IMPROVEMENTS IN AND MACHINERY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MATRICES FROM WHICH Stereotypes AND ELECTROTYPES MAY BE TAKEN For use in PrinTING, BY WHICH THE ORDINARY OPERATION OF TYPE SETTING IS DISPENSED WITIL." PRO SP
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Georgo Duncan Macdougald, William Adie, George
Rough Adams, and Peter Fleming, all of Dundee, in the County of Forfar,
North Britain, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND MACHINERY FOR
THE PRODUCTION OF MATRICES FROM WHICH Stereotypes AND ELECTROTYPES
MAY BE TAKEN For use in PrinTING, BY WHICH THE ORDINARY OPERATION OF
TYPE SETTING IS DISPENSED WITIL."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Duncan Macdougald,
William Adie, George Rough Adams, & Peter Fleming at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th April 1880.
GEORGE DUNCAN MACDOUGALD, William Adie, GEORGE ROUGH ADAMS, and
PETER FLEMING, all of Dundee, in the County of Forfar, North Britain.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND MACHINERY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MATRICES FROM
WHICH STEREOTYPES AND ELECTROTYPES MAY BE TAKEN FOR USE IN PRINTING, BY
WHICH THE ORDINARY OPERATION OF TYPE SETTING IS DISPENSED WITH."
This Invention consists in stamping, embossing, or making relevio or intaglio
mould on a prepared substance by letters, figures, words, or other printing
characters in such a manner that the impressions are formed one after another, and
automatically spaced, thus producing a matrix from which stereotypes and electro-
types may be taken for use in printing newspapers, books, and all other imprinting
purposes. Suitable apparatus is provided for taking proofs to admit of corrections
being made, and means are or may be provided for the making of transfers for
lithographic, zincographic or like processes.
This is effected by the use of dies or types made of steel, diamond, or other hard
material, so arranged in a machine that they may be operated so as to be forced,
stamped, pressed, or made to emboss one after another into or upon the prepared
material, thus forming the matrix from which the cast or electrotype is taken; or
the aforesaid dies or types may be.made to print one after another with a transfer
ink on suitable material for transference to stone, zinc, or other materials as used
in litho- or zinco-graphic or other processes, or with a special inking matter upon
such modification of said prepared material as will form the base of a matrix; this
basis itself having adhesive, and the inking matter non-adhesivo properties towards
D1- 4.71

page_text: any suitable substanco in a viscid state passed over it by a roller or other means,
the printed impressions being thus left clean and intact; the viscid substance is
then solidified and hardened, successivo applications forming sufficient thickness to
give projection (as in the case of stamping or embossing) to the printed matter
when cast. The said operating of the dies or types is effected either directly by
means of a fingering keyboard or stud contrivance having the several printing
characters distinguishable thereon, and capable of transmitting the required
movement to the types or dies, or indirectly by means of cardboard or other
material continuous or otherwise (previously stencilled, punched, or made to
contain pins or projections by such similar finger board apparatus) forming an
actuating or regulating medium in a mechanism for operating the types or dies, tho
motive power of which may be steam, compressed air, or other suitable motor.
The spacing of individual letters to form words and the spacing between words is
effected by levers, cams, or other combination, so arranged that each type space has
its corresponding movement, which movement is transmitted to the inatrix either
previous to or after the stamping or printing of each letter, or the movement of
each space between words.
The spacing of words to form lines is effected by means of a dial or other index
movement on the machine for stencilling, punching, or arranging the actuating or
regulating medium above mentioned, by which the operator can perceive (after the
fashion of a compositor in the use of his composing stick) how the type spaces are
to fill up a line, so as to finish at the end of a word or any syllable of a word. If
it be found that the index shews that the line would tend to finish in the middle
of a word it may be arranged by the operator on the one hand to keep the word in
question altogether out of this line and finish at the end of the preceding word,
or, on the other hand, to keep it wholly in the line, whichever is seen to be most
suitable. The index movement in every caso corresponds with the dimension of
the aggregate type spaces put in. A hole, slot, or projection, is then made or placed
on the cardboard or other material by means of one, or one of several keys, studs, or
other contrivances forming part of the fingering key-board, this hole, slot, or
projection having a position or shape lengthwise transversely, or otherwise, which
corresponds with index reading, and this whole slot or projection serves to regulate
the letter spacing apparatus during the whole time the line is being formed on the
matrix, lengthening out or shortening the normal type spaces as required, and
likewise serves to bring into action a movement for placing the matrix into
position for the succeeding line. The prooftaking is effected by a modification of
the matrix making machine, on which an inking roller or band is adjusted, paper
taking the place of the matrix, the cardboard or other material carrying the
actuating or regulating medium is run through and a print taken off, and any
alteration made in said medium if correction is necessary before the matrix making
is begun.
The material used for matrices may be of any substance or combination of
substances capable of receiving impressions, from which stereotypes or electrotype
castings may be taken.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Duncan Macdougald, William Adie, George Rough Adams
& Peter Fleming in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 12th October 1880.
GEORGE DUNCAN MACDOUGALD, WILLIAM ADIE, GEORGE ROUGH ADAMS, and
PETER FLEMING, all of Dundee, in the County of Forfar, North Britain.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND MACHINERY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MATRICES FROM
WHICH STEREOTYPES AND ELECTROTYPES MAY BE TAKEN FOR USE IN PRINTING, BY
WHICH THE ORDINARY OPERATION OF TYPE SETTING IS DISPENSED WITH."
Our said Invention consists in stamping, embossing, or making relevio or intaglio
moulds on a prepared substanco by letters, figures, words, or other printing characters
in such a manner that the impressions are formed one after another and automa-
tically spaced, thus producing a matrix from which stereotypes and electrotypes may
be taken for use in printing newspapers, books, and all other imprinting purposes.
Suitable apparatus is provided for taking proofs to adinit of corrections being made,
and means are or may be provided for the making of transfers for lithographic,
zinco-graphic, or like processes.
This is effected by the use of dies or types made of steel, toughened glass, or
other suitable hard material, so arranged in a machine that they may be operated
so as to be forced, stamped, pressed, or made to emboss one after another into or
upon the prepared material, thus formning the matrix from which the cast or electro-
type is taken; or the aforesaid dies or types may be made to print one after another
with a transfer ink on suitable material for transference to stone, zinc, or other
materials as used in litho or zinco-graphic or other printing processos, or with a
special inking matter upon such modification of the said prepared material as will
form the base of a matrix, this basis itself having adhesive, and the inking matter
non-adhesive, properties towards any suitable substance in a viscid state passed
over it by a roller or other means, the printed impressions being thus left clean and
intact. The viscid substance is then solidified and hardened, successive applications
forming sufficient thickness to give projection (as in the case of stamping or embossing)
to the printed matter when cast. The said operating of the dies or types is effected
either directly by means of a fingering keyboard or stud contrivance, having the
several printing characters distinguishable thereon, and capable of transmitting the
required movement to the types or dies, or indirectly by means of cardboard or other
material, continuous or otherwise (previously stencilled, punched, or mado to contain
pins or projections or depressions by such similar finger board apparatus), forming an
actuating or regulating medium in a mechanism for operating the types or dies, the
motive power of which may be steam, compressed air, or other suitable motor. The
spacing of individual letters to form words, and the spacing between words, is
effected by levers, cams, or other combination, so arranged that each type and space
has its corresponding movement, which movement is transmitted to the matrix
either previous to or after the stamping or printing of each letter, or the movement
of each space between words. The spacing of words to form lines is effected by
means of a dial or other index movement on the machine for stencilling, punching,
or arranging the actuating or regulating medium above mentioned, by which the
operator can perceive (after the fashion of a compositor in the use of his composing
stick) how the type spaces are to fill up a line so as to finish at the end of a word
or any syllable of a word. If it be found that the index shews that the line would
tend to finish in the middle of a word or syllable, it may be arranged by the
operator on the one hand to keep the word or syllable in question altogether out of
this line, and finish at the end of the preceding word, or, on the other hand, to keep
it wholly in the line, whichever is seen to be most suitable. The index movement in
every case corresponds with the dimension of the aggregate type spaces put in. A
hole, slot, projection, or indentation on the edge is then made or placed on the

page_text: cardboard or other material by means of one or one of several keys, studs, or other
contrivances forming part of the fingering keyboard, this hole, slot, or projection
having a position or shape lengthwise, transversely or otherwise, which corresponds
with the index reading, and this hole, slot, or projection serves to regulate the
letter spacing apparatus during the whole time the line is being formed on the
matrix, lengthening out or shortening the normal type spaces as required, and
likewise serves to bring into action a movement for placing the matrix into
position for the succeeding line. The proof taking is effected by a modification of
the matrix making machine, on which an inking roller or band is adjusted, paper
taking the place of the matrix. The cardboard or other material carrying the
actuating or regulating medium is run through and a print taken off, and any
alteration made in said medium,if correction is necessary, before the matrix making
is begun; or the types may be brought down upon the paper lying ou a serrated or
file surface, making a perforated impression which may be stencilled from.
The material used for the matrices may be of any substance or combination of
substances capable of receiving impressions from which stereotypes or electrotype
castings may be taken.
And in order that our said Invention may be properly understood we now proceed
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to the
accompanying Drawings and to the letters and Figures marked thereon, that is to
say:-
In the machine which we are now about to describe, with reference to Figures 4
to 11, it is necessary that a strip of paper or similar material be provided for use in
combination with such machine, the said strip being punched with holes in certain
positions, according to the types which are to be liberated in the said machine for
causing the matrix to pass sideways through the requisite distance after each type
is impressed, and for giving a lengthwise movement at the end of each line for
bringing the matrix into position for the next line. We will first describe a machine
for producing this perforated strip. Figure 1 is the sectional clevation, and
Figure 2 a partial plan of a machine for punching paper for regulating the operating
of the matrix stamping machine, as aforesaid, the motive power of the said punching
machine being electricity. A strip of paper or other material to be punctured is
drawn over the curved surface A, which is part of a cylinder of metal, and is sup-
ported by brackets b bolted to the side frames of the machine. This drawing
motion is effected by means of wheels B, B, C, C, at each side fastened on spindles
extending across the machine, and supported in the side frames, as shewn. The
wheels B, B, have the same diameter as the curved surface A, and they have upon
their periphery projecting pins, the paper having as many holes punched in it at
the start as is necessary for gripping it between the wheels. These holes take over
the pins on the wheels B, B, the wheels C, C, having corresponding holes in their
rims, so that the paper is compelled to follow the motion of the said wheels. The
punching of edge holes after the start is effected by the machine as the work
proceeds in the manner hereafter described. A series of fingering keyboard knobs
d, d, are provided, there being one for cach kind of letter or type, which the matrix
stamping machine is fitted to deal with. The said knobs are each at the end of a
thin steel lever D, swung on centres E, each lever being separated by a distance
piece de formed of a strip of steel, a centre spindle going through the whole and
forming the fulcrum for all the levers. The comb formed by the distance pieces d'
is kept at the proper pitch, and made rigid by two or more bolts, one of which is
shewn at E, washers slightly thicker than the lovers D being inserted between the
distance pieces . The knobs d, d, are arranged in rows, as shewn in the plan, so
as to give sufficient space for the finger of the operator, and keep the levers as
compact as possible. On each of these levers d is fixed a steel wire G, having an
end of flat steel plate g the thickness of the lever d. Corresponding with these
levers d and pendant plates g, and in line therewith, are arranged another set of
steel levers H, the points at the outer ends of which are the punches. These lovers H

page_text: are swung on centres h, and each has a spring i acting upon it to press it away
from the surface A. The centres of these levers are on a series or reed of distance
pieces h³, similar to that bereinbefore described with respect to the levers D, and
the points are also inserted into a plate J, with distance pieces attached for the
guidance of the plates g. Opposite the series of steel punching points of the levers H
is a steel plate forming part of the surface A, and having a series of holes bored in
it corresponding to the series of punches, and forming the female dies thereof, or
such female parts may be formed by a series of steel tubes capable of being removed
for sharpening. On each fingering lever d is a projection f, and below these and
across the whole keyboard extends a flat plate F swung on a lever K turning on a
centro. To this lever is attached a connecting rod m, having a conducting plate M
at its end for making connection when drawn up to the other conducting plate m³
from magnets O, O¹, to a battery, or this connection may be made by the common
mercury connection.
The action of the machino is as follows:-The operator depresses the keys & in
the order corresponding to the "copy" which he has before him. As each key is
depressed the plate g connected thereto is depressed into the gap between tho
corresponding lever H and the rail n, which is swung on two lovers N, N, turning
on centres at n³, this rail extending along the whole rango of levers, and being
actuated by the electro magnets 0, 0¹, fixed respectively the one to the rail o³
attached to the said levers N, and the other to a rail o extending across the
machine on the sido frames. When the lever is depressed the rod m is at the
saine time raised to make electrical connection, whereby the magnet O' draws over
the magnet O and causes the rail n to be brought forward, when it will come in
contact with such one of the plates g as is depressed, and cause the corresponding
lever H to be pressed forward, and its punch to punch a hole in the paper strip.
The side holes for taking upon the projection of the wheels B, B, are at the same
time punched by two fixed punches n³ at each end of the rail n. On the lever d
being released the plate F returns to its normal position by the action of a spring
or weight (not shown) and connection of the electrical wires is broken, and a
spring, not shewn in the Drawings, but which may be in any convenient position
for the purpose, brings back the barn to its first position. The drawing forward of
the paper for the next perforation is done on the return stroke of the levers N
acting on ratchet wheels P, P, (fixed on the spindles of the wheels B, B,) by means
of the rods r, levers 8, and pawls t.
The index movement is given in this machine by the ratchet pawl m³ fixed on
the lever K, which moves up the ratchet toothed rack n' in a slide n² on which
is marked a scale, the movement being regulated by the projections on the levers d,
being of such length as to give a movement corresponding in extent to the space
occupied by the particular letter or space to which each lever relates, and the
spacing out of a line is done by the punching of a hole in one of eight positions in
the centre of the paper, as is hereinafter more fully set forth.
A modification of this machine is shewn in Figure 3, wherein the motive power
is compressed air instead of electricity. An air chamber V is kept full of
compressed air by means of a pump T, and accumulater U which is weighted to the
required pressure. In the air chamber is a nearly balanced valve v which is raised
by the lever K on a key being depressed, the air being admitted behind the
plunger X drives it forward and escapes at the holes y after it has done its work,
which is to carry forward the rail n in the same manner as is done by the electro
magnets in the arrangement Figures 1 and 2, the back movement is given by the
spring o² fixed as shewn.
Thus by this machine any printing characters are represented by the position of
a hole (or the position and number of a combination of holes) punctured into the
strip of paper or other material, and the paper with its punctures can be mado to
reproduce in another machine, essentially as hereinafter described, the motion of
types or printing characters of the same kind, so as to print or stamp upon a
matrix the characters in proper order to form a matrix from which a cast can bo

page_text: taken for printing purposes. The letters may be represented by any position across
the line of punches in the machine, Figures 1, 2, and 3, but however arranged they
must be the same in both the punching and matrix machines, that is, any hole to
represent a letter, or sign, or space punched in the paper strip must in the matrix
stamping machine come under the lever that brings the same lotter, sign, or space
into position in the matrix stamping machine, the levers in the said machine being
the same pitch as are the punches in the punching machine. It will be obvious
that the letters mostly used would be more advantageously placed as near as
possible to one another.
We will now proceed to describo a machine for effecting the stamping of the
matrix according to our Invention. Figure 4 is a sectional elevation, and Figure 5
a plan of this machine. It consists of two main parts, one for carrying the types
and the matrix, and the other for carrying the apparatus conveying forward the
strip of paper punched in the machine, Figures 1, 2, and 3, and the levers for
moving the types, the junction of the parts being made at the points of the
levers C by thin steel wires to the type carriers, the framings for the parts are
fixed on a lower cast iron frame work. The types are carried in tubes F (round or
square or of other suitable form) made to circles, shewn, and moveable on wires F¹,
so that they all converge to one point, being the point at which the stamping of
the matrix is effected. The said wires are fixed to brackets G set radially on a
circular rail H carried by the side frames, Figure 7 shews one of the types
(marked m, and a type tube and rod drawn to a larger scale. The types are mado
of hardened steel, toughened glass, or other suitable hard material, preferably of the
form shewn with a shoulder, and are screwed or pinned in the tubes F to retain
them therein. The ends of the wires F¹ are held in recesses in brackets G, and
fixed therein by a plate or otherwise. The type carriers are held back or in their
normal position by means of spiral springs i fixed as shewn in Figuro 4. At the
centre, to which the whole of the type tubes and wires converge, is placed a cup Mª
turned out accurately to fit the back of the types, as shewn, and carried on a strong
spring bar Ne fixed to the ends of the matrix rail P, and springing to allow the
types to descend into the matrix. This cup M² serves as a guide to ensure the
whole of the types taking up an accurate position on being brought down, and also
keeps them clear of the matrix until the punch comes down. Tho substance into
which the types are impressed to form the matrix o is carried by means of pairs of
milled wheels g at either side carried on spindles working in a slide p moving on
the matrix bar P which is fixed at its ends to the circular frame H, the whole being
capable of being taken out together. One of these spindles W is square and is
carried out through the side frame of the machine for the purpose of being acted
upon through the ratchet wheel V (carried in a bush on the side frame) as herein-
after described. Figure 6 shews the screw cam Q which moves the matrix crosswise
a regulated distance according to the width of the type to be impressed into the
matrix. The said cam Q is keyed on the shaft R which is carried through one side
frame, and has a toothed wheel r fixed thereon and gearing with a small pinion S,
alongside of which and fixed to it is a ratchet wheel moved as hereinafter
described. The strip of paper punched in the machine, Figures 1, 2, and 3, is taken
over the curved surfaces b, b', which have a line of perforations across them to
correspond with the levers A, A', above and the holes in the [paper strip, the
distance between the two lines of perforations (measured along the paper)
corresponds to the width of column of printed matter, being the greatest number
of letters or spaces measured by punctures which can be got into the proposed
column, and the loop of paper between these perforations will thus vary in length
as the width of coluinn. The first line of holes (those for the levers A¹) arc, say,
eight in number and occupy the middle (or any other convenient) portion of the
lever space; the second line of perforations (for levers A) are, say, 230 in number
and occupy the whole width on each side of the above eight levers, as shewn with
regard to one side in Figure 5, the dotted line indicating the boundary line of the
series on the other side. The first line of perforations and levers are for line
•

page_text: spacing the second line or periorations and fevers are for the printing characters
and spaces between words.
thero across.
The curved surfaces bover which the paper passes are supported by brackets X,
Figure 9, which also clasp the spindles of the wheels a, a³, which move the paper
strip, these wheels having projecting pins similar to those in the punching machine,
Figures 1, 2, and 3, and the paper being carried by them in a similar manner, an
endless steel band having corresponding holes passing over the end of the paper
strip and wheels, as shewn drawn to an enlarged scale in Figures 9 and 10, and
locking the paper in. On the spindles of these wheels a, and outside the side frames
are worm wheels moved by worms K which are set in motion by star wheel gear in
connection with the shaft Í driven from the first motion shaft I kept constantly
revolving by any suitable power, the adjustment being so made that one revolution
of the shaft moves the paper forward the pitch of the holes in the paper strip, that
is to say, through the same space as that through which the paper strip travelled
in the punching machine, Figures 1, 2, and 3, after each hole was punched.
Directly above the holes in the curved surfaces b, b, (and kept accurately in their
places by means of reeds or combs of distance pieces formed of steel plates) are the
points of the levers A, A¹, each of which in its turn supports one of a corresponding
series of spring catches B, B¹, pressing downwards upon each of the levers A or A¹
The operations of the principal motions of the machine are dependent on these
catches which act in the following manner:-Along each side of the machine are
bars E, E, urged forward by springs and connected by rails e, f, g, extending
Between the rails e, f, g, and the catches B, B', lie the ends of the
levers D and C which respectively move the line spacing apparatus and bring the
types into position, there being a lever C or D for each of the levers A or A³, and
catches B or B¹. Motion is given to these bars E and rails e, f, g, by means of
cams J at either sido through the levers j. These cams give two periods of rest to
the said bars and rails, one during which they are back and the levers A, A¹, are
kept up by the points a² being pressed upon the rail g, and during which the
punctured paper takes its position, that is to say, is traversed through a space equal
to the pitch between the holes by means of the worm gearing K, after which the
motion of the cam J first releases the points a* and allows the particular one of the
levers A or A', which finds a hole opposite it in the punched paper strip between it
and the surface b or b¹ to spring down with the accompanying catch B or B¹, which
catch is caught by the rail g orf bearing upon the projecting part of one of the said
catches at the parts marked with B or B', the said rail on its forward motion moving
the lever C or the lever D corresponding to it, in the one case bringing forward the
corresponding type into position for being pressed into the matrix material, or in
the other case making the automatic line spacing adjustment by causing one or other
of the levers A¹ at each line to be depressed into a hole previously made in the
punching operation in such a position in the paper strip that that lever A' which it
is necessary to depress to give the requisite degree of lateral traverse of the matrix
at each stroke of the machine to distribute the available space amongst the letters
and spaces to form a full line. On the shaft I are two eccentrics and sheaves N,
one at each side, connected by means of rods n and crosshends n³ to the bar M
sliding vertically in the side frames of the machine, in which bar is fixed the
punch L which comes down upon the type presented at the funnel M³, and causes
the said type to penetrate into the matrix material to the proper depth, and the
motion of the shaft I completing its revolution raises the punch L (which may
have the lower portion made tubular and filled up with hard wood or other
substance that will prevent the types wearing) and the cams pushing back the
spring catches and placing everything ready for another revolution, such of the
levers A or A' as was depressed being raised by the bar g coming against the tail
of such lever A or A¹ when the said cams J force back the frame E.
On each of the levers C are projections c³, and on each of the levers D are
projections d', these projections in the case of the levers C are to cause the matrix
material to be moved through the necessary space for any particular letter or space,

page_text: the said projections corresponding with the space or type, the particular lever is
in connection with, that is to say, they are greater or less according as the particular
type with which they deal requires a greater or less space upon the inatrix. In the
case of the levers D, the projections correspond in a similar manner with the
amount of adjustment which the operator on the paper punching apparatus
conceived to be necessary to space out his line. Across these projections, c' and d'
are flat plates respectively marked u, u³, swung on side levers respectively
marked u, u, Figures 4, 5, and 11. Figure 11 represents separately the
levers u¹, u³, and the mechanism which they operate, the said mechanism being
omitted from Figures 4 and 5. The plate u and lever u only move at the end of
a line when a lever A' is depressed moving the matrix lengthwise the width of a
line, and regulating the spacing for the next according to which lover A' is depressed.
In the movement of the said lever the lever 2 is caused to work the pawl lever
and the pawl of the ratchet wheel V, which draws the matrix through the machine
the width of one line (this movement is the same for every lover A', and must
be made so that the shortest projection will give it as effectively as the largest),
the movement forward also serves to adjust, by means of the connection 3, the
eccentric 4 and the eccentric sheave arm 5, altering the lever G on the centre A³.
The further motion of this lever 6 is got by the movement of the plate u, and
lever u', which moves the eccentric 7, and eccentric arm 8, in the same manner ou
the centre B, placing forward the lever 9 (which slides on a bearer c) into a
position to be struck up by a pin fixed in a disc or cam on the shaft I, which gives
à corresponding variable movement to the pawl lever 10, and pawl 11 moving the
ratchet wheel. These two eccentrics are thrown back to their original position,
the one 4 at the end of every line by the lever 12 moved by a cam or projection 14
on the shaft R, and the other 7 at every revolution of the shaft I by the lever 13
moved by a cam or projection i on the shaft I.
The wires connecting the levers C and type carriers F, are led over tubes D³,
but separato pulleys may be substituted for them, cach wire being taken as nearly
as possible square and tangental to the motion of the tubes, and for that purpose
the brackets G, Figure 4, may be continued upwards, and have eyes fixed or
formed thereon for the guidance of the said wires.
In order to take a proof prior to making the matrix, a proof taking
machine may be employed between the perforating machine and the matrix
stamping machine. The proof taking machine will be in all respects similar to
that above described for stamping the matrix, but with the thimble Figure S,
substituted for the solid bush, shewn in Figure 7, and the same machine may be
used with this substitution. The thimble, Figure 8, is filled up with needles of
small thickness with their points upwards and all in the same plane on the top, or
it is filled up with hard material having a filed surface, so that paper being
substituted for the matrix a perforated impression of the type is got upon the
punch coming down. This paper being laid upon a clean sleet, and an inked
roller passed thereover, the ink passes through the perforations and gives au
impression, or the perforated sheet, and that upon which the print is to be taken
may be passed between rollers under pressure to effect the inking. Or the proofing
may be effected by adjusting an inking roller so as to work round the internal type
face surface, so as to ink the type which will then print an ink impression upon
paper passed beneath them. Any corrections which the proof may show to bo
necessary are made on the perforated strip by covering a wrongly punched hole
with gummed paper and punching a new one by hand, or by cutting out the part
requiring alteration and substituting a correctly punched part therefor.
In order that the action of the machines may be more clearly understood, we
will give an example of the working. Supposing it to be intended to print, for
example, the sentence "A New Process of Procuring Stereotype Plates", in the
first place the strip of paper in the net of being passed through the puncturing
machine, Figures 1 and 2, or 3, is operated upon as follows:-The key d for tho
letter "a" is depressed, and a corresponding hole is punctured in the paper strip.

page_text: lovers the index 7 Is worked up in spaces accurately corresponding to the spaco
occupied by the letters the movements represent and for which the puncture has
been made; this space being decided by the length of movement given by the
projections from the keys; the index n is divided into units, these units being
of such dimensions as will enable the types to have their proper relative spaces, for
example,
"
that
The depression of the lever representing the letter "W"may move up the index 9 units,
that representing
"
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>>
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8
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"
h"
G
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2”
"2
"
"
23
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"
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1
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37
r
5
33
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"
"
29
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"
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籍
"
"
"
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26
P
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a colon
"
B
"J
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お酒
#
a space between words 10
"
(these proportions being also adhered to in the corresponding sideways
movements of the matrix or paper in the matrix stamping and proof
taking machines.) The sentence above mentioned may be assumed to contain an
aggregate of 200 units; and upon the line approaching to a conclusion the operator
glances at the index and reads 180, when he has arrived at "p" in "plates." He
considers then that the word "plates" amounts to, say, 30 units, and has to
determine whether he will force into the space normally occupied by 200 units
another 10, or if he will keep out the word altogether and cominence a new line with
it and reduce the normal aggregate of 200 by 30. It is evident that the advantago
is in the former mode as each unit will in that case only be increased by th part
while by the latter inode it would be decreased by th parts (although this in
itself is a very imperceptable variation of the normal spacing and would be quite
allowable). Following out therefore the first mode the punctures in the holes
for "plates," at the end of which he reads 210 on the index, he then upon the
amount of paper for one line (a to c in Figure 12) being passed through (which in
this system must be invariable and thereforo sufficient for the largest possible
number of letter holes that can be got in), depresses a key d. to puncture a hole for
one of the levers A' in the matrix stamping machine from a koy representing 210
index reading (in the case of a reading not reprosented by a lever A' he takes the
nearest number), he then releases the pawls of the index by the action of the foot
acting through the connection m³ and allows it to drop for a new line.
After a
sufficient length of paper has been punched it is passed to the proof taking inachine,
and from that, after any necessary corrections have been made, to the matrix
making machine (the whole three of the machines may be set in series and the
punched paper kept continuous, caro being taken to allow sufficient excess of
length of paper between each machine to ensure them from interfering. The
machine for proof taking and matrix stamping being, as before explained, identical
in action, it will be sufficient to describe the motions of the perforated strip of
paper through one of them. It is inserted into the machine, Figures 4 to 11, as
before explained, the first letter of the first line of matter (on the line Y, Figure 12)
is set below the line of points of the levers A, Figure 4, and the hole of the first
line put in at its close for regulating spacing (on the line X, Figure 12,) is set below
the line of points of levers A', and of course through the whole operation tho
interval of space between these two is kept intact, each set of wheels being moved
simultaneously. The machine is put in motion and the points of the levers that
can full, or are sprung into the punctures, the corresponding lever for the type,
and the lever corresponding to the regulating puncture simultaneously coming into
action; in their movement forward they impinge upon the swinging plates u, u³,
and to the extent of the projections upon them move them and the eccentric
plates in connection with thein and impell them to move forward, the one to to give
the normal space due to the latter, the other to regulate that space (in the case of
aforesaid line by reducing oth part of such space). The first mentioned eccentric

page_text: plate is moved back at every revolution of the main shaft by the cam for that
purpose, as before explained, the latter is only set back at the end of every line by
the revolution of the cam on the screw shaft R and accordingly keeps its position
to regulate every letter space in the whole line.
In Figure 12 we have shewn a diagram of a portion of the strip of paper with
punctures for the sentence given above as an example, and according to the simple
system explained with reference to Figures 1 to 11, where every letter and space
has its movement from one punctured hole in the paper which serves exclusively
for its own letter or space, and in which the paper extends in width to the number
of printing characters in the machine. However, as hereinafter more fully
described, and as indicated in Figures 13, 14, 19, and 20, the strip of paper
necessary for this method may be considerably narrowed by a system in which the
characters are grouped and acted upon by reeds interposed between spring catches
and horizontal levers lying on punched paper as before described, but so that the
depression of combinations of the lovers will release the necessary type.
actions and movements otherwise are similar to the simple system, and the regu-
lating punctures and levers are kept exactly the same, but this will be more fully
described hereinafter.
The
The motions of the index on the punching machine will correspond with the
motion of the screw cam Q on the matrix stamping machine in this way-
Following out the example hereinbefore given, the normal aggregate of units for
the line of printed matter and the intra or extra on this number is adjusted to suit
the line composed, but always to give as near as possible in the printed line the
dimension of 200 which corresponds with one rovolution of the cam shaft; it
follows therefore that a separate cam and index will be required for each width of
column.
In Figure 15 is illustrated an arrangement of direct acting machine in which
the perforated paper is dispensed with, the operating being done directly from the
key-board B³, which is similar to the key-board of the punching apparatus, Figures 1
and 2. A is a cylindrical shell made up in sections and cross divided into square
cells, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, which represent a portion of the periphery of
the said surface A. These cells are each fitted to contain a moveable pin a' formed of
thin steel, and having as much friction in its place as will prevent it moving by the
motion of the machinery, but capable of being shifted inwards on the depression of
the key levers, these having a projection, as shewn in Figures 15 and 10, for that
purpose. is a series of steel plates (one for each cell in a single longitudinal line)
of the shape indicated, each being capable of rotating on the centre gå running
through the cylinder A, and kept under its proper division by the dividing plates
of the cylinder A. The rod of the valve to has a crosshead upon which all the key
levers bear. Upon any key 133 being depressed by the operator the pin a' beneath
the point of the lever is moved into the cylinder, and simultaneously the valve w
in the air chamber W is opened, and the piston w³ forced outwards along with the
lever w³, to which is attached a rack w working in a rack pinion a loose on the
shaft I. On this pinion is cast an arm z³, to which is fixed a pawl working into
the ratchet pinion a³, side by side with the rack pinion, but keyed fast on the
shaft I, which thus by one stroke of the piston makes one revolution. The spring w
forces the parts back to their normal position immediately the valve w is released
by the rising of the lever B³ which was depressed. At each revolution of the
shaft I the whole of the machine works, as already explained with regard to
Figures 4 to 11, that of the levers e and h (corresponding to the levers A and A¹,
Figures 4 to 11) falling into the space left by the depression of a pin a¹. To ensure
the shaft I beginning and ending its motion at the proper point, notwithstanding
any irregularity in the rack motion, a cam y, shaped as shown in Figure 18, may
be keyed on the shaft I to run upon a weighted lever y³ and antifriction roller
taking in a V recess in the said cam, which would tend to stop the shaft I at the
proper instant. The revolution of the shaft I works the bars E, E, and rails in tho
same manner as that before described with regard to the machine, Figures 4 to 11,

page_text: and a ratchet connection to the cylinder A. from the said bar on its movement back
works round the said cylinder A one space, equal to the pitch between the pins a³.
Another key is then depressed and the operation goes on; the pin at which was
forced inwards by the previous depression of a lever comes into contact with the
cross shaped plates g in its path and moves it one space round, but those pins at
that have not been moved keep their place and do not act upon their cross shaped
plates g, which maintain the position shown in Figures 16 and 17, with the result
that upon the levers and (corresponding to the levers A, A', in the machine,
Figures 4 to 11) being sprung down, the one that finds itself opposite a pin that
has been depressed can alone inove, and causes a spring catch B or B¹ to be operated
upon to cause the required type to be released.
The levers e correspond with the line spacing levers, and the levers h (connected
to) with the levers for releasing the types and word spaces, the distance between
their points (or the number of cells) being the dimension of column, as in the loop
of punctured paper, and this dimension is varied by using different sizes of cylinder,
in which case the fixed centres J of the levers are adjusted in the slot to suit, as
for instance, as indicated by the dotted lines. The cylinders A are supported on
projections E, ES, ES, on each side of the framing of the machine, the lower ones
being on brackets that aro adjusted up or down to suit the size of cylinder
employed.
The pins at which have been depressed after they pass the points of the lower
levers are pushed back to the front of their cells by the roller z which impinges
upon them, and which is also supported and adjusted on the side frame to suit the
size of cylinder employed.
In Figures 19 and 20 we have illustrated an arrangement of combining the levers
so as to dispense with the whole width of punched paper, upon the system herein-
before referred to with regard to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 19 is a side elevation,
and Figure 20 an end elevation illustrating the said arrangement, the explanation
of which will be facilitated by reference to the said Figures. The levers A are
carried back, as shewn in Figure 19, and serve to keep down the reeds D, which are
thin steel plates with steel wire loops pendant from them and embracing the levers A.
These reeds D are each swung on levers m fixed overhead at any suitable part of
the machine, and having a spring or weight attached to keep the reed end up.
The rails E and cross rail g (corresponding to those Figures 4 to 11) are in this case
kept slightly higher up, and the moveable catches Benter from the under side. The
series of catches B extend the whole breadth of the machine, as also do the levers C,
but it is proposed to group them, eo that nineteen levers A will suflice to work the
whole, and consequently a narrower strip of paper (Figure 13) than that, Figure 12,
inay be employed. For this purpose the catches B are kept down by the upper
portion of the reed D being carried down, as shewn, opposite the catches Baз
required. It is proposed to use nineteen reeds, and they are made so as to bear
down the catches as follows, representing thein as letters :-
No. 1 reed bears down a, f, k, p, u, z,
2

page_text: So that eleven reeds will suffice for the one complete alphabet, but by having a
reed for every separate class of lotter and calling figures an alphabet (say eight
reeds more) by punching three holos and allowing three reeds to spring up any one
of 240 printing characters may be sprung into position.
It will be understood that in this arrangement it is only when both or all tho
levers A, which are combined for any type, are released, that the reeds D can rise
and allow the catch B, which is to liberate that letter to rise with its projection
before the rail g, this rising being then caused by a spring at the tail of tho said
catch as shewn.
Obviously this arrangement can also be applied to the punching machines.
In Figure 19 is also indicated a device for raising the levors A, A', at the end of
every stroke in place of the points a³, Figure 4 being impinged upon by the rail g.
In the Drawings a bar o extends across the machine under the levers, and swung
on each side on centres P, with arms either up or down, as shewn; in the event of
the arm being up the rail g has a projection which impinges upon it and raises the
rail O and any depressed levers A or A'; in the event of the arm being down it
must be joined by a connecting rod R to cam on the main shaft which moves it at
the proper moment, with like effect this movement may be with advantage a little
in advance of the rail g.
If it were found necessary a micrometer adjusting scrow could be used for the
punch L, by which means any variation in the lengths of connections through
changes of temperature may be compensated.
It will be understood that the mechanism herein before described may be con-
siderably varied or modified to attain the same results, for example:-
The punching of the line spacing holes in the paper strip may be modified so as
to allow of these holes (instead of having their position at the end of each line of
letter holes, and requiring to be passed under the two lines of points A, A', as
shewn, Figures 4 and 9) having their position at the commencement of the line of
letter holes, thus enabling the paper to be passed under one line of points common
to all the levers. This can be effected by having on the puncturing machine two
curved surfaces and two pairs of drawing in wheels, as shewn for the matrix
stamping machine, Figures 4 to 11, and having the 8 line spacing punches carried
on to the second line, that is to say, these holes will be punched in after the first
letter hole of the line has arrived at their position. Or it may further be
modified by having the said 8 punch levers instead of being swung on a centre_h,
Figure 1, moveable upwards towards the second curved surface through a slot
about the said centre, and capable of punching a hole at any point between the
two surfaces, and thus getting rid of any unpunched portion of paper. These may
have their movement upwards by wires n³, Figure 34, across the paper attached to
steel bands at each side, these wires being pitched off the same as the longitudinal
distances between holes; the 8 levers to be pushed in at the commencement of the
line being caught by the wire at that position, and carried up until the line is
finished, the particular punch lever set in gear to punch the hole required, and the
whole allowed to return to their original position to be carried up again for the
next line. There is a plate n connecting the two curved surfaces opposite the
whole travel of these levers, and having the female portions of punches set in, and
the punch barn will have a punching bracket n² fastened on for these 8 levers.
Any or all of the cains (shown single acting and working against a spring or
weight in the Drawings) may be inade grooved or double acting.
Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams of a machine for stamping the matrix, the said
machine being operated by means of compressed air. The types are massed
together in the case marked A, each line having a complete set of letters in it.
This case is attached to the bar B, and from it derives a motion which is at right
angles to a motion which the type case carriage receives (on the guides a³) from
the bar C. It will be seen that any type in the case may, by a combination of
these motions, be brought to a point under a punch, which will be essentially
similar to the punch L before described. The bar B derives motion from the

page_text: lever D, which in turn receives its motion from the bar E. The lever D has a
moveable fulcrum F, which is a pin at the extremity of the bar O, retained in tho
position shewn by the spring g. The bar E is attached to an inverted flat cone H,
which serves to direct the motion of the bar E in a manner afterwards to be
described. The part marked I is the end view of a mass or bar of metal of about
5 inches length, over which passes a strip of cardboard with holes or depressions
punched in it, and corresponding to the punched paper strip made by the machine,
Figures 1, 2, and 3. This cardboard is held in position by a roller marked K,
which in the event of the cardboard being punched with holes instead of
depressions will form a backing to such holes. The part I is perforated with a
number of holes in a series of sets of three, one of which sets is shewn in the
Drawing. The number of sets may be conveniently 38. In the centre holo of
each set are fitted with great accuracy a number of steel pistons i³, eight of which
are attached by means of small levers with eight valves L, one to each valve.
Each valve opens the air passage to one of eight cylinders marked M, and in the
case of four of the valves also opens the air passage to two cylinders marked N.
The remaining thirty are similarly attached to valves i opening the air passage to
thirty tubes containing solid steel plungers, which operate upwards on the cone H.
Figure 22 is a diagram of this part viewed at right angles to Figure 21. The
dotted circles in Figure 21 marked O indicate the position of the thirty tubes and
plungers, and also serve to show the position of a perforated plate placed abovo
the conc.
Each hole in this plate is opposite a tube and plunger, so that if the
plunger in any of the tubes were forced upwards it would ultimately pass through
a corresponding hole in the plate above. Between the tubes and the plate the
cone H is inserted, and before reaching the plate the plungers are required to force
the apex of the cone Il to a point in the line of their motion, and ultimately reach
the perforated plato through a hole in the apex of the conc. By this means the
cone is brought to a definite position under the plate, according to the position of
the plunger operating it, and at the same moment and by the same act the case
containing the types, by the intervention of the bars and lover E, D, and B, is
brought to a fixed and definite position under the punch.
The plate marked P is the top plate of a series of four, each plate of which is
attached so that any motion upwards which they may receive from a plunger,
which has passed through the perforated plate, may be communicated to one of
the four bars marked Q. These four bars are connected to a ratchet or jam catch
with single screw roll (shown in dotted lines and marked R). This roll gives a
transverse motion to a carriage holding the matrix material, in the same manner as
described with regard to the screw roll of the machine, Figures 4 to 11. The bar S
is connected, as shown, with a flat strip of metal marked S', which lies on the odgo
of the cardboard, and serves to regulate the throw of the ratchet or jain catch.
By this device the space intended to be occupied by the letters, spaces, and words
may be adjusted to the exact length of line required. The flat strip of metal St
derives its motion from a spring regulated by depressions previously cut from the
cardboard edge.
The action of the machine is as follows:-The cardboard having the holes or
depressions already made by means of a separate punching or depressing machine,
similar to that herein before described, is passed between the roller K and the
perforated piece of metal I. A hole or depression in the cardboard coming over ono
of the holes from the compressed air inlet T, and one of the middle series of holes
in the piece of metal 1 admits compressed air to the said middle hole, which air
gives motion to the small piston therein and opens the valve i corresponding to the
particular letter in one of the tubes (murked O) under the cone H, compressed air
entering the tube the plunger is forced upwards, and after forcing the apex of the
cone H to the line of motion passes through the said apex and travels onward
through the perforated plate before mentioned. This action places the type case A
in a position corresponding to the position of the cone H by means of the bars E
and B, and the lever D acting in sympathy with any motion of the cone. In the

page_text: case of a capital letter being wanted a hole which has been previously punched in
a line transversely to the first hole opens a a valve in the series L and causes
one of the piston rods in the cylinders M to operate on the bar C, thus forcing over
the type case to such distance as will bring the capital line of types in the case A
under the punch. As the type case must be moved through a greater space when
the capital or other types in the new line of the case A occupy greater space at
the moment that one of the cylinders M (which brings auch greater sized types into
position) receives air, another in the series N receives air through one or other of
the passages n, and by adjusting tho pin F so as to compensate for the difference
of breadth between the different sized letters, as, for instance, a small and capital
letter, the particular letter wanted is singled out and is in a position directly under
the punch. The matrix is supported and traversed by the roll R, essentially as
described with regard to Figures 4 to 11. The plunger at O travelling onward
through the perforated plate strikes on one of the plates P and gives motion to one
of the bars Q, which in turn gives motion to the screw roll and adjusts the matrix to
the particular breadth of letter which it is to receive. A connection is now made
(not shewn in the Drawing) with the valve regulating the air admission to the
punch cylinder which at once stamps the type into the matrix below. At the
commencoment of the stamping of each line a depression in the edge of the
cardboard allows the flat strip of metal S' to give motion to the bar S, and
through it again admits of an adjustment of the motion of the ratchet or jam
catch, so that the breadth of tho various letters, words, and spaces shall exactly
fill the line. In a modification of this machine for proof-taking a roller is arranged
so as to pass under the types and supply ink to them before a typo is depressed.
This machine described as worked by compressed air may be worked by liquid,
such as water or oil, under pressure, in place of by compressed air.
It will be readily understood without further description that the method of
printing proofs may be applied to the printing upon surfaces in transfer or other ink
to give impressions for lithographic, zincographic, or other printing surfaces, as
hereiubefore described.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and explained the system, and described as examples, modes or manners
in or under which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect,
we would observe in conclusion that we would have it understood that we do not
limit ourselves to the precise mechanical arrangements of parts for carrying our
Invention into effect, as the same may be varied without departing from the nature
of our Invention, but what we consider to be novel and original, and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to us by the bercin before in part recited Letters
Patent is :-
First. The improvements in the production of matrices from which stereotypes
or electrotypes may be taken, the said improvements consisting in forming the
said matrices by successively punching, stamping, or impressing the characters,
letters, or signs, or combinations of characters, letters, or signs necessary to form
the matrix by means of hard types one after the other onto and into the material
of the matrix, essentially as hereinbefore described, and whereby ordinary types
and type setting are dispensed with.
Second. Tho machinery or apparatus arranged relatively with a matrix stamping
machine for producing the perforated paper or other strip for use in the said matrix
stamping machine, essentially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the
accompanying Drawings, also the modification described with regard to Figure 3,
or any other mere modification of the same.
Third. The machinery or apparatus for use in combination with the said
perforated paper or other strip for stamping or impressing one after another onto
and into the material of the matrix the characters, letters, words, or signs, or
combinations of words, letters, characters, or signs necessary to produce the matrix,
the said machinery or apparatus being constructed and arranged essentially as
described with reference to Figures 4 to 11 of the accompanying Drawings.

page_text: Fourth. The use in machinery for producing matrices of a strip of paper or
other material previously perforated with holes or recesses in proper position to
cause the actuation in a matrix stamping machine at the proper times of the
necessary types or stamps to produce the required matrix.
Fifth. The direct acting machinery or apparatus constructed or arranged
essentially as herein before described with reference to Figures 15 to 18 of the
accompanying Drawings, wherein the matrix stamping types are actuated by means
of keys or their equivalents without the intervention of a perforated strip of paper
or its equivalent.
Sixth. The machine or apparatus for stamping the matrix material with the
requisite letters or signs, the said machine or apparatus being constructed or
arranged and operated by air or liquid under pressure, essentially as hereinbefore
described with reference to Figures 21 and 22 of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventh. The adaptation and use for proof taking of the inachines claimed in
the preceding third, fifth, and sixth claiming clauses.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Peter Fleming, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty.
PETER FLEMING. (L.S.)