An Improvement in Electrotyp and Stereotype Blocks, Printers' Furniture, and Processes of and Apparatus for Manufacturing the same.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Mar., 1891-Accepted, 2nd May. 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improvement in Electrotyp and Stereotype Blocks, Printers'
Furniture, and Processes of and Apparatus for Manufacturing
the same.
I, JACOB CALVIN WOLFE of 102, E 89 Street in the City County and State of
New York, United States of America Auditor, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
My invention relates to an improvement in electrotype and stercotype blocks,
printers' furniture, and processes of manufacturing the same.
The object of the invention is to provide backings or blocks especially adapted
for use in connection with the usual electrotype shell, of exceedingly light and
durable construction, having straight sides and ends and capable of being utilized
also as printers' furniture; another object of the invention is to provide a means
whereby a stereotype or electrotype shell may be expeditiously conveniently and
economically attached to a backing or block either after the block has been made
or during the process of its manufacture, and whereby also the shells may be inter-
changeably used upon the blocks. A further object of the invention is to provide
moulds to facilitate the manufacture of the blocks, and a simple, effective and
quickly applied process of moulding.
The invention consists in the novel construction of the blocks and in the process
by which the said blocks are manufactured, as will be hereinafter fully set forth
and pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar figures and letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts in all the views.
Figure 1 is a central vertical section through one form of shell, its backing and
guide frame, the same being illustrated as located in a press;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the backing and a shell attached thereto;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the backing;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the guide frame ;
Figme 5 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of the backing
illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a transverse section of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a central vertical section through another form of backing, or base
the section being taken on the line - of Figure 8:
Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the base or backing;
Figure 9 is a vertical longitudinal section through another modified form of the
backing or base, the section being taken on the line y-y of Figure 10;
Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the modification illustrated in Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a plan view of a mould adapted for casting one form of backing or
block;
Figure 12 is a side elevation of the mould with one marginal strip removed;
Figure 13 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is a transverse section through the mould, taken on the line 4-4 of
Figure 11;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of two of the main body blocks or sections of
the mould;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of one of the key sections;
Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views of the core plates;
Figure 10 is a montial longitudinal section through the mould illustrating the

page_text: of the spacing strips adapted to increase the length of the block or
backing:
Figure 20 is a perspective view of the complete block or backing which is
manufactured in the mould:
Figure 21 is a perspective view of a spacing strip of the mould detached ;
Figure 22 is a side elevation of the mould, one side strip being removed, dis-
closing the metal in the mould and a shell upon the metal;
Figure 23 is a transverse section through the mould and the shell after the metal
has been poured;
Figure 24 is a perspective view of the product of the mould; and
Figure 25 is a partial perspective view of one of the marginal strips of the
mould.
The interior of the
The backing 10, illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, is preferably made of metal,
and is ordinarily cast or forged in box-like form, the said box comprising end
pieces, side pieces and a top 11. the bottom being open.
backing is hollow and the said top 11, is provided with a series of perforations or
apertures 12. This form of backing is used when medium or large sized shells
are to be backed; but the backing of very narrow and long shells is preferably
constructed as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which the top face 11, instead of being
perforated, is provided with one or more longitudinal grooves or channels 13, and
the under side is recessed longitudinally in order to lighten the block. The grooves
or channels 13, in the form of backing shown in Figure 5, and the apertures or
perforations in that form illustrated in Figure 3, may be properly termed vents.
In connection with the backing and the shell 14, a guide frame 15, is employed,
which is open at the top and bottom and closed at the sides and ends; and the size
of the said frame is made to correspond to the size of the shell to be backed. 1
further use in connection with the backing and shell a press of any suitable or
approved construction, one form that may be employed being illustrated in Figure 1,
consisting of a base 16, having a smooth, straight upper surface, and from the
corners of the base, rods 17, are upwardly projected, provided near their upper
extremities with a flange 18, and a thumb muit 19, is screwed upon the upper
extremity of each of the rods.
A top plate 20, is also employed, provided with apertures in its corners, through
which the threaded portions of the rods extend, and the said thumb muts have a
bearing upon this top plate. The distance between the upper face of the base 16
and the upper surface of the flanges 18, correspond to the height of a type, with
which type the height of the combined backing and shell must correspond.
In operation, to back a shell on this form of block, the shell 14, is placed face
downward within the guide frame 15, which guide frame is located upon the upper
surface of the base 16, of the press, or other equivalent support. Before the shell
is placed in its guide frame it is heated; and upon the upper face of the shell,
which is the under face in use, a fusible metal solder 21, is placed, such as tin-foil,
which solder or fusible material, is made to cover the entire surface of the shell,
and is placed on in sufficient quantity to render the combined backing and shell
more than type high when the former is placed upon the latter. The backing 10,
is also heated, and its grooved and apertured top is brought into engagement with
the solder or fusible metal upon the shell. The top plate of the press, or its
equivalent, is then applied to the bottom of the backing, and the said top plate is
carried downward under pressure until the shell and its backing is exactly type
high.
The vents in the top of the backing are provided in order that the surplus
cementing material may find an escape as the backing is evenly and gradually
pressed downward.. When the backing is cool it is removed from the guide frame,
and the shell will be found to be evenly and firmly cemented thereto. The backing,
which as heretofore stated is preferably in the nature of a shell and box-like in
form, is provided with perpendicular smooth end and side surfaces.
I will now describe the modifications set forth in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10:

page_text: The base or backing illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, is rectangular in general
contour, and also consists of a box-like metal shell 10", but said shell is open at the
top and bottom. The shell is adapted to contain a series of supporting strips A
which strips extend transversely and longitudinally of the shell, being designated in
the drawings as 11 and 12" and the said longitudinal and transverse strips are
preferably connected, one to the other, in any suitable or approved manner.
The
united strips are ordinarily, and preferably, not attached to the shell, but the strips
are of such length as to neatly fit within the shell, and the extremities of the
longitudinal central strips, at their upper edges, are provided with a recess 13", to
receive bosses 14", secured to, or forming a portion of, the inner end faces of the
shell, the said bosses serving to limit the upward movement of the strips in the
shell; but the bosses may be otherwise located than at the ends, as at the sides, for
instance, in which latter event the recesses 13ª may be produced in the extremities
of the transverse strips, and other forms of stop devices may be substituted for the
bosses, if in practice it be found desirable, the object being to construct the body of
the base or block in virtually two sections, namely, a shell section and a removable
or detachable lattice section.
In connection with the shell 10%, a top plate plate 15", is employed, which top
plate is preferably apertured to facilitate the attachment to its upper face of an
electrotype or a stereotype shell; but the upper surface of the plate may be plain,
ribbed, or otherwise surfaced, according to the method employed in attaching the
shell thereto.
The top plate 15 is preferably beveled upon its under side at its margins, which
beveled surface of the top plate is adapted to engage with correspondingly beveled
surfaces produced in the upper edge of the shell, the bevel in the shell being down-
ward; and when the top plate is fitted to the shell, the engaging edges of the shell
and plate form a neat joint. The height of the base or block of the shell is such
that when the electrotype shell is attached to the top plate 15 and the top plate is
placed in position upon the body shell, the structure will be exactly type high.
The top plate is supported not only by engaging with the beveled surface of the
body shell, but by resting upon the interior united strips A, and the top plate is
secured to the strips A in any suitable or approved manner, one method being
illustrated in Figure 7, which consists in passing wire 16, or its equivalent, down-
ward through apertures produced in the top plate and also through apertures formed
in certain of the strips A, at or near their upper edges, the ends of the wire being
twisted, or otherwise united, and that portion of the wire passing over the upper
face of the top plate is countersunk.
In the form of the device shown in Figures 9 and 10, two body shells B and B',
are connected; and, if the block is of the same size as the block shown in Figure 8.
cach shell B and B', would be of about one-half the dimensions of the block. Each
shell B and B is formed from a single piece of metal bent to proper shape; and
the inner side faces of the two sections are brought to an engagement and are firmly
united by means of rivets 17ª, staples, or equivalent form of fastening devices.
Each shell section B and B', is provided with independent, removable, lattice-work
strips A, the said strips being of like construction to the strips A, illustrated in
connection with the form of block or backing shown in Figures 7 and 8.
The top plate 15", adapted for attachment to the sectional body shell, is provided
with a groove upon its under face to receive the engaging edges of the sections, and
the top plate may be attached to the sectional shells in like manner to the plate
shown in Figures 7 and 8, or may be soldered thereto, as shown at b, in Figures 9
and 10. The top plate may be made, and preferably is made, of much thinner
metal than the body shell, and likewise preferably is of a softer metal to promote
fusion.
It is obvious that when a backing or base for electrotype shells is constructed in
accordance with either of the modifications just described, one backing or base
may have top plates containing different matter attached thereto, as occasion may
demand. Thus the blocks may be used interchangeably with different shells,

page_text: materially reducing the cost of electrotype blocks, as the printer, publisher, or
other person or firm using a block need not carry in stock so much cumbersome
material as would otherwise be necessary; and the convenience is very great, as
in stereotype matter, for instance, the stereotype plates may be attached to a
backing or base of suitable size as they are wanted for use, and when no longer
required the plates or shells may be removed from the block or base, and the said
block be used for other matter, while the plate may be stored away in a small
compass. It is obvious that the base or blocks may be utilized as printers' furniture
if so desired, as they may be made of any desired size.
Another modification of the block or backing is illustrated in Figure 20, and
substantially the same block or backing is illustrated in Figure 24. These modified
forms of the block or backing are preferably cast in the moulds illustrated in the
four views shown in Figures 11 and 12, 22 and 23. With reference to Figures 11,
12, 13 and 14, the mould consists of four marginal strips, comprising two end
strips 10 and two side strips 11b, and a number of main body blocks or sections
adapted to be arranged side by side within the marginal strips, comprising end
sections D and intermediate sections D', and core plates 12, key sections 13 and
spacing plates 14 and 15. The marginal strips are provided between their tops
and lower edges with longitudinal shoulders designated as 16" in Figure 11 and
as 12 in Figure 25, the distance intervening the shoulder and the upper edge of
the strips representing essentially the height of the backing to be cast. The side
and end strips are connected by a mortise or similar joint, an end of one of said
strips being illustrated in Figure 25, in which it will be observed that the upper
section 11 overhangs the lower portion 13, and the strips are united by bolts 17",
or equivalent devices, said strips being made as long as desired.
The body blocks or sections D and D', shown in detail in Figure 15, differ
slightly in construction at their base. The outer face d, of the end sections D, at
the base is straight, likewise the two side faces d'; but the inner end face d², is
under-cut or beveled downward. The side faces e at the base of the under-cut
section are straight but both end faces e¹ and e², are under-cut or beveled downward
in opposite directions, as shown at the right in said Figure 15.
The top of the base of each body section D and D¹ is defined upon each side and
end by horizontal shoulders 18, the shoulders being in the same plane; and the
height of the base of the body sections of the mould corresponds to the vertical
measurement of that portion of the marginal strip intervening the base and upper
edge of the shoulders of the strips, as is illustrated in the sectional views of the mould.
From the shoulders 18h of the body sections, their sides and ends taper upward
in direction of their centres, as shown at 19" in Figure 15, whereby their tops,
which are preferably rectangular, are of considerably less area than their shouldered
portions. In the top of each body section, pins 20%, are inserted, said pins being
preferably screwed in place, or otherwise adjustably secured.
The core plates 12b, are preferably made in two sizes, as shown in Figures 17
and 18, as they are adapted to be used at the sides and ends of the body sections;
and those for the side faces are ordinarily of less width than those for the end
faces of the sections. The plates are made of metal and conform to the contour
of the side and end faces of the body sections above the shoulders 18" upon which
shoulders the lower ends of the plates rest, and, when so resting, their upper ends
are flush with the upper faces of the body sections.
Each core plate has formed integral with one face, or attached thereto, an
offset 21, adapted to serve as a core. The offsets are located between the side
edges of the plates, being spaced some distance therefrom. The upper surfaces of
the offsets are flush with the corresponding edges of the plates, but the offsets
terminate some distance above the bottom edges of the plates, and the outer faces
of the offsets are downwardly beveled, the upper portions being considerably thicker
than the lower portions.
Two forms of spacing plates 14" and 15°, are employed. The spacing plate 14",
is used in conjunction with a core plate intervening the end surfaces of adjacent

page_text: body sections, and corresponds to the shape of the said core plate, consisting, only,
however, of a single piece of metal. The spacing plate 15% illustrated in detail
Figure 21, is designed, as shown in Figure 19, to lengthen the backing without
increasing the number of body sections; and, in order to accomplish this, the
spacing plates 15, are located between opposed surfaces of the body sections,
extending from their base to the top; and, in order that the plates may fit snugly,
they are made to conform precisely to the inner end surfaces of the sections, and
upon their outer faces are provided with shoulders 22", to serve as a substitute for
the shoulders 18', covered by the plates.
The key sections 13, are wedge-shaped in cross section, and one of said sections
fits snugly between the beveled base surfaces of each two opposed body sections, as
illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.
In the operation of building a mould, the marginal strips are placed in position,
and the desired number of body sections are then dropped in place within the
aperture thus formed, in such manner that the bases of the sections will touch each
other, and the bases of the outer sections will touch the base of the marginal
strips. A core plate is now placed between the opposed end surfaces of the body
sections, the flat surface of the plate bearing against the end face of the sections,
and the bottom of the plate resting upon the shoulder 18b. A spacing plate 14", is
next placed in engagement with each core offset of cach inner core plate, and the
core plates and spacing plates practically fill the spaces between the end surfaces of
opposed body sections, as shown in Figure 13.
Prior to placing the core plates and spacing plates in position, or after such
arrangement, the key sections are slid to place; this is usually effected before the
last side piece of the marginal strips is set up. Core plates are also placed between
the inner faces of the marginal strips and the opposed faces of the body sections D
and D, the offsets facing outward, as shown in Figure 14. These latter core
plates practically fill the space for which they are intended, and no spacing strip
is inserted or necessary. In order that the metal may not stick to the top of the
body sections, the core and spacing plates are usually covered with suitably cut
paper blankets 23, or blankets of other suitable material, as illustrated in
Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14.
When the mould has been built up, the marginal strips are bolted together, and
the metal is poured; after pouring the marginal strips are removed, and the key
sections also, whereupon the mould drops to pieces and separates itself from the
moulded backing, which, as shown in Figure 20, will consist of an apertured
base 24, sides and ends 25 and 26" containing openings 27" produced by the core
offsets, and webs 28", also provided with openings 27. It will be observed that
the backing or block is exceedingly light and durable, being braced in every
direction, and that such blocks are expeditiously, conveniently, accurately and
economically produced.
The mould illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, producing the block or backing
illustrated in Figure 24, is constructed in substantially a like manner as the mould
heretofore described, the side or marginal strips 11° being of any desired length;
and each is provided upon its inner face, at or near its centre, with a longitudinal
shoulder 12, as illustrated in Figure 25, and the ends of the strips are provided
with vertical recesses 13°, extending from the bottom as high as the shoulder 12°,
whereby the said marginal strips may be connected, as heretofore stated, by a joint
approximating a mortise. When the marginal strips are in engagement, they are
held together by clamps, bolts, or similar devices.
Within the marginal strips any number of body blocks 14, are placed side by
side, the lower faces of the blocks engaging with the marginal strips being straight
and their inner opposed faces beveled downward in opposite directions to receive
blocks or wedges 15°.
The upper side and end surfaces of the body blocks, from a point level with
the shoulders 12° of the marginal strips, are inclined upward in the direction of
their centres; and between the upper beveled surfaces of the body blocks and

page_text: the opposed faces of the marginal strips, the cores 16°, are inserted, each comprising
a plate having an offset produced upon its outer face, extending from the top to a
point near the bottom, the outer surfaces of which offsets are inclined. These
cores ordinarily rest upon shoulders produced upon the blocks upon a level with
the shoulders of the marginal strips, as illustrated in Figure 23. In the top of
each body block, a series of pins 17, is inserted. These pins are readily removed,
being preferably made with concave or tapering ends, which fit in correspondingly
shaped sockets 18" in the blocks; but, if in practice it be found desirable the pins
may be screwed to place.
To prevent the metal poured into the mould from adhering to the top faces of
the block, the said faces, and also the tops of the cores, are covered by suitable
strips 19, of paper or an equivalent material. Sometimes a surplus of metal may
be poured into the mould, and in order to provide an escape for such, channels 20",
are cut in the upper edges of the marginal strips.
In operation, when the metal is poured into the mould, it flows into all the
interstices between the cores, the blocks and the marginal strips, and produces the
block or
backing shown in Figure 24, consisting of a shell open at the bottom and
braced by interior webs 21, the webs and the sides and ends of the shells being
provided with openings, and the top with a series of apertures, whereby the backing
is rendered exceedingly light and strong. Immediately after the metal is poured
and while yet fluid, the shell 22 is pressed upon the top of the backing, and the
fusion is such that the shell adheres firmly and smoothly to the backing, and as the
mould is readily knocked down, the completed block may be quickly released.
When the shell is pressed to place, the surplus metal, which would render the
block over type-high, escapes through the channels 20; and, in the event that
there is a depression in the shell which would come over any one or two of the pins
in the blocks, such pins are removed, as shown in Figure 23, and the sockets in the
block may, if desired, be closed by suitably shaped plugs. The pins 17, serve as
guides for the shell, preventing it from being crowded down too far upou the
backing or base.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is,
1. The combination, with an electrotype shell, of a backing of box-like form
secured to the shell, substantially as shown and described.
2. The combination, with electrotype or stereotype shells, of a metal box-like
backing having vents produced in one face for the escape of the surplus cementing
material, by which the shell is secured to the backing, substantially as shown and
described.
3. The herein described method of bringing an electrotype or stereotype shell,
its backing and an interposed cementing material to the standard height of type,
which consists in subjecting the same to pressure while the cementing material is in
a fluid state, substantially as set forth.
4. The method herein described of backing stereotype plates, consisting in
heating the shell, applying metallic cement to the upper face of the shell, then
heating the backing and placing it upon the shell, and finally subjecting the whole
to pressure, as specified.
5. As an improved article of manufacture, a block or base consisting of a body
shell having interior lattice-work, substantially as shown and described.
6. As an improved article of manufacture, a block or base consisting of a body
shell having interior lattice-work, and a top plate detachably attached thereto,
adapted for the reception of electrotype and stereotype shells, as and for the
purpose specified.
7. A block or base for the purposes described, consisting of a body shell,
removable, interior lattice-work supporting-strips, and a removable top plate, as
and for the purpose specified.

page_text: 8. A block or base for the purpose described, consisting of a body shell open at
top and bottom, interior, removable lattice-work supporting-strips, a top plate
covering the upper portion of the body shell and lattice strips and capable of
receiving an electrotype or stereotype shell, and connections between the top plate
and the structure covered thereby, substantially as shown and described.
9. A mould, comprising removable marginal strips, body or block sections within
the marginal strips, and wedge sections inserted between the body or block sections,
substantially as described.
10. A mould, comprising removable marginal strips, tapering body or block
sections within the marginal strips, wedge sections inserted between the block
sections, and core plates intervening the block sections and the block sections and
marginal strips, substantially as described.
11. As an improved article of manufacture, a knock-down mould, substantially
as shown and described.
12. As an improved article of manufacture, a knock-down mould, core plates,
and means, substantially as described, for holding the core plates in the mould, as
and for the purpose specified.
13. A mould, comprising removable and adjustable strips, tapering body or block
sections, wedge sections inserted between the body sections at their base, core
plates intervening the upper surfaces of the body sections and said sections and the
marginal strips, and spacing plates engaging with the body sections and core plates,
substantially as described.
14. A backing or block for the purpose described, constructed of a single casting
and comprising a base, sides and ends containing openings, and webs connecting the
sides or ends, substantially as specified.
15. A backing or block for the purpose described, constructed of a single casting
and comprising a base, sides and ends containing openings, the webs connecting the
sides or ends also containing openings, substantially as specified.
16. A mould for electrotype and stereotype blocks or other articles, consisting of
adjustable marginal strips, blocks having their side and end surfaces tapered
upward in the direction of their centres, removable cores located between the
blocks and the blocks and marginal strips, and pins removably fitted in sockets in
the upper faces of the blocks, substantially as shown and described.
17. A mould for the purpose described, consisting of adjustable marginal strips
provided with locking devices, body blocks having their side and end surfaces
tapered upward in the direction of their centres, removable cores located between
the blocks and the blocks and marginal strips, and pins removably fitted in sockets
in the upper faces of the body blocks, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
18. As an improved article of manufacture, a block for the purpose described,
consisting of a hollow backing provided with interior webs, and a shell secured to
the backing while in the process of casting, as and for the purpose specified.
19. An electrotype or stereotype block, consisting of a hollow backing open at
the bottom and provided with a series of side openings, interior webs integral with
the shell also provided with openings, and a shell secured to the upper face of the
backing, substantially as described.
20. That improvement in the process of making electrotype or stereotype blocks,
which consists in first casting a hollow back, and while said back is still fluid
pressing an electrotype or stereotype shell thereon, substantially as specified.
21. In a mould for casting electrotype or stereotype shells, the core plates
provided with removable pins, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Dated this 3rd day of March 1891.
Dated this 3rd day of March 1891.
J. C. WOLFE.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.