the back rail of the elevator. The front buffer receives most of the
impact of the matrices and there is not much wear to the back one,
unless the front buffer is badly worn. The back buffer may be renewed
if necessary.
The front buffer is a removable fiber plate set in the bottom and
flush with the edge of the rail. The purpose of this buffer is to
prevent wear on the bottom lug of the matrix. When the plate is worn,
it can be replaced.
The matrix will have a tendency to fall back on the star wheel if
the buffer is worn. A good way to determine whether the front buffer
is worn is to run down a few matrices in the assembler, then open
the gate and observe whether the matrices near the end fall forward
slightly, dropping below the level of the rest of the line. If the
matrices drop very much, a new buffer should be applied.
The detaining plates, at the bottom of the assembling elevator, are
for the purpose of keeping the bottom of the matrix from falling
between the assembling elevator and the assembler. These plates must
be kept in good condition, and the screws which hold them kept tight,
or thin matrices will get in between the elevator and assembler,
causing trouble in assembling the line.
Assembled at the right of the assembling elevator back rail and the
gate are the two assembling elevator rail pawls. These rail pawls
are operated by springs, the tension of which should be just strong
enough to hold the matrix. The pawls should keep the matrices from
falling back on the star wheel.
Most fonts of matrices, up to and including 14-point, have two
letters or characters on the casting edge. The characters to be cast
must be presented at the proper level in front of the mold cell. To
enable the operator to utilize either character instantly, there are
assembled in the front of the assembling elevator two thin duplex
rails. These rails are operated by small levers, which permit the
operator to assemble the matrices on the upper or lower rail, or mix
the line, part upper and part lower. Rails are carried throughout
the entire delivery mechanism to hold the matrices at the proper
level until after the cast is made.
The rails are assembled on the levers and are held to position by a
bar which is fastened to the elevator. A liner on each end, under
the bar, gives room for the rails to move without binding. Under
the rails are small spiral springs which force the rails up against
the bar to keep them from moving too freely when a line is being
assembled.
The long rail has a projection out from the base that holds the
line of matrices as it transfers from the elevator to the delivery
channel. This projection must fit into a groove in the elevator. If
this point becomes bent it will not permit the rail to fit, causing
bad assembling when in the regular position. There is a small
operating finger screwed to the long rail that comes in contact with
the aligning piece fastened to the delivery channel front rail. This
is for the purpose of aligning the upper rails on the assembling
elevator with the upper delivery channel rails when the line is in
the auxiliary position. If the operating finger does not come in
contact with the aligning piece and raise it, matrices in auxiliary,
or raised position, will not pass into the delivery channel.
To operate the duplex rails, determine in which position the matrices
should be assembled, and press in or pull out on the small levers,
as desired. The right-hand lever controls the first half-inch of the
duplex rail, throwing it in or out. If the rail is in, the matrices
are all assembled on the raised or auxiliary position. If the rail is
out, the matrices are all assembled on the bottom or regular position.
The left-hand or the long rail fills out the balance of space in the
elevator. It is also connected with a small lever, and operates the
same as the short rail. The rails can be moved in or out as needed
for a line in the regular or auxiliary position, or for a line partly
in the regular and partly in the auxiliary position.
On the back of the assembling elevator at the right, resting on an
adjusting screw, is the line delivery slide releasing wire pin. This
pin should release the line delivery slide just as the assembling
latch catches when the elevator is raised.
The releasing pin raises the releasing plunger, which in turn raises
the delivery pawl, releasing the slide. This carries the assembled
line through the delivery channel. The pin should not release the
slide until the latch, which is found on the back of the assembling
elevator, catches on the stop bar. The latch, which is held in place
by a shoulder screw and operated by a spring, holds the elevator in
raised position until the slide has carried the assembled line into
the delivery channel. The latch is then released by the slide as it
passes to the left, allowing the elevator to drop of its own weight
to the position to receive another line.
If the pin is adjusted so that it will release the pawl before the
latch catches, the delivery slide will start to carry the line
towards the delivery channel before the latch can hold and part
of the line will fall out, because the elevator drops as soon as
released. If the pin is adjusted so it will not release the pawl, the
delivery slide will not start.
The pin should be adjusted so it will release the delivery pawl at
the same time the latch catches on the stop bar. This adjustment
is made by raising the elevator to its highest position and with
a narrow screw-driver, adjust to the proper height by turning the
adjusting screw on which the pins rest.
There is a counterbalance spring attached to the assembling elevator,
underneath the keyboard frame.
TO TAKE OFF ASSEMBLING ELEVATOR
Remove the two screws which hold the delivery channel; pull it off
the dowel pins. Release the assembling elevator lever, take out the
four screws which hold the left-hand gib, pull the gib off the dowel
pins, and remove the elevator. On the machine that has the universal
ejector, care must be used not to bend the indicator rod when
removing the delivery channel.
ASSEMBLER
As the matrices descend into the assembling elevator they pass
between the chute spring and the assembler chute rails. The chute
spring is bent and adjusted to break the fall of the matrix and
tend to throw the bottom of the matrix towards the star wheel. The
points of the chute spring should be slightly inclined so they will
not interfere with the top of the matrix striking beneath the points
of the spring, retarding the matrix long enough for the spaceband
to transpose. There must be room enough between these points for
the spaceband to pass through without binding as it drops from the
spaceband chute into the assembling elevator.
The chute spring must be adjusted so it will allow the heaviest
matrix in the font, such as the cap “W,” to slip through between it
and the rails of the assembler without hesitating. This adjustment
is approximate; it is sometimes necessary to change it. Adjust by
bending above the banking piece with duck bill pliers. The spring
should also be flexible and as low as permitted by the banking piece
which is riveted on the side, and resting on the assembler plate. Be
careful not to change the shape of the lower part of the spring.
The later style chute spring is a great improvement over the old
style. The length of the spring from the pivoting point to the toe
assures smoothness in assembling, and can be instantly adjusted for
thin or thick matrices.
On this style chute spring the adjustment is made by turning a
conical thumbscrew which raises or lowers the spring.
The matrix catch spring is fastened to the rear of the assembler
plate and projects through a slot in the plate 1/32 of an inch. The
purpose of this spring is to retard the matrix a trifle before it
passes onto the star wheel. The catch spring should be adjusted so
it does not project more than 1/32 of an inch from the plate. It
must also be in the center of the slot. If it projects more than the
distance mentioned it may cause transpositions.
The star wheel is driven by a friction disk and pinion. The pinion
slips over a small circular brass disk that is screwed onto the star
wheel shaft. To hold the pinion on and to cause the friction to drive
the disk, there is a spring which is held against the pinion by a nut
that screws on the shaft. The spring must be just strong enough to
force the assembler slide over when assembling a line, but to allow
the star wheel to stop if anything binds it.
If the brass disk wears or becomes oily, or the friction spring
becomes weak, a slight resistance to the star wheel will stop it
and the matrices will clog in the assembler. If the friction is too
strong, the star wheel will not stop when too many matrices are
dropped into the assembler. This will cause damage to the matrices or
the machine.
If these parts need renewing or cleaning, it will be necessary to
remove the assembler plate from the machine. This can be accomplished
by removing the two screws in the assembler plate, removing the chute
spring, if the new style, releasing the matrix delivery belt from
the pulley at the top, slipping the assembler driving belt off the
pulley, and lifting the plate off the dowel pins.
By unscrewing the stud nut, the spring and the pinion can be lifted
off and the disk unscrewed and cleaned or renewed.
The star wheel should force the matrices inside the retaining pawls
in the assembling elevator. When it becomes worn to the extent that
it will not force the matrices inside the retaining pawls, it should
be replaced with a new one.
When renewing a star wheel it is only necessary to remove the small
assembler cover, raise the assembling elevator, remove the screw
which holds the two chute plates and rails on the dowel pins, and
remove the chute plates. The old star can be withdrawn and a new one
fitted.
Use a square file to dress out the hole on the new star, but do not
have it fitted too loosely. Use care that the star does not bind
anywhere.
The assembler chute rails, front and back, are soldered to the
plates, and should be kept tightly fastened at all times. They should
be close to, but not dig into, the delivery belt.
The small assembler cover must be adjusted so the matrices do not
strike the upper edge while passing to the assembler, as this batters
the lugs and will cause them to stick in the channels. It should also
be adjusted so the lower left-hand side sets close to the assembling
elevator, to prevent matrices or spacebands from getting between the
cover and the assembling elevator.
ASSEMBLER SLIDE
The assembler slide guides the matrices as they are forced into the
assembling elevator by the star wheel. This slide is prevented from
vibrating by the assembler slide brake.
On the right end of the slide is the gauge and clamp for setting it
to the required measure. The gauge is marked in ems and half-ems. By
merely changing the clamp the slide can be adjusted to any measure
desired.
On top of the clamp is an adjusting screw for the purpose of keeping
the slide properly adjusted. The proper measurement of the slide is
determined by inserting a gauge or slug of any known length between
the assembler slide finger and the star wheel. The star wheel, being
of fiber composition, wears down, which in time will allow enough
matrices to be assembled in the assembler to cause a tight line in
the vise jaws. By using the adjusting screw the slide can be kept at
proper adjustment. The screw should be turned towards the assembler
slide bracket pawl until the gauge stops the star wheel. This is a
very important adjustment, as tight lines should not be tolerated on
any machine. Tight lines not only ruin the matrices, but they often
cause much damage to the machine. They also cause much distributor
and escapement trouble on account of the damage done to the matrices.
ASSEMBLER SLIDE BRAKE
The assembler slide brake is at the right of the assembler, held to
the face plate by a screw, and operated by the assembler slide brake
operating lever, spring, and a trip. The purpose of the brake is to
prevent the slide from having an unsteady movement when the line is
being assembled, so that the last matrix in the elevator will be
upright against the star wheel. The brake should hold the assembler
slide from returning to normal until released by the operating lever.
When the assembling elevator is in normal position it is resting on
the top of the assembler slide brake operating lever near the left
end, which raises the right, putting the brake in action.
When the assembling elevator is being raised, the lug on the lower
right side raises the left end of the operating lever, lowering the
right against the adjusting screw in the brake trip which releases
the brake, and allows the slide to return to its normal position.
When it is necessary to adjust the brake it can be adjusted with the
screw in the inner end of the operating lever on the older models,
and with the screw in the brake trip on the newer, by raising the
assembling elevator slowly with the left hand and adjusting with the
right so the slide will return just before the line delivery slide is
released. There should be about 1/64 of an inch between the end of
the screw on the operating lever, or the trip, and the brake lever
when this adjustment is properly made.
There are facing blocks at the point of friction on the assembler
slide brake. When these blocks become worn, they may be reversed,
bringing another corner to the point of friction.
The left end of the operating lever, when raised, should remain so
until the assembling elevator has returned to its proper position. If
it does not, when using a long line the instant the elevator starts
to descend, the right end of the operating lever raising would allow
the brake to go into action, and cause the assembler slide to stop
before it has returned to its proper position.
On the back of the operating lever is a friction spring which should
overcome the tension of the brake spring, so as to have the left end
of the operating lever remain in raised position until returned by
the assembling elevator as it returns to normal.
The assembler slide is returned to normal by a long coil spring, as
soon as the brake is released. Do not change the tension of this
spring if the slide fails to return. The cause of the trouble usually
will be found elsewhere.
MATRIX CARRIER BELT
This belt moves the matrices to the assembling elevator and must be
kept fairly tight. It is adjusted by loosening the nut and stud which
hold the upper pulley and which fit into a slotted hole; then move
the pulley to the desired position and tighten the nut. If the belt
is still loose when the stud is against the outer end of the slot
a new belt should be applied. Procure a new belt from the machine
manufacturer and be sure to specify the model and the number of the
machine, because the belts are of different lengths for the various
models.
There are always particles of dirt and grease that form a gum which
adheres to the pulleys and slideways along which the belt moves.
These parts should be kept clean and free of this gum.
CAUSES OF BAD ASSEMBLING
The main sources of trouble of the assembling are transpositions and
matrices jumping out of the assembler. The causes of these troubles
are numerous. In the assembling elevator it may be caused by worn
buffer strips, detaining pawls not working properly, or worn detaining
plates. On the assembler plate trouble may be caused by a worn star
wheel, dirty star wheel friction, chute spring out of adjustment,
matrix catch spring out of adjustment, chute rails loose from the
plates; assembler slide brake out of adjustment, permitting the slide
to vibrate; brake catching too soon, not allowing the slide to return
all the way back; loose screw in assembler slide operating brake,
causing the slide to bind; or assembler slide worn or dirty, which will
not allow the brake to operate properly.
These are some of the principal causes of trouble, but due to wear or
the care the machine has had, there may be numerous other causes.
THE SPACEBANDS
Spacing and justification are accomplished on the linotype by means
of the spacebands, which are held in the spaceband box above the
assembling elevator, into which they drop when the spacebar is
touched.
Spacebands are made in two pieces, a long wedge and a sleeve, put
together in such a manner that they slide freely the one upon the
other, but with the outer surfaces always remaining parallel. The
spaceband is thicker at the bottom than at the top, forming a wedge
which is automatically driven upward between the matrices, thus
increasing the space between the words, spreading the line to fill
the measure, and holding it air-tight during the cast.
The sleeve of the spaceband should be turned to the right. Because
the casting edge of the spacebands is made thicker than the opposite
edge, spacebands must not be reversed in a line, nor two put
together; neither should a spaceband be put on the end of a line.
After the cast the matrices and spacebands are carried to the
transfer point where the matrices are transferred from the first
elevator to the bar of the second elevator, while the spacebands, not
having combination teeth like the matrices, are left in the channel
and are returned to the spaceband box by the spaceband pawl.
The deep cut in the bottom of the spaceband straddles the spaceband
buffer finger which guides it in its travel through the assembling
elevator and lessens the possibility of turning or twisting. The
small pin at the bottom of the spaceband prevents it from falling
apart.
The bottom of the spaceband is beveled so that it will strike the
matrix a glancing, but harmless, blow as it enters the line.
Spacebands which are generally accepted as regular are termed “thick”
by the factory. They are also made in other sizes known as “thin,”
used with very small faces of type; and “extra thick,” for the larger
faces or where very wide spacing is desired.
Watch matrices and spacebands carefully, and immediately remove any
damaged, bent, or imperfect ones. A damaged matrix or spaceband will
damage others, and the whole font may go to ruin within a short time
unless the proper attention is given.
Once in each eight hours of operation, the spacebands must be taken
from the machine and polished with graphite on a soft pine board.
Lay the spaceband flat on its face and rub it briskly backward and
forward the long way of the band. Do not rub in a circling movement,
as it tends to round the edges. Metal will then cast between the
spaceband and the matrix and show in print. The purpose of cleaning
is to remove the discoloration or metal adhering at the casting
point, and to lubricate the sliding parts. If metal is allowed
to accumulate on the spacebands, it will crush the side walls of
the matrices when locked up. Use dry graphite in polishing the
spacebands. Never handle them with dirty or greasy hands, as the dirt
and grease will be transferred to the matrices. If the metal does not
rub off, scrape it with a piece of brass rule.
SPACEBAND BOX
The spaceband box is fastened to the face plate by means of a screw
and dowel pins.
The spacebands slide down through the box, suspended by their lugs,
on two inclined rails. The lower spaceband rests against a raised
projection or hook on the inclined rail. The bottom end of the
spaceband rests against the chute plate. Escapement of the spaceband
is effected by two pawls which lift the spacebands over the rails,
allowing them to drop into the assembling elevator.
The pawls are located in the right-hand side of the spaceband box,
front and back. These pawls are connected to the pawl levers by the
spaceband pawl lifting screws, and held in place by the rails and
pawl springs. When the pawls are at their lowest position, they are
forced under the ears of the spaceband by the pawl springs.
The pawls get their motion in the following manner: When the
spaceband key is touched the cam is released and turns the same as
the regular keyboard cams. This raises the spaceband keyrod against
the tension of the spring at the bottom of the keyrod. The keyrod
raises the right-hand end of the spaceband keylever. This lowers the
left-hand end of the keylever, on which the box lever rests. This
permits the pawls and levers to drop of their own weight. When the
keyrod cam returns to normal, the spring on the keyrod pulls the
keyrod and the keylever to normal, thus raising the pawls and levers
by spring action.
The movement of the pawls is controlled by the screw in the back
pawl lever which rests on the spaceband keylever. When the pawls are
at their lowest position, the bottom of the slot in the adjusting
screw is resting on the keylever. They must go 1/32 an inch below the
inclined rails on their full down stroke. To make this adjustment,
disconnect the keyboard belt from the pulley, touch the spaceband
key, turn the rollers by hand until the pawl levers are in their
lowest position, disconnect the keylever from the adjusting screw and
turn the screw.
The chute plate, against which the lower right side of the spaceband
rests while suspended in the spaceband box, must be low enough so
that when raised by the pawls, the bottom of the spaceband will be
released before the top; if not, they will catch and hang in the
box. Whenever it is necessary to make this adjustment it can be
accomplished by bending the chute plate a trifle.
When the first spaceband is being raised by the pawls, the weight
of the other being against it would cause the next one to raise by
friction unless it were prevented. This is prevented by the center
bar which is fastened to a bracket at the top of the box. The
distance from the vertical stop on the box rails to the pins on the
center bar should be just enough for one spaceband to raise, the
pins holding the second band from raising. By loosening the screw in
the bracket and moving the bar, adjust so that the distance from the
vertical stop on the rails to the pins is just enough to permit one
spaceband to raise, the pins holding the second one. As there are
three kinds of spacebands in use—thin, thick, and extra thick—the
above adjustment can only be made so as to use one thickness at a
time.
The two chute rails at the bottom of the chute guide the spacebands
into the assembling elevator. The spacebands will have a tendency to
catch on the assembling elevator rails, and not settle down in the
assembler, if the rails are worn. There should be just room enough
between the rails for a spaceband to slide without binding.
TO REMOVE SPACEBAND BOX
Push in controlling lever. Take hold of cam No. 1 and back the cams
until the second elevator descends to its safety latch. Hold the
spaceband transfer lever with the right hand and press downward with
left hand on the releasing lever in the first elevator top guide.
Allow the spaceband transfer lever to move over into the intermediate
channel. Push the spacebands back into the channel. Remove the screw
on the right-hand side of the electric light bracket and move the
bracket to clear the box. Remove the large screw in the center of the
box and lift the box off the dowel pins.
In replacing the spaceband box, be careful not to spring the lower
end of the spaceband chute. Also be careful not to bend the ends of
the inclined rails.
SPACEBAND TROUBLES
Transposition troubles of the spacebands may be caused by any of
the following: Worn keyboard cam roll, keyboard cam sluggish, loose
keyboard driving belt, keyrod spring weak, tongue at the bottom of
spaceband chute bent too far, worn star wheel, pawl levers loose on
the shaft, caused by taper pins not being tight; dirty spaceband box
pawls, pawl levers not adjusted properly, worn pawls and rails, chute
spring out of adjustment, chute rails worn; also on the cam frames
with the spring bar, a weak keyboard cam yoke spring.
Some of the causes for the spacebands not dropping are: Worn rails or
pawls, lifting screw holes in pawls worn, bent spacebands, bent ears
on spacebands, center bar out of adjustment, keyrod spring weak or
off, dirty spaceband box pawls, weak pawl springs, worn rubber roll,
free end of keyboard cam yoke gummy, pawl lever loose. On the cam
frames with the spring bar, the cam yoke spring too tight; bent hinge
rod on cam yoke or trigger dirty, or anything else that would prevent
the free movement of the pawls.