Improved Mechanism for Justifying Matrices or Dies, or the like, when Assembled Temporarily in Line.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 28th May, 1895
Complete Specification Left, 28th Feb., 1896-Accepted, 4th Apr., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by PHILIP TELL DODGE, of Tribune Building,
Nassau Street, New York City, U.S.A., Engineer.]
Improved Mechanism for Justifying Matrices or Dies, or the like,
when Assembled Temporarily in Line.
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, of No. 6 Serjeants Inn, Fleet
Street, in the City of London, Sole Proprietors of and Manufacturers, Vendors
and Licensors under the "Linotype " Patents, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
Our invention has reference, more particularly to what are known as linotype
machines, in which a series of matrices or female dies containing individual
characters, are assembled in connection with intermediate spaces temporarily in
line, in front of the mold or impression mechanism, in order to produce a line of
type in relief on a bar or plate of type metal or other suitable material. The
invention is also applicable, however, in connection with the so-called matrix
machines of various forms, in which male dies or punches representing individual
characters are assembled in line and used to impress or indent the characters in
papier maché or similar material, to produce an iron matrix for type.
The object of the invention is to provide simple and reliable means by which
the line of matrices or dies, after being composed, may be spaced out, expanded.
end wise or "justified" to the predetermined length. This justification of lines of
dies has been heretofore effected by the use of intermediate yielding spaces which
admitted of the line being compressed end wise to the required length, by single
wedge-shaped spaces forced between the matrices by compound spaces, consisting
of two oppositely-tapered wedges moving one along the other and forming jointly
an expansible space with parallel outer spaces, and also in other cases by space-
bars which were stopped or increased in thickness step by step, so that, enforced
end wise through the composed line, they would fill successively increasing spaces
in the line.
All the methods and means of justification heretofore known are open to serious
objections of one kind or another. The compound or two-part wedge spacers, were
objectionable because of their expense and their extreme frailty when adapted to
produce the thiu spaces required in certain classes of printing. The stepped
spaces were objectionable, among other reasons, because the number of steps
required in order to admit of their practical use, gave them an inconvenient length.
Now the main object of the present invention is to provide for justification by
means of step wedges or spaces, adapted to be made short in length and to add at
each movement only a small amount to the length of the line, so that, although a
line of matrices may be confined between movable jaws or clamps, it is impossible
to advance the entire series of contained spaces to complete the justification of the
line. With this end in view, we construct our spacing devices with a series of
steps or shoulders, less in length than the matrices or dies with which they are to
be used, and construct the matrices or dies with corresponding steps, so that the
spaces in position between the matrices may be advanced short distances at a time,
and so as to add at each movement very slightly to the length of the line without
destroying the parallelism of the matrices. Our matrices and space-bars may be
varied in detail at will, provided they retain the peculiarities above named, and
they may be mounted and used in connection with machines of any form now

page_text: known in the art and with devices of any suitable character for composing the
matrices, inserting the spaces in the line and adjusting them through the line, either
individually or in series.
One of our improved matrices instead of being made with parallel sides throughout
its length, as heretofore, is reduced in width step by step towards its lower end. It
may be made of uniform thickness from its upper end to a point near its middle
and then reduced one step and continued of the diminished thickness to the
opposite end.
Or, it may be provided with two steps so as to present three different thicknesses
at different points in its length. It is strongly recommended that each portion or
thickness present parallel vertical faces on opposite sides. The character or
matrix proper is located in the edge of the thickest portion, and the bearing faces
of this thickened portion are given such an area that when the matrices are
assembled side by side in contact with each other between the clamping or
confining jaws, they will maintain parallel vertical positions and be adapted,
jointly with the spaces, to fit against the edge of the mold and closed after the
manner of the ordinary matrices used in the Mergenthaler machine.
The space is made of much greater length than the matrices and is provided
with steps of the same length, whereby the thickness of the space is reduced by
easy gradations by steps from the lower to the upper end.
In order to permit the operation of the spaces in series, under all conditions
encountered in practice, it is desirable that the steps of the matrices and spaces
shall have the smallest rise allowable. That is to say, that there shall be the
smallest possible increase in thickness between one step or section and the next.
When the matrices are assembled side by side in line, they will bear closer against
each other.
At the points where spaces are to occur in the print, the spacing devices are
.inserted in the line, each with its stepped face towards that of the adjoining
matrix, against which it will fit closely as shown, the complementary steps on
the two parts permitting the upper end of the space to be made extremely thin,
so that the thinnest spaces demanded by the printer may be produced by the
machine. The matrix line containing the spaces and set of such length that it is
impossible to introduce the matrices for another word or syllable, is placed between
the two jaws or abutments, after which justification is effected by advancing the
spaces endwise through the line step by step, either in unison or one at a time. If
the spaces are all advanced at one time through the line, they will add to its length
the sum of the rise of their steps. It may sometimes happen that the space
remaining to be filled in the line, to effect justification, will be so small as to forbid
the advance of all the spaces. In each case, one or more of the spaces may be
advanced beyond the others, that is to say, a. greater distance through the line.
We find, however, by actual test, that if the matrices of ordinary length are
constructed with a single step, and the space provided with from four to eight
steps, it is possible under every condition encountered in practice, to advance the
entire series of spaces into the line the length of oue step. There are in practice
many reasons why it is necessary to make the matrices of the length and proportion.
The employment of the steps upon the matrices and spaces admits of the matrices
being made of the requisite length, and of their being operated with spaces which
are kept within practical limits as to length, and which, within their limited length,
contained a large number of steps, each rising but a slight distance above the next.
When the spaces are used in connection with the Mergenthaler matrix having
projecting ears at the lower, as well as at the upper, edge, the steps should be cut
down into the matrix between the lower ears, leaving the ears of their original
thickness and form.
While we have described the insertion of the space-bars primarily, with their
thin ends in the line, it should be understood that they may be inserted with their
thick ends in the line in the first instance, and the justification then effected by
pushing the spaces backward step by step, so as to introduce successively thinner

page_text: spaces on the line. This will, of course, necessitate the advance of one or the
other of the clamping jaws to maintain the compression of the line.
Throughout the Specification, the term "matrix" is to be understood in its
widest sense as referring to plates or bars having their formative services either
male or female.
Under ordinary conditions it is sufficient to provide the spaces and matrices each
with steps on one side, but if desired the matrices and spaces may each be provided
with steps on both sides.
Dated this 28th day of Mar 1805
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Agents for the Applicants.
Improved Mechanism for Justifying Matrices or Dies, or the like,
when Assembled Temporarily in Line.
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, late of No. 6 Serjeants Inn, Fleet
Street, but now of No. 188 Fleet Street, in the City of Loudon, Sole Proprietors
of, and Manufacturers, Vendors, and Licensors under, the "Linotype" Patents, 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:-
Our invention has reference more particularly to what are known as linotype
machines, in which a series of matrices or female dies containing individual
characters, are assembled in connection with intermediate spaces temporarily in
live, in front of the mould or impression mechanism, in order to produce a line of
type in relief on a bar or plate of type metal or other suitable material. The
invention is also applicable to the so-called matrix machines of various forms, in
which male dies or punches representing individual characters, are assembled in
line and used to impress or indent the characters in papier maché or similar
material, to produce a line matrix for type.
The object of the invention is to provide simple and reliable means by which
the line of matrices or dies, after being composed, may be spaced out, expanded
endwise or "justified" to the predetermined length. This justification of lines of
dies has been heretofore effected by the use of intermediate yielding spaces which
admitted of the line being compressed endwise to the required length; by single
wedge-shaped spaces forced between the matrices; by compound space bars
consisting of two oppositely tapered wedges moving one along the other and
forming jointly an expansible space with parallel outer spaces; and also in other
cases by space-bars which were stepped or increased in thickness step by step, so
that, enforced end wise through the composed line, they would fill successively
increasing spaces in the line.
All the methods and means of justification heretofore known are open to serious
objections of one kind or another. The compound or two-part wedge space bars,
were objectionable because of their expense and their extreme frailty when adapted
to produce the thin spaces required in certain classes of printing. The stepped
spaces were objectionable, among other reasons, because the number of steps
required in order to admit of their practical use, gave them an inconvenient
length.
Now the main object of the present invention is to provide for justification by
means of step wedges or space bars, adapted to be made short in length and to add
at each movement only a small amount to the length of the line, so that, although
a line of matrices may be confined between movable jaws or clamps, it is possible
to advance the entire series of contained spaces to complete the justification of the

page_text: line. With this end in view, we construct our space bars with a series of steps or
shoulders, less in length than the matrices or dies with which they are to be used,
and construct the inatrices or dies with corresponding steps, so that the space bars
in position between the matrices may be advanced short distances at a time, and
so as to add at each movement very slightly to the length of the line without
destroying the parallelism of the matrices. Our matrices and space bars may be
varied in detail at will, provided they retain the peculiarities above named, and
they may be mounted and used in connection with machines of any form now
known in the art and with devices of any suitable character for composing the
matrices, inserting the space bars in the line and adjusting them through the line,
either individually or in series.
An improved matrix, instead of being made with parallel sides throughout its
length, as heretofore, is reduced in width step by step towards its lower end. It
may be made of uniform thickness from its upper end to a point near its middle
and then reduced one step and continued of the diminished thickness to the
opposite end.
Or, it may be provided with two steps so as to present three different thicknesses
at different points in its length. It is strongly recommended that each portion or
thickness present parallel vertical faces on opposite sides. The character or matrix
proper is located in the edge of the thickest portion, and the bearing faces of this
thickened portion are given such an area that when the matrices are assembled side
by side in contact with each other between the clamping or confining jaws, they
will maintain parallel vertical positions and be adapted, jointly with the space bars,
to fit against the edge of the mould and to close it after the manner of the ordinary
matrices used in the Mergenthaler machine.
The space bar is made of much greater length than a matrix and is provided with
steps of the same length, whereby the thickness of the space is reduced by easy
gradations by steps from the lower to the upper end.
In the accompanying figures, there is illustrated the application of the present
invention to the Mergenthaler linotype machine described in the Specification of
Letters Patent 145821890, that machine being chosen for the purpose of the present
. Specification, because it is better known and more extensively used in the trade
concerned, than any other of the machines referred to in the opening paragraph.
It should be explained here that by "spacing" is meant the composing. of space
bars into the line where there are to be spaces in the printed line, and by
"justification," the extension of a spaced line of matrices out to the predetermined
length.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a space bar constructed according to the present
invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a matrix adapted to be used in connection
.therewith.
Figure 3 is a front elevation of a composed line of matrices and space bars beld
between the vice jaws whose distance apart determines the length of the line, the
parts being shewn in the positions which they occupy previous to justification.
Figure 4 is likewise a front elevation of the same parte, but shewing them in the
positions which they severally occupy after justification.
Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a matrix with a series of steps thereon.
Figure 8 is a sectional elevation of two matrices and a space bar, embodying a
modification of the invention.
Referring to Figures 1 to 7, A, A are the well known vice jaws of the machine.
Either previous to or during justification, they are fixed at a predetermined distance
apart, to define the length of the line. A¹ is the automatic pusher for pushing the
. space bars farther through the line.
3
B, B are the improved matrices: b, 6 being the supporting shoulders; 6', the
well known formative cavity or matrix proper; 6, the distributing teeth, and 6³, a

page_text: notch operating in conjunction with the distributor as heretofore. An improved
matrix instead of having two parallel side faces throughout its length as heretofore,.
is reduced in thickness, step by step, towards its lower end. It may be of uniform
thickness from its upper end to a transverse line near its middle, and there be
reduced by an inclined riser 4, and be continued of the diminished thickness to the
lower end, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4, or there may be two risers and as
many reductions, as illustrated in Figure 7. In the former case, there are two ;.
and in the latter, three, different thicknesses throughout the length of the matrix.
It is strongly recommended that each section 5 of the side face upon which the
reductions and risers 6 occur, be parallel with the opposite side face of the matrix.
The matrix proper is located in the edge of the thickest portion 6 and the side
faces of this latter are of such an area that when the matrices stand assembled side.
by side in contact with each other and between the jaws A, A, they will maintain.
parallel vertical positions and be adapted, jointly with the space bars which are of
the same width, to fit up metal-tight to the mould in the same way as heretofore in
the Mergenthaler machine.
C, C are the improved space bars; c,c being the well known shoulders by which
they are suspended during their travel through the machine and while they are
mounted in front of the mould, as heretofore. One side face of an improved space
bar is reduced in thickness, step by step, in exactly the same way as an improved
matrix, whereby the thickness of the space bar is reduced in easy gradations by
inclined risers from the lower to the upper end, that being the opposite direction
to the one taken by the reductions in the matrix.
The distances between the risers, or, what is the same thing, the lengths of the
sections, on both matrices and space bars, are uniform and equal. Further, in
order to permit of the operations of the space bars in series under all conditions.
encountered in practice, it is desirable that the risers on both matrices and space
bars shall be as low as is practicable-that is to say, that there shall be the smallest
possible increase in thickness between one section of the side face in question,.
and the next section c³. It is obvious that the angles which a riser makes with the
adjoining sections, must be obtuse on both the matrices and the space bars to allow
of the latter entering the composed line during the act of justification; and also,.
that a section is shorter than a matrix.
When the matrices are assembled side by side in line, they will bear closely
against each other, as represented in Figures 3 and 4. At the points where spaces
are to occur in the printed impression, space bars C, C are composed into the line,
each with its stepped face towards that of the adjoining matrix B, against which
it fits closely, as shewn. The complementary reductions on the space bars and
matrices permit of the upper ends of the former being made extremely thin, so that
the thinnest spaces demanded by the printer can be produced by the machine.
The composed line of matrices and space bars, of such a length that it is impossible
to introduce the matrices for even another syllable, is placed between the two
jaws A, A, after which, justification is effected by pushing the space bars in the
direction of their length, through the line of matrices, step by step, either in unison.
or one at a time, by means of the pusher A¹. If the space bars are all advanced
through the line, they will add the sum of their risers to its length. It may some-
times happen that the space in the composed line to be filled up by the act of
justification, will be so small as to forbid all the space bars C being pushed farther
through the line. In such a case, one or more of the space bars may be pushed.
farther than its fellows, through the line. It is found, however, in actual work,
that if the matrices B (being of ordinary length) have one riser or, what is the
same thing, two thicknesses, and the space bars C, from four to eight, it is possible
under every condition encountered in practice, to push the entire series of space
pars through the line for the length of one section c³. There are in practice many
reasons why it is necessary to make the matrices substantially of the length and
proportion illustrated. The presence of the risers upon the matrices B and space
ars C, admits of the former being made of the requisite length aud of their being

page_text: operated with space bars which are kept within practical limits, as to length, and
which, within such limited length, contain a large number of risers, each rising for
but a slight distance above the preceding one.
When the improved space bars C are used in connection with Mergenthaler
matrices having four shoulders & projecting from their corners, as is the case with
those illustrated, the bottom section 6 must be limited to the width of the body of
the matrix and kept within the bottom shoulders, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 7,
leaving the said shoulders of their original thickness and form.
The accompanying figures illustrate and the foregoing Specification describes
the space bars as being composed into the line with their thin ends.between the
matrices therein. But it must be distinctly understood that they may be composed
into the line with their thick ends between the matrices in the first instance,
justification being effected by pushing the space bars so as to introduce successively
thinner portions of bar between the matrices. This will of course necessitate the
advance of one of the vice jaws towards its fellow, as indicated by the dotted line
in Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 8, the modification illustrated therein consists in the presence
of reduced sections and risers, on both side faces of the matrices and space bars.
However, reduced sections and risers on only one side of both matrices and space
bars suffice for ordinary requirements.
With reference to the use of the terms "matrix" and "matrices" in connection
with the accompanying figures and also in the following claims, it is to be distinctly
understood that no limitation of the invention to type matrices as distinguished from
type dies, is indicated thereby.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim in a linotype machine is :-
1. A rigid individual matrix reduced in thickness from one end to the other, step
by step, whereby the matrix has a side bearing face across the whole width of the
matrix for spacing and justifying less in length than the length of the matrix as
and for the purposes described.
2. An individual matrix consisting of a single plate reduced in thickness step by
step from one end towards the other across the whole width of the matrix, its
opposite side faces being parallel except as to risers connecting the sections,
whereby the matrix is adapted for use with a spacing and justifying bar having
sections less in length than the length of the matrix substantially as described.
3. The improved matrix having its middle portion across its whole width reduced
in thickness step by step and the shoulders at its corners of equal thickness with
the unreduced upper end substantially as described.
4. In combination with a series of individual single or double character matrices
stepped on their side faces across its whole width, a series of correspondingly
stepped bars for spacing and justifying the line of matrices, as and for the purposes
described.
5. In combination with a composed line of single or double character matrices
stepped on their side faces across the whole width of the matrix and machine vici
jaws adapted to limit the length of the line, a series of space bars composed into
and moveable in the direction of their length through the line, each space bar
having sections of a length less than the length of a matrix, as and for the purpose,
described.
D
1
1000
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.