IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING PRINTING TYPES
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Robert Johnson, of Hammersmith, and John
Staines Atkinson, of Red Lion Square, both in the County of Middlesex,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING
PRINTING TYPES."
Sealed the 29th May 1860, and dated the 13th December 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Robert Johnson
and John Staines Atkinson at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents, with their Petition, on the 13th December 1859.
We, JOHN ROBERT JOHNSON, of Hammersmith, and JOHN STAINES ATKINSON,
of Red Lion Square, both in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare
the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MANU-
FACTURING PRINTING TYPES," to be as follows:-
Our Invention consists in a mode or modes of applying machinery to
effect certain operations in the manufacture of type, which at present are
usually performed by manual labour, and which are technically called,-
1st, breaking off; 2nd, rubbing; 3rd, setting up; 4th, cutting out the foot
and adjusting for height to paper; 5th, bearding; 6th, nicking; 7th, dressing.
And this is the order in which these processes are usually performed. We
effect the first of these operations, and at the same time set up the types on
their "rubbed" sides within a tube, an operation which is not performed in
the usual course of manufacture, but which greatly facilitates the subsequent
processes by modifying the casting machine patented by one of us on the
2d June 1853 (No. 1351)..

page_text: The mould of that machine is formed of four parts, two of which (the sides)
are fixed parallel to each other with a determinate opening between them to
constitute the "body" of the type, the third part, the "body piece," slides
between the two fixed sides, at one time forming the third side of the mould,
and at another thrusting out the cast type from between the fixed-sides. The
fourth part called the "top piece "slides over the opening between the fixed
sides forming the fourth side of the mould, and in so doing pushes aside the
cast type upon a moveable platform to cool. We modify the mould of this
machine, by removing the top piece and forming the fourth side of the mould
by a sliding piece similar to the third part or body piece just described and
which like it slides in the fixed opening and by its distance from the third
side determines the thickness of the type. It has attached to it a register
like that attached to the top piece in the former mould, and this register
performs the functions of that it replaces. The new sliding piece is attached
to a dovetailed slide which is fixed to a frame bolted to the table, and the
motion is effected by a separate lever and cam which are added to the machine.
The cam and levers which previously moved the top piece are allowed to
remain, and in the place of the top piece a thin slip of metal pushes aside the
type from between the two sliding pieces. Instead of the sliding platform of
the former machine, a fixed tube having an opening of the size and form of the
type is placed to receive the type from the pushing blade, and as this tube is
only of the size of the type without the "break" the latter becomes detached
as the type enters the tube. The "breaking off" is thus effected, and the type
laid in regular succession in the tube, which when filled is removed to the
rubbing apparatus, to which it serves as a feeder. The modification of the
mould just described possesses other advantages than those alluded to, and
generally renders the casting machine more self-acting and less needful of
supervision than formerly.
All the operations, with the exception of the first, just described, and the
third, the "setting up," are based upon the same system.
Attempts have been made to perform these operations by passing the cast
type through "smoothing dies" and "pairs of cutters " placed at fixed distances
asunder. In these the excess of the type beyond the size of the opening would
be removed, but without regard to the "set" of the letter. No provision bas, so
far as we are informed, been made by them to correct the type for "standing
when the sides are rubbed, or for correcting the dressed sides with due respect
to maintaining or altering the "line."
In our mode of rubbing and dressing, due provision is made for all the cases
which occur in the process of manufacture; the "body" can be reduced by

page_text: parallel cuts at the "back" side, or "nick side," so that the "line" can be
maintained or corrected, although the body be "big," or the body may be
reduced by cuts which are not parallel to the axis of the type as cast, by taking
off part at the head on the "back" side and at the foot on the "nich" side,
and vice versâ; or, the type may be corrected and rendered parallel when not.
already so by similar cuts at head or foot on one side only.
Similar corrections may be made on the rubbed sides, although these are
rarely required. We effect the above operations during the rubbing and dressing
by cutting the alternate sides of the type successively, holding the side of the
type opposite that to be cut against a true surface or edge. In the first cut, the.
edge against which the type is held is moveable, so that it may be accom-
modated to the inequalities of the type; thus, if the type be parallel, the
moveable edge is adjusted so as to be parallel to the axis of the type, and while
thus held, it is brought against the cutter, which, in it simplest form, is like
the cutter of the carpenter's plane. If the cut required be not parallel, the
side against which the type is held is moved accordingly, so that only the part
to be cut is brought against the cutting tool. The second cut is effected by-
holding the edge, made true in the first cut, against a fixed edge or surface,.
and while held firmly against this surface, the side to be cut is brought in con-
tact with the cutting tool, which removes all that is necessary to render the.
second side parallel to the first.
་་
If the type be cast from matrices without or with but slight "bevil," so that
the type has not any or but little "knot," the cutting tool may be like a common,
plane iron, whose breadth is a little greater than that of the type to be cut;
but as there is usually a considerable projection or "knot" at the head of the
type, we prefer to use a saw whose thickness somewhat exceeds the "thick-,
ness or "body" of the "type," according as the "rubbed " or " dressed".
sides are cut. The teeth of the saw being in a straight line, the blade is set at
a slight angle, so that each tooth may act in succession, and the knot be
removed by as many cuts as there are teeth. Or, we use a circular saw of the.
same thickness, revolving at great velocity, so that during the passage of the
knot several teeth may come in contact with it, and thus several cuts may be,
taken, so as to remove it gradually and without tearing or arresting the forward.
motion of the type.
The cutting out and adjusting the foot for "height to paper," and the
"nicking" and "bearding," are all likewise performed by operations similar to
those just described. The cutting tools are saws, the transverse section of
the teeth of which corresponds to the nick and groove to be cut. That for
adjusting the foot for height to paper is similar in every respect to those used

page_text: for the rubbing; these saws are placed at a similar angle to the former, so
that the teeth may cut in succession, and the side of the type opposite to that
to be nicked or bearded is held against and moved over a true surface as
before; the only modification is, that the type must be gripped upon its
rubbed sides, and held at right angles to the saw by which the cuts are made.
The saws are held in a plate opposite to the true surface, and project beyond
the plate for a distance equal to the depth of the nick.
If, instead of the side containing the narrow saws for nicking and bearding,
a float, file, or other suitable cutting tool be placed whose breadth is somewhat
greater than the length of the type, the dressing may be thus effected, due regard
being had to the principles laid down, viz., that the sides must be cut in suc-
cession, while the opposite side is held against a true surface, adjustable in the
first cut and rigid on the second, and that the cutting tool must be arranged
to cut gradually by being inclined at a slight angle to the course of the
type.
Having described the principles on which our processes are founded, we
proceed to describe the mode in which these principles are carried into
practice, premising that each operation may be performed by a separate appa-
ratus, or a series of these may be combined in one to perform these or some of
these operations. in-succession in the same machine. The rubbing is, by pre-
ference, effected by placing the type in a groove between two edges of metal,
whose depth is that of the body, and whose width slightly exceeds the thickness
of the type. A cutter is placed on each side of this groove at a suitable
interval, and in advance of each cutter is a strip of metal moved by a spring,
for holding the type while being cut against the opposite surface or edge. If
the type were always parallel, it would be sufficient to drive it through this
groove, when its sides would be planed or cut in succession; but as has been
already said, provision requires to be made for irregularities, and therefore we
remove a portion of the plate forming the groove opposite the first holder and
cutter, and replace it by a moveable side, which can be set at a slight angle to
the groove, and this side moves parallel to the type while being cut on the first
side. It is then arrested, while the type continues its course through the
remainder of the groove, to be planed on the other side. The type is driven
through the groove containing the cutters by means of a blade of metal some.
what thinner than the type.
The motion is continued after passing the cutters until the type arrives upon
a composing stick set at a slight angle from the horizontal. The blade leaving
the type upon the stick returns, carrying back with it the moveable side to
recommence the operation. Upon the type arriving upon the stick, another

page_text: pusher, whose transverse section is that of the type "bodywise," removes it
from before the opening of the groove, and returning to its former place leaves
an opening upon the stick for the reception of another type, and thus the rub-
bing and setting up are effected. The type may be placed in the groove by
hand, or it may be allowed to fall therein by placing the tube which has
received it from the casting machine vertically above the opening from which
the type starts.
The dressing and setting up we prefer to perform in a manner nearly iden-
tical with that just described, with this modification, that the groove is of a
width proportionate to the "body" of the type, and of a depth varying with
the thickness; the stick for receiving the type when dressed is placed
nearly vertically, and held between two plates of metal. When the type is
received upon the stick the pusher must descend vertically, and the stick and
type be pushed downwards, so as to bring the type just received on a level
with the bottom of the groove, and returning back leave an opening for the
reception of another type. The type may also be dressed by a modification of
the nicking and bearding process to be presently described.
We prefer to perform the 4th, 5th, and 6th operations simultaneously. We
place the type between two strips of metal, whose breadth somewhat exceeds
the length of the type, and whose thickness is somewhat less than the body of
the type. One of these strips has a reciprocating motion, and the other is held
up against the type, gripped between them by a spring, which yields when the
first strip advances. The strips and type thus held pass between two plates,
one of which is a plane surface, and the other has slots for receiving the saw
blades for cutting the nicks, beards, and a projection on its side for carrying the
saws for cutting the foot groove, and for rendering the type true for height to
paper. The two latter are placed horizontal to act upon the foot of the type;
the others are placed vertically to cut the nicks, and also for cutting off the
beards at each side of its head. These saws may either be placed so as to act
simultaneously or in succession. When the strips holding the type have passed
over the saws and the huts cave been made, they return to their former
position. The strips acted upon by the spring is arrested before it arrives at
the extreme portion of its return course, so that it ceases to hold the type
against the edge of the other strip, and consequently allows it to drop; it falls
into a groove placed below, fitted to receive it; a pushing blade, similar to
that of the rubbing tool, then advances in a direction at right angles to the
course of the gripping strips, and the type is by it thrust upon a composing
stick exactly as the setting is effected after the process of rubbing, as has
already been described.

page_text: We have already said that by replacing the saws for nicking by a broad
tool and adding a second on the opposite side, each with its corresponding
surface for holding the type while the cut is effected, the dressing of the type
may be performed, and if the holding surfaces be made adjustable like the
moveable side in the operation of rubbing, all the corrections which are
required in the course dressing type, may be effected by this apparatus, as the
head and foot may be cut more or less inclined to the cutting tool.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Robert Johnson and John Staines Atkinson in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 13th June 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
ROBERT JOHNSON, of Hammersmith, and JoHN STAINES ATKINSON, of Red Lion
Square, both in the County of Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said John Robert Johnson and John Staines Atkinson, Her special
licence that we, the said John Robert Johnson and John Staines Atkinson
our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said
John Robert Johnson and John Staines Atkinson, our executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time, and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of
Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING
PRINTING TYPES," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said
John Robert Johnson and John Staines Atkinson, our executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under our or their hands and seals, or
under the hand and seal of one of us or them, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Inventiou, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Robert Johnson, on behalf of
myself and the said John Staines Atkinson, do hereby declare the nature

page_text: of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof:-
Our Invention consists in a mode or modes of applying machinery to effect
certain operations in the manufacture of type, which at present are usually
performed by manual labor, and which are technically called, 1st, breaking off
and setting up the types on their "rubbed" sides; 2nd, rubbing; 3rd, setting
up; 4th, cutting out the foot and adjusting for height to paper; 5th, bearding;
6th, nicking; 7th, dressing.
And this is the order in which these processes are usually performed. We
effect the first of these operations, and at the same time set up the types on
their "rubbed" sides within a tube, an operation which is not performed in the
usual course of manufacture, but which greatly facilitates the subsequent
processes by modifying the casting machine patented by one of us, June, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
The mould of that machine is formed of four parts, two of which "(the
sides)" are fixed parallel to each other, with a determinate opening between
them to constitute the "body" of the type; the third part, the "body piece,"
slides between the two fixed sides, at one time forming the third side of the
mould, and at another thrusting out the cast type from between the fixed sides;
the fourth part called the "top piece," slides over the opening between the
fixed sides forming the fourth side of the mould, and in so doing pushes aside
the cast type upon a moveable platform to cool.
We modify the mould of this machine by removing the top piece, and forning
the fourth side of the mould by a sliding piece, similar to the third part or
body piece just described, and which like it slides in the fixed opening, and by
its distance from the third side determines the thickness of the type. It has
attached to it a register like that attached to the top piece in the former mould,
and this register performs the functions of that it replaces. The new sliding
piece is attached to a dovetailed slide, which is fixed to a frame bolted to the
table, and the motion is effected by a separate lever and cam, which are added
to the machine. The cam and levers which previously moved the top piece
are allowed to remain, and in the place of the top piece a thin slip of metal
pushes aside the type from between the two sliding pieces. Instead of the
sliding platform of the former machine, a fixed tube having an opening of the
size and form of the type, is placed to receive the type from the pushing blade,
and as this tube is only of the size of the type without the "break," the latter
becomes detached as the type enters the tube. The breaking off" is thus

page_text: effected, and the type laid in regular succession in the tube, which, when filled,
is removed to the rubbing apparatus, to which it serves as a feeder.
The modification of the mould just described possesses other advantages than
those alluded to, and generally renders the casting machine more self-acting
and less needful of supervision than formerly. All the operations, with the
exception of the first just described, and the third ("the setting up") are
based upon the same system. Attempts have been made to perform these
operations by passing the cast type through "smoothing dies" and "pairs of
cutters," placed at fixed distances asunder. In these the excess of the type
beyond the size of the opening would be removed, but without regard to the
"set" of the letter. No provision has, so far as we are informed, been made
by them to correct the type for "standing" when the sides are rubbed, or for
correcting the dressed sides with due respect to maintaining or altering the
line.
In our mode of rubbing and dressing, due provision is made for all the cases
which occur in the process of manufacture. The "body" can be reduced by
parallel cuts at the "back" side or "nick side," so that the line can be
maintained or corrected, although the body be "big," or the body may be
reduced by cuts which are not parallel to the axis of the type as cast, by taking
off part at the head on the "back" side, and at the foot on the "nick" side,
and vice versa;" or the type may be corrected and rendered parallel when not
already so by similar cuts at head or foot, one one side only. Similar corrections
may be made on the rubbed sides, although these are rarely required. We
effect the above operations during the rubbing and dressing, by cutting the
alternate sides of the type successively, holding the side of the type opposite that
to be cut against a true surface or edge. In the first cut the edge against which
the type is held is moveable, so that it may be accommodated to the inequalities
of the type; thus, if the type be parallel, the moveable edge is adjusted so as
to be parallel to the axis of the type, and while thus held, it is brought against
the cutter, which in its simplest form is like the cutter of the carpenter's plane.
If the cut required be not parallel, the side against which the type is held is
moved accordingly, so that only the part to be cut is brought against the cutting
tool. The second cut is effected by holding the edge made true in the first
cut against a fixed edge or surface, and while held firmly against this surface
the side to be cut is brought in contact with the cutting tool, which removes
all that is necessary to render the second side parallel to the first.
If the type be cast from matrices without or with but slight "bevil," so that
the type has not any or but little, "knot," the cutting tool may be like a

page_text: common plane iron, whose breadth is a little greater than that of the type to
be cut, but as there is usually a considerable projection or "knot" at the head
of the type, we prefer to use a saw whose thickness somewhat exceeds the
"thickness" or "body" of the type, according as the "rubbed " or "dressed"
sides are cut. The teeth of the saw being in a straight line, the blade is set at
a slight angle, so that each tooth may act in succession, and the knot be
removed by as many cuts as there are teeth. Or, we use a circular saw of the
same thickness revolving at great velocity, so that during the passage of the
knot several teeth may come in contact with it, and thus several cuts may be
taken so as to remove it gradually and without tearing or arresting the forward
motion of the type.
The cutting out and adjusting the foot for height to paper, and the nicking
and bearding, are all likewise performed by operations similar to those just
described. The cutting tools are saws, the transverse section of the teeth of
which correspond to the nick and groove to be cut; that for adjusting the
foot for height to paper is similar in every respect to those used for the rubbing;
these saws are placed at a similar angle to the former, so that the teeth may cut
in succession, and the side of the type opposite to that to be nicked or bearded
is held against and moved over a true surface as before. The only modification
is that the type must be gripped upon its rubbed sides, and held at right angles
to the saw by which the cuts are made. The saws are held in a plate opposite
to the true surface, and project beyond the plate for a distance equal to the
depth of the nick. If instead of the side containing the narrow saws for nick-
ing and bearding, a float file or other suitable cutting tool be placed, whose
breadth is somewhat greater than the length of the type, the dressing may be
thus effected, due regard being had to the principles laid down, videlicit, that the
sides must be cut in succession, while the opposite side is held against a true
surface adjustable in the first cut, and rigid on the second, and that the cutting
tool must be arranged to cut gradually by being inclined at a slight angle to
the course of the type.
Having thus stated the objects of our Invention, and the principles upon
which it is based, we will now proceed to describe the manner in which we
have carried these principles into practice.
As has already been said, the first two objects of our Invention, videlicit,
breaking off the jets and setting up the types upon their rubbed sides, are
effected by modifying the casting machine patented by one of us, June, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Figure 1 is a Diagram, shewing the chief parts of the mould of that machine
in section. A and B are the two fixed sides, fastened to a plate or table at a

page_text: distance asunder, to determine the "body" of the type; C is the body piece,
sliding between the two fixed sides at one time, serving to form the third side
of the mould, and at another to thrust out the type from between the fixed
sides; D is the top piece or fourth side of the mould, which at one time closes
the mould, and at another moves the cast type from the top of the body piece
upon the sliding platform E. We modify this mould, as shewn in the
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, by removing the top piece D, and forming the fourth
side of the mould by means of the sliding piece F, similar to C. Figure 2
shews the position of the four sides of the new mould while a type is being
cast; Figure 3 shews the position of the mould when the type has been thrust
out from between the fixed sides. Instead of the platform E we add a tube H,
formed of wood or metal, and on the opposite side a pusher G, to move the
type from the top of C into the opening of the tube II. A sliding piece of
metal I, which fits loosely in the tube called the follower, is inserted into it,
and is driven out as the types occupy the interior of the tube. Figures 4 and 5
shew plans of the mould, tube, and pusher; Figure 4 shewing one mode of
breaking off the jets of the types as they enter the tube, and Figure 5 another
mode. In the former the breakage is effected by the jet of the type at its
thinnest part coming in contact with the thin strip of metal which forms one
side of the tube H, the type being driven against it by the pusher G, the end
of which is slotted at g to receive the strip of metal. In the latter, Figure 5,
the breakage is effected by the types being allowed to enter the tube as cast,
and afterwards coming in contact with a thin blade of metal fixed upon the
plate K at the back of the mould, as shewn in the Drawing. One side of the
tube used for this latter mode of breaking is somewhat shorter than the other,
so that the type can enter the tube with the jet still attached. When the
tube is filled, it is removed from the casting machine and placed vertically
upon the finishing machine, the follower being inserted to drive the type
downwards, and maintain it horizontal.
The construction of the tube is shewn by the plan Figure 6.
a, a, are two
sides, whose breadth is somewhat greater than the length of the type without
the jets; these are fixed at a variable distance asunder, according to the
thickness of the type to be cast by the plates and screws b, b. A dovetailed
piece of metal e is fixed upon the end of one of the plates a, which enters
upon a corresponding groove in the piece f, which is fixed by screws upon the
table of the finishing machine.
Figure 7 shows a section of the tube, dovetailed piece holder, and follower
through c, d. Another section through g, h, is shown in the section of the
finishing machine, Figure 12. In addition to the alterations described, we
°

page_text: also modify the form of the two fixed sides of the mould as previously con-
structed, by extending them laterally to the edge of the table upon which they
are fixed, and maintaining them at the proper distance asunder, to form the
body by means of the screws M, M, fixed through slotted holes upon the
surface of the table L, and by means of the screws N, N, in the edge of that
table.
Motion is given to the sliding body C in the same way as in the old
machine. Unlike the sliding platform E, H has no motion, but is stationary.
G is moved by the same cam lever and rod which acted upon the top piece D,
but its stroke is shorter, pushing the type into the mould and returning imine-
diately. F, the second sliding body piece, is moved by a simple lever, fixed
upon the plate which carries A, B. The lever is in communication with an
extra cam fixed upon the shaft of the machine. F has a simple vertical
reciprocating motion; it is held in the position shown in Figure 2 while the
type is being cast, rises to the position shown at Figure 3, and is retained
there until the pusher G acts and returns, when it again descends to the
former position to form the mould for another type.
Ilaving described the apparatus for carrying out the first part of our
Invention, we now proceed to set forth the mode of effecting the subsequent
operations. As we have already said, these operations may be performed
separately; we prefer, however, to perform them by a single machine, in which
case the following is the order in which they are performed:-
1st, movement rubbing.
2nd,
3rd,
4th,
"
"
"
cutting out the foot, adjusting for height to paper and
nicking.
bearding, dressing.
setting up the type on their dressed edges.
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, are views of the different
parts of such a machine drawn half size; same letters and figures refer to
the same parts in the several views. Figure 8 is a plan of the machine ;
Figure 9, a section through a¹, a¹; Figure 10, a section through U, b' ;
Figure 11 is a view of the machine partially in section and partially in
elevation, showing an end view of the rods, which give motion to the parts,
and a section of the transverse lever, which moves the grippers; Figure 12 is
a transverse section of the machine through the slot, as shown by the dotted
line d', d'; Figure 13 is a section of the apparatus for nicking and cutting
out the foot through el, e'; Figure 14 is a plan of the lower part of the same,
showing the top of the box holding the saw blades; Figure 15 is a section of
the dressing apparatus through the line f', f¹; Figure 16 is a front view of

page_text: the "dressing" and "setting up" apparatus, showing the position of the second
pair of grippers, and of the plate and lever which set up the type; Figure 17
is a plan of the under side of the table, showing the rods and levers for
producing the different movements. A, A, is a table of cast iron, fixed upon
a stand or frame, not shown in the Drawings. The table has a slot or
longitudinal opening through its centre, one side of which is fixed and the
other movable, being formed by means of the plate B sliding between the
dovetailed grooves a, a.
The plate is made to approach to or recede from
the fixed side by means of the screw 1. The fixed side is not continuous.
An opening is made in it, in which the floating side C moves. C is formed of
two parts, and d, the former being capable of adjustment by means of the
screws 2, 3, and 4, so that it can be made parallel to the edge of the
moveable plate B, or can be set at a slight angle to that edge, and can
also be set nearer or further from that edge by means of the same screws.
inch thick,
fixed in a
The
Opposite to the floating side at the commencement of its course is the
holder D, which is forced towards the edge c of C by means of the spring e.
Its course is arrested by means of the stop f and the screw 5. In the moveable
side B is fixed the cutter E; this may have a single cutting edge similar to
a plane iron, or it may be a circular saw revolving at great velocity; we prefer,
however, to form it of a plate of steel about one inch broad and
with serrated edges about th or 7th of an inch apart; it is
recess planed out of the plate B for its reception by means of screws.
cutter is found to act most efficiently when placed so that its last tooth is in
the same plane as the edge of the table in which it is fixed, and the first tooth
is a little behind that plane, so that each tooth acts in succession as the type
advances. In the opposite fixed edge another cutter F is placed of similar
form. The centre of the slot is occupied by the steel driving blade G, which
traverses the length of the slot. This is the whole of the apparatus required
for rubbing the type except the excentrics and levers which give motion to the
floating edge C, the holder D, and the driver G, by one simple reciprocating
movement which will be subsequently described. The type is placed in the
opening between the floating edge C and the holder D, either by hand or by
allowing it to fall from the tube in which it has been received from the casting
machine, and which is shown attached to the rubbing machine in the
transverse section (Figure 12), but which is not shown in position in the
other views, in order that the more important parts beneath it may be exposed.
As soon as the type has fallen between the edges upon the driver G, as shewn
in the section, Figure 12, the driver G begins to move, and simultaneous with
and parallel to it the floating side C. At the same time the holder D is

page_text: released and thrusts the type against C, holding it there until it has come in
contact with the cutter. The projecting part of the blade which we call the
heel h, drives the type forward past the cutter E. It is accompanied in its
course by the floating side C until it arrives at the space between the cutters.
The floating side is then arrested, and the driver continues its course, forcing the
type between the edge of the plate B and the second cutter E, until it arrives
between the edges of the grippers H, H; these seize the type and retain it
while the driver returns to its former position, taking with it the edge C when
it arrives opposite to it; the holder D retreats, and another type falls into the
opening to be driven forward as before. As it again advances the grippers
drop the type into the position shown by the dotted figure of the type in
Figure 12, and from thence it is driven out by the front edge g of the driver,
while the second type is brought forward past the cutters by the heel h of the
driver G. The machine in this form constitutes a rubbing machine for
"finishing" the "rubbed "edges of the type. More or less "cut
may be
given by setting forward the edge c of the floating side, by slackening the
screw 3, and setting forward 2 and 4 equally, in which case the cut would be
parallel to the opposite edge of the type, or the screws 2 and 4 may be
unequally set forward so as to fix the edge at an angle to the cutter E, in
which case the cut would be unequal, more being taken from the head of the
type if the screw 2 be in advance, and from the foot if 4 be brought forward.
The second cut will in all cases be parallel to the first, as the side first planed
is brought against the true edge of the plate B while the cutter F acts. The
second cut is made greater or less by the edge of the plate B being made to
approach nearer to the cutter F by the screw 1, and if the table be made
rigid while thus adjusted, the types must necessarily be of equal thickness,
having each to pass through an equal opening.
25
We now proceed to describe the second movement by which the processes
of grooving the foot, dressing the type for height to paper, and nicking are
effected. This result is produced by one simple motion of the type while held
between the edges of the grippers H, H2, which bring it in contact with
cutters held by the plate I and the box N. I is firmly fixed to the table A by
means of the screw 6. It has two grooves in which slide horizontally the two
pieces J, J. These carry the two pieces K which slide vertically upon J, and
which carry the saws or cutters L, M. L is a narrow saw blade of a thickness
equal to the breadth of the groove to be cut in the foot of the type. It is
shown in action in the section, Figure 13. M is a similar but thicker saw
blade, the thickness of which must exceed the size of the "body" of the type.
The action of this is to smooth the whole of the foot of the type, and render it

page_text: true for height to paper; it is shewn in Figure 13 by the dotted lines at M.
N is a box or frame carrying four or more saw blades 0, 0, 0, 0, which are
held at one end by a pin and at the other by flanged screws. By the latter
each saw blade can be raised or depressed at pleasure. The plate I is
permanently fixed upon the surface of A, but the box N can be raised or
depressed by means of packing pieces or screws under it, so as to adjust its
distance from the lower side of the plate I, which is planed true and held
parallel to the surface of the table A, so that the type may ride smoothly
over it while the cutters act. The interval between I and N is slightly
greater than the body of the type to be dressed. The grippers move in a
groove or slot of the table A, and are held in that position on the fixed side
by straps and screws, and on the other by the side B. They have a horizontal
motion of about 14 inches, so as to carry the type over the surface of the
various cutters L, M, O, O, just described. At the beginning of their stroke
the grippers bring the type in contact with L. If the type is not already in
contact with the overlapping piece of the gripper H', Figure 8, it is forced
against it by the action of the cutter L, and is held there by the pressure of
the two grippers. It is then brought in contact with the second cutter M,
which removes any burr from the surface of the foot of the type, and any
surplus in case the type has been cast high to paper, it being premised that the
position of the cutter M has been adjusted, by means of the sliders J and K,
to such a position that the distance from its surface to that of the projecting
piece of the gripper H is exactly equal to the height to paper of the type. If
one or more extra nicks are to be cut in the type, one or more of the cutters
O, O, are raised by means of the screws, and these come in contact with the
type after the action of L and simultaneously with M.
In the section, Figure 13, one of the cutters is shewn in action, and the
remaining three out of action. The grippers return by the action of their
respective springs 1, 1, and as H2 is arrested at a distance from the edge of
H' greater than that of the thickness of the type, the latter falls from between
them into the groove below, as was before described, see Figure 12. The
adjustment of the grippers is effected by means of the screws q, q, and stops m.
The success of the operations performed by the second movement of the
machine depends upon the true "fit" of the grippers in their respective
grooves, and of the "truth" of the edges which hold the type. These should
be perfectly parallel to each other, and at an exact right angle
motion. The edges should also be perfectly square to the surface of the
plates. The pressure of the springs must be sufficient to hold the type firmly,
and yet not sufficient to prevent the type moving when the foot is grooved, so
to the line of

page_text: that the face of the type may be brought in contact with the projecting part
of the gripper H, for upon this the "truth" to paper depends. The type is
expelled from the groove by means of the extreme point g of the driver G.
It may be received into a stick placed at the end of the groove in the
manner similar to the setting-up apparatus, to be subsequently described.
In this form the machine rubs, cuts out the foot, adjusts the type to height
to paper, adds from 1 to 4 extra nicks (if required), and sets up the type.
The dressing may be performed by passing the types through a machine
similar to that for rubbing just described, but in which the slot or opening is
constant, for each fount, being determined by the body of the type to be
dressed, and the depth of the recess in the driver, varies as the thickness of
those types. We prefer, however, to effect the dressing by holding the type:
vertically between the edges of the grippers before described, and to bring the
dressed edges against cutters whose depth is somewhat greater than the height
of the type.. In our machine this is effected by one simple reciprocating.
motion, which we call the fourth movement, by means of the following.
apparatus:-The slot in the table A is extended beyond it by means of the
quadrant-shaped piece P, by which the type passes from a horizontal to a
vertical position while still in the slot. P is formed of three parts, one of
which () is fixed to the fixed side of the table A, another (h) to the moveable
side B, so that the width of the groove in the quadrant is made to correspond
with that of the table by the action of B; a third part (k) prevents the
type from passing out of the groove or slot when ejected by the driver.
Attached to the stand which supports the table A is a bracket piece Q, formed
of two parts, fixed together by the screws 7. In the edge of this bracket are
two grooves for carrying the two grippers H³, II, vide Figure 16, adjustable
by screws q² and stops m³, and which act in every respect similarly to those
marked H, H, holding the type firmly and truly while the dressed edges
are brought in contact with the cutters for finishing them, and which are
moved by springs 12, 12, Figure 17, similar to those of the first pair of grippers.
On the bracket piece Q are fixed the two plates R1, R2, of which R² is per-
manently fixed, but R' slides in a dovetailed groove planed in Q to receive it.
These constitute a table, which has considerable similarity to that used for
dressing the rubbed edges, and differs from it chiefly by the respective depths
of the parts. The cutters, holder, and floating edge in A, B, being of a depth
calculated for the size of the body of the type, which is held horizontally while
cut, while the depth of the respective parts in the dressing apparatus is that
of the height of the type, the type being gripped and held vertically while the
dressed elges pass over the cutters to be finished. S is the holder, with a

page_text: piece of vulcanized india-rubber behind it to act as a spring, corresponding
in its action with the holder D of the rubbing table. It is held against the
india-rubber, and retained in position by a screw, which passes through R.
T is a plate called the floating side, the moveable edge of which t is capable
of adjustment at a slight angle by the hinge and screw shown in Figure 15.
It may be set forward towards the fixed edge of the table by means of the
screw 8; its functions are analogous to those of the floating side C of the
rubbing apparatus. By the action of this any amount of "cut"
may be taken
from the first dressed edge of the type, either parallel to those edges as cast,
or at any angle to them. U is the cutter for dressing the first edge of the
type, while the other edge is pressed by the holder S against the floating
side t, and V is the cutter for dressing the second edge parallel to the first,
while the first edge made true is pressed against the true edge of the plate R².
Both cutters are made of two plates, so that when the cutting edges have been
reduced by sharpening, the original thickness can be made up by inserting
packing between the plates.
We will now describe the motion of the type through this table, which we
call the 3rd movement. The type falls from the slot in the quadrant into the
space between the edges of the grippers H³, H, and there rests upon that
part of the gripper H³, which projects beyond the other, shewn by the dotted
lines in Figure 16. The gripper H³ is then put in motion, and drives the
type against the second gripper H*; in this position the whole passes through
the groove formed between the edges of the plates R1, R2. The gripping
plates, like those first described H³, H³, are somewhat smaller than the type,
so that the edges of the latter project beyond them. The first edge of the
type comes in contact with the holder S, and is driven by it against the floating
side T, which is set truly vertical if the type be cast true, but at an angle, if
the dressed edges require correction. The type, while thus gripped firmly and
truly upon the rubbed edges, comes in contact with the first cutter, which
renders it smooth, taking off the knot and "burrs" (if any), and correcting it
if necessary, that is, if the mould be imperfect. When the first side is thus
rendered true, the type comes in contact with the edge of the plate R², and
while in contact with it, passes over the second cutter V, which removes the
knot and burr, and renders the second edge truly parallel to the first, and
correct for "body." The grippers then return by the action of the springs 1³,
until arrested at their former position by the action of the stop m, m. The
type is then free to move, being loose within the edges of the gripper and
sides of the plates R, R; it is only held by the projecting piece of the gripper
II. This completes the third movement, by which the dressing and bearding

page_text: are performed. We have only alluded to the former operation, as types are
rarely now "bearded" in this country. If, however, it be desirable to perform
this operation, the cutters U and V must be slightly modified. They must be
made in the first instance slightly shorter than the length of the type, and the
length must be completed by adding a saw blade to project beyond the surface
of the cutters, so as to cut out the recess which constitutes what is called the
bearding. The transverse section of the teeth of the saw so added must of
course correspond to the form of groove preferred.
We will now describe the fourth movement, by which the types are set up,
and the "finishing" is completed :-On the return of the grippers to their first
position releasing the type from between them, the slide W advances,
carrying the projecting arms n, o, the latter having projecting points p, p,
which pass through corresponding openings in the side of the plate R². The
distance of o from the points of the projecting parts p, p, is adjusted by the
screws 15, which fix o to the slide W, so that the space between them may be
slightly greater than the body of the type to be dressed, in which position the
surface of the points p, p, coincide with that of the plate R². When, by the
action of the slide W the arms advance, the type is pushed from between the
grippers H³, H, over the projecting part of H³ and edge of R', and is brought
over the opening 9 formed in R', through which it drops upon the setting-up
stick X. X is held by a wooden bracket or other support; it is moved
forward by the plate Y pushing the type as they drop against the stop at the
end of the usual setting-up stick. The length of the stroke of Y is about
equal to the thickness of the type to be set up, so that on its return a space is
left between it and the last type for the reception of the next. A thin strip of
metal fixed upon the bracket prevents the type falling out of the stick; the
motion is given to Y by means of a stud y upon the gripper H through the
lever Z fixed upon Q. The extent of the motion of Y is determined by the
screw 16, and its position while at rest by the stud and screw 17, against
which it is held by the spring z.
In all the parts of the machine described above we have shewn the different
cutters stationary, and the type moved over their surfaces; but it will be
obvious that the same principles are applicable if the type be maintained
stationary, and the cutters be brought to act upon it in each movement.
We have also shewn the nicking, dressing, &c., effected by a series of edges.
extended in a line; but we find that the operations may be equally well per-
formed by revolving cutters whose edges are equal to those described above,
provided that the other conditions be observed.
Having now fully described the movements for effecting the whole of the

page_text: operations which constitute our Invention, except the first, which is effected
by the modification of the casting machine, which has been also described, it
only remains for us to describe the mechanical parts by which the movements
are made.
contact with
The position
regulated by
A², Figures 8, 9, is a shaft moved by hand or power, having a fly wheel of
about 1 cwt. attached, and which is not shewn in the Drawings; B2, B3, B4,
are excentrics; B2, B4, move the double bell crank C by the two rods D³, D*,
by which a reciprocating motion in the direction of the slot in which the driver
moves is obtained. Attached to Ca is the piece E, to which the driver G is
fixed by means of the two thumbscrews 18; E2 is maintained in its course by
means of two dovetailed sliding pieces fastened to E3 by the screws 19 and
steady pins 20, and which are guided by the side pieces r, r; s is another
dovetailed piece between the same side pieces. The floating side C is attached
tos by similar screws and steady pins 21, 22. s is shewn in section in
Figure 9. C, with its attached dovetailed guide s, is firmly held against the
edge t of E2 by means of the india-rubber spring 13, so that it moves simul-
taneously with E2 until it is arrested by the screw 11 coming in
the side of the opening on the fixed side of the plate A, Figure 8.
of C with respect to E³, and consequently with respect to G, is
the screw 12. C is held by the spring 13 in this position until E2, returning
and coming in contact with it, brings it to its first position. It will be seen
that the length of the stroke of E3 is twice that of s carrying C. The holder D
is moved back from the slot by the bent piece f* on the end of D* acting upon
the screw 23. When this returns D is released, and is brought forward
towards the slot by the spring e, until arrested by the stop f and screw 5.
Both pairs of grippers are moved by means of the transverse lever F, the
rod D³, and the excentric B³. The lever is in communication with the first
pair of grippers by means of the pin G2, and with the second by the screw I
in the head of the lever, and the stud J2 projecting from H³ through Q. The
excentrics are of the same size and form. One of them is shewn in section in
Figure 9. The throw of each is ths of an inch. The slide W receives its
motion by the end of E2 coming in contact with the screw 13 in a stud fixed
upon W. The length of the stroke of W is regulated by the screw 14, its
return is effected by the spring v.
It only remains for us now to describe the relation of the movements to
each other in point of time.
Figure 8 shows the position of the machine at the starting point. The type
falls into the groove formed between the edge C and the bolder D at the dead
point of the excentric which gives motion to this part of the machine.

page_text: 1st, half revolution.-At the first half turn of the shaft the type is carried
from the starting point opposite the holder until it arrives between the grippers.
2nd, half revolution. The type is carried by the grippers across the
cutters for dressing the foot and nicking, and has commenced its return.
3rd. The type has completed its return across the cutters, and drops from
between the grippers into the groove below the front of the driver, advancing
with the second type, and is driven by it over the quadrant by which it is
brought into a vertical position. By the same motion the slide W has been
moved across the groove between the plates R', R2, and the opening in W no
longer coincides with this groove, which is therefore closed by the solid part
of W. The type, therefore, remains resting on the bottom of the quadrant
supported by W until the latter returns to its first position.
4th. The slide W returning, the opening in it again coincides with the
groove between R1, R2, and the type drops into this groove between the edges
of the second pair of grippers, which then advance, carrying the type over the
dressing cutters, and commence their return.
5th. The grippers complete their motion, bringing back the type, the
slide W then advances, carrying by its arms n and o and the projecting parts
p, p, the type across the groove over the opening 9, through which the type
drops into the stick X below.
6th. The plate Y advances by the action of the lever Z and the stud upon
the gripper H, and moves the type a distance equal to its own thickness in
the direction of the closed end of the stick.
7th. At the 7th half turn the plate Y returns, leaving the type set up, and
forming an opening opposite the end of 9 for the reception of the second type
which has been following the first at each step.
Having thus described the nature of our Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, we would have it understood that we make no claim to
any of the mechanical parts separately, nor do we confine ourselves to the
precise details shown and described; but we claim the combinations or
improvements herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Robert Johnson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of June, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty.
JOHN ROD. JOHNSON. (L.S.)