US565484A - Linotype-machine - Google Patents

Description

3 Sheets-Sheet l.

(No Model.)

'0; MBRGBNTHA-LER.

LINOTYPE MACHINE.

`No. 565,484. Patented Aug. 11 1896.

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(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2. 0; MBRGENTBALER. LINOTYPE MACHINE.

No. 565,484. 4Patented Aug. 1l, 1896.

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LINOTYPB MACHINE.

No. 5655484. Patented Aug. 11, 1896.

WIZJVESSES UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

OTTMAR MERGENTHALER, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO THE MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, OF NEV JERSEY.

LlNOTYPE-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 565,484, dated August 11, 1896. Application filed February 24, 1893. Serial No. 463,585. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom, t muy concern;

Be it known that I, OTTMAR MERGENTHA- LER, of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented a new and useful ImprovementV in Linotype-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to means for justifying or spacing out to a predetermined length lines of type-matrices or type, and is 1o intended more particularly for use in connection with the so-called linotype-machines of the character of the type represented in Letters Patent of the United States issued to me 011 the 13th day of July, 1836, No. 345,526,

and September 16, 1890, Nos. 436,531 and In carrying the present invention into effect I introduce into the composed line of matrices, at the points Where spaces are to occur, that is to say, between characters at the beginning and end of words, compound expansible spaces. These spaces, when introduced into the line, are adj usted to their minimum width or thickness. After the completion of the composition, and in order to increase the thickness of the spaces in the line, I advance into the line between, or in connection with the thin ends of the compound spaces, one or more secondary spaces or slides forming parts of the compound spaces, thus spreading,expanding, or increasing the thickness of the active portion of the compound space. The compound space consists of a series of thin `flat spaces or slides connected to an elongated body or primary space in such manner that they may be moved longitudinally in relation to each other and to thebody, so that after the end of the body or compound space is inserted within the line its thickness may be increased, as above indicated, by advancing one or more of the slides or secondary spaces along or within the body and into the line. It will be perceived that justification is thus effected by introducing additional thin spaces 4 5` into the line, in addition to the primary space,

until the line, as a whole, is extended t'o the required length. In connection with a series of the compound spaces, the matrices or type, and suitable means for sustaining the spaces and matrices in line, I employ automatic mechanism for advancing the slides or secondary spaces successively into the line,

as may be required. The mechanism for advancing the secondary spaces may be variously constructed, as will appear to the skilled mechanic after consideration of this specification and the accompanying drawings, Within the range of mechanical skill, and without departing from the limits of my invention.

As my justifying mechanism may be used in machines variously constructed in other respects, and as the present invention relates exclusively to the means for effecting justification, I have limited my drawings thereto.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section of my mechanism on the line 1 1. Fig. 2 is a section of the same on the line 2 2; Fig. 3, a plan view of the parts, looking down- 7o Ward from the line 3 3 of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig.

4 is a top plan view of a compound space with the spring or side plate 127 detached. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the main portion of the same with the slides or secondary spaces removable. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the matrices. Figs. 7 ,7 ,and 3 are respectively a cross-section, an enlarged detail view, and

a longitudinal section, of a portion of a mechanism ina modified or alternative form. Fig. 8o 9 is a perspective view of one of the compound spaces complete. Fig. 10 is a vertical crosssection of the same.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, AArepresent a series of type-matrices which are to be assembled in line and j ustiiied. In the form shown they consist of flat metal plates provided with supporting shoulders a and with a matrix CL in one edge, these matrices being the same as those described in 9o my patent before referred to. It is to be understood, however, that the matrices or typethe Word type being used in ageneric sense to include both male and female charactersmay be modified in form and sustained in any suitable manner.

B represents my compound space or spacebars, each consisting of an elongated bar or plate Z), provided at its upper end with sustaining-shoulders b', and onone side, midway roo of its length or thereabout, with a vertical sleeve or guide b2, secured thereto and containing a series of secondary spaces or slides Z13, b4, and b5, adapted to slide vertically in relation to each other and to the main space or body. These secondary spaces or slides are of equal, or substantially equal length, but are all shorter than the body or bar b. Each of the secondary spaces or slides is provided with lateral shoulders or projections h6, which rest on top of the sleeve b2, thus sustaining the slides with their upper ends a considerable distance below the upper end of the body b. This admits of the upper end of the body or bar being inserted into the composed line or matrix as a primary space, while all the secondary spaces or sections remain below the line and out of action. A spring plate or spring 127, attached to the sleeve b2, and forming part of the body of the compound space, is bent inward and upward above the slides or secondary spaces and seated against the face of the bar or body b, so that it is introduced into the line therewith, the upper end of the body being thus composed of two thicknesses,so that when the slides are pushed upward into the line they pass between the upper ends of the members b and bl, spreading them apart and thus increasing the thickness of the compound space within the line. The slide b3, lying next the body-bar b, is of less width than the bar, the second slide h4 of less width than b3, and so on successively throughout the series, and this in order that the lifting devices presently to be explained may distinguish between the secondary spaces or slides, and lift them one at a time. It will be perceived that the members b and 197 and the intermediate slides or secondary spaces constitute, jointly, an expansible space, the upper end of which may be introduced into the line and there increased in thickness to a greater or less extent by lifting one or more of the slides into an operative position between the outer members.

Passing now to the mechanism for supporting and operatin g the matrices and compound spaces, C represents a horizontal guide or support vertically slotted to admit the assembled line of matrices from one side and adapted by the groove c5 to engage the shoulder b at the upper ends of the compound spaces and retain them in line horizontally, the matrices and space-bars standing vertically side by side, as shown in Figs. l and 2.

The entire line of matrices and compound spaces may be moved horizontally through the guide from right to left, either by hand or by shifting the arms E E', which are mount.

ed on slides @and move horizontally, and connected with each other by a rod e, or otherwise, to limit their separation and thus adapt them to limit the extension or elongation of the line during the justifying operation. The two arms E E' are connected, as shown, by a spiral sp1-in g, which tends to draw them together and thus applies an edgewise pressure to the line, and this in order to hold the matrices and spaces in orderly position and to prevent the secondary spaces or slides from falling out of their adjusted positions.

In assembling the line, the upper end ofV the compound space, that is to say, the upper ends of the members b and t7, are alone inserted between the matrices, while the secondary spaces or slides remain, as shown on the right hand in Fig. l, wholly below the matrices, and, for the time being, inactive.

Below the guide C is mounted a series of vertically-reciproeating pushers or slides D, D, and D2, intended to act successively on respective secondary slides oi' the compound spaces in order to force them upward, one after another, into the line within the upper end of the compound space, thus increasing the width or thickness of the space in the line.

The pushers D D are connected by horizontal pivots CZ to the upper ends of two slides CZ, vertically guided by slots in the framework and connected by links d2 to the opposite ends of a lever cl3, carried by a central horizontal axis d, and connected through a spring-arm d5 and a pitman d6 to a crank (P7, whereby the lever isconstantly vibrated, so as to thrust pushers D and D upward alternately.

rlhe pushers proper are held normally in upright positions by springs C27, riveted to the slots and bearing against the lower ends `ot the pushers, the upper ends of which are permitted by the springs to yield laterally toward the left when required, in order to follow the lateral movements of the compound spaces. As shown, the pushers are each provided with a projection below its supportingpivot, against which the spring acts to hold the pusher normally to the upright position. The pusher D2, located at the extreme left, is connected in like manner by a pivot and spring to a reciprocating vertical slide d", operated through an intermediate link from a lever d10, which is urged upward by a spring du and depressed at regular intervals by a con stantly-rotatin g eccentric CX12. The mechanism for reciprocating the pushers is of a secondary importance and may be replaced by any other different devices which will impart motion thereto. The pushers are each slotted transversely through the upper end from side to side, or, in other words, made ot U shape at the Aupper end, their slots or openings being of different widths, corresponding to the variations in the width of the secondary spaces or slides previously referred to. The iirst pusher D has its opening of such width that it will engage beneath and lift only the first and widest slide b3, and in so doing straddle the remaining sections without etfeet upon them. The second pusher D has its opening of less width than the iirst and is adapted to push upward the second slide b, together with the slide b3, if the latter should chance, before being elevated, to come within its reach. The third pusher D2,

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having a still narrower opening, is adapted to push upward the slide b5, as well as those which are wider.

To prevent the compound spaces from swaying edgewise out of position, their lower ends are preferably'notchedto ride-upon the upper edge of a xed horizontal guide'f as` the:

line is being shift-ed to the left.

The operation in justifying is. as follows: The assembled line of matrices and in-termediate compound spaces is introduced horizontally into the guide C and between the confining-arms E E. ABy means of any suitable motor the pushers D D', &c., are constantly reciprocated. As the line, advances the compound spaces are brought in succession over the ends of the successive pushers. Ars each compound spacefpasses over the first.

pusher D it acts upon the first slide or secyin the form shown in Figs. l and 2, they-may ondary space d3, urging the same upward, and if there is a space remaining in the line to be filled the section b3 is forced into the line between the upper ends of the members b and 67. It will be observed that thepad'ditional space in entering a line does` not slide against or bear directly on the adjacent matrices. On the contrary, it bears against the members b and 67, which remain at rest against thematrices. As the compound space continues its advance to the left with the shift.- in g lineit is brought, in time, over the pusher D, which in its-turn acts upon the second slide b4, crowding it upward into the line if' there is sufficient space to receive it. In due time the compound space is finally brought over to the third pusher D2, which, in its turn, pushes the slide or secondary space h5 upward into the line. Each of the compound spaces has its slides operated on in like mannerby being thus added to the line, provided it has not reached the predetermined length. Whenthe three pushers in succession, three spaces ever the line reaches the proper limitv of length, (determined by the arms E E,) it is impossible to introduce additional` spaces, and the resistance offered to the rising movement of the slides or secondary spaces causes them to remain at rest, the springs through which the pushers are driven yielding at such time and allowing their driving devices to continue their action. In order that the length of movement of the last pusher Di may be shortened, l propose to provide the guide C on each side with a stationary cam or incline c2, in proper position to underride and engage the shoulders b5 of the slide or secondary spaces after they have been partlyl lifted by the pusher D2. to the left, the slides riding upward along the stationary incline are pushed upward thereby to their final operative positions in the line.

Itwill, of course, be understood that the inclines act only on the shoulders of those secondary spaces which have already been lifted by the pushers sufliciently to carry their shoulders over the lower end of the incline. 'lhe shoulders of these slides or secondary As the line is carried further Espaces which have not beenpreviously lifted 4will' pass beneath theincline c2 and be unaffected. thereby. 4

Whenthe guidezCis provided with; a groove 0', as shown in Fig. 8, an opening siinilartol theopeni-ng c4 is left immediatelyY above the camscz, so as topermit the elevation cti the shoulders h6 and their engagement with the `said groove, as the carrier E E" continues to V abled to effect; a perfect and automatic justiiication of the; line without reference to thev number or thewidth of the spaces required to effect such justification.

Instead of constructing thel forkedpushers beA made, asv shown in Figs.. 7 and` 8, each with ytwo pivot-ed pawls @Z13 at, the upper endto close inward edgewise beneath the shoulders of thesecondary spacesr or slides and force them upward. This construction isV in some cases advantageous, in thatthelifting strain vacross theirr shoulders, as shown in Fig; 7,

so tha-t the; widest slide will be lifted by the -iirst pusher, the next by the second, and so on repeatedly. It will be; understood, of course, that the play of' pawls. Z13 on the pusher D` will be such that. they will engage only with the slides;y having the widest shoulders, those on the pusher- D" to engage: the next widest, and so on through the series, in manner-similar to the arrangement of transverse. slots in the form of pushers rst, described..

The guide C may be provided, asshown in Fig. 8, with longitudinal groovesc?, having a bottom opening c4 directly over the pushers, so that when the slides are lifted their shoulders will enter the groove and ride forward therein., the slides, being thusy prevented from falling accidentally out of the positions to which they are lifted.. This; is not, however, a necessary feature of the invention, as the friction between theslides and the outer members of the compoundspace iseasily sufficient to insure the same purpose.

The machine in which my spaces are used will be provided with suitable means for depressing the secondaryl or supplemental spaces to their original position after the device has performed its function; but as this constitutes no part of theI present invention itA isdeemed unnecessary to describe itherein.

As regards the construction o-f my compound space, the only essential requirement is that it shall consist of a plurality of spaces,

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slides, or sections having parallel sides and arranged to slide endwise in relation to each other, so that additional spaces may be introduced in connection with those already in the line.

The relative form, size, and construction of the sliding connections and other details areof secondary importance and susceptible of modification.

I do not claim here the form of justifying mechanism represented in my application for Letters Patent, Serial No. 327,079.

I do not claim herein, broadly, mechanism for advancing a series of stepped spaces into a line successively; nor do I claim, broadly, two or more pusher-fingers acting successively to advance spaces into a line, these matters forming the subject of my earlier application, Serial No. 327,079.

I do not claim, broadly, herein mechanism for advancing spaces by yielding pressure, and a movable pusher for positively advancing them to a predetermined position.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim isl. A compound space-bar consisting of a plurality of sections or spaces, each having parallel sides and connected to slide endwise in relation to each other.

2. The compound space-bar consisting of a main or body portion provided with suspending shoulders and one or more secondary spaces each having parallel sides and united thereto by a sliding connection, whereby the main space suspended in the line is enabled to maintain the secondary spaces in position for insertion into the line.

3. A compound space-bar consisting of a plurality of sections or spaces, of different lengths, each having parallel sides and connected to slide endwise in relation to each other.

4. A compound space-bar consisting of a bar provided with suspending shoulders and with a sleeve on one side, in combination with one or more secondary bars provided with supporting-shoulders and mounted to slide through the sleeve.

- 5. The compound space-bar consisting of spaces or sections diifering in width and length, and connected to slide endwise in relation to 4each other.

6. In combination with the body l), and the independently-sliding secondary spaces connected thereto, the spring 127 acting to hold the series of secondary spaces against accidental motion.

7. In combination with a guide to sustain a line of matrices and space-bars, the matrices, the space-bars each consisting of sections diiiering in width and connected to slide endwise in relation to each other, and a series of pushers, substantially as described, arranged to act upon the respective sections of the space-bars as the bars are advanced laterally with the line of matrices through the guides; whereby the several sections of each bar are carried successively into the line to increase the Width of the spaces therein.

S. In combination with a suitable guide or support for the matrices and space-bars, the space-bars each consisting of sliding sections differing in width, and a series of pushers arranged in the path of the space-bars and provided respectively with openings differing in Width; whereby the successive sections of the space-bars are advanced into the line as the bars are presented to the successive pushers.

9. In a combination with a sectional spaccbar and a support for the matrices and spacebars, a pusher to start a space-bar section into the line of matrices, and stationary cams or inclines as c2, to continue the movement of the space-section into the line as the latter is shifted laterally.

10. In combination with a guide for the matrices and space-bars, the space-bars each provided with suspending shoulders and a notch in the lower end and the horizontal guide f, to enter said notch; whereby the bars are prevented from swaying edgewise.

1l. The combination of a guide or support C, a line of matrices therein, space-bars consisting of sections having parallel faces and movable longitudinally with respect to each other, substantially as described, seated by one end within the line, coniining devices as the arms E E to limit the length of the line, and means to insert the sections of the successive bars into the line one after another.

l2. In combination with a guide or support C, to sustain a line of matrices, a space-bar consisting' of a body b, of uniform thickness inserted at one end in the line and engaging the guide to prevent end motion, and a secondary space b3, with parallel sides having a sliding connection to the body ZJ, whereby lit is adapted to be thrust into the line at the side of the body.

13. In combination with the guide C, having longitudinal grooves c3 and c5, the spacebar consisting of the main portion b, having shoulders to enter the grooves c5, and a sliding section attached to the member Z2, and provided with shoulders to enter the groove c3.

MQA space-bar presenting two external members Fin combination with one or more movable spaces or sections, having parallel outer sides and adapted to be advanced between the outer members to effect their separation, whereby the outer surfaces are maintained in parallel lines, and the space caused to present a solid face, adapting it to close the face of a mold.

15. In a justifying mechanism and in combination with means for entering spaces into the line, stationary means for forcing the partly-entered spaces positively and fully home t0 their places in the line.

. 1G. In a justifying mechanism, the combi- IOO IIO

nation of e. line of matrices, mechanism for entering spaces into the said line, mechanism for shifting the line with its contained spaces endwise and mechanism acting on the spaces during such shifting movement to force them fully home so their places in the line.

In testimonywhereof I hereunto set my hand, this 14th dayof February, 1893, in the presence of two attesting Witnesses.

OTT. MERGENTHALER.

Vitnesses:

PH. H. HOFFMAN, THos. P. ELLIOTT.

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