is apportioned, is mounted to slide loosely upon a common shaft.
Between said discs there are hung sliding pieces; which with the discs are so
arranged that while the series of discs is tixed at one end against longitudinal
movement, the revolution of any one of the discs upon the shaft from a higher to a
lower serration, will allow all the remaining discs, on the side opposite the fixed
end, to be closed together by a spring or weight, thus diminishing the total depth
of the series by the depth of the serrations embraced in a given movement of the
disc. A series of ratchet teeth is formed upon each of the discs, and the members
of a series of pivoted anchor or pawl pieces are adapted respectively to engage said
ratchet teeth. Each of said anchor pieces is coupled to a rocking arm, which, by
the location of any die of its class in position to be impressed, is caused to be
-vibrated by the rotation of the countershaft, and by effecting a coincident movement
of the anchor piece to which it is coupled, to turn the disc (the ratchet teeth of

page_text: which said anchor piece engages) one serration. By such movement of the disc,
the action of a spring or weight is exerted upon the matrix blank holder, which is
thereby moved an equal distance. Three cams are secured upon the countershaft,
one of which operates a rod which bears against the forward downwardly inclined
end of the selected die and moves it into, and locks it in position for impression,
another operates a lever which actuates a device for rotating the proper feed disc,
and the third releases the tension of a spring, bearing on the series of discs, to
admit of such rotation.
The operator being provided with a sheet or piece of copy to be re-produced, and
having secured the matrix blank in the carrier, and turned the series of feed discs
so that their highest serrations shall be uppermost, or, in other words, that the
series of feed discs shall be opened out to its greatest length on the supporting
shaft, selects the letter or character die which he desires to first impress into the
blank, by placing a finger upon the key. He then slides the key board, in one or
the other direction as required, until the selected key under the pressure of the
finger, drops into an opening in a plate on the table, and primarily actuates the
operating mechanism by striking a rod which slips a clutch upon the constantly
rotating countershaft, and thereby imparts one revolution to the driving shaft upon
which the eccentric and cams are secured.
The first result that follows from the rotation of the driving shaft is the partial
rotation of the feed disc of the class to which the selected letter or character
belongs, which disc is rotated from its highest to its next lower serration by the
first of the three cams before mentioned, acting through intermediate connections.
The following discs of the series, and with them the matrix block holder close up
or move to the left, the distance required by the selected letters, thus bringing the
matrix blank into proper position to receive the impression. The next result in
sequence is the action of another of the three cams aforesaid, which thrusts upward
a rod that bears against the lower forward end of the selected die, thereby bringing
it to a horizontal position and clamping it in its guide with its rear end bearing
against the fixed abutment. The next result is the forward traverse of the matrix
blank carrier, which is effected by the rotation of the eccentric, cam, or crank on
the driving shaft, which rotating member, through its intermediate connections,
drives the matrix blank holder forward towards the face of the die, and thereby
impresses the latter into the matrix blank to a determined depth, as governed. by
a stationary shield, guide, or guard. The eccentric in completing its revolution,
carries back the matrix blank holder to its former position, and the third cam
through its connections, relaxes the tension of the spring or weight from the series
of feed discs in order that any one of them may be free to be moved prior to the
next succeeding impression. Coincidently with the retraction of the matrix blank
holder, the selected die is unlocked from its position in the guide, and returned to
its initial position in order to admit of the movement of the keyboard and the
selection of the next required die.
This return of the die is effected by a link connection operated by the downward
movement of the rod which has served to fix the die in position. The operations
above recited are repeated by the selection of the proper dies, until a line of
impressions is formed in the matrix blank.
Upon the completion of a line, the operator by means of a hand lever draws
apart the series of discs which have been closed together to a greater or less extent
in the formation of the line, and through a hand wheel on the feed disc shaft, and
keys in the hubs of the feed discs engaging a spline or key way on the shaft,
returns the feed discs to their initial position, that is with the highest serrations
uppermost, and the series occupying the maximum length upon the shaft. At the
same time the matrix blank holder, which has been carried to the right by the
drawing apart of the discs, is fed upward a previously determined distance, to
separate the impressed line from the next succeeding one. Such vertical feed
is effected through a pin on the vertical slide of the matrix blank holder, which

page_text: as the latter is retracted in the rearrangement of the feed discs, rides up over a
fixed incline, and correspondingly draws up the matrix blank holder.
In addition to the feed for the several classes of letter and character dies, four
feed discs are provided for the interposition of proper space between the several
words of a line. It being desirable to have one of these discs so serrated as to give
the exact feed of the letter class corresponding in width with figures, and another,
the feed of the class corresponding in width with points, these two feeds are made'
the basis of the arrangement of the spacing discs. A certain determined fraction
of an inch, (as, in the case of the machine illustrated, nine one thousandths of an
inch) being assumed as a unit of measure, and all the space being multiplies of the
smallest, the spacing discs are termed, say, one, two, four and six, and with them
any required space may be interposed within a line.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to
the several figures in the annexed sheets of drawings the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the figures.
Figure 1 is a plan or top view of the improved machine for making matrices.
Figure 2 an end view in elevation of the same, as seen from the right.
Figure 3 a front view, in clevation of a portion of the same, at, and adjacent to,
the impressing mechanism.
Figure 4 a longitudinal central section through the driving clutch.
Figure 5 a view in perspective of the same, and its attachments.
Figure 5 is a view of the same from above.
Figure 6 a transverse section through the-line xx of Figure 8.
Figure 7, a plan or top view of the discs and their operating arins, as seen with
the top of the frame or table removed.
Figure 8 a vertical longitudinal section through a portion of the machine, at the
right hand end, showing the releasing mechanism of the feed discs.
Figure 9 a transverse section through the feed disc shaft, taken near the right
hand end of the machine.
Figure 10, a vertical longitudinal section through a portion of the feed disc shaft
and series of feed discs.
Figure 11 an end view in elevation, of one of the feed discs as seen from the
left.
Figure 12 a plan or top view of a portion of the series of links connecting the
rockers with the feed discs.
Figure 13 a view, partly in plan and partly in section, of a portion of the key
board.
Figure 14 a vertical transverse section through the driving and feed shafts,
illustrating the mechanism for imparting rotation to the feed discs.
Figure 15, a view in elevation on an enlarged scale showing the mechanism for
adjusting the dies in the fixed guide, and for releasing them therefrom.
Figure 16 a vertical transverse section through said guide with a die clamped
therein.
Figure 17, a front view, in elevation, of the matrix blank holder.
Figure 18 a side view thereof.
Figure 19 a view in perspective, of the clamping lever thereof.
Figure 20 a rear view of the matrix blank holder detached from its slides.
Figure 21 a similar view of the same in position upon its slides, and of portion
of its actuating lever.
Figure 22 a section on an enlarged scale through a portion of the matrix block
holder showing the retaining device for the upward feed.
Figure 23 a section through the connection of the locking and un-locking bar of
the dies and its rod and
Figure 24 a vertical transverse section through the table and key board, taken
at the centre line of the die guide or socket.

page_text: A substantial frame or table A resting upon legs or standards a, serves as the
support of the operative mechanism, and power is imparted through a horizontal
countershaft B, provided with fast and loose pulleys 62, 63, and mounted in bearings
below the top of table. The countershaft B is (when the machine is in operation)
continuously rotated, through the application of power from any suitable prime
power, and, to effect the impression of any one of the series of dies hereinafter
described, rotates a driving shaft B¹ a single revolution, through the intermediation
of a clutch coupling and suitable tripping mechanism. One section 6, of the clutch
coupling, is secured upon the countershaft B, and the other section b' upon the
driving shaft B¹, which is mounted, beneath the table, in line axially with the
countershaft. The specific construction of the clutch coupling need not be here
described as any mechanism suitable for the purpose may be employed.
The several dies of each series or "font" are mounted in a key board C, which
is adapted to be inserted in and removed from the machine at pleasure, so that
any particular font may be used whenever required and removed to admit of the
substitution of the key board of any other desired font. The key board C, is fitted
to slide horizontally and longitudinally upon the machine, over friction rollers a',
mounted in bearings in guides or ways a²; on the top of the table, and is provided
with a handle c² by which it may be more readily moved to and fro and lifted
from the machine to be replaced by another. A series of dies d, of hard metal,
and having the configuration of the letters and characters of the font which is to
be used, are formed, each upon one end of a rectangular stock or body D, the
opposite end of which is plain and parallel with the face of the die. Two of the
sides of die stock perpendicular to its face, are faced off so as to present truly plain
surfaces at right angles one with the other, said surfaces acting as the guide of the
die stock when clamped in position for impressions, as presently to be described.
Each die stock is likewise bevelled or cut at an incline opposite the angle of its
two guide sides, and near its die end, as shown in Figure 16, to engage with the
correspondingly formed end of a clamping rod or bar, by which it is locked in
impressing position as required. The series of die stocks is pivoted freely and
independently upon stems & resting in line longitudinally, in bearings or blocks d
on one side of the key board, the stems passing through the stocks at such portion
of their length that the preponderance of weight shall be at their die ends, thereby
causing the die stocks to hang in an inclined position, when not effecting an
impression, as seen in figures 2, 6, 15 and 24.
The blocks d which carry the pivots of the die stocks, have the capacity of a
limited degree of movement in the line of the die stocks, as governed by springs d³
interposed between one of their sides and an abutment on the key board, in order
to admit of the slight longitudinal movement of the die stocks required to bring
their blank ends to a proper bearing, against the abutment a upon which the
impressing force is exerted. The dies of each font are arranged in sets or classes,
according to their width of face, as shown in Figure 13, those of the same width
being placed together. In manufacturing the dies the width of their several faces
is governed by the space, (being a determined fraction of an inch), which the letter
or character which they are designed to impress, should occupy in a line, together
with one-half the space on each side, which is necessary to properly separate it
from the preceding and the following letter or character, in the line.
A series of keys c, corresponding in number with the dies, is located, and its
members fitted to move freely in vertical holes formed in the key board, on the
A flat head,
front side thereof, or in upper and lower plates secured thereto.
suited to receive the impression of a finger of the operator, and marked with the
letter or character of the die which is to be governed by the key, that is to say,
the die whose locatior ad impression it primarily effects, is secured upon the top
of each key, and a spring cl, bearing against the lower side of the head, serves to
maintain the key in its highest position, so as to be completely clear of the table,
except when depressed by the operator for the purpose of locating, locking and
impressing its die. The several keys are arranged upon the key board in such

page_text: positions, relatively to their respective dies, that when by the movement of the
key board, any one of them is brought above one or the other of two vertical
openings as a formed in a bar A' secured longitudinally upon the front of the table,
beneath the key board, the die with which the selected key corresponds will stand
in line, transversely of the machine with a stationary guide, socket or recess a³ on
the frame, so that when swung upwardly upon its stem or pivot d the end portion
of its stock or shank D. will enter said recess, and may be clamped firmly therein
prior to effecting its impression. By reference to Figure 1, it will be seen that the
keys are arranged in double line longitudinally on the key board, and are alternated
in position transversely, that is, each member of one line is opposite a blank or
solid space in the other. It therefore follows that the openings a³ and a* of the
bar A¹, which are in line transversely, cannot be simultaneously engaged by keys,
and, consequently the depression of any selected key by the operator, ensures that
its proper die stock, and no other, shall be located longitudinally in proper relation
to the guide which it is to enter preparatory to impression. The depressed key
slides over the surface of the bar A¹ until, reaching the opening beneath the line
in which it is located, it drops therein and stops the further movement of the key
board, and, by such operation, the dies may be successively selected and impressed
with rapidity and accuracy.
The guide, socket, or recess as which receives the die stocks as they are
successively selected for the impression of their dies, is located at or near the
middle of the table longitudinally and is formed in the lower portion of a stout rib
or web A³, of the frame, or as shown, in bars secured to said web, which rib projects
upwardly from the frame over the key board, so as to permit the latter to slide
freely beneath it as illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 24. The direction of the guide a
is perpendicular to the line of movement of the key board, and it is divided into
-two completely detached portions by a clear opening, the form and dimensions-of
which are such as to admit of the free passage through it of the standards which
support the die stocks, together with said stocks, when in their normal inclined
position before location (See Figure 24). The forward portion of the guide, that is
to say, the portion nearest the front of the machine, terminates at a fixed
abutment a against which the blank end of the die stock bears when the latter is
turned into a horizontal position, and a shield or guard a having an opening of
sufficient size to admit the dies, is secured upon the outer end of the rear portion
of the guide, the die projecting through the opening of the shield for a distance
equal to the depth of impression which is required to be made in the matrix
material. It will be observed that the shield is forined separately from the bar in
which the guide or recess is cut, simply for convenience of construction, and that
its function could be equivalently performed by correspondingly regulating the
length and the dimensions of the end slot, in the rear portion of the guide if
preferred.
A horizontal rock shaft E, having a longitudinal spline or key way e, is mounted
on bearings on the table A beneath and about in line vertically with the position of
the axial line of the stems d', of the die stocks; and a clutch piece or arm E have
an upward projection e' which engages a slot or recess in a lug c on the lower side
of the key board C, is fitte to move freely along said rock shaft. A key or feather
on the hub of the clutch piece E¹, engages the spline e of the rock shaft and the
clutch piece is thereby caused to partake of the rocking movements of said shaft
while free to be moved longitudinally to different positions thereon, in accordance
with the movements of the key board with which, as before stated, it is engaged.
A slot or recess e in the lower end of the clutch piece E, is adapted to engage with
any one of a series of tongues f, secured in the upper arms of rockers F which are
mounted upon a fixed horizontal shaft F1 below the table, the lower arm of each
rocker being connected by a bar or link F³ with a device for partially rotating one
of a series of feed discs to be presently described.
An arm E2, (Figure 14) is secured upon the shaft E, and projects downwardly
for such distance as to be vibrated by a cam E³ on the driving shaft B', near the

page_text: right hand end of the machine. At each revolution of said shaft, the rocker F,
with which tho clutch piece E¹, is engaged will be vibrated by the movement of the
latter and will correspondingly rotate the feed disc with which it is connected.
The rockers and feed discs are so located relatively to the series of dies, that the
movement of the key board which locates any selected dio in position to enter the
guide a, will, coincidently, cause the engagement of the clutch piece with the
rocker of the feed disc proper to impart the degrees of lateral movement to the
matrix bed required by the width of the class of letters or characters to which
the selected die belongs.
As above described, the primary results of the depression of the key of any
selected die, and the movement of the key board, until said key enters one of tho
two openings a³ or a of the table, are to properly locate the stock of the selected
die to be clamped in impressing position, in the guide a5 and to engage the clutch
piece E¹, with the rocker F, which actuates the proper feed disc. The next
succeeding result which ensues upon the depression of the key to its furthest limit,
is the rotation of the driving shaft B' for a single revolution, the first effect of
which is the lateral movement of the matrix bed or block the distance required for
the proper feed of the die, next, the clamping of the die stock in the guide, and
thereafter, the impressing of the die in the matrix bed, followed in due course by
the release of the die stock, the retraction of the matrix bed, and the arrangement
of the feed discs in proper mutual relation for a new operation.
The rotation of the driving shaft is effected through a tripping rod G, which is
fitted to slide vertically in bearings on the forward side of the frame a and
is provided at top with two pins g, g, entering the openings a³ at of the table
which receive the selected keys. A key when entered in to and depressed in one
of said openings, will bear upon the pin g, therein and thereby depress the tripping
rod G. The lower end of the tripping rod rests upon the outer end of one arm H¹,
of a rock shaft H, journalled in the frame, the opposite arm H2 of which, when
raised by the depression of the rod G, removes the incline h³ on the end of the
arm H³ from the path of the stud h projecting from a sliding pin h¹ and thus
allows the engagement of this pin, which is on that section b₁, of the clutch
coupling, which is secured to the driving shaft B', with one of a series of spurs or
drivers on the other section b, of said coupling which is secured to the continuously
rotating counter shaft B. Such engagement produces one revolution of the driving
shaft, after which the pin h¹ is returned to its former position, in readiness to be
moved out for the next succeeding revolution. The hook ho riding over the
incline positively returns the arm H² to position. A spring h, connecting the
rock shaft arm H³, with the frame, returns the tripping rod G, to its bighest
position when the pressure of the key is released from either of its pins c, and
depresses the opposite rock shaft arm H³ into proper position for tripping the
clutch when next required so to do. The extent of motion of the rock shaft is
limited by a stop h³.
Upon the rotation of the driving shaft the cam E³ first performs its function of
partially rotating a feed disc as before described and the next operation, to wit the
locking of the die in the guide, is effected by a cam I secured upon the driving
shaft B' in such relation to the can E as to act subsequently to the latter,
the cam I in its rotation forces upward a locking bar I which is formed in two
sections, the upper of which moves in vertical guides on the frame and carries upon
its top a clamping piece which is bevelled or inclined ou its face in correspondence
with the bevelled or inclined recesses formed in the die stocks opposite the angles
of their guide sides. Upon the elevation of the locking bar to the upper limit
of its tranverse by the cam I the clamping piece i lifts the located die stock into
a horizontal position and its bevelled face bearing against the correspondingly
bevelled recess of the die stock locks the latter firmly in position in the guide a³ by
pressing its two regulating or guide sides against the corresponding sides of the
guide its blank end being adjusted, by means of the springs d³ to bear against the
end abutment aº thereof-The upper and lower sections of the locking bar II are

page_text: r
connected by a spring so that their descending movement may be coincident, and
this is effected by their own gravity, supplemented if desired, by a spring or
weight The end of the lower section of the locking bar fits. into a socket on the
upper section, a spring being interposed to compensate for wear and prevent the
exertion of undue pressure upon the die.stock To ensure the descent of the die
stock into its normal inclined position after an impression of its die has been made,
and thereby to prevent obstruction to the next succeeding movement of the key
board an arm is pivoted to the rear of the web A² of the frame adjacent to the
guide a in such position that its free end may rest above the top of the die stock
when the latter is locked in position and is coupled by a link, having a slot in its
lower end, to a pin on the locking bar, the latter in its descent will through the
links and press down the die end of the die-stock into its proper position.
should it fail to fall thereinto by its own gravity.
The matrix bed or block J in lieu of being held stationary to receive an
impression from a die which is moved up to its face, as has generally been the caso
heretofore, is under my present Invention moved up to and pressed against a die
which as described is stationary and bears against a fixed abutment-To this end.
it is secured to a face plate k on the forward end of a sectional carrier holder or
chuck K, the lower section k of which is fitted to slide laterally between longitudinal
guides as on the top of the table A and to carry an upper section % which at each
revolution of the driving shaft B¹ is moved towards and from the die end of the
adjusted and locked die stock to effect an impression of said die in the matrix
block and to retract the latter for a succeeding impression-Said transverse
movements are imparted to the matrix block carrier by an eccentric L secured upon
the driving shaft B¹ which eccentric. through its strap L¹ and rod L* vibrates a
rocker L journalled on the rear side of the frames a-The lower arm of the
rocker L³ is coupled to the eccentric rod L³ and the upper arm by a slotted eye / to
a longitudinal rod on the matrix block carrier, so as to admit of the movement
of the latter by the rocker, irrespective of changes in its lateral position. The
eccentric L is fixed upon the shaft in such relation to the cams E³ and I, that in
the revolution of the shaft the functions of said cams, to wit those of moving the
matrix block carrier laterally and of locking the die stock respectively, shall be
performed prior to the completion of the impressing movement of the carrier.
The matrix block J is clamped upon the face plate between a flange 130 on one
side thereof and a clamping plate on the opposite side, said plate having a series
of prongs or projections adapted to engage the matrix material and being pressed
against the same by an eccentric. The clamping plate has pins / entering
holes in an adjustable piece ³ which may be clamped in any position by a
screw passing through the piece 31 bearing against the face plate carrying the
eccentric, and operated by the same, handle. In order to present the matrix
block at different angles, as desired, to the dies, the face plate may be as shown
journalled centrally on the vertical supporting plate 6 of the carrier, and in such
case may be adjusted about the centre of the journal by a toothed wheel or
segment and a pivoted bell crank and spring ko.
The vertical supporting plate is adjusted to be moved vertically relatively to s
the liorizontal sections and k¹ of the carrier in order to impart the requisite
vertical feed to the matrix block at the end of each line. To provide for such
movement it is secured at top to the upper end of a slide bar o fitted to move
vertically between guides on a vertical plate k¹¹ formed upon the forward end of
the upper horizontal section of the carrier The sliding bar 10 and the connected
vertical supporting plate and matrix block are shewn as maintained in position
vertically, during the formation of a line by a pair. of eccentric clamping discs 1:10
connected by a spring a but a pawl or ratchet or any other suitable retaining
device may be substituted for and will serve as the mechanical equivalent of the
eccentric discs here employed.
A saddle plate 2 located near the lower portion of the plate k¹ and adapted
to be moved vertically relatively thereto carries two eccentric discs which are

page_text: drawn together by a helical spring 15 so as to clamp the sliding bar 10 between
their peripheries On the return of the matrix block carrier to its initial position
after the completion of its longitudinal traverse in forming a line, the vertical
movement required to give the proper space between the completed and the next
ensuing line is imparted to the face plate and matrix block by the contact of a
pin on the saddle plate with an incline 1 secured to the table of the
machine, the saddle plate being by such contact, raised and carrying with it the
sliding bar and the face plate and matrix block a distance equal to the required
vertical feed-The incline is is secured adjustably to the table so that by moving
it towards or from the matrix block carrier and fixing it in position as required a
greater or less amount of vertical feed may be imparted to the matrix block
A spring 13 bears upon the top of the saddle plate so as to ensure the descent of
the latter into proper position to allow its clamping discs to take a new hold upon
the sliding bar after each vertical movement A lug is secured by a thumb
screw 20 to the saddle plate ¹ Bo as to be adjustable vertically upon said plate and
a double armed tripping lever k¹ is pivoted to the vertical plate of the matrix
block holder, in such relation to said lug that one of its arms may fit beneath
the same when the saddle plate has been moved upwards by the contact of the
pin 7 with the incline 18, said arm preventing the saddle plate from dropping
down, and imparting a series of short upward feeds to the sliding bar k¹0 as the
matrix block is carried to the right after each impression by the releasing device of
the feed mechanism presently to be described-When the matrix block holder in its
traverse in the formation of a line, has carried the pin 7 beyond the reach of the
incline 18, an arm k secured to the ends of the tripping lever furthest from
the lug strikes a pin 3 fixed to the table, and thereby releases the opposite
end of the lever from the lug k10, upon which release the saddle plate drops a
distance equal to that to which it has been raised by the contact of the pin k with
the incline 8 and is in readiness to again impart a vertical feed to the matrix
block after the completion of the line. The arm / is connected adjustably to the
tripping piece by a screw k passing through a slotted hole so as to admit of
changes in its position as required by different thicknesses of blocks. Upon the
completion of the matrix the sliding bar is unlocked by the movement of a pair
of pivoted levers 5 which bear against the eccentric clamping discs, and the faco
plate is returned to its initial vertical position in readiness for the insertion of
another matrix block.
The lateral movement of the matrix block carrier, prior to each impression by
which the proper spacing of the letters and characters in the line is effected, and
which as before stated is the first operation, resultant upon a revolution of the
driving shaft, may be imparted by any proper feed mechanism so organized that
the traverse of the matrix block carrier shall in each case be exactly equal to tho
space required in a line by any one of the class of letters or characters to which
the letter or character to be impressed belongs.
In the feed mechanism herein illustrated the letters and characters composing
the font have been divided, as to their width of face, into seven separate classes,
and the formation of one or a multiple of any one space of four different classes
(of which the smallest is a measure of the other three) has likewise been provided
for. As a consequence at least eleven separate feed discs would be required, but
for convenience of construction the discs of the three feeds most frequently used
have been duplicated, thus making fourteen in all. The construction of said feed
discs and their combination with other members of the mechanism will now be
described.
Each of the feed discs M (See Figures 10 and 11) is fitted loosely upon a
sleeve M' having an internal key or feather m¹ fitting a longitudinal groove m³ in
a horizontal feed shaft M² mounted and adapted to be rotated in bearings beneath
the table A adjacent to the rear side thereof. An external stop m³ is formed upon
cach of the sleeves M against which a corresponding stop m' on the disc M carried
by said sleeve abuts, It will thus be seen that each feed disc may be rotated.npon

page_text: its sleeve in the direction of the arrow Figure 11 until its stop m* comes in contact
with the stop m³ of the sleeve and the sleeves may be moved longitudinally on the
feed shaft but cannot be rotated independently thereof. Each feed disc has a
circumferential flange, which is cut, from its outer edge or highest point, to a point
at or near the side of the disc, into a series of steps serrations, or shoulders m, the
depth of each of which is equal to the length of the lateral movement which the
disc is designed to regulate and govern. A series of sliding pieces M³ is.fitted to
move freely longitudinally upon guide rods or bars M' above and parallel with the
feed shaft M, each of said sliding pieces having formed upon or secured to it a
distance piece M³ (Figure 10) interposed between and having its ends bearing
against the plain side of one of the feed discs and the stepped or serrated flange of
another. The sliding pieces M³ are coupled together by slotted links m³ the slots
of said links permitting each of the sliding pieces to close up or move towards the
left, as the feed disc on the left thereof is rotated, so as to bring a lower step or.
serration of said disc in contact with the distance piece carried by the sliding piece.
In the position shewn in Figure 7 which is that occupied at the commencement
of a line all the feed discs stand with their highest serrations (or those furthest
from their plain sides) uppermost and in contact with the distance pieces. The
series of sliding pieces is drawn out to its fullest extent and is prevented from
being closed up or moved to the left by the interposition of the distance pieces
between the plain and the stopped sides of the feed discs. At each partial rotation
of any
one of the feed discs M corresponding to and coincident with the impression
of a die of the class to which said disc is apportioned, all the sliding pieces to the
right of said disc will be free to move to the left a distance equal to the depth of
one of the steps m of said disc and no more, and such freedom of movement to
the left over a determined traverse which will correspondingly be imparted to any
moveable member, which may bear against the feed disc on the right of the series,
is in the machine herein described, applied in effecting the regulated lateral feed of
the matrix block carrier.
Rotation is imparted to the feed disc severally by a series of double armed
anchor or pawl pieces N, each of which is forked at one of its ends and provided
with pawls n which engages a series of ratchet teeth me formed on the adjacent.
feed disc. The anchor pieces N are pivoted by pins n' to downwardly projecting
arms m and their ends below their pivots n¹ engage slots fin links F' each of
which is coupled to one of the rockers F before described and by the vibration of
said rocker is moved transversely to the axis of the feed shaft M². The purpose
of the slots is to maintain the engagement of the links with the anchor pieces
irrespective of the longitudinal movements of the feed discs., Springs f³ bearing
against the outer ends of the links F return, the anchor pieces to proper position
after each partial rotation of their respective feed discs..
The successive lateral movements of the matrix block holder K to the left, in
the formation of a line, are effected either by the gravity of a weight, the action
of p pressure upon a moveable piston, or by the tension of a spring M¹ one end of
which is connected to the table A and the other to a strap or bar M secured to the
matrix block carrier, and the occurrence and degree of said movements is coincident
with and governed by those of a sliding frame composed of a pair of cross
heads M one of which carries a sleeve M¹, a pair. of connecting bolts M7, and an
upper strap, or bar M. The said frame is fitted to move freely longitudinally on.
the feed shaft M and is coupled adjustably to the matrix block carrier. by ai hand
screw M¹ connecting the bars M and MP, the object of such adjustable connection
being to enable the matrix block holder to be moved into position to be started at
any desired point in a line The inner of the two cross heads Moto wit' that nearest
the feed discs is provided with a pin m2 which abuts against the right hand disc
of the series and the frame is drawn up to the same by the spring M". which
keeps the series of discs closed together and maintains, the bearing of the sliding
frame against the right hand disc 'as any or all of the series are turned from higher
to lower serrations.
J.

page_text: Upon the rotation of the driving shaft B₁ resultant upon striking any desired
key as before setforth and after the movement of the feed disc required, a cam N*
secured upon the right hand end of said driving shaft moves a rocking lever N¹
pivoted to the frame A and coupled at its opposite end by a connecting rod no
to a rocking pawl lever ; said pawl lever carries on its opposite end a pivoted
pawl n which engages a longitudinal ratchet M on the sleeve M12 of the sliding
frame M M M M M The pawl n³ is pivoted to the lever and is coupled by a
spring n so as to act only in one direction in order that the sliding frame may be
drawn past it to the right prior to the commencement of each new line of
impressions. The lever is coupled by a spring nº to a post n³ on the frame, in
which post it is pivoted.
The effect of the movement of the rocking lever N' is to release the pawl n³
from the ratchet M13 and thereby to render the sliding frame and its connections
subject to the traction of the spring M" which closes up the series of feed discs to
the left. The impression of the die being made in the matrix block and the matrix
block holder drawn back from the die, the cam N2 at the completion of the revolution
of the driving shaft effects the movement of the rocking lever N1 in the opposite
direction engaging the pawl nº with the ratchet M's and moving the sliding frame
to the right. By such movement the tension at the spring M" upon the scries of
feed discs is released thereby leaving all the said discs free, so that any one of them
may be rotated for the impression desired.
Upon the completion of a line the sliding frame is drawn to the right by a hand
lever M, coupled to the sleeve M, carrying with it the matrix block holder to
position for commencing another line and separating the series of feed dises to the
greatest length occupied when turned with their highest serration upwards, The
operator then depresses a button m³ on the top of a vertically sliding rod m³,
which through a lever m³ pivoted to the frame withdraws a pin mo from its
engagement with a recess in the feed shaft M³, such engagement having been made
for the purpose of locking the feed shaft as against rotation during the formation
of the line The feed shaft is then rotated by the hand wheel M and the series
of feed discs is turned so that all shall stand with the highest serrations of their
flanges uppermost. In such rotation of the feed shaft a pin ml thereon depresses
a pivoted lever m and swings a flat bar m¹³ against the peripheries of the feed
discs; said bar by engaging pins m" on the feed discs arrest the rotation thereof
when all have been brought into such position that their highest serrations stand
upperinost.
A pawl m¹s pivoted to the table A and pressed upon by a spring m16 engages a
notch or catch on the sliding frame (M and connections) when by the movement
of the lever M said frame has been moved to the limit of its traverse to the
right and thereby holds the frame and matrix block carrier free from the draft of
the spring M during the rotation of the feed shaft by the hand wheel. A bar m17
fitted to slide upon the top of the table A transversely to the feed shaft carries nt
its outer end an eccentric button m¹s and is provided at its opposite end with a
notch which engages the pawl m¹. A spring catch m¹ on the bar m17 is adapted
to engage a notch in a vertical rod m20 which is coupled to an arm m¹ connected
to the stop bar m¹³ of the feed discs. The spring catch m" drops in to the notch
in the rod mo when the pin m has turned the bar ms against the peripheries of
the feed discs and its function is to hold the bar against the feed discs during the
rotation of the feed shaft.
After the feed shaft has been rotated sufficiently to bring all the feed discs to
their proper positions the button m¹8 is turned and draws forward the sliding
bar m thereby releasing the pawl m from the notch in the, sliding frame and
leaving said frame and its connections free to be acted upon by the spring Mat
the same time the movement of the sliding bar m¹ carries the spring catch m¹ out
of contact with the rod m2 which by the tension of its spring m" and through
the connection m² withdraws the stop bar m¹³ from its contact with the pins m¹
and leaves the feed discs free to be rotated as required.

page_text: The anchor pieces by which the feed discs are rotated are moved into such
positions as to give the latter greater freedom of rotation, by a sliding bar mª³
which is moved slightly to the right when the sliding frame (M° and connections)
has by means of the hand lever M¹ has been brought nearly to the extremity of
its traverse in that direction A lug m fastened to said frame moves in and
bears against the end of a slot m² in the bar m23 and imparts to said bar a limited
longitudinal movement. The bar m25 has upon one of its sides a series of inclines
which in its movement are drawn against pins f on the links F' which move the
anchor pieces N and by their action on said pins free the anchor pieces from the
ratchets, and thereby impart increased freedom of rotation to the feed discs.
Further while in the organization of a machine embodying these improvements
it is essential that proper and sufficient mechanical members shall be provided
for effecting the several functions hereinbefore recited and that the same shall
co-operate substantially in the manner setforth in the production of a matrix,
I consider variations of mechanical and constructive detail which perform by their
individual action equivalent subordinate functions, and effect by their combination
an equivalent result, to be within the scope of the Invention as herein set forth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
First. The combination substantially as set forth, of a moveable series of type
or character dies, a fixed abutment, and mechanism for locating any one of said
dies in a determined position relatively to said abutment.
Second. The combination substantially-as-set-forth-of-a-moveable series of type
or character dies, a fixed abutment, a lateral guide, mechanism substantially as
described for locating any one of said dies in determined position relatively to
said abutment and guide, and mechanism for clamping the located die against
said abutment and guide.
Third. The combination substantially as set forth of a movable series of type
or character dies, a fixed abutment, mechanism substantially as described for
moving any one of said dies into and fixing it in position against said abutment,
a holder or carrier adapted to receive a matrix block or blank, and mechanism,
substantially as described for moving said carrier towards the face of the die
when fixed.
Fourth. The combination substantially as set forth of a movable series of type
or character dies, a fixed abutment, a lateral guide, mechanism substantially as
described for moving any one of said dies into and fixing it in position against
said abutment and guide, a holder or carrier adapted to receive a matrix block or
blank, and mechanism substantially as described for moving said carrier towards
the face of the die when fixed.
Fifth. The combination substantially as set forth of a inovable series of type or
character dies, a fixed abutment, mechanism substantially as described for moving
any one of said dies into and fixing it in position against said abutment, a holder
or carrier adapted to receive a matrix block or blank, mechanism substantially
as described for moving said carrier towards the face of the die when fixed, and
a stationary plate or shield interposed between the face of the die and its
abutment and acting to limit the traverse of the matrix block towards the
latter.
Sixth. The combination of a rigidly held die, a reciprocating matrix block
holder, and a fixed guard or shield substantially as described and shown.
Seventh. The combination substantially as set forth of a moveable series of type
or character dies, members of which are of different widths of face respectively, a
fixed abutment, a holder or carrier adapted to receive a matrix block or blank,
mechanism for moving any one of the dies into and fixing it in position relatively
to the fixed abutment, mechanism substantially as described for moving the matrix
block carrier towards the face of the die when located and fixed and feed mechanism
substantially as described connected with and actuated through the mechanism.

page_text: which locates each die in such manner as to impart to the matrix block carrier a
lateral traverse equal to the width of face of the located die.
Eighth. The combination substantially as set forth of a sliding key board
and a series of type or character dies, each pivoted freely and independently
therein.
Ninth. The combination substantially as set forth of a moveable key board, a
series of type or character dies pivoted therein, and a series of operating keys.
Tenth. The combination substantially as set forth of a key board, a series of
type or character dies pivoted therein on stems or pivots having a limited degree
of movement in the line of the die stocks, and springs bearing against the blocks
or supports of said pivots.
Eleventh. The combination substantially as set forth of a frame or table, a
stationary abutment secured thereto, impressing mechanism substantially as
described mounted thereon, and a key board carrying a series of type or
character dies and adapted to move longitudinally on the table and to be removed
therefrom at pleasure.
Twelfth. The combination, substantially as set forth of a frame or table, a
stationary abutment secured thereto, a key board adapted to move longitudinally
thereon, a series of type or character dies journalled in said key board, a series
of operating keys fitted in said key board, and an opening in the table adapted
to engage any one of said keys, these members being combined for joint operation
so that the engagement of any selected key with said opening, shall locate a
corresponding die in determined position relatively to the fixed abutment.
Thirteenth. The combination substantially as set forth of a frame or table, an
abutment fixed thereto, and adapted to serve as an end bearing for the stock of a
type or character die, and a shield or guard plate formed upon or secured to the
frame and having its face parallel with the abutment and closer thereto than the
distance between the end of the die stock and the face of the die.
Fourteenth. The combination substantially as set forth, of a frame or table, a.
fixed abutment adapted to serve as an end bearing for the stock of a type or
character die, and a lateral guide or socket adapted to serve as a side bearing for
said die stock.
Fifteenth. The combination, substantially as set forth, of a frame or table, a
fixed abutment and a lateral guide thereon, a key board which is moveable on
said table transversely to said abutment and guide, a series of type or character
dies pivoted freely and independently on said key board, a series of operating keys
whereby any one of said dies may be located in determined position relatively to
said abutment and guide, a clamping bar, actuated primarily by means of the key
which locates a die to clamp the located die in position for forming an impressiou,
and a retracting device, substantially as described, connected to and operated by
said clamping bar, to return the located die to proper position to admit of the
movement of the key board requisite for the location of another die.
Sixteenth. The combination, substantially as set forth, of a frame or table, a
fixed abutment thereon, mechanism for locating and holding the stock of any one
of a movable series of type or character dies in position against said abutment, an
intermittently rotating driving shaft, actuated to make a single revolution in and
by the location of each die stock, a holder or carrier adapted to receive a matrix
block or blank end to impart to the latter, movement in three directions, a spring
or weight connected to the matrix block carrier and tending to move the same in a
direction parallel with the face of the located die, mechanism actuated by the
location of such die which permits such spring or weight to impart a determined
traverse to the matrix block carrier transversely to the face of the die, and
mechanism substantially as described connected with and operated by the driving
shaft, for pressing the matrix block against the face of the located die, subsequent
to said transverse movement of the carrier.
Seventeenth. The combination with a feed mechanism substantially as described,
of a rocking shaft adapted to be moved axially by a connection with a driving

page_text: shaft, a clutch piece which is moveable longitudinally on said rocking shaft, a
sliding key board which imparts longitudinal movement to said clutch piece, and a
series of double armed rockers, each of which is coupled at one end to mechanism
for partially rotating one of the discs of the feed mechanism, and is adapted to be
engaged at the other end by the clutch piece, substantially as set forth.
Eighteenth. The combination with a feed mechanism substantially as described,
of a matrix block carrier, a stationary abutment, a type or character die adapted
to be located and fixed in position against said abutment, and mechanism sub-
stantially as described for pressing a matrix block held by said carrier against the
face of a die when 80 located, substantially as set forth.
Nineteenth. The combination with a feed mechanism substantially as described,
of a matrix block carrier, mechanism operated by an intermittently rotating driving
shaft for moving said carrier towards and from the face of a fixed type or character
die, and mechanism substantially as described operating by said driving shaft for
intermittently relieving the discs of said feed mechanism from the tension of the
spring thereof, substantially as set forth.
Twentieth. The combination with a feed mechanism substantially as described,
of a matrix block carrier, mechanism substantially as described for moving said
carrier in a direction opposite to its traverse when subject to the traction of tho
spring of the feed mechanism, and mechanism substantially as described for locking
the carrier against movement during adjustment of the feed discs, substantially as
set forth.
_ Twenty first. A matrix block holder having a face plate adjustable upon a central
pivot to any desired angle in the plane of its face substantially as described and
shewn.
Twenty second. The combination of the centrally pivoted face plate, the toothed
wheel, fast to the face plate, and the holding pawl whereby the matrix block may
be set and held at any angle in the plane of its face substantially as described
and shewn.
Dated this eighth day of December One thousand eight hundred and eighty