US3648577A - Fully automatic phototypesetting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to phototypesetting equipment incorporating automatic handling and photographic of pi characters. The invention may be constructed as original equipment or the apparatus for the automatic handling of pi characters may be constructed as a module for connection into existing conventional equipment with suitable electric and electromechanical controls for timely disabling and enabling the circuitry of the existing equipment to add the pi handling principles thereto.

Description

United States Patent Lanz'endorfer et al.

[4 Mar. 14, 1972 [54] FULLY AUTOMATIC PHOTOTYPESETTING APPARATUS [72] lnventors: Max J. Lanzendorier, York; Marvin E. Lauer, Manchester; Robert K. Wonner, 7 Dover, all of Pa.

[73] Assignee: York Graphic Services, Inc., York, Pa.

[22] Filed: May 6, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 822,179

[52] US. Cl ..95/4.5 [5l] Int. Cl ....B4lb23/00 {58] Field of Search ..95/4.5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,099,945 8/1963 O'Brien ..95/4.5

Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Attorney-Wilfred G. Caldwell [57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to phototypesetting equipment incor porating automatic handling and photographic of pi characters.

The invention may be constructed as original equipment or the apparatus for the automatic handling of pi characters may be constructed as a module for connection into existing conventional equipment with suitable electric and electromechanical controls for timely disabling and enabling the circuitry of the existing equipment to add the pi handling principles thereto.

16 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures Patented March 14, 1972 3,648,577

8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Cmmeutimml "let/uniforselling won] (73 EN leader Fig. 4' 1/32 any character select rumsflaee handwritten inslruetiml Lead monitor word I 32 /H\ t 000/ l 000000000000000000000000000000000l0illlll000 Q. .Q ...Q.........'...'.. 00.000000000000000.000000000.0000000000000000000000 Q Q A 0 0:00000 I 00 Z/ Uh/ f5 A.P.I. met/m1[- [or setting word position .s'uhstitute character APleolle leader Fig. 4a INVEN'I ORS Max Lanzemlor/er Marl/m E. Lauer Robert K. Wonner Patented March 14, 1972 3,648,577

8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Cross sedimz, in detail, of spud ("gaging he pi mat holder.

': INVENTORY n', I V Max Lanzendwfer Marvin E. Laue!" I Robert K. VVor/vner y ,0 a. 2 a 2 Patented March 14, 1972 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Section view taken on plane of A-A (Fig. 7). Fig. 7a

INVENTORY Max J. Lanzendor/er Marvin E. Laue'r Robert K. Wonner Patented March 14, 1972 3,648,577

8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Max Lanzmdmjkr arvm E. Lauer Robert K. Wanner FULLY AUTOMATIC PHOTOTYPESETTING APPARATUS The present invention is particularly useful in association with tape operated photographic typesetting equipment where the tape may be generated on a special keyboard machine, or a perforator for computer use.

In the keyboard machine, whenever a pi mat is to be called for, a multiposition switch or similar device is set to the position number assigned to that particular pi mat. An instruction code calling for automatic pi insertion (API) is entered on the tape along with a code describing the desired pi mat storage position in a magazine with provision for deflecting the font prism to API photographing position. The present invention has e.g., storage positions for each magazine for interchangeable pi mats, as will be described in more detail later.

Proper spacing for the pi character is obtained through the use of the selection code for a substitute character. An instruction code calling for the return of the font prism into normal operating position is also entered on the tape.

In the photographic machine of the phototypesetting system, upon reading the instmction code for API and the pi mat position code, the device described in this application will deflect the font prism into pi position and will determine whether the desired pi mat storage position is aligned with the photographing position and the pi mat is already inserted. If that is not the case, automatically the present pi mat will be withdrawn from the photographing position, the desired pi mat storage position will be selected and the selected pi mat stored in that position will be inserted into and aligned with the photographing position. The selection code for the substitute character will cause the pi character to be exposed onto the photographic material and will effect the proper character spacing movement.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a phototypesetting system and apparatus incorporating the automatic handling of pi characters.

An important object of this invention is to provide a novel system for automatic selection and insertion in photographing position of a specific one of the number of pi mats, for example, any one of twenty different pi mats per drum or holder.

Another object is the retrievable storing of a number of pi mats, twenty in the present device, within a storage device such as a movable rack, a rotatable drum, a flexible chain of mats or similar devices.

Another object is the novel mounting of pi characters and configuration of the holding means which allows for automatic handling of such pi characters, i.e., storing, selecting, inserting and retrieving them, in such a manner that the pi mats will positively align in the photographing position and that the pi mat mount, through the use of conventional sensing devices, such as switches, light beams, etc. will signal the completion of the various steps in the automatic operation.

In the preferred embodiment of the overall system, a keyboard or computer system is used to produce a coded tape from a manuscript, which tape incorporates APl coding in accordance with an API planning sheet. The planning sheet simply shows the position in the magazine of each pi mat to be used in the manuscript, along with the spacing therefore, identified as the spacing of a substitute character. In the keyboard arrangement, a special API keyboard can supply this information at the touch of a button. In the computer system the information is, of course, available by selection in the programming.

The coded tape is then used to actuate a phototypesetter to which the API module has been attached, as a modification, or in which the principles thereof are originally incorporated. When an API code is detected by the reader and decoder, the optical system, if of the prism type usually associated with rotating font discs, or of multiple character, usually accompanying stationary font matrixes, automatically deflects the prism to or selects the optic system for photographing position for the pi character so that the API position code next read, selects the drum location for the particular character and places it in the pi photographing position. Next, the substitute character code derives the spacing information for the pi character being photographed and the system is thereafter automatically returned to normal operation, thereby producing output film, paper or plates.

The automatic pi operation is achieved by providing apparatus capable of logic operation to carry out the necessary functions to permit the automatic inclusion of the infrequently used pi characters. Basically, the pi mats carried by the pi holder are respectively positioned in indexed openings of the drum for ready coded selection and extension therefrom into the pi photographing position. Thus, it may be appreciated that the apparatus must be capable-of distinguishing whether or not the required pi character (denoted on the tape) is actually in the drum location which is capable of permitting extension of the pi mat into the single pi photographing position. Obviously if this is so, it is unnecessary and undesirable to move the drum, but if the required pi character is not in position for photographing, the drum must be rotated or moved until the proper location is indexed to the photographing position.

Also, manual over ride and safety provisions must be incorporated into the apparatus to insure its proper operation and to prevent damage thereto.

Further, logic enables the pi apparatus to inhibit the normal routine of the portion of the machine heretofor known for photographing usual or standard characters while it completes its entire pi function, such logic including, where necessary, the inhibiting of character selection, the return of previously used pi mats, rotating of the drum to index the proper pi mat storage location to the photographing position, the insertion of the new pi mat, and advance tape to enable character selection for spacing along with the deflecting of a prism or other apparatus to enable the pi character to be photographed. As it has been pointed out logic also permits the omission of certain of these steps from a sequence, when they are unnecessary.

Thus, the logic incorporating the electromechanical apparatus into the high-speed operation determines whether the proper pi mat is in photographing position; and if not, accomplishes this function. For example, before the drum rotates, coincidence is sensed by comparing the code from the reader and the code from the drum position. If this equation is satisfied, the proper pi mat is already in photographing position. However, if not, the old pi mat is withdrawn from the drum and the drum rotated until coincidence is sensed. Then the new pi mat is inserted and the tape advanced with character selection enabled.

Additionally, the apparatus incorporates mechanically adjustable means for aligning the components which carry out its operation to any position required, as well as quickly disassemblable provisions to permit replacement of entire drums by other drums containing different pi characters.

Accordingly, with the foregoing in mind, further objects of the invention are as follows: the provision of a method of and apparatus for the automatic utilization of pi characters in phototypographic setting apparatus, without resort to manual intervention.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such method and apparatus capable of logical guidance and determinations to expedite the inclusion of pi characters.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an automatic pi insertion code capable in incorporation into existing tapes.

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional phototypesetting system modified to incorporate APl planning, coding, and apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a different block diagram showing provision for incorporating an API module into one particular type existing phototypesetter system;

FIG. 3 symbolically illustrates circuitry and apparatus for carrying out suitable automatic pi insertion logic;

FIG. 4 illustrates a conventional tape for purposes of explaining the conventional method for setting word 1r".

FIG. 4a is a simple arrangement to illustrate and explain the API method for inserting the same words;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a pi mat in a pi holder, respectively in perspective and cross section with the spud engaging the pi mat holder in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a view in top plan of the API apparatus;

FIG. 7a is a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 taken along the plane A-A thereof;

FIG. 8 is a view in side elevation of the API apparatus; and,

FIG. 8a is a view in rear elevational of the API apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to the first six figures, pi mats 1 (FIGS. 5 and 6) are precision mounted in a holder 2, specially designed for positive operation in the automatic pi mat storage and retrieval system. Up to twenty (20) pi mats, so mounted, can be stored in the pi mat drum 3. (FIGS. 7, 7a, and 8) The addressing and utilizing of a pi character is carried out in the preferred apparatus, shown in block form in FIG. 1. The original manuscript is represented at 100, which may be coded into a paper, magnetic or other, tape 200 through the use of a perforator 300 or similar encoding device activating a computer 400, which in turn is programmed to handle not only the familiar characters or symbols, but also the pi characters with provision for their substitute character spacing requirements.

Alternatively, the material from the manuscript 100 may be incorporated in the tape 200 by way of keyboard 500, which is equipped with or connected to a special API coding keyboard 600. An API planning sheet or guide 700 shows the keyboard operator the code for the position of the individual pi mats in the pi mat drum 3, and automatically supplies the requisite spacing by denoting a proper substitute character. The API coding keyboard 600 merely inserts the code and spacing for the pi character required in the manuscript.

Thus, the tape 200 receives an API code whenever :1 pi character is required. The API code carries the storage location and signal for pi optics or photographing position; and the spacing information is in the form of a selection code for a suitable substitute character, the instruction code returns the font prism to normal position for normal character reproduction.

With the tape 200 so-produced, the standard or commercially available phototypesetter 800 is supplied with input from tape 200 and is automatically under control of API module 900 upon detection or reading of an API code from the tape. In this manner the output media, shown in the form of film, paper, or plate 1,000 is automatically produced at speeds heretofore unattainable when pi characters are incorporated.

In contrast, the block diagram of FIG. 2 provides a showing of an original equipment phototypesetter, incorporating the API provisions without requirement for modification by the addition of an API module 900.

The tape 200 may be identical to the tape discussed in connection with FIG. 1 for supplying the sole input to the phototypesetter. The reader and decoder section 1,100 is provided for reading the tape, normally to make the proper selection over lead 1,200 of the coded characters at character selection block 1,300 which is provided with conventional character width information from block 1,400, which together may comprise a font disc or the like. Alternatively, when the reader and decoder 1,100 detects an API code, the API module 900' takes over to make the character selection at block 1,300 and calls for the substitute character width from block 1,400.

Once character has been selected, the photographic step is carried out by block 1,500 for the selected character or pi character with character spacing completed signal from block 1,600 serving to advance the paper tape 200 over lead 1,700.

In the absence of use of the API module 900' the alternate leads 1,800 and 1,900 will serve to operate the phototypesettcr, in conjunction with lead 1,200.

Upon reading and decoding an API code (see FIG. 4a) in the input tape 200, Relay A, shown at 123, in the API control unit (FIG. 3) is energized as a result of the start signal from the decoder resulting (See the withdrawal of the spud 4 (FIG. 6) from the drum 3, along with the pi mat 1, presently in photographing position 5 (FIG. 8). This is achieved by connecting v. AC terminal over switch arm I31 and lead 133 to a convenfional solenoid valve control for cylinder 7. Spud 4 is connected to air cylinder 7 by way of a shaft or jacket 4a which cylinder is actuated to forward or insert, and rearward or extract, positions by a conventional air supply control tied in with the logic system or operation thereof. The pi mat 1 and holder 2 remain in drum 3 through automatic disengagement of spud 4 by the camming action of the interior of element 4b lifting the latching element 4c to disengage slot or annular groove 4d in holder 2.

At the same time the character selection circuits of the phototypesetting machine are inhibited because switch arm 135 connects to open terminal 137 and the tape is stepped ahead so that the next code will be under the reader head. (see block 100, FIG. 2) The next code is a binary representation of the pi position (FIG. 4a); i.e., in the preferred model this is a number from l-20, corresponding to the 20 pi mat storage locations 6 in the drum 3.

When the spud 4 has been fully withdrawn by the action of air cylinder 7, switch S-6, shown at 141 (FIGS. 3 and 8) is closed to energize Relay B (shown at 139 in FIG. 3), flip-flop B, shown at 101, being set at S to provide an output over lead 143 and via delay 190 to the Relay B. This applies AC over switch arm 145, leads 147 and 149 to detent solenoid 8 (FIGS. 3 and 8) which disengages the detent 9 (FIGS. 8 and 8a) from the drum 3 merely to permit the drum to be stepped or revolved. The drum 3 carries twenty locating positions or depressions 9b, (FIG. 8a), corresponding to the 20 pi mat positions, to receive detent shaft 9 which is normally biased into the depressions 9b through the action of spring 9a (FIG. 7) at an angle or bend 9c thereto comprising the rearward portion of shaft 9.

When the detent solenoid 8 is energized, the detent shaft upriser qd is pushed to the left in FIGS. 7 and 8, about a pivot (not shown) to release the detent from the drum by overcoming spring 9a.

When switch S-10, shown at 151 in FIGS. 3 and 8, indicates that the detent 9 has been fully retracted, and the shutter switch S-9, shown at 153 in FIGS. 3 and 70, indicates that the pi mat 1 has also been fully withdrawn, AC power is applied to the Drive Motor 10 over lead 155 (FIG. 3) to start the search for the desired pi mat storage location. The driving connection is taken from AC Motor 10 over shaft 100 (FIG. 7) and by way of coupling 10b and gear train 11, to impart rotation to drum shaft 15; also gear train 11 drives shaft 12a, and via coupling 12b, drives the 20 position selector switch 12 (FIG. 7) so that it steps with drum revolution. When the desired (coded) storage location is in line with the pi mat photographing position 5 (FIGS. 7 and 8), Relay A (FIG. 3) drops out because coincidence is sensed by comparator A, shown at in FIG. 3, or by comparator B, shown at 161. This causes the tape to advance one step and the air piston cylinder 7 to insert the pi mat which was stored in that location into the photographing position under control of switch S-11, shown at 163 in FIG. 3. Switch S-11 is physically depicted in FIG. 8 for operation by the detent shaft upriser 9d when in its rearward position. Thus closure of switch S-11 powers the valve solenoid (not shown) for cylinder 7 to drive the pi mat 1 and holder to the photographing position by moving spud 4 to the left.

The pi mat seated switch S8 (FIG. 7) indicates the completion of new pi mat insertion and Relay B (FIG. 3) drops out because of closure of switch S-8. This results in the deflection of the font selector prism 28a (FIG. 8) into solid line pi photographing position. This completes the automatic pi mat selection and insertion cycle.

The next code in the tape is the selection code for a substitute character," followed by a leader insert code. (See FIG. 4a) A substitute character may beany character on a font disc, such as disc 199 in FIG. 8, grid or similar character matrix having the same character width as the pi character. By exposing the pi character thru a selection of a substitute character, the photo unit will automatically space out the correct amount for the pi character. The leader insert" code returns the font selector prism to its normal photographing position (inner or outer circle on the font disc).

Should the desired pi mat already be inserted in the photographing position, when an API code calls for it again, the pi mat search sequence above described is by-passed. If the circuitry, upon withdrawal of a pi mat from photographing position, determines that the drum is already aligned with the desired pi mat storage location 6, the pi mat is immediately reinserted, Relays A & B will drop out immediately upon detection of coincidence between desired and actual location, AND-circuit 110 resets Flip Flop A and switch S-8 resets Flip Flop B.

The entire air cylinder 7 and spud 4 assembly is mounted on a pivot 13 (FIG. 8) so that the assembly can be flipped to the side for easy removal of the entire drum 3 and replacement by another drum containing further pi mats. A rubber O-ring 14 around the drum 3 contains the pi mats within their slots 6. A retractable shaft assembly 15 is firmly locked with the drum through pressure of spring 16. To remove the drum, after spud 4 is withdrawn and the air cylinder 7 flipped down out of the way, the finger plate or gripper 15a (FIG. 7) is pulled to the right to remove shaft 15 from drum 3. Also, a second plate 15b on shaft 15 bears against the shoulder 9e on detent shaft 9 to remove this shaft to facilitate removal of the drum.

Jack screws 17 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and other pictured adjustable mounting means are used to adjust the position of the pi mat in three dimensions for photographing position. In making such adjustments, the entire unit which is rigidly mounted on the base plate 18, is moved until the pi mat has been located in its focal plane and is properly aligned for side bearing and base line.

The operation of the apparatus will next be described with a more detailed consideration of the logic of FIG. 3 The logic is basically under the control of Comparators A and B, Flip Flops 99 and 101, and relays A and B. There are two modes of operation: automatic through tape control in the reader 1100, and manual through a 20 position manual selection switch 105 (FIG. 3). The mode of operation is selected by the setting of an auto-manual switch 107. In the automatic mode, a start signal from the decoder through the normal connection of switch 106 sets Flip Flop 99 by way of an inverter 108. Switch 107 is shown in the automatic mode.

When Flip Flop 99 is set, Relay A pulls in. This inhibits character selection by opening switch arm 135 to terminal 137 and withdraws the old pi mat from photographing position into the drum 3, by means of air cylinder 7.

When switch S-6 (FIGS. 3 and 8) indicates that the air piston has been fully retracted, Flip Flop 101 is set. When Flip Flop 101 is set, Relay B is energized. Relay B is slow to pull-in, as indicated by delay 109. After the contacts of Relay B have transferred, the drum 3 will be rotated by motor 10 through gear train 11 if the detent solenoid 8 and shutter solenoid 27 are energized, as indicated by switches S-9 and 8-10.

Capacitor 01 will be charged through resistor R-l to provide a signal to the leader insert relay (not shown) upon release of Relay B, the leader insert relay merely serving to position the prism 28a of FIG. 8.

Drum 3 will continue to rotate until comparator A detects coincidence between the drum position (from the twenty position selector switch 12 and the position code in the tape, FIGS. 7 and 4(a).

At coincidence, the output from comparator A is applied to AND-gate 110 through a double inverter 107 and 111. The other input to AND-gate 110 resets Flip Flop 99 resulting in the dropping out of Relay A. When Relay A is deenergized, drum rotation is stopped, tape is advanced, character selection is enabled, and the new pi mat is inserted into photographing position, providing that the detent 9 is fully seated and has closed switch S-ll. When the new pi mat is fully seated in the photographing position, switch 8-8 is operated, resetting Flip Flop 101 and releasing Relay B. When Relay B is de-energized, capacitor O1 is discharged to energize the leader insert relay. A feedback from the leader insert" relay returns the phototypesetting machine to its normal reading mode.

The substitute character (FIG. 4a) is read, decoded, and selected in the conventional manner. However, at the time of selection, the pi character is exposed and the character width code of the substitute character is picked up by photocells and used for character spacing.

The next code shown on the tape in FIG. 4a is a conventional leader insert" code which is used to deflect the prism 28a back up into normal operating position (inner or outer).

In the manual mode (FIG. 3) coincidence between the desired drum position and the actual drum position is sensed by comparator B by comparing the output of the manual twenty position selector switch 105 and the drum position switch 12. The manual search mode is initiated by momentary connection of the manual start switch 106 to the 6 v. line.

If the drum 3 is already in the desired position when the tape calls for an automatic pi insertion, the entire pi insertion cycle applies, except that the slow pull-in of Relay B prevents the staring of drum rotation before Relay A has dropped out.

A comparison of the conventional keyboarding method with the new procedure possible through the use of the API unit or modification shows a considerable reduction of keystrokes.

Another important advantage of the API approach is realized on the photo unit. The manual insertion of pi mats not only reduces the output speed, but also requires the constant presence of a monitor/operator.

Photo units equipped with an API unit can operate truly automatically thus freeing the monitor/operator for other duties while at the same time producing at a greater output rate.

The sample tapes 200 and 200' of FIGS. 4 and 4a show the codes for setting word by both methods. A character width of 21 units is assumed for purposes of explanation. Note that in the conventional method it is necessary to write a description of the desired mat onto the tape as instruction for the monitor/operator. In the API method a binary 4, for example, indicates storage location 4.

It should further be noted that in this example six separate spacing increments had to be used to obtain 21 units, whereas in the automatic method, the substitute character provides automatically the correct spacing.

What is claimed is:

1. Phototypesetting apparatus incorporating automatic pi insertion comprising in combination means for reading and decoding a tape coded in accordance with the address and character spacing of pi characters and regular characters; character selection means including character fonts and space codes; means for photographing onto an output medium selected characters from said fonts under control of the reading means; indexed storage means; a plurality of photographic pi mats stored in said indexed storage means; means for selecting an indexed pi mat under control of the reading means; means for orienting the photographing means to photograph the selected pi mat under control of the reading means; and means for spacing the selected pi mat on the output medium in accordance with the spacing of a predetermined substitute character selected from one of said fonts.

2. Phototypesetting apparatus incorporating automatic pi insertion comprising in combination a photographing station; character selection means for presenting selected characters to the photographing station for photographing onto an output medium; storage means for a plurality of pi symbols; means for selecting predetermined pi symbols from said storage means and presenting them to the photographing station for photographing onto said output medium; and means for spacing the selected pi symbols photographed onto the output medium, an amount corresponding to the spacing of a predetermined substitute character.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said storage means is indexed for containing and identifying a plurality of different pi symbols; and means for determining if the storage means is in the correct position to present a predetermined pi symbol to the photographing station.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 comprising further means for moving said storage means in the event said predetennined pi symbol is not in position to be presented to the photographing station;

5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising locating means effective to maintain the storage means in proper position for presentation of a predetennined pi symbol to the photographing station.

6. ln apparatus for printing on output media by sequentially photographing characters and pi characters selected by reading a prepared coded input tape, the combination comprising means for reading the tape and detecting instruction codes for the apparatus; photographing means including optic means for focusing at selected photographing positions; character font means movable to present selected characters to a first photographing position for photographing onto the output media; means responsive to the reading means and in particular to character selection codes read therefrom to position the character font means for the photographing of selected characters; means responsive to further instruction codes carried by the tape and read by the reading means for spacing the output media a predetermined amount in accordance with the character selected for photographing; automatic pi insertion means responsive to the means for reading the tape when reading automatic pi insertion instruction codes to control the spacing means, the photographing means including selecting the photographing position, and advancing of the tape at the reading means; said automatic pi insertion means comprising indexed means for storing pi character mats mounted in pi mat holders; said automatic pi insertion means further comprising means for selecting a pi mat whose indexing address is read from the tape and moving it to a second photographing position for photographing; and means responsive to the reading of a substitute character spacing code carried by the tape for the selected pi mat for controlling the spacing means.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for selecting and moving comprise means for determining if the indexed storing means is storing the selected pi mat in position to be inserted into the second photographing position; and means logically interconnected with said last mentioned means for positioning the storing means to locate the selected pi mat in position to be inserted into the second photographing position if it is not already in such position.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for selecting and moving comprise means for inhibiting the means to position the character font means and the photographing means for selection and photographing; means for moving the means for storing pi mats to position the selected pi mat called for by the tape in a position to be extended into the second photographing position by the moving means; and means for focusing the optic means on the second photographing position to photograph the selected pi mat onto the output media.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for selecting and moving comprise means for sensing coincidence between the code of the tape calling for a selected pi mat and the position of the indexing means for storing the pi rnats when the selected pi mat is in the second photographing position.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the indexed means for storing pi mats comprises a rotatable drum including indexed slots for the respective pi mat holders; and the means for selecting and moving comprises a motor for rotating the drum;

logic means for sensing when the drum has been rotated into position to place the selected tape coded pi mat in position for extension into the second photographing position; and solenoid means for extending the pi mat holder to dispose the selected pi mat in the second photographing position.

11. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the reading means comprises tape advancing means and wherein the automaticpi e insertion means comprises switching means responsive to reading means upon detection of an automatic pi insertion code to connect the photographing means, the spacing means, and the tape advancing means under control of the automatic pi insertion means. I

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the switching means comprises electrical connections from the reading means to the spacing means for supplying the code of a substitute character thereto for determining the spacing of the output medium for the selected pi character. 4 y

13. Automatic pi insertion apparatus for use in phototypographic apparatus which includes a tape reading station for detecting instruction codes for characters, spacing, tape advance, leader insert, and the like for controlling a photographic station for photographing characters from font matrixes onto an output medium with the character selection being under control of selecting means responsive to the reading station and the spacing'means for the output medium being under control of information read from the reading station; the combination comprising means effective at the photographing station to select between a first and a second photographing position; means for storing and'presenting to the second photographing position pi mats called for by the, reading station; means disabling the control of 'the phototypesetting apparatus from the reading station when an automatic pi insertion code is read; means for controlling the storing and presenting means in response to a positioning code read from the tape by the reading station to select the pi rnat called for by the tape and present it to the second photographing position; means responsive to the reading station when reading a substitute character code for controlling the spacing means to space the output medium; and means for rending ineffective the disabling means upon readinga further code to return control of the phototypographicappa'ratus to its reading station.

14. The automatic pi insertion apparatus of claim 13 wherein the means for storing and presenting pi mats to the second photographing position comprises logical determining means for comparing the address of a selected pi mat in the storing means with the code for the selected pi mat from the tape to determine if the pi mat called for by the tape in in posi- 1 tion for presentation to the second photographing position.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said means for storing and presenting pi mats comprises motor means for establishing relative movement between the storing means and the photographing means to present any of the stored pi mats to the second photographing position; and comparing means for sensing when the selected pi mat is in position for presentation to the photographing means to render the motor means ineffective for further relative motion.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising means for initiating movement of the tape following photographing of the selected pi mat and spacing of the output medium a distance corresponding to the substitute character spacing code read by the reading station and effective over the automatic pi insertion means for controlling the photographic spacing means to establish relative movement between the output medium and the photographing station.

* i i i i

Claims (16)

1. Phototypesetting apparatus incorporating automatic pi insertion comprising in combination means for reading and decoding a tape coded in accordance with the address and character spacing of pi characters and regular characters; character selection means including character fonts and space codes; means for photographing onto an output medium selected characters from said fonts under control of the reading means; indexed storage means; a plurality of photographic pi mats stored in said indexed storage means; means for selecting an indexed pi mat under control of the reading means; means for orienting the photographing means to photograph the selected pi mat under control of the reading means; and means for spacing the selected pi mat on the output medium in accordance with the spacing of a predetermined substitute character selected from one of said fonts.

2. Phototypesetting apparatus incorporating automatic pi insertion comprising in combination a photographing station; character selection means for presenting selected characters to the photographing station for photographing onto an output medium; storage means for a plurality of pi symbols; means for selecting predetermined pi symbols from said storage means and presenting them to the photographing station for photographing onto said output medium; and means for spacing the selected pi symbols photographed onto the output medium, an amount corresponding to the spacing of a predetermined substitute character.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said storage means is indexed for containing and identifying a plurality of different pi symbols; and means for determining if the storage means is in the correct position to present a predetermined pi symbol to the photographing station.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 comprising further means for moving said storage means in the event said predetermined pi symbol is not in position to be presented to the photographing station.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising locating means effective to maintain the storage means in proper position for presentation of a predetermined pi symbol to the photographing station.

6. In apparatus for printing on output media by sequentially photographing characters and pi characters selected by reading a prepared coded input tape, the combination comprising means for reading the tape and detecting instruction codes for the apparatus; photographing means including optic means for focusing at selected photographing positions; character font means movable to present selected characters to a first photographing position for photographing onto the output media; means responsive to the reading means and in particular to character selection codes read therefrom to position the character font means for the photographing of selected characters; means responsive to furthEr instruction codes carried by the tape and read by the reading means for spacing the output media a predetermined amount in accordance with the character selected for photographing; automatic pi insertion means responsive to the means for reading the tape when reading automatic pi insertion instruction codes to control the spacing means, the photographing means including selecting the photographing position, and advancing of the tape at the reading means; said automatic pi insertion means comprising indexed means for storing pi character mats mounted in pi mat holders; said automatic pi insertion means further comprising means for selecting a pi mat whose indexing address is read from the tape and moving it to a second photographing position for photographing; and means responsive to the reading of a substitute character spacing code carried by the tape for the selected pi mat for controlling the spacing means.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for selecting and moving comprise means for determining if the indexed storing means is storing the selected pi mat in position to be inserted into the second photographing position; and means logically interconnected with said last mentioned means for positioning the storing means to locate the selected pi mat in position to be inserted into the second photographing position if it is not already in such position.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for selecting and moving comprise means for inhibiting the means to position the character font means and the photographing means for selection and photographing; means for moving the means for storing pi mats to position the selected pi mat called for by the tape in a position to be extended into the second photographing position by the moving means; and means for focusing the optic means on the second photographing position to photograph the selected pi mat onto the output media.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for selecting and moving comprise means for sensing coincidence between the code of the tape calling for a selected pi mat and the position of the indexing means for storing the pi mats when the selected pi mat is in the second photographing position.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the indexed means for storing pi mats comprises a rotatable drum including indexed slots for the respective pi mat holders; and the means for selecting and moving comprises a motor for rotating the drum; logic means for sensing when the drum has been rotated into position to place the selected tape coded pi mat in position for extension into the second photographing position; and solenoid means for extending the pi mat holder to dispose the selected pi mat in the second photographing position.

11. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the reading means comprises tape advancing means and wherein the automatic pi insertion means comprises switching means responsive to the reading means upon detection of an automatic pi insertion code to connect the photographing means, the spacing means, and the tape advancing means under control of the automatic pi insertion means.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the switching means comprises electrical connections from the reading means to the spacing means for supplying the code of a substitute character thereto for determining the spacing of the output medium for the selected pi character.

13. Automatic pi insertion apparatus for use in phototypographic apparatus which includes a tape reading station for detecting instruction codes for characters, spacing, tape advance, leader insert, and the like for controlling a photographic station for photographing characters from font matrixes onto an output medium with the character selection being under control of selecting means responsive to the reading station and the spacing means for the output medium being under control of information read from the reading station; the combination comprising means effective at the photographing station to select between a first aNd a second photographing position; means for storing and presenting to the second photographing position pi mats called for by the reading station; means disabling the control of the phototypesetting apparatus from the reading station when an automatic pi insertion code is read; means for controlling the storing and presenting means in response to a positioning code read from the tape by the reading station to select the pi mat called for by the tape and present it to the second photographing position; means responsive to the reading station when reading a substitute character code for controlling the spacing means to space the output medium; and means for rending ineffective the disabling means upon reading a further code to return control of the phototypographic apparatus to its reading station.

14. The automatic pi insertion apparatus of claim 13 wherein the means for storing and presenting pi mats to the second photographing position comprises logical determining means for comparing the address of a selected pi mat in the storing means with the code for the selected pi mat from the tape to determine if the pi mat called for by the tape is in position for presentation to the second photographing position.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said means for storing and presenting pi mats comprises motor means for establishing relative movement between the storing means and the photographing means to present any of the stored pi mats to the second photographing position; and comparing means for sensing when the selected pi mat is in position for presentation to the photographing means to render the motor means ineffective for further relative motion.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising means for initiating movement of the tape following photographing of the selected pi mat and spacing of the output medium a distance corresponding to the substitute character spacing code read by the reading station and effective over the automatic pi insertion means for controlling the photographic spacing means to establish relative movement between the output medium and the photographing station.

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