IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPOSITORS' RULES AND TYPE AND SPACE HOLDERS
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Clayton Mewburn, of 169, Fleet Street, in the
"
City of London, Patent Agent and Consulting Engineer, for an Invention
of IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPOSITORS' RULES AND TYPE AND SPACE
HOLDERS." A communication from abroad by Louis Kossuth Johnson, of
Brooklyn, in the State of New York, United States of America, Mechanical
Engineer
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Clayton Mewburn
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th November 1881.
JOHN CLAYTON MEWBURN, of 169, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent
Agent and Consulting Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPOSITORS' RULES AND
TYPE AND SPACE HOLDERS." [A communication from abroad by Louis Kossuth
Johnson, of Brooklyn, in the State of New York, United States of America,
Mechanical Engineer.]
This Invention relates, firstly, to the flat shield or backing called the "rule,"
which is employed in connection with the ordinary compositor's stick for the
purpose of preserving the alignment of the line of type last composed while the next
following is being placed in position; and the feature of novelty consists in forming
the upper edge of the said rule with a curvilinear guide and protector which
extends over the line last composed, thus protecting the faces of the types composing
the said line, while at the same time it forms a guide for the type which is to be
placed in the line in process of composition, the said guide being free from all
abrupt corners or edges so as to obviate all danger of the end of the type or the
shoulders occasioned by the notches in the body thereof engaging or catching and
retarding the operation of composition.
This improved compositor's rule is especially adapted for use in connection with
the improved type and space case hereinafter described, in which the types and
spaces are arranged in channels in a prescribed position. In order to effect the
uniforin arrangement of the types and spaces in channels economically it is desirable
to employ distributing machines, which sort out and arrange the types in their

page_text: proper channels automatically, to accomplish which each type and space has to be
provided with one or more nicks in one of its longitudinal sides in addition to the
ordinary manufacturer's nick, which is used to designate the particular fount or
style to which it belongs. These nicks, as well as the slight depression or nick
which is usually found in the lower ends of the types, render the latter especially
liable to catch or engage with any sharp angle, edge, or shoulder with which they
may be brought in contact, thus causing delay and annoyance.
As the great desideratum in almost all kinds or type setting is speed in com
position, every contrivance that facilitates the placing of the types or spaces into
the stick with greater convenience to the operator is of importance in the aggregate,
and to this end this Invention renders it possible to perform the operations of
composition with greater ease and precision than heretofore, while at the same time
it effectually protects the faces of the types in the preceding lines, and calls for a
proportionally less degree of skilled labor.
The improvements in cases for holding the type and spaces, and presenting the
same for withdrawal in a prescribed position, consist, first, in so forming the case
or frame which receives and supports the channels containing the type, that the
ordinary forms of the said channels in which the walls extend uniformly the whole
length, and which have no supporting ledges for the columns of type, may be used
without special adaptation by providing bearings or shoulders in the frame itself
upon which the lower ends of the columns of type rest and are supported
independently, the frame being so formed as to allow access to the lower types of
each column and the channels being also independently supported_on_bearings;-
secondly, in providing adjustable devices in the frame or case as bearings or rests
for the lower ends of the channels, so that the lower extremities of the latter may
be accurately adjusted and controlled in their positions with relation to the bearings
or shoulders which support the columns of type in such manner that one or more of
the types in each column may be exposed and accessible between the lower ends of
their respective channels and their supporting bearings or shoulders; thirdly, in
supporting the lowest type of cach column at or near both its extremities, the space
between said points of support being unobstructive, so that the lowest type may be
grasped between the said points of support, thereby rendering the friction consequent
to removal equal at both ends, and counteracting any tendency of the type to turn
laterally during the operation of withdrawing it; fourthly, in constructing the
recesses or seats in the frame for the reception and support of the type and con-
taining channels relatively in advance of and one above another, and in such
manner that the broad sides of the channels, and consequently the lengths of the
types contained therein, will occupy positions opposite to and in front of the
compositor, by which means the lower extremities of a large number of columns of
type can be exposed in close proximity to each other in such relation to the operator
that the lowest type may be conveniently grasped and withdrawn in the position most
appropriate for insertion in the "stick;" and lastly, in constructing the frame
or case with openings or spaces between the recesses or seats which adjoin each
other vertically, sufficient to allow the type containing channels to be inserted into
their respective positions therein upward from the front of the case.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Clayton Mewburn in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
8th May 1882.
JOHN CLAYTON MEWBURN, of 169, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent
Agent and Consulting Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPOSITORS' RULES AND
TYPE AND SPACE HOLDERS." (A communication from abroad by Louis Kossuth
Johnson, of Brooklyn, in the State of New York, United States of America,
Mechanical Engineer.)
This Invention relates, firstly, to the flat shield or backing called the "rule"
which is employed in connection with the ordinary compositor's stick for the
purpose of preserving the alignment of the line of type last composed, while the
next following is being placed in position, and the feature of novelty consists in
forming the upper edge of the said rule with a curvilinear guide and protector
which extends over the line last composed, thus protecting the faces of the types
composing the said line, while at the same time it forms a guide for the type
which is to be placed in the line in process of composition, the said guide being
free from all adrupt corners or edges, so as to obviate all danger of the end of the
type or the shoulders occasioned by the notches in the body thereof engaging or
catching and retarding the operation of composition.
This improved compositor's rule is especially adapted for use in connection with
the improved type and space case, hereinafter described, in which the types and
spaces are arranged in channels in a prescribed position. In order to effect this
uniform arrangement of the types and spaces in channels economically, it is
desirable to employ distributing machines, which sort out and arrange the types
in their proper channels automatically, to accomplish which each type and space
has to be provided with one or more nicks in one of its longitudinal sides in
addition to the ordinary manufacturer's nick, which is used to designate the
particular fount or style to which it belongs. These nicks, as well as the slight
depression or nick which is usually found in the lower ends of the types render
the latter especially liable to catch or engage with any sharp angle, edge, or
shoulder with which they may be brought in contact, thus causing delay and
annoyance.
As the great desideratum in almost all kinds of type setting is speed in
composition, every contrivance that facilitates the placing of the types or spaces
into the stick with greater convenience to the operator is of importance in the
aggregate, and to this end this Invention renders it possible to perform the
operations of composition with greater ease and precision than heretofore, while
at the same time it effectually protects the faces of the types in the preceding lines,
and calls for a proportionately less degree of skilled labor.
The improveinents in cases for holding the type and spaces, and presenting the
same for withdrawal in a prescribed position consist, first, in so forming the case or
frame which receives and supports the channels containing the type that the
ordinary forms of the said channels in which the walls extend uniformly the whole
length, and which have no supporting ledges for the columns of type may be used
without special adaptation by providing bearings or shoulders in the frame itself
upon which the lower ends of the columns of type rest and are supported
independently, the frame being so formed as to allow access to the lower types of
each column, and the channels being also independently supported on bearings ;
secondly, in providing adjustable devices in the frame or case as bearings or rests
for the lower ends of the channels, so that the lower extremities of the latter may

page_text: be accurately adjusted and controlled in their positions with relation to the
bearings or shoulders which support the columns of type in such manner that one
or more of the types in each column may be exposed and accessible between the
lower ends of their respective channels and their supporting bearings or shoulders ;
thirdly, in supporting the lowest type of each column at or near both of its
extremities, the space between said points of support being unobstructed, so that
the lowest type may be gra-ped between the said points of support, thereby
rendering the friction consequent to removal equal at both ends, and counteracting
any tendency of the type to turn laterally during the operation of withdrawing it;
fourthly, in constructing the recesses or seats in the frame for the reception and
support of the type, and containing channels relatively in advance of and one above
another, and in such manner that the broad sides of the channels, and con-equently
the lengths of the types contained therein, will occupy positions opposite to and
in front of the compositor, by which means the lower extremities of a large number
of columns of type can be exposed in close proximity to each other in such relation
to the operator that the lowest type may be conveniently grasped and withdrawn
in the position most appropriate for insertion in the stick; and lastly, in con-
structing the frame or case with openings or spaces between the recesses or seats,
which adjoin each other vertically sufficient to allow the type containing channels
to be inserted into their respective positions therein upward from the front of
the case.
In the accompanying Drawings,-
Figure 1 is an isometrical perspective-view-of-a-"stick"-in-use provided with
the improved rule before described.
Figure 2 is an isometrical perspective view of the rule removed from the stick ;
and
Figure 3, a cross section of the rule.
Figure 4 is a front elevation of a portion of the improved type and space case,
portions being broken away and shown in section for the purpose of illustration.
Figure 5 is a similar view at right angles to Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a side view of the lower end of one of the channels.
Figures 7 and 8 are respectively front and edge views of the same; and
Figure 9, a sctional view on plane of line x, x, Figure 4.
The flat body A of the rule (Figures 1, 2, and 3) is made in the ordinary manner,
and is preferably provided with the projecting lugs or finger pieces a, a, at cach
end at or near the top, for convenience in removing and transferring the rule to
the front as the lines are completed.
The combined guide and protector B is preferably formed from the same piece
of metal or other material employed by bending that portion which is to project
beyond and above "type high" over in a lateral direction a sufficient extent to
overlap one or more lines of type, and in a curve of sufficient amplitude and extent
to remove the extreme upper edge or extremity of the rule beyond the danger of
contact and engagement with the shoulders or sharp corners on the types or spaces
while the latter are being placed in position.
The framework C of the case or holder (Figures 4 to 9) is formed with suitable
sockets or recesses C' for the reception of the channel D, so arranged with relation
to each other that the ends of the higher channels will be exposed slightly in
advance of those immediately below. A convenient method of accomplishing this
is to form the frame of a series of plates or sections, each section containing a row
of recesses or sockets, and being arranged and secured in position about an inch
above and slightly in advance of the section next below.
Each recess or socket is formed not only with a shoulder or projection c for
receiving and supporting the lower end of the channel, but is also provided with
one or more shoulders d, d, for the reception and support of the column of type
independently. A single supporting shoulder for the type might be used, of such
form and length as to leave one extremity of the lower type accessible, but it is
preferred to support the type at or near both its extremities, aud to leave a free

page_text: and unobstructed space between said points of support, so that the thumb of the
operator can pass freely between during the operation of securing and removing
the type. The compositor is thus enabled to grasp the type at or near its middle,
while the friction caused by the weight of the column of type above being uniform
at both extremities of the type, the latter may be withdrawn evenly and will have
no tendency to turn laterally between the thumb and finger of the operator.
This method of supporting the type is also specially adapted, although not
absolutely essential, to the arrangement of the channels containing the columns of
distributed type with their broad sides toward the operator. It is found that by
this arrangement of the channels on the flat instead of edgewise, the type can be
more conveniently and expeditiously grasped and withdrawn, in other words, that
the necessary movements are rendered more natural while the type is left between
the finger and thumb in the most favourable position to be inserted in the stick.
These features in the aggregate provide for and permit a material increase in the
speed of composition with a minimum expenditure of physical exertion.
In order to permit only the lowest type to be removed without disturbing those
in the column above, I arrange the shoulder c which supports the channel a distance
above the type supporting shoulders d, d, equal to the thickness of the particular
type it is designed to accommodate, thus separating the lower extremity of the
channel and the upper sides of the type supporting shoulders sufficiently to expose
a single type for removal.
Where the types are all of a standard size and it is desired to use particular
denominations in the same relative positions in the case permanently, this channel
supporting shoulder may be fixed in position; but owing to slight variations
between the types of different manufacturers, and also for the purpose of adapting
the several sockets or recesses to accommodate channels containing different
denominations, when it is desirable to have their relative arrangement in the case
variable according to the nature of the work to be done, I provide a set screw or
other adjustable device S, as a bearing or rest for the end of the channel, so that
the latter may be readily and accurately adjusted in position and relation to the
type supporting shoulders d, d, according to the thickness of the type to be used.
A sufficient space P is left in the frame between the respective rows or series of
recesses or scats to permit the channels to be inserted upward into position from
below and in the front of the case, as will be seen in Figures 5 and 9.
For the purpose of ensuring the channels against lateral displacement, each is
provided with a headed stud or projection e which engages with a slot f formed in
the frame for this purpose.
This slot is made longitudinal in the same plane as that of the adjusting device S
to preserve the alignment of the channel under all circumstances.
By providing for the insertion and removal of the channels from the front side
of the case, the operator is enabled to replace an exhausted channel without moving
from his position before the same, thereby economizing time.
For the purpose of enabling the operator to observe the lower end of the column
of type, and thereby have due notice of the lowering of the column before it is
actually exhausted, I slot or otherwise form the lower end of the front wall of each
channel similar to the manner indicated in Figure 4.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention as communicated to me
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,-
First. The improved compositor's rule provided with the combined guide and
protector, substantially in the manner and for the purposes described.
Secondly. In a type and space holder for the purpose indicated, one or more
bearings or shoulders d, d, situated in the frame or case C, and affording support
for the columns of type independent of the channels containing them, in com-
bination with the said type containing channels, substantially in the manner and
for the purposes described.
Thirdly. In a type or space holder for the purpose indicated, the bearing
shoulder c for supporting the channels independent of the columns of type

page_text: contained therein, in combination with the type supporting shoulders]d, d,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
Fourthly. In a type or space holder, substantially such as described, the adjustable
bearings or rests S for supporting the channels independent of the columns of type
contained therein in combination with said channels and with the type supporting
shoulders d, d, for the purpose and substantially in the manner designated.
Fifthly. A type or space holder for the purpose indicated provided with the type
supporting shoulders d, d, constructed and arranged, substantially as described, to
support the lowest type of a column at or near its extremities while the
intervening space between said points of support is unobstructed, for the purposes
and in the manner substantially as described.
Sixthly. A type and space holder substantially such as described, provided with
sockets, recesses, or seats, arranged relatively in advance of and one above another,
substantially as described and constructed to receive support and present the type
containing channels with their broad sides toward the operator, for the purpose
and substantially in the manner set forth.
Seventhly. In a type and space holder for the purpose indicated, the combination
of the channel supporting recesses or seats, arranged with relation to each other,
substantially as described, so as to leave the spaces P between them for the purpose
of allowing the channels to be inserted from the front of the case into their
respective positions therein, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
In witness whereof,-I, the-said John Clayton Mewburn, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Eighth day of May, One thousand eight hundred
J. C. MEWBURN. (L.S.)