Improvements in Mechanism for Setting Type.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Aug., 1890-Accepted, 4th Apr., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mechanism for Setting Type.
I, JOHN BYRON ODELL, residing at Chicago, in the County of Cook, in the
State of Illinois, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby solemnly
declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM FOR
SETTING TYPE," 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 improvements in type-setting machines.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view, in part broken away, of a type-setting apparatus
embodying the several features of my invention.
Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section taken substantially through the centre of the
type-holding and conveying devices shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the lower portion of the type-delivery hopper and
the table over which the type are carried.
Fig. 4 is a view in central longitudinal section of the parts illustrated in
Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view showing the type-holding devices and the
hopper or conveyor connected therewith, the said view being taken in the direction
indicated by the horizontally drawn arrow in Fig. 2.
Fig. 6 is a detail view illustrating the devices employed for automatically
turning the type to proper position while being carried forward by the setting
mechanism.
Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a type of the form adapted to be employed in the
apparatus.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a portable place which I employ in conjunction
with a type-setting mechanism for receiving the type as the same are carried
forward by said mechanism.
Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the perforated dielectric strip and the contact arms
and plates co-operating therewith.
Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the compound circuit switching devices.
Fig. 12 is a detail view showing the preferred arrangement of the circuit-opening
and closing arm.
Fig. 13 is a vertical longitudinal section through the centre of the part shown in
Fig. 10.
A indicates the frame which sustains the type-holding, discharging and setting
devices. B indicates a series of type-holders within which the individual type are
placed, each holder being provided at its lower or discharge end with a suitable
opening b, and adjacent thereto with an adjustable plate &', which is operated for
the purpose of increasing or diminishing the size of said opening b to correspond
with the cross section of the type to be employed therein, and fixed in position by a
binding-screw or nut b².
Cindicates the hopper or conveyor connected with said type-holders, divided
into chutes c into and through which respective type pass when discharged from
corresponding type-holders B. The said chutes are formed by downwardly-
inclined laterally-arranged diaphragms or spacing-plates e', which converge toward
the lower or discharge end of the hopper and respectively terminate in such manner
that each type travelling therethrough can freely pass from its chute to a common
discharge point or opening C², provided at the lower end or termination C¹ of th
hopper.
D indicates an endless apron located upon a horizontal plane below the discharging
point C2 of the hopper and beneath a table A¹ horizontally extended from the

page_text: frame A; the said apron being carried by suitably sustained rollers D', one of
which is adapted to be actuated rotatively, preferably through a belt-pulley D²
fixed to its axle d². The said apron is provided with series of laterally-aligned
outwardly projecting fingers d adapted to pass, when in action, by way of suitable
openings or slots a provided therein, through the said table A' and to engage with
and carry forward the type as the same are successively dropped thereon from the
discharging point C².
H, H, Hand H³ indicate electro-magnets respectively located adjacent to the
lower end of each type-holder B; the armature of each magnet being provided
with a stem adapted, preferably, upon the closing of the circuit within which the
same is located to be carried forward through the lower end of the holder, and to
force from the opening thereof the lowest type contained therein; a retracting-
spring being desirably employed in conjunction with the armature and stem
for withdrawing the stem to its normal position upon de-energization of its
magnet.
The hopper C, shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 2, is U-shaped in general form,
which adapts it to the convenient and economical arrangement of the type-holders
with which it is connected. Mainly for the purpose of economizing space, the
holders B are arranged to hold the type in horizontal position, one above the other.
As each type is, discharged from its holder it is desirable that it should be given a
perpendicular or downward inclination in the hopper, with a pre-determined end
leading such position with reference to its length being maintained until the
several functions of the apparatus following its discharge from its holder are com-
pleted. To thus change the position of the type in its travel, it becomes necessary
to employ means for tripping the same intermediate its holder, and the discharging
point C² of the hopper. The arrangement of parts shown particularly in Fig. 5 is
both simple and effective. The upper ends of the spacing-plates c', which form the
chutes c, and which are laterally spaced correspondingly with the widths of the
type-holders B, are so located with reference to said holders that a plate c' is in
the downward path of travel of the type discharged in horizontal position into each
chute, and trips the same as is substantially illustrated in said Fig. 5. The type
being given the proper inclination, is so held through its downward travel, by
reason of the gradual diminishing width of the chute until it has passed therefrom
to its proper position above the discharging-point C2 of the hopper, to be so
deposited upon the table A¹.
The
To positively determine, with reference to the position of the fingers of the
moving apron D, the time at which the type discharged into the hopper shall pass
therefrom, to the table A¹, near the lower termination C¹ of the hopper, a magnet N
is provided, having an armature n, the stem n¹ of which carries a plate n² arranged
and adapted (see Figs. 3 and 4) to enter the hopper through a suitable opening c²
provided therein above the discharging point C2 and to close the same.
plate 2 is normally held out of closing-position by means of a retracting-spring
carried by the stem n', the tension of which is exerted outwardly against the
armature n. This magnet is embraced within the circuit for operating the
magnets H, etc., and is therefore energized simultaneously therewith, carrying
forward the plate n² and closing the lower end of the hopper.
The office of said magnet N is to prevent, by means of the chute-closing plate
carried by the stem of its armature, the passage of type from the hopper, except as
the type setting-apron reaches the proper point in its travel to receive the type;
the operation of the magnet to carry the closing plate forward being successively
effected therein by manipulation of either of the several key-arms of the apparatus
in closing the respective circuits of the type-discharging magnets the current being
thereafter held in the magnet, to hold the plate in closing position by an independent
circuit closed by the armature n as it is drawn forward, and completed through
contacts broken at the proper moment by the type-setting apron.
The said magnet N is connected, as shown herein by conductor 10 with battery,
and by conductor 10 with contact plate 2 of the transmitter, its circuit being

page_text: completed through either of the circuit-closing arms, and their circuits; through the
circuit-switching instruments, if present, and by conductor 75 to battery.
It will be seen from the description to follow that as either of the arms of the
transmitter make contact with the plate 2 of the transmitter, the said circuit of said
magnet N is closed and the armature thereof drawn thereto, as will presently more
fully appear. The armature n carries an insulated contact point o which is con-
nected with battery by conductor 11 a similar co-incident contact point P is fixed
adjacent to said contact o and connected by a conductor as 25 with an insulated
contact point p, fixed to the table A¹ (see Fig. 3); a conductor, as 26, connecting
conductor 10 with a contact lever or flexible contact P¹, located adjacent to and
normally held in engagement with the contact p. As the armature n is drawn to
its magnet, contact is made by the points o, P, the current passing by way of con-
ductor 25, through points p and P₁, by conductors 26 and 10 to the magnet, through
the magnet and by conductor 10 to battery; thus holding the current within the
magnet irrespective of the action of the arm of the transmitter to open the circuit
completed through conductors 10 and 10%, which it closed, until contact is broken
between the points and P which is accomplished by the engagement of the
fingers d of the apron D of the type-setting machine with the flexible or movable
contact lever P¹. This lever P is acted upon by a tension spring in order to
hold this lever normally in contact with the point pl. The purpose of this magnet N,
and the closing plate n² operated thereby, is to insure that but one type shall be
dropped from the hopper on to the apron D at a time.
The table A¹ is provided at suitable points and distances apart in the direction
of its length, with type-turning devices in the form of pivoted L-shaped dogs E,
which work in suitable openings e² provided therefor, and which operatively work
by their projecting portions e (particularly shown in Fig. 4) above the upper
surface of the table, within the plane of travel of the type when carried forward
by the apron. The said dogs which are desirably employed in series of two
positioned in lateral alignment athwart the table and respectively equi-distant from
parallel guides a' forming part of or attached to said table, are adapted to normally
occupy the position shown in Fig. 4, preferably by means of a preponderance of
weight given to the lower portions e' thereof, and to vibrate or swing rearwardly on
their axes as occasion may require, as shown in Fig. 6; their said projecting
portions being arranged to correspond in length, above the upper surface of the
table with the depth of correspondingly arranged grooves provided in one of the
sides of said type, shown particularly in Figs. 7 and 8.
A series of leaf-springs G (see Figs. 3, 4 and 6) each fixedly held by one end, are
arranged to extend longitudinally over the table A', and to bear upon the type F as
the same is carried under by the apron and presents thereto the side thereof opposite
its said grooves.
The plate Q (see Fig. 8) is adapted to be removably located at the end of the
table A, as shown in Fig. 1. The said plate being provided with guides, which
correspond with the grooves in the type, is intended to receive the type from the
table in the order in which they are set by the apparatus, and as the same are
forced longitudinally off the table by the apron.
While it is possible to operate that portion of my improved type-setting apparatus
thus far described by means of a key-board having keys electrically connected with
the several series of type-discharging magnets, these keys corresponding in number and
character with the magnets, I prefer to effect the operation of the type-discharging
magnets by means of a perforated dielectric strip, the perforations of which serve
by their location and arrangement to permit various contact arms or key-arms to
come into action in order to cause passage of current through the magnets whose
office it is to discharge the particular types corresponding to the perforations in the
dieletric strip. This mechanism, for convenience termed the transmitting instru-
ment, which serves to control the passage of current through the type discharging
magnets will next be described.
I indicates the base of the transmitting instrument and 2 an insulated contact-

page_text: plate carried thereby. 3 designates an insulated or dielectric bridge sustained by
said contact-plate, forming a base for a series of hinged arms; the free ends of
which, provided with platinum rollers, are normally held towards the contact-plate 2
by resisting springs 4, which bear thereon, fixed to the heads 4 with which said
arms are respectively connected. The bridge 3 is so disposed with relation to the
contact-plate 2, that a space is formed intermediate said parts which admits of the
passage therethrough of a strip 5 (see Fig. 12) operatively carried by rollers 6 and 7,
the journals of which are sustained in bearings 6", 7" carried by the base 1; the
roller 6 being an idler and the roller 7 being given continuous rotary motion through
a peripheral rack 7" carried thereby and a suitably actuated pinion 8 which meshes.
therewith.
The rollers 6 and 7 are provided on their peripheries, cach at the centre of its
length, with pins 7 adapted to accurately engage, as they describe their rotative
movement, with correspondingly spaced perforations 5 formed in the centre
transversely of the strip 5 and to guide and advance the same in the direction
indicated by the arrow longitudinally of the strip in Figs. 10 and 13.
The said arms are in number, and are arranged and positioned with relation to
each other and the width and direction of travel of the strip 5, correspondingly
with the number, arrangement and positions relatively of the dies forming part of
the perforating machine which prepares the strip for use herein, and each particular
perforation is formed in the strip so as to be in perfect alignment with the position
occupied by the contact end 4" of a particular arm.
In Figs. 10 and 13, or the purpose of fully showing the details of construction
and operative arrangement of the lower ends of the said arms, the resistance
springs 4 are illustrated as extending for less than half the length of their respective
arms; but the preferred arrangement thereof is illustrated in Fig. 12, which shows
the spring as being extended and so formed as to always by its free end be in
contact with the platinum roller 4d, and thereby, in addition to the arm-movement-
resistance purposes for which it is provided, subserve the purpose of a brush for
taking the current directly from the roller to a conductor attached thereto forming
part of the circuit within which the arm is incorporated.
In Figs. 1 and 10 the transmitter is illustrated as embracing thirty arms, of
which number but fourteen are shown as being employed for operating thirty
circuits (see Fig. 1); it being understood that the type-setting machine is shown as
embracing three series of type-discharging magnets, each series being shown as
consisting of 10 magnets designated respectively H, H', H2 and H2, which are deemed
sufficient for the purposes of this description. Of the said number of arms shown
to be in use, but ten, designated by 4, are employed to operate the magnets of the
type-setting machine; the remaining four being adapted and employed for circuit-
switching purposes as hereinafter set forth, being designated in the drawings
by a A a and blank, respectively.
When it is desired to automatically operate a system embracing a multiple
number of magnets forming a single series, no necessity for employing circuit-
switching devices presents, and the arrangement and operation of the apparatus and
circuits is as follows:-
The contact-plate 2 would be connected by a conductor, as 10, with battery. A
conductor, as 10%, connected with each arm 4 by its spring 4", or otherwise, is
extended to one side of a corresponding electro-magnet, the other side of which is
connected by a general conductor, as 10, with battery.
The strip 5 being properly located within the transmitter between the arms and
contact-plate and the feed mechanism thereof being put in action, the arms 4 which
are normally held from contact with the plate 2 by the strip, successively make
contact therewith as corresponding perforations 5" are brought under their contact
ends; thus closing their respective circuits and effecting operation of the magnets
embraced therein; the moving strip obviously causing contact to be broken between
the arm and plate as the perforation is drawn from beneath the contact end of
the arm.

page_text: To operate several independent series of magnets by a given number of circuit-
controlling arms as above set forth, switching devices of the required number and
of form substantially illustrated in Figs. 1 and 11, are located intermediate the
battery, with which they have general connection, and the magnets operated by
said arms 4. Each device comprises two magnets, a fulcrumed armature-lever,
and two insulated contacts through which respective circuits are alternately made
and broken or switched by the armature-lever as it vibrates on its axis.
To describe the ordinary arrangement of the apparatus and circuits when the
system embraces multiple series of magnets, as for example, the number shown
in Fig. 1-
Two switching devices 50, 60 are employed, which embrace magnets 50%, 50",
and 60, 60 respectively; fulcrumed armature-levers 50°, 60°, respectively; and
insulated contacts 50", 50%, and 604, 60°, respectively situated within the limit of
action of their corresponding armature-levers.
As a matter of convenience and economy, branch conductors, as a', m, in lieu of
equivalent direct connections from the arms 4, extend from corresponding
conductors 10 to one side of respective magnets of the series H¹ and H2, which
are connected with battery by general conductors, as a², m', respectively, the
conductor m' being branched to connect with both series of magnets H2 and H³.
Five only of the branch conductors leading to each set of said magnets H² and H³
are shown for convenience, although it will be readily understood that each of the
magnets of the series will be provided with its corresponding branch conductor.
Conductor 10 is connected with the insulated contact 50 of the switching
instrument 50; conductor a² with contact 50° thereof; armature-lever 50° with
contact 60% of switching instrument 60, and conductor m¹ with contact 60° thereof;
the armature-lever 60° being connected with battery by conductor 75. The arm A²
of the series of contact arms, is connected with magnet 50 by conductor, as A*;
the arm a with magnet 50" by conductor, as a*; the arm A³ with magnet 60" by
conductor, as m²; and the arm blank with magnet 60" by conductor, as 02; the
contact plate 2 of the transmitter being connected to battery as already described,
by conductor 10.
To describe the automatic action of the apparatus in operating the circuits
embraced within the several series shown :-
Let it be supposed that the armature-lever of the switching instrument 50 is
normally in contact with the point 50 thereof, and the armature-lever of instru-
ment 60 in contact with point 60 thereof as shown in Figs. 1 and 11. As the
strip passes through the transmitter and perforations 5, therein present, allowing
the arms 4 to make and break contact with the plate 2, the circuits of corresponding
magnets of series H are successively closed and broken, manifestly effecting
operation of the magnets; the path of the currents being from the arms 4, by
conductors 10* to magnets A, from magnets by conductor 10% to point 50%, through
armature-lever 50° and connection 20 to point 60", through armature-lever 60° and
conductor 75 to battery; the action operatively of the arms with reference to the
said series of circuits being the same so long as the armature-levers of instru-
ments 50 and 60 remain in contact with the points 50 and 60" respectively.
The operation of each of the arms 4 being similar; to simplify description, it is
deemed best to now follow the operation of a single arm, which is a follows:
The said arm having operated its corresponding magnet of series H, it is next
necessary or desirable that it should operate a magnet of another series as of H³.
The moving strip being provided with a perforation which presents to the arm A³,
contact is made by said arm A³ with the plate 2, the current passing from said
arm A³ through conductor m² to magnet 60% of instrument 60, energizing the same
and drawing the armature-lever 60° from the point 60° to contact with the point 60°,
opening the circuit of the series H and thus closing the circuit of the arm 4 as the
same again makes contact with the plate 2, by way of a conductor 10ª through a
magnet H³ by way of conductor m¹ to point 60° thence by armature-lever 60° and
conductor 75 to battery. The armature-lever 60° remaining in contact with the

page_text: point 60%, the arm 4 would successively operate its magnet of the series H³ as
successive occurring perforations in the strip admitted of its making contact with
the plate 2.
The circuits of the magnets of series H H both being completed through the
armature-lever of instrument 50 and by way of point 60d and armature-lever 60° of
instrument 60 to battery, and the movement of the armature-lever 60°, last above
described, having broken connection at the point 60d with said instrument 50; in
order to next effect operation of a magnet of the series H or H¹, it is necessary that
connection shall again be made between the two instruments, which is effected as
follows:-
A perforation being provided in the strip which presents to the arm blank as the
strip is carried forward, and contact being had by said arm blank with the plate 2,
the current passes from said arm blank by way of conductor Ox to magnet 60,
energizing the same, drawing the armature-lever 60° from the point 60° to contact 60°,
breaking the circuit of the series H³. The armature-lever of the instrument 60
being brought back to normal position by the operation above described of the arm
blank, the arm 4 in making contact with the plate 2 is again operated to open and
close its circuit of series H.
To next operate a magnet of the series H' by the said arm 4:-A perforation in
the strip presenting to the arm a and contact being made thereby with the plate 2,
the current passes over conductor a* to magnet 50 of instrument 50 drawing the
armature 50 to contact with the point 50° and breaking the contact of its other
end with the point 50%. Another preforation in the moving strip permitting the
said arm 4 to make contact with the plate 2, the current passes from said arm by
way of conductor 10 and a through a magnet of the series H¹ and by conductor a²
to point 50° of instrument 50, thence by armature-lever 50 and connection 20 over
armature-lever 60° of instrument 60 and by conductor 75 to battery.
To again operate a magnet of the series H, a suitable perforation occurring in the
strip permits the arm A² to make contact with the plate 2; the current passing
from said arm by conductor A* to magnet 50ª drawing the armature-lever 50° to
contact with the point 50d and breaking contact by its other end with the contact 50º.
As another perforation in the strip allows the arm 4 to make contact with the
plate 2, the current passes from said arm by way of conductor 10 through a
magnet of the series H, thence by conductor 10% to point 50 of instrument 50,
thence by armature-lever 50° and conductor 20 to point 60 of instrument 60 and
by armature-lever 60° and conductor 75 to battery.
Inasmuch as it is desirable that one type only shall be discharged into the
hopper, and drop thereon at each closing operation of the magnet M, the strip
feeding mechanism is so timed as to bring the action of the circuit-closing devices
thereof, in unison or correspondence with the action of the devices of the type-
setting machine which effect the breaking of the independent circuit which holds
the current in the magnet N after the circuit which effected the forward movement
of the armature thereof is opened.
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 :-
1. In type-setting apparatus, the combination with a series of individual type-
holders, of a series of supplemental chutes leading from said type-holders to a
common discharge point, the division plates of said chutes being arranged out of
alignment with the type-holders to engage the type at one end in order to cause
them to fall with the proper ends downward to the point of discharge, substantially
as described.
2. In a type-setting apparatus, the combination of a series of individual type-
holders, a series of chutes leading therefrom to a common point of discharge,
suitable pushers at the base of said holders for projecting the type into the chutes,
a hopper or common receptacle at the discharge end of said chutes, and a closing

page_text: plate for temporarily retaining the type within said hopper, and suitable means for
actuating said pushers and said-retaining plate, substantially as described.
3. In a type-setting machine, the combination with type-feeding devices, of a
series of turning devices comprising movable dogs having shoulders to engage the
type except when the type are laid in proper position therein, and having in front
of said shoulders portions adapted to engage and turn over the type when the type
contact with said shoulders, substantially as described.
1. In type-setting apparatus, the combination with a slotted receiving table, and
suitable means for delivering the type thereto, of an endless apron provided with
fingers adapted to project through said table and feed forward the type, and suit-
able turning devices located in the path of travel of the type and adapted to engage
therewith, substantially as described.
5. A type-setting apparatus comprising a series of type-holders, electro
mechanical devices for successively releasing or discharging individual type from
the type-holders, mechanism for receiving and successively setting the type released
or discharged from the type holders, a hopper or conveyor for delivering the type
released or discharged from the type holders to the receiving and setting
mechanism, a key-board having electrical connection with, and controlling the
type-releasing or discharging devices, electro-mechanical hopper closing devices.
within the circuit of the key-board, and type-releasing or discharging devices,
adapted, to be actuated as to their closing action by said key-board, and a shunt.
circuit closed by said electro mechanical hopper-closing devices, separated to hold
said devices in hopper-closing action after the circuit controlled by the key-board
is broken, and until opened by the type-setting mechanism, substantially as
described.
6. In a type setting apparatus the combination with a transmitter comprising a
series of insulated opening and closing arms, a contact plate or equivalent and a
perforated strip interposed between said arms and said plate, and means for feeding
said strip, of a series of electro magnets and their armatures for performing a
specific mechanical function, such, for example, as discharging type from one set of
type-holders, a second series of electro-magnets and their armatures, for performing
a specific mechanical function, such for example, as discharging type from a second
set of type-holders, electrical connections between said circuit-opening and closing
arms, and said contact plate, and said electro magnets and armatures, and a switch
device for determining the passage of current from said arms to either set of said
magnets, and armatures, and a supplemental movable arm or arms co-operating
with said contact plate, and electrical connections between said switch and said
supplemental arms, for operating said switch to cause passage of current over the
connections uniting said movable arms to either set of electro-magnets as desired,
substantially as described.
a
7. In a type setting apparatus the combination with a transmitter comprising
series of insulated circuit-opening and closing arms, a contact plate or equivalent
and a perforated strip interposed between said arms and said plate and means for
feeding said strip, of a series of electro-magnets and armatures for performing a
specific mechanical function, such, for example, as discharging type from one set of
type-holders, a second series of electro magnets and their armatures for performing
a specific mechanical function, such, for example, as discharging type from a second
set of type-holders, separate conducting wires connecting each of said movable arms
with its corresponding pair of electro-magnets in each of said series, a single or
general electrical connection between each of said series of magnets and battery
and a switch device for determining the passage of current from said movable arms
to either set of electro magnets, said switch device comprising electro-magnets and
armatures suitably connected with said movable arms and with said series of electro
magnets and a supplemental arm or arms co-operating with said contact plate and
connecting wires uniting said supplemental arm or arms with said switch device,
whereby by the contact of said supplemental arms with said contact plate, the

page_text: shifting of the armatures of the switch magnets can be effected to cause the passage
of current to either series of electro magnets, substantially as described.
8. In a type setting apparatus, the combination of one or more switch instru-
ments each embracing two electro magnets, a fulcrumed armature lever, two
insulated contact points, a main line wire leading from one of said contact points, a
main line wire leading from the other of said contact points, and suitable wires
leading from said magnets and said armature whereby when said switching device is
arranged in circuit, either of said magnets may be energized to break contact
between the armature lever and one of said insulated contacts, and thereby cause
the main current to pass through either of the circuits within which the respective
contact points are included, substantially as described.
1000
333 15
JOHN BYRON ODELL.
Witnesses,
GEORGE P. FISHER, Jr.
F. B. CARPEnter.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.