Improvements in Machinery for Distributing Types used in Letter Press Printing.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 25th July, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 25th May, 1893-Accepted, 22nd July, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Distributing Types used in
Letter Press Printing.
I, CHARLES FREDERICK HILDER, of 23 Gray's Inn Chambers, Holborn,
London, Mechanician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
:―
This invention relates to machinery for the distribution of types used in letter
press printing and has for its object a combination of mechanism by which in the
first instance, each of such types may be distributed into a compartment provided
for its reception, and that these types may, when afterwards required for such
purpose, be readily removed from these compartments in order to be composed into
words, lines, sentences or columus.
A column of type to be operated upon is placed in a galley in which it is held
in position by sidestick and quoins in the usual manner, or by means of mechanical
clamps, or nuts and screws; or other suitable devices.
This galley is then fixed in a convenient manner to the framework of the machine,
at right angles to and above the channels or passage ways which lead to compart-
ments into which the several types are to be distributed.
These compartments or receptacles of types, consist of longitudinal troughs,
each capable of containing a number of types, and are closed at the end nearest to
the before mentioned channels by a movable shutter, which can be opened and
closed by mechanism operated by keys, connecting rods and levers; or other suitable
mechanism.
66
"
These receptacles, one for each description of type, are arranged as follows:-
On one face say the front-of the framework of the machine are fixed in two
en in
perpendicular rows, those for receiving the thinner letters, up to about an
thickness and on the other, or say the back, of the frame work, are placed those
for types of a thickness greater than an
en."
These receptacles, on either face of the framework, are fixed, one above the
other on either side, in such a manner that the front ends of any two of them are
in about the same lateral line, while the distance between the shutters is such that
a channel, equal to a little more than that of the thickness of an "en" or an
respectively of the type being distributed is left open as a passage way through
which the falling type may pass after it has been caused to enter the channel by
any of the means hereafter referred to.
The method of operating the machine is as follows:-
"
em"
In front of the galley containing the type to be distributed a receptacle is placed,
the length of which is at least equal to that of the lines which are being dealt
with; and having a capacity in width about equal to that of the type which is
being operated upon. The front line having been forced by gravity, mechanical
pressure or other means, into the receptacle, it is then, by suitable mechanism
depressed to a lower level, so that the line to be distributed is clear of the main
column of type, while the receptacle in which it is contained is placed at such an
angle that the weight of the type, aided if necessary by supplemented pressure,
or other mechanical means, forces the types towards the end nearest to the before
mentioned main channel.
The first letter to be operated upon is in such a position that the point at which
it is forced out is approximately over the mean centre of the two channels, and it
can by the pressure or mechanism before described, be forced into a type holder,
the capacity of which may be varied in accordance with the thickness of the
particular type being operated upon. The bottom end of such holder is open, but

page_text: a fixed stop is placed underneath it, in order to prevent the type in the holder from
falling downward when the latter is in its normal condition. When the holder is,
by means of levers, connecting rods, or other suitable mechanism turned from its
vertical position to such an angle as is sufficient to clear this stop, the type which
it contains is either caused to fall by gravity alone; or it can be pressed out by
any suitable mechanical device; into the channel below. In this case, however,
it is obvious that the mouth of the channel would have to be-not immediately
under the line receptacle, as in the case of the alternative slotting arrangement to
be hereafter described, but in a position co-incident with the point from which the
type would drop when the holder has been so diverted from its vertical position.
On the holder reverting to its original place, which it can be caused to do by
means of springs, weights or other suitable devices, it will be at once available for
the reception of another type. One great advantage arising from the adoption of
this form of type holder and of its manipulation in the manner described, is that,
when the holder has been turned out of its vertical position, no type other than the
one in the holder can enter it and thus only one letter can drop from it at a time;
while another is, that the risk of injuring a type by a blow being struck on its face
to force it into the channel is avoided. Provision may be made for the weight of
the line of type in the receptacle being taken off the type in the holder and this
can be effected by springs, buffers, stops or other suitable mechanism.
Another convenient method of forcing the types into the channel leading to the
receptacles into which it is desired to distribute them is the following;
Above the ends of the line receptacle containing the type to be distributed a
slotter may be arranged, of such a thickness, and with such a range of stroke, as to
enable it when depressed to slice off such end type from the remainder in the line,
relieving its back from their pressure, and to force it into the main channel, from
which it would ordinarily fall into the subsidiary channel extending down the front
of the frame. The aperture to the other subsidiary channel leading to the back of
the machine is in its normal position closed; but can be opened by a movable stop;
so that, when the letter to be distributed is of the thicker description, the top of
this channel is brought into a position co-incident with the centre of that of the
main passage, and the type to be dealt with therefore falls into that leading to the
back of the machine.
When the type has entered the subsidiary channel on either side, by throwing
over any one of the shutters fixed to the end of the type compartments, its down-
ward passage is arrested, and it falls into the jaw of the shutter which has been
actuated by the depression of its particular key; while, when the latter resumes its
normal position, the type is forced by the closing shutter, into the interior of the
compartment, the channel thus being again cleared to allow of the free downward
passage of the next letter similarly operated upon.
In any case, where the slotting device is used in these machines for forcing a
type out of its position, the end which strikes the type may be of a soft and yielding
substance such as india-rubber, in order to minimise the chance of the type being
injured by any blow which has to be delivered.
The manipulation of the mechanism is effected as follows: A number of keys,
equal to that of the various letters for which compartments are provided, are
arranged in front of the framework of the machine and are each provided with
suitable cranks, levers, springs or other suitable mechanism, for operating the
various parts to which motion is to be imparted. These keys may be arranged
midway between the top and bottom of the front of the machine, so that the length
of the necessary connecting rods may be reduced to about one-half of what they
would have to be if the key board were placed at the top of the machine.
When a key, representing one of the thinner description of letters is depressed,
the slotter above the line of type to be distributed is caused to descend and slot off
the end type; or as the case may be, the type-holder previously described is moved
out of its vertical position, and the type which it contains is caused to fall into the
main channel, while the shutter at the end of the compartment for this particular

page_text: letter is thrown over so as to close the subsidiary channel into which the type falls.
On releasing the key the slotter or type holder, which ever is used, is, by means of
a spring or other suitable device, caused to resume its normal position; the shutter
is at the same time closed, and the type forced into its proper receptacle.
When dealing with a type of a thicker description, the same series of operations
is performed, with the addition that a way is opened from the main channel to the
subsidiary one leading to the back of the framework, while, in the arrangement by
which the slotter is used, the aperture at the bottom of the end of the receptacle
holding the line of type which is being distributed is opened to a fuller extent in
order to allow the thicker letter to fall.
The slotter for slicing off the end type from the line of letters may be actuated
by means of cranks, levers or other suitable mechanical contrivances; or I may
utilise an electro magnetic contrivance for obtaining the requisite power and length
of stroke for the slotter.
The ends of each of the receptacles for the various types may be permanently
attached to the frame work of the machine, so that the main length of the com-
partments or troughs which are detachable may be easily removed when filled with
type, or for other reasons, without disturbing the gear actuating the shutters and
other mechanism.
These detachable main lengths of compartments may be made with reversible
ends, so that, when used to hold letters which are not in frequent use, or when it is
desired to do so from other causes, they may be divided by partitions into two or
more compartments; a spring catch or other suitable device, being fastened at
either end for attaching the compartment to the permanent ends containing the
shutters and other gear.
Mechanism of an electrical or other description may be provided for indicating
to the operator when a receptacle is nearly filled; in order that it may be removed,
and if necessary replaced by another one.
A receptacle for receiving the spaces between the words may be arranged in the
vicinity of the main channel, while the quadrants can, by a tilting over of the
"line receptacle," or other suitable device, be deposited in a trough or tray
arranged to receive them.
Tol J T... 1002
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Distributing Types used in
Letter Press Printing.
I, CHARLES FREDERICK HILDER, of 23 Gray's Inn Chambers, Holborn,
London, Mechanician, 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 :-
My invention relates to apparatus for the distribution of types used in letter
press printing and has for its object a combination of mechanism by which in the
first instance each of such types may be distributed into a compartment provided
for its reception, and that these types may afterwards be readily removed from
these compartments for composition.
A column of types coming from the printing forme is placed on a table or galley
between guides and is pressed forwards towards a sliding plate containing a recess.
The front line of the types is pushed into the recess, and by the descent of the plate,
is carried down into a guiding recess, along which the line is pressed towards a
separator or slotter at the end of the line. The operator, looking to a copy of the
matter which had been printed from the forme, knows what character is at the end
of the line, and, by depressing one of a number of keys, of which there is one for

page_text: every character, he liberates the foremost type of the line, which thereupon descends
a channel having a number of lateral switch gates or shutters, one for every
character. By the same action of the key as that which liberates the type, the
particular switch gate or shutter belonging to the particular character is opened,
the type being thus admitted to a compartment appropriated to that particular
type.
When one type of a line is thus disposed of, the line is advanced so as to bring
the next up to the slotter; and thus type after type of the line is caused to descend
to its appropriate compartment. The space types, which are lower than the
character types, are disposed of by their simply passing under an end stop into a
compartment provided for them.
Such being the general method of operating according to my invention, I will
proceed to describe apparatus by which the operation can be effected, referring to
the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a section on X X of Figure 3.
Figure 2 is a side view and Figure 3 is a plan of distributing apparatus according
to my invention.
The other figures shew details to an enlarged scale, the parts in these figures being
marked with similar reference letters to those used in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
to
A is the column of type which has to be distributed. It is laid on a table or
galley between two side guides a a, and it is pressed forwards by a bar or follower a¹
to which are attached cords passing over pullies a² and connected to weights a³. In
front of the column is a vertically sliding plate B which can be raised by hand to
the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure 4 so as to admit the front line of
types into a recess B' at the back of the plate. Before raising the plate B, a
follower which is urged towards the right by cords passing over pullies
weights 2, is drawn back by hand to the position shewn in Figures 1 and 3, and
then, on lowering the plate B, the line of types engaged in its recess is brought
down to a space between two side guides 6363 immediately in front of the follower b,
which presses the line of types towards an upper stop and a lower stop 65
(Figures 5 and 6). When the foremost type of the line is a space type, the lower
stop is drawn down by means which will presently be described, and thereupon
the space type (of which there may be several together), being sufficiently low to
pass under the upper stop 64, is pushed into a trough S. When the foremost type
of the line is a character type, it cannot pass under 6 and it cannot pass 65, which
in this case is not withdrawn, but it rests on a roller forming the front of a
horizontally sliding gate 66. By the action of any one of a number of keys K, an
electrical contact is made by which an electro magnet C is excited, moving its
armature lever c, the arm c¹ of which is made to descend in a circular arc.
descends, it presses forwards and downwards the ejector or slotter which is a
vertically sliding piece 7 (shewn separately in Figures 7 and 8) which has on its
front face, that is to say the face presented towards the type, projections 8 corre-
sponding to the nicks on the edge of the type. The ejector works through a slot
shown in dotted lines in Figure 6, opposite to the foremost type, and by this move-
ment the projections are made to engage in the nicks of the foremost type and to
push it down. The type in descending past the roller on which it rested pushes
back the gate in opposition to a spring b³. When the type is in this position, it
is momentarily held by the pressure of the roller against its lower part and the
pressure of the succeeding type or follower b on its upper part, but, as the armature
lever c continues to move, another of its arms c² having a roller mounted on its end,
as it descends, pushes down a hook shaped lever e, the hooked nose of which
presses against the succeeding type (see Fig. 6) thereby relieving the front and
partly lowered type from the pressure on its upper part. The movement of the
hook shaped lever c³ is conveyed by a link c¹ to the sliding gate pushing it back,
and thus relieving the partly lowered type from the pressure on its lower part.
The sliding piece ', as it approaches the lower part of its stroke, moves along an
incline away from the descending type which, being thus released from the
As it

page_text: projections in its nicks, and relieved from pressure as above described, now freely
descends into a passage D (of section such that it will not permit the types to turn
round) in which there is situated a switch gate d. This switch is counterweighted
so as usually to keep passage free to n descending channel d for thinner types, but..
when any one of the keys K appropriated to thick types is depressed, an electrical
contact is made by which an electro magnet & is excited. This, attracting its
armature lever, which is on the axis of the switch d, throws the switch over
so as to close the channel d' and open another channel (1². Thus the thicker
types are caused to descend the channel d³, the thinner types descending d..
In each of those channels, as shewn more fully by Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, on
each side, or it may be only on one side, there are a number of side gates
or shutters E each counterweighted so as to leave the descending channel d¹ or d
clear for the types to pass them. But on the axis of each shutter there is an
armature lever e which, when one of the keys K is depressed making a contact,
is attracted by an electro magnet e thus brought into circuit, the shutter being.
thus thrown into the attitude shewn at e (Fig. 11) in which position it directs a
descending type towards the compartment F of which it forms the gate. On the
face of the shutter is fitted a sliding catch e3 which is pressed upwards by a counter-
weighted lever so that, when the shutter is moved to the attitude e, a notch of the
sliding picce e engages on a pin e, the shutter being thus held in the position e²
until the type descending upon e presses it down, thus releasing its notch from the
pine, whereupon the shutter returns to the position E (Figure 9); reopening the
channel or d, and pressing the line of type along the compartment F into which
the last type has been delivered. In each of the compartiments F there is a
follower (shewn behind types by dotted lines in Fig. 9) having ribs which slide.
along grooves formed in the sides of the compartment; this follower keeps the
types upright in the compartment. The compartments F are removable, being
attached to a fixed body in which the shutter apparatus is mounted, and the
mouths of the compartiments are formed; thus any compartment F, when it is filled.
with types, can be removed to a composing machine, an empty compartment being
put in its place against F¹.
It has been described above that when any one of the keys K is depressed, an
electrical contact is made. As shewn in Fig. 1, this is effected by a piece of metal k¹
fixed insulated on the key being pressed down on two metal spring plungers k² k³
insulated from each other. The one contact is connected by a conductor to the one
terminal of a battery or other source of electricity, the other contact is connected in
series to the coils of the electro magnets above referred to, that is to say the electro
magnet which, operates the slotter mechanism-the electro magnet e which
operates the shutter E-and, in the case of thick types, the electro magnet which
operates the switch gate D. One of the keys K makes a contact for an electro
magnet L, the spring armature of which is directly connected with the stop 68
which is drawn down, as above described, for passage of the space types into S.
It will be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise mechanical
details herein before described, as the general arrangement of my apparatus
operating as herein before described is consistent with considerable variations of
the forms of the parts and of the means by which the required movements are
imparted to them.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The general arrangement and construction of type distributing machine,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
2. A type distributing machine in which the type to be distributed is pressed
forward so that the front line is passed into a recess and separated from the rest
and brought into position to be acted upon by an ejector which is arranged in
combination with a set of keys actuating switches or shutters, so that on pressing

page_text: the proper key the type is delivered into the corresponding trough, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
3. In a type distributing machine, the arrangement of the recessed plate and
guides, by means of which one line of type is separated and brought into position
to be operated on by the follower between the guide plates, substantially as
described.
4. A type distributing machine in which the spaces are separated out of a line
of type substantially as described, and delivered into an appropriate receptacle by
operating the space key, whilst the types are delivered into their appropriate
troughs hy operating the type keys.
5. In a type distributing machine, the arrangement of the stops against which
the line of types is pressed, so that on the removal of the bottom stop the space
types are free to pass under the upper stop into their receptacle, substantially
as described.
6. In a type distributing machine the use of an ejector or slotter having a
projection or projections which engage in a nick or nicks in a type in order to
remove it from the line of type, substantially as described.
7. In a type distributing machine, separating mechanism arranged so that a type
is partly removed from the line of type whilst under pressure from the next type,
and then relieved from pressure so as to permit it to fall, substantially as described.
8. In a type distributing machine, arranging the apparatus so as to discharge
thicker and thinner type into separate channels, by means of a gate controlled by
the keys, substantially as described.
9. In a type distributing machine. arranging a series of switches or shutters in
the channels, in such wise that the channels are normally open but by the operation
of a key the appropriate shutter is moved so as to guide the type out of the
channel into the appropriate receptacle, substantially as described.
10. In a type distributing machine, a switch or shutter in the type channel
which is set by the action of a key and reset by the descent upon it of a type
substantially as described.
11. In a type distributing machine, a switch or shutter in the type channel,
which diverts the type from the channel and also forces it into the appropriate
trough, substantially as described.
12. In a type distributing machine, the combination of parts shewn in
Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 forming the apparatus for diverting a type from the
channel into its appropriate trough, substantially as described.
Dated this 25th day of May 1893.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: his Print is in accordance with the Original Specification as it stands after
Amendment (under Section 18 of the Patents, &c., Act, 1883), as allowed by
the decision of the Comptroller General of the 30th day of July 1896.
Date of Application, 25th July, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 25th May, 1893-Accented, 22nd July, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Composing Types used in Letter
Press Printing.
1, CHARLES FREDERICK HILDER, of 28 Gray's Inn Chambers, Holborn,
London, Mechanician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to machinery for the composition of types used for
letter press printing which have been previously distributed in an upright position
into their several compartments, as described the Provisional Specification accom-
panying my application of even date herewith.
These compartments are, as regards those coutaining types of about the same
thickness, placed side by side, with their open ends, immediately over channels
arranged to receive the types removed from them.
These channels are constructed as follows:-A back plate is provided of a
somewhat greater width at the top than that of the combined width of the type
receptacles arranged above it, plus the distance between each receptacle.
This back plate, which is placed in a vertical position in the machine, is
V shaped, and regularly narrows down till at the bottom it is only about twice
the width of the particular type which is being composed.
On the face of this back plate perpendicular stops are arranged the width
between which is such that it is less than that of the height of the type being
composed; and I have found that such height being in most cases about ths of
an inch, of an inch or thereabouts is a convenient width between these stops;
which are not carried down to the bottom of the back plate of the channels, but
terminate about half an inch from its angle shaped sides; thus allowing a clear
passage way of about half an inch along such sides, and in the direction of the
aperture at the bottom.
The width of the stops-as measured between the back and front plates-is a
little greater than that of the type to be delivered down the channels; so that,
when the front plate which is similarly shaped to the back plate, is closed against
the sides of the stops, there is a free passage way down for the types, but it is
not sufficiently wide to allow of a type turning on its centre when falling towards
the aperture; while, as the distance between the stops in a lateral direction, is less
than that of the height of the type, it is impossible for them to turn over in a
vertical direction. These important ends, therefore are obtained in a simple
manner vi, that any and each of the several types forced into these channels
has free passage to the aperture into which it is intended to fall, and must enter

page_text: such aperture in the same position relatively to itself as that in which it stood
in the receptacle from which it had been removed.
The front plate may be constructed of glass, in order that the interior may be
open to inspection, and so arranged that it may be readily and easily opened for
the purpose of being cleaned or repaired, or for the removal of any impediment.
In front of that end of the receptacle, which is above the top of the channel
for receiving the types to be composed, a slotter may be arranged of such a thick-
ness and of such a length of stroke as to enable it, when depressed, to slice off the
end type in the receptacle and to force it into the channel, down which it falls into
the aperture at the bottom. This slotter is so constructed that, on being depressed
and moved through its arc, the nose strikes the side of the type immediately behind
that being operated upon, thereby relieving the back pressure.
These slotters are manipulated by keys, of which there is one for each letter,
any one of which on being depressed actuates the slotter connected with it by
means of cranks, levers, springs or other suitable mechanism.
use of electrical devices for this purpose.
°
I may also make
In ordinary practice, it is convenient and useful to employ two or more separate
sets of these nests of channels, and to place them back to back, or in any other
suitable position. One of these nests is intended for the reception of types up to
about an en in thickness, while the other is for those of an en and over, up to
the maximum thickness of about an em.
In addition to this, a further sub-division of thicknesses may be made by the two
sides of one of the nests divided down the middle or any other suitable point one
side being used for letters up to the thickness of, say, thick space, while the other
side is used for the passage of those of the thickness of about a thick space up to
about an en,
both sides converging to the same aperture at the bottom.
The platform for receiving the type is arranged, so that they are composed upon
it in much the same way as they would be if set up in a long composing stick,
suitable provision being made to prevent the type from failing forward when
delivered upon it; while by mechanical means, the line of type is, as cach letter
falls on to the platform, pushed forward such a distance as will enable the next
type which falls to take up its proper position.
These platforins, from which the type is justified into lines, may be of con-
siderable number. As one platform is filled with type, a signal is given to the
the operator, either by electrical or mechanical means and the next one can be
brought into position, either by a pedal arrangement, or by lever worked by
hand.
Dated this 24th day of April 1893.
ABEL & IMKAY.
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Machinery for Composing Types used in Letter
Press Printing.
I, CHARLES FREDERICK HILDER, of 28 Gray's Inn Chambers, Holborn,
London, Mechanician, 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 :-
This invention relates to machinery for the composition of types, used for letter
press printing, which have been previously distributed in an upright position into
their several compartments, as described in the Specification accompanying my
application of even date herewith.

page_text: I shall describe composing machinery according to my invention referring to the
accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is an elevation shewing the channels for the descent of the types from
their respective compartments, and the receptacles for the composed lines of type.
Figure 2 shows the lower part of Figure 1 to an enlarged scale, Figure 3
being a vertical section, of which Figure 3A is a continuation, and Figure 4 a part
plan.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal section, Figure 6 is a transverse section at X X,
Figure 6 a transverse section at Y Y, and Figure 7 is a plan of the type com-
partments and keys for the slotters, Figure 54 shewing the position of a slotter as
a type is delivered and Figure 5B shewing an end view of the nose of the slotter.
Figure 8 is a sectional plan of the channels for descent of the types.
The compartments Care, as regards those containing types of about the same
thickness, placed side by side, with their open ends, inmediately over channels C¹
arranged to receive the types removed from them.
These channels are constructed as follows:-A back plate is provided of a
somewhat greater width at the top than that of the combined width of the type
compartments arranged above it, plus the distance between them.
This back plate, which is placed in a vertical position in the machine, is
V shaped, and regularly narrows down till at the bottom it is only about twice the
width of the particular type which is being composed.
On the face of the back plate perpendicular stops S are arranged, the width
between which is such that it is less than that of the height of the type being
composed and I have found that such height being in most cases about ths of
an inch, ths of an inch or thereabouts is a convenient width between these stops S
which are not carried down to the bottom of the back plate of the channels, but
terminate about half an inch from its angle shaped sides; thus allowing clear
passage ways S₁ of about half an inch along such sides, all directed towards the
aperture A at the bottom.
The width of the stops S as measured between the back and front plates is (as
shewn in Figure 8) a little greater than that of the type to be delivered down the
channels so that when the front plate F which is similarly shaped to the back
plate V is closed against the sides of the stops S, there is a free passage way down
for the types, but it is not sufficiently wide to allow of a type turning on its centre
when falling towards the aperture A, while, as the distance between the stops in a
lateral direction is less than that of the height of the type it is impossible for them
to turn over in a vertical direction. These important ends, therefore are obtained in
a simple manner viz. that any and each of the several types admitted to these
channels has free passage to the aperture A into which it is intended to fall and
must enter such aperture in the same position relatively to itself as that in which it
stood in the compartment C from which it had been removed, but I make no claim
to type channels of dimensions specially arranged for this purpose.
:
The front plate F may be constructed of glass, in order that the interior may
be open to inspection, and so arranged that it may be readily and easily opened
for the purpose of being cleaned or repaired, or for the removal of any
impediment.
It is convenient to arrange the compartments and channels for the thinner types
in the middle of the V plate, and those for the thicker type at each side, as shewn
in Figure 8.
In front of that end of each compartment C which is above the top of the
channel for descent of the types from it, a slotter B is arranged which, when a
key K connected to it is depressed, lets the end type T descend into the channel
down which it falls to the aperture A at the bottom. The slotter B is so con-
structed that, on being depressed and moved by depressing the key K connected' to
it, its nose of which Figure 5B is an end view, performs a double function, first,
the narrow edge formed at one side of the nose bears, not on the character of the

page_text: type, but on the shoulder formed by the margin of metal at the side of the
character, and so to say slices off the foremost type downwards; secondly,
the nose of the slotter as it moves down in a circular path bears ngainst
the succeeding type, and so relieves the type which it is pushing down from the
pressure of the types behind it, as shewn in Figure 5A the type thus released
dropping into the channel below. When, on releasing the key K, the nose of the
slotter rises in obedience to the spring k, it allows the whole column of types in the
compartment to advance until the foremost is pressed against the stop in which
position it is frictionally held until a subsequent action of the slotter pushes it down
and releases it. The forward movement of the column of types is effected in the
following manner :- -Behind the column there is a sliding follower M having passed
round its end a loop of thread, the two lines of which run along grooves formed in
the sides of the compartments and down quadrant grooves Q near the front end to
a weight. This weight straining the thread causes the follower M to advance and
push forward the column of type when the foremost type is removed. The grooves
for the thread are at different levels so as to avoid weakening the partitions between
the compartments, which partitions may consequently be thin so as to allow of the
compartments being closely packed together. I prefer to make in one piece and fix
immoveably a few inches of the front part of the compartments, in which part the
quadrant grooves are formed, the compartments behind being separate and remove-
able as shewn in section in Figure 64, those compartments being removed to the
distributing machine when they are to be filled.
The receptacle R which receives the types is arranged immediately under the
aperture A, and it holds the line of composed types as in a long composing stick, a
sliding piece N being placed in the receptacle to prevent the type from falling
forward when delivered into it; by means of an eccentric E continually revolving
the line of type is, as each falls into the receptacle pushed forward such a distance
as enables the next type which falls to take up its proper position.
In order that a type when caught by the eccentric E in the act of dropping may
not be broken, I provide at the lower part of the aperture A a spring door G, hinged
at g', which yields as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 3, allowing the type to
take an inclined position until the eccentric releases it.
The receptacles R from which the type is justified into lines may be of considerable
number. As one is filled with type, a signal is given to the operator, and the next
receptacle is brought into position.
For this purpose, 1 may place a number of these receptacles R side by side upon
a base U having on its under side a pair of racks W gearing with pinions to by
partially turning one of which, when one of the receptacles R is filled, the next
empty receptacle is brought in line with the aperture A and eccentric E. The
sliding piece N which keeps the types from falling forwards has side ribs running
in grooves in the sides of each receptacle and a pin on it, which when the receptacle
is quite full, meets a spring and thereby makes an electric contact which, by a bell
or other signal, informs the operator that the receptacle is full. He then by
turning the pinions one tooth brings the next receptacle into line for receiving
types.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A type composing machine arranged and operating as herein described.
2. A type composing machine having descending channels terminating in a
common aperture A in combination with an eccentric such as E for delivering the
type into a composing receptacle, substantially as described.
3. The construction of slotter with its arm pivotted so that it forces down the
foremost type and releases it from the pressure of the following type, so as to allow
it to fall, substantially as described.

page_text: 4. In combination with a finger key a slotter so shaped and pivotted that in its
downstroke it strikes only the margin of the type without touching the character,
and then bears against the next type, so as to relieve the descending type from
pressure substantially as described.
30
100”
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.