Improvements in Type-setting Apparatus.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Apr., 1893-Accepted, 2nd June, 1893
[Communicated from abroad by ABBOT AUGUSTUS Low, of Brooklyn, New
York, U.S.A., Gentleman.]
Improvements in Type-setting Apparatus.
I, HUGH DONALD FITZPATRICK, of 70 Wellington Street, Glasgow,
Registered 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 :-
My improvements relate to the class of type holding cases in which the types
are arranged in columus in prescribed positions with relation to each other, in type
containing channels which are supported in substantially vertical positions in a
suitable frame or case, the lower types in each channel resting upon a stationary
shoulder or finger piece from which they are removed by the fingers of the
compositor.
My present invention consists primarily in arranging the type containing
channels in groups upon a. common seat or support, so that two or more
characters representing a word or number, may be grasped and withdrawn at one
operation. Thus the words "and" "the" "an " "is" &c., may be conveniently
grouped and arranged with a space" so as to be readily grasped, withdrawn and
inserted in the "stick" in a shorter time, and with an expenditure of less muscular
energy than heretofore, it having been actually demonstrated that in average
newspaper work for instance, by my method less than one third the number of arm
movements between the case and the stick are required as compared with the
ordinary method of setting each letter or character separately.
A secondary feature of my invention consists in the special construction and
arrangement of parts for supporting and manipulating the types substantially as
hereinafter set forth, especially in the mechanism for detaching the types and
projecting them between the fingers of the compositor.
In the accompanying drawings I illustrate the embodiment of my invention in
practical form, although I do not wish to confine myself strictly to the identical
form and construction of parts herein shown since it is obvious that various modifi-
cations may be made in arrangement and details without deviating from the
essential features of my invention.
Figure 1, represents a front elevation of a series of nine groups of channels
arranged in a common-support or frame, the types being omitted;
Figure 2, is a top view of the frame or bed-;---
Figure 3, a front elevation of the same;
Figure 4, a perspective view of one of the channel supports removed from the
frame, and showing the lower portion of three type containing channels in position;
Figure 5, is a vertical section, in perspective, of one of the type channel
supports;
Figure 6, is a perspective view of the right side of the front end of one of the
type channel supports;
Figure 7, a similar view of the left side thereof;
Figure 8, is a top view of a type channel support:
Figure 9, a horizontal section upon plane of line a, a, Figure 13;
Figure 10, a horizontal section upon plane of line y, y, Figure 7, the front guard
and type forwarding mechanism being omitted;
Figure 11, a view similar to Figure 9, showing type in position ;
Figure 12, a similar view showing the types advanced;
Figure 13, a vertical section through the channel support and three type
1
1

page_text: The framework A, may be of any suitable form and construction provided with
supports and brackets a, for the reception of the channel supports B, which are
attached to the brackets a, by set screws a', or other suitable means.
The brackets a, are preferably slotted longitudinally as at a², to provide for the
adjustment of the channel supports B. The base plates b, of the channel supports
are also preferably slotted longitudinally for a like reason. Each channel
support B, is formed with a spine ', which supports the vertical side walls 62, b³,
of the holder. These side walls 62, 63, do not extend down to the supporting
shoulder 64, so that horizontal slots. 65, 66, are formed in which the type lever C,
rests and operates.
Interior shoulders d, d', d², are formed around the lower walls and spine of the
holder B, as shown in Figures 4, 8, 10 and 13. These shoulders d, d', d², support
the lower edges of the type containing channels E. When adapted for the
reception of two type containing channels one side wall and the back of each of the
latter rest upon the shoulders d, d', d². When more than two type containing
channels are to be accommodated those in the middle rest only at the rear upon the
shoulder d¹, upon which they are held by the front guard G, which also supports
the fronts of the other channels, one of the walls of each of which is made of
greater width than "type high."
The floor 68, of the channel support is formed with the depression or recess b²,
into which the lowest types from the channels drop. This depression ', however
is not equal in depth to the thickness of the type, so that the latter project slightly
above the surface b, and in the path of the type lever C.
The type lever C, is rectangular and is pivoted to the floor b, at c. Normally
the type lever C, rests in the position shown in Figure 11, owing to the pressure of
the torsion or other form of spring c¹.
The outer end of the type lever C, projects latterly beyond the channel
support B, and is formed with a broad finger bearing c³, by which it may be drawn
forward into the position shown in Figure 12, thereby advancing the lower types
into position to be withdrawn by the fingers.
The front guard G, is made in any suitable manner to afford a support for the
fronts of the channels. As shown in the drawings it consists of a plate y, secured
by a substantial hinge g', which while affording strength sufficient to hold the
channels against forward movement, admits of the guard being swung out of the
way to facilitate the insertion or removal of channels.
The second feature of my invention is designed to afford a case which by a
simple adjustment may be adapted either for use in setting by hand into the
ordinary hand stick or for setting the types in a continuous line in a channel in
which they may be justified and from which they may be transferred in sub-
divisions or lines of required length into a stick or galley forming a portion of the
apparatus.
The apparatus may thus be used as a single or duplex machine affording
employment for two men if required, one for setting and the other for justifying
the types, as in the case of the majority of machines of this class, or if from the
sickness or absence of one of the men, or for any other cause that would render such
a course desirable, the case may be set for use as a simple hand case from which the
types may be removed by the fingers from the lower ends of the type chaunels
substantially in the manner set forth in the Specification of Letters Patent
No. 1585 of 1889.
My invention includes the special construction of parts whereby two or more
series or banks of type containing channels, with the type turning mechanism and
converging conduits, are arranged with relation to each other in such manner as to
effectually utilize and economize space, while each channel, type turning device,
and type conduit is entirely independent of the rest.
A distinguishing feature of my invention consists in making the depression of the
lower end of each type containing channel to detach the lowest type, act to turn
and project the latter outward substantially at right angles to its former position

page_text: in the channel and between the thumb and finger of the operator when it is desired
to set by hand or into alignment with the mouth of the type conduit by which it is
conducted to the justifying channel when it is desired to follow that method, as
hereinafter more fully set forth.
My invention also includes certain special features of construction and arrange-
ment hereinafter specified and claimed for the purpose of effecting the adjustment
of the parts to types of different sizes for receiving and forwarding the types for
justification and separation into lines and for other minor purposes.
By my invention all intermediate mechanism as keys, levers &c., for operating the
types is dispensed with, the type containing channels themselves.constituting the
equivalent of such mechanism in detaching and starting the types &c., and
the apparatus being thereby rendered much more simple in construction and
operation than the comparatively complicated and expensive machines heretofore
used in setting type directly into justifying channels.
Figure 14, is a vertical section of an apparatus in which two series or banks of
type containing channels are arranged one above the other;
Figure 15, is a section upon plane of line x, x, Figure 14, looking downward in
the direction of the arrow X, and illustrating an arrangement of face plates
suitable for conveying the types from the setter channels to the justifying channel
and galley;
Figure 16, is a front view of a portion of the two series of type containing
channels, looking in a plane at right angles thereto as indicated by the arrow Y
Figure 14;
Figure 17, a view of the under side of several adjoining type supports &c.;
Figure 18, a side elevation of one of the type supports, partially broken away;
Figure 19, a view similar to Figure 18, illustrating the depression of the channel
and the grasping of the lowest type;
Figure 20, a front view of the type support &c.; without the channel ;
Figure 21, a section on line z, z, Figure 20, showing the type turning finger of
the channel also in section ;
Figure 22, a similar view illustrating the position of the lowest type before the
depression of the channel;
Figure 23, a similar view illustrating the turning of the type during the
depression of the channel ;
Figure 24, a similar view illustrating the position of the type upon the complete
depression of the channel ;
Figure 25, a top view of the justifying channel, galley &c.;
Figure 26, an isometrical view of the type holders in the justifying channel ;
Figure-27, a.sectional view upon plan of line 9, 9, Figure 25;
Figure 28, is an isometrical perspective of the shoulder and foot plates, adjusting
rods &c.;
Figure 29, an isometrical view of the shoulder plate, foot plate, spring and
lower part of support, separated;
Figure 30, an isometrical upon an enlarged scale of the shoulder and foot plates
&c., the lower extremity of the support being shown in transverse section ;
Figure 31, a sectional elevation of the parts in a plane at right angles to the
plane of section in Figure 30.
Two series A¹, A3, of type channels are shown in the accompanying drawings,
A', the lower, and A³, the upper bank, although any desired number of banks may
be superposed one over the other in like manner when desired.
The supports B, for the channels are inclined upon a suitable frame work C.
In the support underneath each channel is a rod D, which is adjustable
longitudinally by means of a nut d, at the upper end, and a spring d', at the lower
end, the office of the latter being to press the rod downward as far as the nut d,
will allow it to go.
The lower end of the rod D, carries the shoulder plate F, formed with the
shoulder or abutment e. This shoulder e, projects upward through.a slot or recess ƒ,

page_text: formed in the stationary 100t plate г, upon the top or wnien the column of by pe
rests, in front of the shoulder e.
A bearing G, is attached to the rod D, near the upper extremity by a lateral
arm g, which also serves as the pin or stud g', upon which the upper end of the
type-containing channel is hung.
It will thus be seen that by adjusting the rod D, longitudinally the lower end of
the type channel and the upper edge of the type shoulder e, will be simultaneously
adjusted and regulated in position with relation to the fixed type plate E, secured
to the lower extremity of the supports B.
The lower or rear wall of each type containing channel extends upward beyond
the narrower front wall thereof, and is formed with an elongated slot. a, for the
reception of the end of the pin or stud 9', the extreme upper edge a', of the channel
being clamped and held down against the bearing G, by a flat spring g², which
however does not prevent the insertion or removal of the channel, or swinging
downward of the lower end, in use as hereinafter set forth.
A flat spring H, secured to the support B, at one end, sustains the body of the
type containing channels at its other or free end h, and presses the channel upward
against the adjustable stop I, which is preferably in the form of a screw i,
projecting through the flange ¹, of an arm i³, extending outward from the
support B.
It will be seen that owing to the difference in width of the channel side walls the
front walls expose the heads of the types upon the left hand side, while the right
hand side of the channel is closed by the spine a³. The right hand lower corner
of each channel is formed with a downwardly projecting spur or finger a*,
corresponding in position to that occupied by the bottom or heel of the lowest type
in a column as it rests upon the front edge of the plate E, as will be seen more
clearly by reference to Figure 22, in which the parts are supposed to be at rest.
In Figure 23, the lower end of the channel has been partially depressed, causing
the finger a, to turn the lowest type T, upon the corner e', of the shoulder e, as a
fulcrum. In Figure 24, the complete depression of the lower end of the channel
has been effected, and the type T, has been turned one quarter around, or at right
angles to its former position. If the gate J, is closed over the mouth of the
conduit K, the type T, will remain in the position shown in Figure 24, until
grasped and removed by thumb and finger as indicated in Figure 19, but if the
gate J, is raised as in Figure 20, the type will enter and descend through the
said conduit K, to the justifying channel L, to be gradually forwarded by
the action of the type pusher M, into the galley or stick N.
It will thus be seen that by the use of the gate J, the apparatus may be adapted
either to hand or machine composition. The gates J, themselves may be con-
structed in any suitable manner that will enable them to be adjustable to control
the mouths of the conduits K. As shown in the drawings they consist simply of
slides formed with longitudinal slots k, through which pass set screws k¹, to secure
the slides in either position to the face of the support B.
The receiving end of the justifying channel L, is provided with one or more
lateral type holders l, which while they permit of the advancement of the types
in the channel support them during the retractile movement of the forwarding
mechanism. These holders 1, consist of segmental racks pivoted at their ends
next to the forwarding mechanism and having their other ends projected more or
less into the channel by springs l, so that their ratchet teeth 12, engage with the
types in the channel immediately in front of them as received from the pusher and
thereby support the rear end of the line during justification.
The receiving galley N, is provided with an adjustable arm or side wail n, which
is regulated in position according to the width of line required.
The types as they are justified at the outer end of the channel L, are separated
into lines and forwarded in the galley N, by a rocking pusher O, connected by a
rod o, with lever o', which is adapted to be actuated by hand, or by the foot or
knee of the operator.

page_text: 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,
First. In a compositor's hand case substantially such as described, the combination
of a plurality of interchangeable type containing channels, a common support for
the lower ends of said channels consisting of a flange in one plane upon which
the lower edges of the said channels rest, and a common type supporting shoulder,
below the said channel support upon which the column of types are supported
independent of their channels, for the purpose and substantially in the manner
set forth.
.
Second. In a compositor's hand case substantially such as described, the com-
bination of a plurality of interchangeable type containing channels, a common
support for the lower ends of said channels, consisting of a flange in one plane
upon which the lower edges of the said channels rest, and a common type
supporting shoulder below the said channel support with lateral openings between
it and the said channel support upon which type shoulder the columns of types are
supported independent of their channels for the purpose and substantially in the
manner described.
Third. In a compositor's hand case substantially such as described the
combination of a plurality of interchangeable type containing channels, a common
support for the lower ends of said channels consisting of a flange in one plane upon
which the lower edges of the said channels rest, a common type supporting
shoulder below the said channel support formed with lateral openings between it
and said channel support upon which type shoulder the columns of types are
supported independent of their channels, and a front plate for supporting the
channels and the types above the channel support against displacement substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described.
Fourth. In a compositor's hand case substantially such as described, the
combination of two or more interchangeable type containing channels, E, the type
channel holder B, formed with the spine ', side walls 62, 63, and shoulders d, d', d²,
for the lower edges of the type containing channels E, the type lever C, and the type
supporting shoulder 68, formed with the transverse openings or slots 65, 66, between
it and the said shoulders d, d', d, and shaped in front to admit of the removal of
the lowest types from all of the type columns simultaneously by and between the
fingers of the operator substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. In a compositor's hand case substantially such as described the
combination of two or more intechangeable type containing channels E, the type
channel B, formed with the spine b', side walls 62, 63, and shoulders d, d', d², for the
lower edges of the type containing channels E, the type lever C, and the type
supporting shoulder 68, formed with the recess 67, and with transverse slots 66, 6º,
between it and the said shoulders d, d¹, d², and shaped in front to admit of the
removal-of-the lowest types from all of the type columns simultaneously by and
between the fingers of the operator, substantially-in-the manner and for the purpose
described.
Sixth. In a compositor's channel case, substantially such as described, the
combination of a type channel holder formed to support independently a plurality
of type containing channels, and a plurality of columns of types, and a finger lever
arranged to cut off, and forward simultaneously by and between the fingers of the
operator the lowest types from their columns, substantially in the manner and for
the purpose described.
Seventh. In a compositor's channel case, substantially such as described, the
combination of a type channel holder formed to support independently a plurality
of type containing channels and a plurality of columns of types, a finger lever
arranged to cut off and forward simultaneously by and between the fingers of the
operator the lowest types from their columns, and a retractile spring for
automatically returning the said finger lever to its normal position substantially in
the manner and for the purpose described.

page_text: Eight. In a type setting apparatus substantially such as described, the combina-
tion of a plurality of independent type containing channels superposed one above the
other, each provided with a stationary type support formed with a rear type
shoulder, and with a projection by which the lowest type in a column is turned
between said type shoulder and said channel projection and separated from the
types above upon the depression of the channel, and a series of conduits for
receiving the types so detached and conducting them to a common justifying
channel, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Ninth. In a type setting apparatus substantially such as described the combi-
nation of a type containing channel loosely suspended at its upper end and formed
with a type finger a*, at its lower extremity, a foot plate E, and a type shoulder e,
the whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
Tenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at its
upper end and formed with a type finger a', at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, a shoulder e, and means for effecting the adjustment of the said
shoulder e, with relation to the said stationary type supporting shoulder substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described.
its
Eleventh. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
upper end and formed with a type finger at, at its lowest extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, a shoulder e, and means for adjusting the said type channel and said
back rest simultaneously with relation to the said stationary supporting shoulder,
the whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
Twelfth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at its
upper end and formed with a type finger a', at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, and a shoulder e, of less width than the length of the types for the
purpose and substantially in the manner described.
Thirteenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
its upper end and formed with a type finger a*, at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, a shoulder e, and means for adjusting the said channel longitudinally
with relation to the said stationary foot plate, substantially in the manner and for
the purpose described.
Fourteenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
its upper end and formed with a type finger at, at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, and a shoulder e, formed with the rectangular corner e, upon which
the type is turned by the finger a', when the channel is depressed substantially in
the manner and for the purpose described.
its
Fifteenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
upper end and formed with a type finger a', at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, a back rest e, and a conduit K, for receiving and conducting the types
from the stationary support E, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
Sixteenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
its upper end and formed with a type finger a', at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, a shoulder e, a conduit K, for conducting the type from the stationary
support E, and a justifying channel L, the whole arranged and operating
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Seventeenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
its upper end and formed with a type finger at, at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, a shoulder e, a conduit K, and an adjustable gate J, the whole
arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Eighteenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
its upper end and formed with a type finger a', at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, and an adjustable suspender block G, for the support of the said
channel, the whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.

page_text: Nineteenth. The combination of a type containing channel loosely suspended at
its upper end and formed with a type finger a, at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate B, type shoulder e, suspending pin g¹, retaining spring 9, and lifting
spring H, the whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.
Twentieth. The combination of a type containing channel suspended loosely at
its upper end and formed with a type finger a, at its lower extremity, a stationary
foot plate E, type shoulder e, suspender 9', lifting spring H, and stop I, the
whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
Twenty-first. The combination of a type containing channel suspended loosely
at its upper end and formed with a type finger a¹, at its lower extremity, a
stationary foot plate E, type shoulder e, suspender g₁, lifting spring H, stop I, and
means for adjusting the said stop I, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
Twenty-second. The combination of a type containing channel suspended loosely
at its upper end and formed with a type finger a', at its lower extremity, a
stationary foot plate E, suspender g', rod D, plate F, formed with shoulder e,
adjusting nut d, and spring d', the whole arranged and operating substantially in
the manner and for the purpose described.
Twenty-third. The combination of a type containing channel suspended loosely
at its upper end and formed with a type finger a, at its lower extremity, a
stationary foot plate E, and shoulder e, a conduit K, for conducting the types from
the stationary shoulder e, a justifying channel L, a type holder 1, a type forwarder M,
and a galley N, the whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and
for the purpose described.
Twenty-fourth. The combination of a type containing channel suspended loosely
at its upper end and formed with a type finger at, at its lower extremity, a
stationary foot plate E, and shoulder e, a conduit K, for conducting the types
from the stationary shoulder e, a justifying channel L, a type holder 1, a type
forwarder M, a galley N, and a line forwarder O, the whole arranged and operating
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
Dated this 1st day of April 1893.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow.