An Improved Method of Drying Stereo-matrices when Lifted from the Type in a Moist State.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 29th Sept., 1894
CUMI LEIE DIDUIFICATION,
An Improved Method of Drying Stereo-matrices when Lifted from
the Type in a Moist State.
I, REUBEN HERBERT HEALEY of The Laurels 83 Camden Road, London N.W.
Engineer and Stereotyper, 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 consists of a special apparatus for drying matrices for stereo-
typing.
The present practice is to dry the matrix while still on the surface of the type,
but this method is injurious to the type, which have to be heated every time a
matrix is formed.
The method I adopt, as explained in my Specification No. 5902 of 1890, is to
remove the matrix from the type while damp, and insert it in the special drying
apparatus, which I will now proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows a plan of my apparatus consisting of an oven and projecting frame
which is mounted on iegs or other supports of convenient height. Fig. 2 shows an
elevation of same with the legs broken off and the tray f, on the sliding carrier g,
outside the oven in the position for receiving the matrix.
Fig. 3 shows one of the internal pressure bars c, operated by the connected double
levers d, d;
of
Fig. 4 shows an enlarged side elevation of the interior arrangement of the oven
my apparatus.
Fig. 5 shows an end elevation of the outer tray f
Fig. 6 shows a cross section of Fig. 5 and also shows the inner tray, in which
the powder is placed, and below the tray a side view of one of the channel-iron
bearers s.
D
Fig. 7 shows a side elevation of the outer tray f, in position on the carrier
Fig. 8 shows a cross section of the same and a side elevation of the inner tray',
and exhibits a section of the channel iron supports s, between the trays f, ƒª¹.
Fig. 9 shows a plan view of a part of the gridiron gas burner which I employ for
heating my apparatus.
a, is the oven in which the matrix is dried. b, is the projecting frame in which
the carrier slides. c, c, are internal pressure bars to hold down a perforated plate
which is placed over the matrix. d, d, are the external levers which operate the
pressure bars c, c. e, is the handle by which the levers d, d, are raised or depressed.
f, is the outer tray. f', is the inner tray for holding the matrix. This tray is
supported by the channel irons s, s, s, which are kept at about an equal distance
apart, thus forming a hot air space between the trays f, and f, which space is
continued around the sides and ends of tray f¹. g, is the carrier which sustains f,
and slides on the frame b. h, is the gridiron gas-burner. ', h', are the straight
pipes, furnished with jets which extend entirely over the perforated plate x. ², is
the large supply pipe to which the branch pipes ', are connected by means of the
regulating taps. The effect of this form of construction is to distribute the heat
uniformly under the oven. i, is the flue pipe which is furnished with an adjustable
valve l, for regulating the draught. k, is the vertical sliding door which closes the
oven when the trays f,f, and carrier g, are admitted. This door can be raised
or lowered by a balanced lever in the well known way. m, is the top plate of the
oven to which the pivot bars or fulcrum n, of the levers c, are fixed. x, is a
perforated metal plate for regulating the admission of air to the burner / whence it

page_text: 2.
passes when uniformly heated to the trays in which the matrices are placed. x, is
a horizontal sheet of metal about one-and-a-half inches below the perforated plate
This plate allows just sufficient air for the burner to enter by the horizontal
spaces at its sides and end.
The oven a, contains a powerful atmospheric gas burner, before described, or
other arrangement for heating, capable of raising the temperature as high as
750 degrees in a short time.
When available I prefer to adapt my oven for burning gas owing to its
convenience, but it is obvious that the necessary heat can be obtained from oil, or
steam, or from any other kind of fuel with suitable arrangements for its application
and regulation.
Below the gas burner before described is the sliding perforated plate for
regulating the admission of air, and about one-and-a-half inches below is a plain
sheet of metal a' which forms the bottom of the oven.
The mode of working my invention is as follows:-
:
-
The damp matrix is taken off the type aud laid on a special bed of light dry
powder inside the inner tray f¹, which tray is placed inside the tray f, a space
being left for the heated air to circulate between the said trays and around the
sides and ends of the said inner tray f¹, which tray is strengthened by placing bars
or ribs of channelled iron beneath the same, so that any deflection is reduced to a
minimum; and is then placed within the oven, being first covered with the usual
blanket over which is placed a perforated metal plate, which plate is pressed tightly
down by the pressure bars and levers c, c, d, d.
This pressure is easily applied by the operator from outside the oven by means
of the handle e. The interior of the oven is then heated to a temperature sufficient
to ensure the rapid drying of the matrix, which is effectually completed in a few
minutes as my heating arrangement provides for a thorough distribution of heat
over the entire area of the oven.
The result is that after being thus heated in the oven for about five minutes
the matrix is withdrawn and found to be thoroughly dry and yet perfectly level
and fit for receiving the melted type-metal used to form the stereo-plate.
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 I
claim is :-
:-
The apparatus for drying matrices consisting of the oven with its rising door, the
frame, heating arrangement, levers and pressure bars, sliding carrier and trays as
herein explained and set forth.
Dhi 1761 1
A naust 1804
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, London, E.C., Patent Agent.