IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY USED FOR PRINTING WITH TYPE AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TYPE - FOR PRINTING
Year: 1842

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, MOSES
SPERRY BEACH, of Nortolk Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex,
Printer.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twenty-third day of March, in the fifth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Moses Sperry Beach, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and
authority, that I, the said Moses Sperry Beach, my exors, admors, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Moses Sperry Beach, my exors, admors, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
USED FOR PRINTING WITH TYPE AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TYPE - FOR
PRINTING," communicated to me by a certain foreigner residing abroad;"
in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso, that I, the said Moses
Sperry Beach, shall cause a particular description of the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner tho same is to be performed, to be inrolled
in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent,
as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at
large annear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the snid
Moses Sperry Beach, do hereby declare that the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed are particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexod, and to the figures and letters 5
marked thereon 'that is to env).
Figure 1 is a view of one side of a rotary printing press having the im-
provements applied thereto. Figure 2 is a plan or birds-eyo view of the
same priuting press with the improvements. Figure 3 is also a side view
of the same rotary printing press with the improvements applied thereto.
In these Figures, A, A, represent the side framings of the machine;
B, B, C, C, aro four cylindres, upon two of which B, B, the type are
adjusted; they are called the type cylinders. The cylinders C, C, are
covered with the quantity of cloth or blanketing to obtain a good impression
from type, and are hence called the impression or platen cylinders. The
paper being properly damped is wound around the shaft M in any desirable
quantity,and passes from it in a horizontal direction between the first pair of
cylinders B,C,receiving an impression on the upper side; the type cylinder B
in this pair of cylinders being uppermost. The paper then passes between the
second pair of cylinders B, C, receiving an impression on the under side, the
type cylinder B being undermost in this pair of cylinders. An apparatus for
inking the type is attached to each of the type cylinders B, B. The one
attached to the second type cylinder is, however, mostly hidden by the framing
of the machine. a, a, a, are three of the four inking rollers, two for each of
the type cylinders B, B; b, b, are the two ink troughs, one for each of the
type cylinders B, B; c, c, are two small taking rollers, one for each of the ink
troughs b, b; d, d, are two trough rollers, ono for each of the ink troughs b, b;
e, c, are two distributing rollers, one for each of the ink troughs b, b; an end-
way motion may be communicated to the distributing rollers, if desired, as is
well understood, for equalizing the ink. The operation of this apparatus is as
follows: The trough rollers by turning partly in the ink receive the ink upon
one side of them, and on the other sido deliver it to the small taking rollers,
which in turn deliver it to the distributing rollers. By means of the two
distributing rollers the ink is taken from the two small taking rollers and
delivered to the four inking rollers, which by revolving upon the surface of the
type communicate the ink to them in suitable quantities. I would remark

page_text: that the inking apparatus forms no part of the Invention, and may bearranged
according to the judgment of the workman. H, H, are two joints, by means
of which a part of the side framing and the last or upper impression or platen
cylinder C may be raised or thrown back, so that the lower type cylinder B
may be taken from its bearings for the purpose of making up a new form of
type or adjusting the old one; I, I, I, I, are four leading or lifting rolls or
wheels, which raise the paper in its course to the folders K, K, K. The last
or second pair of these leading rolls is placed at an angle, as shown in the
Drawings. K,K, K, are three folders, by which the paper is folded in its course
to the rotary knife. These folders are three pieces of sheet iron, or other
convenient material, placed at angles as shown in the Drawings. L,S, are two
cylinders which run together and complete the folding, and, as will be hereafter
shown, cut off the paper. N, N, are two joints, by which the cylinder L is
thrown back in order to adjust the paper, if necessary; O is a screw which
regulates the pressure of the cylinder L upon the cylinder S. The type
cylinders B, B, and the impression or platen cylinders C, C, are geered
together and made to run with the same surface speed by the toothed wheels
D, D, and the whole machine is driven by turning the driving shaft E by
steam or other convenient power. The inking and distributing rollers are
turned by the two small toothed wheels U, U, working into two of the toothed
wheels D, D. The cylinders L, S, are made to run with the same surface speed
as the type and impression cylinders by the shaft P, which is geered to and
runs with the same speed as the driving shaft E. The trough rollers d, d, are
driven by the mitre wheel fon the cross or diagonal shaft G, which is worked
by another mitre wheel or screw on the driving shaft E. On each end of the
shaft G is a bevil pinion working into a bevil wheel on the trough roller shaft.
F, F, are the driving wheel and the driving crank handle, which are fixed to
the driving shaft E; R, R, are toothed wheels, by which the two perpen-
dicular or folding cylinders L, S, are made to run together with the same
surface speed; T, T, T, is a stationary knife or blade, used in connection
with the revolving knife V, V, V, which is placed upon the cylinder S. These
two knives or blades T, T, T, and V, V, V, cut against each other at each
revolution of the cylinder S. The paper, after having passed between the last
pair of printing cylinders, is raised by the first pair of rolls or wheels I, I ;
these rolls are placed at about one quarter of the width of the paper from the
two edges, and when on the rolls the edges of the paper drop to a certain
extent by their own weight; the paper is then passed over the second pair of
rolls or wheels I, I, which are placed nearer to each other than the first pair,
as shown by the Drawings, and at the same time the paper is passed under the

page_text: depressing roll or wheel J. The centre or middle of the paper passes under
the middle folder K, which is fastened at the top, and the sides of the paper
pass over the two outside folders K, K, which aro fastened at the bottom.
The paper is drawn over the rolls and past the folders by the cylinders L, S,
thon between the stationary knife T, and is cut off, by the revolution of the
cylinder S, by the knife or knives placed upon that cylinder. If it is roquired
to cut the paper more than once during each revolution of the printing
cylinders, two or more knives may be placed upon the cylinder S, at the
requisite distances apart, or the cylinder S, having one knife, may be geered
so as to run two or more times as fast as the printing cylinders.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 14, 15, and 16 represent the
different nachines and articles for adjusting the type upon the type cylinders
and also the manner of so adjusting the type. Figure 10 shows a singlo
type in two positions. Y shows the taper of the type from one end to the
other; it is by this taper or slant that the type are made to fit the cylinder.
It should be stated that the type made for one particular diameter of cylindor
cannot be used to advantage upon a cylinder of any other diameter, different
sets of type should therefore be made for cylinders of different diameters. In
Figure 10, Z shows the projection and indent of the type, by which one type
is made to fit into another; (1) is the indent upon one side of the type, and (2)
is the projection upon the other side of the type. It may be seen in Y that the
taper of the type is made on the sides corresponding with the top and bottom
of the letters. The moulds used for making such type are of the ordinary
kind, varied, however, so as to produce the taper in the manner mentioned,
and also for making the indent and projection (1) and (2).
Figure 8 represents an external and a sectional view of a column rule or
ring which is placed between each column of type; it has upon one side
a circular indent (1), (1), corresponding to the projection (2) of the type, and
on the other side a projection (2). corresponding to the indent (1) of the
type. The outer edge of this rule may be formod so as to produce a con-
tinuous line, or by having gaps, like that represented from ($) to (4), may
produce short lines with spaces between them, or if no lines are required, then
the rule or ring will not be so wide as to come in contact with the paper.
Figure 7 shows the common stick now in use for setting together or com-
posing type, with the improvements, by which it is adapted to the setting up
of tapering type for cylinders. The improvement consists in having the
bottom of the stick curved to suit the particular cylinder for which it is
intended, as the curve must be different for cylinders of different diameters,
The curve is shown by W, which is an end view of the stick.

page_text: Figure 16 shows the external view of what I call "the grab," a machine, as
will hereafter be shown, for placing a column of type. Upon the cylinder (5) is
a drum, inade of brass, or of any other suitable material, the inside diameter,
of which is just equal to the outside diameter of a ring of type. (6), (6), are
springs, placed upon the outside of the drum (5), and protruding a little below
the base of the drum, where they are bent inwards at (7), (7), at an angle, as
shewn; (8) is a ring of brass, or other suitable material, which fits around the
drum (5) and outside of the springs (6), (6). The tendency of the springs is
outwards, but when the ring (8) is pushed down to the bottom of the drum the
points of the springs (6), (6), are pressed inwards, as is shown in Figure 15.
(9), (9), are the handles of the grab fastened to the drum (5), and (10), (10),
are the handles of the ring (8).
Figure 14 shows a broken view of a lead or space, which is sometimes
placed between two lines of type to throw them apart or separate them, it
having the indent and projection (1), (2), at the ends. h is the end view
of such lead or space.
Figure 12 is a broken view of a cross rule, which forms a line from one
column rule to another parallel with a line of type. This cross rule has a pro-
jecting and indent (2), (1), corresponding with those in the type and column
rules. shows the end view of such cross rule. The leads or spaces are com-
monly made of type metal, and the cross rules of brass, but any suitable
material may be used. I would remark, that the cross rules and leads (like
the type) which are made for acylinder of a particular diameter, cannot, owing
to their taper, be used with advantage upon a cylinder of any other diameter
different degrees of taper being required for cylinders of different diameters.
Figure 9 is the end view of a block used for separating the type in certain
places, for the purpose of forming blank spaces upon the paper, called margins.
The taper of the sides is similar to that of the type, and it has an indent (1)
and a projection (2) to correspond with the type, its length being equal to the
width of a column or ring of type. The projection (11) fits into a groove
made in the type cylinder, as shown in Figure 4, (12), (12), (12). This groove
is made from end to end on the type cylinder and the projections (11), (11),
upon the blocks, and also upon the column rules, by fitting into it. firmly secure
the columns of type from getting out of their true relative positions.
Figure 11 is a broken side view of the block just described; Figure 13
shows the end of a block without the projection (11); it is used only where
two or more blank spaces or margins are required during a single revolution
of the type cylinder, which would seldom occur except in book printing. In
order to form blank spaces or margins for book or other printing in the opposite

page_text: direction, rings of any suitable thickness are placed upon the cylinder at
the required place or places. A section of one of these rings is shown in
Figure 4, (13), (18).
The manner of arranging the type and of adjusting thom upon the type
cylinder is thus performed:-Each type when placed in the stick is placed with
the projection (2) to the right hand, as shown by red lines in Figure 7, by
which the type lit and set into each other; when the stick is full, the type are
taken out in a body and placed sidowise upon a ring or column rule (Figures),
which may first be placed upon a small cylinder (Figure15, of a length equal to
about the width of a column of type. The column being full forms a complete
ring of type (Figure 5). The column of type is then taken by means of the
grab (Figures 15 and 16) and slid to its proper place upon the type cylinder.
For the purpose of putting a ring or column of type upon a type cylinder,
the grab is placed over and slid down to the bottom of the ring of type on the
smallcylinder (Figure15); the ring (8) is then pushed down, pressingthe springs
inward, the points of which catching under the column rule or ring, Figure 15),
the typo are hold between that ring and the guage rule, which is placed and
adjusted, as shown in Figure 15, (15), (15), (15). The column or ring of
type being thus held, is raised and placed upon the printing cylinder, which is
securely held in a perpendicular position to receive such column or ring of
type. The type cylinder being full, a round plate of iron or other suitable
material is placed at the end of the type cylinder, and pressed against the typo
by means of nuts and screws (Figure 6, (10), (16)). Each ring of type and
cach type in each ring fitting into the next ring of type, by means of the
column rules or rings, or into the next type, the whole form is firmly secured
to the type cylinder by the pressure occasioned by the nuts and screws upon
the aforesaid plate.
Figure 6 is an end view of one of the type cylinders ready to be put upon
its bearings in the press, the rim which holds the type at the other end of
the cylinder being firmly fixed to the cylinder, or forming a component
part thereof. Figure 5 may be considered to represent cither a sectional
view of the type upon the type cylinder, or an end view of a column or ring
of type ready to be placed upon the type cylinder. Figure 4 is a broken front
view of a type cylinder, with a sectional view of the type adjusted thereon,
and a sectional viow of the plate which secures them. The form or collection
of type here represented is most suitable for newspaper printing. By close
observance of the Drawing, the column rules, ring cross rules, &c. may be
distinctly seen, together with the manner in which each alternate indent and
projection (1), (2), fit each other from one end of the cylinder to the other.

page_text: Figure 17 is an end view of a proof press used in connection with the rotary
printing press, or independently of the rotary printing press. Figure 18 is a
side view of the press afore mentioned. The tapering type are used, the bed
of the press being in fact like part of the type cylinder used in the rotary
printing press. If used as a hand press, the type may be secured in the same
manner as upon the rotary press, that is, by a plate screwed on at one end,
but no grab will be necessary for placing the type upon the press, as it can be
done by hard without difficulty.
The annexed Drawings represent the press as forming about one-third of a
circle, which I believe to be the most convenient size. The Drawings also
represent it as a proof press having a galley of type upon it. (17), (17), is the
framing of the machine; (18), (18), is the bed of the press, upon which the
type are placed; (19) is an impression or platen cylinder, similar to those for
the rotary press, the shaft of which has its bearings in moveable sockets (20),
(20), which are moved up or down to vary the pressure upon the type by the
screws (21), (21). The levers (22, (22),hold the impression or platen cylin-
der (.9) at suitable distances from their own axes, those axes (23), (23), being
the ends of the bar (24). The stops or rest (25), (25), are for the levers (22),
(22); when they are left in the position indicated by the dotted lines in Figure17,
a handle (26) is applied, by which the impression or platen cylinder is moved
from one side to the other of the machine. The action of this machine is as
follows:-The type are placed upon the bed of the press while the impression
cylinder is in the position indicated by the dotted lines, and are inked by a hand
inking roller. The paper is theu laid upon the type, as shown by the red line;
theimpression or platen cylinder is then pulled or drawn over from one side of
the press to the other by means of the handle (26), giving a pressure in passing
over the surface of the type. There being neither front nor back side to this
press, the impression cylinder may be left resting on the stops on either side
until wanted again. If necessary, a set of teeth may be introduced near the
edge of the bed of the press, and a toothed wheel may be placed upon one end
of the impressiou or platen cylinder, the teeth upon the wheel to work into the
stationary teeth; this would prevent blurring or imperfect printing, and also
the danger of spoiling type, as a proof press a galley in which to place the
type will be convenient. The only difference between the galley required and
the common galley is the curve given to the bottom of it, so as to make it fit
upon the bed of the press. The type may be locked up or accured in the galley
in the common manner with side and foot sticks and blocks, or by screws
through the sides of the galley frame, or in any other convenient manner. The

page_text: press may be made of a sufficient width to contain several different galloys,
a proof from the type contained in each of which may be taken at the
same moment.
Figure 18 represents a machine for damping and packing the paper in a
suitable manner for the rotary printing press. (27),(27),is a stout table, upon
which the whole machine is placed; (28) is a water box placed upon four
wheels, of which (29),(29), represent two; the wheels run upon tracks, truly
adjusted, of which (30) represents one. (31) is a roller covered with cloth
or blanketing, which by turning partly in the water is kept quite damp;
(32) is another roller, similar to the last one, but is entirely out of the water,
and being supported at both ends by iron bars, which are fastened to the water
box(28); it rolls or turns against the roller (31), and from it receives its damp-
ness. The water box (28), and the rollers (3.1) and (32) are drawn forward
on the track (30) by the weight (33), which is atuached to the box by a cord
running over the pulley (34), but are held back by the shaft M, belonging to
the rotary printing press, and which is supported and held firm, as well as the
shaft (35), by iron bars similar to (36). The dry paper is received upon the
shaft (35), which is placed in its bearings; oue end of the paper is then passed
around the shaft M, to which the power is applied. The red lines show the
paper as already partly wound upon this shaft. The rollers (31) and (32) arc
driven by the friction caused by the weight, which is also the means of packing
the paper tightly around the shaft M,by pressing the roller (32) against it.
As the roll of paper upon the shaft M. increases in size, it forces the water box
and rollers backwards until the roll of paper is completed, when another is put
in its place. Several rollers similar to (82) may be placed one against
another, the last one pressing against the shaft M, so as to regulate the
required dampness.
Note. In the rotary printing press, common type, but made with a suitable
taper, may be used, being fixed upon the cylinder in the method described.
The four-cylinder press, B, B, C, C, above described, may be changed to one
of two cylinders B, C, by throwing back the last impression cylinder, and
removing the corresponding type cylinder, as described. In such case the
machine would only print on one side of the paper. In some cases I apply an
endless apron of blanket to the second impression cylinder, in order to prevent
ink received thereon injuring succeeding impressions. If thefolding apparatus
is not required to the press, it may be left out, and the cutting apparatus
placed horizontally, so as to cut off the sheet without lolding.
Having thus described the nature of the Inventions and the mannerin which

page_text: the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine
myself to the precise details, provided the peculiar charactor of either of the
improvements be retained; but what I claim is,-
First, the peculiar form or shape of the type, with indents and projections,
as described, and its combination with the taper on the sidos corresponding
with the top and bottom of the letter.
Secondly, the construction of type having the taper on the sides correspond-
ing with the tops and bottoms of the letters, whether with or without the
indents and projections (1) and (2), as above described.
Thirdly, the method of securing the type, above mentioned, to the cylinder,
by means of the indents and projections, in combination with circular column
rules and rings.
Fourthly, the method of folding and cutting the paper in the manner
described.
Fifthly, the mode of constructing the hand press for obtaining proofs
or otherwise.
Sixthly, the mode of constructing the machine for placing a column orring
of type upon the type cylinder.
Seventhly, the mode of constructing the machine for damping and packing
the paper preparatory for printing.
In witness whereof, I, the said Moses Sperry Beach, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
M. S. BEACH. (L.s.) M. S. BEACH.