Improvements in or in connection with Linotype Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or in connection with Linotype Machines.
A communication by JOHN RAPHAEL ROGERS, of Brooklyn, in the County of
Kings and State of New York, United States of America, Engineer.
1, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., Agent for Foreign Patent
Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to a supplemental distributor and magazine for
use in connection with the well-known Mergenthaler linotype machine.
In the commercial linotype there are ninety finger-keys, representing the
characters of a corresponding series of type matrices stored in a magazine. The
operation of. the keys effects the release of the corresponding matrices, which
descend successively from the lower end of the magazine into a common line,
which is completed by the addition of spaces and then transferred to the face
of a mold in which the slug or linotype is-cast, cameo characters being produced
on its edge by the matrices. After this casting action, the line of matrices is
lifted into the top of the machine and the matrices are returned individually
through a distributing mechanism into the upper ends of the appropriate magazine
channels.
In practice it is frequently found desirable to use matrices representing addi-
tional characters, or characters which are not represented in the key-board.
The object of this invention is to provide a simple mechanism, readily attach-
able to existing machine, by means of which the extra matrices, after being
inserted into the composed line, may be automatically distributed into the appro-
priate channels of the supplemental magazine.
To this end a small magazine is provided, adapted to be seated on or above
the keyboard of the machine, or in other suitable position, and above this a
distributor bar and a conductor are arranged, by which the extra or supplemental
matrices, commonly known as sorts matrices, are, delivered automatically from
the main, distributor to the secondary distributor, which in turn delivers them
to the supplemental magazine.
This supplemental magazine is preferably constructed with vertical channels,
each adapted to receive a number of matrices, standing one on top of another,
the lower ends of the channels being open, so that the desired matrices may be
readily selected and withdrawn by hand, one at a time, for insertion into the
line in course of composition.-
As a means of distributing to this supplemental magazine, a sustaining bar
is preferably employed, toothed after the manner of the Mergenthaler distributor
represented in Letters Patent No. 10525, dated August 17th 1886, and inclined
to facilitate the travel of the matrices downward thereon, preferably using in

page_text: !
connection therewith a tappet or equivalent device to cause a vibration of the
bar, in order that the matrices may descend by gravity thereover.
In order to insure the delivery of the matrices to this bar as they descend
successively through the conductor from the top of the machine, a rotary star
wheel or equivalent device is employed.
This invention consists of a magazine of an ordinary linotype machine, and a
keyboard, from which connections extend to the mouth of the magazine for
selecting and delivering the matrices, an inclined travelling belt, upon which the
matrices fall from the magazine and by which they are delivered successively into
the assembling elevator. The toothed distributor bar lies horizontally above the
magazine and receives from an elevating mechanism the matrices, which are
carried along the bar by screws until they are released and permitted to fall into
the magazine channels.
The foregoing parts are all constructed and operated in the usual manner.
Passing now to this invention, this secondary or supplemental magazine is
constructed with a series of vertical channels, each adapted to receive a column
of matrices, standing on end, one above another. These channels are open at the
upper end in order that the matrices may readily fall into them. At the lower end
they are left open and the partitions indented in such manner as to expose the
front edge of the bottom matrix and admit of its being readily withdrawn by
the fingers for insertion into the line of composition.
In order to prevent the accidental escape of the matrices, the magazine is pre-
ferably given a slight inclination backward. It may be connected to the frame
of the machine by a bracket plate, or seated on top of the keyboard, or sustained
in any other manner, the only requirement being that it shall stand in such
position that the operator at the keyboard may readily remove the matrices.
The inclined distributor bar lies above the top of the secondary magazine and
is secured at one end to the frame of the machine or other support by screws.
This bar is inclined downward to the left and has its lower V shaped edge pro-
vided with groups of longitudinal distributing teeth, permuted or varied in
arrangement at different points in its length after the manner described in the
Mergenthaler Patent No. 10525 of 1886, above referred to.
The extra or sorts matrices, having their upper ends notched to straddle the
distributor bars are provided in the notched end with distributor teeth on the
Mergenthaler system, the arrangement of teeth being such that all of the
matrices will remain in suspension on the main distributor bar until they reach
a common delivery point, and so that they will in like manner remain in sus-
pension from the secondary distributor bar until they reach the different points
at which they fall into their appropriate channels in the secondary magazine.
A tube or conductor leads from the point at which the sorts matrices leave the
main distributor downward to a point opposite the right hand end of the secondary
distributor. The matrices descend successively through this conductor, are
arrested by an underlying plate or support, and are pushed forward to the left
by a rotating star wheel, so that they engage at their upper ends successively
with a distributor bar.
The star wheel may be of the form ordinarily used in the composing
mechanism of the Mergenthaler machine, or of any other appropriate form,
or it may be replaced by any equivalent device known in the art for pushing the
matrices successively into engagement with the distributor.. The star wheel is
mounted on a horizontal spindle, hearing a pulley, driven by a belt from the
pulley on the shaft of a wheel forming part of the ordinary machine.
If the distributor bar is given sufficient inclination, the slight vibration
received from the main frame will cause the matrices to travel downward by
gravity, but in order to insure their travel at the proper speed it is proposed
to impart to the bar a vibratory or tremulous movement by any suitable means.
For this purpose a tappet or striker is recommended pivoted to a frame, and
acted upon by a toothed eccentric, mounted on a shaft, forming part of the ordinary

page_text: machine. As the shaft rotates, it will cause the end of the tappet to be lifted
and released, so that it will strike lightly on the free end of the distributor bar,
which is jarred and vibrated sufficiently to cause a uniform and certain travel
of the matrices. A spring is preferably arranged to draw the tappet downward,
in order to increase its percussive effect. It will be obvious to the skilled
mechanic that the means for imparting movement to the distributor bar may be
widely varied without departing from the scope of this invention, the only
requirement being that the bar shall be moved rapidly in any direction which
will cause the matrices to descend thereover.
In order that the matrices may be properly distributed and that one may not
be carried beyond the proper point by another, it is desirable to maintain the
separation between the matrices hanging from the distributor bar. To this
end the inclination of the distributor bar is made so slight that the matrices will
not slide forward or downward under the influence of gravity, their advance
along the bar depending on its vibration.
With the bar inclined at the slight angle shown, it is found that the matrices
will advance slowly but steadily along the vibratory or tremulous bar, moving
with certainty but at moderate speed and maintaining practically the separation
or distance between them with which they start along the bar. In this respect
this distributor is to be clearly distinguished from one in which the steep inclina-
tion causes the matrices to slide rapidly downward and forward.
The operation of this attachment is as follows:-
The sorts matrices, having been inserted in the composed line, will in the
regular course of operations be lifted with the other matrices to the main dis-
tributor. Instead of being delivered into the main magazine, they will pass
along the distributor to the common point of delivery, where they will escape
into the conductor. Descending through this conductor, they will be acted upon
by the star wheel and carried into engagement with the secondary distributor.
Hanging from this distributor, they will pass to the left until they arrive over
their respective channels in the secondary magazine. At these points the relation
of the teeth of the matrices to those on the bar will be such that the matrices,
receiving no further support from the bar, will fall into the channels of the
magazine.
It will of course be understood that in connection with the secondary distri-
butor a magazine may be used of any appropriate form to hold the sorts matrices,
and that the distributor overlying the secondary magazine may be modified in
construction, provided it serves to receive the matrices which are carried past
the main magazine and deliver them properly to the second magazine.
It will be observed that in this mechanism the two distributors lie parallel
with each other or practically so. This is advantageous in that it permits the
machine to be made of minimum width, and also in that it brings the secondary
magazine within convenient reach of the operator.
The use of a secondary distributor, forming a continuation of the main dis
tributor, necessarily increases the width of the machine to an objectionable
extent and gives rise to difficulties which need not be enumerated.
"
"
My correspondent believes himself to be the first to combine in a linotype or
analogous machine two distinct distributors, lying one in front of or below the
other, and the first to combine with a primary distributor, arranged to deliver
the sorts or extra matrices at a common point, means for conducting such
matrices by gravity to a secondary distributor, and also the first to combine in
one machine a distributing mechanism through which the matrices travel in
one direction, and a secondary distributor receiving a portion of such matrices
and carrying them in the reverse direction; also the first to employ an inclined
toothed distributor bar of the type herein described, and the first to combine with
such bar means for imparting motion thereto.
The arrangement shown, in which the sorts matrices travel through the main
distributing mechanism before being conducted to the second distributor is pre-

page_text: "
ferred for the reason that this arrangement avoids change in the commercial
machine; but it is to be understood that the "sorts matrices may be released
at the entrance to the main distributor, in which case the conductor will be
extended to the left side of the distributor, so as to avoid the carrying of the
sorts matrices through the main distributor.
By the term "magazine" as herein employed is meant a holder or receiver
in which the matrices are assorted and arranged in rows or columns, all matrices
bearing the same character being in the same column.
Dated this 30th day of November 1899.
A communication by JoHN RAPHAEL ROGERS, of Brooklyn, in the County of
Kings and State of New York, United States of America, Engineer.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention has reference to a supplemental distributor and magazine for
use in connection with the well-known Mergenthaler linotype machine.
In the commercial linotype there are ninety finger-keys, representing the
characters of a corresponding series of type matrices stored in a magazine. The
operation of the keys effects the release of the corresponding matrices, which
descend successively from the lower end of the magazine into a common line,
which is completed by the addition of spaces and then transferred to the face
of a mold in which the slug or linotype is cast, cameo characters being produced
on its edge by the matrices. After this casting action, the line of matrices is
lifted into the top of the machine and the matrices are returned individually
through a distributing mechanism into the upper ends of the appropriate magazine
channels.
In practice it is frequently found desirable to use matrices representing addi-
tional characters, or characters which are not represented in the key board.
The object of this invention is to provide a simple mechanism, readily attach-
able to existing machines, by means of which the extra matrices, after being
inserted into the composed line, may be automatically distributed into the appro-
priate channels of the supplemental magazine.
To this end a small magazine is provided adapted to be seated on or above
the keyboard of the machine, or in other suitable position, and above this a
distributor bar and a conductor are arranged, by which the extra or supplemental
matrices, commonly known as sorts matrices, are delivered automatically from
the main distributor to the secondary distributor, which in turn delivers them
to the supplemental magazine.
This supplemental magazine is preferably constructed with vertical channels,
each adapted to receive a number of matrices, standing one on top of another,
the lower ends of the channels being open, so that the desired matrices may be

page_text: readily selected and withdrawn by hand, one at a time, for insertion into the
line in course of composition.
As a means of distributing to this supplemental magazine, a sustaining bar
is preferably employed, toothed after the manner of the Mergenthaler distributor
represented in Letters Patent No. 10525, dated August 17th, 1886, and inclined
to facilitate the travel of the matrices downward thereon, preferably using in
connection therewith a tappet or equivalent device to cause a vibration of the
bar, in order that the matrices may descend by gravity thereover.
In order to insure the delivery of the matrices to this bar as they descend
successively through the conductor from the top of the machine a rotary star
wheel or equivalent device is employed.
In the accompanying drawings this device is represented as applied to a
Mergenthaler machine, the illustration being limited to such parts of the machine
as are necessary to an understanding of the invention. It is to be understood
that in all other respects the machine may be of ordinary construction.
Figure 1 is a front elevation, showing the improvement applied to à commercial
linotype.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the magazine and distributor on a large scale.
Figure is an elevation of the same, looking from the right in the direction
indicated by the arrow in Figure 2.
Figure is a cross section on the correspondingly numbered line of Figures 1
and 2, illustrating the construction of the magazine and the manner in which
matrices are delivered thereto and removed therefrom.
Figure 5 is a vertical cross section through the main distributor on the corre-
spondingly numbered line of Figure 1, showing the manner in which the sorts
matrices are delivered into the conductor leading to the secondary distributor.
Referring to the drawings, A represents the magazine of an ordinary linotype
machine, and B the keyboard from which connections extend to the mouth of
the magazine for selecting and delivering the matrices. C is an inclined travel-
ling belt, upon which the matrices fall from the magazine and by which they
are delivered successively into the assembling elevator D. E represents the
toothed distributor bar lying horizontally above the magazine and receiving from
an elevating mechanism the matrices, which are carried along the bar by the
screws until they are released and permitted to fall into the magazine channels.
The foregoing parts are all constructed and operated in the usual manner.
Passing now to this invention, G represents the secondary or supplemental
magazine constructed with a series of vertical channels g, each adapted to
receive a column of matrices, standing on end, one above another. These
channels are open at the upper end in order that the matrices may readily fall
into them. At the lower end they are left open and the partitions indented,
as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, in such manner as to expose the front edge of
the bottom matrix and admit of its being readily withdrawn by the fingers for
insertion into the line of composition.
In order to prevent the accidental escape of the matrices, the magazine is
preferably given a slight inclination backward, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
It may be connected to the frame of the machine by a bracket plate N, as shown
in Figure 3, or seated on top of the keyboard, or sustained in any other manner,
the only requirement being that it shall stand in such position that the operator
at the keyboard may readily remove the matrices.
II represents the inclined distributor bar lying above the top of the secondary
magazine and secured at one end to the frame of the machine or other support
by screws h. This bar is inclined downward to the left and has its lower V shaped
edge provided with groups of longitudinal distributing teeth, permuted or
varied in arrangement at different points in its length after the manner described
in the Mergenthaler Patent No. 10525 of 1886 above referred to.
The extra or sorts matrices I, having their upper ends notched to straddle
the distributor bars E and H are provided in the notched end with distributor

page_text: teeth on the Mergenthaler system. the arrangement of teeth being such that
all of the matrices will remain in suspension on the main distributor bar E until
they reach a common delivery point, and so that they will in like manner remain
in suspension from the secondary distributor bar H until they reach the different
points at which they fall into their appropriate channels in the secondary
magazine.
:
J represents a tube or conductor, leading from the point at which the sorts
matrices leave the main distributor, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, downward to a
point opposite the right hand end of the secondary distributor H. The matrices
descend successively through this conductor, are arrested by an underlying plate
or support K, and are pushed forward to the left by a rotating star wheel L,
so that they engage at their upper ends successively with the distributor bar H,
as clearly shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.
The star wheel may be of the form ordinarily used in the composing mechanism
of the Mergenthaler machine, or of any other appropriate form, or it may be
replaced by any equivalent device known in the art for pushing the matrices
successively into engagement with the distributor. The star wheel is mounted
on a horizontal spindle, bearing a pulley, driven by a belt M from the pulley (
on the shaft of a wheel forming part of the ordinary machine.
If the distributor bar H is given sufficient inclination, the slight vibration
received from the main frame will cause the matrices to travel downward by
gravity, but in order to insure their travel at the proper speed it is proposed to
impart to the bar H a vibratory or tremulous movement by any suitable means.
For this purpose a tappet or striker P is recommended, pivoted to the frame at p,
and acted upon by a toothed eccentric Q, mounted on the shaft R, forming part
of the ordinary machine. As the shaft rotates, it will cause the end of the tappet
to be lifted and released, so that it will strike lightly on the free end of the dis-
tributor bar, which is jarred and vibrated sufficiently to cause a uniform and
certain travel of the matrices. A spring S is preferably arranged to draw the
tappet downward, as shown in order to increase its percussive effect. It will be
obvious to the skilled mechanic that the means for imparting movement to the
distributor bar may be widely varied without departing from the scope of this
invention, the only requirement being that the bar shall be moved rapidly in
any direction which will cause the matrices to descend thereover.
In order that the matrices may be properly distributed and that one may not
be carried beyond the proper point by another, it is desirable to maintain the
To this
separation between the matrices hanging from the distributor bar.
end the inclination of the distributor bar is made so slight that the matrices will
not slide forward or downward under the influence of gravity, their advance
along the bar depending on its vibration.
With the bar inclined at the slight angle shown, it is found that the matrices
will advance slowly but steadily along the vibratory or tremulous bar, moving
with certainty but at moderate speed and maintaining practically the separation
or distance between them with which they start along the bar. In this respect
this distributor is to be clearly distinguished from one in which the steep inclina-
tion causes the matrices to slide rapidly downward and forward.
The operation of this attachment is as follows:-
The sorts matrices, having been inserted in the composed line, will in the
regular course of operations be lifted with the other matrices to the main dis-
tributor E. Instead of being delivered into the main magazine, they will pass
along the distributor to the common point of delivery, where they will escape
into the conductor J. Descending through this conductor, they will be acted
upon by the star wheel L and carried into engagement with the secondary dis-
tributor H. Hanging from this distributor, they will pass to the left until they
arrive over their respective channels in the secondary magazine. At these points
the relation of the teeth of the matrices to those on the bar will be such that the

page_text: matrices, receiving no further support from the bar, will fall into the channels
of the magazine.
•
It will of course be understood that in connection with the secondary distri-
butor a magazine may be used of any appropriate form to hold the sorts matrices,
and that the distributor overlying the secondary magazine may be modified in
construction, provided it serves to receive the matrices which are carried past
the main magazine and deliver them properly to the second magazine.
It will be observed that in this mechanism the two distributors lie parallel
with each other or practically so. This is advantageous in that it permits the
machine to be made of minimum width, and also in that it brings the secondary
magazine within convenient reach of the operator.
The use of a secondary distributor, forming a continuation of the main dis-
tributor, necessarily increases the width of the machine to an objectionable
extent and gives rise to difficulties which need not be enumerated.
«
My correspondent believes himself to be the first to combine in a linotype or
analogous machine two distinct distributors, lying one in front of or below the
other, and the first to combine with a primary distributor, arranged to deliver
the sorts"
or extra matrices at a common point, means for conducting such
matrices by gravity to a secondary distributor, and also the first to combine in
one machine a distributing mechanism through which the matrices travel in
one direction, and a secondary distributor receiving a portion of such matrices
and carrying them in the reverse direction; also the first to employ an inclined
toothed distributor bar of the type herein described, and the first to combine with
such bar means for imparting motion thereto.
The arrangement shown in which the sorts matrices travel through the main
distributing mechanism before being conducted to the second distributor is pre-
ferred for the reason that this arrangement avoids change in the commercial
machine; but it is to be understood that the "sorts" matrices may be released
at the entrance to the main distributor, in which case the conductor J will be
extended to the left side of the distributor, as indicated by the dotted lines in
Figure 1, so as to avoid the carrying of the sorts matrices through the main
distributor.
By the term magazine" as herein employed is meant a holder or receiver
in which the matrices are assorted and arranged in rows or columns, all matrices
bearing the same character being in the same column.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by
my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a linotype machine, a magazine, a distributor co-operating therewith, and
a corresponding set of matrices, in combination with a second and independent
magazine and a distributor therefor, both out of line with those first named, a
second set of matrices permuted to correspond with the second distributor, means
for conducting the matrices of the second set from the first distributor, and a
feed device for delivering said matrices from the conductor to the second
distributor.
:
2. In a linotype machine, the main elevated magazine, its distributor and a
corresponding set of matrices, in combination with a second magazine at a lower
level within reach of the operator, an independent distributor and corresponding
matrices for the second magazine, a feed device for the second distributor, and
means for conducting the matrices of the second set from the first distributor to
said feed device.
3. In a linotype machine, the combination of two distinct and differing distri-
butor bars, means for feeding the matrices in one direction along the first dis-
tributor bar, means for conducting the matrices which are not distributed thereby
to the second distributor bar, and means for advancing the matrices in a reverse

page_text: direction along said second bar, whereby the use of the two magazines is per-
mitted without increasing the width of the machine.
4. In a linotype machine, a distributor through which the matrices pass in one
direction, a secondary distributor through which the matrices pass in the reverse
direction, means for transferring matrices from the first to the second distri-
butor, and matrices each adapted to be distributed by one of the mechanisms
only, whereby the use of a second magazine directly in front of the operator is
permitted.
5. In a linotype machine, two independent magazines, lying one in front of
the other, in combination with a distinct distributor for each magazine and means
for delivering all the matrices to the first distributor and thereafter delivering
the matrices which are not distributed thereby to the second distributor.
6. In a linotype machine, a toothed distributor bar, having an inclination
insufficient to cause the matrices to slide thereover, in combination with means
for imparting motion to said bar to insure the slow travel of the matrices thereon,
whereby the danger of the matrices being carried past the proper points and of
their adhering to each other is avoided.
7. In a linotype machine, the combination of a toothed distributor bar, having
an inclination insufficient to cause the descent of the matrices when the bar is
stationary, in combination with a tappet for imparting vibrations thereto, whereby
the matrices are caused to advance slowly along the bar and to maintain their
separation during their travel.
S. In a linotype machine, the combination of a toothed distributor bar, substan-
tially as described, means for delivering the matrices successively in a downward
direction to a position opposite the end of said bar, and a pusher device acting
against the sides of the matrices to push them into engagenient with the bar..
9. In a linotype machine, the distributor bar, the rotary pusher wheel, and a
conductor through which the matrices descend successively in front of said wheel.
10. In a linotype machine, a magazine having a series of channels, open at
their upper ends to receive the matrices and having at their lower 'ends openings
to permit the removal of individual matrices, in combination with an overlying
distributor bar, means for guiding the matrices in a downward direction to the
end of the distributor and means for causing the matrices to advance successively
upon the distributor, substantially as described and shown.
11. In a linotype machine, and in combination with the ordinary magazine
and distributor, a conductor, J, for delivering the sorts matrices in a downward
direction from said distributor, a secondary magazine at the lower end of said
conductor, a distributor overlying the secondary magazine, and means for deliver-
ing the matrices successively from the lower end of the conductor to the secondary
distributor, substantially as described:
Dated this 7th day of February 1900.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents.