Improvements in the Separable Matrices of Logotype, Linotype, and similar Machines.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Aug., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 14th Mar., 1893-Accepted, 15th Apr., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Separable Matrices of Logotype, Linotype, and
similar Machines.
"
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, Licensors and Vendors under the
Linotype" Patents, and JOHN PLACE, Engineer, both of No. 6, Serjeants' Inn,
Fleet Street, in the City of London, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in the separable or individual matrices
of logotype, linotype and similar machines.
Up to the present time it has been the practice to construct a linotype machine
in such a way that it is capable of being charged and operated with only upper
and lower case of any given fount of type. Whenever it has been necessary to
introduce into a line of matrices then undergoing the process of assemblage by a
linotype machine, a matrix of another fount, such fount has been held in a case
which forms no integral part of the machine but has been only attached thereto
as an annexe; or recourse has been held to the resources of another machine or
of another case.
The object of the present invention is to minimise the inconveniences and loss
of time incidental to the composing room procedure referred to above by making
each matrix duplex, i.e., by impressing each edge of the body of the matrix with
a formature surface, e.g. roman style on one edge and italic style on the other and
opposite one. Each depression of a finger lever of the key board will, as hereto-
fore, lead up to the assembling of one matrix which will, according to the present
invention, carry two type-forming surfaces, one upon each of its edges.
The formative surface above mentioned may be either male or female, as may be
required, according as to whether a linotype or a linear matrix be required from
it direct.
It should be understood that the present invention does not confine us to using
either male or female matrices, nor to making the matrices or the formative
surfaces on one edge to correspond with those respectively on the other.
The edge of the matrix body presented to the casting or impressing mechanism,
as the case may be, as a result of the depression of a key lever, will be preferably
the one belonging to the fount of the line being composed. The other edge of the
matrix carries a character, male or female, of a corresponding width, the respective
key lever being marked accordingly.
The presentation of italic surfaces or vice versa to the casting or the indenting
mechanism is effected by turning the matrix round by hand or otherwise.
Dated this 11th day of August 1892.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Separable Matrices of Logotype, Linotype, and
similar Machines.
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, Licensors and Vendors under the
"Linotype" Patents, and JOHN PLACE, Engineer, both of No. 6, Serjeants' Inn,
Fleet Street, in the City of London, do hereby declare the nature of our invention
[Price 8d.1

page_text: 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 improvements in the separable or individual matrices
of logotype, linotype and similar machines.
In order that our invention and the means by which it is to be carried into
practical effect may be thoroughly understood, we will now describe it in detail
referring in so doing to the accompanying drawings which are to be taken as part
of this Specification and read therewith.
Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective elevations, from opposite sides, of a matrix made
according to our invention, for use in a Mergenthaler linotype machine with others
of the same construction in the manufacture of a linotype.
Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective elevations, from opposite sides, of a duplex die
made according to our invention, and adapted with others of the same construction
to indent a line of type impressions in a sheet or a strip of stereotype matrix
material.
Fig. 5 is a perspective elevation illustrating the application of the invention to
a Rogers matrix bar such as is described and illustrated in his British Patent
15060 1890.
Fig. 6 is a perspective elevation illustrating the application of the invention to a
stereo strip indenting bar.
دو
"
Up to the present time it has been the practice to construct a linotype machine
in such a way that its magazine is capable of being charged and operated with
matrices of only "upper
and "lower case
of any given fount of type. When-
ever it has been necessary to introduce into a line of matrices then undergoing
the process of assemblage by a linotype machine, a matrix of another fount, such
matrix has been taken from a fount held in a special receptacle which forms no
integral part of the machine but has been only attached thereto as an annexe;
or recourse has been had to the resources of another machine.
The above statement applies with equal force to other machines for making type
bars besides the Mergenthaler linotype machine.
The object of the present invention is to minimise the inconvenience and loss of
time incidental to the composing room procedure referred to above, by making each
matrix duplex, i.e., impressing each edge of the body of the inatrix with a
formative surface, e.g., roman style on one edge and italic style on the other and
opposite one. Each depression of a finger lever of the key board or actuation of
the matrix releasing mechanism, as heretofore, leads up to the assembling of one
matrix, and this latter if made according to the present invention, carries two type
formative surfaces, one upon each of its edges.
The formative surfaces above mentioned may be either male or female, as may
be required, according as to whether a linotype or a linear matrix from which a
stereotype can be cast be required from it direct.
a, a, are the female and b, b, the male formative surfaces. It is to be noted
that the two surfaces on any matrix or bar are opposite to each other. This is
necessarily so, inasmuch as both must conform to the requirements of the machine
of which it is a part.
The edge of the matrix or of the bar or of the equivalent of either which is
presented to the casting mechanism or to the sheet or strip of stereotype matrix
material, as the case may be, is preferably, the one the formative surface of which
is adapted to produce the character belonging to the fount of the line being
composed. The opposite edge carries a formative surface of the same width but it
may be adapted to produce any character. It is probable that it will be advan-
tageous for all the opposite edges throughout the fount to bear the italic equiva-
lents of the characters on the edges first mentioned. In any case the respective
key lever or its equivalent is marked accordingly.
Whenever it becomes necessary to make a matrix or a bar face about, it is done
by hand or by any convenient means.

page_text: It must be distinctly understood that the present invention is not limited in
respect of its application to either the matrix of a Mergenthaler linotype machine,
nor to the matrix bar of a Roger's machine for making type bars for printing,
inasmuch as it is equally applicable to the corresponding member of any logotype
linotype or similar machine, provided that that member is normally a separable
member or can be made to be separable.
For instance, in the Rogers Patent above referred to, the bar is described as
suspended from a rod which passes through a closed eye on the end of the bar.
This connection between the bar and the rod will of course prevent the former being
faced about. Accordingly, when the present invention is to be applied to such
bars the device by which they are held to their machine must be modified to the
extent of allowing them to be faced about. The T tops c, c are intended to be
releasably held in grooves or by equivalent devices.
The present invention includes within its scope two or more formative surfaces
on each edge.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manuer the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. In a matrix or a matrix bar or the equivalent of either, the combination there-
with of two formative surfaces one on each edge.
2. In a matrix or a matrix bar or the equivalent of either, the combination
therewith of two or more formative surfaces on each edge.
Dated this 14th day of March 1893.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.