Improvements in Type Setting Apparatus.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 10th July, 1894-Accepted, 11th Aug., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by Louis KOSSUTH JOHNSON, of 540, Avenue,
Brooklyn, King's County, New York, Mechanical Engineer, and ABBOTT
AUGUSTUS Low, of Brooklyn, King's County, and of 31, Burling Slip,
New York City, New York, Merchant, both in the United States of
America.]
Improvements in Type Setting Apparatus.
I, WILLIAM HENRY BECK, of 115 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent 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, that is to say :-
These improvements relate to the class of type setting apparatus in which the
types are arranged in channels in prescribed relation to each other and from which
channels the lowest types are forwarded successively into position to be grasped
by the hand of the compositor. The types are arranged upon their edges, so that
the fingers of the compositor can conveniently grasp their broad sides. The design
of the invention is to render the forwarding and assembling of the types certain
and uniform, to control the types and spaces positively until grasped by the fingers
of the operator.
The invention consists first, in combining and arranging with a plurality of type
containing channels and a type forwarder common to all, a type platform in front
of the channels formed with converging side walls by which the types as they
advance are positively assembled together and sustained laterally with their front
edges extending over the front edge of the platform in position to be grasped by
the fingers of the compositor; secondly, in forming the type forwarder with a
concave front edge for contact with the heels of the types to be forwarded, so as
to cause them to gradually converge as they leave their channels,--the heels of
the types conforming to the curved surface of the pusher as they advance from the
control of the side walls of the channels, the convexity of the edge of the pusher
being such as to cause the faces of the types to approach each other with their
bodies at such angle with relation to each other and to the converging guide walls
of the platform, that violent contact is avoided, the front ends of the types
advancing gently to and between the outer end of the converging walls which
then confine the types together laterally, so that the continued advance of the
pusher causes them to come together in parallel lines and with their flat side in
contact; thirdly, in the use in conjunction with the features above set forth, of a
horizontal guard which prevents the types from falling on their flat, while
advancing upon the type platform; fourthly, in means for throwing the type.
forwarder into action only during the removal of the types last forwarded into
position; fifthly, in a type forwarder which raises the columns of types from
contact with the lowest types in the channels before the said lowest types leave
the channels, and which during its retractile movement, allows the column of
types to descend gradually to rest upon the type supporting platform; sixthly, in
combining with mechanism for reciprocating the type forwarder, a locking and
unlocking device which is controlled and actuated by the types themselves,—the
removal of the types by the fingers of the compositor unlocking the type forwarding
mechanism, and causing the advance of fresh types which as they come into position
for removal by hand, reset and lock the forwarding mechanism until they are in

page_text: turn withdrawn and the operation is repeated, and so on continuously, the pre-
ceding types controlling the advance of the succeeding types; and finally in.
certain special features of arrangement and construction hereinafter described and.
claimed.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, is a side elevation, the type forwarder being represented as pulled out
and having forwarded the types into position to be grasped between the thumb and
fingers of the compositor when he again starts to pull the said forwarder out;
Figure 2, is a horizontal section upon plane of line 1, 1, Figure 1, showing a plan
of the type platform &c., the pusher being removed;
Figure 3, is a plan of the pusher;
Figure 4, is a horizontal section upon plane of line 2, 2, Figure 1, showing the
type forwarder in its retracted position, with the types last forwarded upon the
front of the platform;
Figure 5, is a horizontal section upon plane of line 3, 3, Figure 1, showing
the type forwarder partially. advanced, the heels of the types leaving the
channels;
Figure 6, a similar view; with the type forwarder still further advanced ;-
Figure 7, a central vertical section on plane of line 4, 4, Figure 4;
Figure 8, a vertical section upon plane of line 5, 5, Figure 4;
Figure 9, a horizontal section on plane of line 3, 3, Figure 1;
Figure 10, is a vertical section upon plane of line 7, 7, Figure 9;
Figure 11, is a central vertical section upon plane of line 8, 8, Figure 15,
showing certain of the parts in elevation ;
Figure 12, is a similar view showing the parts in the position which they assume
just after the release of the pusher actuated mechanism, the forward end of the
pusher having just encountered and started forward the types;
Figure 13, is a sectional elevation showing the heels of the types as they leave
the type containing channels, the columns of types above being supported upon the
type forwarder;.
Figure 14, is a sectional elevation showing the descent of the types to the step
of reduced thickness which constitutes the forward portion of the pusher;
Figure 15, is a plan of mechanism when in the position shown in Figure 11, the
upper ends of the type containing channels being shown in cross section, and the
position of the types last forwarded being indicated by dotted lines;
Figure 16, is an isometrical perspective of the lower end of a type containing
channel;
Figure 17, a transverse section upon plane of line 9, 9, Figure 15;
Figure 18, is a plan, the type containing, channels being shown in horizontal
section ;
Figures 19 and 20, are details of the type bearing surfaces;
Figure 21, is an elevation of the device just after the controlling lever has been
tripped to release the forwarding mechanism by the removal of the types from the
front of the type platform;
Figure 22, is a sectional detail showing the types as being forwarded and about
to raise the controlling lever into position to re-lock the type forwarding.
mechanism;
Figure 23, is an elevation of the left hand side of the device;
Figure 24, a sectional detail showing the pusher and types at the end of the
forward stroke ;
The socket piece or support A, for the type containing channels B, may be of any
convenient or desired construction, the only essential feature being the provision of
means for supporting the type containing channels B, above the type supporting
platform a. A slot a, in the rear wall a', admits the pusher blade c. In the
construction shown in the first ten figures, this pusher blade c, is supported at the
rear upon the slide C, resting upon the support D, upon which it is confined on
the inner edges, of the plate E, between the rear extremities of which the

page_text: pulley E, is mounted. The plates E, are secured within the type platform a, of
the holder A, in the support D, there forming a groove d, in which the slide C,
reciprocates.
The forward ends of the slide C, is formed. with a finger piece c', which may
vary in construction. It may be simply formed with concavities c², on either side
in which case it is grasped between the thumb and finger of the compositor, as he
simultaneously. grasps the types last advanced upon the type platform (see position
of types as shown by dotted lines in Figure 4); or a downwardly projecting finger
piece e, is formed upon it, which affords a bearing for the second finger of the hand
of the compositor, leaving his thumb and index finger free above to grasp and hold
the types. The slide C, as a whole is held in its normal position by means of a
cord and weight c, c³, or by other suitable means for effecting the retractile
movement of the pusher blade c.
The lower extremities of the type containing channels B, are shown as supported
in the holder A, upon shoulders a", which are equal in width to the thickness of
the side walls of the channels. Thus a continuous vertical passage is formed for
the types, the lowest of which in each column rest upon the type supporting type
platform a. All but the lowest types are retained in position in the channels by a
front plate F, sliding in vertical grooves a*, a*, in the side walls of the holder A.
The side walls of the holder are formed with parallel extensions a, upon the type
platform a. These extensions are approximately as high as the average width of
types in the different fonts of types to be used. At the forward end of these
extensions a", are formed converging side walls G, G, which contract the space
upon the type platform a, to a port g, little exceeding in width the combined thick-
ness of the types to be simultaneously detached and forwarded. The forward
movement of the.pusher blade c, is limited by reason of the shoulder ", coming in
contact with a rear projection a³, of the holder A, or by equivalent means; while
in its normal position it is held by the weight c, or other retracting device, with
the shoulder c, of its finger piece c', resting against the front edge of the type
platform a. In this latter position the types last forwarded project over the top of
the finger piece c', as shown in Figures 1 and 4.
The converging guide walls G, G, are preferably though not necessarily, made
adjustable, for the purpose of regulating the width of the port g, to the require-
ments of the type in use. This may be accomplished by any suitable or well
known means.
As shown in the drawings, the screws g', g', upon which the con-
verging walls turn, may be utilized as set screws to clamp the said walls to the top
of the type platform a, at any suitable angle with relation to each other.
Straddling the parallel extension a, a, is a top guard H, the underside of
which is above the surface of the type platform a, a distance exceeding the width
of the types in use. Before the types clear their channels they are well under
this guard H, which then prevents their turning upon their longitudinal axes
during the completion of their advance. The projection of the heels of the types
through the port g, also prevents any such movement of the types when beyond
the control of the guard H.
The guard H, is made adjustable to conform to variations in the widths of types
of different fonts by any convenient means. In the drawings, the flanges h, h, are
formed with vertical slots', ', through which pass the set screws ², h³, by which
means the guard H, may be adjusted vertically within certain limits.
Where it is designed to cut off one or more types and channels from the
combination, we provide the guard H, with a movable partition, 1, similar to that
shown in Figures 9 and 10. This partition 1, is adjustable both laterally across
the guard and in inclination with relation thereto also. This adjustment is effected
in the drawings by a single screw and thumb nut i,-the screw being cut upon the
upper end of the stud i', projecting from the top of the partition I, as will be seen
by reference to Figure 10,-said stud passing through the longitudinal slot ³,
formed in the guard H, so as to draw up the partition 1, against the under side of
the guard when the nut i, is tightened. In Figure 9, the partition I, is shown as

page_text: adjusted to cut off the right hand channel, or in other words to contract the space
upon the type platform to the requirements of the three other channels in use,-
the types being absent from the right band channel as otherwise they would
continue to be forwarded by the pusher which latter passes under the partition I.
The pusher is comparatively thin, so that the partition can be made of ample
depth to guide the types without interfering with the pushing blade.
The front edge of the pusher blade c, is preferably made concave, more or less,
as will be seen by reference to Figures 5 and 6. The result of this is that the
types, as they move forward under the influence of the pusher, tend constantly to
conform at their heels to the curvature of the pushing edge, and as they leave
their retaining columns they assume radial positions, with relation to the concave
edge, as illustrated in Figure 6.
In Figures 11 to 17, four type containing channels B, are shown, as resting
snugly against each other, in the holder A, being held or suspended in position by
shoulders b, upon their spines, which shoulders b, rest upon the upper edge of the
socket A. In this special form or modification of the device it will be seen that
the pusher C,, consists of a flat plate formed with ribs, upon its upper
surface. The side walls of the channels extend down nearly to the level of the
upper surface of the plate C, the lower ends of their spines being notched as shown
at 6, Figure 16, to admit of the passage of the ribs, upon the pusher C.
The reciprocation of the pusher C, is effected through the medium of a pitman D,
pivotally connected to the rear end of the pusher at C', and to the disc E³, at e².
This disc E2, is mounted loosely upon the shaft F", which is rotated continuously
in the direction of the arrow by any suitable power. A spring pawl G", is pivoted
at g, to the side of the disc E2, opposite to that to which the pitman D, is
connected. The ratchet wheel H", is secured rigidly to the shaft F, and rotates
coustantly therewith. The spring gl, mounted upon the disc E", tends constantly
to throw the point 923, of the pawl G", into engagement with the teeth of the
ratchet wheel H", and thereby to rotate the disc E, with the shaft F. This
tendency of the spring", to maintain engagement and rotation of the disc E",
with the shaft F", is counteracted normally by a stop 12, upon one end of the rock
lever I, fulcrumed at to a stationary part of the frame. The other end of
this rock lever 1", is formed with a pin 2, which engages a slot k, in the rear end
of the push rod K. A spring L", attached at one end of the push rod K, and at
the other to a stationary part of the apparatus, tends constantly to draw the push
rod forward until the stop k', on the push rod rests against a stationary part of the
apparatus and so holds the rock lever 1, in the position shown in Figure 11, in which
position the shoulder 1", engages with the projecting end 9, of the pawl G³,
whenever the said end 9", comes in contact therewith as shown in Figure 11. The
forward end of the pusher bar is formed with a finger bearing, by which
the rod K, is pushed back by the fingers of the compositor, while grasping a type,
against the resistance of the spring L".
The thickness of the pusher C, when taken through the ribs, is slightly
greater than the width of the type; and the forward ends of the ribs c, are
inclined forward at c, at an angle of 45 degrees, or any other that may be found
desirable; or if preferred the front ends of the ribs may be merged into the front
platform or step, of the pusher C, by a gentle curve, the object of curving or
inclining the front end c, of the ribs, being to insure gentle contact thereof
with the heels of the types next above the types being forwarded. The com-
positor, desiring to withdraw the types indicated at T, grasps them between his
thumb and finger previous to withdrawing them from the port g, at the front end
of the type platform a. In doing so he necessarily presses back the finger bearing,
against the resistance of the spring I", until the rear end of the finger
bearing, brings up against the front edge p, of the type platform a, or against
any other suitable stop or stationary part of the apparatus. The result of this is
that the rear end of the push bar K, rocks the rock-lever 133, backward so that
its shoulder 1", is immediately disengaged from the end 9, of the pawl G, upon

page_text: the disc E, when the spring 9", throws the point ", of the pawl G", into
engagement with the ratchet H, and the disc E, starts to rotate with the.
shaft F
As the compositor removes his fingers from the bearing *, in the act of with-
drawing the type T, which he does almost immediately and long before the
disc E, can make a single revolution, the spring L2, returns the rod K, to its
normal position with its stop k¹, resting against a stationary bearing and thereby
limiting the forward motion of the push rod K, and the upward motion of the
shoulder k, upon the rock lever I³³.
As the disc E, rotates from the position shown in Figure 12, it forwards the
pusher C, through the medium of the pitman D. When the pusher C, has advanced
sufficiently to forward the lowest types about one-half way out of their channels
the inclined surfaces c, encounter the heels of the next lowest types in the columns.
and lift the columns very slightly, but sufficiently to raise and support the types
from contact with the heels of the receding types as the latter leave the fronts of
the type containing channels. At the completion of one half of the revolution
of the disc E, the forward stroke of the pusher C, is attained, the types being
forwarded, and the columns of types resting entirely upon the ribs ".
During the retractile movement of the pusher, effected by the rotation of the
disc E, the type columns first descend from the ribs c, to the platform or steps,
and then from the latter to the type platform a. In doing this they maintain a
substantially horizontal position, the drop or fall being divided up, and all
objectionable inclination of the types that would otherwise occur, owing to a drop
equal to the greatest thickness of the pusher is avoided. During the completion
of the revolution of the disc E', the shoulder I, encounters the end g, of the
pawl G, and rocks the said pawl G", over against the resistance of its spring g",
thereby disengaging the points 9", and locking the disc E2, against further
revolution until again tripped by the action of the compositor in removing the
types just forwarded.
It is obvious that the pawl and ratchet herein described may be dispensed with
and a like result accomplished by the use of any other well known releasing or
clutching mechanism, the essential feature in this respect being the employment
of a device actuated by a finger push bar, which shall couple the constantly
rotating power shaft F22, with means for reciprocating the type pusher.
In the modified arrangement shown in Figures 18 to 24, the disc E, is mounted
rigidly upon the shaft F A pulley F, is mounted loosely upon the shaft F22,
and has the ratchet wheel H", rigidly secured to it. A disc E, is rigidly secured
to the shaft F, to the inner surface of which the spring pawl G, is pivoted.
The forward end of the lever K, is formed with a type bearing surface, which
consists preferably of a roller faced with india rubber, cloth or other suitable soft
or elastic material. Instead of the roller a simple curved surface may be used,
as indicated in Figures 19 and 20; or any other form of bearing surface be
may
substituted which will be capable of contact with the types without injury
thereto.
J.
When the types are under this bearing piece 12, the controlling lever K, is
sustained in the position shown in Figures 23 and 24, in which position its stop or
hook, engages with the projecting end ", of the pawl G", thereby holding the
toothed end 923, of the pawl G", out of engagement with the ratchet wheel H",
against the resistance of a spring 9", and allowing the pulley F13, and the ratchet
wheel H, to rotate upon the shaft F, without disturbing the latter or the
disc E².
As the compositor withdraws the types from the front of the platform a, the
forward end of the controlling lever K, drops until the type bearing surface *,
rests upon the type platform a, thereby throwing up the short arm of the lever K,
and causing the shouldered end, to release the projecting end 9, of the
pawl G, upon the disc E", when the spring ", throws the point ", of the

page_text: pawl G, into. engagement with the ratchet H, and the disc E2, shaft F, and
disc E, start to rotate with the pulley F.
As the pusher advances the types being forwarded encounter the roller 20, as
shown in Figure 12, passing under the latter..and thereby again raising the
controlling lever K, and throwing its shoulder 7, into. position to receive and stop
the projecting end g, of the pawl G2, thereby, disengaging the end g, of the
pawl G2, from the ratchet wheel H2, at the. completion of one revolution. of the
disc E. The parts are thus again locked so that no types can be forwarded.until
those projecting from the end of the type platform are removed.
The type bearing surface 2, performs an additional and important function in
holding and steadying the types T, in position, acting in this respect as a top
guard while interfering in no way with the easy withdrawal of the types.
Having now particularly described the nature of the said invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, we claim,
First. In type setting apparatus, the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, and a type-forwarder
formed with a concave edge for bearing against the heels of the types, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose, set forth.
.
Secondly. In type setting apparatus, the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, a type forwarder,
and converging guide walls upon the said type. platform arranged and operating
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Thirdly. In type setting apparatus, the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform: common to all the types, converging guide
walls upon said type platform, a type forwarder, and means for adjusting the said
converging guide walls with relation to each other, substantially in the manner and
for the purpose described.
Fourthly. In type setting apparatus, the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, converging guide
walls upon said type platform, and a type forwarder formed with a concave edge
for contact with the heels of the types substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.
Fifthly. In type setting apparatus, the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, converging guide
walls on said type platform, a type forwarder, and a horizontal guard over the
type platform arranged to prevent the types from turning upon their longitudinal
axes, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Sixthly. In type setting apparatus the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, converging guide
walls on said type platform, a type forwarder, a horizontal guard over the type
platform, and an adjustable partition upon said guard for the purpose and
substantially in the manner described.
'Seventhly. In type setting apparatus the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, converging guide
walls on said type platform, and a type forwarder consisting of a finger pull formed
with a type blade substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Eighthly. In type setting apparatus the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the. types, converging guide
walls upon the said type platform, a type forwarder consisting of a finger pull
formed with a type blade, and means for retracting the said type forwarder
automatically to its normal position, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.
Ninthly. In type setting apparatus the combination of a plurality of type
containing channels, a type platform common to all the types, converging guide
walls upon said type platform, a type forwarder formed with a finger pull having a

page_text: trigger handle, and means for retracting the said type forwarder to its normal.
position, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Tenthly. In apparatus for facilitating the setting of types by hand, the com-
bination of a plurality of type containing channels supported in a common holder ;.
a type platform below said channels common to all the types; and a reciprocating
type forwarder consisting of a plate of less thickness than the width of the types,.
said plate being formed with ribs which increase the thickness of the plate beyond
the width of a type, the front ends of the ribs being inclined substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described.
Eleventhly. In apparatus for facilitating the setting of types by hand, the com-
bination of a plurality of type containing channels supported in a common holder;
a type platform below said channels common to all the types; and a reciprocating
type forwarder consisting of a plate of less thickness than the width of the types,.
formed with ribs which increase the thickness of the plate beyond the width of a.
type, said ribs having their front edges inclined and ending a suitable distance
back of the front edge of the pusher plate for the purpose and substantially in the
manner described.
Twelfthly. In apparatus for facilitating the setting of types by hand, the com--
bination of a plurality of type containing channels supported in a common holder;
a type platform below said channels common to all the types; a type forwarder,
common to all the types connected by a pitman to a loose disc crank on a
constantly rotating power shaft; a spring pawl and ratchet for connecting and
disconnecting the said disc crank and power shaft; and a finger push bar arranged
to release the spring pawl under the action of the compositor's fingers while
grasping the previously advanced types for removal, and to again automatically
engage the spring pawi substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Thirteenthly. In type setting apparatus, the combination of one or more type-
containing channels; a type platform, a reciprocating type forwarder; mechanism
for connecting and disconnecting said type forwarder with a motor; and a type-.
controlled lever, for locking and unlocking the type forwarding mechanism, sub-
stantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Fourteenthly. In type setting apparatus, the combination of one or more type
containing channels; a type platform; a reciprocating type forwarder; mechanism
for connecting and disconnecting said type forwarder with a motor; and a type-
controlled-lever for locking and unlocking the type forwarding mechanism, formed
with a bearing surface for the types consisting of a roller, for the purpose and
substantially in the manner described.
Fifteenthly. In a type setting apparatus, the combination of one or more type
containing channels; a type platform; a reciprocating type forwarder; mechanisin
for connecting and disconnecting said type forwarder, consisting of a pawl and
ratchet device such as herein described; and a type controlled lever for locking
and unlocking the said pawl and ratchet, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.