Improvements in or relating to Linotype Machines.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Dec., 1894
:
Complete Specification Left, 24th Aug., 1895-Accepted, 19th Oct., 1895
*Improvements in or relating to Linotype Machines.
A communication by OTTMAR Mergenthaler, of Baltimore, in the County of
*Baltimore and State of Maryland, United States of America.
"'
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, FICS., M.I.ME., of The Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 31 High Holborn in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do "hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
i
This invention relates to the Mergenthaler linotype machine of the form shown
in Letters Patent granted to me, No. 14582, dated September 16, 1890
In that machine, the matrices to be subsequently collected and assembled in line,
are arranged in channels in an inclined magazine, from which they are delivered
one at a time, by escapement devices connected with the finger keys, the matrices
after being released descending through intermediate channels in their course, to
the assembling point.
The present invention is directed more particularly to an improved finger-key
mechanism for operating the escapement; to means for speedily connecting and
disconnecting the rods through which the escapements are actuated, in order that
the magazine carrying the escapements may be readily removed from the machine
in order to permit the application of a magazine containing matrices for characters
of a different face or design; to means for speedily connecting and disconnecting
the guiding channels or passages through which the matrices are delivered from
the magazine, and to means for sustaining the transparent cover in front of said
channels.
.
The drawings berein are limited to such portions of the 'Mergenthaler machine
as are necessary for an understanding of the present improvement and reference
may be had to the drawings of the above mentioned Patent for the other details of
the machine.
Referring to the drawings:-
Figure is a front elevation of the magazine and composing or assembling
mechanism.
Figure 2 is,a side elevation of the same, with the parts in operative relations.
Figure 3 is a like elevation with the parts disconnected to permit removal of the
magazine.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the key-board and its connections, with parts
broken away to show the internal construction in vertical section.
Figure 5 is a vertical cross section through the key-board cam mechapism
showing the parts in one side in.action and on the other-side at rest.
Figure 6. is a horizontal section on the line 6-6 Figures 4 and 5 looking
downward.
Figure 7 is a perspective view, showing in perspective one of the finger-keys
and its principal connections.
Figure 8 is a view looking downward from the line 8-8 Figures 2 and 3 and
showing the movable guide for the key-board bars..
Figure 9 is a vertical cross-section on the correspondingly numbered line of the
preceding figure showing the devices for guiding the upper ends of the key rods
and throwing them into and out of engagement with the escapement devices.

page_text: Figure 10 is a side view of one of the key-board cams, through which the
escapement devices are actuated, showing particularly its sliding stop-pin.
A represents the magazine or matrix-holder which may be of any suitable form,
but which as represented herein consists of top and bottom plates rigidly connected
by separating or spacing blocks and provided in their inner faces with grooves or
channels to receive the edges of the matrices, which are guided through the
magazine from its upper to its lower end. The body of the magazine is attached
to and sustained by an underlying frame or plate B, which serves to keep it from
twisting and to sustain it on the main frame B, of the machine. At the lower
end the magazine is provided with escapement C, one for each channel, consisting of
the centrally pivotted lever provided at its end with two pawls or dogs, cc, which
are projected by the vibration of the lever upward through the bottom plate of
the magazine alternately, in order to permit the escape of the matrices one at a
time only. Each escapement is acted upon by a spring e, which tends to depress
the upper pin. The position of the escapement lever to discharge a matrix is
reversed by means of a rod D, the upper end of which is hooked into a notch in
the rear end of the lever as shown.
This series of rods, one for each escapement, is mounted permanently in the
main frame and guided vertically, each rod being pulled downward when released
by means of a spring, E, connected to its upper end. To effect the lifting of the
rod, which causes the action of the escapement, the key mechanism shown in
Figures 4 to 8 inclusive is provided.
Each rod stands at its lower end over the end of a horizontal actuating lever F,
moving on a horizontal pivot f, at its outer ends, the lever being sustained normally
in an elevated position by the end of a pawl G, the opposite end of which enters a
notch in the vertically sliding bar H, notched to receive one end of a finger-key I,
which is centrally pivotted in the main frame, so that when the front end of the
finger key is depressed, the dog is thrown from under the actuating lever F, and
the latter permitted to fall. Each actuating lever contains in a vertical slot
therein, a cam J turning in a horizontal pivot, and overlying a constantly rotating
roll K, which extends across the key-board from one side to the other, underneath
the entire series of cams. Each cam contains a transverse sliding pin L, acted
upon by a spring M, which tends to keep one end of the pin projected beyond the
periphery of the cam, as shown in Figures 4 and 9. When the actuating levers
are in the elevated position, shown in the left hand in Figure 4, and the right hand
in Figure 5, the cam pins bear against an overlying bar N, in the main frame,
holding the cams in such position that they are prevented from dropping down into
contact with the rollers. While the parts are in this position, the cams are inactive
and the escapements remain at rest. When, however, the key is depressed and the
actuating lever F permitted to fall, the cam is permitted to fall with the actuating
lever so that it contacts with the roller, the same action disengaging its stop pin R,
from the bar above. The frictional action of the roller causes the cam to revolve
on its pivot, and the cam, owing to its form, acts to lift the actuating lever F, not
only to, but above its original and normal position, whereby the lever is caused to
act against the lower end of the rod H, as shown in Figure 5, lifting the rod
against the resistance of spring E, so that its upper end reverses the position of
the escapement and causes a discharge of the niatrix. As the cam continues its
rotation, the actuating lever is again lowered, but is arrested in its descent by the
dog G, at its original position, allowing the pin to stop against the bar and prevent
further rotation of the cam, and also allowing the rod H to stop in its original
position.
In order to secure the action of the dogs, springs O are arranged to act with
depressing effect on the bars H, but it is to be understood that these springs are
not necessary.
.
It is to be observed that in the above organization, the movement of the
escapement actuating rods, is effected mechanically and positively and that the
finger-keys serve only to unlock the operative parts. This is the distinguishing

page_text: characteristic of the mechanism, and it may be embodied in a great variety of
forms having essentially the same mode of action, the only requirement being that
the finger-keys. shall be arranged to bring into action mechanism by which the
work in view is actually performed. The cams may be varied in form, supported
in any suitable manner and combined with trip devices and finger-keys arranged in
any way which will cause the cams to be thrown alternately in and out of action.
It will of course be understood that the operating mechanism herein described
may be used not only in connection with this special form of escapements herein
shown, but with any other equivalent devices arranged to effect the release of the
matrices.
As the magazine as a whole is simply rested or supported on top of the main
frame, and adapted to be lifted off at will, it is necessary to provide some means
for quickly throwing the actuating rods H out of engagement with the escapement
levers and quickly throwing into engagement again when the magazine is to be
removed and replaced. The upper ends of the rods are therefore extended through
slots or notches in a guiding frame P, arranged to slide forward and backward
horizontally on the main frame, and provided with arms p, connected to crank p¹
on a rockshaft p², which is mounted horizontally in bearings on the main frame
and provided at one end with an operating handle p³, by means of which the
guide frame 1 may be moved forward and backward so as to throw all the bars at
the same instant into or out of engagement with the escapement. Spring p,
acting on the arms of the frame P, tends to hold it forward so as to maintain
the engagement of the parts. In order that the frame I may be guided so as to
prevent lateral movement, and insure the guiding of each rod to its proper place,
the frame is provided with projections i, arranged as shown in Figure 9, to enter
notched blocks or arms i", fixed rigidly to the under side of the magazine. The
engagement of these parts insures the instantaneous and accurate alignment of all
the escapements with their actuating rods. The essence of the invention in this
regard consists in controlling the rod by an adjustable guide, and it is to be
understood that the details may be varied at will, providing only a mode of action
analogous to that above described is observed.
On emerging from the magazine, the matrices fall through passages or channels
in a connecting guide R, and thence through lower channels in a guide S, whence
they pass a point of assemblage in the ordinary manner. In order to permit the
ready removal and replacement of the magazine and to permit the ready inspection
of the interior of the magazine, at its mouth, the channelled guide plate R is
hinged to the main frame at r, so that it can be turned downward and forward
from its normal position shown in Figure 2, away from the mouth of the magazine,
to the position shown in Figure 3.
In order to hold the framer in place when in use, it is mounted on the spring
arms, and provided at the upper edge with a projecting lip or rib adapted to
enter a corresponding groove, in the lower end of the magazine.
The spring arms serve to push the plate upward and keep its lip in
engagement. When it is to be turned out a moderate pressure is applied,
sufficient to overcome the elasticity of the arms, and permit the disengagement
of the lip.
Obviously any other form of locking or fastening device may be employed.
The springs are, however, advantageous in that they serve to hold the parts
under all circumstances in close connection. The division plates or ribs between
the channels of the plate R, are divided at their lower ends, as shown at 7,
Figure 1, to fit over the upper ends of the ribs in the plate S. thus avoiding the
existence of any shoulders or projections against which the matrices could strike
in descending.
The channel plates are both covered at the front by an overlying glass plate I,
suspended at its upper end by horizontal pivots t, in arms projecting from the
guide plate R, so that when the latter is turned forward the glass plate is carried
forward and downward to the position shown in Figure 3. The movement of

page_text: the parts when thus turned is limited by a supporting arm U pivoted to the main
frame and forked at its upper end so that it may be turned forward or outward
from its folded position to a position in which its forked end will receive and
Sustain the glass supporting arms.
Dated this 17th day of December 1894.
A communication by OTTMAR MERGENTHALER, of Baltimore, in the County of
Baltimore and State of Maryland, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S., M.I.M.E. of The Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street, Liverpool and 6 Bank Street, Manchester
both in the County of Lancaster, 118 New Street, Birmingham in the County of
Warwick and 31 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, 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:-
This invention relates to the Mergenthaler linotype machine of the form shown
in Letters Patent granted to my correspondent, No. 14582, dated September 16,
1890.
In that machine, the matrices to be subsequently collected and assembled in line,
are arranged in channels in an inclined magazine, from which they are delivered
one at a time, by escapement devices connected with the finger keys, the matrices
after being released descending through intermediate channels in their course, to
the assembling point.
The present invention is directed more particularly to an improved finger-key
mechanism for operating the escapement; to means for speedily connecting and
disconnecting the rods through which the escapements are actuated, in order that
the magazine carrying the escapements may be readily removed from the machine
in order to permit the application of a magazine containing matrices for characters
of a different face or design; to means for speedily connecting and disconnecting
the guiding channels or passages through which the matrices-are delivered from the
magazine, and to means for sustaining the transparent cover in front of said
channels.
The drawings herein are limited to such portions of the Mergenthaler
machine as are necessary for an understanding of the present improvement and
reference may be had to the drawings of the above mentioned Patent for the other
details of the machine.
Referring to the drawings accompanying the Provisional Specification
Figure is a front elevation of the magazine and composing or assembling
mechanism.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same, with the parts in operative relations.
Figure 3 is a like elevation with the parts disconnected to permit removal of the
magazine.
Figure
is a side elevation of the key-board and its connections with parts
broken away to show the internal construction in vertical section.
Figure 5 is a vertical cross section through the key-board cam mechanism
showing the parts in one side in action and on the other side at rest.
Figure 6 is a horizontal section on the line 6-6, Figures 4 and 5, looking
downward.

page_text: Figure 7 is a perspective view, showing in perspective one of the finger-keys and…
its principal connections.
Figure 8 is a view looking downward from the line 8-8;. Figures 2 and 3, and
showing the movable guide for the key-board bars.
Figure 9 is a vertical cross-section on the correspondingly numbered line of the
preceding figure showing the devices for guiding the upper ends of the key rods
and throwing them into and out of engagement with the escapement devices.
Figure 10 is a side view of one of the key-board cams, through which the
escapement devices are actuated, showing particularly its sliding stop-pin.
A represents the magazine or matrix-holder which may be of any suitable-form;
but which as represented herein consists of top and bottom plates rigidly con-
nected by separating or spacing blocks and provided in their inner faces with
grooves or channels to receive the edges of the matrices, which are guided through
the magazine from its upper to its lower end The body of the magazine" is
attached to and sustained by an underlying frame or plate A, which serves to
keep it from twisting and to sustain it on, the main frame of the machine. At
the lower end, the magazine is provided with escapements C, one for each channel,
consisting of the centrally pivotted lever provided at its end with two pawls.or
logs cc which are projected. by the vibration of the lever upward through the
bottom plate of the magazine_alternately, in order to permit the escape of the
matrices one at a time only. Each escapement is acted upon by a spring which
tends to.depress the upper pin. The position of the escapement lever to discharge.
a matrix is reversed by means of a rod D, the upper end of which is hooked into.
a notch in the rear end of the lever as-shown.
This series of rods, one for each escapement, is mounted permanently in the
main frame and guided vertically, each rod being pulled downward when released
by means of a spring E, connected to its upper end. To effect the lifting of the
rod, which causes the action of the escapement, the key mechanism shown in
Figures 4 to 8 inclusive is provided.
Each rod stands at its lower end over the end of a horizontal actuating lever F,
moving on a horizontal pivot f, at its outer ends, the lever being sustained normally
in an elevated position by the end of a pawl G, the opposite end of which enters
a notch in the vertically sliding bar H, notched to receive one end of a finger-key I,
which is centrally pivotted in the main frame, so that when the front end of the
finger key is depressed, the dog is thrown from under the actuating lever F, and
the latter permitted to fall. Each actuating lever contains in a vertical slot
therein, a cam J turning in a horizontal pivot, and overlying a constantly rotating
roll K, which extends across the keyboard from one side to the other, underneath
the entire series of cams. Each cam contains a transverse sliding pin L, acted
upon by a spring M, which tends to keep one end of the pin projected beyond the
periphery of the cam, as shown in Figures 4 and 10. When the actuating levers
are in the elevated position, shown in the left hand in Figure 4, and the right band
in Figure 5, the cam pins bear against an overlying bar N, in the main frame,
holding the cams in such position that they are prevented from dropping down into
contact with the rollers. While the parts are in this position, the cams are inactive
and the escapements remain at rest. When, however, the key is depressed and
the actuating lever F permitted to fall, the cam is permitted to fall with the
actuating lever so that it contacts with the roller, the same action disengaging its
stop pin L from the bar above. The frictional action of the roller causes the cam
to revolve on its pivot, and the cam, owing to its form, acts to lift the actuating
lever F, not only to but above its original and normal position, whereby the lever
is caused to act against the lower end of the rod H, as shown in Figure 5, lifting
the rod against the resistance of spring E, so that its upper end reverses the
position of the escapement and causes a discharge of the matrix. As the cam
continues its rotation, the actuating lever is again lowered, but is arrested in its
descent by the dog G, at its original position, allowing the pin to stop against the

page_text: bar and prevent further rotation of the cam, and also allowing the rod H to stop
in its original position.
In order to secure the action of the dogs, springs 0 are arranged to act with
depressing effect on the bars H, but it is to be understood that these springs are
not necessary.
It is to be observed that in the above organisation, the movement of the
escapement actuating rods, is effected mechanically and positively and that the
finger-keys serve only to unlock the operative parts. This is the distinguishing
characteristic of the mechanism, and it may be embodied in a great variety of
forms having essentially the same mode of action, the only requirement being that
the finger-keys shall be arranged to bring into action mechanism by which the
work in view is actually performed. The cams may be varied in form, supported
in any suitable manner and combined with trip devices and finger-keys arranged in
any way which will cause the cams to be thrown alternately in and out of action.
It will of course be understood that the operating mechanism herein described may
be used not only in connection with this special form of escapements herein shown,
but with any other equivalent devices arranged to effect the release of the
matrices.
As the magazine as a whole is simply rested or supported on top of the main
frame, and adapted to be lifted off at will, it is necessary to provide some means
for quickly throwing the actuating rods D out of engagement with the escapement
levers and quickly throwing into engagement again when the magazine is to be
removed and replaced. The upper ends of the rods are therefore extended through
slots or notches in a guiding frame P, arranged to slide forward and backward
horizontally on the main frame, and provided with arms p, connected to crank pl
on a rockshaft p2, which is mounted horizontally in bearings on the main frame and
provided at one end with an operating handle po, by means of which the guide
frame P may be moved forward and backward so as to throw all the bars at the
same instant into or out of engagement with the escapement. Spring p* acting on
the arms of the frane P, tends to hold it forward so as to maintain the engage-
ment of the parts. In order that the frame P may be guided so as to prevent
lateral movement, and insure the guiding of each rod to its proper place, the
frame is provided with projections, arranged as shown in Figure 9, to enter
notched blocks or arms, fixed rigidly to the underside of the magazine. The
engagement of these parts insures the instantaneous and accurate alignment of all
the escapements with their actuating rods. The essence of the invention in this
regard consists in controlling the rod by au adjustable guide, and it is to be
understood that the details may be varied at will, providing only a mode of action
analogous to that above described is observed.
On emerging from the magazine, the matrices fall through passages or chaunels
in a connecting guide R, and thence through lower channels in a guide S, whence
they pass a point of assemblage in the ordinary manner. In order to permit the
ready removal and replacement of the magazine and to permit the ready inspection
of the interior of the magazine, at its mouth, the channelled guide plate R is hinged
to the main frame at r, so that it can be turned downward and forward from its
normal position shown in Figure 2, away from the mouth of the magazine, to the
position shown in Figure 3.
In order to hold the frame in place when in use, it is mounted on the spring
arms ³, and provided at the upper edge with a projecting lip or rib adapted to
enter a corresponding groove in the lower end of the magazine.
The spring arms serve to push the plate upward and keep its lip in engagement.
When it is to be turned out a moderate pressure is applied, sufficient to overcome
the elasticity of the arms, and permit the disengagement of the lip.
Obviously any other form of locking or fastening device may be employed. The
springs, are, however, advantageous in that they serve to hold the parts under all
circumstances in close connection. The division plates or ribs between the channels

page_text: of the plate R, are divided at their lower ends, as shown in 7, Figure 1, to fit over
the upper ends of the ribs in the plate S, thus avoiding the existence of any shoulders
or projections against which the matrices could strike in descending.
The channel plates are both covered at the front by an overlying glass plate T,
suspended at its upper end by horizontal pivots t, in arms projecting from the
guide plate R, so that when the latter is turned forward, the glass plate is carried
forward and downward to the position shown in Figure 3. The movement of the
parts when thus turned is limited by a supporting arm U pivoted to the main
frame and forked at its upper end so that it may be turned forward or outward
from its folded position to a position in which its forked end will receive and sustain
the glass supporting arms.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In combination with the escapement device and its actuating rod, the actuating
lever carrying an eccentric, the continuously driven roll thereunder and the finger-
key mechanism for sustaining and releasing the lever, whereby the eccentric is held
normally out of contact with the roller and the action of the keys is caused to throw
into action the eccentric for operating the escapement.
2. In combination with the escapement operating rods, the actuating levers, their
eccentrics, the constantly driven rolls, dogs to sustain the levers, the finger-keys
and connections thence to the dogs.
3. Ir combination with the escapement operating rods, the springs connected.
thereto, the actuating levers, their eccentrics, the rolls, the finger-key mechanism to
sustain the lever and the stop-pin movably mounted in the eccentric.
4. In combination with the escapement actuating rod D, the actuating lever, its
eccentrics provided with a movable stop, the constantly driven roll, the lever
sustaining dog, the dog actuating bar and a finger-key connected thereto.
5. In combination with type releasing devices, an actuating mechanism, consistiug
of cams, carrying arms, rolls to turn the cams and thereby actuate the levers, means
for holding the cams normally out of operative contact with the rolls, and finger-keys
to trip them into action.
6. In combination with the magazine and its series of escapement levers, the
series of operating rods and means for throwing said rods into and out of engagement
simultaneously.
7. In combination with the magazine and the series of escapements, the series of
operating rods, the guide plate through which they pass, and the rockshaft and its
arms and for adjusting said plates.
8. In combination with the magazine, its escapements, and their actuating rods,
the movable guide frame through which they pass, said frame adapted to engage
the magazine and secure lateral alignment of the parts.
9. In combination with the magazine, a channelled mouth-piece hinged to
swing to and from its operative position in order to expose the mouth of the
magazine.
10. In combination with the main frame, the magazine detachably connected
thereto and the channeled mouth-piece or guide hinged to swing from its operative
position, and the spring arms whereby it is sustained.
11. In combination with the magazine and the hinged channeled mouth-piece,
the front plate T, hinged to the mouth-piece.
Dated this 21st day of August. 1895.
•