US3275127A

US3275127A - Assembling apparatus for linecasting machines

Info

Publication number: US3275127A
Application number: US433025A
Authority: US
Inventors: Debus Karl
Original assignee: Monotype GmbH
Current assignee: Monotype GmbH
Priority date: 1965-02-16
Filing date: 1965-02-16
Publication date: 1966-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 1983-09-27

Description

K. DEBUS Sept. 27, 1966 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINEGASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR m 5 D8611! Aim- P 1966 K. DEBUS 3,275,127

ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 F/GJa.

K. DEBUS Sept. 27, 1966 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 NVENTOR K [541/ Dlhr ATTORNEY K. DEBUS Sept. 27, 1966 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

INVENTOR 5 ar 5 D aim! Sept. 27, 1966 K DEBUS 3,275,127

ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES 6 $heets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 16, 1965 F/G 4a am K INVENTOR i'LYLf/ 0: our

Sept. 27, 1966 K. DEBUS 3,275,127

ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,275,127 ASSEMBLING APPARATUS FOR LINECASTING MACHINES Karl Debus, Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany, as-

signor to Linotype G.m.b.H., Frankfurt am Main, Germany Filed Feb. 16, 1965, Ser. No. 433,025 20 Claims. (Cl. 199-41) The present invention relates to assembling apparatus for linecasting machines, and more particularly to assembling apparatus for assembling rows of matrices containing regular and large matrices.

In known linecasting machines, matrices are supplied from magazines over a chute to a rotary star wheel which places each matrix in the correct position on the assembler slide so that a row of matrices is progressively formed. The first matrix of the line is placed adjacent the so-called assembler finger, and as the row of matrices is assembled between the assembler finger and the star wheel, the assembler finger and the assembler slide are pushed in an assembling direction so that the assembler finger moves away from the star wheel against the action of a spring or weight.

When larger than regular matrices are assembled in this manner, disturbances occur in the assembling operation due to the fact that between the assemblerfinger, or the last assembled matrix, and the star wheel, insuflicient space for a larger matrix remains. As a result, a large matrix is not properly engaged by the star wheel, and is not assembled in vertical position on the assembler slide, but remains in the region of the star wheel and is jammed.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of known assembling apparatus for linecasting machines, and to provide an assembling apparatus in which regular and large matrices can be assembled without disturbances.

Another object of the invention is to provide an assembling apparatus in which the space available on the assembler slide for the insertion of a matrix is increased when a large matrix is to be assembled on the assembler slide.

Another object of the invention is to provide means acting on the assembler slide for moving the assembler cfinger away from the star wheel when a large matrix is supplied to the same.

Another object of the invention is to move the assembler finger away from the star wheel when a key causing the supply of the large matrix to the star wheel is operated.

Another object of the invention is to permit the movement of the assembler finger away from the star wheel only if a magazine storing large matrices is placed in a position for supplying large matrices to the star wheel.

With these objects in view, the present invention relates to an improvement of the assembling apparatus of a linecasting machine. One embodiment of the invention comprises an assembler slide having an abutment, such as the conventional assembler finger, and being mounted on a support for movement in an assembling direction; transporting means, such as a conventional star wheel, disposed so that a portion of the assembler slide is located between the assembler finger and the star wheel; and auxiliary spacing means for moving the assembler slide in the assembling direction. The star wheel is driven and rotated to successively assemble regular matrices on the portion of the slide which is located between the assembler finger and the star wheel. The first matrix is disposed adjacent the assembler finger, and the following matrices are successively assembled in a row so that .the slide is stepwise moved in the'assembling direction by the pressure exerted by the star w-heel through the assembled matrices 3,275,127 Patented Sept. 27, 1966 on the assembler finger. The steps correspond to the thickness of regular matrices and space hands.

When the auxiliary spacing means move the slide further in the assembling direction, the assembler finger is moved away firom the star wheel a distance greater than the length of the steps made by the operation of the star wheel so that additional space for large matrices is provided.

The auxiliary spacing means are actuated upon the release of a large matrix from the magazines of the linec-asting machine.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, operating means include a t-urnable lever having an engaging portion located between the star wheel and the assembler finger and constituting the auxiliary spacing means. The lever is moved by electromagnetic means between a normal inoperative position located directly adjacent the star Wheel and preferably in a peripheral annular groove of the same, and an actuating position engaging the assembler finger or the last assembled matrix for pushing the same with the slide in the assembling direction a large step so that the assembler finger moves away from the star wheel to provide additional space for a larger matrix.

This construction of the operating mean-s is extremely simple, and has the advantage that it can be added as a unit to an existent linecasting machine without any difiiculty.

The arrangement in which the engaging portion of the spacing lever is located in a peripheral groove of the star wheel, has the advantage that the engaging portion engages the last assembled matrix in such a position that the same cannot tilt while transmitting pressure through the previously assembled matrices to the assembler finger.

Linecasting machines are provided with a keyboard in which certain keys are associated with the release of large matrices from magazines storing large matrices. *In accordance with the present invention, the respective keys or corresponding members for selecting matrices, actuate and close a switch connected in series with the electromagnetic means which actuate the auxiliary spacing lever with its engaging portion. Consequently, when the operator actuates a key associated with a large matrix, the slide and the assembler finger are pushed back to provide additional space for the large matrix which is sup! plied to the star wheel and placed by the same on the assembler slide.

It is advantageous to use the short actuating members which in standard line casting machines are provided for controlling the release of the matrices, for the purpose of actuating the switches, and this is accomplished by substituting special actuating members for standard actuating members operated by the keys associated with large matrices. The special actuating members have projections for operating the switch, and can be substituted for the standard actuating members when adaptation of the respective keys for the control of large matrices is desired. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, since an existent linecasting machine can be easily adapted to in.- corporate the construction of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the additional movement of the assembler slide is made dependent on the position of the supply magazines so that the electromagnetic means is only actuated when a mag azine storing large matrices is located in a position for discharging a large matrix into the chute which leads to the star wheel. A cam means is connected to the mov-' able supply means, and operates a cam follower which controls a switch connected in series with the switch operated by the keys, so that the electromagnetic means is only energized if the supply magazines are in the position for supplying a large matrix, and a key is actuated which causes release of a matrix from the respective supply magazine. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for linecasting machines in which in addition to large matrices, also special matrices are assembled. The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both asto its construction and itsmethod of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from-the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 1

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a portion of anassembling apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 1a is a fragmentary elevation illustrating a part of FIG. 1 one larger scale and during an operation;

FIG. 2a is a fragmentary perspective front view of another portion of the assembler apparatus ShOWIlllll FIG. 1;'

FIG. 2b is a fragmentary perspective rear view illustrating the structure of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary schematic side view illustrating a detail of FIGS. 2a and 2b; 7

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating another portion of the assembling apparatus;

FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating a detail of FIG. 4 on a larger scale; and

FIG. 4b is a side elevation illustrating the magazines for-supplying matrices to the assembling apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention is an improve ment of i a Linotype linecasting machine whose construction is described in detail in the oflicial manual of the Mergenthaler Linotype Co., Brooklyn, New York, on titled Linotype Machine Principles, published 1940. Standard elements which areonly schematically and partly shown in FIG. 1, are illustrated in detail in Fig. 1-5, Fig. 2-5, Fig. 4-5, Fig. 5-5, and Fig. 1-7 found in chapters 5 and 7 of the manual.

Refer-ring now to FIG. 1, the assembler pulley 2 is driven by the assembler belt 3 on which matrices supplied by chutes, not shown in FIG. 1 are transported toward the star wheel 6 betweena pair of assembler chute rails 4. A segment-shaped portion of pulley .2, and a major portion of star wheel 6 are located between the chute rails 4, and a guide, not shown in FIG. 1 is located between the guide rails 4 for guiding matrices from the upper run of assembler belt 3 toward the star wheel 6. Fig. 1-5 and Fig. 2-5 of the Linotype manual show this standard construction in greater detail.

An assembler slide 7 is guided on a stationary support 1 for movement in an assembling direction, to the left as viewed in FIG. 1, and is urged in an opposite direction by suitable biassing means, not shown. The assembler finger 8 is secured to the assembler slide 7 and forms an abutment opposite star wheel 6. As in standard linecasting machines, the star wheel 6 is driven and rotated to place matrices on the slide portion between the assembler finger 8 and the star wheel so that successive matrices form a row and'are pressed by the respective last matrix transported by star wheel 6 to the left as viewed in FIG. 1 against assembler finger 8 so that as-.

sembler slide 7 moves to the left in the assembling direction, while'the row of assembled matrices enters the assembler elevator on the leftof star wheel 6. The above described apparatus is standard on linecasting machines.

In accordance with'the present invention, the star wheel 6 has an annular peripheral groove on opposite sides of which the radially projecting points of the star wheel are located. 'An operating member in the form of a three-armed lever 11 is mounted on support 1 for pivotal movement about a pivot screw 12 and'has an arm connected by a pivot pin passing through a slot with the anmature of an electromagnetic means 15 which is secured to a bracket 16 onsupport 1. The other arm t 10 of operating member which is substantially U-shaped and located in groove 9 4i 11 has an engaging portion of star wheel 6 between the star wheel and the assembler finger 8. Upon actuation of electromagnetic means 15, operating member 11 turns in counterclockwise direction so that the engaging portion 10a moves, toward assembler finger 8. If some matrices M and space bands S are already assembled in a row adjacentthe abutment face of assembler finger 8, as shown in FIG. 1a, the last matrix of the row is engaged by engaging i portion 10a and pushed away from star wheel 6 together with assembler finger 8 andslide 7 so that additional space is provided for the insertion of the next following matrix, which will be a large matrix. Consequently, arm 10 and engaging portion 10a constitute an auxiliary spacing means which is operated when a large matrixis to be assembled. One of the'fingers of the star wheel engages the last assembled matrix, and urges the same and the row of assembled matrices in the assembling direction against the abutment face of assembler finger 8 so that the same is pushed away and room sufiicient for 1a regularmatrix is provided on slide 7.

' Control means are provided for actuating electromagnetic means 15 when a large matrix is supplied to the star wheel. FIG. 2a illustrates schematically the upper portion of the keyboard of thelinecasting machine. The keyboard is ofstandard construction as described in chapter 3 and illustrated in Fig. 1-3 of the above referred .to'

Each key constitutes a selector mem- Linotype manual. her. for a different matrix ,and controls an actuating IIICITI'. ber 19 guided in a support 17,the movement of the actuatin-g members being effected bya power tell when the corresponding key is actuated. The actuating members 20 of keys associated with regular matrices are short straight rods which, when actuated to move upward, engage the lower ends, of corresponding long key rods 22 by which the release of a matrix from a corresponding magazineis effected. V

In accordance with the present invention actuating members 21 controlled by keys associated with larger. C matrices, have horizontal projections at the upper end' thereof cooperating with an elongated plate which is mounted for pivotal movement on the frame 24, as best seen in FIG. 3. rods 22, as best seen in FIG. 2b and along all actuating members 19, so that irrespective where a specialactuating member 21 is positioned, it will engage plate 26 and pivot the same about axis 29 when the respective key is depressed. A switch means 25 is secured tothe rear face of frame 24 and has an actuating button cooperating with an arm 27 secured to plate 26 for turning movement there-, with, and being connected to a spring 28 which issecured l to the switch. Spring 28 urges arm 27 with plate 26 to a position engaging the actuator button of switch. means 25 so' that the'switch is normally open. Howevenwhen a key associated with the large matrix isactuatedfand-a corresponding actuating member 21 is raised, the

control member

26, 27 is pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 3 against the action of spring 28, and switch means 25 closes automatically. Switch means 25 is connected in series with electromagnetic means 15 so that upon actuation of any key associated with a large'matrix, switch .25

is closed and connects electromagnetic means 15 to a 7 source of voltage so that electromagnetic. means 15 is g energized and armature 14 is displaced to turn operating member 11in counterclockwise direction so that the. as

sembler finger or already assembled matrices are pushed away from star wheel 6 providing .room for the larger matrix released from the corresponding magazine-by the which is also raised by action of a longkeyboard rod 22 theraised actuating member 21. e a r The matrix supply meansof a linecasting machine in- Plate 26 extends across all long keyboard shown in FIG. 4b, the magazines 50 are pivoted to place a selected magazine opposite a guide chute 51 through which a released matrix of the respective magazine passes. A frame member 52 is connected to the magazines for angularly displacing the same, and has at the lower end thereof a pair of bracket arms 36a also shown in FIG. 4. A pivot pin 36b connects bracket arms 36a and the movable magazine frame 52 with a bar 36 provided at the bottom face thereof with a cam 36c. When the magazines are angularly displaced to place a magazine storing a large matrix opposite the delivery chute 51, bar 36 with the cam 36c thereon is shifted in longitudinal direction. A stationary bracket means 30 on the frame of the machine carries bearing means 31 on which the journal 32 of a lever 33 is mounted. One end of lever 33 is connected by a pin to a connecting rod 38 which is connected by another pivot pin to the control member 40 of an adjustable transmission, illustrated to be a pulley and belt drive. When the magazines, bracket arms 36a, and cam means 36 are displaced, the cam dwell 36c engages a roller 33a at the other end of lever 33 and turns the same so that the transmission ratio is adjusted in accordance with the size of the matrix which is released into the chute. The variable transmission controls the speed of certain driven machine elements to adapt the same for operation with regular and large matrices. This, however, is not an object of the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, a second switch means is mounted on lever 33 and includes two switches. Switch 41 has an actuator piece 42 cooperating with hearing member 31. When regular matrices are supplied, and the magazines are in the corresponding p0si tions, the cam dwell 360 of cam means 36 engages roller 33a of lever 33 and turns the same in a position in which actuator piece 42 is spaced from bearing member 31 so that the switch is open. However, when the magazines are angularly displaced to a position in which the magazine storing large matrices is located opposite the delivery chute 51 to the star wheel, the dwell 360 of cam means 36 moves away from lever 33 which is turned by a spring, not shown, to a position in which actuator piece 42 engages bearing member 31 and closes switch 41. When a magazine for regular matrices is again used, cam means 36 turns lever 33 in the direction of the arrow so that connecting rod 38 also moves in the direction of the arrow to adjust the transmission to a greater speed.

In accordance with the present invention, switch 41 is connected in series with switch 25 and with electromagnetic means 15.

Consequently, closing of switch 25 by manual operation of a key will not energize electromagnetic means 15, unless the magazines have assumed a position in which a large matrix is supplied to the star wheel. Switch 41 prepares the circuit for the closing of switch 25.

When a key associated with a large matrix is actuated, and the magazines are in the correct position for the supply of the large matrix so that switch 41 is closed, raising of an actuating member 21 will pivot plate 26 so that switch 25 is closed and electromagnetic means 15 is energized. Operating member 11 turns counterclockwise, and engaging portion a engages the last assembled matrix,

or the abutment face of assembler finger 8 if no matrix is yet assembled, and urges finger 8 to the left as viewed in FIG. 1 for providing sufficient space for a large matrix. The operation is continued until the row of assembled matrices corresponds to a justifiable line of matrices, and during the assembly of the row, slide 7 is moved to the left into the assembler elevator.

From the above description it becomes apparent that operating means 10 to 15 causemovement of slide 7 in the assembling direction since engaging portion 10a exerts pressure on the assembled matrices and on the abutment constituted by assembler finger 8. The star wheel 6 constitutes a transporting means which successively assembles 6 matrices on a portion of the slide located between the star wheel and assembler finger 8.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of linecasting machines difiering from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an assembling apparatus for assembling large matrices on the assembler slide of a linecasting machine, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in' any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said abutment and said transporting means, said transporting means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in said assembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said transporting means through the assembled matrices on said abutment; and auxiliary spacing means operable for moving said abutment in said assembling direction a greater distance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively large matrix so that said abutment is moved away from said transporting means for providing additional space for large matrices.

2. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted for moving in an assembling direction; means biassing said assembler slide to move opposite to said assembling direction; transporting star wheel means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said assembler finger and said transporting star wheel means, said transporting star wheel means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in said assembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said star wheel through the assembled matrices on said assembler finger; and auxiliary spacing means operable to exert pressure on the last assembled matrix of said row for moving said slide in said assembling direction a greater distance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively large matrix so that said assembler finger is moved away from said transporting star wheel means for providing additional space for large matrices.

3. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said abutment and said transporting means, said transporting means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in said assembling direction distanees 'corresponding to the thickness of regular matrices by said transporting means through the pres sure exerted by the assembled matrices on said abut- V ment; and operating means including an auxiliaryspacing memberhaving an engaging portion located between said transporting means and said abutment,and drive means for moving said engaging portion in said assembling direction for engaging the last assembled matrix so that said abutment and assembled matrices are moved away from said transporting means with said slide a greater distance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively large matrix for providing additional space for large matrices.

4. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted for moving in an assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move opposite to said assembling direction; transporting star wheel means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said assembler finger and said transporting star wheelmeans, said transportingstar wheel means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in said assembling direction dis tances corresponding to the thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said star wheel through the assembled matrices on said assembler finger; and operating means including an auxiliary spacing member mounted for turning movement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portion located between said star wheel means and said assembler finger, and drive means. for rocking said member so that said engaging portion engages'the last assembled matrix for moving said assembler finger with said slide and assembled matrices a greater distance corresponding to the thickness of va comparatively large matrix away from said star wheel means for providing additional'space for large matrices.

5. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an as sembler finger and being mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting star wheel means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said assembler finger and said transporting star wheel means, said transporting star. wheel means being driven to successively assemble matrices'onsaid portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction so that said slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted by the assembled matrices on said assembler finger, said star wheel means having an annular peripheral groove and points radially projecting from opposite sides of said groove; and op-. erating means including a member mounted for turning movement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portion normally located in said groove between said star wheel means and said assembler finger, and drive means for rocking said member so that said engaging portion engages the last assembled matrix for mov-" ing said assembler finger with said slide and assembled matrices away from said star wheel means for providing additional space for large matrices.

6. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portion of said assembler. slide is located between said abutment and said transporting means, said transporting means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide. in a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise move said abutment in said assembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said transporting means through the assembled matrices on said abutment; and an auxiliary spacing means including .a movable. member having an engaging portion'located between said transporting means and said abutment,

move opposite to said assembling direction; transporting.

star wheel means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said assembler finger. and said transporting star wheel means, said transporting star wheel means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction and to stepwise move said abut ment in said assembling direction distances corresponding to the thickness of regular matrices by the pressure exerted by said star wheel through the assembled matrices on said assembler finger; and operating means including an auxiliary spacing member mounted for turning movement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portion located between said star wheel means and said assembler finger, and electromagnetic means forrocking. said member so that said engaging portion engages thelast assembled matrixfor moving said assembler finger with said slide and assembled matrices a greater distance corresponding to the thickness of a comparatively large matrix away from said star wheel meansfor providing additional space for large matrices.

8. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said abutment and said transporting means, said transporting means being driven to successively assemble matriceson said portion of said slide in a-row extending in said assembling direction so that said abutment is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted by the assembled matrices on said abutment; operating means for moving said abutment in said assembling direction so thatsaid abutment ismoved away from said transporting meansfor providing additional space for large matrices; and means for controlling the supply of matrices to said transporting means and including selector members associated with large matrices. and causing the supply of large, matrices to said trans-.

porting means, when actuated, said selector members belng operatively connected to said operating means for actuatlng the same to engage and move said. abutment;

9.In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatuscomprising an assembler slide having an abutment mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transportingmeans disposed so that aportion of said assembler slide is located between said abutment and said transporting means, said transporting means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling ,direc tion so that said slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted by the assembled matrices: on said abutmentjoperating means including a movable. member having an engaging portion located between said transporting meansand said abutment, and drive means for moving said engaging portion in said assembling di- ''rection for engaging the last assembled matrix so that said abutment and assembled matrices are moved away from said transporting means with said slide. for provid= ing additional space for large matrices; and meansfor controlling the supply of matrices to said transporting means and including selector members associated with largematrices and causing the supply'of large matrices to said transporting means, when actuated, said selector 91 members being operatively connected to said drive means for actuating the same to engage and move said slide.

10. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assem' bling apparatus comprising an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted for moving in an assembling direction; transporting star wheel means disposed so that a portion of said assembler slide is located between said assembler finger and said transporting star wheel means, said transporting star wheel means being driven to successively assemble matrices on said portion of said slide in a row extending in said assembling direction so that said slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted by the assembled matrices on said assembler finger, said star wheel means having an annular peripheral groove and points radially projecting from opposite sides of said groove; and operating means including a member mounted for turning movement about a stationary axis and having an engaging portion normally located in said groove between said star wheel means and said assembler finger, and drive means for rocking said member so that said engaging portion engages the last assembled matrix for moving said assembler finger with said slide and assembled matrices away from said star wheel means for providing additional space for large matrices; and means for controlling the supply of matrices to said transporting means and including manually operated keys associated with large matricesand causing the supply of large matrices to said transporting means, when actuated, said keys being operatively connected to said drive means for actuating the same to engage and move said slide.

11. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement in an assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move in an opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on said support means for turning movement and disposed in the region of said assembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between said assembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regular and large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successively assembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide in a row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on said assembler finger by the assembled matrices; operating means including an operating member mounted for movement on said supporting means and having an engaging portion, and electromagnetic means connected to said operating member for moving the same between an inoperative position and an actuating position in which said engaging portion moves said assembler finger away from said star wheel in said assembling direction a dis tance sufiicient for providing additional space for large matrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply large matrices to said star wheel and including switch means associated with large matrices and electrically conneoted with said electromagnetic means for actuating the same to move said operating member to said actuating position.

12. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement in an assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move in an opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on said support means for turning movement and disposed in the region of said assembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between said assembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regular and large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successively assembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide in a row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide-is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on said assembler finger by the assembled matrices; operating means including an operating member mounted for turning movement on said supporting means and having an engaging portion located between said star wheel and said assembler finger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operating member for turning the same between an inoperative position and an actuating position in which said engaging portion engages said assembler finger or the last assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger and assembled matrices away from said star wheel in said assembling direction a distance suflicient for providing additional space for large matrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply large matrices to said star wheel and including switch means associated with large matrices and electrically connected with said electromagnetic means for actuating the same to move saidoperating member to said actuating position.

13. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement in an assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move in an opposite direction; a driven rotary star Wheel mounted on said support means for turning movement and disposed in the region of said assembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between said assembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regular and large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successively assembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide in a row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on said assembler finger by the assembled matrices; operating means including an ope-rating member mounted for turning movement on said supporting means and having an engaging portion located between said star wheel and said assemble-r finger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operating member for turning the same between an inoperative position and an actuating position in which said engaging portion engages said assembler finger or the last assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger and assembled matrices away from said star wheel in said assembling direction a distance sutficient for providing additional space for large matrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply large matrices to said star wheel and including manually operated keys associated with large matrices and causing the supply of large matrices to said star wheel, when actuated, and switch means operated by said keys and electrically connected into the circuit of said electromagnetic means for actuating the same to move said op-. erating member to said actuating position.

14. An apparatus as set forth in'claim 13 wherein said keys are provided in a keyboard, and including other keys in said keyboard associated with regular matrices; a row of actuating members respectively operated by said keys, and connected to said supply means for actuating the same; and a switch control member extending along said row of actuating members and operated by said actuating members associated with said keys of said large matrices to actuate said switch means.

15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said actuating members and said switches are located above said keyboard.

16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said supply means includes a plurality of magazines, some of said magazines being adapted to store regular matrices and other magazines being adapted to store large matrices, said magazines being movable so that in dilferent positions of said magazines, regular .or large matrices are supplied to said star Wheel; a cam means connected to said magazines and moved by the same; cam follower means operated by said cam means, and

second switch means connected into the circuit of said ond switch means is connected in series with said firstswitch means.

18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein said second switch means is mounted on said cam fol lower means for movement therewith; and a stationary abutment cooperating with said second switch means for actuating the same.

19. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assembling apparatus comprising stationary support means; an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being mounted on said support means for movement in an assembling direction; means biasing said assembler slide to move in an opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on said support means for turning movement and disposed in the region of said assembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between said assembler finger and said star wheel, said star wheel having an annular peripheral groove; supply means for supplying regular and large matrices to said star wheel so that matrices are successively assembled by said star wheel on said portion of said assembler slide in a row growing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on said assembler. finger by the' assembled matrices; operating means including an operating member mounted for turning movement on said supporting means and having an engaging portion located between said star Wheel and said assembler finger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operating members for turning the same between an inoperative position located in saidgroove and an actuating position in which said engaging portion engages said assembler finger or the last assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger and assembled matrices away from said star wheel in said assembling direction a distance sufiicient for providing additional space for large matrices; and means for controlling said supply means to supply large matrices to said star wheel and including manually operated keys associated with large matrices and causing the supply of large matrices to said star wheel, when actuated, and switch means operated by said keys and electrically connected into the circuit of said electromagnetic means for actuating the same to move said operating member to said actuating position.

20. In a linecasting machine, in combination, assemblingapparatus comprising stationary support means;

an assembler slide having an assembler finger and being 'mounted on said support means for movement in an as.

sembling directibmgmeans biasing said assembler slide to move in an opposite direction; a driven rotary star wheel mounted on said supportmeans for turning movement and disposed in the region of said assembler slide so that a portion of the same is located between said, assembler finger and said star wheel; supply means for supplying regular and large matrices to said star wheel so that,

matrices are successively assembled by said star wheel 'on said portion of said assembler slide in a rowgrowing in said opposite direction so that said assembler slide is moved in said assembling direction by the pressure exerted on said assembler finger by the assembled matrices, said supply means including a movable. member assuming difierent positions when regular and large matrices are supplied by said, supply means; operating means including an operating member mounted for turn:

ing movement on said supporting means and having an 7 engaging portion located between said star wheel and said assembler finger, and electromagnetic means connected to said operating member for turning the same between an inoperative position and an actuating position Ein which, saideng'aging portion engages said assembler fin-, ger or the last assembled matrix and moves said assembler finger and assembled matrices away from saidstar wheel in said assembling direction a distance suflicient for providing additional space for large matrices; means for controlling said supply means to supply large matrices to said star wheel and including manually operated keys associated with large matrices and causing the supply of large matrices to said star wheel, when actuated, and switch means operated by said keys and electrically connected into the circuit of said electromagnetic means for actuating the same to move said operating member to said actuating position; and a second switch means con nected into the circuit vof said first mentioned switch means and said electromagnetic means and actuated by said movable member of said supply means in the position associated with said large matrices to prepare the 1 circuit of said electromagnetic means until the circuit is closed by said first mentioned switch means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,160,359 11/1915 Applegate 199-30 2,693,270 11/1954 Rossetto 199-27 3,040,876 6/1962 Abbott 199-27 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

DAVID KLEIN, Examiner. WILLIAM MCCARTHY, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A LINECASTING MACHINE, IN COMBINATION, ASSEMBLING APPARATUS COMPRISING AN ASSEMBLER SLIDE HAVING AN ABUTMENT MOUNTED FOR MOVING IN AN ASSEMBLING DIRECTION; TRANSPORTING MEANS DISPOSED SO THAT A PORTION OF SAID ASSEMBLER SLIDE IS LOCATED BETWEEN SAID ABUTMENT AND SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS, SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS BEING DRIVEN TO SUCCESSIVELY ASSEMBLE MATRICES ON SAID PORTION OF SAID SLIDE IN A ROW EXTENDING IN SAID ASSEMBLING DIRECTION AND A STEPWISE MOVE SAID ABUTMENT IN SAID ASSEMBLING DIRECTION DISTANCES CORRESPONDING TO THE THICKNESS OF REGULAR MATRICES BY THE PRESSURE EXERTED BY SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS THROUGH THE ASSEMBLED MATRICES ON SAID ABUTMENT; AND AUXILIARY SPACING MEANS OPERABLE FOR MOVING SAID ABUTMENT IN SAID ASSEMBLING DIRECTION A GREATER DISTANCE CORRESPONDING TO THE THICKNESS OF A COMPARATIVELY LARGE MATRIX SO THAT SAID ABUTMENT IS MOVED AWAY FROM SAID TRANSPORTING MEANS FOR PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR LARGE MATRICES.