US1927236A - Typographical composing, casting, and distributing machine - Google Patents

Description

Sept 19, 1933. 5 KENNEDY 1,927,236

TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING, CASTING, AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 3, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 [NV [VTOR 749 /LW 5 W1} ATT NEE/J TYPOGRAPHICAL comrosme, CASTING, AND DISTRTEt-UTING MACHINE Y D E N N E K s D Filed Dec. 3, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 0 KM fiilm P 1933- D. s. KENNEDY TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING, CASTING, AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE e sheet's-sheet 5 Filed Dec. 3, 1931 MW"m INVENTOR BY M g W A Sept. 19, 1933'. D. s. KENNEDY TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING, CASTING, AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 5, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig.6. WM 37;-

0 K I I I: MM Qty 6;! H PS if 4 ".Y I t 177 v um E F l'z 2 5 7 a T 01E! fl 3/ \G v $.4 G12 9 w I g5 A l A A *MLW INVENTOR WM M l 1933- I D. s. KENNEDY TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING, CASTING. AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Shae! 5 Filed Dec. ,5, 1931 Sept. 19, 1933. KENNEDY 1,927,236

AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE CASTING TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING Filed Dec. 3, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 m T N w m ATTORE VJ M be employed.

not apply to two-letter matrices because of vari-.

l atented Sept. 19, 1933 STATES TYPOGRAPHICAL, COMPOSING, CASTING, AND DISTRIBUTILNG MACHINE David S. Kennedy, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor to Mergenthalcr Linotype Company, a corporation of New York Application December 3, 1931. Serial No. 578,632

Claims.

This invention relates to typographical composing, casting, and distributing machines, such as linotype machines of the general organization represented in U. 5. Letters Patent to O. Mergentlialer, No. 435,532, wherein circulating matrices are released from amagazine in the order in which their characters are to appear in print and then composed in line, the composed line transferred to the face of a slotted mold, the

mold filled with molten metal to form a slug or linotype against the matrices which produce the type characters thereon, and the matrices thereafter returned through distributing mechanism to the magazine from which they started.

In these machines, the matrices are of standard ength (1%) and are formed on their opposite edges at their extreme upper and lower ends with projecting ears which enable them to circulate throuh the various organs of the machine. Ordinarily, the projecting ears take up one portion of the height or length of the matrices on the cas 'ng edges thereof, the alining rib or lip of the mold during casting takes up another portion located immediately above the lower ears, and the lip of the mold cap together with the matrix supporting ledge of the line transported or so-called first elevator take up a third portion located immediately below the upper projecting ears of the matrices.

It will be seen, therefore, that the intermediare reii ining space (1%") which can be utilized for the i-.atrix characters is relatively short and confines them to a range not exceeding 14 pt. for two-letter matrices or 30 pt. for the single or ter matrices. This range, however, has been icreased somewhat as a result of modern impi ovements, which provide for a reduction in the thickness of the mold alining rib such that single characters ranging as high as 42 pt. may These modern improvements do ous other factors which come into play, such as the second alining rib on the mold and the spacing of the matrix supporting rails in the first elevator and other organs of the machine,

etc. As a result, the present day machines, so far as machine composition is concerned, are still confined to the production of text and certain classes of advertising work, other matter which requires the use of single letter matrices above 42 pt. or of two-letter matrices above 14 pt. being hand-composed and usually produced by special machines.

The present invention provides a machine of 5 much greater capacity than the standard commercial machines and one which is capable of taking care of the greater part of the work now requiring hand composition. To this end, the machine is organized to handle matrices of different lengths, as, for example, the regular matrices of standard length as well as special matrices of much greater length.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the special matrices, like the regular matrices, are formed with projecting ears and tooth combinations to permit their circulation through the machine, but, due to their increased length, they are capable of bearing one or two characters of more than double the normal range in height, and this without resort to the modern improvements above alluded to.

The various improvements and the precise manner in which the special matrices are handled from the time they are released for conipo' 'tion in line until distributed will best be unders'tood from the detailed description to follow.

In the accompanying drawings, the invention is shown merely in exemplified or preferred form and as applied to a linotype machine of standard design, out obviously many changes and variations-may be made therein and in its mode of adaptation without departure from its spirit. It should, therefore, be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific form or en1- bodiment except insofar as such limitations are specified in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the lower portion of a linotype machine equipped with the pres ent improvements;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken through the assembler throat and the lower ends of the magazines, showing the escapements and their actuating devices;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation, partly broken away, of a portion of the assembling mechanism;

Fig. 4.- is a vertical section taken through the improved assembler when adjusted to cooperate with the special matrices;

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. .4 but showing the assembler adjusted to cooperate with the regular matrices;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section taken through the line delivery or'intermediate channel, showing a regular and a special matrix supported therein on the upper rails;

Fig. '7 is a vertical section taken through the line transporter or first elevator and the parts arranged to cooperate therewith when the elevator attains the upper transfer position;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section talren through the casting mechanism and showing the transporter or first elevator supported in casting position upon the filler piece or interponcnt;

Fi 9 is a side elevation, partly in section. and broken away, of the distributing mechanism, showing it adjusted to cooperate with the special matrices;

Fig. 1c is a View similar to 9, but showing the distributing mechanism adjusted to cooperate with the regular matrices;

Fig. 11 is a rear elevation of the distributor box, showing the improved lifting finger adjusted to cooperate with the special. matrices;

Fig. 12 is an elevation of certain parts shown in Fig. f.i with the lifting finger adjusted to cooperatev with the regular matrices;

Fig. 13 is a vertical section taken on the line 3-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a detail horizontal section taken on the line 1 l-l l of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a face View (actual size) of two special matrices, one bearing two characters and the other a single character; and

Fig. 16 is a similar view of one or" the regular two-letter matrices.

As shown in Fig. 2, the machine is equipped with threesuperposed channeled magazines A A ,'A mounted for vertical movement in the machine frame so that any selected one may be brought into operative relation to the assembler entrance or raceway l3. Each magazine is provided with its own of escapements A the individual units of which comprise a springpressed rocking verge a, a iore--and-aft plunger s for operating the verge, and a pair of pawls a which are projected alternately into the path of the matrices as the verge is rocked about its pivotal axis.

The escapeinents are actuated by a single series of pivoted levers A mounts in the framework'and having their upper ends located in engaging relation to the front ends of the plungers a of the active magazine. Operation of the levers A is controlled from the finger l.eys of the keyboard is through a series of power--operated devices (not shown) and a corresponding series of intermediate vertical reeds A The assembler entrance which includes an upper throat section is made up as usual of a back plate B a cover plate B and a series of intermediate upright guide plates or partitions B Matrices released from the magazines are directed downwardly through the entrance and guided thereby onto a constantly driven inclined belt B (Figs. 1 and 3), which delivers them, one after another, into the assembler C, the latter comprising generally the front and rear side walls C C respectively, and a hinged gate C which latter constitutes part of the front wall and may be rocked forwardly when desired for access to the matrix line.

As the matrices enter the assembler, they are stacked in line under the influence of a starwheel B which pushes them past the spring retaining pawls c of the assembler and up against a vertical finger b of the yielding assembler slide B".

When the matrix line is completely composed, the assembler is raised into registration with the intermediate channel I) through which the line, by the active stroke of the delivery slide is transferred horizontally the assembler into the vertically movable transporter or so-called first elevator F. This latter operation starts the machine automatically and the transporter is thereupon caused to descend with t -e line to the casting position, where it is supported sustained upon a vise frame 0 in front of the active mold, the machine being usually equipped with several molds carried in a rotatable wheel or disc G which is adjustable at will to bring any selected mold into use. Preparatory to the casting or" the slug, the mold disc is advanced to carry the active mold into close relation with the matrix line, which is then justiiied after the intaglio characters thereof, by a slight upward movement of the transporter (to engage the lower projecting ears of the matrices with the lip of the lnold) are alined with the mold slot.

After the casting operation, the transporter F rises to its uppermost position for registry with the upper transfer channel H, and the matrices are then transferred onto a second elevator bar which carries them upwardly to the distributing level, the transporter, meanwhile, being returned to its normal position and the mold disc being given a three-quarter turn to carry the mold to the ejecting position.

As the cycle of operation is completed, the slug is ejected flOl'l'l,'llh6 mold and the matrices are pushed off the second elevator bar into a he: J from which they are fed, one after another, to the distributor proper and released thereby above their espective magazine ch ainels.

So far as described, the parts, their construe--v tion, and mode of operation, except as hereinafter pointed out, are or may be the same as those enrbodied in the commercial linotype machine and in themselves constitute no part of the present the matrix characters are alined with the slot. As these matrices enter the assembler C in the course of composition, they may obtain sup port upon either or both of two superposed rails er and low-= 0 0 which are adapted to sustain them at the v proper levels for casting. If the matrices are assembled on the upper rails 0 their lower actors 0: are brought into the casting position, and if they are assembled on thel ower rail 0 their upper characters 00 are brought the casting position. In either well wh n the composed line includes matrices stan. both rails of the assembler C. the transporter F, which carries the line to the mold, is supported directly upon the vise frame 0 so as to locate the matrix line in the proper casting-relation to the mold slot. However, when it is desired to cast from a line of head-letter matrices which have but a single character (above 14 pt), or when a solid line of italics (usually confined to the lower characters of two-letter matrices) is desired, the matrices are composed in the 1 wer poloo sition on. the rail 0 and transporter F arrested at a higher level by an adjustable filler piece or interponent 0 (Fig. 3), is moun ed on top of the vise frame 0 and is of the proper thickness to arrest the 'ransporter at the l level required. Justiiication of the line between clamping jaws is effected in the usual way by means of wedge-shaped spacers Z of regular construction introduced into the line during composition.

The special matrices Y, which are stored in the top magazine A are identical, except as to length and height of character with the regular matrices X being formed (see Fig. 15) with upper and lower projecting ears y 1 and V-shaped distributing notches 21 As shown in Fig. 15, one of the special matrices is formed with two superposed intaglio characters g g and the other with with a single intaglio character 3/". The upper edges of the lower projecting ears 1/ like the lower projecting ears 3: of the matrices X, constitute alining surfaces 11 by which the characters of these matrices are alined with the mold slot. 1

It may be observed (Fig. 2) that while the escapements A of the magazine A are similar to those of the magazines A A they are set back from the delivery end of the magazine a distance equal to the difference in length of the matrices X and Y, and the plungers a thereof are made correspondingly longer so as to maintain the connection between the verges a and the actuating levers A The release of the special matrices Y for composition in line may thus be effected by the manipulation of the keyboard A through the same series of connections employed for the regular matrices X, that is to say, through the vertical reeds A and the levers A Matrices X or Y, when released from their respective magazines, are guided into the assembler C by a chute spring B which corresponds to that employed in the standard commercial machine but which, as may be noted (see Figs. 1 and 3) is capable of longitudinal as well as lateral adjustment so that it may be set in a high or low position. relatively to the 1 to cooperate properly with the long special matrices Y or the shorter regular matrices X. To permit such adjustments, the chute springs B (best shown in Fig. 1) is attached to a base plate B permanently secured to the back plate B of the assembler entrance B, and is adjustably mounted on said base plate by means of a screw and slot connection b Ordinarily, the rail 0 of the assembler C is fixed and the rail 0 is restractible, but in the present instance both rails c and c are made retractible in order to permit the assemblage of the special matrices Y on a pair of fixed rails 0 arranged below the rail 0 The rail 0 which now becomes an intermediate rail, is common to both the regular and special matrices, being employed, as above stated, to support the regular matrices'X in their lower casting position to bring their upper characters into use and serving also to support the special two-letter matrices Y in their upper casting position to bring their lower characters 31 into use. The retractible rails 0 0 include short rail sections arranged at the receiving end of the assembler b and operable independently by means of small hand levers c pivotally mounted on the front wall C of the assembler.

In composing the regular matrices X, the section 0 of the lower rail 0 is left in operative position, while the section 0 of the upper rail 0 is moved into or out of operative position according to the level at which the individual matrices are to be composed. In composing the special two-letter matrices Y, on the other hand, the section 0 of the upper rail is left its inactive or withdrawn position and the section c of the lower rail 0 is moved into or out of active position according to the level at which the individual matrices are to be composed. In composing the special single letters matrices Y, the sections 0 of both rails and c are left in inactive position, so that all of the matrices may be composed upon the lowermost fiXed rails c as required;

Due to the unusual length of the special matrices Y, the front and rear walls of the assembler C are provided with upper auxiliary members 0', C extending longitudinally thereof and adapted to sustain the special matrices in upright position when they are supported in the upper position on the intermediate rail 0 The sustaining member C of the rear wall C is secured to the upper surface thereof by means of small standbrackets C and the sustaining member C of the front wall is secured by means of similar brackets C to the hinged gate C At the receiving end of the assembler, the members 0 and C are provided with springs retaining pawls 0 which prevent facewise displacement of the assembled matrices and which correspond to the regular retaining pawls 0 before mentioned.

The intermediate channel D (see Fig. 6), through which the matrices are transferred from the assembler C on their way to the transporter F, is provided as usual near the top with a pair of rails 01 and near the bottom. with a pair of rails (1 the rails al being arranged to support the regular matrices X and the special matrices Y by their upper projecting ears when they occupy their lower casting positions in the assembler C, and the rails 01 being arranged to support the regular matrices by their lower projecting ears when they occupy their upper casting position in the assembler C. When, however, the special twoletter matrices Y are composed in the upper casting position, they are adapted to obtain the required support in their passage through the channel D upon a third pair of rails d which are located directly below therails d and are arranged to cooperate with the lower projecting ears 1 of said matrices.

Similar improvements are made in the transporter F, which comprises ally (see Fig. 8)

1e head portion F .nade up of the front and ear side wall F a t ediate spac- 1e vertically d osed body portion ably mounted in the v rie O; and the top flange or bridge n m. ich overhangs the i. frame and to which the head portion secured. The head portion like the channel '8, is provided with a pair of upper rails ,f comn'icn to both theregular and special matrices and which supports both by their upper ears, and

1 two springs F act upon the nber F through the medium of vertical levers F ch are mounted in F formed in the front wai at the one 5e ends thereof. These (Fig. 7) are provided at heir upper or free ends with beveled or cam surfaces f by which they may be rocked against the of the springs F to. retract the me r F" and locate the rails in their inactive position.

When the transporter? occupies its normal or intermediate position of rest (as in Fig. l), the

single superposed lower rails f and f which are devoted to the regular matrices X and iii o ion supporting rails f P, f thereof are adapted to register respectively with the rails (2 d d of the intermediate channel I), and when the assemler C is raised to position the line between the depending ringers c of the delivery slide E, the rails 0 c 0 of the assembler are adapted to register respectively with the corresponding rails of the channel Consequently, lines composed of either the regular matrices X or the special matrices Y will be properly supported and sustained in their transfer from the assembler C through the intermediate channel D into the transporter F irrespective of the different levels at which they may be composed.

Upon the delivery of a matrix line to the trans porter l5, the latter descends to the casting position where it is supported at the proper level upon the vise frame 0 to locate the matrices of the line in operative relation to the selected mold. The mold shown G (see Fig. 8) comprises, generally, a fixed body portion G screwed to th disc G, a cap portion G adjustable toward and from said body portion, and a pair of intermediate end walls or liners G anchored to the and body portions. The mold G presents t we superposed alining ribs g g g and intei 'lediate grooves g g g the upper and lowermost ribs g g being used for the special Y, and the upper and intermediate ribs Q being used for the regular matrices X. upper alining rib or lip g is of the usual thickness (7/32) and is formed directly on the body portion G whereas the ribs g and g for purposes of economy in manufacture, are formed on a separate plate G arranged beneath the lip and secured to the front face of the body portion G In casting from the upper characters 1/ of the special two-letter matrices Y, their lower projectears 9' are adapted, as the disc G is advanced from the rear, to engage in the lowermost groove 9' of the mold G so that the matrices may be alined the corresponding rib g and in casting from the lower characters g of these special two-letter matrices, their lower ears are adapted to engage in the uppermost groove g of the mold so that the matr'ces may be properly alined by the corresponding lip 9 In both instances, the transporter F supported at the same level upon the intern 'lGllt or filler piece 0 When the regular two-L .er matrices X are used, the filler piece G is not employed except when casting solid lines of italics, as before stated, and the transporter is allowed to bank. directly upon the vise frame :1), the lower projecting ears :0 of the matrices being adapted, preparatory to alinement, to engage in either the upper groove 9 or the intermediate groove 5 of the moid 6- according to the posi tion the matrices occupy in the transporter.

It may be stated at this point, by way of ex planation, that the alining surfaces :0 y of the regular two-letter matrices X and the special two-letter matrices Y are located the same distance from the datum line of their respective lower characters (which are inverted and designed for top alinernent, as customary), and the same is true of the single letter matrices X and the single letter matrices Y (see Figs. 15 and 16), but since the special two-letter matrices are assembled in their upper casting position on the rail 0 (which latter sustains the regular matrices in their lower casting position), lines composed of these special matrices must be presented to the mold at the higher level determined by the filler piece 0 It will be remembered that the filler piece is also employed in casting fromthe regular matrices when the latter, if of the single head-letter variety or even of the two-letter va riety, are composed at the lower level. If it should be desired to cast from lines of the special matrices Y having but one character M (Fig. 15) of a height above 30 pt., a separate stop member or filler piece (not shown) of the appropriate thickness to either supplement the stop member 0 or to be used independently thereof may be employed. A suitable arrangem nt for such purpose is shown and described in my prior Letters Patent No. 1,595,947.

After the mold disc G recedes to break the contact of the mold G with the matrix line, and the transporter F in its ascent approaches the upper transfer channel H, the slide member P which carries the two lower rails f is retracted by the engagement of the cam surface f of the levers F with a pair of fixed hardened blocks 0 secured to the machine frame (see Figs; 1 and '7). As a result, the matrices X or Y which may happen to stand in an upper position in the transporter are allowed to drop upon the fixed rails f to aline their V-shaped notches 563, s with the second elevator bar. Matrices that might fail to drop, for one reason or another at such times, are forcibly depressed as the elevator is brought into registry with the channel E by astationary bar 0 arranged behind the blocks 0 in the vertical path of the matrices.

The channel El of regular construction and gives support to the spacers Z which are left suspended therein temporarily while the matrices are lifted for distribution, and which are subsequently delivered in the usual way to their storage magazine Z (Fig. l)

Attention is now directed to Figs. 9 to 14, inclusive, which illustrate the improvements in the mechanism for distributing the regular matrices X and the special matrices Y to their respective magazines A and A or A A matrix line transferred from the second elevator bar into the distributor box J is pushed therethrough up against stop shoulders or abutments J J J disposed in pairs and formed on extensions J of the box rails J The uppermost pair of shoulders J is common to both the regular...

and the special matrices, being located in the path of the upper projecting ears :8 and 11 of the matrices and Y, and the two lower pairs of shoulders J and J are individual to the respective matrices, the shoulder J being located in the path of the lower projecting ears x of the regular matrices X, and the shoulder J 3 being located in the path of the lower projecting ears 1 of the special matrices Y.

The several pairs of stop shoulders are vertically alined with one another and are arranged to arrest the leading matrix of the line directly above and in the path of a reciprocating finger J which is adapted to lift the matrices by their lower edges, one after another, above the shoulders and into the receiving end of the distributor K, the latter (see Figs. 9 and 10) comprising a set of three distributor screws K (two upper and one lower) and a single distributor bar K As the matrices enter the distributor K, they are advanced by the screws K across the rail extensions J into engagement with the distributor bar K and thence along the same until they are released above their respective magazine channels. While the several screws K are grouped in the usual way about the distributor bar K it may be noted (see Fig. 9) that the lower ill) laU

sores/K which cooperates with the lower ears of the matrices, is considerably greater in diameter than its companions and is spaced a predetermined distance below them in order to serve both the regular matrices X and the special matrices Y (compare Fi s. 9 and i) The a lifting finger (see Fig. 11) is capable of vertical adjustment so as to cooperate with either the regular matrices X or with the special. .matrices "I, being slidably mounted by means of an intermediate dovetailed rib 7' (Fig. is) on a block J which is carried at. one end of a rocking lever J pivoted to the distributor box J. The lever J is operated by a constantly rotated face cam K through the med a; of ananti-friction roller 7' which is carried t--e other end of said lever and held resiliently engaged with the cam by a pull spring J When the special matrices Y are in use, the finger J is adjusted the lowermost shoulders J and when the regular matrices X are in use, the finger J is adjusted to the upper position shown in Fig.12 so that its upper end may reciprocate in the higher zone between the shoulders J To hold the finger J in its different adjusted positions, the block J provided with a latch pin or detent J mounted transversely in the block. J and to engage one or the other of a pair of corresponding apertures 7' formed in the finger J The detent J (see Fig. 12) is held 'esiliently engages in the respective apertures i by a spring 9' and is provided with a knob or handle J by which is may be disengaged therefrom whenever it is desired to adjust the finger J The block J as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, is pivoted at its lower end to the lever J 3 and guided in its reciprocal movements by a fixed cross pin J of the 5 against which it is held and main-- tained in upright position by a pull spring J anchored to the said lever. This latter arrangement permits the upper end of the finger J to yield facewise as required under the pressure applied. to the matrix line, in order that the individual matrices may gain support upon the upper extension J as they are l' tcd above the arresting shoulders J Matrices released from the distributor bar K conducted to their respective magazine A A or A by one or the other of two magazine ennces L L entrance L being of ordinary form cooperate with the regular matrices X, and the entrance L being of a different form to cooperate with the special matr'ces Y. The entrances L and L (as shown. in Figs. 9 and ill) are arranged in inverted relation to each other and rotatably mounted so that either may be brought into the operative position as desired, their individual supporting frames being fastened together to provide a reversible holder L which is journalled by means of trunnions Z in upright side members of a rockin e M. The magazine entrances L L comprise, respectively, curved base plates L L top plates L L and series of intermediate partitions L U, which latter divide them into corresponding series of channels vertically alined with the magazine channels.

While the base and top plates of the entrances are identical in shape and size the partitions thereof, between he two entrances, (see Figs. 9 and 10) differ in height or length to correspond to the difference in length of the regular and the special matrices X nd Y. In other words, the height of the part ons in the respective enends of the part 5 terrnptedly as they a e released.

frame M will supports the holder L for .ne entrances L and L (see Figs. 9 and 10) is pivotally mounted at its lower end between fixed brackets G of the distributor frame and is operable by a hand lever M connected thereto through an intermediate link M When the hand lever is raised and lowered, the frame M is swung downwardly and upwardly from and to its normal position shown in Figs. 9 and 10, and the interchange of the magazine entrances L and L is effected automatically during these operations. The employed for this purpose is similar to that shown in my prior Patent No. 1,570,258 and includes a pair of fixed cam plates 0 O secured to the distributor frame and arranged to cooperate with a pair of studs Z protruding from a rotating block L fastened to the entrance holder 1 The cam plates 0 and 0 also control the operation of a latch bar P for locking the holder L against rotation, said bar being mounted in the frame M and adapted to engage one or the other of a pair of notches Z formed in the block L The precise manner in which these parts function is clearly set forth in the above patent and it will suffice to say that, by merely operating the hand lever M the interchange of the entrances is accomplished and the one selected is located in the operative position.

While the improvements as herein shown and described contemplate the use of the regular matrices X and th special matrices V separately, it might be found desirable to use them conjunctively, i. e. to mix them in the same line, since the relative position of the characters and alining surfaces between the diiferent matrices (X and Y) are such as to permit assemblage and casting of both from the mold G when the regular matrices X. occupy their lower casting position. i

A proposition of this kind would of course require certain changes in the machine, but could be carried out by merely employing a multiple distributor which would include the ordinary primary distributor or separator, and providing the special matrices Y' with deep distinguishing notches to cooperate with the primary distinguishing rail. These and other variations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and should therefore be considered within two-letter matric s formed with mold alining surfaces located from the datum line of their individual characters at a distance determined by the thickness of said rib, and the special matrices being formed with similar mold alining surfaces located at the same distance from the datum line of their individual characters, for the purpose described.

2. A. combination as set forth in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the regular and special matrices are each formed with two superposed characters and that their respective mold alining surfaces are located at the same distance from the datum line of their lower characters.

3. In or for a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, a slot ed mold presenting an upper alining rib common to both sets of matrices for locating the lower characters thereof in casting relation to the mold slot, and two lower alining ribs, devoted respectively to the individual sets of matrices, for locating the upper characters thereof in casting relation to the mold slot.

4. In or for a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, a Vertically movable transporter for presenting composed lines of matrices of the different sets to the casting mechanism, means common to both sets of matrices for supporting the matrix lines at one level in the transporter to bring the upper characters of the regular matrices or the lower characters of the special matrices into casting position, and separate means, devoted respectively to the different sets of matrices, for supporting the matrix lines at two other levels in the transporter to bring the lower characters of the regular matrices or the upper characters of the special matrices into casting position.

5. In a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a set of special of greater than standard length, the combination of means for composing in line mati ices of either set at a given level, and means for presenting the composed lines to the mold at a relatively higher level during casting to bring the lower characters of the respective sets into casting position.

6. In a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a mold, a vertically movable transporter, means common to both the regular and special matrices for supporting them in one position in the transporter, means devoted to the special matrices for supporting them in a higher position in the transporter, and means for arresting the transporter at a common elevated level in casting position, whereby the lower characters of the regular matrices, or the upper or lower characters of the special matrices (accord ing to the position they occupy in the transporter), are brought into casting relation to the mold slot.

7. In a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a slotted mold, and means for presenting composed lines of matrices of either set at a common level thereto for casting.

8. In a typographical casting and distributing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a transporter movable vertically to carry composed lines of matrices of either set to the casting position and thence to a higher position for transfer, means for supporting the matrices of the respective sets in the transported at different levels for casting, and automatic means for bringing the matrices of the composed lines to a common level preparatory to the transfer operation.

9. A combination as specified in claim 8, characterized by the fact that the matrix supporting means therein referred to includes a retractible member to both sets of matrices and operable automatically as the transporter attains the higher transfer position.

10. In a typographical composing, casting and distributing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regulartwodetter matrices of standard length or a set of special twoletter matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of means for composing the matrices of the individual sets at appropriate levels to bring their upper or their lower charact rs into casting posi tion, automatic means for presenting the matrices thus composed to the casting mechanism, and means operable subsequent to the casting operation for bringing the matrices of either set to a common level for distribution.

11. In or for a typographical casting machine, a matrix of standard width having upper and lower projecting ears of standard height, said matrix being of substantially greater than standard length to increase the distance between the upper and lower projecting ears on the casting edge of the matrix, as and for the purpose described.

12. In or for a typographical casting machine, a two-letter matrix of standard width formed with upper and lower projecting ears and a V- shaped distributing notch of standard dimensions to permit its circulation through the machine, said matrix being of substantially greater than standard length and the height of the individual characters thereof being increased proportionately.

13. In or for a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, an assembler wherein the matrices of either set are composed in line and presenting a lower fixed rail devoted to the special matrices for supporting them with their upper characters in casting position, a higher rail del voted to the regular matrices for supporting them with their lower characters in casting position, and an intermediate rail common to both sets of matrices for supporting them with the lower characters of the special matrices and the upper chareither setlnay be composed in line, presenting a rail for supporting the special matrices in their lower casting position, and a rail common to both sets of matrices and serving to support the special matrices in their upper casting position, said rail including a retractible short rail section arranged at the receiving end of the sembled and operable at will to permit the assemblage of the special matrices in both upper and lower positions.

16. An assembler as specified in claim 15, including 'a third rail for supporting theregular matrices in their upper casting position, and char- 'acterized by the fact that the rail therein recited serves also to support the regular matrices in their lower casting position, the said third rail including an independently retractible short section operable at will to permit the assemblage of the regular matrices at both the upper and lower levels.

17, In a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, assembling mechanism adjustable to cooperate with the .matrices of either set and whereby the regular or the special matrices may be composedin line, as desired.

18. In a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular twoletter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, assembling mechanism adjustable to cooperate with the matrices of either set and whereby the regular or the special matrices may be assembled in their respective upper or lower casting positions to bring their individual characters into use.

19. In a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of differently located escapements for controlling the release of the matrices of the respective sets, and common key-controlled devices for actuating said escapements.

20. In a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination'of two series of escapements, one for each of said sets, for controlling the release of the matrices one at a time, and a single series or" key-controlled devices for actuating the escapements. 7

21, In a typographical composing machine, the combination of two magazines interchangeable in operative position ith each other, one containing a set of regular matrices of standard length and the other containing a set of matrices of greater than standard length, escapements associated with each magazine for controlling the release of the matrices therefrom, and a single set of key-controlleddevices for actuating the escapernents of the magazine in use.

22. In a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular twoletter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of an assembler wherein matrices of either set may be composed in line, means for supporting the matrices of the line at different levels to bring one or the other of their superposed characters into casting position, a line transporter, an intermediate channel through awhichthe line is transferred from theassembl'eriintothe transporter, and means for 'maintaining the matrices of the respective sets .at their: assembly levels during their passage "of "greater than standard length, distributing mechanism adjustable to handle the matrices of oneset or the other, 'as desired.

24. In La typographical distributing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular im'atrices'of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a single distributor comprising a distributor bar and a set of matrix conveying :screws, :and means adjustable to cooperate with either the regular or the special matrices for conducting them from the distributor to their respective magazines.

25. In a typographical distributing machine adapted to be equippedwith a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of two magazines interchangeable in operative position with each other and where- 'in the respective sets-of matrices are stored, a single distributor comprising a distributor bar and a set of matrix conveying screws, and two intermediate magazine entrances movably mounted so that either may be brought into operativerelation tothe distributor and the magazine-in use, one of said entrances being regular form to cooperate with the regular matrices in conducting them from the distributor to one of said magazines, and the other entrance being of a different form to cooperate with the special matrices in conducting them from the distributor to the other magazine.

.26. A combination as specined in claim 25, characterized by the fact that the magazine entrances thereinrecited are arranged in inverted relation to each other and are rotatably mounted chine adaptedto handle regular matrices of standard length or special matrices of greater than standard-length, a single distributor comprising a distributor bar and a set of two upper and one lower distributor screws for conveying the matrices along the bar, the two upper screws or" said ll distributor being of a given diameter, and the lower screw being of greater diameter and spaced below the upper screws a distance determined by the different lengths of the regular and specia'i matrices. I

29. In a typographical distributing machine adapted to handle regular matrices of standard length and'special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a distributor comprising a distributor bar and a set of matrix conveying screws, a distributor box through which the matrices are advanced for distribution, matrix supporting rails arranged in said boX, including an upper rail common to both kinds of matrices,

and two lower rails devoted respectively to the &

different matrices, an abutment formed on each of said rails for arresting the matrices at the receiving end of the distributor, and a reciprocating member for lifting the matrices one after another into the range of action of the distributor screws.

30. In a typographical distributing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a distributor for handling the matrices of both sets, and means for feeding the matrices of either set successively to the distributor.

31. A combination as specified in claim 30, characterized by the fact that the distributor therein referred to comprises a single distributor bar and a set of two upper and one lower distributor screws for conveying the matrices along the bar.

32. In a typographical distributing machine adapted to handle regular matrices of standard length or special matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of a distributor, a distributor box arranged at the receiving end of the distributor and through which the matrices are advanced for distribution, and a lifting finger mounted to reciprocate in the box for feeding the matrices one after another from the box to the distributor screws, said finger being adjustable to diirerent positions so as to cooperate with either the regular or special matrices, as required.

33. A combination as specified in claim 32, including means for locking the finger in its adjusted positions.

34. In a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular matrices of standard length or a set of special matrices or greater than standard length, the combination of an assembler, a star wheel for stacking the matrices in line as they enter the assembler, and a chute spring provided with an angular extension for deflecting the matrices downwardly into the assembler as they engage the star wheel, said spring being adjustable longitudinally to different positions to cooperate properly with either the regular or special matrices, as required.

35. In or for a typographical composing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular twoletter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, an assembler wherein the matrices of either set are composed in line, said assembler being provided with three superposed rails for supporting the matrices of the respective sets at the different levels required to bring their upper or lower. characters into casting position.

36. In or for a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular twoletter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, casting mechanism adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set and whereby slugs may be cast from composed lines of regular or special matrices, as desired.

37. In or for a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular twoletter matrices of standard length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, a vertically movable transporter for presenting composed lines of matrices of the diirerent sets to the casting mechanism, said transporter b ng provided with three sets of superposed. rails for :ing the matrices of the respective sets at the rent levels required to bring their upper or lower characters into casting position.

38. In or for a typographical casting machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular twoletter matrices of andard length or a set of special two-letter of greater than standard length, a slotted mold formed with three ing ribs for locating the matrices e-ctive sets at the different levels required to br'i' their upper or lower characters into registration with mold slot.

39. In a typographic -l composing, casting and distributing machine adapted to be equipped with set of'regular two-letter matrices of length or a set of special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of an assembling mechanism adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set, and whereby the re ular or the special matrices may be composed in line as desired, casting mechanism also adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set and whereby slugs may be cast from. composed lines or regular or special matrices, and distributing mechanism likewise adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set and whereby the composed lines after casting may be restored to their proper place of storage.

49. In a typographical composing, casting and distributing machine adapted to be equipped with a set of regular two-letter matrices of standard length or a setof special two-letter matrices of greater than standard length, the combination of an assembling mechanism adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set, and including an assembler provided with three superposed rails for supporting the matrices of the respective sets at the difierent levels required to bring their upper or lower characters into casting positi n casting mechanism adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set and including a movable transporter provided with three sets of superposed rails for supporting the matrices the different levels at which they are composed in line, and distributing mechanism adjustable to cooperate with matrices of either set and including a distributor box formed with a single set of rails for supporting the matrices of the respective sets at a common level, a matrix lifting finger adjustable vertically to compensate for the difference in length of the matrices of the respective sets they ar supported in the distributor box, a single distributor bar onto which the matrices of the respective sets are fed from the distributor box, and two partitioned magazine entrances interchangeable in position" with each other to receive the matrices of the respective sets as they are released from the bar, said entrances having partitions of different) lengths to compensate for the diiierence in length of the matrices or the respective sets as they travel along the bar.

DAVID S. KENNEDY.

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