US3349895A - Time-responsive control means for typographical composing machines - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 31, 1967 E wKms ET AL 3,349,895

APHICAL.

TIME-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MEANS FOR TYPOGR Y 2 Sheet COMPOSING MACHINES s-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 9', 1966 8 S mWR 0 K 0 B TW L M NAM A .WHT R WLA & D R M E A M WH l D M ER Y, my MOB H A M mfiw ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1967 Filed Jan. 7.

TIME-RESPONSIVE (EONTROL MEANS FOR TYPOGRAPHIC E HAWKINS ET AL 3,349,895

COMPOSING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. 0. POWER SOURCE F 0 I I Q; E" J INVENTORS ATTORNEYS EDWARD L. HAWKINS 8 United States Patent Filed Jan. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 519,216 9 Claims. (Cl. 199-14) This invention relates, in general, to typographical composing machines of the type equipped with an automatic tape control unit for automatically releasing matrices and space bands from storage magazines and composing the released matrices and space hands into a composed line for casting of a type bar or slug. This invention relates, more specifically, to an improvement in typographical composing machines of the indicated type comprising the incorporation of time-responsive control means permitting selective adjustment of a delay in the composing of successive lines.

The typographical composing machines to which this invention relates include a mechanism for reading a perforated tape containing the coded copy for composition into lines of type and an actuating mechanism for releasing matrices and space bands from respective storage magazines in response to the information received from the tape. The machines also include apparatus for receiving the released space bands and matrices and forming them into a composed line and subsequently casting lines of type from the composed lines of matrices and space bands. Upon completion of the casting operation for each line, the matrices and space bands are disassembled from the composed line and returned to the respective magazines for subsequent use. The storage magazines for the matrices are generally provided with an adequate supply of matrices to permit continued operation of the composing machine at the designed rate of speed without exhausting the supply of a particular matrix. However, in certain types of copy, one or more specific matrices may be required in substantially greater quantities than normally anticipated and may result in exhaustion of the particular matrix from its respective magazine. The possible exhaustion of a particular matrix results from the time required for sorting and return of the matrices to the respective magazines subsequent to the casting of a line and, when a relatively large number of a specific matrix are required by the particular copy being composed, the apparatus may not be capable of replenishing the magazine before the supply is exhausted. In the event that the supply of a specific matrix is exhausted during the composition of a line, the machine may. become jammed and prevent further operation until the machine has been cleared and the magazine supply of that specific matrix again replenished.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide a typographical composing machine of the type described incorporating a time-responsive control means which is selectively operable to control the time interval between the composing of successive lines of type to provide adequate time for return of the matrices and space bands to the magazines for reuse.

It is another object of this invention to provide a typographical composing machine of the type described and incorporating a time-responsive control means which is operable to delay composition of successive lines of matrices for a predetermined interval of time after the formation of a preceding line.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a time-responsive control means for incorporation in a typographical composing machine of the type described and which is responsive to the operation of an actuating mechanism of the machine for the initiation of the determination of a predetermined time interval to delay successive cyclic operations of the machine.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a timeresponsive control means for typographical composing machines of the type described which may be readily incorporated in the existing structure and in which the time interval is selectively adjustable.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a typical typographical composing machine of the type described showing the relationship of the automatic tape control unit and actuating mechanism of the apparatus and in which the time-responsive control means of this invention is incorporated.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the time-responsive control means of this invention and showing the interconnection thereof with the control circuitry of a typographical composing machine.

Referring to the drawings, FIGURE 1 in particular, the automatic tape control unit and actuating mechanism of a typical typographical composing machine is shown in outline form indicating the relationship of the several components as is well known. A structural supporting frame 10 is provided for mounting of the several components which include a tape reader 11, a selector shaft 12 for operating the tape reader and releasing the matrices and space bands, and an elevator shaft 13 for operating an assembling elevator (not shown) which receives the released matrices and space bands for composition of a line and transport to a position for casting of the line of type. A power drive unit (not shown) connects with the apparatus by means of a belt 14 and pulley 15 for rotatably driving the selector and elevator shafts 12 and 13 and is mechanically coupled to the respective shafts by a pair of driven gears 16 and 17. The selector shaft 12 is also provided with a normally engaged clutch 18 operable to mechanically disengage the selector shaft from its respective driven gear 16 and arresting rotation thereof and preventing further operation of the tape reader 11. Actuation of the selector shaft clutch 18 is effected by a throwout lever 19 actuated by. an electromagnetic solenoid 20 through the operation of an armature 21 in response to energization of the solenoid. A link 22 mechanically interconnects the pivotally mounted throw-out lever 19 and armature 21 for transmission of the motion to the throw- -out lever for effecting disengagement of the clutch 18. In

the conventional typographical composing machines of this type, the solenoid 20 may be energized by a signal received from the tape as it passes through the tape reader 11. Such a signal occurs at the end of each predetermined line of composed type and is necessary to prevent further operation of the tapereader 11 in releasing matrices and provide the necessary time for operation of the assembling elevator in casting of a line of type preparatory to receiving and assembling other matrices into a composed line.

Subsequent to the actuation of the solenoid 20 in disengaging the selector shaft clutch 18, the elevator shaft 13 will be drivingly connected to its respective gear 17 through an elevator shaft clutch 23. Rotation of the elevator shaft 13 operates the elevator actuating mechanism, indicated generally at 24, for transferring a composed line of matrices and space bands in the assembling elevator from the assembling position to a type casting position. At the conclusion of the casting operation, the matrices and space bands are disassembled and returned to their respective magazines. Continued rotation of the elevator shaft 13 will then return the assembling elevator to its composing position for further assembly of received matrices and space bands for succeeding lines upon completion of the type casting operation. This elevator actuating mechanism 24includes an elevator arm 25 mounted on an elevator arm shaft 26. An elevator handle 27 may also be connected to the elevator arm 25 for manual operation of the elevator mechanism. Actuation of the elevator arm 25 is effected by an elevator cam 28 mounted on the elevator shaft 13 for rotation therewith and which operatively engages an elevator cam roller 29 mounted on the elevator arm. The cam 28 is arranged to etfect a rotation of the elevator arm 25 about the axis of the elevator arm shaft 26.

A latching mechanism is also provided to maintain the throw-out lever 19 in engagement with the selector shaft clutch 18 and assure disengagement thereof throughout operation of the elevator actuating mechanism 24. This is necessary as the signal from the tape, as interpreted by the tape reader 11, is only of momentary duration and the solenoid 20 will only be energized for a period of time sufficient to effect disengagement of the clutch 18. This latching mechanism includes a release bail 30 which is spring biased to maintain the throwout lever in its operative, clutch-disengaging position. Movement of the throwout lever 19 to its operative position permits the release bail 30 to pivot into latching relationship therewith after the elevator shaft 13 has started to rotate and to maintain the throw-out lever in disengaging position relative to the clutch 18. In the normal operation of a typographical composing machine of this type, the selector clutch 18 is permitted to reengage and complete a driving engagement to the selector shaft 12 upon completion of a cyclic operation of the elevator actuating mechanism. Release of the throw-out lever 19 for such normal operation is effected by a trip arm 31 carried by the elevator arm 25. The trip arm 31 is mechanically arranged relative to the release bail 30 to return the release bail to its inoperative, unlatched position upon return of the elevator arm 25 to its initial starting position with the assembling elevator in position for receiving matrices for assembly in the composition of a line.

An electrical control circuit of a well known, conventional type and, therefore, not shown in detail herein, is provided for the normal automatic control of the several elements of the apparatus in automatic composition of lines of type. Such a conventional control circuit 32 is indicated in FIGURE 2 by a block with the necessary external connections for operation of the solenoid 20 and is understood to include a suitable power source for energization of the solenoid. Also included with such a conventional control circuit is a normally-open switch 33 which is connected in the circuit for completing an electrical circuit through the solenoid resulting in energization of the solenoid for actuation of the armature 21 in response to conditions affecting the perforated tape. This switch may be responsive to the tension exerted on the perforated tape and operable to close when the tension exceeds a. predetermined value. In the normal operation of the typographical composing machine, the tight tape switch 33 will not be operated and the solenoid 20 would only be energized in response to a signal signifying the end of a line received from the tape as it passes through the tape reader 11. Other condition-responsive elements may be incorporated in the control circuit 32 and may also be effective in energizing the solenoid 20 and preventing further operation of the selector shaft 12. Such elements do not form a part of this invention and are, therefore, omitted from the schematic diagram and the perspective view 3f the involved portion of the apparatus. Thesecondition-responsive elements or switches incorporated in the prior art composing machine control circuits are not capable of providing a delay in subsequent cyclic operations of the machine.

In accordance with this invention, a time-responsive control means is provided for incorporation with a typographical composing machine of the type hereinbefore described and which is capable of delaying subsequent operations of the selector shaft in composing subsequent lines of type. This control means includes means for selective adjustment of the delay time interval as may be determined from the type of copy being processed. The operator is enabled to adjust the time interval as in his opinion may be required by the copy and in consideration of the quantity of matrices stored in the involved magazines. The control means of this invention is electrically interconnected with the control circuit 32 with which the machine is provided and is responsive to the operation of the elevator actuating mechanism 24. Referring specifically to FIGURE 2, the time-responsive control means of this invention is seen to comprise a timedelay circuit and several switches which are controlled by the operation thereof with one of the switches being interconnected with the control circuit 32 for energizing the solenoid 20.

Electrical power for the operation of the control means, preferably direct current, is supplied from a suitable AC. power source through a step-down transformer 34 which is connected with a full wave rectifier 35. This full wave rectifier 35 may be of the well known bridge-type.employing four rectifier devices which may be of the semiconductor diode type and connected to an output circuit including a smoothing capacitor 36.

Initiation of the operation of the time-responsive control means in determining a time interval is eifected by closing a normally open switch 37. This switch may be of the micro-switch type and, as shown in FIGURE 1, is mounted on the frame 10 in operative relationship to the elevator arm 25. The switch of this particular embodiment is provided with a roller-type actuating arm 38 positioned in contacting engagement with the elevator arm 25. The operation of switch 37 is such that as the elevator arm 25 is swung upwardly in response to rotation of the elevator cam 28, the actuating arm 38 will follow and result in closing of the contacts of this switch. Closing of the contacts of this switch initiates the operation of the time-delay circuit. Subsequent opening of the contacts on return of the elevator arm 25 to its initial position will not interrupt the operation of the delay circuit through the inclusion of a holding circuit. This specific attachment of the switch 37 is intended to be illustrative as the switch may be readily mounted at other locations and be responsive to other elements of the elevator actuating mechanism. The indicated time of operation of the switch in initiating operation of the time delay circuit is also illustrative and may be varied as desired to the extent that the timing interval will be initiated prior to return of the elevator actuating mechanism to its zero position and engagement of the selector clutch 18.

The holding circuit for sustaining the operation of the time-delay circuit subsequent to reopening of the contacts of switch 37 includes a relay type switch having an actuating solenoid 39 and a pair of normally open switches 40 and 41 which are closed upon energization of the solenoid. Switch 40 is connected in circuit with the timedelay circuit and the coil of the solenoid 39 and is seen to be connected in shunt relationship with the initiating. switch 37. One terminal of the solenoid coil will thus be operatively connected to the direct current power source as defined by the full wave rectifier 35 through the switch 40 or the initiating switch 37 when either switch is closed resulting in energization of the solenoid. Similarly, the time-delay circuit will be operatively connected to the power source through the switch 40 when the switch is closed. A return circuit to the direct current power source from the solenoid 39 is formed by a conductor 53 having a set of normally closed switch contacts 42 interposed therein. Switch 41, which will also be closed simultaneously with the closing of switch 40 upon energization of solenoid 39 will complete a circuit through the control circuit 32 to the solenoid 20 controlling the operation of the selector shaft clutch 18 in a manner similar to the operation of the tight tape switch 33 or to the receipt of an end-of-line signal from the tape.

The time delay circuit includes a multiplicity of resistances, 43-47, inclusive, and a capacitor 48 with the resistance being selectively connectable in circuit with the capacitances to form a conventional RC time-delay circuit. The resistances 43 through 47 are of dissimilar values and appropriate selection of a specific resistor for operation with the capacitor 48 will provide a predetermined time delay as determined by the time required to charge the capacitor to a predetermined voltage. A selector switch 49 is provided to permit manual selection of the desired resistance. Connected across the resistance portion of the time-delay circuit in shunt relationship is a switching device 50 which may advantageously comprise a unijunction transistor. The emitter and one base of the device 50 are connected to the time-delay circuit through a resistor 51. The opposite base connection of the unijunction transistor switching device 50 is connected to a terminal of the coil of a relay solenoid 52. This relay solenoid controls the operation of the switch contacts 42. The operation of this circuit is that upon expiration of the predetermined time interval, as determined by the particular resistance capacitance combination, an electrically conducting path will be formed through the coil of the solenoid 52. As a consequence of the operation of the RC circuit on the transistor 50, a flow of current through the coil of solenoid 52 will result in energization thereof and opening of the switch contacts 42 thereby interrupting the circuit through the solenoid 39 which will then be deenergized. Deenergization of solenoid 39 permits switches 40 and 41 to open interrupting the operation of the time-delay circuit and opening the circuit through the solenoid 20 which will then permit the selector shaft clutch 18 to again engage and drive the selector shaft 12.

Upon opening of the switch 40, the selector shaft 12 will again be driven to operate the tape reader 11 and associated matrix releasing mechanism to again assemble a series of matrices into a composed line in the assembling elevator. A succeeding cycle of operation of the typographical composing machine will thus be initiated. Closing of the switch 37 during the cycle of operation prior to reengagement of the selector clutch 18 will introduce a timed delay in the subsequent cyclic operation of the machine thereby providing a predetermined interval of time to assure replenishing of the magazine supply of matrices which are being utilized in quantities greater than usually anticipated. Disconnecting the time-responsive control means from the power source will permit normal operation of the typographical composing machine as determined by the control elements and switches of the control circuit 32.

It is readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of an embodiment of this invention that the time-responsive control means in combination with a typographical composing machine provides a selectively operable, timed delay in the initiation of successive cyclic operations. This timed delay, which may be selectively adjusted by the operator, advantageously increases the time during which the matrices may be returned to their respective magazines thus assuring a continued supply of the specific matrices which may be utilized at a rate greater than anticipated. The control means may be readily incorporated in typographical composing machines for utilization in combination therewith without modification of the structure.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles of this invention have been explained and have been illustrated and described in what is now considered to represent the best embodiment. However, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed 1s:

1. In a typographical composing machine equipped with an automatic control unit for automatically releasing matrices from a storage magazine, the combination of an assembling elevator wherein the released matrices are delivered one after another to form a composed line, actuating means including a selector shaft coupled with said control unit for operation thereof in releasing matrices and an elevator actuating mechanism for operating said assembling elevator, said selector shaft being provided with selectively disengageable clutch means for arresting movement of said selector shaft and operation of said control unit upon disengagement of said clutch means, first control means for eifecting disengagement of said clutch means during operation of said elevator actuating mechanism and including an electromagnetic solenoid operable on energization thereof to disengage said clutch means, and time-responsive control means connected with said solenoid and selectively operable for energization of said solenoid to maintain said clutch means in disengagement for a predetermined time interval after conclusion of the operation of said elevator actuating mechanism.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said timeresponsive control means includes a time-delay circuit having an initiating switch responsive to operation of said elevator actuating mechanism for initiating a timing interval.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said time-responsive control means includes a normally-open switch operable when closed to complete a circuit through said solenoid for the energization thereof, said normally-open switch being closed by operation of the said time-delay circuit at the initiation of the timing interval and being opened at the termination of the timing interval.

4. The combination of claim 2 in which said time-delay circuit includes selectively adjustable, time-interval determination circuit means.

5. The combination of claim 2 in which said time-delay circuit includes a normally non-conducting switching device and a series resistance capacitance circuit for determining a predetermined time interval after closing of said initiating switch, said resistance-capacitance circuit being connected in circuit with sad switching device and operable to trigger said device to a conducting state at the termination of a timing interval.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said time-re sponsive control means initiates determination of a time interval in response to operation of said elevator actuating mechanism.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said time-responsive control means includes selectively adjustable, time-interval determination means.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said time-responsive control means includes a power source, a timedelay circuit, a normally-open initiating switch connected with said time-delay circuit and adapted to be closed by operation of said elevator actuating mechanism for op eratively connecting said time-delay circuit to said power source and initiating a timing interval, and first and second relay-solenoid actuated switches which are of the normally-open type and are closed by said time-delay circuit at the initiation of the timing interval and opened by said time-delay circuit at the termination of the timing interval, said first relay-solenoid actuated switch being connected in circuit with said time-delay circuit to maintain said circuit in operation for determining a time interval and said second relay-solenoid actuated switch being connected in circuit with said solenoid operating said clutch means for completing a circuit through said solenoid and 7 maintaining said solenoid energized during the time interval.

9. The combination of claim 7 in which said time-delay circuit includes a normally non-conducting switching device and a series resistance-capacitance circuit for determining a predetermined time interval after closing of said initiating switch, said resistance-capacitance circuit being connected in circuit with said switching device and operable to trigger said device to a conducting state at the termination of a timing interval.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,774,463 12/1956 Rossetto et al 199-11 5 3,262,554 7/1966 Abbott et a1 l9911 3,285,396 11/1966 Debus 19911 3,300,034- 1/1967 Kleboe et al 199-11 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A TYOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC CONTROL UNIT FOR AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING MATRICES FROM A STORAGE MAGAZINE, THE COMBINATION OF AN ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR WHEREIN THE RELEASE MATRICES ARE DELIVERED ONE AFTER ANOTHER TO FORM A COMPOSED LINE, ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING A SELECTOR SHAFT COUPLED WITH SAID CONTROL UNIT FOR OPERATION THEREOF IN RELEASING MATRICES AND AN ELEVATOR ACUTATING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SAID ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR, SAID SELECTOR SHAFT BEING PROVIDED WITH SELECTIVELY DISENGAGEABLE CLUTCH MEANS FOR ARRESTING MOVEMENT OF SAID SELECTOR SHAFT AND OPERATION OF SAID CONTROL UNIT UPON DISENGAGEMENT OF SAID CLUTCH MEANS, FIRST

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