Im- PROVEMENTS IN SETTING UP (COMPOSING) AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES."
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Hadden Young, of 66, Gt. College Street,
Camden Town, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN SETTING UP (COMPOSING) AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Hadden Young
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 14th June 1858.
I, JAMES HADDEN YOUNG, of 66, Gt. College Street, Camden Town, in
the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said. Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SETTING UP (COMPOSING) AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES," to
be as follows:
The improvements in setting up type relate chiefly to the composing
machine patented by me in 1840, in which an inclined plane is used for the
purpose of collecting the different types as they are required at one particular
point; but they are also applicable to the machines in which a moveable belt
or belts are used as a collecting medium. Composing machines have upright
cases called reservoirs, in which the different characters are held, and from
which these are caused to issue as required, by the touch of the operator on a
set of keys, somewhat similar to those of a pianoforte.
In order to facilitate the filling of these reservoirs, instead of placing them
perpendicularly, or nearly so, to the horizon, which allows the column of type

page_text: to fall down, by its own gravity, the distance necessary to supply the place of
a type that has been removed, I propose to place the reservoirs at right
angles to the inclined plane, or in such a manner as that a sliding pusher
dragged by a weight over a pulley, may impel the column to the top of the
inclined plane, and by this arrangement I am enabled to place one or more
rows of reservoirs over each other, so as to diminish the width of the inclined
plane. Or, I affix to the top of the reservoirs, by means of a hinge, an addi-
tional length, which may be placed in a convenient position for filling, and
when filled, set up straight; the types already in order for the reservoirs being
held by an horizontal fixed reservoir, from which they are slid by an attendant.
I have found it convenient to make the grooves down which the types slide
on the inclined plane wide enough for two types to move side by side, and
thus to prevent a stoppage by the accidental meeting of two types in a narrow
channel; but this extra width allows of the type turning on its edge, and to
obviate this inconvenience, I partially cover the groove, so as to allow of any
type that is less thick than it is wide to slide under the covering plate, but
such types as are thicker than this, or that are accidentally sliding on their edge,
will pass alongside of said plate. When a machine is constructed for small
type, it may be convenient to cover the grooves entirely; in this case it will be
necessary to use a fount of type in which no types used shall be thicker than
they are wide, and either reduce those that are generally so cast, such as for
instance W, M, or put them in by hand.
In order to prevent the stoppage caused by the meeting of two types where
the groove narrows to the width of one type, I have been accustomed to have
an opening in the inclined plane, which allowed one of the types to fall off,
but this does not always prove effective, as the superfluous type sometimes
slides over the aperture, by part of its length resting on the inclined plane, and
a part projecting over the opening. I therefore propose placing a little pusher
to be kept in constant motion, so as to strike the projecting type.
In the machines hitherto, constructed I have made use of a large inclined
plane on which all the type grooves converged to one point, I propose, how-
ever, now to place one or more small inclined planes side by side, their exit
grooves being led into a common channel. This arrangement will cause a
difference of speed in the sliding of the types, but when only applied to small
capitals, italics, or other sorts seldom used, it will be productive of no dis-
advantage. In this manner I may temporarily affix an inclined plane and
reservoirs provided with italics to any given machine, and exchange it for one
containing small capitals, or others. I can also make use of a smaller and
larger body of types, simultaneously, as is necessary in setting up advertise-

page_text: ments, but in this case the common channel must have a groove in its bed in
which the small bodied type slides, while the larger bodied type slides over it;
this same groove may be continued in the wheel and receiving line, to be
subsequently described.
In the machines hitherto constructed, in order to collect the individual types
in a common receiver, so as to form words and sentences, I have generally
made use of a little pusher or hammer, moved by an eccentric, or a wheel
with steps on its periphery, which served to carry each type from the inclined
plane to the receiver, and at the same time to push forward the column of
type already set up, so as to make room for the succeeding type; but both
methods were defective in action, inasmuch as there was no correspondence
between the arrival of the type at the exit of the inclined plane, and the move-
ment of the pusher or wheel. In the earlier machines this regularity was
sought to be attained by the action of the keys, but as a second or third key
was struck before the first type pushed out could reach the exit, this arrange-
ment failed. Now the improvements I am about to describe relate chiefly to
various means of attaining this desired regularity or correspondence, and for
the better understanding of them I shall describe the step-wheel.
It consists of two plates of metal of some inches diameter, and of such a
thickness, that together they are about the width of the type used, but placed
slightly apart so as to allow a thin slip or blade of metal affixed to the receiving
line to project between them; this wheel has a series of projections or steps
cut into the periphery about the depth of the thickest type, and of the length
of a space. As the type slides from the inclined plane, the step is intended to
receive it, in order that it may be thus carried on the periphery till stopped by
the projecting piece on the receiving line. I say, intended, for in some cases
the want of the necessary regularity, as explained, caused the type sometimes
to lodge on the projecting part of the step, and then to be thrown off, or other-
wise caused a derangement amongst the types in the receiver. To correct
this evil, instead of keeping the step-wheel constantly in motion, I provide a
pulley, which I place alongside the step-wheel, and this is constantly kept in
motion by any convenient motive power, and by an arrangement of cams and
springs, causes the step-wheel to stop and move at regulated intervals, and by
another set of cams on the wheels, I cause two or more steps to move, so as to
arrest the types as they are sliding towards the exit of the plane, in a regulated
number. By thus timing the movements of the type and wheel respectively,
I always insure the steps on the: wheel to be in a proper position as regards
the type coming from the composing machine. The stops on the inclined.
plane are made in such a manner that they shall not tilt up the type, when.

page_text: they arrest them in their progress.
I also make use of small counterbalance
weights or springs to diminish the shock to the sliding type. When a com-
posing machine with a belt is made use of, it is preferable to stop the type by
pressure on their edges. To insure the better delivery of the types on the
wheel, I construct the bottom of the exit groove in such a manner that it may
have a slight vibrating motion, and that it may rise and fall by the motion of
the wheel. It is obvious that the desired regularity may be obtained by
various methods. Thus, in the above plan I stop the wheel and the type, but
I may keep the step-wheel in constant motion, and only stop the type when
necessary. Again, the step-wheel might be made to stop or move by being
put into connection with the keys of the machine, these being made to throw
the wheel into gear, after a certain number of keys have been struck, or on the
striking of a single key, such as the e or thick space which are of frequent
recurrence. Again, although the weight of a single type is not sufficient, I
have found the accumulation of several sufficient to weigh down the part of
the inclined plane arranged for the purpose, and by this rise or fall cause a
connection between the moving wheel and the step-wheel; and further, I
make use of electro-magnetism as a regulating means and motor as well, in
the following manner :-I prevent the wheel and inclined plane being in
absolute contact, and these being in connection with the opposite poles of a
battery, and a piece of soft iron surrounded by wire, then when the type slides
down on the wheel while it is partly resting on the inclined plane, it complete's
the galvanic circuit, and this again rendering the iron magnetic, causes it to
attract one end of a lever, the other end serving to move the step-wheel one
step, and thus each type on its arrival on the wheel, causes it to move as
required. Instead of using the types themselves as a conducting medium,
they may in sliding down, by moving slight slips of metal, cause the necessary
circuit to be completed.
By a modification of this arrangement I cause a pusher or beater to act
instead of the step-wheel. When in using the wheel several types are lying
in a line close to each other, so that the head of one touches the foot of the
succeeding type; it will sometimes happen that a type does not drop into the
step as required, but is carried along resting on the head of its predecessor..
To prevent this evil I construct a wheel with steps that project but slightly
(or even with no steps at all), and before those steps, or instead of them, I
have moveable slips of metal let into the periphery of the wheel, and having a
sliding motion along its radial lines, then by placing fixed bars in a tangential
position to the periphery of the wheel, I cause the sliding pieces to rise and
fall as desired; thus, on the type coming on the wheel, its head may gradually

page_text: be raised as far as it is found necessary to free it from the weight of the
succeeding type, and then when it approaches the receiving line the sliding
piece may be totally withdrawn, so as to do away with the necessity of a
projecting piece on the receiving line. Another remedy for the same evil is
5. to place a segment of a wheel of considerable diameter, having little receptacles.
for the types on its periphery, or rather on one side of it, into which the types
fall as they arrive, and every type is raised in a horizontal position clear of the
succeeding type, which falls into the succeeding receptacle; a false bottom to
these receptacles keeps the types in place, and where it ceases they fall above
a small pusher, whose movement is regulated by the motion of this moving
segment, which does not complete a circular motion, but moves, backwards and
forwards, the types on the inclined plane being held back as it moves back.
When I make use of the wheel with fixed steps, I prefer making them of a
depth a little less than the breadth or square of the type, so that if a type
happens to be turned on its edge it may be stopped by the receiving line, and
run no danger of passing down the opening necessary to allow of the passage
of the step. I also sometimes place thin slips of metal at right angles to the
periphery of the wheel slightly grooved on each side, so as still further to
narrow the opening. It is advantageous to place fixed sides to the wheel
rather than making it revolve between fixed plates. Although I have described
the use of a wheel for the above mentioned purposes, an endless belt may also
be made use of, provided with moveable or fixed projections to act as the steps
of the wheel do, and moving the stops on the incline plane in the regulated
manner, as desired.
I shall now proceed to describe my improvements in distributing types.
The attendant takes a line at a time from the page or column of the type that
has to be distributed, and places it in a reservoir, similar to those I use in the
composing machine, thus forming a line of some length. The reservoir has at
one of its extremities an inclined plane, down which the types slide in the
manner to be described. A weight over a pulley (or some prime mover)
propels a slide at the end of the line of type, and this pushes it along towards
the inclined plane; at the other end there is on each side of the reservoir a
small spring, the two springs together form a kind of nipper, and by its action
the types are separated from each other, so that they may more readily fall
down on the inclined plane. One or more of these nippers may be placed
along the reservoir, in order the more effectually to promote this separation,
and this is most necessary when the types used are new. As types on
arriving at the end of the reservoir may not sometimes readily separate from
each other, a little hammer may be kept in motion to knock them off, and the.

page_text: bottom of the reservoir may be undulated, and a little pusher or hammer may
cause them to stand at different levels, which will assist this separation. Over.
the groove in the inclined plane, down which the types slide as they are pushed
from the reservoir, there are three or more guiding lines, which are placed at
suitable heights and serve to direct the type according to their thickness into
their appropriate channels, and at the extremity of these channels are placed
receivers, having a pusher or a wheel similar to those I use in the composing
machine. I must here observe that the types that are to be distributed by
means of the apparatus I am describing, require to have a nick or nicks cut
in them; these nicks are somewhat similar to those now used by type founders
to distinguish different founts, and they may be cut or cast on either or both
sides in the number and place as required. From the receiver the types are
removed into a reservoir; at the bottom of this reservoir and at one side, there
is a receptacle as nearly as may be of the size of the type used, into this a
type is pushed by means of a little pusher; at one side of this receptacle (or if
necessary at each side) there are several thin blades sliding in grooves perpen-
dicular to the type as it lies in the receptacle; one edge of each blade is quite
straight, the other edge is cut to an angle, the apex being at the bottom of the
blade, and all the ends of the blades slightly project over the type. Over the
blades there is a hinged lever, which is made to descend by an inclined plane
in connection with the axis and pulley that moves the pusher; each blade has
a spring across its breadth of some stiffness, but which will admit of com-
pression when the end of the blade meets with resistance. Now, when the
hinged lever pushes down the blades, if a blade happens to be above the nick
in a type, the end of the blade passes on; but if there is no nick the spring is
simply compressed by the resistance offered by the type, The blade that
passes through the nick by means of the angle cut in the opposite edge,
pushes a parallel piece aside according to the breadth of the blade, and as
each blade has a different width, the distance that the parallel piece is pushed
will vary according to the particular blade that is pushed down.
The reservoir and receptacle are placed at the top of an inclined plane, and
at a convenient angle to it, and the type in the receptacle would slide down
this inclined plane were there not a small stop which prevents it sliding away.
When the parallel piece I have spoken of moves, it removes the stop, and
being in connection with a guiding line or groove on the inclined plane, it
moves this also. The guide piece turns on a point at one end, the other end
shifting according to the distance that the parallel piece is moved, so as to
cause the type to slide down any one of several channels that radiate from the
inclined plane.

page_text: Although the blades I have described may be placed at both sides of the
type, and thus enable me to use an increased number of distinguishing marks
on the type, it may be convenient to use more than one blade at a time, and
by a compound movement provide a means of using a greater number of
channels; for this purpose the blades may be made of different lengths, and so
placed in connection with the guiding groove that it may be made to rise at
one end to different suitable levels, as well as made to move to the left and
right horizontally. As the types slide away into their channels, at the end of
which they are caught by receivers, somewhat similar to those I use in the
composing machine, the blades are raised into their places and the pusher
moves back in its place in readiness for a succeeding type. These movements
being. effected by the revolution of an axle, pulley, and excentrics already
spoken of, but which it is unnecessary here to describe.
It is obvious that instead of using a reservoir into which the types are
placed by hand from the receiver of the first inclined plane, the types might
slide into the receptacle or by the side of it, and the operation then be
performed as described; but in this case I cause the pulley that moves the
pusher to be placed in connection with the slide that sends the type on the
first inclined plane, so that there may not be a greater supply for the
distributing blades than is required.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Haddon Young in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 13th December 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
HADDEN YOUNG, of 66, Great College Street, Camden Town, in the County,
of Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord:
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the:
said James Hadden Young, Her special licence that I, the. said James'
Hadden Young, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as:
I, the said James Hadden Young, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agrée with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might

page_text: make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands,, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "In-
PROVEMENTS IN SETTING UP (COMPOSING) AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said James Hadden Young, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one
of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James Hadden Young, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
The improvements in setting up types relate chiefly to the composing
machine patented by me in 1840, in which an inclined plane is used for the
purpose of collecting the different types as they are required at one particular.
point; but they are also applicable to the machines in which a moveable belt
or belts are used as a collecting medium. Composing machines have upright
cases called reservoirs, in which the different characters are held, and from
which these are caused to issue as required by the touch of the operator or a
set of keys somewhat similar to those of a pianoforte.
In order to facilitate the filling of these reservoirs, instead of placing them
perpendicularly or nearly so to the horizon, which allows the column of types
to fall down by its own gravity the distance necessary to supply the place of a
type that has been removed, I propose to place the reservoirs at right angles
to the inclined plane, or in such a manner as that a sliding pusher dragged
by a weight over a pulley may impel the column to the top of the inclined
plane, and by this arrangement I am enabled to place one or more rows
of reservoirs over each other, so as to diminish the width of the inclined
plane. Or I affix to the top of the reservoirs by means of a hinge an
additional length, which may be placed in a convenient position for filling,
and when filled set up straight; the types already in order for the reservoirs
being held by an horizontal fixed reservoir, from which they are slid by
an attendant. I have found it convenient to make the
grooves down
which the types slide on the inclined plane, wide enough for two types to
move side by side, and thus to prevent a stoppage by the accidental meeting
of two types in a narrow channel, but this extra width allows of the type
turning on its edge, and to obviate this inconvenience, I partially cover the
groove so as to allow of any type that is less thick than it is wide, to slide

page_text: under the covering plate, but such types as are thicker than this or that are
accidentally sliding on their edge, will pass alongside of said plate.
When a machine is constructed for small type, it may be convenient to
cover the grooves entirely; in this case it will be necessary to use a fount of
type, in which no types used shall be thicker than they are wide, and either
reduce those that are generally so cast, such as for instance W, M, or put them
in by hand. In order to prevent the stoppage caused by the meeting of two
types where the groove narrows to the width of one type, I have been.
accustomed to have an opening in the inclined plane which allowed one of the
types to fall off, but this does not always prove effective, as the superfluous
type sometimes slides over the aperture by part of. its length resting on the
inclined plane, and a part projecting over the opening, I therefore propose
placing a little pusher to be kept in constant motion so as to strike the pro-
jecting type.
In the machines hitherto constructed, I have made use of a large inclined
plane, on which all the type grooves converged to one point, I propose,
however, now to place one or more small inclined planes side by side, their
exit grooves being led into a common channel. This arrangement will cause
a difference of speed in the sliding of the types, but when only applied to small
capitals, italics, or other sorts seldom used, it will be productive of no
disadvantage. In this manner I may temporarily affix an inclined plane and
reservoir provided with italics to any given machine, and exchange it for any
other containing small capitals or others. I can also make use of a smaller
and larger body of types simultaneously as is necessary in setting up advertise-
ments, but in this case the common channel must have a groove in its bed, in
which the small bodied type slides, while the larger bodied type slides over it.
This same groove may be continued in the wheel and receiving line to be
subsequently described.
In the machines hitherto constructed, in order to collect the individual types
in a common receiver, so as to form words or sentences, I have generally made
use of a little pusher or hammer moved by an excentric or a wheel with steps
on its periphery, which served to carry each type from the inclined plane to
the receiver, and at the same time to push forward the column of type already
set up, so as to make room for the succeeding type, but both methods were
defective in action, inasmuch as there was no correspondence between the
arrival of the type at the exit of the inclined plane, and the movement of the
pusher or wheel. In the earlier machines this regularity was sought to be
attained by the action of the keys, but as a second or third key was struck
before the first type pushed out could reach the exit, this arrangement failed.

page_text: Now the improvements I am about to describe relate chiefly to various means
of attaining this desired regularity or correspondence, and for the better
understanding of them I shall describe the step-wheel. It consists of two
plates of metal of some inches diameter, and of such a thickness that together
they are about the width of the type used, but placed slightly apart so as to
allow a thin slip or blade of metal affixed to the receiving line to project
between them. This wheel has a series of projections or steps cut into the
periphery about the depth of the thickest type, and of the length of a space.
As the type slides from the inclined plane, the step is intended to receive it, in
order that it may be thus carried on the periphery till stopped by the projecting
piece on the receiving line. I say intended, for in some cases the want of the
necessary regularity, as explained, caused the type sometimes to lodge on the
projecting part of the step, and then to be thrown off or otherwise caused a
derangement amongst the types in the receiver. To correct this evil, instead
of keeping the step-wheel constantly in motion, I provide a pulley, which I
place alongside the step-wheel, and this is constantly kept in motion by any
convenient motive power, and by an arrangement of cams and springs causes
the step wheel to stop and move at regulated intervals, and by another set of
cams on the wheels I cause two or more steps to move so as to arrest the
types as they are sliding towards the exit of the plane in a regulated number.
By thus timing the movements of the type and wheel respectively, I always
insure the steps on the wheel to be in a proper position as regards the type
coming from the composing machine.
The stops on the inclined plane are made in such a manner that they shall
not tilt up the type when they arrest them in their progress. I also make use
of small counterbalance weights or springs to diminish the shock to the sliding
type. When a composing machine with a belt is made use of, it is preferable
to stop the type by pressure on their edges. To insure the better delivery of
the types on the wheel, I construct the bottom of the exit groove in such a
manner that it may have a slight vibrating motion, and that it may rise and
fall by the motion of the wheel.
It is obvious that the desired regularity may be obtained by various methods.
Thus, in the above plan, I stop the wheel and the type, but I may keep the
step-wheel in constant motion, and only stop the type when necessary.
I make use of electro-magnetism as a regulating means and motor as well
in the following manner :-I prevent the wheel and inclined plane being in
absolute contact, and these being in connection with the opposite poles of a
battery and a piece of soft iron surrounded by wire, then when the type slides
down on the wheel, while it is partly resting on the inclined plane it completes

page_text: the galvanic circuit, and this again rendering the iron magnetic, causes it to
attract one end of a lever, the other end serving to move the step-wheel one
step, and thus each type on its arrival on the wheel causes it to move as
required. Instead of using the types themselves as a conducting medium,
they may in sliding down by moving slight slips of metal, cause the necessary
circuit to be completed. By a modification of this arrangement I cause a
pusher or beater to act instead of the step-wheel. When in using the
wheel several types are lying in a line close to each other, so that the head of
one touches the foot of the succeeding type, it will sometimes happen that a
type does not drop into the step as required, but is carried along resting on the
head of its predecessor. To prevent this evil I construct a wheel with steps
that project but slightly (or even with no steps at all) and before those steps
or instead of them, I have moveable slips of metal let into the periphery of
the wheel, and having a sliding motion along its radial lines, then by placing
fixed bars in a tangential position to the periphery of the wheel, I cause the
sliding pieces to rise and fall as desired; thus on the type coming on the wheel,
its head may gradually be raised as far as it is found necessary to free it from
the weight of the succeeding type, and then when it approaches the receiving
line the sliding piece may be totally withdrawn, so as to do away with the
necessity of a projecting piece on the receiving line. Another remedy for the
same evil is to place a segment of a circle of considerable diameter having
little receptacles for the types on its periphery, or rather on one side of it, into
which the types fall as they arrive, and every type is raised in a horizontal
position clear of the succeeding type, which falls into the succeeding receptacle;
a false bottom to these receptacles keeps the types in place, and where it
ceases they fall under a small pusher whose movement is regulated by the
motion of this moving segment, which does not complete a circular motion,
but moves backwards and forwards, the types on the inclined plane being held
back as it moves back.
When I make use of the wheel with fixed steps, I prefer making them of a
depth a little less than the breadth or square of the type, so that if a type
happens to be turned on its edge, it may be stopped by the receiving line, and.
run no danger of passing down the opening necessary to allow of the passage
of the step. I also sometimes place thin slips of metal at right angles to the
periphery of the wheel slightly grooved on each side, so as still further to
narrow the opening. It is advantageous to place fixed sides to the wheel'
rather than make it revolve between fixed plates.
Although I have described the use of a wheel for the above-mentioned:
purposes, an endless belt may also be made use of, provided with moveable or

page_text: fixed projections to act as the steps of the wheel do, and moving the stops on
the inclined plane in the regulated manner as desired.
I will now proceed to describe my means of distributing types. I place
the types in a reservoir similar to those of my composing machine, having
previously divided them into classes, so that in the same reservoir there shall
not be types of a size unsuited to the place of exit. These types are provided
with nicks placed in different positions relatively to each other, so that when
the types are made to pass under thin moveable blades, these nicks admit of
the motion of the blades in such a manner that each type is placed in its
appropriate receptacle.
And in order that my Invention may be more fully understood and readily
carried into effect, I will now proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto
annexed, in each of the Figures of which the same letters indicate similar parts.
Fig. 1 is a side view, and Fig. 2 a front view of apparatus constructed ac-
cording to one of my improved methods of collecting types at the exit of the
composing machine. a is part of the inclined plane down which the types
slide; b, a moveable piece pivoting at c, with a counterbalance weight d, the
end e resting on the steps of the step-wheel g; g' is a wooden disc attached to
the metal step-wheel g, in which there are three recesses s, s, cut at equal
distances from each other, one only being shown; h is the receiver in which
the types are collected, supported by the stand i. On the brackets j, j, rests
the axis x of the wheel g, and g', the pulley k and the wheel 1; m is a lever
pivoting at n, the end o being wedge-shaped in order that when necessary it
may rise into the recess s, and the end 1, having a counterbalance weight.
The wheel 7, and the pulley k are firmly fixed to the axis a; the step-wheel g,
with its disc g¹, is loose on it, but is caused to rotate with it by reason of the
pressure of the spring p, unless the pressure of the spring p is overcome by an
opposing force; 9, 9, 9, are three cams which serve to depress the end o of the
lever m; t is a lever pivoting at u, the end w is guided in the slot w¹; y, y, y,
are cams which serve to raise the lever t when necessary; 2, z, are types on
the inclined plane on the step-wheel and in the receiver r; s, Fig. 2, is the
groove in the step-wheel g.
The mode of action is as follows:-Motion being given to the axis a by
means of the pulley kc, the wheels g, g', and 7 move in the direction of the
arrow, and in this manner the types on the inclined plane, previously stopped
by the stationary position of the step-wheel g, slide on to its steps, and are by
them carried to the receiver, which being provided with a projecting steel-
piece, as shewn by the dotted line 7, sliding in a groove of the steps of the
step-wheel g, prevents the types being carried further round with the step-

page_text: wheel 9; the steps of the step-wheel g, as they pass the end of the receiver
press the types contained in it forward along the receiver, and thus make room
for the descent of the succeeding types into the receiver h.
When the step-
wheel has moved in this way a certain distance, the cam 9 leaves the end o
of the lever m, and the counterbalance 1 causes the end o to rise into the
recess s, thereby stopping the step-wheel g, g¹; the pressure of the spring p
being overcome at the same time, the cam y raises the lever t,. and allows the
types on the inclined plane a, stopped until this moment by the position of the
end w of the levert, to slide towards and on to the step-whee! g. As the step-
wheel g moves the vibrating piece b, at the extremity of the inclined plane
falls from step to step the counterbalance weight d at its end; serving to
prevent undue vibration; by this means the types are effectually separated
from each other.
The arrangements of Figs. 3 and 4 are very similar to those of Fig. 1
and 2, and it will be sufficient to point out their differences. In Fig. 3, or
side view, the end of the inclined plane a is fixed, but the steps of the wheel g
are formed of thin slips of metal g, which are moveable in the direction of
the radii of the wheel g; thus, where the wheel 9 moves the fixed piece b,
Fig. 4, causes the slips of metal to be pushed forward so as to receive the
types, and where it ends they are forced back by another fixed piece c, Fig. 3
and 4, leaving the types on the receiver h. In other respects the movements
are the same as those of Fig. 1 and 2, the levert being moved by the projecting
piece t¹ rising or falling alternately on the cam y.
Figs. 5 and 6 are Drawings of another apparatus constructed according to
one of my improved methods of collecting the types coming from a composing
machine in a receiver. A is the end of the inclined plane; B, a lever,
pivoting at C, intended to stop the types at intervals; D is a cog-wheel, with
a pulley E; F and G are brackets supporting the wheel D; H, the receiver;
and the sliding piece I, which has a false bottom, extending only as far as Q;
K is a pusher to push down the types as they slide into the receiver H;
M, M, are pins on the slide I, by means of which it is raised by the cogs on
the wheel D.
wheel D causes the
Fig. 6 is a front view of the sliding piece I, which shows the divisions
between which the types slide from the inclined plane; in Fig. 5 the divisions
are partially seen, by breaking off the covering, as at . The mode of working
this mechanism is as follows:-The rotation of the
slide I, which is a segment of a large circle, to rise when the types slide in
between the divisions, as shewn at A, and are thus raised a slight distance
until they pass the false bottom which terminates at Q, when they are enabled

page_text: to slide into the receiver H, and are thus pushed down by means of the
pusher K, which is put in motion by the pins M, M, on the sliding piece J.
It will be observed, that part of the wheel D is plain, when therefore this
part comes opposite to the slide I, the latter being no longer supported by
the cogs, falls down by its own weight, to be raised again when the cogs
come round, and at the same time, by the termination of the cam N, the
lever B, supported by B2, falls down and stops the types. By this arrange-
ment the types are conveniently separated from each other, and the pusher K
does not strike them until they are conveniently placed in the receiver H. It
will be well to observe that the receiver H extends to the justifying box, to
which it is connected as in the composing machines I have hitherto used, and
it is therefore unnecessary more fully to describe it.
Fig. 7 represents an arrangement of stops and counterbalance weight, which
may be adapted to any of the inclined planes, as shewn in Figs. 1, 3, 5. a is
the inclining plane; A, B, are stops. The stop A is connected with the
lever A', which acts in the same manner as the stop w and the lever t, shewn
in Fig. 1, and terminates at the receiver also in the same manner as the
aforesaid levert in Fig. 1. B is another stop connected with a compound
lever B and B, the end of B2 being provided with a pronged support B³, of
which Fig. 8 exhibits a side view; C is a lever, pivoting at C', and provided
with a counterbalance weight C².
The action of this apparatus is as follows:-When by the revolution of the
wheel the cam y raises the support B³, the stop B is lifted off the inclined.
plane a, and thereby allows the types to slide down the incline until they are
stopped by the stop A; the further progress of the wheel causes the cam y
to pass from underneath the support B, which consequently drops, and thereby
allows the stop B to fall and rest on the inclined plane, whilst the cam y, in
its further progress, raises the lever A' and the stop A, and thereby allows the
types to slide on to the step-wheel l; in this manner, by the alternate raising
of the supports B' and A', a corresponding alternating motion of the stops A
and B is produced. The lever C is intended to prevent the types descending
on to the step-wheel with too great a momentum; for this purpose. the
lever C is provided with a counterbalance weight C, so nicely adjusted that
the end C3 will not stop the types, but only check their speed, and the lower
edge of the end C³ is curved to make this result more certain.
Figs. 9 and 10 represent my apparatus constructed according to my im-
proved methods of collecting types at the exit of the composing machine by
means of electro-magnetism.
In Fig. 9, a is the inclined plane, separated at such an interval from the

page_text: step-wheel that a type can slide down to it on to the latter; b' is one of two
plates, the other not being shown, attached to the receiver, between which the
wheel revolves, they act as guard plates; c is a ratchet wheel fixed to the
step-wheel b; d is an iron lever supported on two brackets e, e, of which one
only is seen, and pivoting at f; g is a hook hanging freely, its end g¹ being
weighted so as to cause its hooked end to catch into the ratchet c; h¹ is an
electro-magnet fixed in a secure manner beneath the end 2 of the lever d,.
between the stand i, and a moveable slide w, which can be screwed tightly
against the side of the magnet by means of the screw w¹; j¹ is a copper wire
connected with one pole of a galvanic battery K brought into contact with
the electro-magnet /', and terminating in contact with the plane a; j² is
another copper wire connected with the opposite pole of a galvanic battery K,
and terminating in contact with the ratchet wheel c.
on
I will now proceed to describe the action of the apparatus just detailed.
When a type slides down the metallic inclined plane a, and passes partly on
to the metallic step-wheel b as at m, it completes the electric circuit, and
thereby causes the end 2 of the lever. d to be attracted down upon the
magnet h', the end 1 of the lever d consequently rises carrying with it the.
hook g, which being forced into the teeth of the ratchet wheel c by its.
weighted end g, causes it to revolve and also the step-wheel b, the type on it
being thereby moved away from the plane, the electric circuit broken or
interrupted until the descent of another type from the inclined plane a on to
the step-wheel b, in the manner already described, renews the electric action.
In Fig. 10, a is an inclined plane; r, s, small pieces of metal pivoting
two brackets t, t, of which one only is shewn, the lower piece hanging in
close proximity to the metal plane a without actually touching, but so near as
to be raised by the thinnest type passing underneath it on the inclined plane,
the higher piece s hangs in a similar manner in close proximity to the lower
piece .without actually touching it with its end 2, which is counterbalanced
at its end 1. The ends 3, 4, of the spindles on which these metal pieces r, s,
pivot are each connected by means of a copper wire, partly shewn under the
respective initials ³, j, to the opposite poles of a galvanic battery, as shewn
at K, Fig. 9. For when a type, as e, on sliding down the plane a, passes
underneath the metal piece 7, it causes it to rise, and brings it into contact
with the metal piece s, and thereby forms an electric circuit, the action of
which is to cause the lever d, the ratchet wheel c, and the step-wheel b to
move in the manner already described as the action of the apparatus, Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of as much of the composing machine as is.
required to elucidate the following improvement. a, a, are the reservoirs,

page_text: and b, the inclined plane; the side of the inclined plane. b is furnished with-
brackets c, c, c, having holes at d, d.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a similar composing machine, but of
smaller dimensions, and furnished with pins e, c. The object of these several
arrangements are to enable the smaller composing machine, Fig. 12, to be
attached to the larger composing machine, Fig. 11, in such a manner that
the two machines being put in connection, the types from the smaller may
slide by means of the channel f on to the larger machine. I have adopted
this arrangement, in order that when many italics, small capitals, or other
extra sorts of type are required, these may be brought into use without
necessitating a permanent addition to the principal machine.
Fig. 13 is an arrangement adopted for the purpose of diminishing the
length of the inclined plane. It will be observed that in Fig. 11 all the
channels are of an equal length, but in Fig. 13 I have dispensed with this
arrangement, and the compartments H, I, K, L, run into one common
channel M.
Figs. 14 and 15 are enlarged transverse sections of the channel down
which the types slide. 1 is the plate; 2, 2, are overhanging pieces, and 3
and 4 are types. These projections are raised a little less above the bed of
the inclined plane than the thickness of the letter m, in order that the types
thinner than that thickness may slide underneath the projections whilst the
midchannel is left free, so that a thicker or turned type may slide without
impediment, as shewn in Fig. 14, where 3 is a thick type, and 4 a thin one.
Fig. 16 is an enlarged transverse section of the channel of the inclined
plane, where 5 is a small groove cut into the bed of the channel intended for
a small bodied type such, for instance, as nonpareil, and 6, 6, is a groove
for a larger bodied type. This arrangement adapted to the inclined plane of
Fig. 11 would allow Fig. 12 to contain smaller type than Fig. 11.
Fig. 17 represents a groove or channel of the inclined plane entirely
covered, a being the bed of the channel, and 6 the covering plate. Altho' I a
may adopt this arrangement over the whole of the inclined planc, I intend
more especially to apply it at the junctions of two channels as at h, h, h, Fig. 11.
In Fig. 18, a is a toothed wheel provided with a pulley b, and supported on
brackets c, of which one only is shewn. The Figure representing a side view
d is a small rod resting on the edge of the wheel a and moving freely in s
slots e, f. This apparatus is intended to be attached to the composing
machine, and placed immediately underneath any aperture in the channels of
the inclined plane, such, for instance, as at g, Fig. 11, so that by the rapid
rotation of the wheel a the rod d may be raised at short intervals through the

page_text: aperture g. The object of this arrangement is to give a slight push to any,
superfluous types that may be inclined to pass over the aperture without
falling through, and thereby to cause them to drop off the inclined plane...
In Fig 19, A is a reservoir fixed at B, to the inclined plane, which is not
shewn, and jointed at C, by which means its upper part may be raised or
depressed at will. E is a fixed horizontal reservoir. By this arrangement,
types having been placed in reservoir E, which may be of any convenient
length, may be readily slipt into the part D of the reservoir A, which, when
filled, will allow the types to slide down into the lower part B. In Fig. 20,
a, a, are reservoirs containing types; b, b, are buttons or knobs, connected
with small bladés or pushers; c', c, are the channels of the inclined plane. In
this apparatus the types are pushed out of their reservoirs by hand by means.
This
of the knob and pusher b, when they descend the channels c¹, c¹.
arrangement is to enable a larger number of types being used in a smaller.
compass.
Fig. 21, which represents a side view of the same apparatus as Fig. 20,
A, B, C, being reservoirs, and can inclined plane, the types are pushed on
to the inclined plane c' by ineans of key levers, as at d, instead of hand-
pushers, as in Fig. 20, as both methods can be used either separately or
conjointly in this apparatus.
Fig. 22 is also a side view of the same kind of apparatus provided with
But the
three rows of reservoirs placed one above another, as A, B, C.
reservoirs are placed in a horizontal instead of an inclined position, and each
row of reservoirs is provided with a separate incline, the different inclines
being made to unite at some distance from the reservoirs, by being extended
and inclined towards each other.
In Figs. 20, 21, and 22; the types are propelled to the top of the inclined
plane by means of a pusher e; connected by means of a rod f to a weight g
suspended over a pulley g', as shewn in Fig. 22.
Fig. 23 is a side view; Fig. 24 a ground plan; and Fig. 25, an end view
of my apparatus for distributing types.
In Fig. 23, a is a reservoir for containing the types to be distributed, b is
an excentric revolving on an axis c, and provided with an arm d. The arm
dis connected with a combined transverse rod or lever e pivoting at f,f;
h, h, are blades suspended at k on the levers i, i, which are furnished with a
joint at 7 and pivot at m. The levers i, i, are upheld by the transverse rod e
by means of the sling n, which is provided with a roller at p; r is a slide, pro-
pelled by the excentric s, and provided with a piece of metal at its extremity t,
about as broad as the length of a type; u is another slide, provided with an
B

page_text: excentric v, and having a bolt w attached to it; a is a projecting rod on the
blade h', which is similar to the blades h, h; y is a sliding rod provided with-
an arm. z at its lower end; y¹ is a spring attached to the rod y and the
reservoir a; pl; is an inclined plane, capable of a lateral motion centering
at pl; pl² is another inclined plane, capable of an upwards and a downwards
motion, and pivoting on a hinge pl³, Fig. 25, and provided with an arm pl*,
Fig. 23, which acts as a lever; ro, Fig. 25, is a rod attached to the pivot pi,
and provided with an arm ro', which passes through a triangular opening tr
Fig 25, or as shewn on an enlarged scale in Figs. 26 and 27 in five of the.
blades, h, h, the sixth blade h¹ having no aperture, altho' one has been shewn
in it; Fig. 23, to explain its position in the others more distinctly. This
aperture tr is formed so as to present an incline of the interior of the blades:
Hh to the arin ro¹; pls and pl are stationary inclined planes leading into the
receivers, as shewn in Fig. 25 and 28, where a are the receivers; ty, Fig. 25,
are types ready for distribution.
Fig. 28 is a side view, and Fig. 29 is a ground plan, of my apparatus for col-
lecting types from the inclined planes of my distributing machine. a', Fig. 28;
is one of a number of receivers placed side by side; b, b, are beaters pivoting:
on a rod d, which is supported by the brackets e, e; f. f, are excentrics:
revolving on a spindle g, which is supported by the brackets e, e; h, Fig. 29,
is a connecting rod or bar attached to the upper part of the beaters b, b;
i, are springs, of which one only is shewn, Fig. 28, attached to the two ends:
of the rod h, and each of the brackets e, ė.
Fig. 30 represents three types provided with the nicks adapted to suit the:
action of the distributing blades h. The blades h slide in slots h³ and h*.
Figs. 31 and 32 shew another description of distributing blades. These
blades consist of two parts connected by a sliding joint B, and held apart by
the springs c, c, and each having a distinguishing incline at its lower extre-
mity D, adapted to act in a similar manner to the aperture tr, Fig. 23, in the
Blades h, h. In Fig. 31 the springs c, c, are shewn distended, in consequence
of the nich of the type allowing of the passage of the blade in its descent..
But in Fig. 32 the springs c, c, are shewn compressed, in consequence of
the blade encountering the body of the type, which prevents its passage or
further descent. These Figures will be better understood by referring to the
description of the mode of action of the distributing machine which I give
further on.
⚫ The mode of action of my apparatus for distributing types is as follows:-
The reservoir a baving been filled with types, the excentric b is put in motion,
and propels the slider underneath the lower edge of the reservoir a, pushing.

page_text: the lowest type before it and beyond the other side of the reservoir, by which
means this type is separated from the rest, and is deposited on ledge a¹ along-
side the reservoir a; here it remains until by the exit of another type from
the reservoir a, it is pushed on to the inclined plane pl. In the meanwhile
the excentric b, in revolving, has caused its arm d to descend, and therefore
also the transverse lever e, and consequently also the sling n, by which the
levers i, i, and the blades h, h, are supported; these, consequently, also descend
by their own weight. All the blades h, h, then descend until stopped by the
interposition of a type on the ledge a', which will only allow the further
descent of that blade, which happens to be opposite its distinguishing nick.
This blade then by its continued descent gives a determined lateral motion to
the arm ro', by means of the opening to, which communicates a corresponding
motion to the pivot pi, and thereby to the inclined plane pl, which is thus
placed in the position intended for the type lying on the ledge a¹. This
type is now pushed on to the inclined plane pl, by another type being.
forced out from the reservoir a by the slide 2, and occupying its place on
the ledge a. The type descending the plane pl will slide on to plane pl³,
which constitutes an intermediate plane between plane pl and planes pl" and
pl, as I will now proceed to explain. But I may previously mention that,
instead of using blades descending by their own gravity, I may make use of
other distributing blades, such as those shewn, Figs. 31 and 32, which are.
forced down.
As from the limited size of the type only a certain number of blades
can be employed to act along that particular length, I have found it desirable,
in order to increase the means of distinguishing the types, to give to a certain
number of them another nick in addition to the one that especially distinguishes
them from each other, as shewn in Fig. 30, where ty¹ would be the additional
notch or nich, which I always place in the same position as regards a particular
blade h. This blade h' is provided with a projecting rod x, which, by the
descent of the blade, pushes down the rod y with its arm ; the latter thereby
raising the inclined plane pl until it reaches the level of the inclined plane pl;
by this means a type sliding down the inclined plane pl will pass on to plane
pl, and from thence to plane pl. The plane pl is thereafter depressed by
means of the bolt w being forced underneath it by the slide u and its excentric
, and thus brought back to its original position, where it forms a continuous
incline with plane pls. The bolt w is immediately withdrawn by the action of
the excentric, whilst the rod y recoils with the spring y¹.
It is obvious that the capacity of this apparatus may be increased by using
more blades and more levels, in accordance with the arrangement just described,

page_text: -:
and nicks may be placed on both sides of the types for the same purpose.
It
is also evident that several reservoirs may be placed near each other to be
worked simultaneously.
Having thus described my Invention, and the manner of performing the
same, I would have it understood that I do not claim the imechanical parts
separately, nor do I confine myself to the precise details; but what I
claim is,
First, the application of apparatus for obtaining a regulated alternate
movement and stoppage to the step wheel.
Secondly, I claim the application of apparatus for obtaining a regulated
alternate movement and stoppage of the types upon the inclined plane, in
order to ensure their being properly taken off.
Thirdly, I claim making the steps of the step wheel moveable.
Fourthly, I claim the raising of the types at the termination of the inclined
plane off the same, and the regulated action of the pusher, so that it may not
strike at an improper moment.
Fifthly, I claim the application of electro-magnetism for regulating the
taking off the types off the inclined plane and their delivery into the receiver.
Sixthly, I claim the application of a small auxiliary composing machine,
which may be fixed to or detached from a larger or other composing machine.
Seventhly, I claim the partial covering of the channels down which the
types slide on the inclined plane.
Eighthly, I claim the application of a groove for small bodied type in
the bed of the channels of the inclined plane used for a larger bodied type.
Ninthly, I claim the application of a pusher through the aperture or
apertures constructed in the inclined plane to allow of superfluous types
falling off the same.
Tenthly, I claim the application of moveable blades to effect the distribution
of types by means of their nicks, as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Hadden Young, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of December, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.
JAMES H. YOUNG. (L.S.)