US1362860A - Composing and typecasting machine - Google Patents

Description

w1. FRENCH AND M. E. MILLER. COMPOSING AND IYPECASTING MACHINE.

` APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, |919. I 1,362,860, Patented Deo. 21,1920.

M. FRENCH AND M. E. MILLER.

lCOMPOSING AND TYPECASTING MACHINE.

APPElcATIoN man MAY 29 1919.

1,362,860, Patented 1 e@.: .1,1920.V

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

M. FRENCH AND M. E. MILLER.

' coMPosING AND TYPECASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29. i919.

1,362,860, Patented Dec. 21,1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3,

o .1. /1/ a MW M115 103 MURE/IS FRENCH,

OF VJACG, TEXAS, 2ND liGNF-JE E. MLLER., F WASHINGTON,

DISTRICT 0F CQLUMBIA.

GOVIPOSNG ANB TYPECASTING MACHNE.

incasso.

Application filed May 29, 1919.

To @ZZ whom t may concern p Be it known that we, Mounts FRENCH and Moulton E. Minnen, citizens of the United States, and residents, espectively, of Waco in the county of McLennan and State oi Texas, and lVashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful improvements in Composing,` and Typecasting Machines, oi which the following is a Specification.

l1 he present invention relates to such machines as the linotype and similar composing and typcoastline` machines, and it is the primary object ot' the invention to provide a machine of that general character which is more compact and simple than those now in commercial luse which are bulky and cumbersome.

The invention has for its object the provision of a composing machine utilizing the ,general principles of the linotype and similar machines, but having,` a different and revised arrangement and combination of the component elements, whereby te accomplish the saine results with a machine, the organization of which involves a more simple construction, that can be built on a small scale or in a more compact manner than hereto- :torc done; thereby not only simplifying the construction and reducing the cost oit manufacture, but also reducing the construction to a size so that the machine can be handled much lilre the ordinary typewriter that is, the present machine will occupy very little space, can be readily moved from place to place, can be readily attended to, and will be lrenorally enhanced in utility and commerci al exploitation.

rlhe improvements reside in the rearrangement oit the magazine i'or the matrices or other character elements. iior sake of coiniiactnoss, and novel means ior collecting` and assembling the character elements, after they are selectively removed from the magazine by the manual operation of the lreys, for the work to be done; and novel means for returning' the character elements to the magazine whereby they are properly distributed and returned i'or repeated use. The machine, although illustrated and described heroin asloeinpfor the purpose of casting; lines of type or linotype slugs, can be used for other purposes by the selection and assemblage or' the elements, which may hematrices for molding' type. and the like, or type for printing, per'forating, or impressing` Specification of Letters Eatent.

llatented Dee. 21, 1920.

serial No. son 75e.

characters. In other Words, the character elements may be of different :tunctionary constructions1 such as matrices, types, or the like, and after they are selected, delivered and assembled, either in individual or collective groups, they can be used for the desired worlr to be done, either the molding of type or other objects, the printing, perforating, impressing of type or characters on or in objects, or other similar work according to how the machine is equipped for duty.

The invention also has for its object to improve the machine in various ways to accomplish the desired results in a satisfactory manner, as will be more fully understood as the description proceeds, it being` understood that changes can be made within the scope of what is claimed, in adapting` the machine to various conditions and requirements, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

rllhe invention is ill strated in one embodiment in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure l is an elevation of the machine, portions being broken away and shown in section to bring out the details.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken on about the line 2--2 or Fig. l, portions being broken away.

B illustrates some oit' the matrices or character elements and the respective plunl`gers for returning them into the magazine. and assisting in an understanding of how the elements are selectively distributed and returned.

Fin'. l is a detail view of the plunger member for pushing the character elements baclr into the magazine.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the pneumatic controlling' and operating' mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a sectional detail of one of the key-operated valves.

7 is a detail view of the magazine at the delivery end.

8 is a detail view shmvinfr` the elevator and other parts of the returning` mechanism.

Fin'. 9 is a sectional detail of the holder for the assembled character elements, and mold.

Fig. l0 is a plan view of the magazine receptacle or chamber for the space bands.

A suitable frame ll. is provided to support the parts of the machine, and it is not fully shown as it is unimportant per se, and in carrying out the invention, the magazine 12 is of annular form with its aXis disposed substantially horizontal. rllhis magazine is provided with concentric inner and outerarcuate series or receptacles or chambers 18 disposed substantially horizontal, and in which the `matrices or character ele ments 14 are disposed-side by side in packs. Each row of elements 14 have similar characters, and although said elements are shown with cavities or recesses providing matrices, said elements may be types or have other distinguishing characters for the work to be done. As shown, each of the character elements is double, that is, it provides for `two characters, such as for light and black face type or other differences in the type,

Y in order that when' a group of elements are assembled, the same combination of char-V ac ters can be used for different styles of type or printing.

The magazine receptacles 13 are provided with longitudinal guides 14 and the edges of the elements 14 are formed to slidably cngage said guides so that said elements are properly held inthe magazine. .annular plates or rings 15 are secured to the magazine at the delivery side and extend across the delivery ends ofthe inner and outer receptacles 13, and said plates form stops against which the foremost elements 14 bear. rEhe guides 14 of the respective receptacles terminate slightly short of the plates 15, as seen in F ig. 7, according'to the thicknesses of the corresponding elements, in order thaty the foremost elements can be moved laterally ofthe receptacles out of the forward ends thereof, as the various ele ments are selected during the composing of the work. Between the plates 15 and the forward ends of the receptacles 13, magazine 12 has an annular channel 16 for ceiving the character elements as tney are dislodged or ejected from the receptacles 13.

rlhe means for ejecting or dislodgii'lg the character elements from their magazine receptacles is depicted as being operated pneumatically, but can be operated in different ways. Such means includes inner and outer arcuate series of radial cylinders 17, in which pistons or plungers 18 .are movable, and each piston has astem 19 adapted to be moved and projected through the forward end of the corresponding receptacle 13 in order to eject the foremost element 14, the pistons 18 and their ector stems being normally retracted by springs or other means. rlubes or conduits 20 are connected. to the ends of the cylinders 17 farthest away from the receptacles 13 for admitting air under pres sure for moving the pistons, and the flow of air to the pistons is controlled selectively, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

In order to advance the character elements 1 ,scacco in their maga-zine receptacles as said elements are ejected therefrom, slides or followers 22 are movable in guides 21 at the l inner and outer peripheries of the magazine, and spring pressed fingers 23 are pivoted to the followers 22 to extend into the respective receptacles 13 and bear against the rearmost elements 14, said lingers 23 being capable of swinging forwardly relatively to the followers 22 but being limited yin their rearward swinging movement to compel the elements 14 to be advanced by said followers. Springs 24 or other means are pro vided for advancing the followers 22 individually.

inner and outer devices are provided for returning the inner and outer sets of `followers rearwardly at intervals, so to take up or engage such character elements as have been returned back into the receptacles 13 at their rear ends, and move them forwardly. rlhese devices include arcuatefmembers 25 slidable along the inner and outer guides 21 in front of the followers 22 and normally moved forwardly out of the way by springs or other means. These members 25 are moved rearwardly by means of cylinders 2G in which pistons 2.7 are movable. and wheels 28 carried by the pistons 27 worlr within the loops of chains or iiexible elements 29 each anchored at one end and having its other end attached tothe corresponding member 25. Tubes or conduits 30 are connected to the cylinders 26 for supplyingV pressure fluid thereto `to move the pistons 27 rearwardly, and through themedium of the flexible elements 29, move the members 25 rearwardly, so that all of the followers 22 are returned rearwardly, and will be released as soon as the pressure fluid is exhausted and the members 25,1nove back to normal position by their springs.

rlhe means for collecting and assembling the selected character elements which have been ejected from the magazine includes a collecting wheel 31 having its rim opposite to the channel 16,and said wheel is carried by a shaft 32 journaled centrally of the magazine. This shaft 32 is rotated constantly during the operation of the machine, and power can Vbe supplied from a motor or other prime mover to said shaft by means of a pulley wheel 32'., orthe like, on said shaft. Movable with lthe wheel 31 is means for receiving the ejected character elements and gripping them so as to be carried with the wheel and quickly and smoothly collected for assembly. Thus, an annular series gripping block 38 Vmoves within the mouth of the channel 16, and said blocks have stems 34 slidable inthe rim of the wheel 31, and said blocks are yieldably moved toward said channel by springs 35. Complementing the gripping blocks 33 and forming a part of the means for receiving and gripping the character elements, is a ring 36 rotatable within the channel 16 so that said ring and block confront one another, their outer and inner edges being beveled so that the elements 14 can be readily forced therebetween. The ring 36 is freely rotatable, and if desired, anti-frictional means 37 can be provided between said ring and the magazine, so that when the pressure of the blocks 33 or character elements is imposed against the ring 36', said ring will rotate with the wheel 31. rlhe ring 36 and gripping blocks are so arranged within the channels 16 that the elements 14 in being ejected from their receptacles will be forced between said ring and blocks, and said blocks can yield to accommodate the elements and to also press them against the ring 36. ln this way, the ejected elements are received by the collecting means and gripped to rotate with the wheel 31 so as to be quickly and smoothly carried for assembly.

ln order to eject the character elements from the collecting means, which rotates in a vertical plane or about a substantially horizontal axis across the delivery ends` of the magazine receptacles, a cam 38, which may be carried by the inner plate 15, projects between the ring 3G and blocks 33 and is preferably located at the lowermost point of the collecting means so that the ejected elements 14 will drop Awhen released. The cam 38 will gradually force the elements 14 out of the gripping means movable with the wheel 31 as said elements are carried with the wheel to the cam 33 (the wheel 31 rotating clockwise as seen in Fig. 1). From the cam 38, the elements 14 drop down the chute 39 one by one, and the assembling means includes a guide 40 at the lower end of the chute 39 into which elements 14 drop to be moved rearwardly.

i separate magazine or receptacle, including guides 41 is provided for the space bands 42, preferably below the main magazine 12 in rear of the chute 39. The space bands 42 are similar to those now used in linotype machines, and have elements similar'to elements 14 to slide within the guides 41' and other guides of the machine, and wedges slidable to increase the spaces between the elements 14. A follower 44 is provided for advancing the space bands 42 in the guides 41, and has a linger 45 similar to thc lingers 23 projecting between the guides 41 and swingable forwardly but not rearwardly from normal position and being returned to normal position by a suitable spring, said linger being pivoted to the follower 44. A spring moves the follower or slide 44 forwardly, and said follower is returned rearwardly with the followers 22 by the outer member 25 when it is moved rearwardly.

The space bands 42 are ejected from their magazine by means similar to those used with the elements 14, the space bands ejecting means including the cylinder 46 above the forward end of the guides 41 and having a piston 4T working therein with a plunger projecting therefrom to move across the forward end of the magazine for the space bands, and eject 'the foremost space band downwardly into the chute 49 behind the chute 39. rEhe ejected space band will therefore drop into the guide 40, the chute 49 being slotted at opposite sides to permit the wedges of the space bands to project out, as seen in Fig. 1.

A cam 51 is provided at one side of the space band magazine for pushing the wedges of the space bands to normalposition as the space bands are advanced in their magazine, reference being had particularly to Fig. 10 showing the construction and operation of said cam. rllhe space bands are thus restored to normal position before they are again used. Y

from the guide 40, the elements 14 and space bands are collected in a holder 52, which is shown in a horizontal position below the magazine 12, said holder 52 being` of channel shape and grooved to receive the elements 14 and space bands 42 for sliding movement from the guide 40 with said elements depending from the holder and their active portions lowermost. This holder is movable or shiftable vertically will hereinafter more fully appear. The means for moving the elements 14 and space bands into and out of the holder or collector 5;. includes a plunger 53 of a L i 54 movable in a cylinder 55, and spring normally moves the piston 54 and plunger 53 rearwardly int-o the guide 4.0, and 1 tube or conduit 60 is connected to the cylinder so that when pressure fluid is supplied into said cylinder the piston 54 and plunger 53 are moved forwardly or retracted out of the guide 40. rfhe operation is such. as will hereinafter more fully appear, that when pressure fluid supplied eject one of the elements 14 or one of the space bands pressure iluid is also .supplied to retract the plunger 53 permitting` said elementsor space band to drop into the guide 40, and when the pressure fluid i shut and allowed to exhaust the plunger 53 will he moved rearwardly by its spring, thu-s forcing the element 14 or space band into the holder 52. rllhe elements and space bands are thus moved in succession into the holder 52 in which they are collected in the proper order according to the selective operation of the keys controlling the machine.

Stn ejector plunger 5'? is slidable in the guide 40 under the controlling plunger 53, and is connected to the piston 53 movable in the cylinder 5D which is supplied in the y wardly by gravit proper time with pressure iuid trom its tube or conduit 61 to move the plunger 57 rearwardly, said plunger being returned torwardly out of the way by a suitable spring. The plunger 53 has only sutlicient movement to withdraw from under the chutes, when the elements 14 or space bands drop into the guide 10, and. to shove said elements into the forward ends of the holder 52, pushing the other elements ahead.

The plunger 57, however, has a greater movement so that when it is moved rearwardly, it will push all of the elements from the holder 52 into a guide 56 to receive the elements and space bands theretrom. The plunger 57 is operable tor dislharging the elements from the holder after Vthe casting or the other worlz is done. The

rear end or" the guide 56 extends downwardly in an inclined position, so that the elements 14 and space bands which are movervk into said guide, will slide downto the rea-r discharge or delivery end of the guide 56 to the returning. means which will be described presently.

The device for returning the elements 14@ and space bands l2 back into their magazines embodies a vertical guide 62 having its lower end opposite to the delivery end ot the guide 56 so that the elements 14 press against the guide 62, and a seat 63 is provided below the guide 56 tor supporting the elements 1e where they leave said guide. le main elevator 64 is slidable along the guide 62 which is slotted tor the movement of the elevator therein, and said elevator lifts one oi"- the elements 1LT or space bands each time it moves upwardly, past the end ot the guide 56. spring 65 holds said elements and space bands against the guide 62 while being raised.

A distrbuting wheel 66 rota-tes in rear ot the magazine 12 across the rear ends ol. the receptacles tor the elements 14 and has a fiat rim provided with outer and inner annular rows of openings 68 into which the elements 1d are moved from the elevating means, and the wheel 66 is rotated step by step to bring the openings 66 into successive register with the receptacles 15..

The hub oi the wheel 66 is rotatable upon a tubular support 67 which also serves as a hearing 'liorthe shaft 32. I

The elevator 64 raises the elements .1liand spacek bands to a position immediately in rear ot the guides 11 for the space bands, and the guide 62 has a dog or catch 69 at this point which engages'and supports saidclements and space bands so that when the elevator 6a moves downwardly, the element or space band will not drop therewith but will Vbe supported in rear with the space band magazine. secondary elevator 70 is slidable vertically along the guide 62 above the main elevator 64, and has a vertical series of dogs or catches 71, and the guide 62 has other dogs or catches 69 at vertically spaced points tor supporting the elements 141 as they are raised to positions behind the openings 68 of the distributing wheel 66. rThe elevator 70 is reciprocated up and down so as to raise the elements 14 step by step from the lowermost dog 69. Thus, an element 14 supported by the lower dog 69 will be raised by the lowered dog 71 when the elevator 70 ymoves upwardly, and an element 14 supported by the intermediate dog 69 will be raised by the upper dog 71 ot the elevator 70.V Thus, as the elevator 70 reciprocates, its dogs 71 will raise the elements 14- step by step from one dog 69 to the other.

The reeiprocatory motion of the elevator 7 O is used for transmittingstep by step rotary movement to the wheel 66, and for this purpose, a pawl 72 is carried by elevator 7 0 and engages ratchet teeth 73 on the wheel 66. When the elevator 70 is being raised, the pawl 72 will rotate the wheel 66 one step.

The elements 14 are selectively moved from the wheel 66 back into the magazine 12 by means of a selective returning member7el having inner and outer annular rows of plungers 75 in rear of the receptacles 13, said member 7 a being slidable on the tubular bracket or bearing 67, and being normally retracted rearwardly by means of a spring to withdraw plungers 7 5 from the magazine 12 and wheel 66, as Seen in Fig. 2. The plungers 7 5 are movable forwardly through the openings 68 of the wheel 66 and into the rear ends ot the receptacles 13 for selectively returning the elements 14 to their respective receptacles, and in order to obtain the selective return of said elements, they are provided with openings 76 of kgradually increasing size according to any suitable arrangement or system which will Vbe suggested by reference to Figs. 3 and 4, and the plungers 75 are of a shape to correspond. Thus, the elements 141 ot the ii'rst receptacles 13 can be without an opening sothat the first plungers oft the inner and outer rows will push said elementsinto the lirst receptacles, while the openings ot all ot the other members 14: will permit the tirst plungers to pass therethrough without returning the other members into the first receptacles. Thus, referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that theplunger opposite the rst element le will pass through the openings of the other members or elements la. The second element, 111 of each set has an opening through which the lirst plunger can move, but through which 'the second plunger cannot move sothat the second element will be returned into the second receptacle when it i ,season reaches this point. The second plunger, however, will move through the elements 14 from the third one on, but the opening oi'1 the third element 14 is such that the third plunger 75 will not pass through. ln this way, the openings ol the elements 14 and plungers 7 5 change in size or shape to correspond, and to graduate up from the iirst to the last elements 14 and plungers, in order that when the elements 14 are brought by their step by step movement, with the wheel 66 to the proper receptacles 13, the plungers 75 will return said elements into their receptacles, and until the elements 14 reach their proper receptacles, the plungers will pass therethrough in being reciprocated. By thus increasing the openings 76, gradually in size and increasing the cross sectional shapes ot the plungers 75 accordingly, the desired selection is obtained for returning the elements into the magazine.

Means is also provided for obtaining a selection between the elements 14 of the inner and outer annular sets, the openings 76 oit the elements of the two sets being the same. Thus, the elements 14 of the outer set have portions 76 which the elements 14 of the inne," sets do not have, and the returning member 74 has plunger portions 7 8 to Contact with the portions 78 of the elements 1 4 when they are held by the intermediate dog` 69 as seen in Fig. 8. Thus, if the elementldisupported by the intermediate dog` 69 has the portions 7 6 the movement ot the member 74 will cause the portions 7 6 to move said element rearwardly into the corresponding outer opening 68 et the wheel. 66 which is in llrontvol the guide 62, whereas it the element 14 is one without the portions 68" it will remain in place in the guide 62 to be raised by the subsequent operation of the elevator 79 to the next higher position, at which position the element 14 is moved rearwardly into the respective inner opening 68 of the wheel 66 by a plunger lug 79 on the member 7 4 above the lugs or portions 7 8. The lugs 78 and 7 9 thus move the element-s 14 selectively into the inner and outer openings of the distributing` wheel 66 as said elements are raised by the elevating means, and the elements 14 are thus distributed properly to the inner and outer openings 66. T he openings 76 ot the elements 14 of the inner and outer sets and the plunger 7 5 of the inner and outer sets can be ot same shape in view orn the selective movement of the elements 14 from the ele-- vating means into the distributing wheel 66.

Suitable operating mechanism is employed for properly operating the various devices ot the machine, and as shown, this operating means includes a counter shaft 8l connected bv sprocket chain 82 or otherwise with the 'i slnjit A cam 85 carried by the 81 operates a rocking lever 64 tulcrumed to the frame 11 and pivotally connected with the hub of the member 74 which is slidable on the tubular member 67, so that the member 74 is reciprocated back and forth intermittently during the rotation of the shaft 32.

il second cam 85 on the shaft 8l, as illus. trated in Fig. 8, operates an oscillating lever S6 which is connected, as by a pin and slot connection 87, with the elevator 64, so as to raise and lower said elevator, and the upper end or the elevator 64 contacts with the' lower end of the secondary elevator to raise it the required distance or step after the elevator 64 has raised a certain amount, and the upward movement of the elevator 79 will rotate the wheel 66 one step by the provision ot the pawl 72 as above explained.

lllhe means for operating the holder 52 includes pair of stems 88 slidable in a portion of' the frame l1 above said holder, and said holder slidably engages the lower ends of said stems to shift sidewise. Springs S9 raise the stems 88 to normally raise the holder 52 to normal position above the mold 90 underneath said holder. l

The machine is illustrated as having a horizontal mold wheel 91 in which a pair of molds 90 are carried in succession over the nozzle 92 of the casting device. The nozzle 92 extends upwardly below the holder 52 and the molds 90 are moved snugly over said nozzle under the holder. The nozzle 92 extends upwardly from the lower portion ot the pot 93 in which the lead or alloy is melted by a suitable burner orlieater, and a plunger 94 is movable in the pot 93 usual, for forcing the molten metal up through the nozzle 92 and into the mold 90 to complete the casting operation in the ordinary manner, as well known in the art. rllhe ends oi' each mold 90 having upstanding lugs or stops 95 between which the elements 14 of the group held by the holder 52 are moved when said holder is depressed, thus limiting the separation of said elements to the length of a line of type.

As a means for depressing the holder 52 and also ejecting the slugs from the molds 90 after they have been cast, a lever 96 is fulcrumed, as at 96', and extends over the holder 52 between the stems 88, and when swung downwardly bears on the holder 52 and forces it downwardly on the mold. The lever 96 is oscilla-ted by a cam 98 on a shaft 97, and said cam is or' a shape to move the lever 96 downwardly the greater portion of its movement, and then let said lever remain stationary for an interval, after which it is moved downwardly slightly farther and then released to permit the lever to raise up. .a slug ejector 99 is supported by the frame so that the molds 90 move underneath the same after leaving the casting device, and the slug will be ejected by they downward Y lected therein.

In the present machine, the plunger or piston 94 is operated by means of a piston 102 working in a cylinder 101 and connected to the plunO'er 94, pressure fluid being supplied into the cylinder 101, through a tube or conduit 122.

In order to slide the wedges of the space Vbands 42 so as to justify the line, before the metal. is cast, there is provided a plunger or push bar 105 movable with a piston 103 which is slidable in a cylinder 104, as seen in F ig. 1, pressure fluid being supplied into said cylinder by a tube er conduit 123 which will move the push bar 105 against the wedges of the space bands to slide them toward the opposite side and thus separate the elements 14 so as to justify the line in the usual manner. The movement of the push bar 105 takes'place after the holder 52 has been lowered by the cam 98, to bring the elements 14 between the stop lugs 95 which will limit the separation of said elements to the length 0f the line, and then after the line has been justified, the cam 98 will move the holder 52 downwardly slightly farther, to clamp said elements againstl the top of the mold. The operating mechanism for turning the mold wheel 91 at intervals, includes a segment 106 on the shaft 97 that is rotated one revolution at intervals, the gear segment 106 meshing with and rotating a gear wheel 107, which is connected by suitable gearing 108 with, the wheel 91. Thus, when the shaft 97 rotates through one revolution. it turns the gear wheel 107 sufficiently `to rotate the wheel 91 to move the molds 90, to bring an empty mold over the nozzle 92 and to bring a cast slug under the ejector 99.

The shaft 97 is rotated one revolution after each line is set up and the elements 14 assembled in the holder 52, `so that the rctation of said shaft will complete the casting operation and perform other functions attendant thereto, For this purpose, a gear wheel 109 is rotatable loosely on said shaft and meshes with a pinion 110 on the shaft 81, or said gear wheel 109 can be driven continuously in other suitable manner, it

` being provided with an annular series of apertures 109 or the like. An arm 111 is secured on the shaft 97 adjacent to the Vwheel 109 and has a clutch pin 112 which is slidable into engagement with the apertures 109', to rotate the shaft 97 with said wheel 109.V A plunger 115 working within a cyl" inder 113v is operable for pushing the clutch pin 112 into engagement with the wheel 109,

yand a cam 114 disengages said clutch pin fromsaid wheel when one complete revolution has been made, the 'cyhnder 113 being 20, the same as the cylinders 17.

1,eee,seo

supplied by pressure fluid through a tube 128.

The key board of the machine includes suitable keys 1.16 and these operate valves that control the pressure fluid delivered to the cylinders 17 and 46 of the ejecting devices of the elements 14 and space bands. Thus, valves 117, one for each key 116, are slidablewithin casings, as seen in Fig. 1, and a pressure fluid supply pipe 115 leading from a pump or other source of pressure fluid has branches connected to the if'alve casings. The tubes 20 of the respective cylinders 17 are/also connected to the valve casings, and the tube 60 has branches connected to said valve casings as seen in Fig. 6, the valve 117 having passages that normally permit the pressure fluid to vent from the tubes 50 and 20 through a port 118, and when the key 116 is depressed, the valve establishes the flow of pressure fluid from the tube 115 into the pipes or tubes 20 and 60. Thus, whenever a key 116 is pressed down pressure fluid is admitted to the respective cylinder 17 or to the cylinder 46 which is also supplied b y one of the tubes This pushes the respective elements 14 or space band so that it is delivered into the guide 40, andV at the same time pressure fluid being admitted into the tube 60, will retract the plunger 53, so that when the key is released and the pressure fluid shut off and permitted to exhaust from the tubes 20 and 60, the respective plunger 19 will return to normal position, and the plunger 53 will move rearwardly to deliver the respective element or space band into the holder 52. This operation is repeated as the keys 116 are operated in succession for setting up the line.

Similar valves 119 and 120 are disposed between branches of the supply pipe 115 and the respective tubes 122 and 123 leading to the cylinders 101 and 104, and cams 124 and 125 are secured on the shaft 97 for opening the valves 119 and 120, respectively, at the proper time when the shaft 97 rotates, so that the metal plunger 94 and push bar 105 are operated at the proper time. Another suitable valvev 121 is disposed'between the supply pipe 115 and the tubes 30 and 61.l and a cam 126 on the shaft 97 opens the valve 121 at the proper time, to supply pressure fluid to the cylinders 26 and which will move the members 25 rearwardly and also the plunger 57. Key valves 127 and 133 are provided to start the operation of the casting mechanism, both of said valves being connected to the supply 115, and to the tube 128, while the valve 133 is also connected to a tube 132 leading to a cylinder 130 carried by the frame 11 as seenv in Fig. 9, a plunger 131 working in the cylinder 130 and being connected to the holder 52 to shift saine tcward one side when preslugs 9o.

sure fluid .is admitted into said cylinder, a spring returning said holder 52 when the pressure fluid is out oli" from said cylinder. The valve 127 when opened permits pressure fluid to low through the tube 123 for moving,` the plunger 113 to bring the clutch pin into engagement with the wheel 109, while the valve 133 when opened will supply pressure fluid to the cylinder 113V and also to the cylinder 13'). The plunger 131 when moved will shift the elements 111 with the holder 52, to change the characters which are brought over the mold, thereby permittinp; either light or dark tace type to be cast as desired.

The operation of the machine is as follows: T he keys 116 are operated by the lingers of the hand in the usual way, thereby selectively operating the plungers 19 and t8 through the action ot the pressure fluid, and this will eject the elements lll and space bands 42 in succession as selected. The elements 111 are forced between the clamping' blocks 33 and ring 36, and will be moved with the collecting wheel 31 against the cam 33 which will torce the. elements downwardly so as to drop down the chute 39, while the space bands 42 will drop directly down the chute 19. Whenever one ot the plunger-s 19 or the plunger 48 is operated, pressure tlui-zl is also supplied to the cylinder 55, thus retracting the plunger 53, in order that when the key is released, the plunger 59 thrust-s the element 14; or space band into the holder The line is thus set up by the movement of' the elements 111 into the holder 52 'in saccession, and a suitable signal can be provided for indicating; when the holder is lilled, or the operator may observe this. Then, when the line has been completed, the button or key 127 is pressed, which will. supply pressure fluid to the cylinder 113, so that the plunger 113 will move the pin 112 into engagement with the wheel 109 thereby rotating` the shalit 9T through a :'ompletc revolution after which the pin 112 is disen- ,q'ed 'from said wheel by the cam 114. The rotation of the shaft 97 will perform several operations by the provision ot' the cams and segments mounted thereon. First, tho cam 96 will press the lever 96 to move the cctor 99 tlin'ong'h the respective mold 90 for ojectinn; the slug); into the ,galley 100, and to also depress the holder 52 to bring' the elements 14: thereof between the stop lugs 5 of the mold underneath, with said elements slightly raised above the top of the mold. The holder 52 is retained in this position for an interval, during' which the cam 125 opens the valve 129, thus operating' the push bar 165 which will move the wedges of the space bands so as to justify the line, the elements let being' separated until the line is eipzrnded with the end elements bearing,1 against the rhe cam 93 then moves the lever 96 downwardly slightly farther, thereby depressing' the holder 52 to clamp the elements lil on the mold, and the cam 124C then opensv the valve 119 to supply pressure fluid to the cylinder 101, which will cause the plunger 9e to be moved downwardly, hereby forcing the molten metal up through the nozzle 92 and into the mold 90 up against the elements 14;, which will form the slug or line ot' type, the metal in entering the mold being' chilled so as to set er solidify therein. The lever the gear wheel 107 so as to to turn the mold.

wheel 91. rlhis will shear the lower edge ot' the slug' off of the upper end of the nozzle 92 and bring the slug under the ejector 99 to be subsequently ejected during' the next casting operation, and the next empty mold is brought over the nozzle under the assembling` device. The machine is then ready 'for setting' up the next line as before.

The returning and distributing' mechanism operates continuously during the operation ot the machine, and as the elements .le and space hands are delivered into the guide 56, they are raised one at a time from the lower end thereof with the elevator 6e up to the iirst dog 69. lli a space band is raised by the elevator 64E, the saine is moved forwardly into the toguide /llby plungers 77 carried by the. returning' member l. The elementsdfl are raised 'from the .first dog 69 to the second. dog` 69 by the elevator 76 which is operated from the main elevator 6ft, and the elements 1l ot the outer set are moved Jfrom the second dog' 69 into the outer openi'nrs 68 ot the wheel 66, while the elements 141; ot the inner set are moved n p to the third dog 69. The returning' member Tl reciprocates alternately with the step by step movement ot the distributing; wheel 66. Thus, when the wheel 66 at a. stand still, the member 74 reciprocetcs baclr and forth, and when the member Tl: remains still, the wheel 66 rotates one step. Thus, the forward movement oi the meml'ier 74 removes the elements 14. and space bands forwardly 'from the gui de 62 into the openings 63 and ,guides 4:1 respectively, and then when the member 711 is returned, the wheel 66 is rotated one step. rl"he space bands are returned direitly into their magazine, while the elements 1.4-, are raised up higher and deliverer. into the openings 63 in succession, and as the wheel 66 rotates step by step into registration with the receptacles 13, the plnngers 775 will move the elements lfl into their receptacles when they reach them. The elements 11i are moved into the magazine behind the lingers 23, and when a line has been completed and the casting operation carried ont, the pressure {inid in flowing into the cylinders 2G will move the members 25 rearwardly so as to move the lingers 23 and 45 past those elements la and space bands which have been moved into the magazines by the plnngers 75 and 77, so that they will be carried forwardly to be ted to the forward ends of the magazine as before. Thusa during each casting operation, the followers Q2 and ele'- are moved rearwardly to take up such elements 14 and space bands as have been delivered back into the magazines.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. A machine oi the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, rotatable collecting means at one side ot and concentric with the magazine, rotatable distributing means at the opposite side oi and concentric with the magazine. and means for receiving character elements Jfrom the collecting .means and delivering same to the.

distributing means.

Q. A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements opening at the opposite sides of the magazine, rotatable collecting means at one side oi and concentric with the magazine' moving across said receptacles to receive said elements and carry them to a point for collection, rotatable distributing means movable across the receptacles at the opposite side of and concentric with the magazine for returning said elements to their respective receptacles, and means ior conveying said element-s from said point to the distributing means.

3. A machine of the character'described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, and mechanism for receiving` and collecting said elements from the receptacles and returning them thereto., including rotatable means at one side of and concentric with the magazine to receive the elements therefrom and carry them to a point of collection, and rotatable means at the opposite side of and concentric with the magazine operable for returning the elements to their receptacles.

ll. A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles tor character elements opening .at opposite sides of said magazine, rotatable collecting means at one side oi and concentric with the magazinee selectively operated means for delivering said elements from the magazine to said collecting means, step by step rotatable means at the opposite side ci and concentric with the magazine tor distribnting said elements back to the receptacles, means for selectively moving said elements from the distributingmeans into the receptacles, and means Jfor receiving the elements from the collecting means to perform the intended work and delivering` said elements to the distributing means.

5. A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, rotatable collecting means movable concentric with the magazine adjacent to said receptacles, and selectively operated means for delivering said elements from the receptacles to the collecting means.

6. A machine of the character described embodying a series of receptacles for character elements, collecting means Vmovable past said receptacles and having means for gripping said elements when moved from the receptacles, and selectively operated( means for delivering said elements from the receptacles into said gripping means.

7. A. machine ot the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles forcharacter elements, rotatable collecting'7 means concentric with the magazine, having gripping means movable p ast said receptacles, and selectively operated means for moving said elements from the receptacles into said gripping means.

S. A machine of the character described embodying spaced series of receptacles for character elements, collecting means having gripping means movable between said series ot receptacles and arranged to receive said elements from opposite sides, and selectively operated means for moving said elements Jfrom said receptacles to a position between them for collection by said collecting means.

9. A machine of the character described embodying a magazine having inner and outer cylindrical series of receptacles ttor character elements', rotatable collecting means having a portion movable between said inner and outer receptacles to receive the character elements from said receptacles, and selectively operated means for moving the character elements from said receptacles to a position between them to be taken up by the collecting` means.

10. A machine of the character described embodying two spaced series of receptacles for character elements7 collecting means having gripping means movable between said series of receptacles andarranged to receive and grip said elements *from either series of receptacles. and selectively operated means :tor delivering said elements from the receptacles into said gripping means 11. fi. machine of "he character described embodying a magazine having cylindrical inner and outer series of receptacles for character elements, rotatable collecting means having gripping means movable between the outer and inner receptacles and arranged to receive elements from either the inner or outer receptacles, and selectively operated means for moving said elements from said receptacles into the gripping means.

l2. A machine of the character described embodying aseries of receptacles for character elements, collecting means having gripping means movable along one side of said series of receptacles to receive elements therefrom, and means for moving said elements transversely out oi said receptacles into said gripping means.

13. A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements concentric with the magazine, rotatable collecting means for said elements, means for receiving said elements from the collecting means, and means for deflecting said elements from the collecting to the receiving means.

14. A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, rotatable collecting means having means for gripping the elements when received from said receptacles, means for 'receiving said elements from the collecting means, and means within said gripping means for defiecting said elements therefrom to the receiving means.

l5. A machine or" the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, a rotatable collecting wheel having gripping means movable adjacent to said receptacles, means for delivering `the character elements from said receptables into said gripping means, a chute for receiving the character elements from said wheel, and a cam projecting within said gripping means for deecting said elements therefrom into the chute.

16. A machine of the character described embodying two spaced series of receptacles for character elements, collecting means having a continuous unidirectional movement between said series of receptacles and arranged to receive and grip elements from either series of receptacles, and selectively operating means for delivering said elements from the receptacles into the collecting means between said series oi' receptacles.

17. A machine of the character described embodying a series of receptacles for holding character elements side by side in paclr's, collecting means having a continuous unidirectional movement along one side of the receptacles and arranged to receive and grip said elements, and means for moving said elements transversely out of said receptacles to the collecting means.

18. A machine of the character described embodying a magazine having a series of receptacles for character elements, distributing means having portions for holding said elements and for carrying them past said receptacles in succession, and Vmeans operable as the elements are carried past said receptacles for selectively moving them from said distributing means into the receptacles.

19. A machine of the character described embodying different series of receptacles t'cr character elements, distributing means having series of portions, one for each set ot receptacles, for receiving said elements and carrying them past the receptaclesof the respective sets, to return the elements into their respective receptacles, and means for selectively delivering said elements to said sets of elements-receiving portions.

20. A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, rotatable distributing means for receiving said elements and carrying them past said receptacles, and means for selectively moving said elements from said means into the receptacles.

21. 'A machine of the character described embodying a cylindrical magazine having receptacles for character elements, a rotatable distributing wheel for carrying said elements past the receptacles, and a reciprocatory member having plungers movable through said wheel and arranged to selectively return said elements into the receptacles.

22. A machine of the character described embodying a magazine having a cylindrical series of receptacles :tor character elements, a distributing wheel rotatable step by step and having portions for receiving said elements to carry them into registration with said receptacles, and a reciprocatory member operable alternately with said wheel and having plungers movable through said portions ot' the wheel for selectively returning said elements into the receptacles.

23. A machine of the character described embodying a magazine having a series of receptacles, character elements to move into and out of said receptacles, means for carrying said elements across said receptacles, and plungers for pushing said elements into the receptacles, said elements and plungers having coperable means for the selective return of said elements into the receptacles, and for the passage ot the plungers through said elements before they reach their respective receptacles.

2%. A machine of the character described embodying a series of receptacles, character elements movable out of and into said receptacles, a distributing member having portions to receive said elements and carry them across said receptacles, and means for returning said elements from said distributing member into said receptacles including plungers movable through said portions,

said elements having openings for the pas-` sage of the pluiigers, and said openings and plungers being of graduated sizes and shapes tol selectively return the elements into the receptacles and permitting the plungers :to move through said elements until they reach their respective receptacles.

25. A machine of the character described embodying a magazine having` receptacles for character elements open at opposite ends, collecting means for receiving said elements from said receptacles at one side o' the magazine, distributing means for re- 'vancing the elements in the receptacles to the collecting; means, and means for moving said spring-actuated\meansV to take upv said elements when returned' into the receptacles.

f In testimony Whereoic We hereunto set our hands. i

Mortar-s FRENCH. y Mormon.V MILLER.

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