US2704596A - ackell - Google Patents

Description

wg) I 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Y www@ n l Il J. J. ACKELL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES www fm www TRN NEM RN @wm/#f mmm fmmw NR Bw www, EN Sw March 22, 1955 Filed July 15, 1954 INVENTOR Jose-PH J. Acxsu.

ATTORNEY 9 Sheets-$heet 2 hmm INVVTOR JOSEPH J.ACKELL un [N J. J. ACKELL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES n. u. w. .n

March 22, 1955 Filed July 15, 1954 ATTORNEY March 22, 1955 J. .1. AcKl-:LL

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 15, 1954 March 22, 1955 1.J. ACKELI.

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July l5, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR JOSEPH J. ACKELL ATTORNEY March 22, 1955 J. J. AcKl-:LL 2,704,596

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1954 9 Shets-Sheet 5 MarchvZZ, 1955 J. J. ACKELL 2,704,595

CONTROL SYSTEM EOE LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed .my 15, 1954 9 sheets-sheet 6 CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July l5, 1954 mmv March 22, 1955 J. .1. AcKELL 2,704,596

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet S J. J. ACKELL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 FIGJO FIG.||

INVENTOR JOSEPH J. ACKELL ATTORNEY March 22, 1955 Filed July 15, 1954 United States Patent O CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Joseph J. Ackell, Amityville, N. Y., assignor to Dow Jones & Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application July 15, 1954, Serial No. 443,568

12 Claims. (Cl. 199-18) This invention relates to an improved system for automatically controlling the operation of a line casting machine in accordance with perforations in a punched tape, which is advanced step by step through an analyzer. More particularly it relates to various novel features and combinations incorporated in a system of the general character disclosed in the application of Joseph J. Ackell, Serial No. 287,220, filed May l0, 1952.

A primary object of the invention has been to provide a control system of the character indicated, which may be connected with any existing line casting machine, such as sold under the trade names Linotype and Intertype, in a manner to insure maximum overall speed of operation of the machine.

Another object has been to eliminate certain wear receiving mechanical parts of prior automatic control systems for line casting machines and to replace the same by appropriate electrical circuits and devices. This has reference, particularly, to a novel arrangement for throwing out of operation the tape advancing means and the circuits closed upon the analyzing of the tape, Whenever special functions such as the operation of the elevator mechanism are being performed by the machine. In the improved system a constantly rotating shaft is provided for governing the operation of the tape advancing and sensing means. This eliminates the need for a slip clutch, such as provided heretofore and the detent means for arresting the shaft. It also avoids the delays incident to the starting and stopping of the shaft, and thus speeds up the operation as a Whole.

A further object has been to provide an adjustable time delay in the automatic means of the control system for operating the elevator mechanism. Some time delay is necessary in order to allow for the proper assembly of the last matrix selected for a particular line, before the elevator is lifted from the assembly station to the position in which the assembled matrices are transferred to the casting position. By providing adjustable means for introducing a readily variable time delay a standardized unit may be utilized which will insure a maximum speed of operation of the particular machine to which the unit or system is applied. It will be appreciated that the required time delay varies with different machines. When the improved control system is applied to a particular machine the time delay means may be appropriately adjusted to allow just enough time for the assembly of the last matrix and thus insure operation of the machine at its maximum permissible speed.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will appear from the detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the same which will now be given in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figs. la through ld, when placed end to end, disclose schematically a circuit arrangement for controlling the operation of a line casting machine in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of a unit employed in the system for controlling the closing and opening of various circuits and for performing certain mechanical operations, such as the lifting of the elevator;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the unit of Fig. 2 taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the unit of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 with certain of the parts shown in a different relationship and with more of the elevator operating mechanism shown;

Fig. 6 is a detail view in plan, of the elevator operating means in partially assembled positions;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the time delay means and associated parts for operating the elevator;

Fig. 8 is an axial sectional view through the time delay means;

Fig. 9 is a detail view in section along the line 9--9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view disclosing a solenoid unit adapted to be mounted over the keys of a line casting machine keyboard for actuating the keys; and

Fig. 11 is a detail view in plan of a portion of the parts shown in Fig. 6 but in fully assembled position. l The punched tape which is used in connection with the improved system may be prepared locally, for example by means of a keyboard perforator, or it may be prepared by means of a suitable device such as a receiving reperforator adapted to respond to electrical impulses received over a transmission line from a distant point. A number of punched tapes may be prepared simultaneously, if desired, so that the line casting machine may be operated substantially continuously at or about its maximum speed under the control of successive tapes. When the punched tape is prepared from electrical impulses received from a distant point a monitoring device, such as a telegraph page printer, may be used to proofread the material to be set up on the line casting machine prior to supplying the tape to the control system.

As will be understood, a line casting machine is provided with a magazine for matrices corresponding to the different characters and spaces to be provided in successive lines to be cast. The matrices are selectively released by escapements controlled by the ninety keys usually provided in a line casting machine keyboard. Space bands are simultaneously released for introduction into the assembly of matrices to be cast into a line of proper length. Means are also provided on the line casting machine for moving the released and assembled matrices and space bands into line casting position and for restoring the matrices and space bands to their proper positions in the magazines of the machine, after the line has been cast.

The punched tape employed in accordance with the invention for controlling the line casting machine is preferably provided with lines of perforations varying from one to six in a line and varying in their positions along the line to correspond with the particular matrices or space bands to be released, or the special functions of the machine to be controlled. The permutations and combinations of the sixpossible holes across a line permit the selection of 128 dilerent keys or functions to be operated upon the sensing of the various perforations. Only so many of these permutations and combinations as may be required to control the operation of the machine need be utilized.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1a through 1d thereof, there is shown a circuit arrangement, according to the invention, for controlling a line casting machine in accordance with code perforations -provided in a tape 100. Tape is provided with transverse rows of holes, each row representing a character, space or signal and having six code hole positions. A different code hole combination is assigned to each character, space or other signal required in the operation of a line casting machine. The tape 100 may, if desired, be prepared by means of a keyboard perforator or a receiving reperforator in the manner commonly employed in the telegraph art. Tape 100 is also provided with feed holes for advancing the tape through a suitable tape reader or analyzer indicated generally at 101.

The mechanical construction of analyzing devices is well known in the art so that only the electrical circuit of analyzer 101 is illustrated in the drawings. It may, however, be constructed generally in accordance with the teachings of Ackell and Paulding Patent No. 2,017,087 granted October l5, 1935. As shown in Fig. 1a, analyzer 101 comprises six movable contacts 1F, 2F, 3F, 4F, 5F and 6F and six stationary contacts 1S, 2S, 3S, 4S, 5S and 6S arranged, respectively, to make a circuit through a. correspondingly numbered one of the movable contacts. The movable contacts are operated by pins (not shown) disposed on the opposite side of the tape therefrom and adjacent respective code hole positions in the tape. When the tape is advanced to a reading pos1t1on, the pins are urged yieldingly to pass through the perforations in the tape thereby to close the switches formed by the respective movable and stationary contacts. If the tape is perforated in a particular code hole position, the corresponding pin will pass therethrough and close the associated switch. If the tape is unperforated at a particular code hole position, the corresponding pin will not pass through the tape and the associated switch will remain open. Tape analyzer 101 is also provided with a stepping magnet 102 which serves to step or advance the tape in known manner each time it is energized. After a transverse row of perforations has been read by the pins, as described above, the pins are withdrawn from the tape and magnet 102 is energized (through a circuit to be described hereinafter) to advance the tape so that the succeeding transverse row of perforations is disposed adjacent the pins. 1f desired, analyzer 101 may be arranged so that the tape is stepped upon deenergization of stepping magnet 102.

Contacts 1S through 6S are connected through resistors 1R through 6R, respectively, to relay coils 1C through 6C, respectively. The free ends of coils 1C through 6C are interconnected and coupled to a negative DC bus through a conductor 103. Contacts 1F through 6F are interconnected and coupled to a positive DC bus through a conductor 104. lt is evident that, when contacts 1F and 1S are made, a circuit will be completed from the positive D. C. bus through conductor 104, contacts 1F and 1S, resistor 1R, coil 1C and conductor 103 to the negative D. C. bus, thus energizing relay coil 1C. Similar energizing circuits for the relay coils 2C through 6C will be completed whenever their associated switches are closed.

A relay coil 7C (Fig. ld), the energizing circuit for which will be described hereinafter, operates a group of armatures 110 through 150. Relay coil 1C operates a group of armatures 160 through 191, relay coil 6C operates a group of armatures 200 through 215, relay coil C operates a group of armatures 220 through 227, relay coil 4C operates a group of armatures 230 through 233. relay coil 3C operates a pair of armatures 234 and 235 and relay coil 2C operates an armature 236. The above mentioned armatures are shown in their respective rest positions in engagement with their respective back contacts when the associated relay coils are deenergized, As shown in the drawings. the rest positions of these armatures are to the left. Upon energization of one or more of relay coils 1C through 7C. the associated armatures are operated to the right and make with their respective front contacts.

A bank of solenoids, indicated generally at 240. is provided for physically operating the externally operable elements of a line casting machine with the exception ot' the elevator. the upper rail and the lower rail controls. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter. a respective solenoid of the group 240 may be provided for each key of the line casting machine for operating the same. The physical operation is not, of course, limited to operation of the keys because other elements of the matrix escapement mechanism can be controlled. For example, in a line casting machine of the type illustrated in U. S. Patent No. 1.970.567, issued August 2l. 1934 to L. M. Potts, a solenoid or similar device might be provided for operating the kev levers or one of the other linkage elements between the keys and the matrix escapements.

Tn the illustrated embodiment. bank 240 is provided with a different solenoid for each key of a 90-key line casting machine, a solenoid for operating the space band release, and a solenoid (add th sp) for operating both the space band release and the thin space key. The solenoids in bank 240 are designated by the characters on the line casting machine keyboard which they respectively represent. For example, solenoid Th Sp at the extreme left of bank 240 represents a thin space. Energization of solenoid Th Sp, through a circuit to be described hereinafter, causes a thin space matrix to be released from the magazine and assembled in the line being set up. Similarly, energization of the adjacent solenoid t causes a t matrix to be released and assembled in the line.

Directly below solenoid bank 240 in the drawings is a set of 91 contacts numbered 1 to 91. Each of these contacts is connected to a respective solenoid in bank 240. Those solenoids which represent lower case letters, numerals and certain ot' the punctuation marks and symbols, such as the semicolon, are connected to contacts forming back contacts for respective ones of armatures through 150. Those solenoids which represent upper case letters and certain other punctuation marks and symbols, such as the colon, are connected to contacts forming front contacts for armatures 110 through 150. The contacts connected to the solenoids which represent the various spaces, the space band, and certain of the most commonly used punctuation marks, such as the period and comma, are not associated with armatures in the group 110 through 150 but are connected directly to respective ones of contacts in a group 1 through 64. Each of the armatures in the group 110 through is connected to a respective one of the contacts in the group 1 through 64'. Conductors 241, 242, 243, 244 and 245 which are associated, respectively, with an elevator circuit, an upper rail circuit, a lower rail circuit, a shift circuit, and an upshift circuit to be described hereinafter, are connected, respectively, to contacts 17', 40', 56, 55', and 63 of group 1' through 64.

When relay coil 7C is energized, armatures 110 through 150 are operated to their respective front contacts, connecting the associated solenoids to respective contacts in group 1 through 64. When relay coil 7C is deenergized, armatures 110 through 150 return to their respective back contacts, connecting the associated solenoids to respective contacts in group 1' through 64'. It is evident that conductors 241 through 245 and those solenoids not associated with armatures in the group controlled by relay coil 7C (armatures 110 through 150) are connected to contacts in group 1 through 64' irrespective of the condition of relay coil 7C. The solenoids associated with the back contacts in group 1 through 91 will be connected to contacts in group 1' through 64 when relay 7C is deenergized while the solenoids associated with the front contacts in group 1 through 91 will be connected to contacts in group 1 through 64 when relay 7C is energized.

The odd numbered contacts in group 1 through 64 form back contacts for armatures in the group through 191 while the even numbered contacts in group 1 through 64 form front contacts for armatures in the group 160 through 191. Armatures 160 through 191 are operated by relay coil 1C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 1F and 1S is closed by tllt) associated pin pasing through a code hole in tape Each of armatures 160 through 191 is connected to a respective contact in a group 1" through 32". The odd numbered contacts in group 1" through 32" form back contacts for armatures 200 through 215, while the even numbered contacts therein form front contacts for armatures 200 through 215. Armatures 200 through 215 are operated by relay coil 6C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 6F and 6S is closed bv the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 200 through 215 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in a group 251 through 266. The odd numbered contacts in this latter group form back contacts for respective armatures in the group 220 through 227, while the even numbered contacts therein form front contacts for this latter group of armatures. Armatures 220 through 227 are operated by relay coil 5C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 5F and 5S is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 220 through 227 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in a group 271 through 278, the odd numbered contactsof which form back contacts for respective ones of armatures 230 through 233 and the even numbered contacts of which form front contacts for respective ones of armatures 230 through 233. Armatures 230 through 233 are operated by relay coil 4C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 4F and 4S is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 230 through 233 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in a group 281 through 284. Contacts 281 and 283 form back contacts for armatures 234 and 235, respectively, while contacts 282 and 284 form front contacts for armatures 234 and 235, respectively. Armatures 234 and 235 are operated by relay coil 3C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 3F and 3S is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Armatures 234 and 235 are connected, respectively, to contacts 285 and 286 which form, respectively, a back and a front contact for armature 236. Armature 236 is operated by relay coil 2C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 2F and 2S is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

It is evident that connection of the various solenoids in bank 240 and the conductors 241 through 245 to contacts in groups 1 through 91 and 1 through 64 must be correlated with the code employed in preparing tape 100. For example, if the solenoid corresponding to the upper case letter H is to be energized in order that an H matrix may be released from the magazine in the line casting machine, armature 115 must be operated to front contact 14, armature 165 must be made with its back contact 11', armature 202 must be operated to its front Contact 6", armature 221 must be engaged with its back contact 253, armature 230 must be operated to its front contact 272, armature 234 must be engaged with its back contact 281 and armature 236 must be engaged with its back contact 285. To achieve these conditions, relay coil 7C must be energized (through a circuit to be described hereinafter), relay coil 1C must be deenergized, relay coil 6C must be energized, relay coil C must be deenergized, relay coil 4C must be energized, and relay coils 3C and 2C must be deenergized. Since relay coils 1C through 6C are energized when the associated pins pass through code holes in tape 100, the code hole positions corresponding to relay coils 5C, 3C, 2C and 1C must be blocked while holes must be provided in the code hole positions corresponding to relay coil 6C and 4C. In other words, a transverse row in tape 100 must have perforations in code hole positions 4 and 6 to represent an upper case H. A row corresponding to an upper case H is illustrated at 100a in Fig. la. In the same manner it will be seen that, in the code required for the circuit illustrated, the small case letter a requires code holes in positions 2 and 3 while the symbol requires code holes in positions l, 2, and 3. Similarly, the the em space requires code holes in positions l, 2, and 4.

The upper ends of the solenoids in bank 240 are interconnected by a conductor 290 which is in turn connected to the high side of an A. C. line at 291 by a conductor 292. The solenoid ground return paths are completed through the relay circuits described above, each circuit including armature 236, and a pair of normally open contacts 293 and 294. Contacts 293 and 294 are closed when a follower 295 carrying contact 294 is engaged by a lobe portion 296 of a cam 297. When contacts 293 and 294 are closed, as described, the circuit of the solenoid selected by relay coils 1C through 7C is energized, causing the corresponding element of the line casting machine to operate. The circuit is completed to ground, upon the closing of contacts 293 and 294, through a line 505, contact 506, and switch arm 507. As will be explained, the arm 507 is held against contact 506 at this time by a solenoid 503 except when the elevator operating mechanism is in operation. In addition to the solenoids in bank 240, the circuits associated with conductors 241 through 245 are also closed through contacts 293 and 294 when the associated armatures controlled by coils 1C through 6C are in the proper positions.

As will be described more fully hereinafter, cam 297 is secured to a constantly rotating shaft 304 which is rotated at a suitable speed related to the time required for the operation of the tape feeding mechanism and the sensing of a particular set of code hole positions in tape 100 and the corresponding positioning of the armatures controlled by coils 1C through 6C between successive closings of the contacts 293 and 294. The solenoid and related circuits are thus always closed at contacts 293 and 294 thereby preventing arcing at other points and materially reducing maintenance requirements in the circuits. A capacitor 298 is connected between contacts 293 and 294 to reduce sparking.

After the selected solenoid or other circuit has performed the appropriate operation, cam follower 295 rides oil lobe 296, opening contacts 293 and 294. At about the same time a lobe 299 on a cam 300 engages a cam follower 301, thereby closing a pair of normally open contacts 302 and 303. As shown in the drawings, proper timing between cams 297 and 300 is achieved by mounting them on a common shaft 304. Contacts 302 and 303 are included in a stepping magnet energizing circuit extending from the positive D. C. bus through conductor 104, stepping magnet winding 102, a resistor 30S, a conductor 396, and contacts 302 and 303 to the negative D. C. bus. 'lne connection from contact 303 to the negative bus line extends through a line 500 to a contact 501, then to a switch arm 502 which is shifted toward the right (Fig. lc) at this time, as will be explained, by the energization of a magnet 503, and then through line 504 to the negative bus. Upon closing of this latter circuit, under control of cam 300, stepping magnet 102 is energized and tape is stepped to the next succeeding analyzing position, whereupon the pins read the next set of perforations in tape 100 to set up a new selecting combination. It is evident that when the pins are withdrawn from the tape preparatory to the stepping thereof, the switches formed Dy respective sets of contacts 1F through 6F and 1S through 6S, will be opened, resulting in de-energization of those ones of coils 1C through 6C which were energized by the preceding code combination. As a result, all of the armatures controlled by coils 1C through 6C will be in their rest positions (to the left in the drawings) preparatory to the next selecting operation.

it Will be recalled that relay coil 7C, which operates armatures through 150, is not controlled directly by tape 100. The energizing circuit therefor extends from the positive D. C. bus through normally open contact 310 and armature 311 of a relay 312, coil 7C, and a resistor 313 to the negative D. C. bus. Accordingly, relay coil '7C will be energized only when relay 312 is energized, at which time contact 310 and armature 311 are closed. Relay 312 is energized when a shift signal code combination in tape 100 is analyzed. In the particular connections illustrated, the shift signal code combination is constituted by perforations in code hole positions 2, 3, 5 and 6, as shown at row 100b of tape 100. The energizing circuit for relay 312 extends from A. C. line 291 (Fig. ld) through conductor 292, conductor 290, a resistor 314, opposite terminals 315 and 316 of a rectifying bridge 317, conductor 244, back contact 55 and armature 187, front contact 28 and armature 213, front contact 264 and armature 226, back contact 277 and armature 233, front contact 284 and armature 235, front contact 286 and armature 236 to contacts 293 and 294, and then through line 505, contact 506 and arm 507 to ground. The winding of relay 312 is connected across opposite terminals 318 and 319 of bridge 317 and is energized when A. C. power is applied to terminals 315 and 316. Energization of relay 312 closes contact 310 and armature 311, completing the energizing circuit for relay coil 7C in the manner described. Energization of coil 7C causes armatures 110 through 150 to operate to their respective front contacts. To prevent release of relay 312 when contactsV 293 and 294 are opened, relay 312 locks up through a circuit extending from A. C. line 291 through conductor 292, conductor 290, resistor 314, terminals 315 and 316 of rectifying bridge 317, normally open contact 320 and armature 321 of relay 312 to ground. It will be understood that armature 321 will be shifted toward the left upon the initial operation of relay 312 in the manner described. Once a shift signal code combination has been analyzed and relays 312 and 7C energized, armatures 110 through will remain in their operated 0r shif positions until an unshift signal code combination in tape 100 is analyzed. Between these signals, only solenoids associated with front contacts of the group 1 through 91 and solenoids connected directly to contacts in the group 1 through 64', by circuits not passing through armatures 110-150, inclusive, can be energized. The unshift signal code combination is constituted by perforations in code hole positions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, as shown in row 100C of tape 100. When the unshift signal code combination is analyzed, the high side of rectifying bridge 317 is grounded, thereby releasing relay 312 and, consequently, releasing relay coil 7C whereby armatures 110 through 150 are returned to their left-hand or unshift positions.

This grounding circuit extends from terminal 315 of bridge 317 through conductor 245, back contact 63 and armature 191, front contact 32 and armature 215, front contact 266 and armature 227, front contact 278 and armature 233, front contact 284 and armature 235, front contact 286 and armature 236 and contacts 293 and 294 to ground. Once released by an unshift signal code coinbination, relays 312 and 7C will remain de-energized until a shift signal code combination is analyzed. During the interval between an unshift signal and a succeeding shift signal, only those solenoids in bank 240 associated with back contacts of the group 1 through 91 and those solcnoids connected directly to contacts in the group 1' through 64 can be energized.

The matrices generally employed in line casting machines may be assembled in two line casting positions, generally termed upper rail and lower rail. A plunger 325 (Fig. 1C) is arranged to operate the upper and lower rail shift mechanism of a line casting machine in response to energization of solenoids UR and LR, respectively. One end of the winding of each of solenoids UR and LR is connected to one end of the other winding, the junction being coupled to A. C. line 291 through a conductor 326 and conductors 290 and 292. The free end of the winding of upper rail solenoid UR is connected to contact 40 through conductor 242 whereby solenoid UR will be energized upon analysis of a code combination constituted by perforations in code hole positions l, 2, 5, and 6, the circuit being completed to ground through the armatures thus shifted. The free end of the winding of lower rail solenoid LR is connected to contact 56 through conductor 243 whereby solenoid LR will be energized upon analysis of a code combination constituted by perforations in code hole positions l, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Plunger 325 remains in upper rail or lower rail position until the lower rail or upper rail solenoid is energized. In order to prevent the preceding matrix from being cast in the Wrong position solenoids UR and LR may be made slow-to-operate, or other conventional delay means may be provided. In the alternative, the code combination in tape 100 just in advance of an upper or lower rail combination may be dead, i. e., it may only feed the tape so that no matrix is released.

After a line of desired length has been assembled through selective release of matrices and space bands as hereinbefore described, the assembled line must be moved to line casting position. The assembled line is usually raised from the assembly position by means of a mechanism generally termed an across a horizontal cross delivery member to the casting portion of the line casting machine. In manual operation of a line casting machine, justification of each line is effected by appropriate insertion of spaces and space bands by the operator, these being wedge-shaped and being forced by the machine into final position for proper adjustment of the line. Upon complete assembly of the line the operator operates a lever which raises the elevator. When raised, the line of matrices is automatically carried to the casting portion of the machine.

In accordance with the present invention, justification is effected during preparation of the control record by indicating appropriate spaces and space bands thereon. These spaces and space bands are automatically assembled in the line as indicated hereinbefore. In preparing the control record, at the end of each line, a code combination corresponding to elevator operation is indicated thereon. ln the illustrated embodiment of the invention, this combination is constituted by a perforation in code hole position 3. When this combination is analyzed, a circuit is completed from A. C. line 291 through conductors 292 and 290, a solenoid 330, conductor 241. contact 17 and armature 168, contact 9 and armature 204, contact 255 and armature 222, contact 273 and armature 231, contact 282 and armature 234, contact 28S and armature 236, and contacts 293 and 294 to ground.

When solenoid 330 is energized, it pulls a pawl 331 to the left, disengaging the same from the end of an arm 332 secured to a shaft 334.

Shaft 334 is driven by the timing shaft 304 in the manner to be explained through a friction drive. lt is operated at a somewhat slower speed than the timing shaft and is arranged to operate the elevator through a mechanical connection indicated schematically in Fig. 1d by the disk 333, secured to the shaft, and linkage 33354 elevator and is then delivered extending from a crank pin on the disk to the elevator mechanism. This drive is such as to provide smooth and positive movement of the elevator throughout the rotation of the disk. Because of a variable time delay provided in the operation of the disk, no dwell is needed in the driving connections. When the parts are in the position indicated in Fig. ld the initial turning of the disk 333 to the time delay point will cause only slight movement of the elevator.

Upon release of the shaft 334 by the energizing of solenoid 330 the shaft is turned only a suicient distance to prevent re-engagement of the pawl 331 with the shoulder at the end of arm 332. It is arrested in this position by a seconl detent (shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and to be later described), which is thereafter withdrawn, after a predetermined and variable time interval, by a device mounted on the timing shaft 304. Upon such withdrawal of the second detent, the shaft 334 is rotated until the outer end 0f another arm 335 secured thereto engages the pawl 331. It will be understood that the circuit through the solenoid 330 will have been broken in the meantime to release pawl 331. The breaking of the circuit occurs at a number of points, as, for example, by the retraction of the pins in the tape analyzer 101 which causes the various armatures controlled by these pins to be restored to their front positions. The circuit is also broken at this time between contact 506 and arm 507 and, during most of a revolution of shaft 304, at the contacts 293 and 294.

Solenoid 330 is energized again when the shaft 334 is held in the position in which arm 335 is engaged by pawl 331. When the solenoid is thus energized the pawl again releases the shaft 334 to complete its revolution. This second energization of the solenoid 330 is for only a brief interval so that the pawl 331 will be restored to its active position in time to catch and retain the end of the arm 332. The circuit for energizing solenoid 330 to bring about the second half revolution of the shaft 334 Will now be traced. A contact 340, which is normally in the position indicated in Fig. ld, will be raised at this time by a bump 347 on a disk 348 secured to the shaft 334. The bump 347 will, at the time indicated, be in its upper position in which it serves t0 lift an arm 346 carrying the contact 340 so that the latter is engaged with a contact 341 at the end of a line 342. This line extends downwardly to a contact 343 adapted to be engaged by a contact 344 on an arm carrying a roller 344a. The latter is disposed in the path of movement of a cross delivery member on the line casting machine, which shifts the assembled line from the elevator to the casting position. Roller 344a is arranged to be operated to engage the contacts 343 and 344 only after the cross delivery member has shifted the assembled line of matrices completely olf of the elevator. At this time the circuit is completed from the contact 344 through line 345 to ground.

As the shaft 334 is thus released to complete its revolution the disk 333 will bring about the return of the levator to its lower position for the assembly of a new ine.

Since the timing shaft 304 is constantly rotated, means must be provided for preventing the closing of the circuits controlled by the cams 297 and 300 and thus prevent stepping and analyzing of the tape while the elevator and related mechanisms are in operation. This is accomplished through the solenoid 503 which, as indicated above, is normally energized to complete certain circuits identied with the tape advancing and sensing functions. Solenoid 503 is energized so long as the shaft 334 is in the normal position indicated in Fig. 1d, subject only to certain special conditions which will be described. The circuit for this purpose extends from the positive D. C. bus through line 104 (Fig. la), a switch 354, which is opened only when too much tension is applied to the perforated tape, then through a line 355 to the timing means shown in Fig. 1c (to be later described) and to one terminal of the solenoid 503. From the opposite terminal of the latter the circuit extends through line 357, a microswitch 358, line 359, contacts 360 and 361 to the negative bus. Solenoid 503 is deenergized immediately upon the commencement of rotation of the shaft 334. For this purpose shaft 334 has secured thereto a cam 364 having a bump 363 adapted to engage and lift an arm 362 to carry the contact 360 mounted thereon into engagement with the contact 361 connected with the negative D. C. bus. As will be apparent, the circuit will be broken at contacts 360 and 361 as soon as the shaft 334 is rotated slightly from the position indicated in Fig. 1d.

The circuit through the solenoid 503 actually extends to the negative bus of the D. C. source along two different paths, each of which is effective during only a portion of the revolution of the shaft 304. Thus, during somewhat less than half a revolution of the shaft the circuit extends up to the negative bus by way of the contacts 360 and 361 in the manner explained. It may be traced from line 355 to a contact 508 adapted to be engaged with a contact 509 on an arm 510 which is lifted during a part of a revolution of shaft 304 by a cam surface 511 on a disk 512 secured to the shaft 304. Arm 510 is connected by a line 513 with the left hand terminal of the solenoid 503. The circuit through that solenoid is then completed, through lines 357, 359, etc. to the negative bus, during slightly less than half a revolution of the shaft 304, i. e. during the interval that cam surface 511 engages the arm 510, and then only when the contacts 360, 361 are engaged. A second circuit through the solenoid is completed during the remaining portion of a revolution of shaft 304 so long as the microswitch 358 and contacts 360, 361 are engaged. This second circuit extends from the negative bus through line 504 (Fig. 1c), a branch line 514, switch arm 515, contact 516, line 517, switch arm 518, contact 519, and line 520 to the right side of solenoid 503. The opposite side of the solenoid is connected through a line 521, contact 522, an arm 523, line 524, switch arm 525, contact 526, and line 527 to the positive D. C. bus. Switch arms 525 and 515 are raised to engage the contacts 526 and 516, respectively by a cam or lobe portion 528 on a disk 529 secured to shaft 304. It will be seen that this second circuit is completed only so long as the switch arms 518 and 523 are in their shifted or right hand positions by the energizing of solenoid 503 through the rst described circuit at the time the cam lobe 528 raises the arm 525. Thus, by one or the other of the circuits described, the solenoid is energized so long as the shaft 334 is in its normal position shown in Fig. 1d and switch 358 is closed. Moreover, the arrangement is such that when the solenoid 503 has been released upon commencement of rotation of shaft 334 it will be energized again upon completion of a revolution of the shaft 334, at which time the bump 363 on disk 364 closes the contacts 360 and 361. The circuit through solenoid 503 can be completed, however, only when the cam portion 511 of disk 512 lifts the arm 510. The purpose of this is to prevent energization of the solenoid 503 to complete circuits through the tape sensing devices at a time when the cam portion 296 of disk 297 is acting upon the arm 294. If solenoid 503 were energized at this time the sensing circuits would start to function and might not have adequate time to complete their functions. Similarly, this prevents energization of the solenoid 503 to complete a circuit through the tape feeding device at a time when contacts 302 and 303 are engaged.

Reference has been made above to microswitch 358. This, as indicated, is normally closed. It is arranged to be opened whenever too long a line is assembled at the line assembly position of the elevator of the line casting machine. It will be apparent that when the contacts 358 are thus opened the circuit through the solenoid 503 will be broken to discontinue operation of the tape feeding and analyzing devices and also to prevent completion of the circuit through the solenoid 330. Operation of the line casting machine is thus stopped until an attendant corrects the diiculty.

If desired, a rotary solenoid 370 may be provided on the line casting machine to straighten out the matrices in known manner after assembly, but before the elevator commences carrying the same toward the casting portion of the machine. The rotary solenoid 370 is connected to a pair of opposite terminals of a bridge rectifier 371. The other opposite pair of terminals or bridge rectifier 371 is provided with A. C. power through a circuit extending from the high side of the A. C. line through conductor 292, rectifier 371, a conductor 373, a pair of contacts 374 and 375, a conductor 376 and conductor 345 to ground. Contact 375 is mounted on a follower 377 which is arranged to close contacts 374 and 375 upon engagement with a lobe 378 on a cam 379. Cam 379 is carried on shaft 334 and is timed to close contacts 374 and 375 when the shaft is being held by the second detent described above, i. e., during the time between disengagement of pawl 331 from tooth 332 and commencement of elevator travel.

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive and 7, 8 and 9, there is illustrated a unit provided in the control system described above which carries the timing shaft 304 and the shaft 334 and various parts associated with these shafts. This unit comprises a frame 400 having suitably journalled therein the shaft 304 carrying at one end, outside of the frame, a pulley 402 arranged to be driven by a belt 403 connected at its opposite end with a pulley on an electric motor or the like. Secured to the shaft 304 within the frame is a pinion 404 which meshes with a gear 405 mounted on the shaft 334 that is also suitably journalled in the frame. Gear 405 is adapted to drive the shaft 334 through suitable friction devices, the arrangement being such that the shaft may be held against rotation by the pawl and detent, as described, while the gear 405 rotates continuously. For this purpose the gear has a pair of friction disks 407 secured to and extending outwardly from the opposite faces of the gear. Friction disks 408 and 409 are keyed to the shaft 334 but are arranged for axial movement along the same. A spider-like spring 410 having a collar 410a secured to the shaft 334 serves to urge the friction disk 408 against one disk 407 and to urge the other disk 407 against the friction disk 409, the latter being forced against a collar 411 secured to the shaft 334. This arrangement is such that Whenever the shaft 334 is free to turn, it is driven frictionally by the gear 405.

On a reduced portion of the shaft 304 there is mounted the series of cams or disks 297, 512, 529 and 300, previously described, these being retained in suitably spaced relation by appropriate spacing collars. The various switch arms and contact elements described above which cooperate with the cams mentioned are suitably supported by the frame of the unit. Similarly the control cams or disks 364, 348, and 379 are secured to the shaft 334, and the various switch arms and contacts which cooperate with these cams are suitably supported by the frame of the unit. As best shown in Fig. 3 the pawl 331 which serves to retain the shaft 334 in a predetermined position and against rotation by the friction means described is pivotally mounted at 331e on a plate 412 forming part of the frame of the unit. The outer end of the pawl 331 is drawn upwardly by a spring 331b until a portion of the pawl engages an adjustable stop 331e. Adjustment of the latter may be readily effected due to its eccentric mounting. Pawl 331 has an upward projection 331d which provides a shoulder arranged to cooperate with the end of the arm 332 to prevent rotation of the shaft 334. The solenoid 330 which is energized in response to an elevator signal, in the manner explained, has an armature 330a which is connected by a link 331e with the pawl 331 to rock the latter downwardly and thus release the arm 332 and shaft 334 for rotation. Upon such release, however, from the normal condition of the unit, the shaft will rotate only a limited extent permitted by the second detent mentioned above. This movement is sufficient to carry the end of the arm 332 over the projection 331a so that when the solenoid 330 is de-energized the pawl will not be re-engaged with the arm.

The second detent mentioned above, which incorporates a variable time delay, will not be described. Secured to the shaft 304 is a collar 413 having a lateral projection 413:1. This collar is mounted on a reduced threaded portion 414a (Fig. 8) of a threaded stud 414 forming an extenesion of the shaft 304. Portion 414a of the stud is screwed into a threaded opening in the end of a shaft 304. Set screws 413b serve to lock the collar 413 on the stud. Spaced from the collar 413 and also secured to the stud 414 is a cup-like collar 415. This has a screw threaded connection with the outer end of the stud so that its axial position along the stud may be readily adjusted as desired, by simply turning the same relative to the stud. Any suitable means, such as a set screw 415:1, may be provided for clamping the collar 415 in adjusted position. Between the collars 413 and 415 there is mounted a ratchet wheel 416. This has an internal screw thread cooperating with the threaded stud 414 so that relative turning of the shaft and ratchet will cause axial movement of the latter along the stud. A A projection 417 on one facevof the ratchet is adapted to be brought into the path of the projection 413a on the collar 413 upon axial movement of the ratchet along the shaft. Normally, however, the ratchet is urged to rotate with the shaft by a spring 418, one end of which is fixed to the collar 415 and the other end of which is inserted in an opening in the ratchet 416 or otherwise secured thereto. This spring, which is largely housed within the collar 415, tends to turn the ratchet in a counter-clockwise direction (Fig. 4), i. e., in the direction in which the shaft 304 is rotated. This causes the ratchet normally to turn with the shaft and be held against the collar 415. A projection 419 extending from the face of the ratchet 416 toward the collar 415 cooperwith a shoulder 415b on the latter to limit the extent of relative turning of the ratchet and collar under the influence of the spring. While, as stated, the ratchet 416 is normally caused to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction with the shaft 304, it is arrested against such rotation when the elevator operating signal is transmitted by the perforated tape and the solenoid 330 is operated.

The ratchet restraining means is best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. It comprises a broad tooth 420 projecting from the upper end of a member 421 which is pivotally connected by means of a screw stud 422 with an arm 423 that is in turn pivotally mounted on the plate 412a by a screw stud 424. A spring 425 attached to the lower end member 421 and to a pin carried by the plate 412a normally serves to rock the member in a counterclockwise direction into engagement with an adjustable eccentric stop element 426. The normal position of the parts is shown in Fig. 4. It will be noted that the spring 425 not only serves to rock member 421 in the manner indicated, but also tends to pull it downwardly until the arm 423 engages an adjustable stop element 427. A similar adjustable stop 428 is provided for limiting the extent of upward movement of the parts.

Now when the pawl 331 is rocked downwardly to disengage its shoulder from the arm 332 the latter and the shaft 334 will be permitted to turn slightly, but only until the stop projection 3320i carried by the disk 333 is brought into engagement with a shoulder 429 on the member 421 and shifts the latter upwardly to the extent permitted by the stop 428 cooperating with arm 423. At this time the tooth 420 is in the path of one of the teeth of the ratchet 416 and will serve to retain the latter against rotation with the extension 414 of shaft 304. As the shaft 304 continues to turn through any desired number of revolutions, preferably two to tive, the ratchet will be advanced by its screw threaded connection with the stud 414 axially along the latter until the projection 417 on the ratchet cooperates with the projection 413a of the collar 413. When this occurs the ratchet will be positively driven by the projection 413a and will cause the member 421 to be rocked about its pivot 422. This will continue until the shoulder 429 is freed from the stop 332a, at which time the shaft 334 will be released for rotation and the member 421 will be restored to its Fig. 4 position by the spring 425. At the same time the spring 418 within the cupped collar 415 will restore the ratchet 416 to its initial position in relation to the collar 415. It will be apparent that by adjusting the position of the collar 415 along the stud 414, by turning it in relation to the stud, the number of revolutions of the shaft 304 required to bring about the release of the detent 421 may be varied as desired. The proper adjustment will depend upon the particular machine to which the unit is applied. The time delay provided by the arrangement described must be sucient to insure proper assembly of the last matrix in the line before the elevator is moved upwardly from the assembly position.

The connections from the shaft 334 to the elevator for operating the latter are best shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 11. They comprise a crank pin 430 carried by the disk 333 secured to the shaft 334. Before the elevator signal is sensed by the tape analyzing means the parts will be in the position indicated in Fig. 4. After the elevator signal has been transmitted to the solenoid 330, the parts will assume the position indicated in Fig. 5. It will be noted that the crank pin 430 has shifted only slightly; and because of the location of the zone of movement of the crank pin at this time, it imparts little or no movement to the elevator. The crank pin is connected with the elevator by means of an extensible link 431 which is pivotally connected by a pin 432 to a member 433 having a collar 434 rockably mounted on a pivot stud 435 having a screw threaded shank connected with a manually operable lever 436 of the type conventionally provided on a line casting machine for operating the elevator. Lever 436 is connected with a rock shaft 467 mounted in the frame of the machine and extending across the same to the elevator lifting means. Secured to the collar 434 and extending radially beyond the same is a segment 437 (Fig. 6) having a notch 437a in its outer end. The parts are shown in only partly assembled relation in Fig. 6 for clear illustration of their form. Fig. l1 shows the segment 437 in its assembled position, closely adjacent the lever 436. The notch 437m cooperates with a spring urged plunger 438 carried by the handle 436. Normally the plunger is urged outwardly by a spring 439 until a portion 440 of the plunger fits into the notch 437e. When the parts are in this relationship the rotation of they crank element 430 will cause operation of the operating lever 436 and bring about lifting and lowering movements of the elevator in the course of a complete revolution of the shaft 334. Should it be desired to operate the elevator mechanism manually, this may be done by pressing inwardly on a button 441 at the outer end of the plunger 438 until the portion 440 is disengaged from notch 437:1 in the segment 437. The lever 436 is, at this time, free to be lifted independently of the segment. A cut-away portion of the plunger 438 simply rides along the outer end of the segment. By turning the button 441 slightly, after it has been pressed inwardly, the portion 440 may be held disengaged from the notch 437:1 for continued manual operation of the lever.

As shown in Fig. 5, the link 431 is provided with a screw threaded section 431a upon which the lower section 43117 of the link may be turned to shorten the overall length of the link. This enables a certain amount of variation in the upper and lower positions of the elevator, i. e. its zone of movement, to conform with the requirements of a particular machine. To permit turning of the section 431b it must be disconnected from arm 433 by withdrawing the connecting pin 432. A lock nut 431el serves to retain the parts in adjusted position.

Similarly the arm 433 is provided with a screw threaded intermediate portion 433a, upon which may be turned the lower socket-like portion 4331; of the arm to shorten or lengthen the same. This adjustment, which can be effected only when the parts 431b and 433b are disconnected, provides for a limited variation in the stroke of the elevator to conform with the requirements of a particular machine. Lock nut 433C serves to retain the parts in adjusted position. lt will be understood that the stroke of the elevator is determined by a combination of the eccentricity of the crank pin 430 and the length of the arm 433.

As previously explained, after the shaft 334 has been released for slight rotation by retraction of the pawl 331 and then is released for further rotation by retraction of the detent 421, it is again arrested upon completion of a half revolution bv engagement of the end of the arm 335 with the projection 331d of arm 331. The parts remain in this position until a further signal is transmitted to the solenoid 330 through the circuits previously described and until the cross delivery member is operated to a suicient extent to remove the line of assembled matrices from the elevator in its upper position toward the line casting position, at which time the contacts become engaged to complete the circuit through the solenoid 330.

As was indicated hereinbefore, the control apparatus of the invention may conveniently be arranged to operate the keys of a line casting machine keyboard. Suitable apparatus therefor is illustrated in Fig. l0, wherein keys 460 represent keys conventionally provided in a line casting machine keyboard. A case 461, which is suitably affixed to the line casting machine frame, is provided for housing hollow key actuating solenoids 462. Solenoids 462 correspond to the solenoids in bank 240 (Figs. la-ld), and a solenoid should be provided for each key in the line casting machine keyboard and for the space band control. The latter is not generally formed as a key in the keyboard but is usually adjacent thereto.

Each solenoid is provided with a cylindrical insulating member 463 mounted on the inside thereof for carrying a movable plunger 464. A spring 465 is mounted on the lower end of each plunger 464 for urging the same upward. The insulating members 463 are provided with shoulders 466 for supporting the lower ends of springs 465. When energized, a solenoid 462 draws its plunger 464 downward against the spring pressure to actuate the associated key 460.

The shaft 467, shown in section in Figs. and 10 and shown partially in Fig. 6, is the elevator rock shaft generally provided on line casting machines.

While the invention has been described in a particular embodiment thereof and in a particular use, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto for obvious modications thereof will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a line casting machine having an elevator for lifting a plurality of matrices from an assembly position to a line casting position which comprises a constantly rotating shaft, a control unit comprising means for advancing a perforated tape and means for analyzing the perforations in said tape, electrical connections from said constantly rotating shaft for controlling the operation of said tape advancing means and said analyzing means, electrically operated means responsive to said analyzing means for predetermining the release of matrices to be assembled and for controlling the operation of said elevator, connections from said shaft for lifting and lowering said elevator, said last mentioned connections including time delay means for delaying the operation of said elevator for a predetermined time interval after the operation of said elevator has been predetermined by said analyzing means, said time delay means including adjustable devices for varying said time interval, and means responsive to the operation of said elevator for disabling said connections from said shaft to said tape advancing and analyzin means. i

2. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means and transfer devices including an elevator for lifting a plurality of matrices from an assembly position and transferring the same to a line casting position, which comprises a device for advancing and analyzing a perforated tape, means including a plurality of electrical circuits selectively closed under control of said device for bringing about the release and assembly of desired matrices and the operation of said transfer devices, timing means having a constantly rotating shaft, circuits controlled by said timing means for controlling the operation of said tape advancing and analyzing device, means for operating said transfer devices upon the closing of a predetermined one of said selectively closed circuits, and means controlled by said operating means for disabling the control over said tape advancing and analyzing means by said timing means when said transfer devices are being operated, said means controlled by said operating means including switch means for preventing the closing of said circuits controlled by said timing means.

3. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means and transfer devices including an elevator for lifting a plurality of matrices from an assembly posltion and transferring the same to a line casting position, which comprises a device for advancing and analyzing a perforated tape, means including a plurality of electrical circuits selectively closed under control of said device for bringing about the release and assembly of desired matrices and the operation of said transfer devices, timing means having a constantly rotating shaft, circuits controlled by said timing means for controlling the operation of said tap-e advancing and analyzing device, means for operating said transfer devices upon the closing of a predetermined one of said selectively closed circuits, and means controlled by said operating means for disabling the control over said tape advancing and analyzing means by said timing means when said transfer devices are being operated, said means controlled by said operatmg means including switch means for preventing the closing of said circuits controlled by said timing means, said switch means being rendered eiective to enable the re-closing of said circuits controlled by said timing means only during a predetermined portion of a revolution of said constantly rotating shaft.

4. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means and transfer devices including an elevator for lifting a plurality of matrices from an assembly pos1t1on and transferring the same to a line casting position, which comprises a device for advancing and analyzing a perforated tape, means including a plurality of electrical circuits selectively closed under control of said device for bringing about the release and assembly of desired matrices and the operation of said transfer devices, timing means having a constantly rotating shaft, circuits controlled by said timing means for controlling the operation of said tape advancing and analyzing device, means for operating said transfer devices upon the closing of a predetermined one of said selectively closed circuits, and means controlled by said operating means for disabling the control over said tape advancing and analyzing means by said timing means when said transfer devices are being operated, said means controlled by said operating means including switch means for preventing the closing of `said circuits controlled by said timing means, a solenoid for operating said switch means, and separate circuits controlled by said timing means for energizing said solenoid during different portions of a revolution of said constantly rotating shaft, said solenoid being always initially energized by a predetermined one of said separate circuits.

5. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means and transfer devices including an elevator for lifting a plurality of matrices from an assembly position and transferring the same to a line casting position, which comprises a device for advancing and analyzing a perforated tape, means including a plurality of electrical circuits selectively closed under control of said device for bringing about the release and assembly of desired matrices and the operation of said transfer devices, timing means having a constantly rotating shaft, circuits controlled by said timing means for controlling the operation of said tape advancing and analyzing device, means for operating said transfer devices upon the closing of a predetermined one of said selectively closed circuits, said operating means being driven by said constantly rotating shaft, means for arresting operation of said operating means after a predetermined limited movement thereof and before said elevator is shifted from its line assembly position, a variable time delay device for controlling the operation of said arresting means to release the same, and means controlled by said operating means for disabling the control over said tape advancing and analyzing means by said timing means when said transfer devices are being operated.

6. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means and transfer devices including an elevator for lifting a plurality of matrices from an assembly position and transferring the same to a line casting position, which comprises a device for advancing and analyzing a perforated tape, means including a plurality of electrical circuits selectively closed under control of said device for bringing about the release and assembly of desired matrices and the operation of said transfer devices, timing means having a constantly rotating shaft, circuits controlled by said timing means for controlling the operation of said tape advancing and analyzing device, means for operating said transfer devices upon the closing of a predetermined one of said selectively closed circuits, said operating means being driven by said constantly rotating shaft, means for arresting operation of said operating means after a predetermined limited movement thereof and before said elevator is shifted from its line assembly position, a variable time delay device operated by said shaft for controlling the operation of said arresting means to release the same, and means controlled by said operating means for disabling the control over said tape advancing and analyzing means by said timing means when said transfer devices are being operated.

7. In an automatic control system for a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means, means for assembling a line of matrices to be cast and devices for transferring the assembled line from an assembly position to a line casting position including an elevator and a cross delivery member, a timing unit having a constantly rotated timing shaft, means for driving said shaft at a predetermined speed, an intermittently rotated second shaft driven by said timing shaft, means operated by said second shaft for operating said elevator,

means controlled by said timing shaft for initiating a revolution of said second shaft, means for arresting said second shaft after a limited partial revolution thereof, and means controlled by said timing shaft after a predetermined extent of rotation thereof following said partial revolution of the second shaft for actuating said arresting means to release said second shaft for further rotation.

8. In an automatic control system for a line casting.

machine having matrix storing and releasing means, means for assembling a line of matrices to be cast and devices for transferring the assembled line from an assembly position to a line casting position including an elevator and a cross delivery member, a timing unit having a constantly rotated timing shaft, means for driving said shaft at a predetermined speed, an intermittently rotated second shaft driven by said timing shaft, means operated by said second shaft for operating said elevator, means controlled by said timing shaft for initiating a revolution of said second shaft, means for arresting said second shaft after a limited partial revolution thereof, and means controlled by said timing shaft after a predeetrmined extent of rotation thereof following said partial revolution of the second shaft for actuating said arresing means to release said second shaft for further` rotation, said means controlled by the timing shaft being adjustable to vary said predetermined extent of rotation thereof.

9. In an automatic control system for a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means, means for assembling a line of matrices to be cast and devices for transferring the assembled line from an assembly position to a line casting position including an elevator and a cross delivery member, a timing unit having a constantly rotated timing shaft, means for driving said shaft at a predetermined speed, an intermittently rotated second shaft driven by said timing shaft, means operated by said second shaft for operating said elevator, means controlled by said timing shaft for initiating a revolution of said second shaft, means for arresting said second shaft after a limited partial revolution thereof, means controlled by said timing shaft after a predetermined extent of rotation thereof following said partial revolution of the second shaft for actuating said arresting means to release said second shaft for further rotation, a second means for arresting said second shaft after a further partial revolution, and means controlled by said cross delivery member for releasing said second nlilezns to enable completion of a revolution of said second s a t.

10. In an automatic control system for a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means, means for assembling a line of matrices to be cast and devices for transferring the assembled line from an assembly position to a line casting position including an elevator and a cross delivery member, a timing unit having a constantly rotated timing shaft, means for driving said shaft at a predetermined speed, an intermittently rotated second shaft driven by said timing shaft, means operated by said second shaft for operating said elevator, means for adjusting said elevator operating means to vary the extent and the zone of movement of the elevator, means controlled by said timing shaft for initiating a revolution of said second shaft, means for arresting said second shaft after a limited partial revolu- 16 tion thereof, and means controlled by said timing shaft after a predetermined extent of rotation thereof following said partial revolution of the second shaft for actuating said arresting means to release said second shaft for further rotation;

11. In an automatic control system for a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means, means for assembling a line of matrices to be cast and devices for transferring the assembled line from an assembly position to a line casting position including an elevator and a cross delivery member, a timing unit having a constantly rotated timing shaft, means for driving said shaft at a predetermined speed, an intermittently rotated second shaft driven by said timing shaft, means operated by said second shaft for operating said elevator, said elevator operating means comprising a crank element carried by said second shaft and connections therefrom to said elevator, means for disconnecting said connections from said elevator and enabling manual operation of the latter, means controlled by said timing shaft for initiating a revolution of said second shaft, means for arresting said second shaft after a limited partial revolution thereof, and means controlled by said timing shaft after a predetermined extent of rotation thereof following said partial revolution of the second shaft for actuating said arresting means to release said second shaft for further rotation.

12. In an automatic control system for a line casting machine having matrix storing and releasing means, means for assemblingv a line of matrices to be cast and devices for transferring the assembled line from an assembly position to a line casting position including an elevator and a cross delivery member, a timing unit having a constantly rotated' timing shaft,'means for driving said shaft at a predetermined speed, an intermittently rotated second shaft'driven by said timing shaft, 'means operated by said second shaft for operating said elevator, said elevator operating means comprising a crank ele. ment rotated by said second shaft, a lever rockably mounted on said frame and connected with said elevator for lifting the same, a segment pivotally mounted on said lever, connections from said crank element for rockying said segment, and a plunger coacting between said segment and lever to interconnect the same, said plunger being shiftable to disconnect said segment and lever,

'means .controlled by said timing shaft for initiating a vrevolution of said second shaft, means for arresting said second shaft after a limited partial revolution thereof, and means controlled by said timing shaft after a predetermined extent of rotation thereof following said partial revolution of the second shaft for actuating said arresting means to release said second shaft for further rotation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,970,566 Kleinschmidt Aug. 21, 1934 1,970,567 Potts Aug. 2l, 1934 2,006,848 Walden July 2, 1935 2,065,274 Good Dec. 22, 1936 2,198,321 Sylvester Apr. 23, 1940 2,378,371 Tholstrup June 12, 1945 2,477,011 Skinner July 26, 1949

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