US2755859A - Scale mechanism for typographic tape perforator - Google Patents

Description

July 24, 1956 M. r. GQETZ SCALE MECHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPHIC TAPE PERFORATOR Filed Feb. 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR MAURUS T. GOETZ ATTORNEY M. T. GOETZ July 24, 1956 SCALE MECHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPHIC TAPE PERFORATOR Filed Feb. 17, 1954 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4

INVENTOR MAURUS T. GOETZ BY W ATTORNEY SCALE WCHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPHIC. TAPE PERFQRATOR' Maurus T. Goetz, Chicago, IiL, assignor to Teletypesetter, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application February 17, 1954', Serial No. 410,877

2 Ciairns. (Cl. 164-112) This invention relates to typesetting systems and apparatus and particularly to perforators and counters which may be. utilized for preparing a perforated tape for automatic control of photographic composing machines.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a rapid and eflicient means for preparing justified lines of type matter for photographic composing machines.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel scale mechanism capable of indicating justifiability of composed lines of type matter under two conditions of operation simultaneously.

Presenting briefly the historical background of the art with which the present invention is concerned, the lines of type produced by composing machines of the general class shown and described in United States Patent No. 436,532 dated September 16, 1890, are made through the instrumentality of matrices which consist of small brass units carrying indented characters in their edges and which are of different thicknesses due to the fact that the characters vary in width. Thus, when these matrices are assembled into a line of predetermined definite length, the number of matrices necessary to complete the line varies with the particular matrices used. The length of the line, therefore, is dependent upon the thickness of the characters or matricescomposing the line and not merely upon the number of characters included in the line. Hence, it. is necessary during the preparation of a perforated strip representing lines of composed matter for the production of the slugs or lines of type to totalize the various thicknesses of matrices corresponding to the code perforations made in the strip, so that the operator will be apprised of the length of the line remaining as each key is operated and can thus judge the justifiability of the line.

Cooperating with: the character matrices and equally determinative of the justifiability of the line are the justifying' matrices, spacers commonly known as expansible spacebands or word spacers which comprise a portion, known as the sleeve, analogous to and having the contour of a character matrix and which is positioned in the line of matrices usually between each series of character matrices comprising a word. The sleeve has slidably connected thereto and depending therefrom a wedge shaped portion, by means of which the spacers or spacebands are adjusted between certain ranges of thickness before the casting operation is performed. Incidentally, the thickness of the sleeve portion determines substantially the minimum thickness of the spaceband. It is essential, therefore, that the indicator take cognizance of the expansibility of the spacebands as well as the totalization of the character matrices and that these two functions be performed simultaneously and the net or resultant effect be apparent to the operator at all times. A scale mecha nism for indicating the condition of totali zation just alluded to is shown and described in United States Patents Nos. 2,021,151 and 2,059,250. In addition to the expansible space'b'ands or word spacers, composing maatent fatented July 24,1956

chines, as is well known, are also provided with nonexpansible word spacers of fixed thickness such as the em quads, en quads and the thin spaces.

The present invention is directed to apparatus associatedwith photographic type composing machines of the general classshown and described in United States Patent No. 2,552,882 dated May 15, 1951. The photographic composing machine disclosed in the latter patent is based on the fundamental structure of the typographical linecasting; machine shown in the aforesaid Patent No. 436,532. The metal pot, molds, casting mechanism, trimming knives and other features of the linecasting machine have been omitted, and in their place the machine according to said Patent No. 2,552,882 is equipped with a camera attachment. The matrix storage magazine, keyboard structure, assembly elevator, and matrix distributionmeans have all been retained. However, each matrix, instead of having two characters indented on its edge for casting purposes, is equipped with a negative film image of the corresponding character. That is, the matrices carry a photographable character disposed in a plane parallel to a flat or broad side of the matrix body, and moreover, the thickness of the matrix body is made equal to or proportional to the setwise width of the character borne by' the matrix body the same as heretofore practiced.

With the introduction of the photographic type composing machine according to said Patent No. 2,552,882, a significant change in the method of justification has been made to the extent that spacebands used in slug casting or linecasting machines have been eliminated. Justification is accomplished in said photographic composing machine by using a thin space (havinga dimen sion of .035") between words, and setting type until the accumulated matrix widths come within approximately one pica of filling the column. To expand the line to the full width, the machine is equipped with a sine bar arrangement, such as disclosed in United States Patent No; 2,395,659, which distributes the difference uniformly and automatically among the characters (including the thin spaces) in the line. Should it be impossible to justify a line using the thin variety of spaces, then a thicker space (measuring .050 for example) is substituted. To make this substitution on a manually operated machine, such as the machine. shown in said Patent No. 2,552,882, requires that the line either be set over again, or that the operator remove the originally introduced thin spaces and replace them manually with the thicker spaces. With the apparatus accordingtothe present invention the determination of the proper. word spaces can be done economically, and expeditiously during the perforation of the original tape to be employed for automatically operating said photographic composing machine.

A better understanding of the present invention may be had from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a keyboard device employing the indicator according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the indicating mechanism;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the scale mechanism. embodying the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the justification mechanism of the photographic composingv machine; and

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of a portion of the photographic composing machine.

To understand the method of justification employed in photographic composing machines of the type to which the indicating. mechanism according, to the present invention is applicable, reference will be had to Figs. 4 and 5.

Photographic composing machines and linecasting machines diifer in two important respects; namely, first of all, the photographic composing machine operates on the letter-by-letter principle of exposing characters 1nd1vrdually on film, rather than on the line-by-line principle used in casting type slugs. Secondly, whereas the type slug casting machine uses expansible spacebands to determine the space between words and to thereby justify the line, the photographic composing machine of the type disclosed in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,552,882 uses blank matrices (either a thin matrix of predetermined thickness or a thicker matrix of predetermined thickness) for spacers,

and achieves justification of the line by means of the inclined plane and wedge principle, utilizing a sine bar arrangement, which automatically distributes the amount of space required for justification throughout the entire line; that is, between characters as well as between words.

Briefly, the letter-by-letter principle of exposure employed in the photographic composing machine exemplified by said Patent No. 2,552,882, is illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 4 and 5. When the line of matrices assembled in the elevator 11 in well known manner, is delivered to the delivery station 12 and thence to the camera 13, a horizontal feed rack 14 follows up the matrices 15. Rack 14 which is connected to the sprlng actuated delivery slide, exerts a steady pressure against the matrices 15. As each matrix is elevated from the head of the line to the position 16 for exposure, rack 14 moves to the left, as viewed in Fig. 4. The rack 14 moves a distance equal to the width of the matrix removed plus an incremental distance determined by the sine bar mechanism 17, such as disclosed in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,395,659. This relative movement is transmitted to the vertical rack 18 through a gear train exemplified by gear 19. This permits the film carriage 13 to drop a distance equal to or proportionate with the thickness of the matrix removed. Thus, the amount of space necessary on the film for the width of the exposed letter is controlled by the thickness of the matrix plus the merement determined by the sine bar mechanism.

Prior to setting up lines of matter in the assembling elevator 11, the length of line is predetermined. For example, it is assumed that the line to be set is to be 30 picas long, and that, in assembling the line the operator might have left 1 /2 picas for expansion. In the slug or linecasting machine, this expansion is taken up by spacebands or expansible word spacer-s, in well known manner. However, with the photographic composing machine, the assembled matrices (28 /2 picas long, in the present example) are conveyed to the delivery station and locked in v,

a space corresponding to the predetermined length of line being set (that is, 30 picas according to the present example). Then, with the aid of the sine bar device 17, a

result analogous to that achieved by the spacebands in linecasting machines is obtained, with this difference;

namely, that in linecasting machines the expansion is divided only between the word spaces, while in photographic composing machines the expansion is divided between characters as well as between words in the manner described in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,395,659.

In the manual operation of the photographic composing machine, the keyboard operator may watch the assembly of the matrices and spacers (thin spaces or thick spaces, for example) in the elevator 11 and thus personally determine the justifiability of the line. However, in the automatic operation of a composing machine by means of perforated tape, justification must be predetermined and, accordingly. the present invention has provided an automatic device which will apprise or signal the operator when a justifiable condition of the line has been reached. 7 As previously mentioned, the present invention provides a novel scale mechanism capable of indicating justifiability of composed lines of type matter under two conditions of operation simultaneously.

' In the specific embodiment herein described, the pres- 4 cut invention is shown in connection with the indicating device disclosed in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,059,250. The indicating mechanism therein described comprises a sectoral or fan-shaped dial 21 (Figs. 1 and 2) relatively movable to which are an index hand or matrix pointer 22 and a pair of justification pointers 37 and 38. The matrix pointer 22 is rendered variably movable along the arcuate edge of a scale 25 of dial 21 by means of a counting mechanism which is variably operated in accordance with the widths of the characters composed in the line, and which may be of the construction shown and described in said Patent No. 2,059,250. Briefly, the operation of the counting mechanism is controlled by a series of keys 26, Fig. 1, arranged similarly to the familiar typewriter keyboard through the instrumentality of a selector mechanism contained within the base of the keyboard device. As shown in Fig. 2, the dial 21 which is pivotally mounted at 28 to bracket 29 and is adjustably set through slot and screw adjustment 31, has slidably mounted along its outer edge, by means of suitable slots 32 and 33 coacting with stud screws 34 and 35, respectively, the movable scale 25. Scale 25 is provided along its arcuate edge with a series of gradations, which represent units of type measure, and is adapted to count proportions, and not actual dimensions; thus rendering the apparatus adaptable for use with any size or font of type. The length of line to be composed is predetermined and is represented by the distance between pointer 22, when it abuts adjustable stop 36, and the zero position on the scale. Thus, the adjustable stop 36 and the zero position on the scale cooperate to define the range of movement of the matrix pointer 22. Upon the depression of a key the reverted end of the matrix pointer 22 moves along the edge of the scale from left to right towards zero in response to the totalization or accumulation of the matrix or character thicknesses by the counting mechanism shown in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,059,250. Thus, the distance from the pointer 22 to zero at any instant indicates the amount of space'left in the line to be filled when the line contains no word spaces (that is, thin or thick spaces).

Cooperating with the matrix pointer 22 are a pair of justification pointers 37 and 38 which are moved differentially upon each operation of the space key or bar (Fig. 1). To achieve the object of the present invention, the scale 25 is articulated pivotally at 40 to the thinspace justification pointer 38. The thick-space justification pointer 37 is provided with a scale portion 39. The differential or proportionate movements of pointers 37 and 38 toward the left is accomplished by the following described mechanism wherein a pawl 41 coacting with a ratchet segment on member 42 is connected to a keylever 43, Fig. 1, connected to the space bar 30. The depression of the space bar 30 imparts through key lever 43 a downward movement to the pawl 41 and causes the ratchet member 42 to rotate one step or unit angular distance equivalent to one tooth and to be held thereat by a holding pawl 45. A corresponding movement is imparted to justification pointers 37 and 38 through the instrumentality of gear segments 46, 47, 48, and 49. The gearing 46 to 49, inclusive (Fig. 2), is so chosen as to impart a differential movement to justification pointers 37 and 38 such that each time the ratchet member 42 is stepped one tooth, pointer 38 will be moved a distance corresponding to the thickness of the thin space, and pointer 37 will be moved a distance corresponding to the thick space. Thus, the distance 50 between the justification pointers 37 and 38 indicates the cumulative amount of difference between the thin spaces and the thick spaces. In other words, the distance represents the cumulative scale movement, under the control of pointer 38, required to indicate the total width of the small (thin) fixed spaces included in the line, while the distance 50 represents the additional thickness of spacers in the line if the thicker fixed spaces are used. In determining the point at which a line can be terminated on the photographic composing machine, a manual operator has reference to an indicating device associated with the assembler slide, as exemplified by the disclosure in said Patent No. 2,395,659. To perform a similar function on the perforator and counter according to the present invention, an appropriate indicating means is provided on the justification scale. Said indicating means (Figs. 2 and 3) simultaneously displays the justification range applicable to the line being set under either the two possible conditions; namely, a condition in which the operator has employed the thin space matrices (for example, .035 thick) and finds that the line will properly justify, or a condition in which the operator finds it necessary to employ the justification range associated with the thicker space matrices (for example, .050" thick). Thus, the operator is apprised of the justification circumstances under both of the spacing choices which are possible in the line involved.

In the practice of the present invention, the reference mark 52 is placed on the main scale 25 a distance from zero indicative of the sine bar justification range of said composing machine, as exemplified by said Patent No. 2,395,659. it is understood that this reference mark 52 may, if desired, take the form of slidable mechanical indicators. The operator may find that the line cannot be ended at the end of a Word or by an appropriate word division in the justification range indicated by the distance 51. As previously mentioned, the justification pointer .37 is provided with a scale portion 39 which is movable with respect to the graduated edge of scale 25, and is graduated similarly to scale 25. The extent of the graduations on scale 39 should be sufiicient to embrace a distance 53 (like distance 51) indicative of the sine bar justification range of the composing machine. The reference mark 54, like mark 52, may take the form of a slidable mechanical indicator.

Since the justification range indicated by the distance 53 overlaps the range indicated by the distance 51 and is equal in extent to said distance 51, the perforator operator can, if necessary, end the line Within the justification range indicated by the distance 53. If such is the case, the perforator operator can change the control tape by merely backing up the tape to the beginning of a line and perforating over each space code combination (representing thin spaces) another code combination of holes representing thick spaces, which will then select the thicker spaces in the composing machine which are responsible for establishing the justification range 53. This process is substantially simpler than the manual process of removing by hand the thinner space matrices and replacing them with thicker matrices, and therefore should permit of automatic operation of the composing machine to achieve an increase in production over manual methods of justification. Such an increase in production would, of course, be in addition to the normal increase realized because of the high speed characteristics of the perforator and counter embodying the present invention.

Having reference then to Fig. 3, the arrangement according to the present invention, therefore, provides in a perforator and counter a means for indicating justifiability of composed lines of type matter for photographic composing machines, efiective under either of two conditions of operation, wherein either thin word spacers or thick word spacers are used, depending upon which is most desirable to achieve justifiability of the line. With the keyboard apparatus embodying the present invention, the operator has merely to depress the keys and observe the justification indicator when the warning lamp lights. The warning lamp is controlled by contacts 56 in the manner disclosed in United States Patent No. 1,968,056. The character matrices and word space matrices are measured as the keys are depressed, and the indicator requires but a glance from the operator to tell where to end the line. Thus, the scale shown in Fig. 3 indicates the cumulative scale movement 55 required to indicate the width of the small fixed spaces included in the line; the additional thickness 50 of word spacers in the line if the thicker fixed spaces are used; the justification range 51 within which the line must be ended if the small or thin fixed spacers are used; and the justification range 53 within which the line must be ended if the thicker fixed spacers are used.

The values of the word spacers mentioned herein, namely, .035" for thin spacers and .050" for thick spacers, are only relative. It is manifest, of course, that the basic principle can be employed with other values of the space matrices, in which event the pointer motions would be adjusted to be proportional to these different values.

Although a preferred form of the invention has been disclosed and described, it is obvious that changes may be made in the details set forth without departing from the essentials of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for preparing tapes for the automatic control of a photographic type composing machine having a sine bar justification device, a first scale, a first pointer movable with respect to said scale in amounts representative of matrix widths, means for indicating on said first scale the justification range of said sine bar device, a first means cooperating with said first pointer, means responsive to the movement of said first means for shifting said first scale to change its zero position to thereby indicate the justifiability of the line of composed matter under certain operating conditions, a second means movable to indicate the justifiability of the line of composed matter under other operating conditions, a second scale carried by said second means cooperable with said first pointer, and means for indicating on said second scale the justification range of said sine bar device, whereby said first pointer is adapted to indicate concomitantly the justifiability of the line of composed matter under either of said operating conditions.

2. In an apparatus for preparing tapes for the automatic control of a photographic type composing machine having a sine bar justification device, said machine uti lizing thick and thin word spacers, a first scale, a first pointer movable with respect to said scale in amounts representative of matrix widths, means for indicating on said first scale the justification range of said sine bar device, a first means cooperating with said first pointer, means responsive to the movement of said first means for shifting said first scale in incremental amounts representative of thin word spacers to thereby indicate the justifiability of the line of composed matter under certain operating conditions, a second means movable in incremental amounts representative of thick word spacers to thereby indicate the justifiability of the line of composed matter under other operating conditions, a second scale carried by said second means cooperable with said first pointer, and means for indicating on said second scale the justification range of said sine bar device, whereby said first pointer is adapted to indicate concomitantly the justifiability of the line of composed mat ter under either of said operating conditions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,968,056 Przysiecki July 31, 1934 2,021,151 Morey Nov. 19, 1935 2,083,608 Larson June 15, 1937

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