Improvements in Automatic Type Distributing Apparatus.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Apr., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 29th Jan., 1895-Accepted, 9th Mar., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Type Distributing Apparatus.
We, ALEXANDER FRASER, of Old Fishmarket, High Street, Edinburgh, in the
County of Mid Lothian, North Britain, Printer, and FRANK ROSE, of the same
place Mechanic, in the employment of the said Alexander Fraser do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows, that is to say :-
Our said invention comprises new and improved apparatus by means of which
the distribution of types may be automatically effected in an expeditious, accurate,
and economical manner.
Types to be distributed by the apparatus have each one or more nicks or notches
formed across one edge, the positions of the notches being made different for each
character or space represented by the types.
The types to be distributed are, in the form of a page or column, placed in a
galley in which they are moved by a spring-actuated pusher, at intervals, towards
one end or part at which there is a line groove to receive a line of types at a time.
The line groove extends in a downward direction to a point at which each type is
in succession thrust out of the groove, by a pusher made to reciprocate by means
of an eccentric or cam on a rotating shaft. The descent of the types in the line
groove is insured by a pusher sliding in the groove and bearing on the upper end
of the line of types; this pusher being raised on reaching a certain point in its
descent, and when rising acting on a part retaining the next line of the page or
column so as then to allow the next line of types to be transferred to the the
line groove. In connection with the pusher which pushes out each type in
succession from the bottom of the type groove there is a pair of pressers which
prevent more than one type from being pushed out at a time, these pressers
bearing on each side of the types, and being separated when the pusher
returns after pushing out a type, so as not then to prevent the descent, of
the types.
The types thrust out one by one, in the direction of their length, at regular
intervals by the pusher, are received upon a long narrow plate, hereinafter
referred to as the platform and which may be horizontal or more or less inclined.
Along and over the platform there moves an endless band made with openings
and with cross bars between which latter the types take their places in regular
order as pushed out from the line groove, the band being, between each pushing-
out action, moved forward a distance equal to the pitch of the cross bars, and also
equal to the pitch, or distance from centre to centre, of the grooves into which the
types are distributed as hereinafter described.
Above and parallel to the platform and part of the endless band on the platform,
there is a feeler bar, which has centered on it a series of feelers or levers projecting
downwards and made each with one or more prongs and each corresponding to the
notches of a different type. At a certain point in each cycle of movements the
feeler bar descends and the feeler prongs enter between the cross bars of the endless.
band in front of any type there may be between any two cross bars, the prongs
In the case of any type, if
entering recessed parts at the backs of the cross bars.
the feeler at any time acting on it corresponds with its notches, the feeler prongs
enter the notches but, owing to the spring action on the feeler being limited, do

page_text: not grip the type against the next cross bar of the endless band; but in the case
of a feeler not corresponding to the type the feeler prongs grip the type against the
next cross bar. The next action consists in a small descent of the platform; and
the ungripped type or types descend with it. Immediately afterwards, the
platform having been raised again, the feeler bar is raised clear of the types and
the endless band the band then moving forward a step. When the platform
descends it brings the ends of any type or types on it, the types overhanging one
edge of it to a small extent, into contact with a small continuously rotating roller
which draws each type off the platform and turns it down into the end of a
distribution groove.
Each type as it is being pushed onto the platform passes under a light spring
which prevents it from tilting, and if necessary keeps back any following type.
The platform is raised to its upper position by springs, and is lowered by cam-
actuated levers acting in slots in projections on the under side of the platform, this
arrangement preventing breakage in the event of anything obstructing the upward
movement.
+
There is a series of distribution grooves each for receiving types of a particular
character, and each receiving only types allowed to drop with the platform by the
feeler proper to it.
With the arrangements that have been described, each type entered upon the
platform at one end is moved forward step by step until it reaches its proper feeler
which allows it to drop with the platform whence it is transferred to its proper
distribution groove. Pushers enter the distribution grooves after each action and
push forward any types dropped into the grooves, so as to make space to receive
any types similarly dropped."
The distribution grooves are arranged to guide the types into type trays, in
which trays the types are transferred to a composing machine.
Instead of the endless cross-barred band the feeler bar may be modified so as to
completely grip the types when the feeler prongs do not correspond with the type
notches. In this modification the feeler bar has centered on it a series of feelers
with springs as hereinbefore described; aud it has combined with it a second bar
which may be termed the gripping bar and which has fixed to it rigid jaws to act
one in concert with each feeler. At one part of the cycle of movements the
gripping and feeler bars descend into contact with the platform, each gripping
jaw at the back of a type (if there is one at the place) and each feeler at the front
of a type. The feeler bar then moves back slightly to make the feeler prongs feel
the types, and in combination with the rigid jaws grip any types the notches of
which do not correspond with the feeler prongs. Any type or types not gripped
descend with the platform and become transferred to the distribution grooves in
the manner herein before described; whilst the types which are gripped are, by the
joint movement of the gripping and feeler bars, moved forward a step, the gripping
action being next relieved and the two bars returned leaving the types each a step
more forward on the platform. In this modification the types are prevented from
getting out of their proper positions on the platform by front and back bars which
at a suitable time move into contact with the ends of the types and dress them
accurately in rank, the bar which moves into contact with the face ends of the
types being covered with leather or felt or other suitable material that will not
injure the types. One of the bars thus acting on the type ends is subsequently
given an extra movement to push the types left on the platform sufficiently far
over the edge of the platform to insure their being moved away by the rotating
roller.
The various movements of the mechanism herein before described are effected by
cams either on a rotating shaft driven by means of a pulley and driving belt or on a
shaft deriving its motion from the first shaft. The endless cross-barred band is
moved step by step by means of a ratchet wheel on one of the pulleys round which
the band passes, the ratchet wheel being acted on by a pawl lever worked by a cam
on the first shaft; and the same pulley is accurately adjusted and locked between

page_text: each movement by means of accurately spaced projections or teeth on it, a wedge-
ended lever actuated by a cam entering between the projections.
Dated this Twenty-eighth day of April 1894.
EDMUND HUNT,
Applicants' Agent.
IH
We, ALEXANDER FRASER, of Old Fishmarket, High Street, Edinburgh, in the
County of Mid Lothian, North Britain, Printer, and FRANK ROSE, of the same
place, Mechanic, 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 :-
Our said invention comprises new and improved apparatus by means of which
the distribution of types may be automatically effected in an expeditious, accurate,
and economical manner.
Types to be distributed by the apparatus have each one or more nicks or notches
formed across one edge, the positions of the notches being made different for each
character or space represented by the types.
The types to be distributed are, in the form of a page or column, placed in a
galley in which they are moved so that each line passes in its turn into a line
groove, from which groove each type is in succession thrust out by a pusher, more
than one type being prevented from being pushed out at once by a pair of pressers.
The types thrust out one by one in the direction of their length, at regular
intervals by the pusher, are received, according to one modification of the
apparatus, upon a long narrow plate, hereinafter referred to as the platform, and
which may be horizontal or more or less inclined. Along and over the platform
there moves an endless band made with openings and with cross bars between
which latter the types take their places in regular order as pushed out from the
line groove, the band being between each pushing-out action moved forward a
distance equal to the pitch of the cross bars, and also equal to the pitch, or distance
from centre to centre of the grooves into which the types are distributed as herein-
after described.
A series of pronged feelers descend and grip the types against the cross bars of
the endless band excepting in the case of any type the notches of which coincide in
position with the prongs of the feeler and in such case the type is then opposite
the groove into which it has to be distributed. At the proper time the platform
descends and any type not gripped and held up descends with it and its over-
hanging end (the platform being narrower than the length of the types) comes into
contact with a continuously rotating roller which turns the type down into the
entrance to the distribution groove, a pusher subsequently pushing it into the
groove to make room for the next type. As the band is moved step by step at
short intervals every type is moved forward by it until it reaches the position
opposite to its proper distribution groove, and the feeler there, proper to it, by not
gripping it, allows it to be passed into the groove.
Instead of the endless cross-barred band the bar carrying the feelers may be
modified so as to completely grip the types when the feeler prongs do not correspond
with the type notches. In this modification the feeler bar has combined with it a
second bar which may be termed the gripping bar and which has fixed to it rigid
jaws to act one in concert with each feeler. At one part of the cycle of
movements the gripping and feeler bars descend into contact with the platform,
each gripping jaw at the back of a type (if there is one at the place) and each
feeler at the front of a type. Any type not gripped descends with the platform

page_text: and becomes transferred to its proper distribution groove; whilst the types which
are gripped are by a joint movement of the gripping and feeler bars moved forward
a step, the gripping action being next relieved and the two bars returned leaving
the types each a step more forward on the platform.
And in order that our said invention and the manner of performing the same
may be properly understood we hereunto append five sheets of explanatory
drawings to be hereinafter referred to and representing type distributing apparatus
as made with our improvements.
Figure, 1, on Sheet, 1, of the drawings is an elevation of a part of the galley
with the line separating and single type separating mechanism, the parts being
shown in a vertical position although inclined in the actual machine.
Figure, 2, Sheet, 2, is a sectional elevation as at right angles to Figure, 1, and
Figure, 3, is a plan of certain parts partly seen in Figures, 1, and 2.
Figure, 4, on Sheet, 3, is a transverse vertical section of the endless-band
modification of the apparatus, Figure, 5, being an enlarged view of two of the
feelers, and Figure, 6, a view of one feeler as at right angles to Figure, 5.
and
Figure, 7, on Sheet, 4, is a sectional back elevation of the endless-band machine;
Figures, 8, 9, and 10, on Sheet, 5, show in plan, in sectional elevation, and in
transverse vertical sections, portions of the second modification or reciprocating-
gripper machine.
In these drawings the same reference letters and numerals are used to mark the
same or like parts wherever they are repeated.
The galley consists of a plate, A, having along its bottom a fixed fence, A 1,
between which and an upper adjustable fence, A 2, the page or column of types to
be distributed is placed the lines being vertical as seen in Figure, 1, the galley
being, however, inclined in the actual machine the lower part being forward or to
the right as seen in Figure, 4. A pusher, A 3, drawn by cords passing round
pulleys, A4, and acted on by springs, or themselves consisting of rubber cords,
continuously press the types towards the left as seen in Figure, 1. At the left
hand end of the page or column space there is a line groove, B, which extends in
a downward direction to a point at which each type is in succession thrust out of
the groove by a pusher, B 1, formed on or fixed to a slide, B 2, which is made to
reciprocate in guides by a rod, moved by a cam or eccentric on a rotating shaft.
In Figure, 2, the dotted line, A-A, shows the position of the surface of the
galley plate, A, in relation to the other parts shown in Figure, 2; and the dotted
line, B-B, indicates the position of the inner edge of the line groove, B. A line
pusher, B3, the right-hand or forward edge of which, in the position in which it is
shown in Figure, 2, coincides with part of the dotted line, B-B, is in the form of
an open rectangular frame and is guided in the fixed frame so as to be movable
horizontally as seen in Figure, 2. This line pusher, B 3, is moved by an
eccentric, B4, on a rotating shaft, C, the eccentric working in a circular opening
in a plate, B 5, which is made with slots indicated by dotted lines in Figure, 2,
into which slots pins, B6, fixed in the outer part of the line pusher project. With
this arrangement the line pusher, B3, is moved to the right and returned to the
left once for each revolution of the shaft, C. When the line pusher, B 3, is in the
position shown, that is, to the right it prevents the line of types at the edge of
the galley plate, A, from advancing, but when it is withdrawn to the left, (and
there are no types directly in front of it in the line groove, B) the pressure on the
types in the galley causes one line to be advanced into the front of the line pusher
which on its next movement to the right pushes that line into the line groove, B.
The pushing action of the line pusher, B 3, is assisted by springs, B 7. The
eccentric, B4, as hereinafter explained, acts only when the types have descended
so far in the line groove, B, that none is in front of the line pusher, B 3.
As the types are successively pushed out from the bottom of the line groove,
the descent of the line is insured by a pusher or follower, B 8, indicated by dotted
lines in Figure, 2, this pusher being fixed by two screw pins, B 9, to a long narrow

page_text: plate, D, sliding in guides upon the outer wall of the line groove, B, and extending
from the lowest to the highest, D, in Figure, 2, the pins, B 9, working in a slot in
the wall of the line groove. When through the descent of the types in the line
groove the pusher, B8, and slide, D, have descended far enough for a fresh line of
types to be transferred from the galley to the line groove, an adjustable screw
pin, D 1, in a bracket, D 2, fixed to the slide, D, acts on a detent lever, D 3, which
has been holding but now releases a clutch lever, D4, controlling a clutch, C 1, on
the rotating shaft, C, and a spring, C 2, makes the clutch engage with a counter-
part clutch on the boss of a small barrel, C 3. This barrel winds a cord or small
chain, D5, which passes round an upper pulley, D6, and is attached to the
slide, D, the winding action drawing up this slide. As the slide, D, rises, a
projecting piece, D7, on it acts on the inside of a clutch lever, D 8, controlling
a second clutch, C4, on the shaft, C, making it engage with a counterpart clutch
formed on the boss of the eccentric, B 4. The eccentric, B 4, then makes a single
revolution withdrawing and moving forward again the line pusher, B 3. As the
eccentric, B4, completes a revolution a projection on its boss moves the clutch, C4,
out of gear. When the slide, D, descends again the piece, D 7, which is jointed
to it turns up and passes the lever, D8, without acting on it. The winding up
action is stopped by a piece, D9, on the bottom end of the slide, D, a bevilled
point on the piece, D 9, encountering the outside of the lever, D4, and making it
move the clutch, C 1, out of gear, whilst it is itself caught and held by the detent
lever, D3. By these means the transfer of each line of types in succession from
the galley, A, to the line groove, B, is automatically effected as required. A small
door, A 7, is hinged to the front of the line groove, B, and is fitted with a slip
of glass to allow the types to be seen, and which can be opened if required to
clear any obstruction.
In connection with the pusher, B1, which pushes out each type in succession
from the bottom of the line groove, B, there is a pair of pressers, E, which prevent
more than one type from being pushed out at a time, these pressers bearing ou each
side of the types, and being separated when the pusher, returns after pushing out
a type, so as not to then prevent the descent of the types. The pressers, E, are
little blocks sliding in cross guides one of them having a piece of rubber fixed to it
to bear on the types; and they are controlled by levers, E1, centered on screw
pins their ends beyond the centres being pressed together by adjustable springs, E 2,
on a spindle passing through them. The outer ends of the levers, E 1, extend
upwards and are shaped as indicated by dotted lines in Figure, 1, so as to be
separable by a wedge on the end of a lever, E3, which is acted on by a cam on a
rotating shaft, so as at the proper time to cause the pressers, E, to grip the bottom
of the column, or line of types. As each type is thrust out it passes under a
small piece of metal, E 4, held by a light blade spring, E 5, which steadies the
type and prevents it from jumping or tilting. A part of one wall of the line
groove, B, at the bottom is in a separate piece, E 6, fitted to the part above by a
mortise joint and secured by a pin, so that it can be removed to allow of any
obstruction being cleared away.
The types thrust out one by one, in the direction of their length, at regular
intervals by the pusher, B 1, are received upon a long narrow plate or platform, F,
which may be horizontal or more or less inclined as in Figures, 4, and 7. Along
and over the platform, F, there moves on endless band, G, made with openings and
with cross bars, G1, between which latter the types take their place in regular
order as pushed out from the line groove, B, the band, G, being between each
pushing-out action, moved forward a step. The endless band, G, passes round two
pulleys or drums, G 2, G 3, at the ends of the machine, these drums being mounted
on centres adjustable in brackets, G4, fixed to the main frame of the machine.
One drum, G, is provided with a ring of teeth, G 5, and is acted on by a cam
wheel, G 6, on a rotating shaft, H, this cam wheel being made with a rib engaging
between the teeth, G 5, and which rib is curved at a suitable part to act like a
screw on the teeth, whilst being in one plane at other parts so as to hold the

page_text: wheel, G3, steady between its shifts. This arrangement is simpler and better than
the ratchet wheel and separate holding devices previously proposed. The shaft, H,
is the first-motion shaft of the machine and has on it a pulley, H 1, for a
driving belt, which acts on the shaft through a clutch, H2, movable by a hand
lever, H 3.
Above and parallel to the platform, F, and to the part of the endless band, G, on
the platform, there is a feeler bar, J, which has centered on it a series of feelers or
levers, 1, such as are shown in Figures, 5, and, 6, which project downwards and
are made each with one or more prongs, J 2, and each corresponding to the notches
of a different type. At a certain point in each cycle of movements the feeler
bar, J, which is fitted in guides in the framing, is made to descend by the action of
cams, J3, on the shaft, H, through levers, J4, bearing on the top of the bar, the
bar being subsequently raised again by the action of springs, J5, through
levers, J 6. On descending the feeler prongs, J 2, enter between the cross
bars, G 1, of the endless band, G, in front of any type there may be between any
two cross bars, the prongs entering recessed parts of the backs of the cross bars.
In the case of any type, if the feeler at any time acting on it corresponds with its
notches, the feeler prongs enter the notches but owing to the action of a spring, J 7,
on the feeler being limited, do not grip the type against the next cross bar of the
endless band; but in the case of a feeler not corresponding to the type the feeler
prongs grip the type against the next cross bar. The next action consists in a
small descent of the platform, F, and the ungripped type or types descend with it.
Shortly afterwards the platform, F, having been raised again, the feeler bar, J, is
raised with its feelers clear of the types and of the endless band the band then
moving forward a step. The platform, F, is not as broad as the types are long,
and when the platform descends any types on it overhang its inner edge and their
overhanging ends are by the descent brought into contact with a continuously
rotating roller, K, which draws each type off the platform and turns it down into
the end of a distribution groove, L. The platforin is raised into its upper position
by springs, F 1, and is lowered by levers, F2, acting in slots in projections on the
under side of the platform, this arrangement preventing breakage in the event of
anything obstructing the upward movement. The levers, F 2, are acted on by
levers, F3, themselves acted on by cams, F4, on the shaft, H.
There is a series of distribution grooves, L, each for receiving types of a
particular character, and each receiving only types allowed to drop with the
-platform by the feeler proper to it. Pushers, L 1, enter the distribution grooves, L,
after each action, and push forward any types dropped into the grooves, so as to
make space to subsequently receive any types similarly dropped. The distribution
grooves, L, which are formed in a fixed part of the machine are arranged to guide
the types into type trays, M, in which the distributed types can be transferred to a
composing machine. The pitch of the entrances of the grooves, L, has to be equal
to the movement of the band, G, at one step. The entrances to the grooves, L,
are flared to facilitate the entrance of the types; and the grooves are curved to
bring their outer ends into agreement with the grooves of the type trays, M, the
pitch of which latter grooves is smaller than that of the entrances to the grooves, L.
The pushers, L1, which push the types forward in their distribution grooves, L,
are guided through holes in a bar, L. 2, and are fixed at their outer ends to a
bar, L3, which is moved by levers, L 4, acted on by cams, L5, on the shaft, H.
To further explain the construction and operation of the endless band, G, and of
the feelers, J 1, it may be stated that the band is made of thin sheet steel, brass, or
other suitable metal in which openings are cut leaving cross bars on which are fixed
pieces, G 1, forming the acting cross bars, which are shaped as shown in Figures, 5,
and 7. The feeler levers, J I, are acted on by springs, J 7, (Figure, 5) and their
movement is limited by pins, J 8, fixed in the feeler bar, J. When rising the
feeler bar, J, lifts the feelers just sufficiently for the prongs to clear the cross
bars, G 1, which then move forward, and the feeler bar, J, immediately descends
again so that the prongs of each feeler gets in between the cross bar which has just

page_text: passed under it and the next type (if there happens to be one in the space); and as.
the band, G, completes its forward step its cross bars, G 1, carry each type against
the prongs of the feeler then close in front of it, causing compression of the-
spring and consequent gripping of the type in each case in which the prongs do not
coincide in position with the notches in the type, whilst in any case in which the
prongs and notches do coincide the type is not gripped but descends with the
platform, F, and is transferred to its proper distribution groove, L.
The shaft, H, bas on it pairs of cams, J3, L3, F4, hereinbefore referred to, and
a sprocket wheel, H 4, which by means of a pitch chain, H 5, indicated by dotted.
lines in Figure, 4, drives a shaft, N, which extends under the table, M 1, on which
the type trays, M, are placed. The shaft, N, has on it a sprocket wheel, N1,.
which by a pitch chain, N 2, indicated by dotted lines in Figure, 4, drives the
shaft, C, the chain acting on a sprocket wheel, N 3, on that shaft. The shaft, N,
has also on it a pulley which by a cord going round a pulley, K 1, on the spindle of
the roller, K, drives that roller.
In the modification shown on Sheet, 5, of the drawings, many parts are the same.
as in the modification shown on Sheets, 1, to, 4, and hereinbefore described. There
is a feeler bar, J, fitted with pronged feelers, J 1, but it has combined with it a.
separate gripping bar, P, which has fixed to it rigid jaws, P 1, to act each one in
concert with a feeler, J 1. The gripping and feeler bars, P, J, are guided
horizontally in two or more boxes, P2, which are acted on by levers, P 3, moved
by cams, P 4, on the shaft, H, so that at one part of the cycle of movements the
bars, P, J, descend with their gripping and feeler jaws touching the platform, F,.
each gripping jaw, P 1, at the back of a type (if there is one at the place) and each
feeler, Jl, at the front of a type. The feeler bar, J, then moves back slightly to
make the feeler prongs feel the types, and in combination with the rigid jaws, P 1,.
grip any type or types the notches of which do not coincide with the feeler prongs.
Any type or types not gripped descend with the platform, F, and become transferred
to the distribution grooves, L, in the manner hereinbefore described; whilst the
types which are gripped, are by the joint movement of the gripping and feeler
bars, P, J, moved forward a step, the gripping action being next relieved, and the
two bars raised and moved back leaving the types each a step forward on the
platform. The gripping and feeler bars, P, J, are moved longitudinally by edge
cams, P5, on the shaft, H, the ends of the bars being fitted with small rollers, P 6,.
between which the cams act. The feeler levers, J 1, are acted on by springs, J 7,
connecting their upper ends to pins on the gripping bar, P.
In this modification the types are prevented from getting out of their proper
positions on the platform, F, by front and back bars, Q, Q1, the back one, Q,.
being fixed whilst the front oue, Q 1, is moved forwards and backwards by cams, Q2,
on the shaft, H, having fixed to it curved arms, Q 3, which bear on opposite edges
of the cams.
The bar, Q1, which acts on the faces of the types may be faced with
leather or other suitable material that will not injure the types. At the proper
time the front bar, Q 1, moves backwards and dresses up the types so as to be in
contact with the back bar, Q; and afterwards when the platform, F, descends the
front bar, Q1, descending therewith moves further backwards and pushes the types.
sufficiently over the edge of the platform for them to be frictionally acted on by the
roller, K, and transferred to the distribution grooves, L.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-.
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
:-
1. The improved combination of parts constituting as a whole substantially what
is herein before described as the first modification of our automatic type distributing
apparatus.
2. The improved combination of parts constituting as a whole substantially what
is hereinbefore described as the second modification of our automatic type distributing
annaratue

page_text: 3. The improved combination of galley and automatic mechanism for transferring
lines of types from a page or column to a line groove, substantially as hereinbefore
described, more particularly with reference to Figures, 1, 2, and 3, of the
accompanying drawings.
4. The combination of an endless band and a falling and rising platform and other
parts, with pronged feelers adapted to different arrangements of notches in the
several types, the parts being arranged, moved, and operating substantially as
herein before described, more particularly with reference to Figures, 4 to 7, of the
accompanying drawings.
5. The combination of a rotating roller with a falling and rising platform, for
transferring the types from the platform into the distribution grooves, substantially
as herein before described.
6. The combination of a falling and rising platform with feeling and gripping
levers arranged to carry forward every type step by step until it reaches a point
where its notches and the feeler prongs coincide and where it is not gripped but
descends with the platform and is transferred thence to its proper distribution
groove, the parts being arranged, moved, and operating substantially as herein-
before described, more particularly with reference to Figures, 8, 9, and 10, of the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this Twenty-eighth day of January 1895.
EDMUND HUNT,
Applicants' Agent.