Improvements in Type Distributing Machines.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd June, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 28th Oct., 1891-Accepted, 5th Dec., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type Distributing Machines.
We, JOHN HENRY KERRIDGE, Mechanical Engineer, CHARLES EDWARD
LANE, Compositor, and ANDREW LANE, Mechanical Engineer, all of Northgate
Street, Beccles, in the County of Suffolk, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to provide a machine which will automatically
distribute the type each letter to its appropriate shoot or department. In carrying
out this invention we prefer to proceed as follows:-
A suitable table is provided having preferably one fixed side and two movable
ones between which the type is held, one of the movable sides being spring controlled
so as to receive a step-by-step motion as each type is delivered to the other portion
of the machine. When one line of type has been distributed the machine automa-
tically re-sets itself, the next line of type being pushed up to the operative position
and the lead dividing the lines being also withdrawn. The mechanism for operating
this portion of the apparatus may consist of any suitable device or devices, adapted
to accomplish the required purposes, but we find the following mechanism to give
very satisfactory results. At the end of the type-platform is a disc provided with
recesses or equivalent into which, at the end of a type line, enters a spring catch
connected with the slide which propels the type-line forward; this disc is revolved
by friction or positive motion from the main shaft which operates the whole machine
and when the spring catch engages with the disc the disc carries the spring-catch
In travelling
and its slide back ready to commence upon the next line of type.
backwards the slide operates a bell-crank or other suitable arrangement which
supplies the feed as by a pawl and ratchet mechanism to the movable side of the
type-table which thus presses forward the whole body of type so as to supply the
next line for distribution.
Between the type table and the other portion of the apparatus a gap large
enough to allow of the largest quads falling through is provided, the type being
conveyed from the end of the type line to the beginning of the distributing
mechanism by means of a pair of travelling nippers or equivalent. The operation
of the distributing mechanism is a step-by-step movement adapted one complete
movement for one type and the nippers make one complete journey to one revolution
of the shaft which imparts the movement to the whole apparatus.
The distributing mechanism proper consists of a suitable framing which carries
the various parts now to be described. A suitable channel or passage-way is
provided either by means of a projecting ledge upon the frame or by recessing a
portion of the frame and in or upon this channel operates a rack bar each space in
which is adapted to receive a single type. To this bar which is preferably carried
by two or more crank-arms is imparted two movements, one a circular movement,
the radius of which would be that of the crank arms, and the other one a longitudinal
movement the operation being that the rack bar is first lifted away from the channel
containing the type, is then travelled longitudinally so as to bring the spaces
opposite to the succeeding types and is then returned to its former position, the
spaces accommodating the type so that when the rack bar is longitudinally moved in
one direction, it carries all the type with it, the distance of one step, and when longi-
tudinally moved in the other direction, it is clear of the type, and is carried back
ready to engage with the next set of type.
Above the type-channel or space is arranged a series of spring feelers upon each
of which and adapted to come in contact with the face of the type to be distributed,
is fixed a matrix corresponding to the respective letter which alone the particular

page_text: fecler is adapted to deal with. Each feeler is connected with a pin or plunger
whose purpose is to push the type in front of it off the ledge or out of the type-
channel, this operation only taking place when the type is opposite the channel or
shoot into which it is to be projected. These channels or shoots may be secured in
any convenient manner upon the distributing mechanism, and in suitable proximity
to the type channels. The operation of this portion of the mechanism is, that so
long as the type beneath the feeler does not correspond with that of the matrix
upon the particular feeler the said feeler is raised with the result that the pin or
plunger is not operated at that movement of the machine and the type remains in
the channel. When however the type corresponds with the matrix the spring-
controlled feeler drops by reason of the type entering the matrix with the result
that the plunger operates at that movement of the machine and the type is pushed
off the ledge or out of the channel into its proper shoot or channel. The backs or
non-operative portions of the plungers may be springs or connected with springs or
the like adapted in a normal condition to engage with a bar preferably grooved
which bar operates at each movement of the machine to push all the types forward;
this movement however is controlled by the above described feelers each feeler
which has an improper type before it preventing the back ends of the plungers
from engaging with the bar in consequence of which those plungers as already
explained do not come forward at that movement of the machine.
The nippers for carrying the type from the type platform to the distributor may
be of any suitable and convenient construction but we find that a pair of jaws
spring controlled so as to naturally close and brought forward and opened by a lever
mechanism operated by or from the main shaft gives satisfactory results, the
mechanism bringing forward and opening the nippers and the spring-closing them
upon the type at the proper time. A. convenient pair of nippers may be provided
by means of two curved arms jointed like a pair of shears in the lever end of which
is provided a triangular shaped opening in which is a wedge operated by a cam or
eccentric from the main shaft; there is also pivotted upon one arm of the nippers
a lever which opens them automatically to release the type so that it may not be
damaged. A suitable stop prevents the nippers at any time opening too wide and
the nippers themselves may be brought forward by the operation of the wedge
which thus projects them forward and opens them simultaneously upon the wedge
being moved back in the operation of the machine, the jaws close and grip the type
and bring it back with them.
Dated this 22nd day of June 1891.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type Distributing Machines.
We, JOHN HENRY KERRIDGE, Mechanical Engineer, CHARLES EDWARD
LANE, Compositor, and ANDREW LANE, Mechanical Engineer, all of Northgate
Street, Beccles, in the County of Suffolk, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The object of this invention is to provide a machine which will automatically
distribute the type each letter to its appropriate shoot or department. In carrying
out this invention we prefer to proceed as follows:-
A suitable table is provided having preferably one fixed side and two movable
ones between which the type is held, one of the movable sides being provided with
a slide which is to receive a step-by-step motion as each type is delivered to the
other portion of the machine. When one line of type has been distributed the
machine automatically re-sets itself, the next line of type being pushed up to
the operative position and the lead dividing the lines being also withdrawn. The

page_text: following mechanism may be employed for operating this portion of the apparatus.
At the end of the type-platform is a disc provided with recesses or equivalent into
which, at the end of a type line, enters a spring catch connected with the slides which
propels the type-line forward this disc is revolved by friction or positive motion
from the main shaft which operates the whole machine and when the spring catch
engages with the disc the disc carries the spring-catch and its slide back ready to
commence upon the next line of type. In travelling backwards the slide operates
a bell-crank or other suitable arrangement which supplies the feed as by a paw]
and ratchet mechanism to the movable side of the type-table which thus presses
forward the whole body of type so as to supply the next line for distribution.
Between the type table and the other portion of the apparatus a gap large
enough to allow of the largest quads falling through is provided, the type being
conveyed from the end of the type line to the beginning of the distributing
mechanism by means of a pair of travelling nippers or equivalent. The distributing
mechanism has a step-by-step movement so arranged that one complete movement
for one tpye and one complete journey of the nippers is made to one revolution of
the shaft which imparts movement to the whole apparatus.
The distributing mechanism proper consists of a suitable framing which carries
the various parts now to be described. A suitable channel or passage-way is
provided either by means of a projecting ledge upon the frame or by recessing a
portion of the frame and in or upon this channel operates a rack or spacing bar
each space in which is adapted to receive a single type. To this bar which is
preferably carried by two or more crank arms is imparted two movements, one a
circular advancing and receding movement, the radius of which would be that of
the crank arms, and the other one a longitudinal movement the operation being that
the rack or spacing bar is first lifted away from the channel containing the type, is
then travelled longitudinally so as to bring the spaces opposite to the succeeding
types and is then returned to its former position, the spaces accommodating the
type so that when the spacing bar is longitudinally moved in one direction, it
carries all the type with it the distance of one step or space, and when longitudinally
moved in the other direction it is clear of the type and is carried back ready to
engage with the next types.
Above the type-channel or space is arranged a series of spring feelers upon each
of which and adapted to come in contact with the face of the type to be distributed,
is fixed a matrix corresponding to the respective letter which alone the particular
feeler is adapted to deal with. Each feeler is connected with a pin or plunger
whose purpose is to push the type in front of it off the ledge or out of the type-
channel, this operation only taking place when the type is opposite the channel or
shoot into which it is to be projected. These channels or shoots may be secured in
any convenient manner upon the distributing mechanism, and in suitable proximity
to the type channels. The operation of this portion of the mechanism is, that so
long as the type beneath the feeler does not correspond with that of the matrix
upon the particular feeler the said feeler is held up in a raised position with the
result that the pin or plunger is not operated at that movement of the machine and
the type remains in the channel. When however the type corresponds with the
matrix the selecting feeler drops by reason of the type face entering the matrix
with the result that that plunger operates at that movement of the machine and the
type is pushed off the ledge or out of the channel into its proper shoot or channel.
The backs or non-operative portions of the plungers may be springs or connected
with springs or the like adapted in a normal condition to engage with a bar
preferably grooved which bar operates at each movement of the machine to push
all the types forward; this movement however is controlled by the above described
feelers each feeler which has an improper type before it preventing the back ends
of the plungers from engaging with the bar in consequence of which those plungers
as already explained do not come forward at that movement of the machine.
The nippers for carrying the type from the type platform to the distributor may

page_text: consist of a pair of jaws spring controlled so as to naturally close and be brought
forward and opened by a lever mechanism operated by or from the main shaft, the
mechanism bringing forward and opening the nippers and the spring closing them
upon the type at the proper time. convenient pair of nippers may be provided
by means of two curved arms jointed like a pair of shears in the lower ends of
which is provided a triangular shaped opening in which is a wedge operated by a
cam or eccentric from the main shaft; there is also pivotted upon one arm of the
nippers a lever which opens them automatically to release the type when placed in
position upon the distributing ledge. A suitable stop prevents the nippers at any
time opening too wide and the nippers themselves may be brought forward by the
operation of the wedge which thus projects them forward and opens them simul-
taneously upon the wedge being moved back in the operation of the machine, the
jaws close and grip the type and bring it back with them.
The accompanying drawings will serve to illustrate a machine constructed
according to this invention. In these drawings
--
Figs. 1 and 14 are two divided parts of a plan of the complete machine.
Fig. 2 a front elevation of the same machine broken away and with the type
channels removed from the left hand portion.
:
Figs. 3 and 4 are cross sections through the type-receiving table or galley
respectively upon the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Figure 1.
Fig. 5 is a cross-section upon the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, and
Fig. 6 is a cross section upon the line 6-6 of Fig. 14.
Fig. 7 is a detail view of the nippers looking from the back of the machine.
Fig. 8 is a front elevation partly in section of the galley or receiving-table end of
the machine, and
Fig. 9 is a small portion of a cross section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1
showing a slight modification in the arrangement of the apparatus. Figures 7 and 8
are upon a larger scale than the other figures.
Like letters represent like parts throughout the drawings.
A Fig. 1 represents the galley or receiving table upon which the type to be
distributed are placed, A' being a fixed side or wall and B and C movable walls
adapted to be moved up and fixed wherever required to retain the type in their
proper position upon the table A. In the drawing the wall B is shown in full lines
drawn back and in dotted lines pressed up against the type K while the wall C is
shown in full lines pressed up against the type and secured by the set screw C¹ upon a
fixed end plate A2 of the table A. The wall B consists of a substantially triangular
shaped plate B¹ of which the edge or wall B is reduced in height for the passage of
the movable wall C as will be understood by reference to the drawing, and the other
edge or wall B² is formed into a toothed rack with which engages the pawl B³
pivotted upon the slide H presently to be described. By means of this pawl the
plate Band wall B can be retained in contact with the type K. The end plate A
is slotted at the required part to allow of the passage of the plate B' through it.
The wall C is preferably composed of two super-imposed plates or rods C and C²,
Fig. 3, the lower one C of which passes through a suitable slot in the wall B the
said slot corresponding with the depression B³ (Fig. 1) in the top of the said wall B.
By this means C can be moved up to or away from the type and fixed in any
required position by the set screw C₁ passing through the jaw of the clamp upon the
end of C or into which the end of C is formed as will be well understood, without
interfering with the movement of the wall B.
27
Upon the end of C2 is a spring C Figs. 1 and 3 between which and the slide E
the leads "K (Figs. 1 and 4) which divide each line of the type are drawn by a
spring catch E upon the slide E as shown in this operation in Fig. 4.
The slide E as will be seen by reference to Fig. 1 feeds forward each line of
type as the types are conveyed one by one to the distributing part of the machine,
the slide coming forward under the influence of a coiled spring E2 Fig. 4 which
operates a spring barrel or grooved pulley E³ which by the cord or chain E' passing

page_text: over another pulley E' on the framing D' operates the slide E. After one line of.
the type has been disposed of the slide E by means presently to be described is
returned to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 the spring catch E' as
shown in Fig. 4 engaging with the end of the lead K' which divided the line just
distributed from the one next to be dealt with. The lead thus drawn back by the
slide after being moved from before the type is lightly supported against the slide
by the spring C until it reaches the edge of the table or galley A where it over-
balances and falls into any desired receptacle. In cases where no leads K' are used
to separate the lines of type the spring catch E may be held back in a recess in
the slide E by a pin passed through a vertical hole Eo provided in the slide for
this purpose.
The retraction of the slide E is performed by the disc F having holes or recesses F¹
(Figs. 3 and 4) in its face and which is rotated from the main shaft G by gearing
or by friction against the preferably rubber covered surface of the grooved pulley F2
fixed upon said shaft as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Upon the side of the slide E facing
the disc F and on a pin E* working in a slot D³ in the framing D¹ is pivotted the
spring arm E carrying the pin or projection E and so arranged that when the
slide E is in its extreme forward position which it reaches as the last type of
the line is removed as hereinafter described the pin E enters one of the holes F¹ of
the disc revolving in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figs. 3 and 4 so that
by the continued rotation of the disc F the arm E carries the slide E to its extreme
backward position indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 1 until the pin E is released
from the hole F by the stationary cam E' fixed upon the framework D¹ upon the
inclined face of which the arm E³ is forced by the movement of the disc F.
pivot E which carries the spring arm E as before mentioned passes through
the slot D³ in the framing D' and is secured upon the slide E which latter is carried
upon the same portion of the framing by means preferably of bolts or studs passing
through the same slot D³ and carrying nuts or heads as required.
The.
E Figs. 1, 2 and 5 is a stationary bar or platform or part of the framework
between the disc F and adjacent framing D for supporting the free end of
the spring arm E' when it is not engaged by one of the holes F of disc F.
The main shaft G which imparts motion to the whole machine and carries the
necessary cams and eccentrics or cranks may be driven in any required manner and .
by any required power; in the drawing it is shown adapted for operation by hand
by means of the crank handle G¹.
Upon a portion of the framing D2 is a slide H to which is pivotted one arm H¹
of a bell-crank lever the other arm H2 of which is made as a spring to be engaged
by the finger E8 of the slide E to which finger also the cord E' is preferably
fastened. The pawl B³ is pivotted to this slide H which is normally held in its
backward position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by the spring H³. When the finger Es
is moved by the slide E against the crank arm H the slide H is moved in the
direction of the arrow in Fig. 1 carrying with it the pawl B³ which being in
engagement with one of the teeth of the wall B of the plate B₁ carries that with
it and thus pushes up the whole of the type so that the succeeding line occupies
the place of that last disposed of. The tail B of the pawl B³ may be roughened
so that the pawl may be lifted by the operator out of engagement with the rack B2
when it is required to draw back the plate B'.
The detailed description so far has referred to the galley or type receiving.table
and its appurtenances and we now proceed to the distributing mechanism proper,
between which and the table a gap I, as already explained, exists.
Over
this gap the type are carried by the spring nippers J the construction and
operation of which will be best understood by reference to Figs. 4 and 7 of the
accompanying drawings. Each type K (which term here embraces any letter
type, space, quad or other such piece of a complete font) is grasped between the
jaws of the nippers and carried across the gap I from the table A to the ledge
or bar L (which extends throughout the length of the distributor proper), as is

page_text: -
clearly shown in Fig. 4. The path of the nippers is in the arc of a circle having
its centre at J, the movement of the nippers being effected by the arm J. Rigidly
connected with this arm J3 is another arm J to which is pivotted the end of
eccentric rod M' of the eccentric M carried upon the main shaft G; the nippers J
are constructed somewhat like a curved pair of scissors pivotted at J Figs. 4 and 7
and having a triangular opening preferably half in each arm (Fig. 7) of about the
shape and size of the wedge J upon the end of the arm J. The nippers are
normally kept closed by the spring Jo fastened to the nipper arms or to the pins Jo
thereof. The wedge J is prevented from opening the nippers too wide by the
plate J which is secured upon one of the arms while its turned over end extends
over the other arm and prevents the two arms from being separated beyond the
proper distance. The upper or smaller portion of the nippers works through an
opening in the framework as will be seen from Fig. 4 and the nippers are supported
at their lower ends by the wedge J and the pin Je of the arm J3 and being curved
to the required are they move freely but firmly and always in the same circular
path. Jis a spring which bears upon the nippers with sufficient pressure to
retain them in their two extreme positions whilst the wedge J³ is moved within the
triangular opening for forcing the jaws Japart or allowing them to be drawn
together by the spring J. The action of the wedge J is to lift the nippers from
their lowest or backward position where they have released the type, to their
highest or forward position where they grasp the next one and to return them again
to their lowest position. While the wedge is lifting the nippers its inclined faces
operating against the corresponding inclined faces of the nippers force them apart
and open the jaws J but so soon as the forward movement is completed and the
wedge ceases to be pressed forward between the arms and starts on its backward
movement the spring J" momentarily holds the nippers stationary and the spring J
closes their jaws Jupon the type and the whole nippers holding the type are then
moved back by the wedge J' which in due course presses forward the nippers again
for the next movement. It will be seen that as the wedge draws the nippers back
to their lowest position it has no power to open them so as to release the type on to
the ledge L, this movement may however be effected by the lever J12 which as will
be seen from Fig. 7 is pivotted upon the lower end of one of the nipper arms and
retained in the position shown in Fig. 7 that is practically at right angles to the
axis of the nippers by the stop J13. The pin J upon the other arm of the nippers
is contiguous to the foot or short arm of the lever J12 so that should the long arm
of the lever J be lifted up the short arm pressing upon the pin J will separate
the arms of the nippers; this movement is effected every time the nippers reach
their lowest position by the long arm of J12 coming in contact with any fixed
portion of the framework such as the fixed arm J shown in Fig. 7 thus effecting
the release of the type at the proper moment; or the same result may be obtained
by forcing the lower ends of the nippers, when at or about their lowest position, on
to a stationary wedge so that said wedge is inserted between the nipper arms and
moves them apart. The wire JB is connected to a light helical spring J₁s carried
upon any fixed part of the framework and which assists to retain the nippers in
their proper position with their forward portion bearing against the portion of the
framework D shown on the left hand side in Fig. 7. Were it not for this spring J18
the jaw end of the nippers would be apt to be turned away to the right hand in
Fig. 7. The connection of the wire Jis to the nipper arm at the point indicated
in Fig. 7 is found to produce satisfactory results but the spring J18 may be
connected in any suitable manner and at any suitable point to the nippers J.
The spring J18 must however with the arrangement shown in Fig. 7 be weaker
than the. spring J' as otherwise the jaws would not close. The nippers J may
if desired be made straight instead of curved and work in a straight instead of
a circular path, but the circular arrangement is preferred especially if the
apparatus is constructed as in Fig. 9 where in the table or galley A. or bottom
of the mouth A³ is inclined so that the side of each type first received in the

page_text: nippers J will be in a line radiating from the centre J .e. the centre about
which the nippers reciprocate, and in which arrangement also the back of the
bar or ledge L is also on a line radiating from so that the nippers J will
bring the type flat against the said bar, the type striking the bar L simultaneously
at its upper and lower ends.
Though the arrangement shown in Fig. 9 is preferred and although that shown
in Figs. 1 to 8 (inclusive) made from an actual working machine gives satisfaction
yet it is not imperative.that the face of and the axis of the type standing in A³
should be in lines radiating from the centre J the desired result sought to be
obtained being that the face of L shall present to the centre J' the same angle as
does the side of the type first received in the nippers J so as to prevent the type
from turning or tilting in the jaws. The nippers J convey across the gap I
spaces" or quads as well as type but while the type is carried through the
machine and distributed as will presently appear only the spaces follow the course
of the type for the first movement after the nippers leave them and are then
placed in a special channel apportioned to them. The quads when released by
the nippers overbalance and tumble off the ledge L through the gap I into any
suitable receptacle provided for them.
<
The distributing mechanism may be constructed as follows:-
An
The type is placed as already explained upon the ledge L at the point vacated
by the nippers when a slide L' Figs. 1 and 8 moves forward into the space
vacated by the nippers and now occupied by the type pushing it forward towards
the left hand of the drawing Figures 1 and 8 so that it is moved along the ledge L
towards the left. The slide L' is stationary during the movement of the nippers
but moves forward immediately the nippers have released the, type and having
accomplished its mission of moving the type a distance which we may call one'
space the slide returns to its position of rest indicated in Figure 1.
opening L is provided in the end of the slide L' for the passage of the nippers
which come forward before the slide has returned. While the nippers are seizing
the next type a spacing bar N Figures 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 divided into compartments
by the divisions N' comes forward behind the type which has just been moved into
position and which is thus engulfed in the first space of the spacing bar. This
spacing bar is operated by the slide L' and partakes of its intermittent recipro-
cating movement. The spacing bar having moved the type the distance of one
space towards the left of the machine as seen in Figures 1 and 8 is drawn back-
wards and then lengthways until the first compartment is back at the first space
and therefore ready to engulf and move on the next type supplied by the nippers.
In this manner it will be seen that type after type can be engaged by the spacing
bar and carried along by successive operations of the bar.
The intermittent reciprocating movement of the slide L' and spacing bar N N¹
is imparted by a crank arm L³ secured upon the back end of a cross-shaft L
which at the front of the machine carries a thin arm L5 which may be adjust-
ably secured to and supported by the crank L° fastened upon the same cross
shaft L by a set screw L' or other equivalent means. The crank L° could be
dispensed with but affords a convenient support for the arm L³ and moreover the
arrangement shown in the drawings admits of the adjustment of the effective end
of L operated on by the cam G2 in relation to the position of the operating
crank arm L at the opposite end of shaft L. Upon the main shaft G is the
cam G2 which as it revolves engages with the arm Lo raising it and so through
shaft L and crank arm L³ imparting the forward movement to the slide L'
which returns under the influence of springs L³ and L³ carried underneath the
framework.
A bar N Figure 8 descends from the leading end of the slide L' to a small
shaft or rod N3 which is journalled in it and which carries a curved arm N* connected
at its upper end with the spacing bar N. At the other end of the distributing
apparatus is a similar curved arm N* (Figures 2 and 6) which carries a curved

page_text: plate N with which engages an arm or plate Q' secured to the frame Q. The
longitudinal reciprocating motion is imparted by the bar N to the rod N3 and so
through the curved arm N* to the spacing bar Ň while the backward and forward
oscillating movement in which the slide L' does not participate is imparted by the
arm which partakes of the oscillating movement of the frame Q and which
in conjunction with the tension spring N connected to No imparts oscillating.
motion to the plate No without interfering with the reciprocating movement thereof.
The rod R which carries the spring fingers R is also provided with a bent or
curved arm R² to which is connected a helical spring R³ in a state of tension and
connected with a fixed portion of the apparatus, or it may be coiled round the
rod T; this has the effect of pressing the spring fingers R down upon the type.
It is however necessary that the pressure of the spring fingers R should be
released to allow of the movement of the type and this is effected by a spring
arm Q10 connected with the oscillating plate Q and which at each oscillation of
the said plate Q imparts its movement through the arm R² to the rod R' and thus
temporarily removes the whole of the spring fingers R out of contact with the
type K at the same time as the spacing bar N N is drawn back clear of the type
this position being indicated in Figure 6 where the spring fingers R are lifted the
spacing bar N N is drawn back clear of the type and those plungers which have
been selected in the manner presently to be described are in their forward position
and have dislodged the corresponding types from the ledge L. Those types which
have not been selected are still upon the ledge.
It
In the back of the ledge L is a groove O in which are pushers or plungers O
corresponding to the spaces of the spacing bar when at either end of its travel.
will therefore be seen that should one of these plungers be pushed out behind the
type resting upon the ledge L that type would be pushed off and sliding down the
shoot P one of which corresponds to each pusher O' would fall into the type
channel P appropriate to that shoot.
The movement of the plungers O¹ is obtained by the action of an oscillating
frame, or plate Q provided with a groove Q1 which engages at every oscillation of
the frame with the tails or back ends of all the plungers excepting those which by
the selecting mechanism presently to be described are removed out of the path in
which this groove moves. This frame Q is carried upon short shafts or journals Q2
in suitable bearings in the framework D one of these shafts projecting and carrying
the arm Q³ the curved end Q of which is engaged at each revolution by the cam Q
secured to the shaft G. The arm Q³ engages when at its lowest point with the
spring Q upon which rests as shown in Figures 4 and 5 the pin W carried in the
framing and whose upper end normally is pressed by spring Q' into contact with
the lower edge of the slide E thus acting as a brake to prevent the slide from
pushing the type forward when the nippers are not ready to receive it. When
however the arm Q³ engages with the spring Q7 the pressure upon the pin W is
relieved as shown in dotted lines in Figure 6 and the slide shoots forward just at
the moment that the nippers are at the end of their forward stroke and ready to
receive the type which is thus projected into them, the spring Q' being instantly
released from the pressure of the arm Q and the pin W promptly re-engaging and
checking the slide E.
Above each space of the spacing bar N N is one of the before mentioned spring
fingers R fixed to the rod R¹ which is carried at one end in the fixed bracket R
Figure 2 and at the other in the bracket R' Figure 8 secured upon or forming part of
the slide L'. It will be seen that the bracket R' engages with the collar R of the
rod R¹ thus pushing it along with a movement corresponding with that of the slide,
and the spacing bar but so arranged by allowing space between the collar R and
the nut R screwed on to the end of the rod R that the rod R₁ and consequently
the spring fingers R do not begin to travel until the spacing bar has moved a short
distance preferably about 16th of an inch the object of this being that the types K
held by the spring fingers R against the bar L (the back of the ledge) shall all be

page_text: held back by the spring fingers R until engaged by the following division N1 of the
spacing bar N so that a uniform distance shall separate all the types it being
understood that the spaces of the spacing bar are considerably wider than the types,
to allow for necessary play and to prevent jamming. This is shown clearly in
Figure 8. The bearing Ri Figure 2 is provided with springs which grip the rod R¹
sufficiently to retain it in position during the very short time occupied by the free
movement of the bearing R³ between the collar Re and nut R any other suitable
form of brake device may however be used in place of these springs.
The object of the apparatus being to place in each type channel P¹ all the type
of one denomination some means for selecting the type for each channel must be.
adopted and this is effected in the present invention in the following manner :-
Each type as above explained is held by one of the spring fingers R against the
back of the ledge or bar L its lower end resting upon the ledge and while thus held
a spring feeler S carrying upon its under face a matrix S³ corresponding to the
type to which that particular feeler and its corresponding shoot P and type
channel P' appertains, descends upon the face of the type and should the type, at
that moment underneath the feeler correspond with the matrix the matrix will fit
over it thus reaching a lower level than can he reached by any of the other
matrices which do not correspond with the type underneath them. Each selecting
or matrix feeler S is secured preferably by a screw S Figures 1 and 5 to a fixed
portion of the framework preferably the back part of the bar L and has secured to
it a tail piece S2 which at its back end may be formed into a loop through which
passes the tail of the corresponding plunger O' the arrangement being such that
if the matrix feeler S be held up (by reason of the matrix not corresponding with
the type beneath it) its tail piece is at the same time correspondingly depressed and
holds the tail of the corresponding plunger down in such a position as to be out of
the circular path followed by the groove Q' in the frame Q and therefore that
particular plunger at the next operation of Q will not be pushed forward and
consequently the type instead of being pushed off the ledge L'into its shoot P and
type channel P¹ will remain on the ledge and at the next operation of the spacing
bar will be moved forward into position underneath the next matrix feeler and so on
until reaching its proper matrix it will be projected into its appropriate shoot and
channel. In Figure 6 the matrix feeler S is shown in the position it would occupy
when it is engaged with its proper type and consequently the plunger tail Ois
shown lifted up and engaged by the groove Q₁ of. the frame Q the plunger having
just pushed its type K over the ledge L. In Figure 5 the matrix fecler S is shown
in the raised position which it would occupy when the matrix is not engaged with
the type but is held up above the type face by the action of the plate T upon its
tail piece S²; in this case the plunger tail O is depressed and in such a position
that when the frame Q comes forward to the position it occupies in Figure 6 the
plunger tail will enter the recess or slot Q and will thus not he acted upon when
the frame comes forward this also being the same result as is obtained when any
one of the matrix feelers S does not descend sufficiently on to the type beneath it
by reason of its matrix not corresponding with said type. The reason for providing
the groove Q to bring the plungers forward is to prevent risk of the plungers
slipping off the frame when engaged by it and for this purpose the ends of the
plungers may be flattened so that they may more readily be received in the groove.
These operations take place at every revolution of the shaft G or each complete
operation of the machine and there may be type in all the spaces of the spacing
bar or only in some of them according as each type finds its destination early or
late in its passage along the ledge L.
The natural position of the plunger tails is below the level of the circular
patli of the groove Q₁ so that unless raised to that level they would never enter
it; the raising is effected by the action of the matrix feelers S, the natural tendency
of each of which is to place its matrix in its lowest position (as when it has found
its proper type) and thus raise the plunger tail O' to the proper level of the path
B

page_text: of the groove Q. Excepting, however, at the moment of selection the downward
movement of the matrix feeler and the consequent upward movement of the matrix
tail is prevented by the bar or plate T which extends across the length of that
portion of the machine and presses down all the matrix tails excepting during the
time the plate T is raised. The plate T is carried upon the shaft T¹ journalled' in
the framework and bearing the crank arm T3 Figures 1, 3, 5, and 6 to which is
pivotted the bar T3 having the working face T with which the cam To Figures 12
and 4 carried upon the shaft G engages thus forcing back the arm T2 rocking the
shaft T and raising the bar T from the tails S2. Sufficient play is left in the loops
to enable the plungers to move freely through the tails S².
Besides the plungers above described there is at the junction of each type
shoot P and channel P¹ a second plunger U Figures 5, 6 and 8 which when the
type falls down the shoot P, comes forward and pushes it into its appropriate
channel P. These plungers U project from a bar U₁ carried upon arms U
secured upon a shaft U extending underneath the machine and journalled in the
end framings. Upon one end of the shaft U3 is fixed the crank arm U* Figures 3
and 4 which by the link Us is connected to the eccentric rod M' the shaft Us thus
partaking at every revolution of the eccentric M of a slight rocking motion sufficient
to project forward the plungers U as above described.
In each type channel P Figures 1 and 8 is a spring stop P which is forced
along the channel at the introduction of each fresh type in said channel in front
of the type first received therein thus preventing the type from being displaced
or tumbling down in the channel. The type channels Pas shown in Figures 5
and 6 of the drawings are preferably placed slanting downwards so that the type
naturally remains against the stops P
The operation of this machine is as follows
The form or block of type to be distributed is, as has been already explained,
placed on the plate or galley A, Figure 1, the first line being in front of the slide E
which is pressed against it by the operation of the spring E, Figure. 4, and as the
nippers come forward into the position indicated in Figure 1 the slide. E is
released from the control of the brake pin W as shown in dotted lines in Figure 6
and shoots the type forward into the jaws of the nippers. To prevent more than
one type being pushed forward at a time a tiny spring Aª may be placed in the
side of the mouth A³ as. shown in Figure 3. The nippers J take the first of the
type moved up to them and place it upon the ledge L when it is pushed forward
along the ledge by the end of the slide L' clear of the path of the nippers..
Whilst the nippers are returning for the next type the spacing bar N N' operates
with its double movement, first being withdrawn out of the way of the type upon
the ledge L and then following the slide L' as it returns to the right in Figure 1
and then moving forward so as to engage any type which may be upon the
ledge L. The type are then pushed along in the manner already explained, a
short portion say about one and a half inches of the ledge L being provided before
the type reach the first (S) of the selecting or matrix feelers S. This first
selecting feeler S₁ corresponds with the type channel P¹ adapted to receive the
spaces and consequently this first selecting feeler requires no type matrix and
there being no type face upon the "space" to prevent it from descending, it
always operates when such "spaces "are presented below it and causes the "spaces"
to be discharged into the first type channel.
"
23
To differentiate between spaces." of different thicknesses as many feelers may be
provided as are required the feclers being provided with points, edges or frames
adapted to register with the respective thicknesses of the spaces; the plane
feeler S is merely intended to select all the " spaces or type which have no
raised type face, stops figures and other signs, or symbols with raised faces may be
selected by suitable matrices.
23
•
The type are continually pushed along the ledge L and at each operation of
the machine corresponding with one revolution of the shaft G' one or more are

page_text: pushed into the appropriate channels. The quads overbalancing and falling off the
ledge as soon as the nippers are withdrawn do not reach the selecting feelers S* S
at all.
When the first line of the type on the plate A has been exhausted the stud E
of spring arm E' enters one of the holes F¹ in the disc F, the slide E is drawn
back, its finger E engages with the arm H2 bell crank lever H H whichi operating
the slide H and the pawl B³ engaging with the toothed rack of wal! B forces
forward the plate B' so that the wall B thereof moves the type forward until the
second line takes up the position previously occupied by the first line, the lead if
there had been one between the two lines having been already withdrawn by the
spring catch E upon the slide E..
When the whole of the type K upon the plate or galley A have been disposed
of the plate B may be withdrawn by hand the slide E pulled back a fresh set of
type placed upon A. and the apparatus re-started. All the channels P' are readily
removable from the machine so that when required they may be removed and their
contents discharged into the desired receptacles. Should any of the type be placed
on the table or galley A facing in the wrong direction or otherwise be badly
arranged they will be passed from one end of the machine to the other and be
discharged by a continuously reciprocated plunger O', uncontrolled by any feeler S,
into an appropriate type channel P¹.
Spiral or other springs may be employed wherever required to cause a particular
operation of any of the parts or to assist in moving or retaining them and the
precise form of any of the parts described herein need not be strictly adhered
to so long as each part is adapted to perform its required function. It will be
seen that so long as the matrix S3 is a sufficiently near counterpart of the letter
to which it appertains the object will be attained even though the matrix and
letter should not correspond in every minute detail.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. In the distribution of type selecting a type by means of a matrix corre
sponding with the type face substantially as described.
2. In the distribution of type selecting the "spaces "by means of a selecting
fecler such as S substantially as described.
3. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a series of type
channels of a series of selecting matrices of varying characters each matrix
corresponding with the type to be placed in its corresponding type channel sub-
stantially as described.
4. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a type channel P of
a inatrix feeler such as S S plunger O' spring finger R oscillating frame Q and
plunger the whole constructed and operating substantially as and for the purpose
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
5. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a bar or ledge such
as L of a matrix feeler such as S S plate T and plunger O' substantially as and
for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
6. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a series of plungers
such as O' of an oscillating plate such as Q having a groove Q for the reception
of the plunger tails when the plungers are to be operated and a recess Q for the
reception of the plunger tails when these are not to be operated substantially as
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
7. In a machine for distributing type the employment of a spacing bar such
as NN constructed and operating substantially as and for the purpose described
and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
8. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a ledge or bar such
as Lof
aslide such as 1 spacing bar such as N N and spring fingers and rod such

page_text: as R R the whole combined and operating substantially as and for the purpose
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
9. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a type ledge or bar
such as L and nippers such as J of a slide such as L' spacing bar such as N N'
and spring fingers and rod such as R R the whole combined and operating
substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
10. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a ledge or bar such
as L of a spacing bar such as N N substantially as and for the purpose described
and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
11. In a machine for distributing type a pair of nippers such as J curved to the
arc of the circular path in which they reciprocate and not rigidly connected with
any portion of their operating mechanism substantially as described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.
12. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a pair of nippers
such as reciprocating in a circular path about a fixed point or centre of a ledge
or bar such as L and a galley mouth such as A3 so arranged that the type when
seized by the nipper jaws and when released or left by them upon the bar L
occupies the same relation to the said fixed point or centre substantially as
described.
13. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a pair of nippers
such as having an angular recess of a lever and wedge such as J3 J5 pivotted at
the centre of the circle of which the curved nippers form an arc substantially as
and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
14. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a pair of nippers
such as J of a wedge such as J' adapted to reciprocate and open the said nippers
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
15. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a pair of nippers
such as J of a lever such as J12 pivotted to one of the arms, and spring J con-
nected to both the arms for the purpose of opening and closing said nippers
_substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 7 of the accompanying
drawings.
16. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a pair of nippers
such as J of a wedge J a lever a spring J and a plate substantially
as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
17. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a pair of recipro-
cating nippers and a travelling wedge such as J of a stationary wedge both adapted
to force the nipper arms apart substantially as described.
18. In a machine for distributing type the combination with the receiving
table or galley of an intermittently operated slide such as E and brake such
as Q7 substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
19. In a machine for distributing type the combination with a spring con-
trolled type projecting slide such as E of a perforated or recessed disc such
as FF spring arm such as E³ and can such as E the whole constructed and
operating substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
20. In a machine for distributing type the combination with the receiving
table A of a sliding wall and rack such as B B and pawl B³ substantially as
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
21. In a machine for distributing type the combination with the receiving table
or galley A sliding wall B and rack B2 of a slide such as E E8 bell-crank
lever Ha H2 slide H and pawl B³ the whole constructed and operating sub-
stantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
1
22. In a machine for distributing type the combination with the receiving:table
or galley A having a slotted wall A of a plate such as B' having a slotted wall

page_text: such as B and an adjustable wall C C² whereby the walls B and C C and the
plate B and wall A may respectively intersect and operate independently without.
interfering with each other substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this 22nd day of October 1891.
JOHN HENRY KERRIDGE.
CHARLES EDWARD LANE.
ANDREW LANE.
W. P. Thompson & Boult,
Agents for the Applicants.
JOHN HENRY KERRIDGE.
CHARLES EDWARD LANE.
ANDREW LANE.
W. P. Thompson & Boult,
Agents for the Applicants.