Improvements in or Connected with Machinery or Apparatus for Distributing and Composing or Setting Type for Printing Purposes.
Year: 1887

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or Connected with Machinery or Apparatus for
Distributing and Composing or Setting Type for Printing
Purposes.
We, THE THORNE MACHINE COMPANY of 32 Vesey Street New York City in
the United States of America a Company incorporated under the Laws of the
State of New York United States of America, and JOSEPH THORNE of Port
Richmond Staten Island in the State of New York aforesaid, Machinest, 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:
These improvements relate particularly to that class of type-distributing and
setting machines or apparatus which may be briefly described as follows:-
:-
The distributing and setting cylinders are mounted vertically one above the
other, the former rotating and the latter remaining stationary. Each cylinder has
an equal number of angularly arranged type channels, in which the types rest
upon their sides in vertical lines, so that when the bottom type of a line is
removed, the space it occupied is immediately filled by the descent of its line.
The distributing cylinder is caused to rotate by a step-like movement that
intermittantly brings its channels to coincide with and momentarily rest directly
over those of the setting cylinder.
Each character of type has edge nicks differently arranged so as to distinguish it
from every other character or letter and the upper or mouth end of each channel
of the setting cylinder is provided with wards correspondingly arranged, and hence
only such types as are appropriate to a given channel in the setting cylinder can
pass into it from the distributing cylinder.
The lines of miscellaneous types (dead matter) to be distributed are inserted,
from time to time, laterally, from a special galley, into the channels of the upper
or distributing cylinder, and as these lines of type are brought to rest over the
channels of the setting cylinder, all the lowermost types whose nicks correspond
with the wards beneath them will drop into the channels of the setting cylinder,
types of like character being thus accumulated in their respective channels in the
channels of the composing cylinder.
In composing, the depression of a particular key selects the desired type, which
is pushed from the bottom of its line out on to a rapidly revolving disc or table
by means of a rotating driver that automatically operates the appropriate ejector.

page_text: The ejected types are centrifugally thrown edgewise by the revolving disc or table
against a stationary guard-rail around its edge, which rail directs the types length-
wise in their circular travel and out onto a belt that conveys them to a revolving
lifter, by which they are raised in succession into a long setting-stick that extends
across the machine in front of the Operator.
Types successively ejected upon the disc or table as their appropriate keys are
depressed, thus follow each other in. correct order on to the conveying-belt and
into the setting-stick, wherein they accumulate or are composed into a long line
in which the faces of the types are presented to the Operator as they are moved
onward to the column-galley by the addition of each succeeding type.
This setting-stick terminates at the upper end of an inclined galley, into which
a section of the composed line of types is moved, to form a column line, which is
justified by an assistant with spaces taken from a case above, and this case has
chambers containing the different spaces, the lowermost of which are thrust part
way out by cjectors operated by a foot-lever.
A chute is provided for the introduction (by hand) of odd sorts of types to
the line-forming mechanism, and the setting cylinder has a special or "pi" channel
to receive them during distribution. Sorts running short may be readily supplied
to, and overrunning sorts conveniently removed from, the cylinders.
The moving mechanisms are all positively driven, but require such light power-
that very slight obstruction will suspend its operation.
A machine of this character is illustrated in the Specification Letters. Patent
No. 3934 of A.D. 1880 granted to William Morgan-Brown as a communication
from abroad by Joseph Thorne.
The present improvements are fully illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
wherein :-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a type-setting and distributing machine to which
these improvements are applied, Figure 2 is a plan view shewing more particularly
the driving mechanism of the distributing cylinder, Figure 3 is an elevation of
the distributing cylinder the view being taken from the side opposite to that
shewn in Figure 1. Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged plan views of the improved
driving, mechanism for the distributing cylinder in two positions and Figure 6 is
an enlarged detail thereof. Figure 7 is a sectional plan view taken on the line
of. Figure 1 and shows more particularly the guides arranged over the revolving
carrying table and forming type-guiding ways Figure 8 is an enlarged view of
the guiding ways, Figure 9 is a side elevation. Figure 9" a horizontal section
taken on the line of Figure 9, Figure 10 a sectional elevation taken on the
line y of Figure looking towards the key board, Figure 11 is a sectional elevation
on the line of Figure 9 looking away from the key board and Figure 12 an elevation
of one of the parts, which Figures illustrates the construction and operation of an
improved means for packing and sustaining the types when elevated from the driving
belt into the chute. Figure 9B is a modification. Figure 13 is a side elevation of
part of the machine showing in part the improved means for sustaining the galley and
loading the channels of the distributor. Figure 14 is an enlarged elevation of the
lower portion of the type galley which is shewn in plan in Figure 2 and in side
elevation in Figure 3. Figure 15 is a section on the line of Figure 14 and
Figure 16 is a section on the line of Figure 15 and Figure 17 is a detail showing
the mode of securing the galley. Figure 18 is a plan view showing the "pi "channel
of the setter and the means for removing the types therefrom, Figure 19 is an
elevation, partly in section, Figure 20 is a plan view and Figure 21 a side elevation
and Figure 22. a sectional elevation of the "pi" guide and its plunger.
One part of the present invention relates to improvements in the means for
imparting to the distributing cylinder B a step-like intermittent movement to bring
its channels 1 to coincide with those of the setting cylinder A.
Heretofore the forward step like movement was imparted to the distributing
cylinder B by means of a ratchet wheel. 5 fast to said cylinder, the teeth of which
wheel are engaged by a ratchet 6 pivoted to an oscillating arm 7 the end of which

page_text: is provided with a slot 8 in which works a crank pin 9 of a driving shaft 4 connected
by bevel gears 78-79 with a horizontal shaft carrying the driving pulley 80 (see
Figures 1, 2, 3) Formerly this driving mechanism was designed to be so adjusted
that the distance to which it should advance the distributing cylinder at each move-
ment would be exactly equal to the distance between any two of its type channels
and thus bring the said cylinder into a state of rest at the end of each step-like
movement with its channels in exact coincidence with those of the setting cylinder.
It was found, however, in the practical operation of the machine that to depend upon
obtaining an exact coincidence between said channels by a single movement caused
a liability to a defective operation and an improvement was effected by each
onward progressive step-like movement of the distributing cylinder was rapidly made
and covered a distance greater than that between channel and channel and means
were provided for giving to said distributing cylinder after each such rapid step-like
movement a retrograde movement whereby it was slowly moved backward to
accomplish the coincidence between the channels of the two cylinders whereby a
more certain and reliable passage of the proper types from the distributing to the
setting cylinder was accomplished.
But even this improvement has been found to have some objections, such as an
unnecessary movement of the distributing cylinder tending to wear the parts which
are moved when the machine operates and the movement requires the passage of the
channels of the distributing cylinder over and beyond those of the settling cylinder
before the said channels are brought at rest into coincidence, thus allowing such types
as have nicks corresponding with some of the channels passed over to enter said
channels during the rapid movement of the distributing cylinder, which if they only
partially descend cause a clogging obstruction that will either stop the machine or
injure the types.
In order to attain perfect register between the channels of the two cylinders at the
end of each forward movement of the distributing cylinder the following improved
devices are used. The arm 7 is, in addition to the main driving pawl 6, supplied with
the auxiliary driving pawl 13 which, like the pawl 6, engages with the teeth of the
ratchet wheel 5. This pawl 13 is adjustable by means of screws 16 in. an arm 12
that is hung upon the shaft 4 by a band 11 that embraces an eccentric 10 and it is
sustained in proper relative position to the wheel 5 by means of a bearer 100 that
maintains it in a proper working plane. The crank pin 9 and the eccentric 10 on
the shaft 4 are so related that after the forward driving movement of the arm 7 is
finished and the driving action of the pawl 6 is complete, as in Figure 4, a slight
forward movement of the pawl 13 will be slowly made, thus bringing the parts into
position shewn in Figure 5, the extent of the movement of the pawl 13 being nicely
adjusted by means of the screws 16 to accurately move the distributing cylinder so
as to bring its channels into exact alignment with the channels of the setting cylinder
and thus effectually secure the passage of the types from channels in the one cylinder
into channels in the other cylinder. In the retrograde movement of the arm 7
and the pawls 6, 13 these pawls will by reason of their curved structure drag over
the teeth of the wheel 5 and reengage appropriate teeth to accomplish a second
similar onward movement of the distributing cylinder and so on as the said cylinder
is rotated.
Another improvement consists in the means for imparting to the distributing
cylinder a forward movement having an extent less than is required to bring the
channels of the distributing cylinder into coincidence with those of the setting
cylinder. This is for use in loading the distributing cylinder channels with types
and consists in a pawl 101 fast on the arm 130 carrying the pawl 6 but provided with
a central tongue 102 that projects beyond the pawl. This tongue 102 is pivoted to
the said arm 130 and is provided with a spring 117 which holds the tongue 102
constantly pressed forward so that said pawl with its projecting tongue can only be
entered between two teeth of the wheel 5 after a full onward step like movement has
been imparted to the cylinder B. When the driving spring 92 is in contact with the
driving pin 93 on the arm 7 the pawl 101 will be held out of engagement with the

page_text: teeth of the wheel 5, while the pawl 6 will be held in engagement with the said wheel.
When however the spring 92 is moved out of contact with the pin 93, which can
only be done after a complete forward throw of the cylinder B the pawl 6 will be
thrown out of engagement with the teeth of wheel 5, the pawl 101 with its projecting
tongue 102 may then be entered into engagement with the teeth of the wheel 5 either
by backward pressure upon spring 92 or by pressure upon the arm 130, the result of
which will be that as the next forward movement of the arm 7 takes place the wheel 5
will be moved forward by the pawl 101 carrying with it the cylinder to a distance
that will bring the channels of the cylinder B half way between the channels of the
cylinder A, said pawl 101 making a throw that is half as great as that of the pawl 6
for the reason that its projecting tongue is pressed rearward without moving the
cylinder and the solid pawl alone drives. The distributing cylinder is thus moved
into a position for receiving its load of types to be distributed, the channels of the
said cylinder then having beneath them a solid foundation for each line of types to
rest upon, whereby all injury to the types or to the wards at the mouths of the
channels of the setting cylinder A will be avoided.
When this half step-like forwaro movement is complete, the pawl 6 will be in a
position against the face of one of the teeth of the wheel 5. When the arm 7 makes
its rearward movement it will throw out the pawl 101 and the spring 117 will
immediately project the tongue 102, thereby preventing said pawl from again
engaging between the teeth of the wheel 5, for the reason that since only a half
stroke forward of the cylinder B has been made said tongue will then engage the
face of a tooth and prevent the pawl entering between two teeth.
When one channel of the distributing cylinder B has been loaded with a line of
type the remaining half of a whole step-like forward movement must be made before
the teeth of the wheel 5 will again be in position to be engaged by the pawl 101.
This is accomplished by the pawl 6 which making a full stroke engages a tooth of
the wheel 5 only during the last half of said movement (because of the position to
which the teeth of wheel 5 have been moved by the pawl 101) thus acts to complete
the whole stroke or steplike movement, one half of which, was performed by the
pawl 101. Thus the cylinder B is again brought into position with its channels
coincident with those of the setting cylinder, whereupon such types as overlie their
appropriate channels will pass into the channels of the setting cylinder.
If now it be desired to load another channel of the distributing cylinder with a
line of type, the pawl 101 is again entered between the teeth of the wheel 5, which is
again in position to receive said pawl and its projecting tongue and the half step-like
movement of the cylinder B will he accomplished as before. The completing half
stroke by means of the pawl 6 must then take place, and these operations may be
repeated as long as may be desired.
It is manifest that as a whole step-like forward movement of the pawl 10.1 would
cause channels of the distributing cylinder to pass from midway between two channels
of the setting cylinder to points midway between two channels, or in other words,
will cause the channels of the cylinder B to pass completely over channels of the
setting cylinder, in which case types finding their proper channels would tend to
descend therein and cause a block or damage, from a consideration of which the
advantages and importance of the structure and operation of the pawl 101 will be
apparent.
Another of these improvements (see Figures 7 and 8) consists in the means for
controlling the movement of the type as they are ejected from the channels of the
composing cylinder on to the disc or table 40 and which carries the types to their
point of passage to the line forming devices. As the ejectors which push the types on
to said disc or table are positively moved by a rotating driver it may sometimes
happen that the ejected type will have its face forcibly carried against the rail or
rim 94, surrounding or forming a pathway about said table and thus be battered or
injured. To avoid tendency to this defective action due either to the tangential
movement of the types, forcibly imparted by the ejector, or to any part of the
movement imparted by the centrifugal-action of the disc, I have provided each of the

page_text: channels in the setting cylinder at a point just over the said disc or table at the bottom
of each of said channels with a finger 95, which fingers thus form a series around said
cylinder and constitute pathways in effect extending the type channels outwardly over
said dise or table and as these fingers 95 are curved so as to gradually turn the ejected
type and give it a direction nearly parallel with the said rail it follows that each type
ejected will assume such a position when it comes wholly under the control of the re-
volving disc or table that it is so nearly parallel with the said rim or rail that the side of
the said type will bear against the rim or rail thus preventing the face of the type from
coming into direct contact with said rim or rail. These fingers do not extend so close
to the rim or rail as to interfere with the onward travel of the types to the conveying
belt 3 after they clear the fingers, but on the contrary there is provided beyond their
ends a passage way in which the types travel until they are guided to the belt 3 by
the deflector 106.
Another improvement consists in the means for transferring the types from the
conveying belt 3 into the setting stick 34.
Formerly a revolving type carrying wheel and a rigid type elevator to which the
types were directed by an inclined chute, were wholly depended upon for this
purpose. This structure was improved by the use of a small revolving type lifter 25
having a series of radial wings 27 and actuated by a belt 28 moving over pulleys 29
and 30 of Figure 9 fast on the shaft S6 of the lifter 25 which construction enabled the
chute to be dispensed with and the conveying belt 3 to run over a pulley 26, on a
level direct to the type lifter.
In practice it is found that when a type which has been raised by one of the
wings 27 of the lifter 25 and said wing retires as the next type is being raised the
advance types will descend on to the advancing type, thus subjecting the latter to
abrasion and imposing upon the lifter the duty of raising not only the last type but a
considerable portion of the composed line.
To remedy this defective performance and enable each type to be retained in the
position to which it is advanced by the lifter, I have provided a supporter 96 (see
Figures 9. 10. 11) which is a lever like device pivoted so as to have slight vertical
play. It is arranged with its inner or operative end protruding through the
removable side plate 110 and slightly into the chute of the setting stick 34 at a point
just above the wings of the lifter 25. The outer end of the supporter 96 might be
weighted to so counter-balance it that while it may easily move gravity will cause its
inner end to press upon the side of the type or a spring as shewn may be a means for
more positively operating it-As each type is lifted by a wing 27 of the lifter 25 it
will press against the inner end of the supporter 96 which readily moving slightly
upward and rearward permits the type to be easily raised; when, however, the
wing 27 of the lifter leaves this type the supporter 96 will slightly move downward and
pressing laterally against the side of the type securely hold it and prevent it or the
type above it from descending, thus causing a type space below the formed line to be
free for the reception of the next type projected lengthwise into it by the operation
of the belt 3-This supporter also acts to even the formed line as it presses each type
passing it, into contact with one wall of the chute or channel of the composing stick.
As types vary in thickness and the throw of the lifter is always the same, and the
pressing surface of the supporter must be somewhat above the highest point reached
by a wing of the lifter, it follows that very thin type will not be carried into the
entrance of said supporter. To support and hold such thin type I have provided an
auxiliary supporter, a frictional bearer, which is composed of a narrow lever like
bearer 81 pivoted to swing and normally pressed forward by a spring 85 into the
setting stick 34. It is provided with a right angular projecting arm 83 which has an
inclined face that is borne upon by the projection 84 fast to the striker 35. When the
types in the line receive an additional type and the striker 35 moves said type forward
into true position longitudinally, the spring pressed auxiliary supporter or frictional
bearer is in position to be borne against by the type, it having a projecting face at
such a point as will bear against and hold the thinner type-When such type and those
above are thus secured and another type is added to the line said auxiliary suppor:er

page_text: is pressed out of action by means of the projection 84 carried by the striker 35 and is
thus removed from the type channel so as to prevent an incoming type from being
marred by abutting against it.
The side plate 33 forms the wall against which the face of the type are guided
but the stock of the machine supporting the parts where the line is formed is cut
away a sufficient distance to expose a considerable portion of the faces of the type
whereby the formed line may be constantly seen as it is composed-This is also an
important improvement as it admits the discovering by inspection of any faulty action
of the elevator and line forming devices.
Figure 9 shews a modification wherein an elliptical wheel is rotated so that it
presses on the ends of the types raised by the wheel 25 and packs them into line-
This wheel is shewn as being rotated by gear wheels and y from the axis of the
wheel 25 but it may be rotated in any other suitable way.
An improvement has also been made in the loading galley by which the type
channels of the distributing cylinder are supplied with lines of type; and in the
means for securing said galley in its upright position before said cylinder.
Figures 14 to 16 illustrate the first improvement. It consists in providing the
follower 120 of the galley with a catch block 121 that permits the follower to easily
move forward and yet prevents a retrograde movement whereby the matter in the
galley would become "pi." This structure consists of a rest block 122 to which the
follower 120 is attached which block is guided on the ledge 123 and bottom plate 124
of the galley-The catch block 121 has a rib that rides in a channel cut into the under
side of the ledge 123 and is connected to the rest block 122 by a pivoted hanger 125
that is constantly pressed forward by a spring seated bolt 126 having contact with a
pin 99 that projects inwardly from said plate 125. These devices so co-operate that
while the whole may move freely forward the rest block 122 and catch block 121 are
constantly clamped upon the bottom ledge of the galley and any rearward movement
of the follower 120 is prevented by their locking action.
As a means for readily securing the galley in place and conveniently removing the
same when supported upon the bracket 41, its upper end is slotted as at 111 (sec
Figure 17) to receive the head 97 and shank of a bolt 98-The screw nut 112 tightens
this bolt and when released a spring seated follower 67 thrusts the bolt forward so
that the galley may be readily disengaged from it, by first slightly raising it so as to
free the projection on its bottom from the seat provided by the bracket 41.
I have furthermore provided a means for removing the matter from the " pi"
channel of the setting cylinder-This is illustrated by Figures 18 to 21. That part
of the bottom plate 127 of the machine which underlies the "pi" channel 1 of the
setting cylinder A is perforated to admit the end of a "pi" tube 113 and this tube is
provided with a slot 114 into which the end of a swinging lever 115 may engage to
hold the "pi" tube in place when a line of "pi" is to be removed-The "pi" tube is
provided with a plunger 116 that may be slid in the "pi" tube when the line of type
is to be received or ejected, it being understood that it is moved downward in
receiving the line of "pi and when the "pi" is removed that it is thrust upwards to
discharge the contents of the tube.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is
First. In type distributing and setting, or composing machines the combination
with the distributing cylinder and a driving pawl having a throw less than will move
the same a distance equal to that between the type channels of the said cylinder of an
auxiliary pawl (13) having the slight throw necessary to complete a movement of said
cylinder equal to said distance substantially as herein before described.
Second. The combination with the distributing cylinder and its wheel 5, of the
pawl 6 and pawl 13 each having different throws and together operating to accomplish
a single forward step like movement of the said cylinder substantially as hereinbefore
._described.

page_text: Third. The combination with the distributing cylinder and its wheel 5 of a driving
pawl constructed and operating to move said cylinder a distance that will leave the
channels of the distributing cylinder between the channels of the setting cylinder
substantially as and for the purpose hereinhefore described.
Fourth. The combination with the distributing cylinder and its wheel 5 of an
arm (7) carrying pawls 101 and 6 the pawl 101 operating to move the said cylinder
part of the distance between its channels for the purpose of loading the channels of
the distributing cylinder and the other pawl 6 operating to complete that distance
substantially as herein before described.
Fifth. The combination with the distributing cylinder and its wheel 5 of a pawl 101
having a spring seated tongue 102 substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore
described.
Sixth. The combination with the distributing cylinder and its wheel 5 of an
actuating arm 7, a pawl 101 having spring seated tongue 102 and a pawl 6 sub-
stantially as hereinbefore described.
Seventh. In type setting machines the combination with the type lifter 25 and the
setting stick 34 of the type supporter 96 substantially as herein before described.
Eighth. In type setting machines the combination with the type lifter 25 and
setting stick 34 of the auxiliary type supporter 81 substantially as herein before
described.
Ninth. In type setting machines the combination with the type lifter 25 and setting
stick 34 of the double arrangement of type supporters 96 and 81 substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Tenth. In type setting machines the combination with the type raising device of a
packer y as described with reference to Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.
Eleventh. In a type setting machine in which the types are successively forced into
line by means substantially as described the combination therewith of a setting stick
constructed with an opening extending a distance from the receiving end whereby
the faces of the types are exposed for inspection substantially as herein before
described.
Twelfth. In a type setting machine in which the types are ejected from channels in
a cylinder on to a revolving table or disc surrounded by a guiding rim or ledge a
series of fingers extending from the cylinder over the said table or disc substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Thirteenth. The combination with the type setting cylinder A having a type channel
therein which is extended through the bed plate of a removable "pi" tube 113 sub-
stantially as herein before described.
Fourteenth. The combination of a "pi" tube (113) having a head adapted to enter
the bottom of a channel in the type setting cylinder A a locking slot 114 for securing
it in place and a plunger 116 substantially as herein before described.
Fifteenth. The combination with the type setting cylinder A its channel 1 and
locking lever 115 of a "pi" tube 113 having a locking slot 114 substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Sixteenth. In a type distributing machine the combination with a bracket for
supporting a type galley, of a type galley having a holding slot (111) and a locking
bolt 98 operated by a spring seated plunger 67 substantially as hereinbefore described.
Seventeenth. A type galley (constructed and adapted for loading a type distributing
machine with lines of type) having a follower 120 provided with a supporting device
consisting of a rest block 122 and catch block 121 connected by a hanger 125 operated
by a pin 99 and bolt 126 substantially as herein before described.
Dated this 25th day of October 1887
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.