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.