IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE DISTRIBUTING. MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of Kensington, Middlesex, for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE DISTRIBUTING. MACHINES." A com-
munication from abroad by Thomas Reeve, of Brooklyn, State of New York,
United States.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Herbert John Haddan at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th August 1881.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TYPE DISTRIBUTING MACHINES." A communication from abroad Thomas Reeve,
of Brooklyn, State of New York, United States.
This Invention relates to certain improvements in that class of machines for
distributing type in which the dead matter column after column is placed on a
galley, thence fed line after line into a channel from which the types are transferred
one after the other into suitable cases arranged on the circumference of a cone, as
will more fully appear from the following description :-This Invention is illustrated
in the accompanying Drawing, in which Fig. 1 represents a side view; Fig. 2 is a
longitudinal vertical section in the plane a, a, Fig. 3; Fig. 3 is a plan or top view.
The remaining Figs. are details which will be referred to as the description pro-
gresses. In these Drawings the letter A designates a frame of cast iron or any
other suitable material which supports on one end the galley, together with the
mechanism for feeding the column and the lines, and for transferring the types one
after the other to the distributing mechanism which occupies the other end of the
frame A, as shewn in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. B is the galley on which is placed the.
dead matter to be distributed, one column after the other, and which is provided
with a column feeder C (see Figs. 3, 4, and 5) by which the column is constantly
pressed toward the type channel a. The column feeder is hinged to a slide h
which is fitted on the edge of the galley, so that it slides thereon with ease, and it
is exposed to the action of a coiled spring which is enclosed in a barrel 6 (see Figs. 5
and 5*) which connects with the slide h by a catgut cord e running over a pulley e
(see Figs, 3, 4, and 5). The barrel b is made in the form of a fusee, so that the

page_text: strain exerted by spring on the column feeder decreases as the feeder moves toward
the type channel a. If the column feeder is in its outward position the cord c is
wound on the small portion of the fusee 6; but as the column feeder moves in, the
cord e is taken up by the gradually increasing fusee, so as to reduce the strain on
the column feeder in proportion to the decrease of the matter to be pushed forward 5
by said feeder. When the column on the galley is nearly exhausted the column feeder
is turned on its hinge to a vertical position, a fresh column is introduced into the
galley, the column feeder is drawn back against the action of the coiled spring in
the barrel b, and then turned down again upon the galley, when it is drawn up
against the last line of the column by the action of the coiled spring, as previously 1
described. A spring he retains the column feeder in position when it has been
turned down or turned up. This spring is fastened to the slide h, as shewn in
Fig. 1, and its free end bears upon one of the knuckles of the column feeder (see
also Fig. 4). The galley is adjusted to the width of the column by means of a side
plate D (see Figs. 3 and 4, which is fastened by a pivot to the slotted plate 1º, and 1
this slotted plate is secured to the galley by a setscrew 201, so that by releasing this
setscrew the side plate D can be moved on the galley towards one side or the other.
The inner or free end of the side plate is pressed up against the column of type by
a bell crank lever k which has its fulcrum on a pivot j (see Figs. 3 and 4), and
which is subjected to the action of a spring n. The pivot j is secured in a slotted 2
plate jo, which is adjustable on the galley by a setscrew ko, so that the bellcrank
fever can be adjusted to the width of the column. From the inner edge of
the side plate projects a lip o (see Figs. 3 and 4) which bears against the line
of the column next the line of type being fed by the line feeder, so that the
full pressure of the spring n is brought to bear on said first line, and this line is 2
held tight enough to form the inner wall of the type channel a, and also to
neutralize the pressure of the column feeder, and prevent the column of type from
pressing against the line feeder, which would interfere with the free action of said
line feeder on its return motion. By making the bellcrank lever adjustable the
pressure exerted by it on the column side plate is rendered uniform at all times,
and its releasing nose g is adjusted at the same time, as will be more fully explained
hereafter. E is the linefeeder which slides on the outer wall q20 of the type
channel a, and the motion of which is produced by mechanism shown in Figs. 2
and 7. The linefeeder connects by a cord o° with a barrel G containing a coiled
spring, and is provided with a downwardly projecting flange p which serves to
release the column sideplate by striking against the nose q projecting from the bell
crank lever k whenever the linefeeder is allowed to follow the action of its spring.
When a new line is to be fed into the type channel a, the line feeder flies back,
and as the flange b strikes the nose q the column side plate D is relieved from the
pressure of the bellcrank lever k, the first line of the column is released and the 4
whole column can follow the action of the column feeder. After the linefeeder has
struck the nose q it is arrested by a stop 9°, which is fastened to the outer wall q²0
of the type channel by a screw 9 (Figs. 4, 7, and 7*), and which is provided on its
inner surface with teeth to engage with corresponding teeth on the wall 920,
so that it is not liable to be thrown out of its position by the repeated blows
of the line feeder to which it is exposed. The line feeder is moved forward
by a feed pawl & which is attached to the upper end of a levert that has
its fulcrum on a point u (see Fig. 2), and is subjected to the action of a
cam vand of a spring w. At the moment the low portion of said cam comes
opposite the friction roller to secured to the lever t, the spring w causes the line
feeder to advance until the line of type in the type chanuel strikes the abut-
ment at the extreme end of said channel; and as the motion of the cam proceeds
the feed pawl is drawn back ready for a new forward motion, the line feeder
being retained in the meantime by a stop a', which swings on a pivot 6' secured in
a bracket which is firmly secured to the outer wall of the type channel. The
tension of the spring w can be adjusted by a screw and nuts, as shewn in Fig. 2.
In the side of the feed pawl is secured a pin d (Fig. 7), which extends beneath.

page_text: the stop pawl a¹, and under the feed pawl is situated the gravitating lever e¹, which
has its fulcrum on a pivot f¹ secured on the outside wall of the type channel. In
the front edge of the lever e¹ is a recess gland in the flange p of the line feeder is
secured a pin h. When the line feeder has reached the forward end of its stroke
the pin h¹ enters the recess g¹ in the gravitating lever e¹; said lever is raised up
and brought in contact with the pin d' of the feed pawl; the feed pawl is lifted,
and this pin d' throws the stop pawl a¹ out of gear with the line feeder, which
being thus free to follow the action of its spring flies back (Figs. 2 and 7). At the
moment it reaches the outer end of its stroke, both pawls drop into gear with the
line feeder, and as soon as the cam v allows it the spring w draws the line feeder
up in contact with the line of type in the type channel. To insure the action of
the gravitating lever e¹ it is subjected to the action of the spring, which is so
arranged that the same, after the gravitating lever has been raised by the pin h²,
acts on a pin 10, thereby causing the gravitating lever to fly up and to throw the
pawls out of gear with the line feeder without fail. Further more a pin k¹ is
secured in the flange p of the line feeder, and as the line feeder flies back this pin
strikes the inner curved edge of the gravitating lever and depresses the same with
a positive motion. For the purpose of arresting the action of the feed levert and
to stop the feed an eccentric v* (Fig. 2) is placed close to the edge of the said feed
lever. This eccentric is mounted on a shaft, which can be turned by a handle t*
(Fig. 1), and by turning this handle in the proper direction the feed lever is forced
back clear of the cam v. The handle t* is situated in a convenient position to be
reached by the attendant. By the action of the line feeder the type are pushed
along in the channel a, and in the outer wall 920 of this type channel is a groove
to receive a moveable plate q19 which swings on a pivot q (see Figs. 4 and 4*),
and which extends across the mouth of the galley and bears on its inner end a
roller q (see Figs. 4, 4*, and 7). If the line feeder reaches the inner end of its
stroke it strikes a lever q (see Fig. 7), which has its fulcrum on a pivot q25 secured
in the carriage P, which supports the type channel and which will be hereafter
more fully described. The lower end of the lever q* connects by a rod q* with a
lever q, and when the line feeder presses against the upper end of said lever q
and throws it into the position shewn in dotted lines in Fig. 7 the lever q" is
forced back into the position shewn in dotted lines in the same Fig. By the action
of the lever q" on the roller 9" the plate 919 is forced inward against the line of
type in the channel a, which at that moment had been so far exhausted as to leave
room for a fresh line to be received from the galley B. At the moment the line
feeder recedes and before the fresh line from the galley has been fed into the type
channel, the last type in said channel is prevented from tumbling over by the action
of the plate q and by a spring 90 (Fig. 4), which is secured in the inner wall of
the channel a and which retains said type after it has been released by the plate q¹.
As soon as the line feeder has cleared the mouth of the galley and strikes the nose q
of the bellcrank lever k, so as to release the column side plate D, the column of
type on the galley is moved forward by the action of the column feeder C and a
fresh line of type is forced into the type channel a. On the flange p of the line
feeder is attached a toe q (Fig. 7), which is yielding in one direction, so that
when the line feeder moves back said toe passes over the upper end of the
lever which at that time is in the position shewn in dotted lines in
Fig. 7 resting against the fixed pin 9. As soon as those motions have been
accomplished the feed lever t is permitted to follow the action of its spring w
and the line feeder is drawn up in contact with the line of type in the
type channel. During this forward motion of the line feeder the toe 2*
strikes the lever q, thereby causing the same, together with the lever q
to move into the position shewn in full lines in Fig. 7. The roller q is released
from the action of the lever q, the plate q¹ falls back into its groove, and the line
of type in the type channel is released from all pressure or undue friction. This
will be understood from the following explanation:-At the moment the fresh line
is forced into the type channel by the action of the column feeder C, the plate q¹ is

page_text: held inward by the lever 9%, and in this position it projects slightly beyond the
inner surface of the wall go of the type channel, and the line of type being fed
into the type channel abuts against said plate, and not directly against the inner
surface of the wall 920. Before the plate qe is relieved from the action of the
lever q the first line of type of the column is locked by the lip o on the column
side plate D, and when the plate q¹ has been released the line of type in the typo
channel has a small play between said first line of the column and the outer.
wall q⁰ of the type channel, so that it moves therein without friction. In order to
adjust the lever q the columns of different widths it is mounted on a slotted
bracket 930, which, secured in position by a setscrew 9, so that said bracket can be
moved toward and from the lever 9. The connecting rod q is made in sections
connected by a suitable coupling, so that it can be lengthened or shortened as may
be required. As the line of type is pushed forward in the type channel the type
are exposed to the action of a roller n¹ which is mounted on a slide n" (see
Figs. 1, 2, and 13) which moves up and down between guides n¹³, and is depressed
by a spring n¹. A hand lever n¹ serves to raise the slide n* so as to relieve the
type from the pressure of the roller n¹. The object of the roller n' is to keep the
type down on the bottom of the type channel. The mouth of the type channel a
is closed by an abutment d² (see Figs. 4, 13, & 13*), against which the first type in
the line is pushed by the action of the line feeder. In order to allow the line
feeder to perform its functions with ease, and yet retain the type firmly in position
at the required moment, that portion of the outer wall of the type channel d² is
made moveable, being composed of an arm e³ (Figs. 2 and 4), which swings on
the pivot 8¹, and which is actuated by a lever fi and a cam g³ (see Figs. 1* and 5),
the lever f being made to turn on a pivot v¹ (Figs. 2 and 5), and being depressed
upon the face of its cam g² by a spring h³ (see Figs. 1 and 4). When the lever f
is raised by the cam g² the arm e releases the type in the type channel, being
pushed out by a spring bolt b³ (see Fig. 4), and when the lever is allowed to follow
the action of its spring h³ the arm e² is forced in toward the type. In the end of
the arme next to the abutment d³ is a series of detents ³ (see Figs. 4 and 6),
being composed of slides fitted in the arm e³, and pressed in toward the type by
springs. The object of these detents is to retain the type next to the first type
in the line, and said detents are placed in such a position that one or more of them
are sure to press upon the second type and retain the same while the first type in
the line is being lifted up, the motion of the detent arm being so regulated that
the detents and also the free end of the arm e² are pressed against the type just
before the lifter rises. The spring bolt 3 acts on a plate 720 which is fastened to
the pivot 8'. The detent arm e is provided with a semi-circular recess, which
engages with the pivot 8¹, and it is held against said pivot by a spring latch **
(Figs. 2 and 4). This latch turns on a pivot (Fig. 2), and when it is turned
down the detent arm e², together with the detents, can be taken off. The plate
bears against the line of type in the type channel, and if the detent arm e³ is taken
out said plate retains the type in an upright position. The free end of the plate 12
is bifurcated (see Fig. 4**), leaving a space for the dentents to act upon the types.
Through the outer end of the lever f extends a screw f20 (Figs. 4 and 6),
which can be adjusted by two nuts f", so as to preserve its correct action. The
detents are made in the form of rectangular plates (see Fig. 6), which have
openings 20, whereby any impurities which may force themselves between them are
free to discharge, and the correct action of the detents is preserved. Before the lifter
begins to act the distributing mechanism receives its signal, whereby the first
type, after having been transferred to the distributing mechanism, is caused to pass
into its proper type case. This object is effected as follows:-Each type with the
exception of thin spaces is provided in its edge with one or more nicks, and as a
type advances to the abutment d³, one or more of the nick levers m² drop into the
nicks, except in the case of a thin space. These nick levers are shewn in Figs. 3, 4,
6,13, and 17. They have a common fulcrum on a vertical pivot n² (Figs. 4 and 17),
and their tails bear against upright intermediate levers o², one of which corresponds

page_text: to each of the nick levers (Fig. 6), and the lower ends of which bear against one of
a series of horizontal levers p which swing on a vertical pivot q³, and are pushed
out against the intermediate levers by means of spring bolts ³ (see Figs. 4 and 6).
By the action of these springs therefore the intermediate levers are caused to press
against the tails of the nick levers, imparting to said nick levers a tendency to turn
on their fulcrums, so that their points will drop into the nicks of the type opposite
to them, that is, the type which is bearing against the abutment d² whenever they
are free to follow the action of the spring bolts v³. It must be understood that the
points of the nick levers project over the line of type only the thickness of the
thinnest nicked type; otherwise the nick levers would bear against the second
type in some cases, and prevent the first from giving its signal. Bearing against
the tails of the nick levers m³ is an elbow lever which is acted on by a bell-
crank lever (Figs. 4 and 5). When this bellcrank lever is moved in the proper
direction, it causes the elbow lever to bear against the tails of the. nick levers,
forcing those nick levers that have fallen into nicks in the first type out of these
nicks (Fig. 19). That portion of the type channel through which extend the points
of the nick levers is protected by a tempered steel plate m2 (which is secured to the
type channel, as shewn in Figs. 4 and 17). This plate is square and provided with
notches m2 in each of its four sides, so that when the notch on one of its sides
becomes worn, one of the other sides can be brought into working position. In the
bottom of the type channel a close to the abutment d³ is inserted an adjustable
tempered plate of steel o (Figs. 13 and 16). Should the bottom of the type channe!
become worn sufficiently to endanger the correctness of the signal to be given by
the type, this plate, which is pivoted at o", is raised by means of the tapering
screw o, until the proper level is again found, and is then fastened by the set
screw o. The bell crank lever ³ has its fulerum on a pivot ³ (Fig. 5) which is
firmly screwed on the side of the carriage P which supports the galley C and the
type channel a, and is actuated by a lever t¹, the motion of which is so timed that
by its action on the bellcrank lever ³, the elbow v³, and consequently all the nick
levers are recovered before the lifter begins to take action on the type; but
previous to this the signal of the nick levers is transmitted to the distributor in the
following manner :-On the end of each of the levers p² (Figs. 4, 6, and 17), is an
inclined plane a³, and all of these inclines stand opposite to a series of fingers b³
which are secured by pivots c³ to the distributors &³, so that they may turn freely
up or down (Figs. 13, 17, and 18), but are retained by friction in any position which
they may assume, their movements being limited by small pins do (Figs. 17 and 18).
The distributors are secured to a wheel which has an intermittent rotary motion;
and just in front of the inclines a³ is a series of recovering inclines e³ (Figs. 4 and 6),
which are secured in a frame firmly secured to the carriage P, and which slope down
in opposite direction to the signal inclines a³, so that the fingers of the distributors
in passing these recovering inclines will have their outer ends thrown in their
lower position. If one or more of the nick levers fall in nicks in the first type
channel, the corresponding signal inclines are thrown out in the path of the
fingers bs of the distributors (see Fig. 17), and as the distributor passes said inclines,
the corresponding fingers are turned as seen in said Figure, where, counting from
the bottom, the second and sixth fingers of the distributors are turned up while the
remaining have passed the corresponding inclines without coming in contact with
them. The type which produces this signal is shown in Fig. 17*.
By inspecting Fig. 6 it will be seen that the incline levers p³ are pivoted at
their ends, whereby the same are enabled to swing in and out without being liable
to stick, or be retarded in their motion by friction, which is inevitable if the same
are made in the form of slides.
By inspecting Fig. 4 it is seen that the signalling inclines are in front of the
type channel a, the distributors moving past said inclines in the direction of the
arrow marked opposite to them, so that each distributor receives a set corresponding
to the first letter in the type channel before it arrives opposite the mouth of said
type channel. So soon as the distributor has passed the signalling inclines, and

page_text: before the wheel moves its next step, the nick lever falls back so as to free the type,
and said type is lifted up and delivered to the distributor by the following means:-
The abutments d³ extend across the whole width of the type channel (see Figs. 4
and 13), and is provided with a recess d (Figs. 13 and 13*), while between the end
of the type channel and the abutment is an opening d³, beneath which is situated
the lifter (see Figs. 6 and 13), which is provided with a rib g³ fitting the recess d³
in the abutment, and with two wings which act on the type, so that the same is
raised up square without fail.
The said lifter is firmly secured to a slide h³ which moves in a guide (best seen
in Fig. 6). On the slide ³ is secured a roller ³ which engages with a lever 13
(see Fig. 6). This lever receives an oscillating motion by a cam m³, and whenever
one of the low portions of this cam comes opposite to the end of said lever, the
slide h³ is moved up, and the first type in the type channel is lifted by the action of
the lifter f³.
The cam m³ is by preference made in the form of a cam groove or as a covered
cam, so as to impart to the lifter a positive motion in either direction, and it is
so shaped that the upward motion of the lifter is instantaneous, whereby the first
type in the line is carried up without disturbing the next to it, which type being
subjected to the action of some of the detents will retain its position close down
to the bottom of the channel. If the lifter is made to act slowly or gradually, the
friction between the first type and that next to it is liable to occasionally cause the
second type to rise somewhat with the first, whereby the correct action of the.
machine would be disturbed.
Immediately after the type has been lifted up as described it is grasped by the
oscillating nippers and then delivered to the conveyor y³, which serves to
deposite the same on the distributor standing ready to receive it; these parts seen
in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 13. The conveyor is also shown in detail in Figs. 14 and
15. The nippers are composed of two jaws and, which are mounted on a
pin 2 having its bearing in a standard, a, which rises from the carriage sup-
porting the type channel. The pin turns freely in the standard a', and the
jaw is firmly secured to said pin, while the jaw turns loosely thereon, being
drawn up toward the jaw by the spring ass (see Fig. 13**). The jaw is
longer than the jaw, so that when the nippers swing back over the type the
jaw passes over its head, while the jaw is arrested, as will be hereafter more
fully explained. The pin extends through the standard at, and on its rear end
is firmly mounted a crank b', which is acted on by a lever c (see Figs. 2 and 5);
this lever turns freely on a pivot. d' is provided at its lower end with a roller
stud e, which is held in contact with a cam h by a spring ft. When one of the
low portions of the cam h (Fig. 2) comes opposite the roller stud e*, the nippers
swing back, and a pin (Figs. 1 and 13), which is secured in the loose jaw,
strikes against a projection extending from the standard a*, so that the motion
of the loose jaw is arrested just before it strikes the first type in the channel a,
while that of the rigid jaw a proceeds, and thereby the nippers are opened against
the action of their springs. At this moment the action of the lifter f takes
place, and as the motion of the cam h proceed, the lever e is thrown in the
position shewn in Fig. 2, and as the jawi is carried back toward the jaw
nippers close up and grasp the type previously lifted by the action of the lifter f³,
and then carry it to the position shewn in Fig. 13. If the loose jaw of the nipper
is permitted to strike directly against the first type in the channel a the type on
being pushed up produces great friction against said jaw, and the jaw is liable to
wear out very rapidly. To obviate this difficulty I have applied the stop as
above stated. By the outward motion of the nippers the type is carried between
the jaw of the conveyer y³, and as the nippers are somewhat narrower than the
type, and the jaws of the conveyer close up, the type is grasped by said jaws
and taken from the nippers, and then deposited on the distributor, as will be
presently explained.
the
The jaws of the conveyer are mounted on a rockshaft j', which has its bearings

page_text: in a bifurcated standard k (see Figs. 2, 3, and 13), which rises from the base
cylinder I. Said conveyer consists of two jaws y³¹ and y (Figs. 14 and 15), which
are connected by a hinge joint ys. The jaw yi is firmly mounted on the rock-
shaft, while the jaw y turns loosely thereon, and is adapted to open from or
close up to the rigid jaw. In this rigid jaw is secured a spring bolt y³, which has
a tendency to open the loose jaw. On the outer surface of this loose jaw is
secured a friction roller y³, which, by the action of the spring bolt y, is held in
contact with a camplate y, which swings on a pivot 7 fastened in a swivel
plate y, which is attached to one of the arms of the standard k (see Figs. 2, 14,
and 15) by a pivot y6, on which said swivel plate 38, together with the camplate y³,
can be turned, so as to carry the end of the camplate beneath the roller yss. When
this is done the jaw y can be thrown open, and the inner surfaces of both the
jaws can be conveniently reached. When the camplate y is in its working
position it is held in contact with the roller 3 by a spring bolt y fitted in a
socket at the end of the swivel plate 38. On the inner face of the rigid jaw y³ is
secured a pusher 30 (see Figs. 3 and 15), which consists of a U shaped lever, and has
its fulcrum on a pivot " secured in the fixed jaw 31 of the conveyor. Its tail is
connected to a lever y, which swings on a pivot 3 secured in a projection 3*,
which extends from the upper edge of the rigid jaw y³. On the upper end of the
lever is secured a roller stud, which engages with a cam 3. When the
conveyor is moved from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 13 to that shown
in dotted lines in said Figure, the pusher 340 is pushed outward by the action of
the cam on the lever y, and the type previously held between the jaws of the
conveyer is deposited on the distributor.
The conveyer y³ is moved from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 13 by
means of a crank y", which is firmly secured to the rigid jaw, and which connects
by a rod with the lever 300 (see Fig. 2). This lever has its fulcrum on a
pivot secured in a bracket attached to the main frame A, and its loose end is armed
with a roller stud y (see Fig. 11), which engages with a cam groove y³s. As the
conveyer begins to turn down from the [position shown in full lines in Fig. 13,
the roller y on the outer surface of the loose jawy travels up on the camplate y³,
and the jaws of the conveyer close up, so as to grasp the type and withdraw the
same from the nippers, which at that moment are opened by the following means:-
The loose jaw is provided with a crook 250, which catches over a pin yu
fastened in the loose jaw y of the conveyer. When the conveyer begins to swing
down this pin acts on the inner edge of the crook y, and the loose jaw 2 of the
nippers is forced open, so that the conveyer can withdraw the type from the
nippers without producing any perceptible friction on the jaws of the nippers.
The pin in the loose jaw y of the conveyer is fastened to a spring y (Figs. 14
and 15), so that it can give, in case it should strike the nippers or otherwise meet
with any undue resistance. By the time the conveyer has reached the position
shown in dotted lines in Fig. 13 the roller 3 has passed the high portion of the
camplate y, and the jaw is allowed to open, so as to release the type and
permit the same to follow the action of the pusher.
The distributer d³ consists chiefly of flat metal plates which are pivoted at their
bottom ends to a ring or wheel H which embraces the cylindrical base I on which
rests the type cone J, said wheel being supported by three or more bolsters t
(see Figs. 2 and 13) secured to the platform or main frame A (see Figs. 2 and others).
These bolsters are mounted on eccentric studs 10 (Fig. 13), so that if they wear out
they can be adjusted and kept close up against the inner periphery of the wheel H.
From the upper edge of the wheel H projects a rim u, which is provided with a
number of slots (Figs. 1, 13, 20, and 21) corresponding in numbers and positions
to the distributers and forming guides for the same; weak springs w* (see Figs. 13,
17, and 18), have a tendency to draw the distributors inward. On each of the
distributers is secured a series of fingers b³, which receive the signals of the type by
the action of the nick levers m³ and the inclines a³, as previously described, and the
inner ends of these fingers are opposite a ring K, which is secured to the base

page_text: cylinder I, and which is provided with a system of perforations, a portion of which
are shown in Figure 8.
On the circumference of the cone J are secured the type cases M into which the
type are to be delivered, and the perforations of the ring K under each case
corresponds to the signal produced by the nicks in the type which are to go into 5
the type case. As the fingers on the distributers are also set to correspond to the
perforations of the ring K, each distributor on arriving under that type case where
the perforations of the ring K correspond to its set, is allowed to be driven in by
the action of its spring w, and the type previously deposited on said distributer is
lifted up into said type case, as will be hereinafter more fully described; but where
the perforations of the ring K do not correspond to the set of the distributer, some
of the fingers strike the solid portions of the said ring and prevent the distributer
from falling in.
The perforations m50 (Figs. 8 and 18) in the ring K are made on the lines of circles,
described from any one of the pivots which support the distributors d³, so that the
fingers 63 of the distributors are able to pass freely into the same, and the
perforations need not be made any wider then requisite to admit the tails of
said fingers. Heretofore the perforations mo were made to extend at right angles
to the face of the ring K, and since the tails of the fingers b³ move on circles,
described from the pivots of the distributers, they were liable to strike against the 2
edges of the perforations, and the perforations had to be made of such a width that
the ring K was unnecessarily weakened.
When a distributer has fallen in, it is recovered at the subsequent forward
motion of the wheel H by a scalloped rim secured to the top of the base I, and
so constructed that depressions in said rim are situated one under each type case),
while the projections or raised parts thereof bear against lips Z on the distributers
and force the same back against the action of their springs as the motion of the
wheel H progresses.
A plan of this scalloped rim is shown in Fig. 9, and a front
view of a portion thereof in Fig 8.
To the top of each distributer is pivoted a lifter at which receives the type from
the conveyer y³ as follows:-Just below the conveyer the perforated ring K is cut
away, as shown in Figs. 8 and 13, so that the fingers of all the distributers can freely
follow the action of the recovering inclines e³, and in order to force the fingers out
against the recovering inclines, the circumference of the scalloped ring at that point
is continuous, as shown in Fig. 9.
The lifter of each distributer as it passes under the conveyer is raised by a
projection 21 extending from a ring L (see Fig. 13).
The ring L is fitted loosely in the base cylinder I, and it is firmly secured to a
vertical spindle 6, which extends down through the centre of the base cylinder and
engages with the lever (see Fig. 2), to which an oscillating motion is imparted
by a cam groove do (also shown in Fig. 10). By the action of this lever therefore
a rising and falling motion is imparted to the ring L, and whenever the said ring
rises the projection Z catches the point of the lifter and rises the same close up
to the mouth of the conveyer. At the same moment the pusher 340 of the conveyer
forces the type held by said conveyer out and deposits same on the raised lifter.
The projection Z¹ is made in the form of a spring bolt, so that when it raises one
of the lifters and the pusher 10 deposits a type on said lifter, the lifter can yield
and accommodate itself to the varying thicknesses of the different types, and at the
same time as the pusher recedes the type is not liable to be thrown off from the
lifter. As soon as a type had been thus deposited on the lifter, the lifting ring L
is drawn down, carrying down with it the lifter a, and then the distributor is
carried forward by the motion of the wheel H, so that its fingers engage with the
grooves of the ring K whenever the lip 2 of the distributer comes opposite to one
of the depressions of the scalloped rim. If the perforations of the ring K at that
point correspond to the set of the fingers, the distributor falls in and its type is
lifted into its type case above; but if the perforations of the ring K do not
correspond to the set of the fingers, the distributer cannot fall in, and it moves on

page_text: with its type until it arrives under that case where it can fall in for the purpose of
delivering its type.
All those distributers which have not delivered their types when they pass the
type channel which is situated over the right hand end of the opening K80 in the
ring K (Fig. 8) are forced in ward by a roller do, which is shown in Figs. 3 and 3*.
It is fastened to the mainframe A, as shewn in Fig 3*, and it serves to press in all
those distributers which have not fallen in during their passage round the ring K,
either because the types carried by them did not produce a signal, or because the
spring w did not force in said distributers at the proper moment. The type
channel which receives all such type is termed the pi-channel.
The lifters of all the distributers which are in a position to fall in engage with
an annular recess K³ found in the lifting ring L, said recess being opposite to the
points of the lifters when the ring is in its lowest position (see Figs. 2, 17, and 18).
Just below the conveyer however a portion of the lifting ring below the recess K³
is cut away, so that the lifter x is raised just high enough to receive the type from
the conveyer.
By the upward motion of the lifting ring the lifters of all such distributers
which have fallen in at that particular moment are carried up, and the type
resting on said lifters are forced in their appropriate type cases M, as shown in
dotted lines in Fig. 18.
It is obvious that the upward and downward motion of the lifting ring must
take place at those times when the distributer wheel H remains stationary, but the
mechanism whereby these motions are produced is so simple that they can be
readily understood by the previous description.
The type cases M are secured to the circumference of the cone J, which is made
of cast iron, the type cases being secured thereto in such a manner that they can
be readily taken off when filled and transferred to the setting machine, or the
type can be lifted out as best suits the attendant.
The cone consists of two sections 15, m³, which are cast solid with the central
hub no, one at the top and one at the bottom, and each of which is provided with
a series of recesses o' to admit pins p³, which project from the backs of the type
cases (see Figs. 22, 23, and 24), said pins being provided with heads, so that when
they are caused to engage with the recesses of the type cases are securely retained
in position. Each of the type cases is provided near its bottom with a slot to
receive a slide 95, which serves to support the line of type contained in a case
when the same is to be taken off from the cone. From the bottom of the lower
section of the cone projects a rim 75, on which a ring 85 is secured, and both the
rim and the ring 8 are milled out to form spaces for the reception of the
bottom ends of the cases (see Figs. 22, 23, and 23*). To the inner surfacos of the
recesses t³ in the rings 85 are secured thin pieces of steel, each of which is divided
in a middle section u³, and two outside sections, cach of which forms a separate
spring. The distance between the inner surfaces of these springs is equal to the
width of the distributor lifter x, and the outside springs are provided on their
inner surfaces each with a nose 2³ (see Fig. 23), and the distributer lifters x are
provided with chamferred recesses y opposite to the outside springs 5 (see Fig. 18).
If one of the distributer lifters is raised up to the position shown in dotted lines in
Fig. 18, the noses a slide over the type resting on said lifter, while the middle
springs w³ prevent said type from moving side wise; and after the noses a have
passed the type they drop into the recess y³ in the lifter, so that they catch beneath
the type and retain the same while the lifter recedes to the position shown in full
lines in Fig. 18.
To the rim between the spaces are fastened guides 740. These guides have
projections, which pass over the shoulder of the type as the same is being
pushed up into the type cases M, and retain the same against the back of said
type cases (see Figs. 22, 23, and 23*).
The several distributers work in the radial slots (see Figs. 20 and 21) in the
upper surface of the distributer wheel H, and the lower ends of the springs v³, w³,

page_text: are in close proximity to the upper surface of said wheel (see Fig. 18), so that the
type cannot drop off from the distributer lifters while they are being raised up
between the springs.
In the radial slots u are placed friction plates Z (see Figs. 20 and 21) for the
purpose of preventing accidental displacement of the lifters and of the type
resting thereon after the same have been depressed by the pusher 110 of the con-
veyer. These plates are constructed with a cylindrical rib at their lower ends,
and rounded off at their upper ends (see Fig. 21), and the cylindrical ribs are
inserted in holes Zs bored into the partitions between the radial slots * near to
their edges, so that said holes open into the slots; suitable screws Z retain the
friction plates in the holes Z; springs 25 act on the friction plates, so that they
retain the types on the lifters, while they are free to yield as the lifters are raised
or depressed.
One or more of the type cases may be provided with a knocker M', which serves
to retain the type in the proper position. Each of these knockers (see Figs. 24
and 26) consists of two strips of metal a, between which is secured a strip of wood bº,
and a piece of metal c, the latter being situated between the top ends of the
strips a. In the metal piece c is secured a pin de which engages with a recess
in the top end of the appropriate type case M, so that the lower end of the
knocker can swing in and out. The bottom end of one of the strips is bevilled off
(see Fig. 24), and each of the lifters is provided with a pin e, which projects from
one of its sides, so that whenever one of the lifters rises to deliver a type into one
of the type cases M its pin eo acts on the bevelled edge of the appropriate
knocker M, and forces the same back, and when the lifter drops the knocker
strikes against the faces of the type in the type case M. By this means such
of the types as have moved forward are forced back to the bottom of the type
cases.
In order to obtain access to the parts beneath the cone J, a lifting mechanism is
provided, which serves to raise said cone and to sustain it at a convenient height.
This lifting mechanism consists of a lever O which connects by two rods k
(Figs. 24 and 25) with the cone J. The outer end of the lever O engages with a
rack bar (Fig. 24), so that when said lever is raised it is retained in the desired
position.
The galley together with the mechanism for feeding the column and the lines,
and for transferring the type one after the other to the distributing mechanism
is secured on a carriage P which slides on guide rails m (see Figs. 3, 4, and 5), so
that the same together with all parts connected to it can be moved away from the
distributing mechanism, and that convenient access can be had to the conveyer y³
and the mechanism connected thereto, and also to the lifter and to the signaling
mechanism, which latter parts occupy the inner end of the carriage P.
A hand lever Q (Figs, 1, 4, and 5) serves to move the carriage toward and from
the distributing mechanism. This lever has its fulcrum on a pivot no which is
secured on the platform A, and it connects by means of a rod o with the carriage.
When the carriage is moved toward the distributing mechanism it is arrested in
the desired position by a stop p" (see Figs. 1 and 3) and the lever Q is locked by a
spring latch q (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) which is fastened to the platform A. By forcing
back the spring latch q the lever Q is released and the carriage can be moved
away from the distributing mechanism.
The mechanism which imparts a step by step motion to distributor wheel H
consists of a wheel R. (see Figs. 2 and 12), on the periphery of which are formed two
cams which engage with pins hº secured in the under surface of the wheel H.
As the wheel R revolves in the direction of the arrow marked on it in Fig. 2, it
imparts to the wheel the desired motion, propelling its two steps for each of its
revolutions.
i
The wheel R dips into a trough R¹ (Fig. 2) which contains oil, so that the
cams and pins ho are constantly kept lubricated when the machine is in operation.
In the platform A beneath the pins he is a circular groove h which communicates.

page_text: with the trough R¹ through a channel h
drips from the pins
trough.
(Fig. 2), so that the surplus oil which
and collects in the groove 100 finds its way back into the
It remains to explain the position of the several cams in relation to the driving
shaft m³.
By referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 5, it will be seen that said shaft is situated beneath
the platform A, and that on one of its ends is firmly mounted a flange n0 which
is faced with a disk of leather or other equivalent material, and against this flange
is placed the hub of the driving wheel n being pressed up by a nut, so that the
said driving wheel is held by friction, and that it can give if it meets with an
undue resistance.
The driving shaft has its bearings in suitable journal boxes o secured to the
platform A, and on it are mounted the cam v which imparts motion to the lever t,
the cam d which imparts motion to the lifting ring L, and the cam y which
imparts motion to the conveyer y³. The shaft m³ is geared by bevel wheels m51
and m with the shaft ps (see Figs. 1 and 5) which has its bearings in boxes 98, and
is geared by bevel wheels 2 and p with the shaft running parallel with the
driving shaft me and making one revolution to each two revolutions of said driving
shaft. On the shaft ps are mounted the cam u¹ which imparts motion to the lever t¹,
the cam g² which imparts motion to the lever ƒ, and the cam m³ which imparts
motion to the lifter is (see Figs. 1, 1*, and 5). From this description it will be seen
that the entire driving mechanism is secured to the platform A, leaving the
carriage P free to be moved in and out as above described.
What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,―
1. The combination with the column feeder C and galley B of a slide which
is fitted to the edge of the galley and to which the column feeder is connected by
a hinge joint, substantially as and for the purpose described.
2. The combination with the galley B, the slide h, and the column feeder C, which
is hinged to said slide of a spring hº acting on one of the knuckles of the column
feeder and serving to retain said column feeder in position when it is raised or
depressed, substantially as set forth.
The combination with the line feeder E and the type channel a of a stop gº,
which is fastened to the outer wall of said type channel and held in position by
teeth and a screw, substantially as shewn and described.
4. The combination with the line feeder E, the type channel a, and the column
feeder C of an abutting plate q", which is moved out beyond the inner surface of
the outer wall of the type channel by the action of the line feeder, so as to form an
abutment for the column as the same is pushed forward by the column feeder,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
5. The combination with the line feeder E and the type channel a of a plate 9"
fitted into a groove in the outer wall of the type channel and constructed to swing
on a pivot passing through its rear end, a roller q3 secured in the front end of
said swinging plate and a lever q" projecting into the path of the line feeder,
whereby when the liue feeder has reached the forward end of its stroke the freo
end of the swinging plate is locked against the last type in the type channel,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
6. The combination with the line feeder E, the type channel a, the moveable
plate q, and the locking lever q2, of a releasing lever 9, which is connected to the
locking lever and acted on by the line feeder, substantially in the manner set forth.
7. The combination with the line feeder E, the type channel a, the moveable
plate q, the locking lever 92, and the releasing lever q" of a toe q, secured to the
line feeder and constructed to act on the releasing lever as the line feeder begins his
forward movement, substantially as described.
8. The combination with the line feeder E, the type channel a, the moveable
plate q', the locking lever q, and the releasing lever q², of an extensible rod q2,
and an adjustable bracket 90, for adjusting the position of the releasing lever to
the width of the column, substantially as set forth.

page_text: 9. The combination with the type channel a and with the detent arm e³ of a
plate secured to the pivot 8¹ of the detent arm for retaining the line of type in
the channel when the detent arm is removed, substantially as described.
10. The combination with the type channel a and with the detent arm e' of a
pivot a fitting into a semi-circular recess in the detent arm, and a spring latch 29 |
for retaining the detent arm on its pivot and for releasing the same when it is to
be removed, substantially as set forth.
11. The combination with the type channel a of a plate o20 and screw o", acting
on said plate for adjusting the same when the bottom of the type channel should
become worn, substantially as described.
12. The combination with the loose jaw of the nippers ³ of a projection o³5
and stop, for arresting said loose jaw just before it comes in contact with the
first type in the type channel, substantially as set forth.
13. The combination with the loose jaw y of the conveyer and with the
roller y fastened to said loose jaw of a plate y adapted to turn on a pivot yo,
and a camplate y, which is hinged to the plate 38 and acts on the roller y³, so
that by turning the plate 338 on its pivot the camplate releases the roller
allows the loose jaw y" to be opened, substantially as described.
and
14. The combination with the conveyer y³ and with the nippers ³ of a pin 354
secured to the conveyer and a crook 0 formed on the loose jaw of the nippers
and engaging with the pin y, whereby said loose jaw of the nippers releases the
type and allows the conveyer to withdraw it without producing any perceptible
friction, substantially as set forth.
15. The combination with the distributers d and with the wheel H which
carries the same, of bolsters tacting on the inner periphery of said wheel and
eccentric studs 140, which support said bolsters and allow of adjusting them in the
proper relation to the wheel, substantially as described.
16. The combination with the distributors d³, which swing on pivots, and with
the fingers b³ attached to said distributers, of segmental perforations m50 in the
ring K, said perforations being made on the lines of circles described from the
pivots which support the distributers, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
17. The combination with the conveyer y³ and its pusher 2340 and with the
distributer-lifters at of a spring supported projection Z" on the lifting ring L to
enable each lifter as it receives a type from the conveyer to adjust itself to the
thickness of the type, substantially as described.
18. The combination with the wheel H, the distributors d³ carried by the same
and the perforated ring K of a roller d80, which positively forces in all the
distributers as they arrive opposite the openings K in the perforated ring,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
19. The combination with the cone J, its rim, its spaces t³, and the distributor
lifter, of guides 70, having projections constructed to extend over the shoulders
of the type as the same are pushed up by the lifters, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
20. The combination with the radial slots ut in the wheel H and with the
distributer lifters of spring supported friction plates Z held in position by
ribs Z³³, recesses Z5, and screws Z³, substantially as for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert John Haddan, have hereunto set
my hand and seal. this Eleventh day of August, A.D. 1881.