Improvements in Type-setting Cases.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Sept., 1897-Accepted, 6th Nov., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type-setting Cases.
I, HERMANN ALEXANDER BRUCKER, Compositor, of 146, Steindamm, Haus
15 pt., Hamburg, in the Empire of Germany, 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 that class of device used for the purpose of preventing
or minimising the inhalation of poisonous dusts as applied to type-setting. In
type-setting the inhalation of the dust set up by the friction of the letters against
each other pre-disposes the operator to consumption, and also in a great number
of cases the inhalation of the lead dust induces lead poisoning, which, if not in
itself deadly, attacks the operator in such a way as to disable him from following
his. occupation.
The present invention consists of an improved arrangement of type-setting
box or case whereby the majority of the dust produced by the friction of the
types is caught and prevented from floating in the atmosphere.
The method of carrying this invention into effect is illustrated in the accom-
panying sheet of drawings as follows:-
Figure 1 is a partial plan of the improved typo-setting case.
Figure 2 is a part sectional elevation on the line g, h, Figure 1.
The case itself consists of a frame a divided up by suitable partitions into the
necessary compartments usual in type-setting cases. The bottomb of the case is
not as in the usual manner rigidly connected or screwed to the frame, but is
fixed in grooves opening to one side, so that the whole bottom may be slid and
removed from the case when required. Between the bottom b and the partitions a¹
forming the compartments, there is placed an intermediate bottom c, made of
galvanised iron wire gauze, this bottom c serving as a supporting ground for the
bottom of the types or letters placed in the compartments. When the types are
sorted or arranged the dust formed by the friction of one against the other falls
through the openings in the gauze on to the top of the sliding bottom b, and
instead of requiring to remove the dust by small hand bellows in a manner similar
to that at present in use in the trade, the sliding bottom b is simply withdrawn,
and the dust swept or washed into any receptacle. It is evident that the great
majority of the lead dust is in this way prevented from mixing or floating with
the atmosphere, and thus the lead poisoning and induced consumption at present
common to operatives of this class is to a very large extent prevented. The
galvanising of the iron wire gauze prevents rust, and thus lengthens the life of
the bottom c.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
In type-setting cases the provision of a false bottom of wire gauze upon which
the types rest, situated over a sliding bottom of ordinary construction, as a means

page_text: for retaining and collecting the lead or other metallic dust generated by the act
of setting the types, all substantially as hereinbefore described.
Dated this 11th day of September. 1897.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., and
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents for the Applicant.