Improvements in Type Distributing Apparatus.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Nov.,
1005
Complete Specification Left; 22nd July, 1896-Accepted, 5th Sept., 1896
Date of Application, OY
7070
Complete Specification Left; 22nd July, 1896-Accepted, 5th Sept., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION,
[Communicated from abroad by THE Cox TYPE-SETTING COMPANY, of
Nos. 183, 185 and 187 Monroe Street, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois,
United States of America.]
Improvements in Type Distributing Apparatus.
1, OLIVER IMRAY, of No. 28 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the
County of London, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus for distributing type, by first removing the
leads from the "dead matter" then removing the spaces, then filling the distributer
cylinder with type for distribution without stopping the process; and finally
collecting the distributed type into removeable receivers.
spaces
The mechanism for discarding leads and spaces takes the "dead" matter from.
the galley and separates the type from the " " and "leads" and also the
66 spaces from the "leads" and delivers the type to the distributer channels in
suitable condition for rapid distribution. The discarding and distributing mechanisms
are so arranged that they can operate either synchronously, or independently, so
that one operator can easily attend to the apparatus, also means are provided for
preventing breakage by misplaced types or otherwise. According to a modifi-
cation types of different sized, or from different "fonts" may be simultaneously
distributed by one machine. In the apparatus about to be described the test plates
of the distributer revolve, together with the removable type-receivers and plungers
by which the types delivered from the distributers are loaded into receivers; but
the cylinder, in which the types to be distributed are contained, is normally.
stationary in relation to the test plates during the distributing operation. Above
the cylinder, is a loading case provided with a series of hinged type line cases
which are lowered to receive a line of types from the discarder, and are then
raised so that the types can be delivered into the corresponding channel of the
cylinder.
Thus the cylinder and case can be rotated, to bring any one of the type line cases
into register with the discarder and the cylinder and case are then locked and
become stationary relatively to the test plates.
The accompanying drawings illustrate apparatus according to this invention.
Fig. 1 is a top plan of the machine.
Fig. 2 is a central vertical section on the line 2-2. Fig. 3; the barrel having
been rotated until shaft M comes into line with shaft p.
Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sections on the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Fig. 2
respectively.
Fig. 5 is a diagrammatical section illustrating the passage of type from the
"dead" matter galley through the discarder and distributer.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail.section of the test plate disc.type holders and
pushers.
Fig. 8 is a detail plan of part of the test plate disc.
Fig. 9 is a detail edge view partly in section of the test plate disc, pushers and
pusher actuating plate.

page_text: Fig. 10 is a detail section of the adjustable latch L.
Fig. 11 is a detail section on line 11-11 Fig. 2.
Fig. 12 is an enlarged rear elevation of the space and lead discarding
mechanism.
Fig. 13 is an outer end view and
Fig. 14 is a top plan of the same.
Figs. 15 and 16 are vertical sections on the line 15-16 of Fig. 14, shewing the
space discarding mechanism in and out of its operative position.
Figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20 are detail sections through the discarder, showing the
lead discarding devices and the line separating devices.
Fig. 21 is a detail transverse section on the line 21-21 of Fig. 19.
Figs. 22 and 23 are details of the galleys.
Fig. 24 is a detail view of the false bottom for the hinged line case.
Fig. 25 is a detail vertical section of the distributer as modified to distribute
two fonts of different sized types simultaneously.
Fig. 26 is a reduced top plan of the type holding cylinder shewn in Fig. 25.
Figs. 27, 28 and 29 are detail views of the modified distributer shown in Figs. 25
and 26.
The distributer is mounted upon an upright hollow standard A. supported on a
base A. Upon A, a little above the base, is fixed a spider B on the rim of which
is mounted a ring B¹, grooved to receive balls B2, which support another ring B³
on which is supported an annular conical body C having a skirt flange Ci
expanding downwards and forming a support for the distributed-type-line
receivers, which will hereafter be described. Above C, and partly supported on
it, is a disc D having in its edge slots D¹ over which are fitted test plates d
(Fig. 8). The disc D is principally supported on a collar D on standard A,
and it is fastened to C by screws c tapped through inwardly projecting
brackets C in the under surface of disc D, within the slots D', is an annular
chaunel D³ into which the slots D' open (aud in the upper edge of C, just below
the slots D are inwardly inclined slots c.
In each slot D¹ is a type pusher E which is pivotted by studs e resting in holes c²
at each side of the slots c' and confined therein by partitions on the bottom of
the disc D at each side of each slot D'.
The pushers E have downwardly projecting arms E¹ jointed to the upturned
outer edge of a vertically sliding disc F, centered on the standard A below the
collar D, and within the ring C; the edge of F being slotted as at F' to receive
the arms E of the pushers E.
The disc F has openings through it for passage of the brackets C³, and it
rests on a ring G (Fig. 11) loosely fitted on the standard A, and fastened to a
bar G that passes through slots A³ in the standard A. A lipped sleeve F³
fastened to the boss of F holds it on the ring G. The bar G' is connected to
the lower end of a rod g which passes up through the standard and through a
guide hole in the top plate a, and has on its upper end a roller g' engaged in a cam
groove in a cam wheel g² on a shaft Q journalled in bearings on the top plate.
All the parts C, D, E, F, can rotate around the standard A and the pushers E can
be simultane usly reciprocated by the ascent and descent of the disc F.
Just above the disc D is a collar A' on which is supported a rotatable collar H¹
on the lower end of the nave H³ of a wheel-shaped head H, which is fitted in the
lower end of, and supports the channelled type-holder 1. This is a hollow cylinder
having in its outer face vertical channels i one for each slot D' each adapted to
contain a line of types to he distributed.
This holder reaches close to the disc D, but does not rest on it.
The upper end of the holder I is closed by a head J, loosely fitted on
standard A, and supported on the upper end of the nave H3, of the head H.
Within holder 1, and secured on top of disc D, is a ring K having ratchet
teeth on its inner periphery, one for each slot D', and channel i, and having
radial registering slots on its upper face, one for each slot D¹ and channel i.

page_text: The slots are engaged by a vertically movable log L which is caused to move
as will hereafter be described in a vertical slot in the head H, so as to lock the
holder I and disc D together so that the channels i and slots D¹ exactly register
with each other.
The disc D is rotated as follows :-
A vertical shaft M is journalled in and between H and J, and a pinion M2 is
fixed on the upper end of M just above J, and just above head H a barrel cam N
is pinned on the shaft M. A friction roller L¹ on the bolt L engages the cam
groove of N, which cam raises and lowers the bolt once in every revolution of the
shaft M. The bolt L has an adjustable tooth (Fig. 1) the projection of which
can be regulated by the screw 1. Above the collar H, and free to revolve around
the nave of H is an arm O to which is pivotted a dog O₁ engaging the ratchet
teeth k, and this arm is connected by a link 02 with an eccentric pin m on the
lower end of the shaft M, so that the disc D is caused to revolve step by step, one
tooth k for every revolution of the shaft. M.
On the shaft M above the cam N is a cam n, having a cam groove in its lower
face, engaged by an arm o on the upper end of a short shaft o', which is journalled
in a hole in the head H, and has on its lower end a brake arm o², which presses
against the inner face of the vertical rim of the disc D so as to stop its rotation.
The top plate a fixed on the upper end of standard A closes the upper end of a
hollow cylinder J' which is superimposed on the head J over the holder I.
Within J, just above J, is a toothed wheel M³ free to revolve on the standard A,
and gearing with a pinion M2. Above the wheel M³ is fixed on A a bracket P, in
which is journalled the lower end of a vertical shaft p, the upper end of which is
journalled in and passes through the top plate a; on the upper end of p is fixed a
bevel pinion pl, and on its lower end a pinion p² gearing with M³.
The pinion p gears with a bevel pinion q¹ on a short horizontal shaft Q which
is journalled in brackets a¹ on the plate a, and which carries also the cam g².
is
On the upper side of the head J is an annular rack j, which is engaged by a
bolt j', sliding in a slot P¹ in the outer end of the bracket P. The bolt
connected to the lower end of an extensible rod which extends through a hole in
the plate a and is attached to a band lever 3 by which the bolt can be released
from or engaged with the rack j, at will.
A shaft R journalled in brackets a³ on the plate a, parallel with shaft Q has a
pinion gearing with a wheel Q to drive the shaft Q. The shaft R is driven by
a pulley R', which is clamped between two friction plates R2, fixed on the shaft,
and constituting a friction clutch, which is usually sufficiently tight to cause
pulley R to drive the machine, but allows the pulley to slip if by accident a type
should be caught between a moving and a stationary part of the mechanism, or
other danger should arise. Beside R is the loose pulley d.
The shaft R is also utilized to drive the space discarding mechanism and is
provided with a clutch R' so that if desired the discarding mechanism can be
stopped while the distributer continues to operate.
At the top of each channel i, is a hinged line-case ", which forms a continuation
of the channel when it is raised to its vertical position, as indicated in full lines
Fig. 2. These cases are however, turned down at right angles to the channel i (as
shown in dotted lines Fig. 2) to receive a line of type to be distributed, and are
then turned up against the barrel J and locked in the upright position. The
inner or lower ends of the cases are closed by a false bottom having a
projecting handle to which is pivotted a catch that engages a lug on the end
of case, the limbs of the handle are urged apart by a spring i.
After the case is turned up with the vertical line of dead matter contained
therein standing perpendicularly over a channel i of the distributer cylinder, the
operator pinches lever releasing the bottom 3 from the lower extremity of
the case, and then he gradually lowers the said false bottom and the types on
it down into the channel of the distributing cylinder until he reaches the top of
such column of types as may be left in the channel; he then withdraws the false

page_text: bottom to be applied to another hinged line case before it is raised to vertical
position with another line of dead matter.
The types stand on their feet, when entering the cases, and when the cases
are turned to the upright position and the type faces are at the inner sides of
the channels, or towards the axis of the machine; as the types drop out of the
channels into the slots D' they strike upon the pushers E and are tilted up so as
to stand on their feet, and then are forced out by the pushers into the receiving
type holders C which are supported on the skirt of C, the upper ends of the
holders fitting between studs d³ at each side of each slot D₁. Followers C³
may be used in the holders to prevent the types from turning over.
When one
holder is filled it can be removed and replaced by another, and these holders are
preferably so constructed that they can be inserted directly into a composing
machine forming its type cases.
Two shafts L and with separate pressure are used within the cylinders I, J', to
permit these cylinders to be rotated independently of the disc D while the driving
mechanism on plate a remains stationary.
In the modified machine shown more particularly in Figs. 25 to 29, types of
different sizes or of two or more fonts, can be simultaneously distributed at one
operation, thus increasing the output of the distributer and rendering a separate
machine for the different fonts unnecessary. This effects great economy in the
outfit of a printing establishment, especially one for newspapers employing two or
more sizes of types.
Referring to Figs. 25 to 29, the cylinder I has two sets of radial vertical
channels in its periphery for the reception of lines of type.
These channels alternate, and the channels are deeper, or are set nearer the
axis of the machine, than the channels i.
The disc D has two sets of slots D' D" in it corresponding to the channels i,
in the channel I. Over these slots are secured the test plates d d", (Fig. 27) by
which only the proper types are permitted to enter the slots. Below this test plate
are the type holders C as described, one for each channel i ¹¹.
The disc D, with the test plates, is rotated by the pawl O' as described only the
disc is moved sufficiently to bring the slots D D respectively into register with the
channels i, at each movement, hence types may be distributed simultaneously
from all the channels D D¹.
The double distribution could obviously be effected in a machine having the test
plates stationary and the type channels moving.
The chanuelsi", could be equidistant from the axis, but this would necessitate
different notchings of the two fonts so that types of one font should not become
mixed with types of the other font; to avoid this complication it is preferable to
have slots for types of different fonts arranged at different distances from the axis.
By doing this there is no likelihood of types in the one set of channels passing into
the cases corresponding with the other set. The test plates d" of the channels D"
have guard pieces on their outer ends which prevent the types in the channels i
from entering them. This arrangement admits of the types in the two fonts being
nicked alike.
are curved guide pieces in the lower ends and at the outer sides of channels ¹¹,
to direct the types from these on the test plates. These guides may be attached to
a ring it desired.
The double distributer has two sets of channels, but obviously a greater number
might be arranged, this however being seldom necessary.
The apparatus for removing the spaces and leads from the "dead" matter prior
to its introduction into the distributer, and for loading the channels, is as follows:—
Upon a standard S is fixed a frame S on which is mounted the operative parts
of the "space and lead discharger." Upop S' is mounted a galley S, in which the
matter to be distributed is placed, the types are moved forward in the galley S' by
a plunger S3 connected by cords S which run back over pulleys S to weights S
The inner end of the galley is closed by a plate s, which extends both above and

page_text: below the galley, and has on its face farthest from the types a groove s¹ containing
a reciprocating bar T, to which is attached a plunger T¹ which fits closely against
the front face of the plate s, and being as wide as the galley, serves to push the
lines of type, as they are pressed forward in the galley against the plates,
successively down through a slot in the bottom of the galley, into a type line
holder W which has a longitudinal channel W' to receive a line of type, and is
secured to the frame S¹ below the galley, as shown.
Every time plunger T¹ descends a line of type is lowered into the holder W and
before descent of another line is moved forward, end wise, by a plunger t¹, which is
reciprocated by a lever 2 pivotted at S7 on a bracket projecting down from the
frame S and operated by a cam t³ mounted on a shaft under the galley.
The lower end of the bar T is engaged by a vibratory lever T2 pivotte: on a
bracket S attached to frame S₁ and vibrated by a cam T³ on shaft t*. In the
front face of plate s, just above the floor of the galley S2, is a transverse slot s
having in it a stop-bar U, the ends of which are jointed to a forked lever U¹ which
is fulcrummed on a stud s³ projecting from a plate s² which is attached to the rear
face of the plates and confines the bar T thereto. The lower end of the lever U'
engages a cam groove in a barrel cam U² on the outer end of the shaft (4.
The stop-bar U prevents the "dead" type from falling or being pushed forward
over the slots, until the plunger has risen clear above the type, and the previously
lowered line of type in the holder has been moved out of the way.
Above the galley is a lead-receiver u, which also serves as a guard to prevent a
line of type from being pulled up with the plunger T. Behind this receiver,
contained in openings s in plate s are pushers V, which are connected at the rear
to a bar V, which lies behind extensions U³ of the lever U' so that the pushers V
are retracted simultaneously with the retraction of stop bar U, and do not hinder
the descent of the plunger T¹.
When the plunger T reaches its highest position the pushers V are projected
forward, by springs, through openings in the plunger, and push the leads which
bave been raised with the plunger off into the receiver u.
In order to prevent the pushers V from interfering with the operation of the
plunger T, when they are drawn back by the lever U¹, a spring bolt V³, guided
in a groove in the plate s, drops in front of bar V₁, and holds the plunger
retracted, until a stud T₁ on the plate T lifts the bolt V3 out of engagement
with the bar V and allows the springs to project the pushers as described. This
stud T projects through a slots in the back of the plate s².
A bevel pinion t on the shaft t gears with a similar wheel to on a shaft v,
journaled in frame S at right angles to the shaft t4, and above the shaft vis another
shaft v, likewise journaled in the frame S, and having a pinion on its inner end
gearing with a wheel on the shaft v. On the outer end of the shaft is a
pulley clamped between two friction plates so that in case of obstruction, such
as the misplacement of a type, the pulley will slip instead of causing breakage.
The pulley is driven by a belt v³ from a pulley on shaft R, as shewn in
Figure 1.
The holder W lies parallel with, but above and in rear of the shaft and this
holder has a lateral slot W2 through it, and a shallow groove W at its bottom
registering with channel W₁. The top of the slot W2 is formed by a plate W
fitted on the top of the holder, and having a shallow groove W4 in its under side
registering with the channel W¹, to guide the upper ends of the types passing
through the channel. In moving past the slot W2 the types are simply held in
and guided by narrow grooves at the top and the bottom, as shown in Figures 15
and 16, while the spaces being shorter than the types are simply guided in the
lower groove, and are knocked out while passing the slot W2, by the following
means.
Upon a shaft w just beneath the slot W³, are hung space ejector and feeders w¹,
formed of thin metal plates, about as wide as the narrowest spaces, having heads w²
which lie just in front of the slot W2. Each head has a feeler tooth w³ on its

page_text: рре спи,
Strikes a type preve
if it passes between the types over a lead, allows the ejector to be partly oscillated
by a spring w, there being a spring for each ejector. When au ejector is thus
thrown backward its lower end comes into position to be struck by a rocking
plate X journaled in frame below and in front of the ejectors, this plate having
a finger X projecting down and engaging in a notch in a slide X2 which is moved
in one direction by a spring X³, and forced in the other direction by an eccentric
roller X mounted on an arm X' attached to shaft v.
The ejectors are kept out of the way of the types in the channel W₁ except at
proper intervals, by means of a controller a pivoted on the frame S below the
plate X and curving up in front of and over the plate, having its upper end bent
back forming a straight edge which bears against the lower arms of the ejectors
and pushes them back so as to withdraw the heads of the ejectors from the slot W2,
and keep their lower ends out of engagement with the plate X and tension
springs w. This controller is held in this position by a cam a' on the shaft v,
which at intervals allows the controller to be drawn away from the ejectors,
by a spring ³. The controller has a friction roller bearing against the
cam al
After passing the slot W2, the types enter the receivers of the distributing
machine, having thus been automatically freed from both leads and spaces.
OPERATION OF APPARATUS.
The "dead" matter, or type to be distributed, is placed in the galley S², behind
the follower S³, by which it is moved towards the plates as the successive lines are
withdrawn. The stop plate U being retracted the farthest line of types is brought
over the slot s¹ and under the plunger T', which thereupon descends and forces
this line down through the slot s into the channel Was the plunger T₁ ris s, the
plunger in the channel W₁ pushes the separated line of types along said
channel until it is clear of slot s' and when the plunger completes its back
stroke another line of types is separated and lowered through slot
plunger T¹.
by
As the plunger T¹ rises above the slot s¹ the stop-bar U is projected and
prevents the advance of the dead matter until the parts are ready to separate
another line from it. When working on matter without leads a plate T6, is
secured to the face of the plunger T to make it of the same thickness as the
line of type, and to prevent it from catching any type on its upstroke, as shewn in
Figure 18.
When the matter has single leads a thinner plate T7 is used leaving a slight
ledge on the lower part of the plunger, which as it rises catches the lead and
draws it up into the box u, into which it is delivered by the pushers V (see
Figure 19).
For matter having double leads no plates are used, leaving the ledge wide
enough to draw up both leads as shewn in Figure 20.
The stop bar U and pushers V are always withdrawn out of the way of the
plunger T prior to its descent.
The types in channel W₁, are moved forward toward slot W2, and in passing
through slot W2 the ejectors w¹ knock out the spaces, which being shorter than the
types allow the feelers w 3 of the ejectors to project into the line of type, in the
openings above the spaces, thus bringing the lower ends of these ejectors into such
position that the rock plate X catches them and moves them sufficiently to knock
the spaces out of the line. The controller x is thrown forward by cam x¹ so as to
keep the ejectors away from the type line during the operation of the plunger t
or while the types are being moved along the channel W₁. Where there is no
space the feeler w³ simply presses against the upper end of a type and remains
in that position until the controller X forces them away from the type.
The types thus freed from leads and spaces are moved on into one of the hinged

page_text: type cases the upper end of which case when turned down rests in a recess W 7,"
in discharge end of holder W, and forma a continuation of the channel W¹ so that
the plunger T also loads the types into the cases.
As soon as a case is filled, the lead and space discarder may be temporarily
stopped until the barrel J is rotated and another case adjusted to receive the
type from channel W'. This can be done without stopping the operation of the
distributor.
From the cases the types enter the channels i, in which they lie with their
heads inwards, the types being consequently delivered right end up into the
holders as above described.
When any channel of the distributor is empty, the top lock j' is raised and the
cylinder J¹ is rotated by the operator so as to bring the case hinged over the empty
channel into register with the channel W1 of the space and lead discarding
mechanism, where it is refilled with type.
The channels in the distributing case can be filled while the distribution is
going on, this which cannot be done with other circular or cylinder distributing
machines, is a great practical advantage.
All the bottom types in the channels i, that are in register with test plates of
their own character, drop through the slots D' into the holders, ready for removal
to the composing machine.
The disk D, its support, the removable receivers the pushers, and the devices
for operating then are all rotated by means of the ratchet pawl O' on the arm M.
After the test plate is moved one notch by the ratchet and pawl the friction brake
is applied, checking the momentum of the moving parts, so that the bolt L can
engage a slot and bring all the test plates on the disk into exact register with
the channels in the cylinder 1.
When the lines of type are not as long as the galley is wide, strips as S 8, in
Figure 22 may be placed in the side of galley.
From the above description it will be seen that the principal features of the
invention are (1) the discarding of spaces prior to distribution of the type, which
has not hitherto been accomplished in type distributing machines; (2) the use of
hinged cases for loading the type channels; (3) the novel mechanism for discarding
the leads (4) the stationary type holding cylinder and revolving test plates :
(5) the construction of distributor such that it can simultaneously distribute two
or more different "fonts or sizes of type.
""
Dated this 26th day of November 1895.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Type Distributing Apparatus.
I OLIVER IMRAY of No. 28 Southampton Buildings Chancery Lane in the
County of London Chartered Patent Agent 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 apparatus for distributing type by first removing the
leads from the "dead matter" then removing the spaces, then filling the distributor
cylinder with type for distribution without stopping the process; and finally
collecting the distributed type into removable receivers.
The mechanism for discarding leads and spaces takes the "dead" matter from.
the galley and separates the type from the " spaces" and "leads" and also the:
66 spaces from the "leads" and delivers the type to the distributer channels

page_text: in suitable condition for rapid distribution.
The discarding and distributing
mechanisms are so arranged that they can operate either synchronously or
independently so that one operator can easily attend to the apparatus, also means
are provided for preventing breakage by misplaced types or otherwise. According
to a modification types of different size, or from different "fonts"
may be
simultaneously distributed by one machine. In the apparatus about to be described
the test plates of the distributer revolve, together with the removable type
receivers and plungers by which the types delivered from the distributers are
loaded into receivers but the cylinder in which the types to be distributed are
contained is normally stationary in relation to the test plates during the distributing
operation. Above the cylinder is a loading case provided with a series of hinged
type lined cases which are lowered to receive a line of types from the discarder,
and are then raised so that the types can be delivered into the corresponding
channel of the cylinder.
Thus the cylinder and case can be rotated, to bring any one of the type line
cases into register with the discarder and the cylinder and case are then locked
and become stationary relatively to the test plates.
The drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification illustrate apparatus
according to this invention."
Figure 1 is a top plan of the machine.
Figure 2 is a central vertical section on the line 2-2 Figure 3, the barrel
having been rotated until shaft M comes into line with shaft p.
Figures 3 and 4 are transverse sections on the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Figures 2
respectively.
Figure 5 is a diagrammatical section illustrating the passage of type from the
"dead" matter galley through the discarder and distributer.
Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical section on the line 6-6 of Figure 3.
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail section of the test plate disc type holders and
pushers.
Figure 8 is a detail plan of part of the test plate disc.
Figure 9 is a detail edge view partly in section of the test plate disc pushers and
pusher actuating plate.
Figure 10 is a detail section of the adjustable latch L.
Figure 11 is a detail section on line 11-11 Figure 2.
Figure 12 is an enlarged rear elevation of the space and lead discarding
mechanism.
Figure 13 is an outer end view and
Figure 14 is a top plan of the same.
•
Figures 15 and 16 are vertical sections on the line 15-16 of Figure 14 shewing
the space discarding mechanism in and out of its operative position.
Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20 are detail sections through the discarder shewing the
lead discarding devices and the line separating devices.
Figure 21 is a detail transverse section on the line 21-21 of Figure 19.
Figures 22 and 23 are details of the galleys.
Figure 24 is a detail view of the false bottom for the hinged line case.
Figure 25 is a detail vertical section of the distributer as modified to distribute
two fonts of the different sized types simultaneously.
Figure 26 is a reduced top plan of the type holding cylinder shewn in
Figure 25.
Figures 27, 28 and 29 are detail views of the modified distributor shewn in
Figures 25 and 26.
The distributor is mounted upon an upright hollow standard A supported on a
base A. Upon A, a little above the base is fixed a spider B on the rim of which
is mounted a ring B', grooved to receive balls B2, which support another ring B
on which is supported an annular conical body C having a skirt flange C¹ expanding
downwards and forming a support for the distributed type line receivers which will
hereafter be described.. Above C and partly supported on it is a disc D having in

page_text: its edge slots D¹ over which are fitted test plates d (Figure 8). The disc Dis
principally supported on a collar D on standard A and it is fastened to C by
screws c tapped through inwardly projecting brackets C³ in the under surface of
disc D within the slots D', is an annular chanuel D³ into which the slots D¹
open (and in the upper edge of C just below the slots D' are inwardly inclined
slots c'.
In each slot D' is a type pusher E which is pivotted by studs e resting in holes c²
at each side of the slots c and confined therein by partitions 2 on the bottom of
the disc D at each side of each slot D'.
The pushers E have downwardly projecting arms El jointed to the upturned
outer edge of a vertically sliding disc F, centred on the standard A. below the
collar D and within the ring C the edge of F being slotted as at F¹ to receive the
arms E of the pushers E.
The disc F has openings f through it for passage of the brackets C³ and it rests
on a ring G (Figure 11) loosely fitted on the standard A and fastened to a bar G¹
that passes through slots A³ in the standard A. A lipped sleeve F³ fastened to
the boss of F holds it on the ring G. The bar G is connected to the lower end of
a rad g which passes up through the standard and through a guide hole in the top
plate a and has on its upper end a roller g¹ engaged in a cam groove in a cam
wheel g² on a shaft Q journalled in bearings on the top plate. All the parts C. D
EF can rotate around the standard A. and the pushers E can be simultaneously
reciprocated by the ascent and descent of the disc F.
Just above the disc D is a collar A' on which is supported a rotatable collar H¹
on the lower end of the nave H³ of a wheel shaped head H which is fitted in the
lower end of and supports the channel type holder I. This is a hollow cylinder
having in its outer face vertical channels i one for each slot D' each adapted to
contain a line of types to be distributed.
This holder reaches close to the disc D, but does not rest on it.
The upper end of the holder I is closed by a head J, loosely fitted on standard A
and supported on the upper end of the nave H3 of the head H.
The
Within holder I and secured on top of disc D is a ring K having ratchet teeth k
on its inner periphery, one for each slot D', and channel i and having radial
registering slots k on its upper face one for each slot D¹ and channel i.
slots are engaged by a vertically moveable dog L which is caused to move as
will hereafter be described in a vertical slot h in the head H so as to lock the
holder I and disc D together so that the channels and slots D' exactly register
with each other.
The disc D is rotated as follows:-
A vertical shaft M is journalled in and between H and J and a pinion M² is
fixed on the upper end of M just above J and just above head H a barrel cam N
is pinned on the shaft M. Å friction roller L on the bolt L engages the cam
groove of N, which cam raises and lowers the bolt once in every revolution of the
shaft M. The bolt L has an adjustable tooth (Figure 10) the projection of
which can be regulated by the screw . Above the collar H', and free to revolve
around the nave of H is an arm O to which is pivotted a dog O' engaging the
ratchet teeth and this arm is connected by a link O2 with an eccentric pin m on
the lower end of the shaft M so that the disc D is caused to revolve step by step
one tooth for every revolution of the shaft M.
"
On the shaft M above the cam N is a cam n having a cam groove in its lower
face engaged by an arm o on the upper end of a short shaft of which is journalled
in a hole in the head H aud has on its lower end a brake arm o² which presses
against the inner face of the vertical rim of the disc D so as to stop its rotation.
The top plate a fixed on the upper end of standard A closes the upper end of a
hollow cylinder J₁ which is superimposed on the head J over the holder 1.
Within just above J is a toothed wheel M³ free to revolve on the standard A
and gearing with a pinion M2. Above the wheel M³ is fixed on A a bracket P. in
which is journalled the lower end of a vertical shaft p the upper end of which is
B

page_text: Journalled in and passes through the top plate a on the upper end of p
bevil pinion p and on its lower end a pinion p² gearing with Ms.
fixed a
The pinion pl gears with a bevil pinion g' on a short horizontal shaft Q which is
journalled in brackets a¹ on the plate a and which carries also the cam g².
On the upper side of the head J is an annular rack; which is engaged by a
bolt sliding in a slot P¹ in the outer end of the bracket P. The bolt jis
connected to the lower end of an extensible rod which extends through a hole
in the plate a and is attached to a hand lever j³ by which the bolt can be released
from or engaged with the rack j at will.
A shaft R journalled in brackets a² on the plate a parallel with shaft Q has a
pinion gearing with a wheel Q to drive the shaft Q. The shaft R is driven by
a pulley R' which is clamped between two friction plates R² fixed on the shaft,
and constituting a friction clutch which is usually sufficiently tight to cause pulley R'
to drive the machine, but allows the pulley to slip if by accident a type should be
caught between a moving and a stationary part of the mechanism, or other danger
should arise. Beside R is the loose pulley r¹.
The shaft R is also utilized to drive the space discarding mechanism and is
provided with a clutch R* so that if desired the discarding mechanism can be
stopped while the distributor continues to operate.
At the top of each channel i is a hinged line case ' which forms a continuation
of the channel when it is raised to its vertical position, as indicated in full lines
(Figure 2). These cases are however, turned down at right angles to the channel i
as shown in dotted lines (Figure 2) to receive a line of type to be distributed,
and are then turned up against the barrel J' and locked in the upright position.
The inner or lower ends of the cases are closed by a false bottom having a
projecting handle to which is pivotted a catch that engages a lug on the
end of case, the limbs of the handle are urged apart by a spring .
After the case is turned up with the vertical line of dead matter contained
therein standing perpendicularly over a channel i of the distributer cylinder, the
operator pinches lever releasing the bottom from the lower extremity of the
case and then he gradually lowers the said false bottom and the types on it
down into the channel of the distributing cylinder until he reaches the top of such
column of types as may be left in the channel he then withdraws the false bottom
to be applied to another hinged line case before it is raised to vertical position with
another line of dead matter.
The types stand on their feet, when entering the cases and when the cases are
turned to the upright position and the type faces are at the inner sides of the channels
or towards the axis of the machine as the types drop out of the channels i into the
slots D' they strike upon the pushers E and are tilted up so as to stand on their
feet, and then are forced out by the pushers into the receiving type holders (*
which are supported on the skirt of C, the upper ends of the holders fitting
between studs d³ at each side of each: slot D'. Followers C³ may be used in the
holders to prevent the types from turning over. When one holder is filled it can
be removed and replaced by another, and these holders are preferably so constructed
that they can be inserted directly into a composing machine forming its type
cases.
Two shafts Land p with separate pressure are used within the cylinders I, J,
to permit these cylinders to be rotated independently of the disc D while the
driving mechanism on plate a remains stationary.
In the modified machine shown more particularly in Figures 25 to 29 types of
different sizes or of two or more fonts can be simultaneously distributed at one
operation thus increasing the output of the distributer and rendering a separate
machine for the different fonts unnecessary. This effects great economy in the
outfit of a printing establishment, especially one for newspapers employing two or
more sizes of types.
Referring to Figures 25 to 29 the cylinder I has two sets of radial' vertical
channels in its periphery for the reception of lines of type,

page_text: ↓
These channels alternate, and the channels are deeper, or are set.nearer the.
axis of the machine, than the channels i.
The disc D has two sets of slots D'D" in it corresponding to the channels i, 1,
in the channel I. Over these slots are secured the test plates dd, (Figure 27)
by which only the proper types are permitted to enter the slots. Below this test
plate are the type holders C as described, one for each channel i¹¹.
The disc D, with the test plates, is rotated by the pawl O¹ as described only
the disc is moved sufficiently.to bring the slots D D respectively into register
with the channels i, at each movement, hence types may be distributed
simultaneously from all the channels D D.
The double distribution could obviously be effected in.a machine,having the test
plates stationary and the type channels moving.
The channels is, could be equidistant from the axis, but this would necessitate
different notchings of the two fonts so that types of one font should not become
mixed with types of the other font; to avoid this complication it is preferable to
have slots for types of different fonts arranged at different distances from the axis.
By doing this there is no likelihood of types in the one set of chaunels passing
into the cases corresponding with the other set. The test plates d" of the
channels D have guard pieces don their outer ends which prevent the types in
the channels i from entering them. This arrangement.admits of the types in the
two fonts being nicked alike.
are curved guide pieces in the lower ends and at the outer sides of channels i",
to direct the types from these on the test plates. These guides may be attached
to a ring if desired.
The double distributor has two sets of channels, but obviously.a greater number
might be arranged, this however.being seldom necessary.
The apparatus for removing the spaces and leads from the "dead" matter
prior to its introduction into the distributor, and for loading the channels, is as
follows:-
Upon a standard S is fixed a frame S' on which is mounted the operative parts
of the "space and lead discharger." Upon S¹ is mounted a galley S, in which
the matter to be distributed is placed, the types are moved forward in the galley S²
by a plunger S³ connected by cords S which run back over pulleys S³ to
weights S. The inner end of the galley is closed by a plate s, which extends
both above and below the galley, and has on its face farthest from the types a
grooves containing a reciprocating bar T, to which is attached a plunger T'
which fits closely against the front face of the plate s,.and being as wide as the
galley, serves to push the lines of type, as they are pressed forward in the galley
against the plates, successively down through a slot in the bottom of the
.galley, into a.type line holder W which has a longitudinal channel W¹ to receive
a line of type, and is secured to the frame.S' below.the galley, as shown.
Every time plunger T¹ descends a line of type is lowered, into the holder W and
before descent of another line is moved forward, endwise, by a, plunger, t¹, which
is reciprocated, by a lever ta pivotted.at S7 on.a bracket projecting down from the
frame S' and operated by a cam to mounted on a shaft under the galley.
.
The lower end of the bar Tis engaged by a vibratory, lever T2 pivotted on a
In the
bracket S attached to frame S' and vibrated by a cam T³ on shaft t*.
front face of plates, just above the floor of the galley.S2, is a transverse slot 88
having in it a stop bar U, the ends of which are jointed to a forked lever U¹ which
is fulcrummed on a stud projecting from a plate which, is attached to the rear
face of the plates and confines the bar T thereto. The lower end of the lever U
engages a cam groove in.a barrel cam U' on the outer end of the shaft t'.
"
The stop-bar U prevents the "dead type from falling or being pushed forward
over the slot so, until the plunger has risen clear above the type, and the previously
5 lowered line of type in the holder has been moved out of the way.
Above the galley is a lead-receiver u, which also serves as a guard to prevent
a line of type from being pulled up with the plunger T'. Behind this receiver,

page_text: contained in openings S₁ in plate s are pushers V, which are connected at the rear
to a bar V', which lies behind extensions U of the lever U¹ so that the pushers V
are retracted simultaneously with the retraction of stop bar U, and do not hinder
the descent of the plunger T.
When the plunger T₁ reaches its highest position the pushers V are projected
forward by springs, through openings in the plunger, and push the leads which have
been raised with the plunger off into the receiver u.
In order to prevent the pushers V from interfering with the operation of the
plunger T when they are drawn back by the lever U, a spring bolt V³, guided in
a groove in the plate S, drops in front of bar V', and holds the plunger retracted,
until a stud T on the plate T lifts the bolt V3 out of engagement with the bar V₁
and allows the springs to project the pushers as described. This stud T* projects
through a slots in the back of the plate s².
A bevel pinion t on the shaft gears with a similar wheel te on a shaft v,
journalled in frame S at right angles to the shaft t, and above the shaft v
is another shaft vo, likewise journalled in the frame S, and having a pinion on its
inner end gearing with a wheel on the shaft v. On the outer end of the shaft va
is a pulley clamped between two friction plates so that in case of obstruction,
such as the misplacement of a type, the pulley v' will slip instead of causing
breakage. The pulley is driven by a belt v3 from a pulley on shaft R, as shewn
in Figure 1.
The holder W lies parallel with, but above and in rear of the shaft and this
holder has a lateral slot W2 through it, and a shallow groove W³ at its bottom
registering with channel W. The top of the slot W2 is formed by a plate W³
fitted on the top of the holder, and having a shallow groove W in its under side
registering with the channel W, to guide the upper ends of the types passing
through the channel. In moving past the slot W the types are simply held in and
guided by narrow grooves at the top and the bottom, as shown in Figures 15
and 16, while the spaces being shorter than the types are simply guided in
the lower groove, and are knocked out while passing the slot W, by the following
means.
Upon a shaft w just beneath the slot W2, are hung space ejector-and-feeders w²,
formed of thin metal plates, about as wide as the narrowest spaces, having heads w²
which lie just in front of the slot W2. Each head has a feeler tooth w³ on its
upper end, which, when it strikes a type prevents the ejector from oscillating, but
if it passes between the types over a lead, allows the ejector to be partly oscillated
by a spring w, there being a spring for each ejector. When an ejector is thus
thrown backward its lower end comes into position to be struck by a rocking
plate X journalled in frame below and in front of the ejectors, this plate having a
finger X projecting down and engaging in a notch in a slide X2 which is moved
in one direction by a spring X³, and forced in the other direction by an eccentric
roller X mounted on an arm X attached to shaft v.
The ejectors are kept out of the way of the types in the channel W₁ except at
proper intervals, by means of a controller, pivotted in the frame S below the
plate X and curving up in front of and over the plate, having its upper end bent
back forming a straight edge which bears against the lower arms of the ejectors
and pushes them back so as to withdraw the heads of the ejectors from the slot W³,
and keep their lower ends out of engagement with the plate X and tension
springs w. This controller is held in this position by a cam a¹ on the shaft v
which at intervals allows the controller to be drawn away from the ejectors, by a
spring. The controller has a friction roller bearing against the cam ..
After passing the slot W³, the types enter the receivers of the distributing
machine, having thus been automatically freed from both leads and spaces.

page_text: follower S³, by which it is moved towards the plates as the successive lines are
withdrawn. The stop plate U being retracted the farthest line of types is brought
over the slots and under the plunger T', which thereupon descends and forces
this line down through the slot s', into the channel W' as the plunger T¹ rises, the
plunger t¹ in the channel W pushes the separated line of types along said channel
until it is clear of slots and when the plunger completes its back stroke another
line of types is separated and lowered through slots by plunger T¹.
As the plunger T rises above the slot s the stop-bar U is projected and prevents
the advance of the dead matter until the parts are ready to separate another line
from it. When working on matter without leads a plate T, is secured to the face
of the plunger T' to make it of the same thickness as the line of type, and to
prevent it from catching any type on its upstroke, as shewn in Figure 18.
When the matter has single leads a thinner plate T is used leaving a slight
ledge on the lower part of the plunger, which as it rises catches the lead and
draws it up into the box u, into which it is delivered by the pushers V (see
Figure 19).
For matter having double leads no plates are used, leaving the ledge wide
enough to draw
both leads as shewn in Figure 20.
The stop bar and pushers V are always withdrawn out of the way of the
plunger Ti prior to its descent.
The types in channel W₁ are moved forward toward slot W2 and in passing
through slot W2 the ejectors w¹ knock out the spaces, which being shorter than
the types allow the feelers w³ of the ejectors to project into the line of type, in
the openings above the spaces, thus bringing the lower ends of these ejectors into
such position that the rock plate X catches them and moves them sufficiently to
knock the spaces out of the line. The controller x is thrown forward by cam a¹
so as to keep the ejectors away from the type line during the operation of the
plunger tor while the types are being moved along the channel W. Where there
is no space the feeler w³, simply presses against the upper end of a type and remains
in that position until the controller a forces them away from the type.
The types thus freed from leads and spaces are moved on into one of the hinged
type cases the upper end of which case when turned down rests in a recess W'
in discharge end of holder W, and forms a continuation of the channel W' so that
the plunger T also loads the types into the cases.
As soon as a case is filled, the lead and space discarder may be temporarily
stopped until the barrel J' is rotated and another case adjusted to receive the
type from channel W¹. This can be done without stopping the operation of the
distributor.
From the cases the types enter the channels i, in which they lie with their
heads inwards, the types being consequently delivered right end up into the
holders cas above described.
When any channel of the distributor is empty, the top lock j¹ is raised and the
cylinder J'is rotated by the operator so as to bring the case hinged over the empty
channel into register with the channel W₁ of the space and lead discarding
mechanism, where it is refilled with type.
The channels in the distributing case can be filled while the distribution is going
on, this, which cannot be done with other circular or cylinder distributing machines,
is a great practical advantage.
All the bottom types in the channel i, that are in register with test plates of
their own character, drop through the slots D¹ into the holders, ready for removal
to the composing machine.
The disc D, its support, the removable receivers the pushers, and the devices for
operating them are all rotated by means of the ratcbet pawl O' on the arm M.
After the test plate is moved one notch by the ratchet and pawl the friction brake
is applied, checking the momentum of the moving parts, so that the bolt L can
engage a slot and bring all the test plates on the disc into exact register with the
chanuels in the cylinder I.

page_text: When the lines of type are not as long as the galley is wide, strips as S³, in
Figure 22, may be placed in the side of galley.
From the above description it will be seen that the principal features of the
invention are (1) the discarding of spaces prior to distribution of the type, which
has not hitherto been accomplished in type distributing machines. (2) The use of
hinged cases for loading the type channels. (3) The novel mechanism for discarding
the leads. (4) The stationary type holding cylinder and revolving test plates.
(5) The construction of distributor such that it can simultaneously distribute two
or more different "fonts" or sizes of type.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
claim is :-
1. Type distributing apparatus arranged and operating substantially as described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
2. The mechanism whereby dead matter is advanced along the galley, has its
leads removed, and has its successive lines of type depressed into a channel substan-
tially as described with reference to Figures 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21.
3. The mechanism whereby the spaces are separated from each line of types,
substantially as described with reference to Figures 15 and 16.
4. The hinged type cases, and the arrangements for charging them with lines of
types and delivering these lines into channels for their descent, substantially as
described with reference to Figure 5.
5. The mechanism for revolving the grooves and test plates and for ejecting
the types that pass the test plates substantially as described with reference to
Figures 3 to 11 inclusive.
6. The modification of descending channels, test plates and grooves adapting the
apparatus to types of several fonts or sizes, substantially as described with reference
to Figures 25 to 29 inclusive.
Dated this 22nd day of July 1896.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.