US2086547A - Matrix distributor control for line composing machines - Google Patents

Description

M. T. GoETz 2,086,547

Filed Feb. 16, 19.35 2 Sheets-Sheet l lNVENTOR MU/'PUS 7.' G0572 ATTOR EY July 13, 1937.

MATRIX DISTRIBUTOR CONTROL FOR LI M. T. GoETz 2,086,547

NE COMPOSING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'an qu" u INVENTOR 4440205 7. G0572 ATTOR Y 55 to the structurey more Patented July 13, 1937 UNITED STATES MATRIX DISTRIBUTOR CONTROL FOR LINE COMPOSING MACHINES Maurus T. Goetz, Chicago, Ill., assigner, by mesne assignments, to

Teletypesetter Corporation, a

corporation of Delaware Application February 16, 1935, Serial No. 6,824 3 Claims.' (C1. 19e- 43) The present invention relates to linecasting and composing machines which utilize circulating matrices and more particularly to linecast-v ing and composing machines operated from an automatically operated` controlling unit.

In conventional types of line composing machines served by a plurality ofsets of circulating matrices there is employed a line composing mechanism for releasing the matrices from a storage magazine, and an elevator for moving assembled lines of matrices from a position at which they are arranged in the sequence of line composition to be delivered to the casting mechanism. A line delivery slide thereafter moves the assembled matrices to the casting mechanism and an elevator liftsthe matrices after they have returned from the casting mechanism to an altitude from which they may be gravitated to the channels of the storage magazine. The distribution of the various matrices and their separation into the respective channels of the magazine from which they originate is executed by a coded distributor bar and a set of screw threaded cono veyor shafts ordinarily in continuous rotation but capable of being instantaneously arrested upon a very slight interference with their movement, as by a blocking or jamming, due to a misalignment of the matrices.

According to a feature of the present invention, automatic line composition is arrested in the event that the matrix distributor shafts are disabled, thereby bringing the entire machine to rest and preventing the depletion of any of the classes of character matrices which might otherwise follow because of the corresponding exhaustion of those characters during the composition of subsequent lines of matrices and the disability of the matrix distributing apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and reliable device operative in response to an improper operation of the distributor shaft of a linecasting machine for interrupting the operation of the automatic control unit.

In attaining the foregoing object, the present invention contemplates the provision of a control switch presented endwise of one of the distributor conveyor shafts and a control switch operating mechanism associated with one of the distributor shafts and responsive centrifugally to its rotation.' The automatic operating mechanism illustrated in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention corresponds fully disclosed .and kdecome impaired, renders a level from which they may scribed in copending application Serial No. 600,606, filed March 23, 1932, a portion of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this type of apparatus there is employed a record reader operating shaft which carries several actuating elements that function to sense and advance a perforated control form. An operating magnet or solenoid, actuated in response to the closure of a circuit controlled by a centrifugally operated mechanism related to the distributor shafts and operated when they bethe record reader ineffective by disengaging the clutch through which power is-furnished from the source of power to advance the control form.

For a comprehensive understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings and to the following detailed specification in each of which similar reference characters have been assigned to corresponding parts throughout. In the drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a portion of the operating unit featuring the record reader mechanism and its operating shaft;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of one end of a conventional type of linecasting and composing machine, featuring a duplex distributor apparatus including one embodiment of the present invention applied thereto;

Fig. 3 is a detailed elevational view partially in section taken approximately on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a detailed plan view taken approximately on line 4 4 of Fig. 3 illustrating partially in section the centrifugal switch control mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional View through a portion of the operating mechanism illustrated in Fig. l, and

Fig. 6 is a detailed elevational View of the centrifugal switch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 4.

The functions of a linecasting and composing machine may be generally summarized as including matrix composition, line casting, and matrix distribution. In the adaptation of automatic control mechanism to the supervision of the aforementioned functions, a unitary structure has been devised for coordinating the various functions and for intercontrolling their performance so that in the event of certain possible irregularities of operation, predetermined emergency responses will follow.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, a fragment of perforated tape is indicated by the reference character Il. The transverse perforations in this record are successively sensed by a set of feeler levers I2 by a cam I3 and permitted to return by individual return springs (not shown) alternately. The cam i3 is secured to a continuously rotatable shaft i4 to be generally referred to hereinafter as the record reader operating shaft. Another `cam l5, also carried by shaft I4, cyclically stimulates a linkage for intermittently advancing the tape il. The tape sensing and tape advancing functions follow in alternative succession and coincide with each revolution of the shaft lll.

Power for rotating the record reader operating shaft i4 is obtained from a continuously the elements of a tooth clutch li, 'the driven a counterclockwise direction as viewed in` Fig. l. The detaileddescription of the aforesaid copending vapplication sets forth how, among other results, in response'to the selection of the bar 24, lever 'f3 is rocked clockwise, causing its portion 35 to` be presented in the path of revolving lug i9.

Inconnection with the present invention, the same lever i3 is brought under the selective control of an additional supervisory element by having at its end 22, articulated through a link 23, one end of an armature lever 23 which is pivoted at 2l and whose opposite end may be selectively attracted by an operating magnet '28. Under the selective control condition about to be described, when the magnet -28 is energized, the armature 26 is rotated counterclockwise, pulling the lever 'i3 through Athe link 25in a clockwisey direction and vpresenting the opposite end f lever i8 into the, path of projection i9 for thereby disengagi-ng the elements of clutch Il.

To prevent the assembler elevator1 from being falsely initiated at this time, link 23 is provided with a slot connection 3E! at its junction with the three-armed lever 2li so that the motion of link 23 is not communicated backward therethrough.

As set forth above, the instance of the `particular supervisory control is to be governed by an i-nterruption'in operation of the distributor mechanism. Accordingly, reference will now be had to'Figs. 2-4 wherein there are illustrated the elements of a matrix distributor apparatus. In the particular embodiment, a commercial type of duplex distributor l1s illustrated which is designed to accommodate a plurality of storage However, as will be noted in the course of the following description, the principles ofthe present invention are equally applicable to a single distributor mechanism. Each set of distributor shafts comprises three longi- `Aaccesar?l tudinal conveyor spirals indicated 3l, 32, and 33. The shafts which form the spirals 3l and 33 are driven from a control shaft or shaft eX- tension 34 by means of a set of end pinions generally indicated by the reference character 35, while the shaft 32 is driven through gear 36 by a driving pinion cooperating with it and carried by thel shaft of screw 3l.

In connection with the particular illustration, the primary or lower set of distributor shafts are driven through a pulley wheel 31 and belt 38 from the so-called intermediate shaft of the principal machine. The driving connection is communicated through a clutch generally indicated 39 designed to disconnect instantly upon the slightest impairment encountered by the primary distributor shaft 4|.

The primary shaft 4| through belt chain driving connection 42 rotates the secondary distributor shaft 34, which in turn communicates itspower tothe secondary or upper set of distributor spirals 3'2 and 33. Whenan interruption of movement causes shaft 4l to become arrested, shaft 34 is simultaneously arrested. This is equallytrue whether the impairment which trips clutch r39 arises in connection with the primary distributor system `or i-n the secondary distributor system. I

As best noted in Fig. 3, theconveyor shafts 3l and 33 are of symmetrically opposite helices to that of shaft 32 so thatas the set of shafts (5l-33 are driven concurrently the thread grooves within their respective threads are constantly in transverse alignment, and as the spirals are rotated, the alignment is apparentlyv advanced longitudinally with respect to a distributor bar 43 upon which the matrices 44 are suspended. A coded system of notches is arranged having various combinations of toothed clearances in transverse alignment with the channels 45 of their magazines 46.' The matrices 44 may in this manner proceed longitudinally until the particular teeth thereof coincide with the clearance portions provided in the distributor bar 43, at which instant a particular matrix is precipitated into its associated channel 45. n

vThe mechanism thus far described is well known in the art of line composing machine construction as adapted to manual control operation.

control affecting the aforedescribed matrix distributor systems. Typical among such condimight ordinarily occur while the automatic operatmg unit is in continuous actuation, taxing the capacity of the casting mechanism to its limit and giving rise to a condition where one line of composed matrices is in an advanced state of completion, a second line is suspended 'at the delivery slide level, a third in in various stages of the system as a result of which certain alphabetical charactors,l because'of their natural or special frequency'of occurrence, constitute so much of the composed matter fin the aforementioned four lines ofcomposition as to deplete nearly all of the available supply off-.the particular channel.

If under'such'conditions of operation the distributorshafts lare arrested due to a jamming of the -matrices'or due to any other of several probable conditions, therema-y result the total depletion of those certain characters whose supply is ordinarily low. If, when this occurs, the recordreader operating unit is permitted to continue, subsequently composed lines of matrices will be assembled with the depleted matrices omitted. This disorder would not only necessitate having to readjust the machine manually at a great loss of time to determine the number of lines to be recomposed, but may also, because ofthe composition of too short lines, result in the jeopardous front or rear squirts in the vicinity of the casting chamber.

To prevent the above possibility, the present invention provides a gear 41 carried by one or the f' other of the distributor shaft extensions 34 or 4| (in the instant case, shaft 34). This gear, through its associated driven pinion 48, imparts a rotary motion to a stub shaft 49 which is journaled in a block 5|. One end of the shaft 49 is enlarged as at 52 and thereat securely vcarries a housing 53 fastened by transverse screws 54. Within the housing 53 there are provided a pair of symmetrical weight elements 55 pivoted at 56, each having integrally formed with it an inwardly presented lip 51. A trigger shaft 58 in axial alignment with the stub shaft 49 has integrally formed with it a flange 59 which engages the lips 51 of the centrifugal weights 55. A slight longitudinal freedom is permitted shaft 58, but by reason of the pressure of a concentric coil spring 6|, shaft 58 is urged rightwardly, as viewed in Fig. 4, causing flange 59 through the lips 51 to draw the centrifugal weights inwardly toward the shaft 58.

During the time in which the distributor shafts 3|-f-33 are in rotation and the shaft extensions 34 or 4| through gear 41 impart the rotation to stub shaft 49, the weights 55 are centrifugally divaricated in opposition to the tendency of spring 6|, causing the opposite end of shaft 58, see also Fig. 5, to be withdrawn from engagement with the contactor 62 of contact pair 53. This permits the contact pair 63 to separate, opening the circuit which originates at positive current source and continues through contacts 63, conductor 64, the winding of magnet 28 to ground. Since this is the normal condition existent during the time in which the principal machine is in operation and while the distributor conveyor shafts are functioning, it may be termed the normal supervisory condition for when the principal machine is dormant, the switch control mechanism effects its disabling position but not then in a super'- visory capacity.

The instant that the rotary movement is arrested and shaft 49 is stopped, the centrifugal force ceases and spring 6| is permitted to exert its influence to move shaft 58 longitudinally and close the contact pair 63. As a result of the energization of magnet 28, armature 26 is attracted, moving in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 21. Through link 25, lever I8 is moved in a clockwise direction about its pivot 2| until the projection G5 is presented into the path of the revolving projection I9 carried by the record reader actuating clutch l1, thereupon the record reader operating shaft |4 is arrested, holding in abeyance the several elements of the record reader sensing and advancing apparatus.

When the distributor shafts 3 |-33 are arrested due to a jamming of the matrices or due to any other of several probable conditions, clutch 39 becomes disengaged, and as a result thereof shaft 49 ceases to rotate and contacts 63 are closed, causing the energization of electromagnet 28 and the resulting operation previously described. The 'removal of the matrices which became jammed or the other cause which effected the disengagement of clutch 39 and the closure of contact 63,

resulting in arresting the performance of the record reader, conditions the apparatus for further operation. Further operation is achieved by rotating the knurled member secured to the free end of shaft 4|, Fig. 2. Such operation of .shaft 4| causes the engagement of the driven member of clutch 39 with the driving member thereof, and thus causes the rotation of the distributor shafts 3|-33. The rotation of the distributor shafts of course causes the rotation of shaft 49 and due to the centrifugal action of weights 55 contacts 63 will be opened, electromagnet 28 will be deenergized, and the record reader will be started again due to the removal of projection 65 from, the path of the projection 49 to allow operating shaft |4 of the record reader to be rotated through clutch |1.

Discontinuing operating power from the principal machine causes the distributor shafts 3 |-33 to assume their rest positions with clutch 39 engaged. Under such conditions, contacts 53 will be closed and electromagnet 28 will be energized, provided the operating power for electromagnet 28 is not removed simultaneously with the removal of operating power from the principal machine, which of course would be a desirable feature of operation. When power is again applied to the principal machine, distributor shafts 3|-33 will rotate, as will shaft 49. The rotation of the latter shaft causes the weights 55 of the centrifugal mechanism to assume a position where contacts 63 will be opened, electromagnet 28 will be deenergized, and the operating shaft |4 of the record reader will be released for rotation.

While the present iilnvention has been explained and described with reference to a particular embodiment, it will be understood that numerous modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended to be limited by the detailed illustrations in the accompanying drawings nor by the language of the foregoing description, except as indicated in the hereunto appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

i. In a line composing machine for selectively assembling and distributing a plurality of classes of circulating matrices, an automatic control u'nit responsive to signals for selectively releasing for assembly matrices during line composition, a rotatable distributor for moving said matrices during distributive separation, a pair of centrifugally weighted arms rotatable during the movement of said distributor, a spring for urging said arms in opposition to their centrifugal tendency imparted by said distributor, a contact controlling member movable by said spring in one direction and by said weighted arms during their centrifugal tendency in an opposite direction, and means responsive to said contact controlling member for arresting the performance of said control unit.

2. In a linecasting and composing machine, a storage magazine having a plurality of channels each adapted to receive a class of slug casting matrices, a plurality of release elements each associated with one of said channels for releasing matrices in accordance with signals stored in a tape, a mechanism for sensing the signals of a tape and for advancing the tape, a conveyor for moving matrices after composition to redistribute `them' into said channels, a clutch for communieatingr power to -saidtape sensing and advancing mechanism, means including a normally deenergized electromagnet, circuit connections under the control of said conveyor for energizing said electromagnet to disengage'theelements of said clutch and arrest said mechanism, and a device conveyor for controlling said comprising a pair of Weighted supervised by said circuit connections rarms pivotally supportedin a longitudinal position parallel urging said Weighted arms inwardly,and a contact actuator moved by said coil springin one direction and by said Weighted arms in another direction when said device is rotated by said conveyor to control said circuit connections.

3. In a linecasting and composing machine, a storage magazine having a plurality olf channels each adapted to receive aclass of slug casting form, a mechanism for-communicating centrifugal action,

faenas@ .matrices, Va plurality of release `elements each associated with one of said channels for releasing said matrices under thesupervision of a control for sensing and advancing said control form, a .conveyor for moving matrices after the composition fof each line to redistribute them into said channels, a clutch .having elements a coil spring in axial alignment with said shaft for urging said weighted arms in opposition to their centrifugal tendency, and a contact closing member moved in one directionby said coil spring and in an opposite `direction under thev control of said Weighted arms.

MAURUS T. GOETZ.

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