Improvements in the Trimming Mechanism of Linotype Machines.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Feb., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Nov., 1897-Accepted, 19th Feb., 1898
[Communicated from abroad by THE NATIONAL TYPGRAPHIC COMPANY (a Company
organized under the laws of the State of West Virginia), having its principal
places of business at Washington D.C. and New York City, United States of
America.]
Improvements in the Trimming Mechanism of Linotype Machines.
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, of No. 188, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Sole Proprietors of, and Sole Manufacturers, Licensors, and Vendors under,
the Linotype" Patents, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
<
The present invention relates to improvements in the trimming mechanism of
linotype machines. The exact nature of it will be best understood from a description.
of it as applied to the Mergenthaler Linotype machine described in the Specification.
of Letters Patent 145821890
In that machine, the linotype is cast in a mould situated in a vertical wheel.
The mould is a slot parallel with a diameter of the wheel and nearer to the periphery
of it than to the centre. The cast takes place at a time when the mould wheel is
standing with the mould in a horizontal position. It is then turned until the mould
is in a vertical position. The two trimming knives are stationary and their edges
are straight, vertical, and parallel. The distance separating them is rather less than
the thickness of the linotype. When the mould is in the vertical position just
mentioned, the linotype is opposite the edges of the trimming knives and the space
between them. The trimming consists in shaving the two sides of the linotype as
much as may be required. It is effected by the forward motion of a so-called ejector
blade pushing the linotype before it out of the mould, between the knives and
through the space between them into a galley in the front of the machine.
It is obvious that a linotype having at one end of it, what is called a 2-line capital,
such as the W at the head of a Wanted advertisement, could not be trimmed by
being passed between the pair of fixed knives above described, because the projection
as it is called-being that part of the capital which overhangs one side of the
linotype, would be shorn off by the respective knife. As a matter of fact, the
Specification of the said Letters Patent does not describe the manufacture of a 2-line
capital linotype. This was left to be done by a subsequent inventor in the
Specification of Letters Patent 102571894. The necessary modification of fixed
trimming knives is described in the Specification of Letters Patent 82581894. This
modification consists in detaching one end of the knife which deals with the overhung
side of the linotype and pivotting it to the remaining portion of the same knife in
such a way that it could be swung out of the path of the projection, thereby
providing a gap in the knife, and be afterwards returned to its normal position ready.
for the next linotype. It is to be understood that a transverse portion of the
respective side of the linotype, as wide as the projection, is also not trimmed.

page_text: One part of the present invention relates to improved means for establishing the
gap above mentioned, such means providing for the projection being at either end
of the linotype. It consists in mounting one of the knives so that it is adjustable
endwise, that is in the direction of its edge. The object of the adjustability is that
the respective end of the knife may be moved out of the path of the projection,
while the knife retains a proper position for trimming the remaining portion of that
side of the linotype. A device of the ridge and slot type is introduced between the
knife and the knife block, or, preferably, between the knife and a special plate
introduced between the knife block and the knife, for that purpose. The possible
vertical motion of the knife in either direction is limited by a vertical slot of the
desired length in the knife, and the latter is held to the plate or block above
mentioned, by a headed bolt which has its shank passed through the slot and made
fast in the said plate or block, preferably the latter. The mechanism for adjusting
the knife, consists of an angular arm fast to the bottom end of it and projecting
laterally therefrom; a lever pivotted upon a stud on the side of the respective
knife block; and having a self-adjusting engagement between the two such as a slot
in the rearwardly projecting end of it adapted to receive the adjacent end of the
said arm; a series of stops; and a spring or other type of releaseable detent or
equivalent device adapted to engage with any one of the stops and to hold the knife
in the corresponding position.
Another part of the present invention relates to adjustability for linotypes of
different thicknesses, such difference being due to difference of fount. The special
plate above mentioned, is adapted to slide in suitable horizontal guides, such as
grooves and ridges fitting therein, upon the rear face of the knife block. Any suitable
mechanism for moving the adjustable knife to and from its fellow knife, may be made
use of. One which gives satisfactory results consists of a screw made fast by one end
to the knife but so as to turn freely therein; an internally screw threaded nut fast
independently of both knife and screw and with which the latter is engaged; an
arm fast upon the opposite end of the screw; a series of stops, and a spring or other
type of releaseable detent or equivalent device adapted to engage with any one of the
stops and to hold the knife in the corresponding position.
Both the above mentioned series of stops are, preferably, set out on a plate, and
there is combined with each, an indication of the corresponding position of the knife
or the thickness of the linotype, as the case may be.
A third part of the invention relates to supporting and guiding the linotypes as
they pass between the knives. It is customary to provide between the knives and the
galley, a plate pivotted vertically and pushed by a spring into the path of the trimmed
linotypes, so as to guide and support them. According to the present invention, ribs
are formed across the side of the plate next to the said path. These are of such
projection that they support the linotype, while the projection passes them, above or
beneath, according to the position of it upon the linotype.
Dated this 92nd dow of Fishmory 1807
i
¡Improvements in the Trimming Mechanism of Linotype Machines.
We, THR LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, of No. 188, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Sole Proprietors of, and Sole Manufacturers, Vendors and Licensors under,
the "Linotype" Patents, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, a communi-
cation from, The National Typographic Company, (a Company organized under the

page_text: aws of the State of West Virginia), having its principal places of business at Washington,
D.C., and New York City, 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 :-
The present invention relates to improvements in the trimming mechanism of
linotype machines. It has been developed with special reference to the well known
Mergenthaler linotype machine, and for that reason, as well as because that machine
is the only linotype machine in use in this country, the particular form which the
invention takes when made up for it has been selected for illustration and detailed
description herein.
The Mergenthaler machine above mentioned is described in detail in the Specifi-
cation of Letters Patent No. 14582 of 1890. In it, the linotype is cast in a mould
situated in a vertical wheel. That mould is a slot parallel with a diameter of the
The cast takes place at a
wheel and nearer to the periphery of it than to its centre.
time when the mould wheel is standing with the mould cavity in a horizontal
position. It is then turned until the mould cavity is in a vertical or end up position.
The knives for trimming the sides of the linotype are two in number. They are
stationary, vertical and parallel. The distance separating them is rather less than
the thickness of the linotype. When the mould cavity is in the vertical position just
mentioned, the linotype is opposite the edges of the trimming knives and the space
between them. The trimming consists in shaving the two sides of the linotype as
much as may be required. It is effected by the forward motion of a so-called ejector
blade pushing the linotype before it out of the mould cavity between the knives,
through the space between them and through a port in the frame of the machine into
a galley in the front of the machine.
It is obvious that a linotype having at one end of it, what is called a 2-line capital,
such as the "W" at the head of a “ WANTED" advertisement, could not
be trimmed by being passed between the pair of fixed knives above described, because
the projection, as it is called,-being that part of the capital which overhangs one side
of the linotype,-would be shorn off by the respective knife.
As a matter of fact, the Specification of the said Letters Patent does not describe
the manufacture of a 2-line capital linotype. This was left to be done by a sub-
sequent inventor, and is described in the Specification of Letters Patent No. 10257
of 1894. The necessary modification of a fixed trimming knife is described in the
Specification of Letters Patent 8258 of 1894. This modification consists in pivotting
that end of the knife which deals with the overhung side of the linotype on the
remaining portion of the same knife in such a way that it can be swung out of the
path of the projection, thereby providing a gap in the knife, and be afterwards
returned to its normal position ready for the next linotype. It is to be understood
that a transverse portion of the respective side of the linotype, as wide as the said
projection is not trimmed.
Subsequent inventors have devised automatic mechanism for establishing the gap
at (i.e., just beyond) one end of the knife, by making the latter adjustable as to
position in the direction of its cutting edge, and for returning it to its normal
position, as well as hand mechanism for establishing that gap at one or at either end
of the knife; or for moving the knife out of the path of the linotype and returning
it to its normal position; and, in addition thereto, hand mechanism for moving the
same knife to or from the path of the linotype.
For the purpose of this specification, the term gap
to be understood as meaning
O either a space in the length of the knife, or a space just beyond either end of it,
through any of which spaces the projection can pass.
Referring to the accompanying figures which are to be taken as part of this
Specification and read therewith:
Figure 1 is a rear elevation illustrating the first and second parts of the
5 invention:
•
Figure 2, a side elevation from the right hand of Figure 1:

page_text: section taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1, and includes
a linotype and parts of the mould and ejector.blade.
Figure 4, a perspective view, from the. rear,. illustrating the third part of the
invention; and
Figures 5, 6 and 7, rear elevations illustrating the capabilities of the first part of
the invention.
o is the ejector blade shewn as pushing a linotype C c before it out of the mould
block o and between the two trimming knives on its way to the galley. This galley
is not included in the figures. N5 is the fixed kuife of the pair of trimming knives.
P is the knife block. The parts just mentioned are all as heretofore.
The first part of the present invention consists in improved hand mechanism for
adjusting the position of one knife in the direction of its cutting edge, and also for
establishing the gap at either end of the knife and for returning the latter to its
normal position.
No is the adjustable knife of the pair of trimming knives. It is held to the knife
block P¹ by a headed screw NS4 passed from the rear through it and the intermediate
plate N85 into the plate N80. This plate N86 is held fast to the rear side of the knife
block P¹ by screws N101 so as to be practically in one piece with it. The motion for
adjustment of the knife N in the direction of its edge, is provided for by a slot N87
parallel with that edge, instead of by a round hole, for the screw N. The length
of the slot NS7 is according to the maximum length of the motion of the knife N°,
and the latter is guided in its motion by a ridge N88 on the back of it, standing
thereon parallel with its edge, and a corresponding groove N extending for the full
length of the plate N86, and in which the said ridge engages. The knife No is
intended to stand normally in the position illustrated in Figure 5, in which its edge
is in the path of the whole of the respective side of the linotype Cc. So long as
it stands in that position, the linotype will be trimmed over all the said side. If the
knife be raised into the position illustrated in Figure 6, a gap is established below it,
and the projection y18 of an enlarged letter at that end of a linotype will pass through
that gap, the trimming action of the knife being restricted to as much of the side
of the linotype as it stands in the path of. If, on the other hand, the knife No be
lowered into the position illustrated in Figure 7, a gap is established above it to
meet the case of an enlarged letter at the opposite end-opposite, that is, to the end
last mentioned-of the linotype.
The knife No is moved from one position to another and held in either, by an
arm N180 fast to and depending from the bottom end of it and projecting outwards clear
of it; a lever N0 having its fulcrum in a headed screw Not which holds it to the right
hand side (looking at the machine from the front) of the knife block P¹, its rear end
slotted or forked to embrace the adjacent end of the said arm N189, and its front end
fitted with a spring latch N2 adapted to engage in any one of a series of holes Nº3 in
a plate No stationary between the latter and the path of the lever N, and a knob N95
on the said latch by which it can be disengaged from any hole and the lever Noo
moved. The mechanism just described may be applied to the top end of the knife,
if preferred.
It has been already explained that the length of the slot N87 in the adjustable
knife No, is according to the maximum length of the motion of the latter. The
figures shew a capacity for motion only about enough to transfer the knife from one
of the two terminal positions illustrated, to the other. It must be here explained
to prevent any misconception, that the slot N87 may be of any desired length. The
length of the slot N87 and the arcual line of holes N³, obviously correspond with each
other.
The second part of the invention consists in improved hand mechanism for
adjusting the distance between the knife N5, and the path of the linotype, for
linotypes of different thicknesses. According to it, the intermediate plate N85 is:
adapted to slide to and from the fixed knife No, carrying the adjustable knife N° 5
with it. This adjustability, as such, is not
knife No is concerned. It is now provided for by a slot No in the intermediate plate N
in itself new, as far as the

page_text: standing therein at right angles with the fixed knife N5 and having the screw N84
passing through it, so as to allow of the necessary motion of the intermediate
plate N85, the said slot being preferably no wider than suffices for that motion.
To guide the intermediate plate N85 in its motion there is provided a rib N" fast
on the front face of it near each end, and which engages in a corresponding
groove Nos extending across the rear face of the plate Ns already described as being
practically in one piece with the knife block P¹. Obviously the same guiding effect
may be obtained from a horizontal slot as N at each end of the intermediate
plate N85, and a screw passed through it into the plate No.
The mechanism by which the knife No is adjusted for thickness of linotype,
consists of a screw N° made fast by one end to the knife, but so as to turn freely
therein, as by means of the enlarged head N 100 on that end engaging in a
corresponding cavity in the said knife; an internally screw threaded nut N102 fast
independently of both knife and screw, preferably either to the knife block P1 or to
the plate N86, and in which nut the screw N engages; an arm N103 fast upon the
opposite end of the screw N; a dial plate N° fast about the screw Nº9, between the
arm N103 and the nut N102; a spring latch N105 fast on the said arm and adapted
to engage with any one of a series of holes N106 in the dial plate N104, to hold the
knife in the corresponding position; and a knob N107 on the said latch by which it
can be disengaged from any hole N100 to move the arm N103 over the plate N104 and
the knife No to or from the path of the linotype.
Either or both plates N°4, N104, may be marked with words or figures indicating
the value of each hole in the respective series, in terms of the position of the
knife No.
The screw Nº9 may be fitted with an ordinary nut head for turning it, if
preferred.
The third part of the invention relates to supporting and guiding the linotypes as
tbey pass through the port 3, after they have passed the knives N5, No. It is
customary to provide the left side of this port with a plate N108 pivotted vertically
along its rear edge and pushed by a spring N109 into the path of the trimmed lino-
types, so as to guide and support them. According to the present invention,
ribs N110 are formed across the side of the plate N108 next to the said path. These
are of such projection that they bear against the side of the linotype, while the.
projections y18 pass them, above or beneath, according to their position.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination of fixed
trimming knife; knife block; intermediate plate; trimming knife adjustable in the
direction of its cutting edge upon the said intermediate plate by reason of a slot in
it parallel with the said cutting edge and a headed screw passed through the said
slot and intermediate plate into the rear face of the knife block; and slot in the
said intermediate plate at right angles with the said cutting edge and screw-shank
passed therethrough and made fast in the rear side of the knife box, whereby the
said intermediate plate and adjustable knife are together capable of motion to
and from the fixed knife; as set forth and illustrated in the accompanying
figures.
"
2. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination of fixed
trimming knife; knife block; intermediate plate; trimming knife adjustable in the
direction of its cutting edge upon the said intermediate plate by reason of a slot in
it parallel with the said cutting edge and a headed screw passed through it and made
fast in the rear face of the knife block; and a slot in the said intermediate plate near-
each end of it, at right angles with the said cutting edge and a screw passed through
each and made fast to the rear face of the said knife block whereby the said inter-
5 mediate plate and adjustable knife are capable of motion to and from the fixed knife;
as described with reference to accompanying figures.

page_text: 3. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination of knife
block; intermediate plate moveable thereupon in a direction at right angles with the
cutting edge of the adjustable knife; knife adjustable on the said intermediate plate
in the direction of its cutting edge; and means for securing both the said adjustable
parts in their adjusted positions, as set forth.
4. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination of
trimming knife adjustable in the direction of its cutting edge and also to and from
the path of the linotype.
5. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination of fixed
knife; knife adjustable to and from the path of the linotype; knife block; screw
threaded nut held fast at the rear thereof with its axis at right angles with the direc-
tion of the cutting edge of the adjustable knife; screw working in the said nut and
engaging as described with the adjustable knife; as and for the purpose set
forth.
6. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination with the
knife adjustable to or from the path of the linotype, of the hereinbefore described
mechanism for adjusting it at any desired distance from the path of the linotype and
locking it there, as set forth.
7. In the trimming mechanism of a linotype machine, the combination of
trimming knife adjustable in the direction of its cutting edge and also to or from
the path of the linotype, of the hereinbefore described mechanisms for adjusting it
in any of the desired positions and for locking it there.
8. In a linotype machine, the combination with its trimming and ejecting
mechanism, of the yielding plate and ribs, as set forth.
Dated the 22nd day of November 1897
'
the 22nd day
November 1897
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.