IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING AND COMPOSING OR SETTING UP TYPE for PRINTING PURPOSES, AND IN THE SPACES' TO BE USED IN SUCH COMPOSING MACHINES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Wicks, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING AND COMPOSING OR SETTING UP TYPE for
PRINTING PURPOSES, AND IN THE SPACES' TO BE USED IN SUCH COMPOSING
MACHINES."
Sealed the 5th September 1879, and dated the 26th April 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Wicks at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th April 1879.
FREDERICK WICKS, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain.
'IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING AND COM-
POSING OR SETTING UP TYPE FOR PRINTING PURPOSES, AND IN THE 'SPACES' TO
BE USED IN SUCH COMPOSING MACHINES."
The said Invention relates principally to apparatus for distributing and composing
or setting up type for printing purposes.
The said Invention relates, firstly, to machinery or apparatus for distributing
type, that is to say, for sorting set up type into separate receptacles according to
their kind. The said machine, constructed according to the said first part of the
Invention, consists as follows:-
The column or page of type is placed with its face upwards in a galley, and is
pressed towards one end thereof, where there is a transversely sliding bar (pressed
forward by a weight or otherwise) of a width or thickness equal to that of the type,
and provided if desired with a thin strip of metal extending along the side of the
line of types, and embracing the end one, so that the line may be drawn back when
desired. This bar urges each line of the said type over an opening, through which
rises the upper end of a sliding bar the size or thickness of the smallest type, which
raises, as hereinafter described, one type at a time from the line; this bar may be
called the "ejector." It is actuated by a lever, which is also actuated by any one
of a set of levers constituting keys, the said lever being connected with a frame
extending at front and back of the keys, so as to be acted upon by each key, but
so that it may be depressed alone if desired. A key is used for each of the letters,
spaces, or kinds of type to be sorted, as hereinafter described. Each key also
actuates mechanism which allows a type of a given size only to rise from its
Price 18 2dl

page_text: neighbour through an opening in the "diverger" hereinafter described. It also
actuates mechanism by which the types are guided into their proper course in
grooves in an inclined plane, down which they fall on their broadsides towards their
respective receptacles.
The apparatus for regulating the opening above for the type into the " diverger "
as aforesaid, consists of wedges upon rods attached to the ends of the keys, the said
keys being levers of the first order. These wedges enter slots in a long plate
constituting a continuation of a plate, which may be called the " gauge plate," and
which obstructs or widens the opening to the "diverger," through which the types
are pushed up. These wedges will be of various powers, according to the key to
which they are attached and the types they are intended to guide. They shift the
aforesaid "guage plate" to or from the said opening to an extent which leaves the
passage therethrough of the requisite size for the passage of that size or thickness
of type which corresponds with they key operated. There need be no wedges, it will
be evident, on the rods of the keys for the smallest types. The aforesaid keys are
arranged after the manner of the keys of a musical instruinent, each key being for
liberating one kind of type, and being marked to correspond with that kind. The
inclined plane aforesaid, down which the types pass from the galley, has a main
groove, from which diverge other branch grooves, one for each kind of type. The
various kinds of type are turned into their particular groove by means of pieces
'constituting guides attached to the rods which operate the "guage plate," which
regulates the opening to the "diverger." These guides are so attached to the rods
that they (on the motion of the rods) descend, or rise, or are turned so as to
obstruct the main groove and form a continuation of it with the particular branch
groove, down which the particular type which has been liberated is to pass.
Revolving at the bottom of the inclined plane is a series of type-receiving and
delivering wheels (the said series may be in one and constitute a single composite
wheel or cylinder), they having upon their periphery, and formed solid or in one
piece with them projections, preferably like ratchet teeth, of less width than that
of the types. These projections of each wheel, or of each series of teeth, as the
wheel or cylinder revolves, pass between a slot or nick of about their own width in
the end of the bottom of a guide of the width of the type, and the type are thus
delivered from their prostrate position to the said guides in an upright position.
The said guides lead to the receptacles which are to receive the different kinds of
type. The apparatus is operated as follows:-The set up type which is to be
distributed is put into the galley, and each end line, as the said typo is pressed
forward, is slidden to one side by the sliding bar, and over the opening through
which the "ejector" aforesaid passes. A proof of the set up type being before the
operator, he depresses the keys in the order corresponding to the order of type as
shewn by the said proof, and consequently in an order corresponding to the types
presented over the opening through which the " ejector passes, that is to say, if
the letter b is upon the proof the type b is over the said opening, and the operator
depresses the key marked b. The "ejector rising in the opening aforesaid the
rod attached to the other end of the key through the wedge thereon having acted
upon the "
guage plate" before described, and pushed it into a position to leave the
opening to the "diverger" of about the same width as the thickness of the type b.
The "ejector" urges up the type, and it enters an attachment hereinbefore referred
to as the "diverger" through the before mentioned opening in the inclined bottom
thereof (the said opening being when fully open somewhat larger than the largest
type to be sorted), the said type displacing in its upward passage a lever or "kicker."
When the type is thrust completely into the " diverger," the "kicker," by bearing
on the upper end of the type (which is no longer supported at the side), cants up
the said type at its lower end, and causes it to lie on its side upon the inclined
bottom of the "diverger," down which it falls over the opening through which it
passed into the main groove in the inclined plane. When the key was depressed
the guide piece before mentioned attached to the rod of the said key by the move-
ment of the said key has been caused to stand in such a position before the opening
"

page_text: of the diverging groove, which leads to the receptacle for the types b, that it prevents
the type continuing its descent down the main groove and turns it into the diverging
groove, which it descends, and is received upon a projection on the revolving wheel
or cylinder before the opening of the said groove below, the type resting with its
width across one of the projections thereof, and as the said wheel continues its
revolution, the sides of the heel of the type, which are beyond the projection on
either side, are caught upon the pieces at the side of the notch in the guide, through
which the projections of the wheel pass, and there it rests, and as other types b
descend they press the preceding types 6 forward along the guide, and into the
gallery or receptacle in which they are finally received. The same action takes
place with regard to the other types as they are presented to the opening through
which the "ejector" passes, and as the keys corresponding to the said types are
depressed. The "diverger" cheeks or sides, and the various other parts above and
below the inclined plane, which have to act as guides, are made of course of a
distance apart about equal to the width of the type.
Instead of the hereinbefore described arrangement for ejecting the types, the fol-
lowing arrangement may be employed for ejecting types by contact with the side of
the letter instead of with the foot. The opening through which the type is discharged
from the galley is in this case in the bottom thereof (and immediately above the
top of the inclined plane down which the types fall), and the types as they are pressed
forward rest on a ledge which is at the side of this opening. A vertical strip sliding
horizontally through the side of the galley constitutes the "ejector," and operates
upon the side of the letter. It is connected by levers fixed to a plate actuated by
an eccentric or cam, upon a rod attached to a bar or lever, which is raised by the
tail of the keys as they are depressed, so as to dislodge each type as it is presented
before it from the lodge aforesaid into a recess cut in the " gauge plate" at this
part, which "
gauge plate" is also actuated so as to present the proper portion of
its cut away part according to the size of the type to be dislodged by an eccentric
or cam upon a rod attached to a bar or lever, also actuated by the key levers. For
the purpose of raising these bars or levers for actuating the "gauge plato" and
ejector," two projections are on the tails of each of the key levers, one projection
to act upon the "gauge plate" bar, and the other to act upon the "ejector" bar.
The projections which act on the " 'gauge plate" bar are adjusted at a greater or
less distance therefrom, so that they give a less or greater movement of the " gauge
plate," according to the size of the types. The projections which act upon the
"
"
ejector" bar are in such a position as to act after the " gauge plate" has been
adjusted. According to a modification, the " gauge plate" may be moved through
the necessary distances to regulate the opening for the types by cams upon rods
from each of the key levers acting upon the "gauge plate" by engaging in openings
therein. To give room for these openings there may be two rows in the " gauge
plate," one above the other, the can of every alternate rod engaging in the upper
and the others in the lower, and a portion of the cam being cut away to allow
of the movement of the "gauge plate."
row,
The second part of the Invention relates to the machine for composing or setting
up type. This machine is constructed as follows:-Tubes (preferably slotted down
one side), each containing one kind of types, are arranged (so that the sides of the
types are presented downwards and their heels or bottoms towards the operator)
over a series of passages which open at bottom immediately at the side of inclines
which guide the types heel downwards to the inclined planes, down which they
pass towards the front of the machine to the part where they are finally "set up."
Between the aforesaid openings are other openings, from which cross openings com-
municate with the first mentioned openings at the bottom thereof. These cross
openings will be slightly wider than the width of the particular type to which
they appertain. Sliding in the said cross openings are push pieces with slots in
them through which pass inclined pieces at the ends of the bars, which bars are
connected at their other extremities to the ends of keys similar in general arrange-
ment to those described in connection with the distributing machine. The inclined

page_text: plane aforesaid down which the types fall has guides on it, preferably arranged so
that one half of the number of types are guided to a side guide at one side of the
inclined plane, and the other half of the number of types are guided to
a side guide at the opposite side of the inclined plane, these two side
guides converging or running towards the front of the machine into one!
guide or groove, before which revolves a wheel similar to one of those
before described in connection with the distributing machine, the projections
thereof passing through a similar notch at the end of the bottom of the guide
which receives the type from the said wheel, this guide being continued and
curved so as to deliver the type to a galley at the side of the front of the
machine, before which galley sits the operator who is to divide the composed type
into lines. The compositor sits before the key board, and the copy being before
him he depresses the keys in the order corresponding to the copy, and the types
are caused to descend as follows:-Supposing the type c to be required, the com-
positor depresses the key c, the rod at its other end being raised the inclined
piece at its upper end forces outward the pusher with which it is connected, which
pusher comes into contact with the type c, which is deposited on its side before it
from the tube containing the types c; the said type c forming the undermost one
of a column of types c, constantly tending downwards by their own weight. The
said type is thereby when pushed outwards, as aforesaid, caused to fall down the
incline before mentioned, and thence pass on its broad side to the inclined plane
and to one of the outer guides and down on to one of the teeth of the revolving
wheel by which it is delivered standing or with its face upwards on to the ledges
at the sides of the notch in the guide, and thence as fresh type descends it is pushed
forward into the guide, and by the continuation of the process a continuous line of
composed type is forced forward to the galley where the operator divides it into
lines, the operation with regard to each type being the same as that described
with regard to the type c. The parts of the machine which act as guides for the
type before the inclined plane is reached, as also the guides from the wheel to the
galley, are of course made of a distance apart so as to accomodate and guide the
type.
In a machine constructed according to this Invention the type being always at
the front of the machine is always under the eye of the compositor, and the
receiving galley also being in front the "copy" may be placed between the
compositor and the operator at the said galley so as to be referred to by both.
Instead of the arrangement hereinbefore described the following may be
employed to allow of several types being released simultaneously by pressing on
several keys at the same time. The type tubes or holders are arranged upon steps
at the sides of one or more inclines, the said steps being one above and behind
the other. The type tubes are held in or over socket pieces so that each type falls
on its side upon the step, and a pusher piece actuated by rods attached to the key
levers is arranged to slide over each step, so that on the depression of a key it will
push the bottom type from the step through an opening in the socket piece (of n
size to permit only one type to pass at a time) and down the incline to the wheel
which sets it face upwards, as before described. The steps may be arranged in
two or more sets side by sido with an incline for each set, the inclines afterwards
running into one guide to the aforesaid wheel and thence to the galley where tho
column of type is finally set up.
In order to dispense with the necessity for "justifying" the lines for the column
by hand spacing the "spaces" (that is, the blank pieces of metal used for filling in
blanks between words and in other places) are made by stamping, casting, or in
other manner, with an opening or openings in them from front to back, so that a
portion of the composed type slightly in excess of a line having been pushed
forward to the galley where the column or page is being made, it can be brought to
the proper width by means of a lever fitted to the side of the galley, which being
brought to bear upon the end of the line will compress it to the proper length, the
openings aforesaid in the "spaces" allowing of this compression by permitting the

page_text: said spaces to yield. To ensure accuracy and for facility of construction the type
receiving wheels of both the distributing and the composing machines may be
made up each of a number of thin steel or other discs, every alternate disc having
upon it ratchet teeth projections, and the others being filling pieces of smaller
diameter, so that the discs with the ratchet teeth project beyond the filling pieces.
One of these wheels will be used for the composing machine, but for the dis-
tributing machine they will be mounted side by side upon a long axle, being
divided by guides for the types at the sides of or between each wheel. The parts
at the end of the inclined plane and the parts whereon the types are received from
the wheels are of a construction similar to that of the wheels, that is to say, they
are made of thin steel or other sheets or plates, each alternate one projecting
beyond the filling piece on each side of it, so that the projecting discs of the wheels
passing through the spaces of the said parts receive and deliver the types in a
manner similar to that described under the other arrangements; this construction
however giving a better resting surface for the types on the projections of the
wheels, and giving such contracted openings for the leaves of such projections to
pass through that there is no danger of the types slipping thereinto.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Frederick Wicks in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 25th
October 1879.
FREDERICK WICKS, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING AND COM-
POSING OR SETTING UP TYPE FOR PRINTING PURPOSES, AND IN THE 'SPACES' TO
BE USED IN SUCH COMPOSING MACHINES."
My said Invention relates principally to apparatus for distributing and composing
or setting up type for printing purposes.
It relates, firstly, to machinery or apparatus for distributing type, that is to say,
for sorting "set up" type into separate receptacles according to their kind.
"
The said machinery or apparatus constructed according to the said first part of
the Invention consists as follows:-The column or page of typo is placed with its
face upwards in a galley and is pressed towards one end thereof where there is a
bar pressed forwards transversely so as to urge the topmost line of the said type
over or opposite a pusher, which I call an 'ejector," which dislodges one type
at a time from the line. The said " ejector" is operated by any one of a set of
finger keys, one of which is provided for each of the letters, spaces, or kinds of
type to be sorted. Each such key also operates inechanism which allows a type of a
given size only to be dislodged, and also mechanism by which the types are guided into
their proper course to their respective receptacles as they fall down an inclined
plane on their broad sides.
The "ejector" dislodges the types by contact with their heels or with their sides.
Where the dislodgement is effected by contact with the heels the "ejector" may be
the upper end of a bar, which upper end is the size or thickness of the thinnest
type, the said bar being connected with finger keys so that the depression of either
of the keys causes the "ejector" to rise and force the endmost type into a "diverger,"
kicker." When the type
the said type displacing in its upward passage a lever or
"
is thrust completely into the "diverger" the "kicker" cants the said typo and
causes it to lie on its side upon the inclined bottom of the "diverger" down which
it falls over the opening through which it passed into a main groove in an inclined
plane from which it is conveyed into one of the respective receptacles for the
distributed types.
When the types are ejected by contact with the side of the types instead of with
the foot as herein before described, the opening through which the type is discharged
from the galley is in this case in the bottom thereof, and immediately above the top
of the inclined plane down which the types fall, and the types as they are pressed
forwards rest on a ledge which is at the side of this opening. The "ejector" slides
through an opening in the channel along which the type passes from the galley, and
operates upon the side of the letter. It is actuated by an eccentric or cam which
is operated as each key is moved so as to cause the said "ejector" to dislodge each
type as it is presented before it.
"
The apparatus for regulating the opening for the passage of the types as the
'ejector" dislodges them consists of what may be termed a
gauge plate," which
is caused to obstruct and free or diminish and extend the opening or recess into
which the types pass, this being effected by the movement of the keys so that the
various keys effect the movement of the "gauge plate" to a greater or less extent
according to the particular kinds of types which the movement of the said keys
dislodges. This movement of the "gauge plate" or a part thereof may be effected by
wedges of different angles or inclines upon the different key rods or bars, which
wedges enter slots in a plato forming a continuation of the gauge plate; or the said

page_text: movement of the gauge plate may be effected by an eccentric or cam upon a rod
attached to a bar or lever acted upon by projections upon the key rods or lovers,
which rods have thereon two projections, one projection to act upon the " gauge
plate" bar, and the other to act upon the " ejector" bar. The projections which
act on the "gauge plate" bar are adjusted to a greater or less distance therefrom so
that they give a less or greater movement of the "gauge plate" according to the
sizes of the types. The projections which act upon the "ejector" bar are in such a
position as to produce the ejectment of the letter after the gauge plate has been
adjusted. Or the "gauge-plate" may be moved through the necessary distances to
regulate the openings for the types by cams upon each of the key rods acting upon
the "gauge plate" by engaging in openings therein. To give room for these
openings there may be two rows in the "gauge plate," one above the other, the cam
of every alternate rod engaging in the upper row, and the others in the lower row,
a portion of all the cams being cut away to allow of the movement of the "
gauge
plate" when acted on by any one of them.
The beforementioned inclined plane or race down which the types pass from the
galley has a main groove from which diverge branch grooves, oue for each kind of
type. The various kinds of type are turned into their respective grooves by means
of pieces constituting guides connected with or operated by the finger key rods.
These guides are so attached to or connected with the rods that they (on the motion
of the said rods) descend, or rise, or are turned so as to obstruct the main groove
and form a continuation of it with the particular branch groove down which the
particular type which has been liberated is to pass. If it be not essential for the
purpose of composing that the letters be placed vertically on their heels the operation
of distribution may stop here, but if it be necessary to place the letters in an
absolutely vertical position I provide at the bottom of the inclined plane or race a
series of type receiving and delivering wheels with fixed projections, preferably
like ratchet teeth, upon their peripheries, the projections being simple or compound
and less in width than the width of the types. These projections of each wheel
pass between other projections at the commencement of the bottom of one of the
guides or receptacles for the distributed types, the base of the guide at this part
forming a slot or slots or openings through which a portion or portions of the ratchet
like teeth on the wheel pass, and the types falling upon the teeth of these wheels are
by their continued revolution delivered from their prostrate or nearly prostrate
position to the said guides in an upright position, and are pressed forwards by
succeeding teeth acting on succeeding types along the receptacles designed for
them.
As already herein stated, where it is not desired to place the types vertically upon
their feet, the herein before mentioned wheels may be dispensed with and the types
may be passed down into the branch grooves which are formed into receptacles of
the proper width to retain the said types in position as they pass thereinto and
along them. I prefer that the galiey from which the composed type is fed to the
machine be arranged at right angles to the inclined plane or race down which they
pass when ejected, so that the types are ejected with their lengths in a line with
the said inclined plane or race.
The second part of my Invention relates to the machine for composing or setting
up type. This machine is constructed as follows:-Tubes (or their equivalents,
such as slotted guides), fixed or moveable, and each containing one kind of types, -
are arranged (so that the side of the types are presented downwards) in proximity
to passages or openings which open at the side or sides of an inclined plane or race
which guides the types heel downwards towards the part where they are finally
"set up." This inclined plane or race has one or more grooves, and the type tubes
or their equivalents are arranged at the sides of these inclined grooves upon a step
and rising one above the other, or step by step, and inclined so as to be at right
angles to the inclined plane or race. The undermost type in each holder rests on
its side upon a step at a higher level than the race down which the types run, and

page_text: a pusher piece of a thickness not more than that of the type to be pushed out is
arranged to slide over the parts of the edges of the inclined plane beneath the type
tubes or their equivalents. These pusher pieces are operated through rods, one for
each type holder by keys, knobs, or finger pieces, each key being marked so as to
denoto which kind of type each key acts upon. By an arrangement of subsidiary
keys I depress several of these single key levers with one touch, so as to set up
combinations of letters.
The sets of type may be arranged in one, two, or more rows side by side
with an inclined groove for each set, the said grooves afterwards running into one
guide to a wheel similar to one of those before described in connection with the
distributing machine, the projections thereof, whether single or compound, passing
through a similar notch or notches at the commencement of the bottom of the guide
which receives the type from the said wheel, and this guide delivers the types to a
galley at the side, before which galley the operator sits who is to divide the
composed type into lines. In order to dispense with the necessity for "justifying'
the lines for the column by hand spacing the "spaces" (that is, the blank pieces of
metal used for filling in blanks between words or in other places) are made by
stamping, casting, or in other suitable manner with an opening or openings in them
so that a portion of the composed type line having been pushed forward (slightly
in excess of the length of line desired) to the galley where the column or page is
being made it can be brought to the proper width by compression, the aforesaid
openings in the "spaces" allowing of this compression by permitting the spaces
to yield.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood I now
proceed more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under
which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being
had to the accompanying Drawing and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say,-
Figure 1 represents in front elevation, and Figure 2 in vertical section the
machine for distributing type constructed according to my Invention; Figures 3 to
12 represent details thereof separately.
The column or page of type to be distributed is placed with its faco upwards in
a galley A, and is pressed towards one end thereof, where there is a bar a of a
thickness not greater than that of the type being treated. The said bar a is
pressed forward transversely by the weight as attached by the cord a passing over
the pulley as to the said bar a to urge the topmost line of type along a guide a²
and on to a ledge opposito the ejector b, which dislodges one type at a time and
causes it to fall down an inclined plane constituting a race C (Figure 1). Figures 3
and 4 represent in plan and side elevation respectively a portion of the said galley A
showing these parts more clearly. The said race C has therein a number of openings,
each forming the commencement of one of the branch grooves or type guides c, the
said guides communicating by the curved portion C with the aforesaid openings in the
race. Each of the said openings is covered by a door d, the tops of which doors form
the bottom of the race. Figure 9 is a plan of a portion of the said race and branch
grooves which divergo from it, and Figure 10 is a transverse section of the same.
The said doors d are formed with lugs or flap pieces hinged at d³ to projecting
ribs at the side of the race. Arranged to slide in guides in the front of the machine
is a series of rods E, one for each door and for each kind of type to be distributed,
cach rod having a key or button e at its top marked with a sign or letter corres-
ponding with that type which is to be passed through the particular door which
the said rod operates. One of these rods E is represented in front elevation in
Figure 11 shewing details which are omitted from Figure 1; Figure 11ª represents
a rod E of a slightly modified construction as hereinafter described. Each of the
said rods passes down between the flap pieces d³ of two contiguous doors d, as
shown more clearly in Figures 9 and 10, the rods represented in these Figures
being like that shewn in Figure 114. The said rods each have thereon a catch e³
capable of turning upon a pin e. The upper end of the said catch e³ is caused to

page_text: project by reason of its lower end being weighted by the weight e³, which may
either form part of or be attached to the tail of the said catch, as shewn in
Figure 11, or be independent and slide upon the rod d, as shewn in Figure 114,
which rod there shewn is squared at this part and formed with a slot e² for the
reception of the catch Upon each of the said rods E are two projections or
studs fand g, the one f on the depression of either of the said rods E bearing
upon and depressing a bar G which is connected by the curved strips g, shown in
Figures 1 and 2, with the framework turning upon centres at g under the
inclined plane formed by the guides c. Connected with this framework g' is a
rod g, shewn at Figure 1, attached at its other end to the eccentric b' (see Figure 6,
which represents a portion of the under part of the galley shewing the back of the
ejector) which turns upon a pivot 63 at the back of the galley A, and bears upon
the sides of a recess 6 in the back of a plate b³ carrying the ejector b, so as to
advance the said ejector at the proper time.
The bar G is situated immediately over the flap pieces d² of the doors d, so as in
descending to bear upon them to close any door which may be open. The projec-
tion 7 upon each of the rods E bears upon a bar F forming part of a framing F¹,
Figure 2, pivoted near the bottom of the machine, and connected by the rod h¹
with an eccentric h² (see Figure 4) engaging in a recess in a gauge plate h (arranged
according to one of the modifications theroof, which is the modification shewn
throughout the Drawings, and which I prefer to employ) and operating thereon in
a manner similar to that described with reference to the ejector b. In Figure 5ª
is represented a form of gauge plate h, having a recess h* cut in it, a greater or
lesser portion of which recess is presented in front of the type to be ejected
according to the width of the type. The ejector b is a thin strip, which may be of
a thickness not greater than the thinnest type to be acted upon. The recess h in
the gauge plate is immediately over the commencement of the race (C), down which
the types descend to the branch grooves or guides (c). This gauge plate may be
worked by an eccentric or by cams or inclines upon the key rods, essentially as or
after the manner hereinafter described.
The projections g are made adjustable to lesser or greater distances from the
bar F so as to give a greater or lesser motion to the said bar F, and consequently
to the gauge plate to advance it to a greater or lesser degree, according to the
different thicknesses of the types. The adjustment may be effected by furnishing
the projections g with set screws as in Figures 1, 2, and 11, or the rods E may be
formed as shewn in Figure 114, that is to say, in parts or lengths connected by
collars E connecting the said lengths by right and left hand screws. By this
means the relative positions of the pins i and f and of the pins ƒ and g can
be adjusted. The rods E after depression are returned by the reaction of the
bars F and G, springs E being provided to prevent the rods E from falling when
not in action. The motion of the rods E in an upward direction is limited by
the stops i, and in a downward direction by adjustable stops j, seo Figures 11
and 11ª.
The ends of the gauge plate h and ejector b (in the modification shewn in Figures
3, 4, 6, 7, and 8) are shewn in perspective in Figure 5. The gauge plate h has a
portion cut out of it at the upper and lower parts of its end so as to leave a
projection, and the ejector b has a cavity b° in its end corresponding to this pro-
jection h so that each type approaches and is retarded in its progress by the
projection of the gauge plate h passing through the cavity be in the ejector b to
a greater or less extent, according to which key rod E is depressed, and consequently
according to the thickness of type to be ejected. By forming the ends of the
cjector b and gauge plate has illustrated in Figure 5, if the said ejector be with-
drawn beyond the guide, and the gauge plate h be advanced for example, so that
its projection h³ gauges the thinnest kind of type, the projections 67 on the ejector
will extend beyond the end of the projection h³ of the gauge plate only so far as
the thickness of letter gauged. If on the other hand projection hs of the gauge
plate is not advanced into the cut away part 6° of the ejector at all, and a large

page_text: sized letter is pushed forward in contact with it then the ejector will present the
full breadth of its two projections b' against the letter to eject it, so that whether
the type be thick or thin the ejector always presents a width equal to the thickness
of the type.
It will be seen by reference to Figure 1 that the galley A and race C are situated
at right angles to each other, both being at an angle of forty five degrees to the
horizon, but in opposite directions, which is the angle I have found to answer best
in practice, but I do not limit myself thereto. The set up type which is to be
distributed is put into the galley A, and as the said set up type is pressed forwards
each end line is pressed to one side by the sliding bar a, and on to the ledge before
the opening C¹ to the race C. The operator depresses the key rods E in the order
corresponding to the order of the types presented before the opening C₁, that is to
say, if the type "T" is before the said opening the operator depresses the key or
rod E bearing the letter "T" on its knob. The said depression causes the catch es
to yield against its weight e and to pass to underneath the flap d' of the door d
which that rod E marked "T" operates, the projection g bears upon the bar F of
the frame F¹ for gauging the type, and the projection f bears upon the bar G
which shuts any door d which may be open, and acting through the rod g³ upon the
ejector withdraws the said ejector into the position shewn in Figure 7, and allows
the type T to come on to the ledge before the opening C¹ to the race C. On the
rod E being released it rises by the reaction of the bars F and G as hereinbeforo
described, and its catch es bearing underneath the flap d of the door d raises the
said door into the position shewn by the dot and pick lines in Figure 11ª and
retains it in that position. The rising of the rod E also urges the ejector b forwards,
as shewn in Figure 8, so that it dislodges the type "T" presented before it. The
said type "T" thus released passes down the inclined plane or race Cover the closed
doors d, forming the bottom thereof, until it arrives at that door d opened as afore-
Baid by that rod E marked "T," and the said type then passes down into the groove
or guide c beneath the said door, as shewn with regard to one of the doors in Figure
12, the said groove or guide c receiving only types of this kind. Supposing the
next type in the line of the set up types pressed towards the ejector is the type "h,"
the ejector being now in its forward position, as shewn in Figure 3, prevents the
advance of the said type "h" until the rod E bearing the letter "h" upon its knob
is depressed, when the actions previously described with reference to the type "T"
are repeated, the type "h" passing into the diverging groove or guide c for types
of this kind, the door d of which is opened by depressing the said rod E marked
"h," the projection f of the said rod E marked "h" by depressing the bar G into
the position shewn in full lines in Figure 10 closing the door d through which the
type "T" passed; the doors d are formed with bulged, curved, or otherwise pro-
jecting under parts (see Figure 12), which parts as the doors close force the types
which have entered the diverging grooves or guides c forwards, to leave room for
the entry of the next type of the same kind. The types of each kind are thus
received into separate grooves or guides c, according to their kind, one kind in each
groove or guide c; the said types are pressed round the curve c³ of the guides in
order to bring them into a level position upon their backs or top sides.
The types as will be understood from the preceding description are eventually so
distributed that each groove or guide c receives types of one particular kind arranged
upon their backs in such a position that they may be at once conveyed therefrom
to the composing machine constituting the second part of my Invention, but if it be
desired to set the types in a vertical position I effect this by so arranging the
doors d that they open from the side of the race (instead of rising) so as to con-
stitute guides for diverging the types to the branch grooves c from the main groove
or race C. This arrangement is illustrated in Figures 13 to 17, Figure 13 repre-
senting a portion of the race C and diverging grooves or guides c continued down
at an incline, as shown, to the bottom of the inclined plane formed thereby. The
doors d are hinged before the openings to the diverging guides or grooves c, and
the opposite edge of the race C is notched or cut out to allow of the doors being

page_text: opened so far as to be clear of the race at their upper ends; the opening of each of
the doors may be effected by a strip k, (as shewn with regard to one of the doors at
Figure 13,) attached at one end to the door and at the other being connected to
the strap of an eccentric, which is so turned on the movement of the key rod E
which is operated to eject the type to be received by the particular diverging
groove or guide c that the said eccentric draws back the said door d, as shown
with regard to another of the doors in Figure 13, causing the said door to obstruct
the main groove or race C and form a continuation of the said main groove with
the particular branch groove c, down which the particular type which has been
liberated has to pass, and the ejected type descends the raco C until it reaches this
open door or guide d, when it passes into the diverging guide or groove c opened
by the said door or guide. In Figure 16 are represented portions of two key
rods E, shewing two of the eccentrics which actuate the doors or guides d, the
said eccentrics being centred upon a series of steps situated beside the race C
and connected to the key rods E, so that on their movement they give the necessary
motion to the eccentrics to cause the opening of the doors d as aforesaid.
Revolving at the bottom of the inclined plane formed by the branch grooves c is
a series of type receiving and delivering wheels L, one of which is represented
separately, in plan drawn to an enlarged scale in Figure 14, and in elevation in
Figure 15, in connection with the commencement of one of the guides l, to which
the said wheels L deliver the distributed types in a vertical position. The said
wheels L are preferably as wide as the type being distributed, and have projecting
from their periphery teeth or projections 1, preferably like ratchet teeth, the said
projections being formed solid or rigid with the body of the wheel L and being of
a width less than that of the types being distributed. There is one of these
wheels L before the bottom of each of the grooves c, and the series may be in one
and constitute a single composite wheel. The projections of each wheel L or of
each series of teeth, as the wheel or cylinder revolves, pass between a slot or nick P
(see Figure 14) of about their own width, formed in the ends of the bottoms of
guides which are of the width of the types, the said slots or nicks > however
being of less width than the types, there are ledges (see Figure 14) in the said
guides on either side of the projections of the wheels L as they pass through the
said slots P. Thus a type descending any one of the branch grooves c is received
by a projection on the wheel L revolving at the bottom thereof, the said type
resting with its width across the said projection 13, as shewn in Figure 15, and by
the continued revolution of the wheel L the sides of the heel of the type which aro
beyond the projection on either side are caught upon the ledges +, and the said
type is left standing thereon, and on other types being deposited thereon by the
said wheel L the types previously deposited are pressed forwards by the succeeding
projections of the wheel L along the said guide l. These guides may lead to the
receptacles which are finally to receive the different kinds of types.
To ensure accuracy, and for facility of construction, the wheels L may be made
up each of a number of thin steel or other discs, as shewn drawn to a larger scale
in Figure 17, every alternate disc 13 having upon it ratchet teeth projections 1, the
other discs being filling pieces, so that the ratchet teeth project beyond the
filling pieces 1. The parts at the ends of the guides whereon the types are
received are of a construction similar to that of the wheels, that is to say, they are
made up of sheets or plates of thin steel or other material, each alternate one 17
projecting beyond the filling pieces on each side of it, so that the projecting discs
of the wheels L passing through the spaces between the said plates / receive and
deliver the types in the same manner as with the solid wheels L herein first
described; this construction in discs or plates, however, gives a better resting
surface for the types on the projections of the wheels L, and producing such small
openings for the passage of the said projections in delivering the types to the
guides that there is no danger of the types slipping thereinto.
If it be desired to deposit the distributed types upon their sides instead of upon
their backs or their heels, I effect this by the means illustrated in Figure 18. Tho

page_text: race C and doors d are similar to those shewn in Figure 13, and the latter may be
operated in the same manner. They each open communication between the race C
and one of the branch grooves or guides c which are inclined downwards for a
distance, as shewn, and then continue in a horizontal direction, so that the types
us they descend into these grooves c pass along the inclined portions and eventually
are pressed forwards by succeeding types into the horizontal portion of the said
guides c. A rhomboid shaped piece of metal may be placed at the end of each row
of distributed types, as shewn at m in Figure 18, the said piece of metal tending to
give the types which are in the grooves or guides c an inclination corresponding
with that taken by the open door d, that the entry of a type through a door d into
a groove or guide c is not impeded by the types which preceded it. This piece of
metal m may also be employed in the diverging grooves c of the arrangement,
Figures 1 to 12.
The details and modes of operation may be varied in many cases; for instance,
although I prefer that the galley A holding the type to be distributed and the
race C shall be at the relative angles with themselves and with the horizon herein-
before mentioned, and as represented in Figure 1, yet the said galley A may be
horizontal, and the types ejected by contact of the ejector b with their foot instead
of with their sides, and the plate h, which gauges the opening for the passage of
the types, may be arranged to narrow or widen the opening through which the
types are pushed up.
In Figure 19 I have shewn a portion of a galley A, shewing the ejector b and the
gauge plate h in these respective positions. The gauge plate h and ejector b may
be operated in this case by means of wedges n (see Figure 20) fixed one upon each
of the key rods E, and engaging in slots, as at h, in a bar h³ forming a continuation
of the gauge plate h. These wedges n are of various angles, according to the types
which they have to gnuge, so that the movement of a key rod E will shift the
gauge plate h to a greater or less extent, leaving an opening of the requisite size
for the passage of that size or thickness of type which corresponds with the key
operated; or the gauge plate may be moved through the necessary distances to
regulate the opening for the types by cams n2 upon the key rods E or their con-
nections, as shewn in Figure 21, which represents a portion of the gauge plate and
one of the key rods E. The said cams n³ act upon the gauge plate by engaging in
openings he therein. The cams n³ have a portion cut away, as shewn, to allow of
the movement of the gauge plate. The openings he in the gauge plate, instead of
being in one row, as shewn, may be in two rows, one above the other, the cam n
on every alternate rod engaging in the upper row, and the others in the lower.
The ejector b in the arrangement, Figure 19, may be operated from a bar or frame
essentially similar to that operating the ejector of the machine, Figures 1 and 2.
The said ejector burges up the type presented before it, so that it enters an attach-
ment P, which I call a "diverger," situated at the top of the race C, the said type
displacing in its upward passage a lever or "kicker" p, as indicated by the dot
and pick lines. When the type is thrust completely into the diverger the
"kicker" p, by bearing on the upper end of the type (which is no longer supported
at its side) cants up the said type at its lower end, and causes it to lie on its side
upon the inclined bottom of the diverger P, the said inclined bottom being a
continuation of the race C, so that the type falls over the opening in the diverger,
through which it passed, and thence down the race to be received in its proper
branch groove c, as herein before described.
The key rods E, instead of being actuated by being directly depressed, may, it
will be evident, be acted upon by the tails of key lovers similar to those of a
keyed musical instrument, having keyboards such as those of a pianoforte or organ,
and the rods E will then be caused to rise. The attachments which actuate the gauge
plate and ejector will of course in this case be so arranged that this raising instead
of the depression of the rods E will give the necessary motions, but the means for
effecting these motions will be essentially the same as those previously described.
In Figure 16 I have shewn the rods E as being acted upon by the tails of such

page_text: key levers Es, so as to raise them, the said levers also acting upon a bar G¹, which
actuates the ejector b through the rod g. The attachments of the rods E in
Figures 16 and 20 are also shown, as being arranged to actuate the gauge plate by
a rising motion.
The distributing machine herein before described may be constructed with any
desired number of key rods E, and branch grooves c, for distributing any desired
number of types, and there may be one or more branch grooves c, down each of
which those types which but rarely occur are passed to a general receptacle or
receptacles to be afterwards sorted, types of the same width being passed into the
same receptacle; or they may be caused to descend the race C, and fall from its
lower end into the said receptacle.
Although I have shewn the race C as being inclined at an angle of forty five
degrees to the horizon, which is the angle I prefer, yet I do not limit myself to
that angle, as the said race C inay be arranged at any angle with the horizon and
with the galley A which may be convenient in practice; for example, the said race
may be placed vertically, the mechanism for operating the parts of the machine
being essentially similar to that herein before described.
Figures 22 to 39 illustrate the second part of my Invention, namely, that relating
to the machine for composing or setting up type, Figure 22 being a side elevation
of the machine, and the remaining Figures being details hereinafter described.
The race Q, down which the types fall to the place where they are finally set up,
consists of two grooves q, q¹, as seen more clearly in the cross section (drawn to an
enlarged scale) of the said race, Figure 23, the said grooves being separated by the
thin steel plate q². The said race Q is inclined to an angle of preferably forty five
degrees to the horizon, and terminates at its lower part in a nose piece Q', which is
shewn in vertical section in Figure 24, and in longitudinal section in Figure 25.
Towards the end of the race Q one of the grooves q, q', is led to a lower level than
the other, as shewn in Figure 24, and thereafter the said two grooves q, q', incline
towards each other, as illustrated in Figure 25, so that near the end of the nose
piece Qone of them is immediately over the other. The bottom of the top groove
terminates at this point, so that the types descending along the top groove will at
this point fall into the lower groove, and thus all types descending along either
groove q or q' will eventually emerge from the same opening q³, forming the outlet
of the said grooves q, q', from the said nose piece Q. The type holders Ŕ consist of
grooved or slotted bars, as shewn more clearly in Figure 26, which represents a
sectional plan of a portion of the said holders R, the width of the slots in the said
holders being not less than the thickness of types to be composed. They are secured
to the sides of the race Q step by step one above the other, and at the outer side of
and at right angles to the length of each of the grooves q, q, and the types are held
in the grooves of these holders R, as seen in Figure 26, so that the bottom type in
each bolder rests on its side upon a slight step or raised portion g' at either side of
the said race. At the bottom of each type holder is an opening r, which is shewn
also in Figure 27, which represents the lower parts of some of the holders R, as seen
from the inside of the race. The openings are of such a height, according to the
widths of the types contained in the holders, that they will not admit of the passage
of more than one of the types at the same time. Pusher pieces S (shewn separately
in elevation, seen at right angles to each other in Figures 28 and 29, and in plan in
Figure 30) are pivotted beneath the race Q, one pusher piece for each of the type
holders, as shewn in the side view of a portion of the race, Figure 31. Their tails
are connected at 8 by rods 81, see Figure 22, connected to the ends of key levers &³,
two of which are shown separately in Figures 32 and 33. The said levers & are
provided with keys or knobs &³, each bearing a letter or sign corresponding to the
type in the holder R, before which the pusher S actuated by the depression of the
particular knob or key is situated. The nose of each pusher piece S has the same
angle as the ruce Q, and by the depression of its key is urged inwards and over the
step 9', as shewn with regard to one of the pushers in Figure 23, 50 as to eject
the type lying before it from the step 9' through the opening r and into one of the

page_text: grooves q, ql, of the race Q. The key knobs g³ may be arranged in two rows, ng
illustrated in Figures 32 and 33, where one key of each row is shown, the one row
being for causing the ejectment of the types on one side of the race Q, and the other
row for the ejectment of the types on the other side of the said race.
Revolving on pivots in a bracket piece t at the outlet q³ from the race at tho
nose piece Q¹ is a wheel T, similar to one of those of the series L, herein before
described as being used in the distributing machine. This wheel T is shewn sepa-
rately in side elevation in Figure 36, and in end elevation in Figure 37. Figure 38
is a plan shewing the said wheel T and its shaft 3, and the pivots t and bracket t
carrying the said wheel. Motion of revolution is given to the said shaft by a band
passed over a pulley t, as shewn in Figures 22 and 38, the said band being also
passed over a pulley upon a shaft t (Figure 22) driven by any suitable motor, the
projections to of the wheel T in revolving passing through a notch or slot in the
commencement of the guides U, along which the composed types pass to the galley,
the said types being received from the wheel T upon ledges at the sides of the notch
in the same manner as that herein before described with regard to the notches ³ in
the commencement of the guides in the distributing machine. Figure 37 shows a
transverse section of the commencement of the said guide U, together with the
wheel T, passing through the notch t therein. The wheel T and the part at the
commencement of the guide U may be made in thin discs or plates with intervening
filling pieces, as described with regard to the wheels and guides of the distributing
machine, and as illustrated also in Figures 38 and 39. The columns of types in the
holders R have weights V, Figures 22 and 26, constructed as shewn or in other
suitable manner, so as to bear upon the heels of the types only.
In working the machine, the operator sits before the key board, and the " 'copy"
⚫ being before him, he depresses the keys in the order corresponding to the copy,
and the types are thereby ejected by the pushers S into the grooves q, q', of the
race Q, one after the other, and they descending the said grooves q, q', issue fro:n
the outlet q³ from the nose piece Q1, and are received upon a projection to of the
revolving wheel T, and are successively delivered, standing face upwards on to the
ledges at the sides of the notch in the guide U, along which the succeeding
projection to of the wheel T presses them forwards to a galley, and thus a continuous
line of composed type is forced forwards to the said galley where it is divided into
lines by ordinary spacing, or by the means hereinafter described.
In order to allow of the ejection from the type holders of two or more types at
once, I may, as shewn in Figures 34 and 35, employ one key to effect this by
attaching this key to a bar & hinged at the side of the machine or at the back, by
strips either as at 8 or at 80, the said bars having thereon projections 87, which bear
when the said key is depressed upon those of the key levers which will cause the
ejection of the desired types at one time. The types are arranged in such order
that those ejected by these "combination keys" will emerge from the race in their
proper order. Any convenient number of these combination keys may be employed,
the keys or knobs upon them being marked with letters or signs corresponding
with the types which will be ejected by their depression. In Figure 35, several
bars 8 of combination keys are indicated as situated beside that illustrated in the
said Figure 35.
The parts of the machine which act as guides for the types, are of course of such
capacity according to the class of type being treated with, as to accomodate and
guide the said types in their progress; and to keep the types in position, and
prevent their turning, brakes w (as shown in Figure 24) may be provided in the
nose piece Q, and near the bottoms of the grooves q, q', of the race Q, to bear
lightly upon the said types, the said brakes being adjusted so as to bear on the
types sufficiently to prevent their turning, but not to such an extent, as to impede
their progress down the grooves in the race Q and nose piece Q'.
In order to dispense with the necessity for "justifying" the lines for the column
of set up type by hand spacing, I make the "spaces" (that is, the blank pieces of
metal used for filling in blanks between words and in other places), by stamping,

page_text: casting, or in other suitable manner with an opening or openings in them from front
to back. Figure 40 illustrates spaces on an enlarged scale, so formed with openings
therethrough of various forms, the said openings being marked x. A line of
composed type slightly in excess of a line of the column being formed, having been
pushed forward from the composing machine along the guides U to the galley
where the column or page is being made, it can be brought to the proper width by
pressure, the aforesaid openings in the spaces allowing of the compression of the
said line by the yielding of the said spaces. In Figure 41 I have shewn a plan of
a galley Y, into which leads the guide U for the composed type, the part at y
immediately opposite the opening of the said guide being wider than the column,
being made to allow a line of type longer than the width of the column being moved
forward from the guides as shewn at y² in Figure 41, where the shaded portions
represent the spaces. Hinged to any suitable part of the framework supporting the
galley Y is a lever Z, having attached to it a bar a sliding in a slotted guide in lino
with the type to be compressed. By pressing this bar z inwards by means of the
lever Z, the line of type is compressed to the width of the column, as shewn at y³.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the same is or may be
used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefor claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The arrangement and combination of parts constituting the machine for
distributing type as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying
Drawings, whether the same be constructed to deliver the types in position upon
their feet, upon their backs, or upon their sides, according to the several modifica-
tions set forth.
Second. The arrangements of parts constituting the various modifications of
mechanism for ejecting the types, and for gauging the opening through which the
said types are to be ejected, essentially as herein before described with i.erence to
Figures 3, 4, 5, 54, 6, 7, 8, 20, and 21 of the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The arrangement of the main race and the galley for holding the types to
be distributed by side ejection as shewn at Figures 1 and 4, and herein before
described in reference thereto.
Fourth. The guides or doors d described with reference to Figures 9 to 12 of the
accompanying Drawings for diverging the types from the main race to the branch
grooves or guides, that is to say, doors forming when closed the bottom of a
straight race, and when opened, forming guides for diverging the types into the
branch grooves or guides.
Fifth. The "diverger" illustrated in and described with reference to Figure 19
of the accompanying Drawings, for turning the ejected types into the line of the
race, essentially as described.
Sixth. The wheel L, that is to say, a wheel (whether formed singly or in a
series), having thereon projections solid therewith, essentially as and for the purpose
herein beforo described with reference to Figures 13, 14, and 15 of the accompanying
Drawings. Also the construction of the said wheels and the parts at the commence-
ment of the type guides through which they pass in plates or discs as described
with reference to Figure 17 of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventh. The arrangement and combination of parts constituting the machine
for composing or "setting up" type, essentially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Eighth. The arrangement of the race and the type holders in relation to each
other, essentially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 22 and 23 of
the accompanying Drawings, that is to say, the type holders R being at the side or
sides of the race Q.
Ninth. The employment in composing machines of a straight inclined race down
which the types descend to the part of the machine where they are set on end,

page_text: whether the said race be formed with one, two, or more grooves therein, essentially
as herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Tenth. The relative arrangement of the grooves q, q', of the race, whereby the
said grooves are led into one outlet, essentially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated in Figures 24 and 25 of the accompanying Drawings.
Eleventh. The employment in composing machines of the wheel T for placing
the types on their heels, and moving them forward, that is to say, a wheel having
formed solid therewith projections for receiving the said types, whether the said
wheels be constructed or formed in one, essentially as illustrated in Figures 24, 36,
and 37, or whether the said wheel and the end of the type guides through which
the said projections pass be formed of plates or discs, with filling pieces between,
essentially as shewn in Figures 38 and 39.
Twelfth. The employment in composing machines of "combination keys,"
essentially as described with reference to Figures 34 and 35 of the accompanying
Drawings.
"
Thirteenth. The type "spaces described with reference to Figure 40 of the
accompanying Drawings, that is to say, spaces constructed with openings or cut
away parts, to allow the compression of the said spaces, essentially as described.
Fourteenth. The arrangement of galley and compressing lover, essentially as
described with reference to Figure 41 of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick Wicks, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty second day of October, in the year of our Lord Ono
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
WTARZA
FREDERICK WICKS. (IS.)