Linotype mechanism

by Alvin Garfield Swank; Raymond Means

FIRST ELEVATOR JAWS AND SLIDE

The first elevator slide is held in place by four gibs on the vise frame so that the jaws will stand parallel with the mold. The gibs are also used for adjusting the first elevator jaws so they will just clear the delivery and the intermediate channels. The slide is operated by cam No. 1, through the first elevator and the auxiliary levers and connecting link.

The first elevator jaws are attached to the top of the first elevator slide. They carry the line of matrices to the casting position and then to the second elevator. When the matrices have entered the first elevator jaws they are in position with their face toward the mold. The elevator slide travels down to the vise, the mold advances and the lower lugs of the matrices enter the groove of the mold, the elevator raises for alignment and lifts the line up against the aligning groove, or mold keeper, of the mold for casting.

As the first elevator jaws descend to the vise cap, the center screw in the top of the first elevator slide strikes on the vise cap and regulates the distance from the lugs of the matrices to the aligning groove in the mold when the mold slide advances.

There should be ¹/₆₄ of an inch space between the bottom of the center screw and vise cap when first elevator is lifted for alignment. If the center screw is not properly adjusted, when the mold advances the lower lugs on the matrices would be sheared. An entire font of matrices might be ruined in a very short time in this manner.

To test this adjustment, place a good matrix in the first elevator jaws, turn the machine until the adjusting screw is resting on the vise cap, disconnect the mold slide and bring the mold disk forward so the lug of the matrix enters the groove in the mold. Raise the elevator slide with the left hand, which raises the lug of the matrix against the aligning groove in the mold. At this point there should be ¹/₆₄ of an inch between the end of the center screw and the vise cap. If not, turn the screw with the right hand until it is resting on the vise cap. Then turn the screw to the left until it is approximately ¹/₆₄ of an inch from the vise cap.

On the older model machines this adjusting screw is ⅜ of an inch in diameter and has 16 threads to the inch. By turning the screw to the left one-quarter of a revolution, it allows the ¹/₆₄-inch adjustment. On all new machines the adjusting screw is ½ inch in diameter and has 12 threads to the inch. Turning the screw one-fifth of a revolution allows the ¹/₆₄-inch adjustment.

As the mold disk moves forward the elevator jaws raise for alignment, the lower lugs of the matrices being raised against the aligning groove in the mold. The locking stud blocks receive the mold disk locking studs so that the mold sets parallel with the side of the vise. The elevator should be adjusted so that the jaws will be parallel with the mold.

If the jaws are not parallel with the mold the face alignment on the slug will not be straight.

The method of testing this adjustment is made by setting the vise jaws to 30 picas, placing a good matrix in each end of the first elevator jaws. Let the first elevator jaws down on the vise cap. Disconnect the mold slide; bring the mold slide forward by hand. Be sure it comes over the lugs of the matrices without binding, as the matrices must be free. To test the alignment, raise the first elevator by hand, thus raising the lugs of the matrices up against the aligning groove in the mold. If the matrix on the right-hand side is found to be tight, and the one on the left-hand side is found to be loose, this proves that the first elevator jaws are not parallel with the mold. The four gibs act as a guide for the elevator slide. If the matrix on the left-hand side is loose, the two top gibs should be moved to the right, and the two bottom gibs moved to the left.

In taking down or erecting a machine, do not disturb the two gibs on the right-hand side. Leave them for a guide to adjust the other two gibs. On machines that have the inclined galley it is necessary to remove the right-hand gib to remove the galley bracket, but as it is doweled, it is impossible to get it back into the wrong position.

The elevator jaw must be adjusted so as to clear the intermediate and delivery channels without binding. If it is too far away, move all four gibs exactly the same distance.

The first elevator jaws should align with the second elevator bar when the first elevator is at its full up-stroke, so that the matrices will pass freely from the first to the second elevator. When the first elevator goes to the slide guide, the square head adjusting screw on the bottom of the slide comes in contact with the vise frame, regulates the height to which the elevator raises, the screw holding the slide, and the spring in the connecting link being compressed to take up the extra movement of the elevator lever.

Unless the matrices transfer freely from the first elevator jaws to the second elevator bar, the combinations would soon become damaged, causing poor distribution.

Test by transferring a line from the jaws to the bar by hand. If the line of matrices moves onto the bar without dragging, the adjustment need not be disturbed.

Whenever it is necessary to make this adjustment, place the machine in transfer position, place a matrix that has all the combinations, in the first elevator jaws against the spring pawls; place a piece of white paper in the spaceband box, at the end of the spaceband lever pawl; lay an electric light on the transfer channel; close one eye, looking through the first elevator from the left end with the other; adjust with the screw on the bottom of the first elevator slide, at the right side, so the combinations on the matrix align with grooves on the second elevator bar. The final test for this adjustment, is to transfer the line as above stated. The line must transfer without dragging. Use the adjusting screw until this is accomplished.

Before making the adjustment be sure the first elevator jaws are not loose on the slide, that the left end of the second elevator bar is not battered, that the second elevator plate is not loose, or worn, that the second elevator is adjusted properly, that there is no dirt or gum holding the second elevator from seating, that there is no metal on top of the adjusting screw, that the screw which holds the first elevator slide stop is not loose. See that the transfer slide finger is not bent.