US3502202A - Lead line device and system for typographical casting machines - Google Patents

Description

March 24, 1970 R. B. STEMLER' LEAD LINE DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL CASTING MACHINES Filed July 25, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 M Il 2 mmm "WI TII I Hum.

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INVENTOR. ROBERT B. STEMLER MW FIG. 4

ATTORNEY March 24, 1970 I R. B. STEMLER 3,502,202

LEAD LINE DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL CASTING MACHINES Filed July 25, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 FIG. 3

Q INVENTOR.

ROBERT B. STEMLER BYMW ATTORNEY United States Patent Oflice 3,502,202 Patented Mar. 24, 1970 3,502,202 LEAD LINE DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL CASTIN G MACHINES Robert B. Stemler, Box 41, Kanes Road, Glen Arm, Md. 21057 Filed July 25, 1967, Ser. No. 655,847 Int. Cl. B41b 11/50, 11/52, 11/44 U.S. Cl. 19-47 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to typographical composing, casting and distributing machines of the conventional type, such as Linotype machines of the general organization represented in the basic Mergenthaler United States Letters Patent No. 436,532. More particularly, the invention relates to a modification to these machines whereby they are provided the capability for semiautomatically developing vertically aligned, regularly spaced, recurrent lead line characters such as dashes.

Description of the prior art Basic slug casting machines were developed around the turn of the century to set lines of type as opposed to individual letter units. These machines are characterized by their utilization of circulating matrices which are assembled or composed in line or word groupings and then transferred to a vertically movable line transporter or first elevator which maneuvers to present the composed line to a casting mechanism. During the casting cycle, the array of matrices is held between a pair of line clamping or vise jaws which maintain it in alignment against the face of a slotted mold for casting a type bar. Such a mold or casting slot as well as the array or line of matrices before it are described in the above-referenced Mergenthaler patent at page 6. As part of the mechanical process of assembling a line of appropriate width, in dividual words are separated by expansible spacebands. These spacebands, in addition to providing a space or separation between word groupings of the matrices, also serve the particular function of compressing the line of matrices together, thereby tightly assuring the integrity of the multi-faceted mold between the line width establishing vise jaws. The spacebands, extending below the matrices, are actuated to individually expand and compress the line by a mechanically programmed vise justification bar. Reciprocally mounted beneath the line clamping vise jaws, the justification bar elevates twice in succession prior to casting in order to drive protruding wedge shaped elements into the spacebands and cause their expansion.

In the course of improvement development of the line casting machine, the need was recognized for a time-saving technique for casting a partially filled line of word groupings as well as fully utilized lines. Accordi'ngly, a quadding device and system was introduced into the art. The modern quadding assembly is incorporated into the basic linecasting machine and, when stimulated by the operator, selectively will cause either or both the right or left vise jaws to converge against a shortened assembly of matrices. By appropriate selection of vise jaw movement, the machine operator is enabled to center the matrices against the casting slot, or to indent the word grouping to the right or left. Blank indentations are developed during quadding by virtue of the vise jaws presenting their smooth inward faces to the casting slot. Generally, during the quadding function the vise jaws are actuated by a hydraulic pressurization system. As a result, the line of matrices situated before the casting slot is compressed sufficiently to assure cast integrity. Accordingly in modern systems, the aforementioned steps of line-spaceband justification are temporarily locked out of the casting sequence, as the operator actuates the quadding device.

Numerous, less significant innovations have been added to the instant machines, for the most part devoted to minimizing repair and maintenance downtime or to adjustments for simplifying or accelerating the casting cycle. Typesetting contractors have been particularly receptive, however, to improvements having a favorable effect upon operator efliciencies.

Overhead costs associated with the operation of inherently complex machinery and especially with the use of requisite highly skilled labor point to the importance of any improvement to typesetting performance. Should the activity of an operator be interrupted, for instance to periodically accommodate an unusually printed format, the required supplemental physical motion has been observed to markedly affect printed page production costs. Conversely, should a technique be evolved which allows the elimination of a periodic operator motion, page production efiiciencies will advantageously rise. These efiiciency considerations have assumed a predominant status in the industry as the result of a greatly expanded volume of work requiring the repetitious performance of a typesetting movement.

During the recent past, the managerial functions of both industry and government have developed advanced business techniques or methods which have, in turn, led to the evaluation of highly specialized printed formats designed for use by second eschelon employees. A recognition that the clarity and appearance of these forms is a factor in promoting employee efliciency has required a correspondingly high standard of printing quality. Accordingly, contracts for the printing and typesetting of industrial and governmental manuals, listings, catalogues and the like incorporate rigid standards of quality and general format appearance.

A significant volume of the typesetting and printing orders now entering into commerce are directed to a page format, the columns of which include a relatively short grouping of descriptive or indexing wording or symbols commencing at the left of the column. Following to the right from the Word grouping are lead lines extending to the right terminus of the column. The lead lines are composed of a regularly spaced series of dashes, dots or similar symbols leading the ultimate readers eye to a space or quantum of information situate within the adjacent column. In developing the above format, it is mandatory that the individual characters such as dashes of the lead lines be vertically aligned down the length of each page. Should they not be so positioned, the general appearance of the printed page becomes highly undesirable and contractually unacceptable.

To the present, lines of type having lead lines as described are assembled by conventional typecasting methodology wherein the introductory word groupings are assembled and separated by spacebands, following which the key designated for distributing dashed matrices is repeatedly depressed until the line is completed for positioning between the vise jaws. Justification and consequent line expansion is then effected following first elevator positioning of the stub along the casting slot. Inasmuch as no spacebands are utilized in connection with the lead line matrices, the lead lines of a column will register against the right hand vise jaw during justification and, as a consequence, align vertically.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that a considerable and valuable manpower savings may be realized with the introduction of a system automating the now tedious procedure for providing lead lines. Where rela tively large volumes of continual lead line work must be typeset, the elimination of a requirement for repeatedly depressing the dash or dot key will allow a significant production cost saving. Until the present invention, efforts to automate the insertion of lead lines have not met with success as the result of an inability to vertically align the individual lead line characters.

SUMMARY The present invention offers a device and system for improving a conventional typecasting machine so as to render it capable of developing lead lines with relative ease and simplicity. By eliminating the repetitive operator motions or steps of depressing a particular lead line character key, the system of the invention allows for the typesetting of large quantities of lead line characterized page formats at considerably reduced unit costs.

The system of the invention is particularly advantageous in that while the lead line characters are automatically developed, they are also spaced in proper vertical alignment throughout a printed page.

Capable of ready incorporation within existing typecasting machines, the inventive system utilizes the inward face of a vise jaw to present to the casting slot a length of mold having lead line characters engraved or otherwise suitably formed therein. The effective molding length of the casting slot determines the length of the line cast. Vertical alignment of the lead line characters throughout a page is accomplished initially through the use of a programmed pawl assembly which is actuated during a timed interval of the normal casting cycle.

The quadding mechanism extant in the basic con1posing machine is programmed with the inventive system to maneuver the aforesaid lead line vise jaw into appropriate position. However, the quadding timing sequence is altered upon actuation of the instant system so as to reintroduce, at an appropriate point in time, the line justification mechanism of the basic machine.

The inventive system is further characterized in incorporating within its lead line development program, the timing inherently extant in the collateral motions of contiguous machine elements. As a result, the inventive lead line developing system is easily incorporated within conventional typecasting machines.

The invention additionally contemplates the use of conventional switching means to evolve the steps sequencing the instant lead line casting cycle.

More particularly, the system of the invention will be seen to utilize the movement of the casting pot assembly in developing a properly programmed switching sequence.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the system of the invention combines in a unique, timed sequence both the existing mechanical justification mechanism of a conventional typecasting machine along with a typical, modern quadding assembly incorporated within the basic machine. By an alteration of functional sequence timing, the above-noted two basic typecasting composing programs of quadding and mechanical justification are joined to evolve the new and highly desirable result of the invention.

The invention is additionally characterized in the provision of an automatic lead line device and system which is readily installed upon and incorporated within standard or conventional typecasting machines. Equally as advantageous, the device and system of the instant invention is readily demounted from and isolated out of the conventional typecasting mechanisms such that they may, with relative ease, be returned to their normal functions.

As another advantage and object, the system of the invention may be installed upon basic typecasting machines in a fashion wherein all switches and operational indicators attendant to the system are within easy reach and sight of an operator and may be maintained and actuated with ease and efliciency.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for semiautomatically developing lead lines wherein a right hand vise jaw having lead line characters integrally molded therein is positioned under normal quad left sequence before a casting slot; the jaw is proportionately positioned for vertical character alignment by the engagement of the teeth of a pawl with the jaw or its horizontal rack; the justification bar is permitted to perform first and second justification; the cast is completed; and the aforesaid pawl is released to return the jaw to precasting position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a right hand vise jaw adapted for use with the present invention and having portions cut away to reveal internal structure.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view of a right hand vise jaw taken along the plane of line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a front view of a portion of the quadding attachment for a vise jaw assembly of a typecasting device with portions removed and broken away to reveal internal structure.

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the back side of the vise frame of a typecasting machine with portions removed to more clearly reveal the inventive addition to the structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The aligned lead line development system of the invention is particularly prone to industrial acceptance by virtue of its facile incorporation within conventional typesetting machines predominating in the field. Of particular note, the system of the invention utilizes not only the basic components of standard machinery, but also effectively draws use of heretofore unnoticed collateral translational motion within present-day devices. The system will be seen to combine select functions from conventional space band justification techniques with those of a typical hydraulically actuated quadder such as produced by Star Parts, Inc., South Hackensack, N]. A typical quadder is also described in US. Patent No. 3,028,948 to Abbott, issued Apr. 10, 1962. Under normal operating conditions, these functions operate within typesetting machines on a somewhat mutually exclusive basis. By the unique association of certain of the functions of both, however, the present system is seen to develop efficiently lead lines with characters having a mandatory vertical alignment.

In order to develop an immediate series of lead line characters, the right hand vise jaw of the line casting machine is altered. Under normal typecasting operations this vise jaw is manipulated during quadding operations to present its smooth inward surface to a portion of the casting slot. Thusly quadding to the left, a void or blank indentation is effected at the right hand side of a partially filled slug or molded line of type. This jaw may be somewhat simply modified so as to incorporate a length of lead line characters within its inner face. Upon presentation to the casting slot, the jaw surface may thusly be used to mold lead line characters such as dashes across the formerly blank right hand portion of the type line. Being so modified, it will be apparent that lead lines may be developed utilizing the unaltered system of quadding left. Unfortunately, however, such technique does not offer solution to the central problem of providing a vertical alignment of each of the lead line characters.

The present invention develops this vertical alignment as a result of incorporating a ratchet and pawl assembly within the vise jaw positioning function. When the jaw moves into abutment against an array of matrices at the casting slot, the ratchet and pawl interlock to contribute a minor but essential consistently proportioned horizontal repositioning of the jaw. As a result, the lead line characters will vertically align down a column of assembled slugs. The aforedescribed positioning of the right hand vise jaw, however, precludes an adequate pressure justification of the assemblage of matrices. Under normal quadding systems, this justification step is provided by hydraulically asserting pressure through the jaw against the matrices. The engaged ratchet and pawl, however, will render such pressure inetfective.

In the present invention, justification is introduced at this juncture through the re-energization of the conventional space band expansion techniques. During standard quadding sequences, this step of providing space band expansion is locked out, being supplanted by simple hydraulically actuated pressures. Such a standard quadding sequence is described in detail in a publication entitled: The Office Manual-Linotype Machine Principles, chapter 32, pp. 391-409 (1940), Mergenthaler Linotype Co., Brooklyn, N.Y.

Each of the above discussed steps in the method of the invention will be seen capable of being carried out by a series of interrelated and remarkably simple alterations to the basic linotype machine and hydraulic quadding attachment. As a consequence, existing line casting devices may be altered to perform the lead line casting function at relatively nominal cost.

Turning initially to the right hand vise jaw, an alteration suitable for adapting a typical jaw to use with the instant invention is illustrated in connection with FIG- URES 1 and 2. The jaw, shown generally at 10, is fabricated having a smooth inward surface 12. During normal quadding procedures a portion of the surface 12 will about against the casting slot. With the present alteration a wedge shaped keyway 14 is machined within the inner face 12. Keyway 14 serves to retain a mated strip of metal 16 which is slidably insertable within the keyway slot 14, its outward facing surface being flush with the jaw surface 12. Disposed within the surface of strip 16 is a die means formed as an elongated mold 18 shown as configured for developing a line pattern of spaced repetitive dashes. The mold 18, in addition to being situate parallel to the length of the casting slot, is vertically spaced with respect to the orientation of the molds within the matrices as arranged at the masting slot. The latter arrangement serves to develop a dashed lead line die at a preselected level within each slug or line of type. It will be apparent to those skilled in the typecasting art that any of a wide variety of lead line characters may be incorporated within the mold line 18 to form a lead line retaining vise jaw 10. Should it be desired to revert to conventional typecasting operation, a strip having a smooth outward surface may be substituted in place of the lead line strip 18.

Right hand vise jaws, such as that shown at 10, are moved into and out of position before the casting slot throughtheir fixed mechanical connection with a right hand vise jaw horizontal rack 20. This rack 20 typically extends from its connection with the vise jaw across the upper portion of the vise frame 8 to engage an operating gear 26. The latter gear 26 imparts requisite horizontal movement to the rack '20 and jaw 10 assembly at programmed times within the casting cycle.

Turning to FIGURE 3, a right hand vise jaw horizontal rack 20 modified in accordance with the present invention, is shown extending through a rack actuating housing 22. The rack 20 is formed with teeth 24 along the outward portion of its lower side. Teeth 24 engage, in conventional fashion, an operating gear or pinion 26 which is, in turn, driven by interconnected gear or pinion 28. Gear 28 engages a vertical rack as at 30 shown extending through a sliding unit 31. Those familiar with the art will recognize that selective vertical actuation of a vertical rack 30 or 32 will cause a corresponding movement of the horizontal racks, such as that pictured at 20. A hydraulic cylinder (FIGURE 4) positioned at the rear of housing 22 provides a driving force for the vertical racks 30 and 32, while conventional quadding circuitry selectively regulates their movement by causing a driving connection to be made by cylinder 80 'with the vertical rack selected by the circuitry. A typical quadding circuitry is described, for example, in the abovereferenced Abbott patent. The terminal block, indicator lamp and on-oif switch for this typical circuitry are shown respectively at 34, 36 and 38.

For the purpose of consistently positioning the right hand vise jaw 10 in a manner evolving the vertical alignment of the lead line characters, a block 40 equipped with rachet teeth adapted to engage within corresponding teeth 42 situate within the right hand vise jaw rack 20 is provided. Block 40 is attached to the end of a rod 44 which is slidably positioned within housing 22 by a bracket 46. Extending through the housing 22, rod 44 is hinged to a lever 48 protruding from a solenoid implement 50. The solenoid device 50 is attached to the top of housing 22 by bolting to a bracket 52.

When energized, the solenoid 50 will cause the lever arm 48 to descend, in turn causing the teeth 41 of block 40 to engage teeth 42 within the horizontal rack 20. Energization of the solenoid 50 is effected by a switching technique later discussed. However, such switching is timed to cause the aforesaid engagement at about the instant the right hand vise jaw 10 contacts the matrices assembled before the casting slot. The switching arrangement discussion later also describes the technique for timing the switching. While a variety of tooth sizes and spacings may be used to develop proportioned positioning and consequent vertical alignment of lead line characters, a spacing of 0.063 inch peak to peak has been found effective. Columnar alignment is realized by forming either or both arrays of teeth 41 and 42 such that they are repetitive, regularly dimensioned, and configured, the spacing between them being selected in proportion with the horizontal dimension and spacing of the lead line characters. Of course, the lead line characters should be recurrent or regularly spaced and dimensioned in a horizontal direction. Spacing between two corresponding points on adjacent teeth on either or both arrays of teeth 41 and 42 preferably should equal the spacing of one lead line character plus the Width of a space separating adjacent lead line characters. In order to accommodate the outward positioning of block 40, it will generally be necessary to lengthen the standard right hand vise jaw rack 20 by about one and one-half inches. An angular guard 54 is shown in attachment with the housing 22 for purposes of supporting and protecting the lengthened rack member 20.

Referring to FIGURE 4, the inward view of select portions of a conventional vise frame 8 as modified by the present invention are shown. The frame 8 is hinged to a typecasting machine at 56 and supports the vise jaw assembly and related implements through a head portion 58. Matrices for casting a line of type are positioned during an appropriate machine cyclebetween vise jaws 10 and 11. So positioned, the matrices and, if desired, a portion of the inward face of either or both jaws 10 and 11 will abut against a casting slot through which a molten lead alloy is caused to flow. During the sequence of casting, a pot assembly supported upon pivotally connected pot legs will be caused to move or pivot toward the aforesaid casting slot and matrices, then pivot backwardly to allow for the step of second justification, then forward again to abut the rear of the casting slot and cast the line of type. Typical pot assembly and the pot legs are described in the above-referenced Mergenthaler reference. Where the standard quadding system is not energized a first and second justification is accomplished by driving Wedges into expansible space bands selectively positioned between word groupings of matrices. These wedges depend downwardly from the space bands and are driven into position by a justification bar such as that shown at 60. The bar 60 is caused to ascend by reason of the programmed upward travel of justification drive rods 62 and 64 which are pivotally connected to bar 60. The movement of rods 62 and 64 is imparted by the cam drive system of the machine as discussed in the above-referenced Mergenthaler reference. Drive rods 62 and 64, slidably mounted through drive rod housing 65, are limited in their upward travel by arresting blocks 66 and 68.

When the standard quadding system is energized, line justification is accomplished by virtue of the hydraulically derived pressure exerted between the jaws and 11 by either or both vertical racks 30 and 32. To prevent space band justification during the quadding sequence, the quadding circuitry energizes a lockout device which restrains movement of the justification drive rods 62 and 64. This lockout device restraint is provided by a stop bar 70 which is swung into engagement with the arresting block 66 upon energizing an interconnected solenoid mechanism 72. Note that stop bar 70 is pivotally connected to solenoid mechanism 72 at pin 69. Pin 69 moves upward or downward respectively with the de-energization and energization of the solenoid 72. Stop bar 70 is also formed having an elongate slot 71 extending along a portion of its length. Extending through the slot 71 is a stud 73 which is fixed to the rear of the vise frame 8 at the position shown. With this arrangement, a vertical movement of pin 69 will move the tip of stop bar 70 selectively into or out of engagement with block 66. Being fixed to drive rod 62, block 66 will arrest vertical movement of the latter when engaged with stop bar 70. The solenoid mechanism 72 is selectively energized from line 75 by the quadding circuitry as described in the abovereferenced patent to Abbott.

The above-described sequences of operation occurring during the casting cycle for performance with space band justification or during quadding operation will be immediately familiar to those engaged in the typecasting art. Through selective manipulation of these operations along with the utilization of certain of their collateral functions, the lead line developing system of the invention is evolved. The present system is initiated as a conventional quadding cycle wherein jaw 10 moves against the matrices.

As was earlier discussed, in order to develop a vertical alignment of the lead line characters evolved by use of the mold strip 16, it is necessary to cause the energization of solenoid 50 just as the jaw 10 strikes the matrices under a quadding movement. The proper timing of this switching function will permit a very minute horizontal readjustment of the jaw 10 and its attached rack 20 as a result of the engagement between block 40 and rack teeth 42. This timing is very simply efiectuated by the positioning of a microswitch 74 upon the lower outward leg 59 of the vise frame 8 and suitably interconnecting the switch 74 with solenoid 50. Microswitch 74 must be positioned such that its appending contact stud 76 is depressed by the forward movement of the pivoted supporting leg of the aforedescribed pot assembly. The switch 74 must further be adjusted so as to remain in an on state during the temporary rearward movement of the pot assembly. It will be recalled that this second movement occurs during the second justification sequence of justification bar 60. The degree or amount of movement of the pot leg during second justification is somewhat nominal, being in the order of 0.003 inch. Consequently, a simple manual adjustment of switch 74 is all that is required to accommodate this movement. The above adjustment is made either by altering the position of the switch 76 vertically or by altering the extent to which contact stud 76 protrudes from the fixture upon which it is mounted. While the instant switching function could be associated with other elements within the typecasting machine, for instance by use of a cam arrangement or the like, it will be apparent that the suggested location is amenable to very simple machine modification procedures.

Inasmuch as the right hand vise jaw 10 is held in horizontal position by block 40 during the instant lead line eveloping cycle, it is necessary to assure casting integrity by reintroducing the space band justification cycle. The first and second space band justification cycles are reestablished by the simple expedient of de-activating solenoid 72. An additional switch for instance, breaking the circuit at the input power line 75 of solenoid 72, will perform this function Alternately, the terminals of microswitch 74 may be used for the additional purpose of open circuiting solenoid 72. Solenoid 72 having been deactivated, stop bar 70 will retract to release the arresting block 66 and allow the cylical movement of space band justification bar 60.

Following each cast, the above-described leg of the pot assembly will pivot and travel rearwardly, This movement and the mechanism effecting it is described in the abovereferenced patent to Mergenthaler. This rearward movement serves to release micro-switch 74 and thereby cause the consequent disengagement of the teeth 41, 42 of block 40 and horizontal rack 20. Thusly released, right hand vise jaw 10 will return or open in preparation for the next casting c cle. This return movement is made as part of the normal quadding cycle and/or the standard cycle of the standard machine as described respectively in the earlier referenced Abbott and Mergenthaler patents.

From the foregoing description it will be evidenced that the lead line developing system of the invention is evolved through the following series of steps.

The quadding system of the typecasting machine is energized so as to commence a standard quad left function. As such, the right hand vise jaw 10 moves, at an appropriate point in the casting cycle, toward and abuts against the assembled matrices at the casting slot position. At this point in time, the leg of the pot assembly has initially moved forward to trip a microswitch 74. Switch 74 causes the energization of solenoid device 50 which, in turn, drives the proportioning teeth 41, of block 40 into engagement with mated corresponding teeth 42 situate upon the upper surface of rack 20. The latter rack engagement will serve to proportionately align the lead line characters within the jaw 10.

Inasmuch as the justification bar lockout member 70 was initially retracted by switching off solenoid 72, the first and second justification maneuvers are permitted to transpire. Following the second justification, the pot assembly has returned to a forward casting position and a slug is cast. After the cast, the pot assembly returns or retracts permitting switch 74 to assume an off status, which, in turn, releases block 40 from teeth 42. Jaw 10 now returns to open position prior to the next casting sequence. Vertically aligned lead lines are thusly semiautomatically developed.

Returning to FIGURE 4, the hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly as conventionally used for providing motive power to vertical racks 30 and 32 is illustrated at 80. Power fluid input to cylinder assembly 80 is provided through a line 82 from a cam powered pump situate elsewhere in the typecasting device. It may be of Some use to slightly alter the profile of the cam used to power the pump so as to diminish pressure on the horizontal rack 20 at the instant of either engaging or releasing block 40. Such alteration, however, is not generally necessary. Typical examples of the above-discussed cam and pump are 9 described in the above-referenced Abbott Patent No. 3,028,948.

I claim:

1. A machine for casting typographical slugs of the character described adapted to semi-automatically cast lead lines, the individual characters of which are regularly spaced and dimensioned and positioned in columnar vertical alignment, comprising:

right and left vise jaw assemblies for clamping a line of matrices in position for casting, each said assembly being selectively movable toward the other in quadding; die means for casting a series of regularly spaced and dimensioned lead line characters and disposed within an inward surface of at least one said vise jaw assembly so as to develop at least one lead line within a slug during a casting cycle. of said machine;

quadding means for causing said at least one vise jaw assembly within which said die means is disposed to move in quadding toward, contact and cause said clamping of said line of matrices; an array of repetitive regularly dimensioned and configured teeth, the point-to-point spacing between which is selected to correspond with the repetitional spacing between adjacent said lead line characters, coupled for movement with said at least one vise jaw assembly within which said die means is disposed;

repositioning means stationary with respect to said array of teeth movement and having at least one tooth selectively engageable within said array of teeth, for repositioning said array of teeth and the said at least one vise jaw assembly to which it is coupled following its said movement in quadding to cause the orientation of said die means;

means for actuating said repositioning means following said quadding movement and clamping to cause said repositioning means selective tooth engagement and for fixing said die means lead linecharacters in an orientation causing their vertical columnar alignment; and

means for causing the mechanical justification of said line of matrices following said actuation of said repositioning means.

2. The slug casting machine of claim 1 in which the said lead line die means is disposed within the said right vise jaw assembly.

3. The slug casting machine of claim 1 in which the said repositioning means comprises:

a block arranged in juxtaposition to the said array of teeth and equipped with a plurality of said at least one tooth configured to cooperate with said array of teeth.

4. The slug casting machine of claim 1 wherein said at least one jaw assembly includes a vise jaw in connection with a horizontal rack, said rack being coupled in driven relationship with said quadding means and incorporating said array of teeth; and in which said repositioning means comprises a block arranged in juxtaposition to the said array of teeth and equipped with a plurality of said at least one tooth configured to cooperate with said array of t th,- I

5. The slug casting machine of claim 1 in which the said die means comprises a lead line die disposed within a flat member; and the said fiat member is removably insertable within the said at least one. vise jaw assembly inward surface.

6. The slug casting machine of claim 1 wherein said repositioning means comprises: a block within which said at least one tooth is formed.

7. The slug casting machine of claim 6 in which said means for actuating said repositioning means comprises:

solenoid means coupled in driving connection with said block and operative when energized to drive said block tooth into engagement with said array of teeth; and

an electrical switch selectively positioned upon said machine so as to be actuated by contact with select movable components of said machine, said switch being operative to selectively cause the said energization of said solenoid means.

8. In a method for casting typographical lead lines the characters of which are regularly spaced and dimensioned by utilizing a typographical slug casting machine at least one vise jaw assembly of which is adapted to carry a lead line die: causing the positioning of a said lead line die retaining vise jaw assembly under hydraulic quadding before a casting slot and compressibly clamping said vise jaw assembly against a line of matrices; horizontally repositioning said vise jaw assembly during said compressive clamping by causing the engagement of a horizontally fixed wedging member with an array of teeth fixed to said vise jaw assembly having point-to-point spacing selected to correspond with the repetitional spacing between said lead line characters in a manner effecting the columnar vertical alignment of said lead line characters; locking said vise jaw assembly in position before said casting slot simultaneously with said repositioning; causing line justification by the elevation of a justification bar; causing a slug to be cast from said justified line of matrices; and unlocking said vise jaw assembly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 565,440 '8/1896 Dodge 199-51 565,487 8/1896 Mergenthaler 19951 801,299 10/ 1905 Clark. 1,169,554 1/1916 Mahoney 199-50 1,925,968 9/1933 Padgett et al. 1,949,302 2/1934 Frolander 199-50 1,970,527 8/1934 Sperry 199-50 2,214,888 9/1940 Mead 19950 2,642,180 6/1953 Krusberger 199-50 2,806,585 9/1957 Abbott et a1. 199-50 3,028,948 4/1962 Abbott 19950 ERNEST T. WRIGHT, JR., Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

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