Improvements in the Production of Stereotyper's Matrices

25,053. Lock, W. H., [Wood, H. A. W.]. Nov. 12. [Cognate Application No. 25,054, A.D. 1907, dated Nov. 12.] Stereotype ; embossing and stamping.-Relates to means for moulding and drying stereotype matrices. A press for drying matrices in contact with the forme comprises a stationary platen 11 and a steam-heated bed 12, which is raised by a piston working in a fluid-pressure cylinder 16, Fig. 1, of the drawings filed with the cognate Specification No. 25,054, A.D. 1907. The bed 12 is provided with an extension 19, counterbalanced by weights 23 on cords 21 attached to a vertical rod beneath the table, on which the forme and matrix are placed preparatory to their being slidden on to the table 12. In a modification, the table 19 is stationary and is on a level with the table 12 in its lowest position. A further modification consists in making the table 19 separate from the table 12, and in raising it independently by a separate steam or other fluid cylinder. In the construction shown in Fig. 6, the steam for heating the bed passes through a pipe 161, recess 152, and port 151, to the bed 12, and exhausts through the pipe 120, port 121, recess 122, and the pipe 162. In a further modification shown in Fig. 7, the bed is stationary and the platen 110 is connected by rods 111 to a cross-head which is reciprocated vertically by fluid pressure in the cylinder 115. The platen is counterbalanced by springs. A rack 31 attached to the cross-head engages a pinion 32 and oscillates arms 34, to which are connected links 36 having a bar 38 resiliently mounted in slots 37 for feeding the forme and matrix on to the bed 12. The bar 38 is triangular or trapezoidal in section, and when in its outer position is adapted to rest in a groove with its top flush with the surface of the table. The inward motion of the bar 38 is limited by stops 44. The forme and matrix are withdrawn from the press by rods 43 carried by side bars 42. A weight 45 is supported in a bight of a cord 46 attached at one end to the bar 38 and at the other to the links 36. A machine for moulding and drying stereotype matrices illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings filed with Provisional Specification No. 25,053, A.D. 1907, comprises a table D on which the forme covered with a wet flong is placed and fed in beneath the moulding-rollers 19, 20 by feeders 12 pivoted to racks 11 reciprocated by wheels 10. The feeders 12 normally rest in recesses 14 in the table D. The moulding- rollers 19, 20, which are covered with