The Blue Streak Linotype

Yeah. Yeah. This is linotype model 31. A single distributor composing machine. Model 31 comes equipped with one, two, three, or four magazines with a corresponding number of supporting frames. Standard equipment includes the one-turn shift for shifting magazines. It includes a gas heated metal pot with positive microtherm temperature control. It also includes the four mold disc. The model 32 liner type is similar to the 31 except for the addition of one, two, three, or four auxiliary magazines. Matrices from the auxiliary magazines are released by means of a separate auxiliary keyboard. In the composing room, time is of vital importance. If deadlines are to be met and schedules cleared, high-speed production must be maintained day in and day out. Downtime and delays must be minimized. Blue streak master models 31 and 32 have proved their capacity in the composing room. Both are outstanding production units in the composition of straight matter markets ad guts classified and commercial work. Their efficiency is noteworthy. But let's start at the beginning and see how the linerype saves time and saves money. how its simplified long life construction makes linerype the best investment for your composing machine dollar. Note how the position of the magazines eliminates any danger of the operator bumping his head. Two inbuilt pivoting support arms hold the magazine without strain on the part of the operator. From this natural vertical position, the magazine is easily and safely lifted. Placement of a new magazine in the proper frame is accomplished in a matter of seconds. Back to keyboarding. But now a shift of magazines is required. It takes just 4 seconds and three easy turns to bring the number one magazine into operating position. Here we see the movement of the magazines from behind the liner type. The two drums in the lower part of the picture house the powerful spiral springs which counterbalance the magazine load. The one-turn shift is mechanically sound. There's nothing to get out of order. keyboarding again. And now for purposes of demonstration, the operator is going to attempt to shift while matrices are still being distributed. See the hand lever won't release. Liner type's exclusive distributor screw guard prevents it. From the back of the machine, we see matrices still being distributed. There, the last one drops. Now the guard swings inward and the magazines are shifted. Again shifting is prevented this time by the matrix guard. Inspection reveals a matrix projecting from its magazine. The operator simply removes the obstruction. Now the magazines are easily shifted. This is what the operator sees when he's seated at the keyboard. Note how the optic aid front hides distracting moving parts. The no glare finish stops light reflection. This means comfort for the eyes. Comfort that minimizes fatigue. Linotypes keyboard has been precision engineered for a lifetime of dependable service. Its exceptionally sensitive key action has long been favored by operators. This of course is the famous swinging keyboard exclusively on the linotype. In a matter of seconds, working parts are laid open for adjustment or cleaning. Cam need inspection. Remove the cover. Release the latches. Open the bar. The cam lifts free with the fingers simply and easily. Either front or back rubber roll shaft is removed by loosening but one screw without leaving the seat. The key assembly comes free as a single unit. This is accessibility that saves time. Accessibility that encourages proper maintenance. Here we see the matrices and space bands feeding through the assembler and into the assembling elevator. Star wheel tension may be varied at will. It's just a case of moving the cover plate to one side and making the adjustment with a screwdriver. This closeup shows the assembler removed from the machine. Here's the assembling elevator again. The hinged long finger makes it easy for the operator to remove matrices and space bands. Even if pushed to one side, however, the matrices stay in their vertical position held by Linotype's exclusive cam actuated gate until the delivery slide is reached. Now watch the line stop. It's returned automatically, eliminating the need for manual setting with measure changes. Let's consider word spacing between large size matrices. The MN and thin space buttons enable the operator to release a fixed space singly or in combination whenever the spaceband key is touched. Now we're coming to a change of measure. Setting the left hand vice jaw is simplicity itself. The new measure calls for a new mold or a new liner. On liner type sturdy four mold disc, liners are changed without the necessity of removing molds or mold caps. The operator simply loosens three screws. He slips the liner from the mold. The new liner is in place in a matter of seconds. Now, a word about safeties of vital importance in the casting operation. First, the short line safety, which prevents the pot plunger from descending into the metal pot when a short line is accidentally sent through. Here it is in slow motion. To demonstrate its action, the operator deliberately puts through a short line, but it's never cast. Here's the reason. The safety stop indicated by the arrow stays in a closed position. It blocks the drop of the pot plunger. A full line presses against and moves the right hand vice jaw, actuating a series of levers which open the safety stop. There, the plunger drops into the metal pot, completing the cast. Should the operator wish to send through a line and not have it cast, he can conveniently hold the stop lever closed. Another protective device is the pot advance safety, which operates similarly to the short line safety. It blocks the pot plunger from descending when there is interference between the mouthpiece and the back of the mold. anything that prevents the pot from advancing its full distance. The pointer traces the leverage by which the full forward motion of the pot releases the stop lever. This permits the plunger to descend into the metal pot. Failure of the pot to reach its forward limit leaves the safety in its closed position and prevents the pot plunger from descending. The mold slide safety operates if a wrong mold or filling piece is in position or if the mold disc is out of time. It prevents costly damage to matrices, molds, and machine parts. To demonstrate the protective action of this safety, the operator makes a machine change. He deliberately omits placing the proper filling piece in position. Now watch what happens when the mold slide safety, completely hidden from view, goes into action. There, the cam shaft stops instantly, but no damage done. The operator simply backs up the machine, raises the elevator, and swings the offending filling piece out of position. Protective devices of this nature assume major importance in keeping production running smoothly. They protect the operator and your schedule. An important factor in the casting of quality slugs is the positive temperature control of type metal. To ensure a constant heat, Linotype provides the microtherm gas heated metal pot which closely regulates temperature both within the crucible and at the mouthpiece. The control operates with equal efficiency on natural, manufactured or bottled gas. Many users prefer the microtherm electric pot. There are two controls. This one governs temperature within the pot itself. A second control regulates temperature at the mouthpiece. Reostats are entirely eliminated. This cutaway model shows how two Lintherm units in parallel are immersed directly in the type metal. The result is minimum heat loss and exceptional economy. Two additional Linootherm units furnish heat to the mouth and throat. We come now to ejection of the slug from the mold. Linotype's universal ejector is easily set by means of a conveniently located handle. This scale shows the setting from 4 to 30 m by 2M steps. The cutaway model shows how the ejector blades are held rigidly between heavy guide plates. There's no possibility of twisting or deflection while the slug is being ejected. In trimming, accuracy throughout the length of the slug is vital. Linotype's universal precision knife block has settings ranging from 5 to 45 points. It's noted for accuracy and for its simple, quick adjustment. Any one setting can be individually changed without affecting other settings. In shops requiring off-standard body sizes, this feature really comes into its own. The simple and positive three bearing construction of the knife block helps to keep the knives in perfect alignment at all times. For parallel adjustment, micrometer screws are provided, assuring precise alignment of the right-hand knife with the left. Now for distribution, the handling of matrices is highly exacting for the slightest misalignment at transfer points soon reflects in wear of matrix teeth. At the first transfer point, liner type provides an adjustable plate for the positive location of the second elevator bar. Two screw bushings under these screws provide the means for precise adjustment. At the second transfer point, the elevator guide assures a perfect union between the elevator bar and the distributor box bar. Here it is in slow motion. Adjustment here is also made possible by two screw bushings to facilitate quick passage of matrices from distributor bar to magazine. Linerype features a channel entrance with anchored partitions. And now with several parts removed to enable the distributor screws to run while the channel entrance is left open, we watch the action of the exclusive spiral automatic. This device automatically stops and locks the distributor screws the instant any interference takes place. Even a slight pressure of the finger on the lower screw actuates the spiral automatic and instantly stops the mechanism. Once the obstruction has been cleared, it takes but a second to re-engage the spirals. Let's take a look at the model 32 liner type. Identical with model 31 except for the extra matrix capacity of the auxiliary magazines. The separate keyboard for the auxiliary side of the machine has the same exclusive swing out feature that gives accessibility to the inner workings of the main keyboard. With a range from the smallest sizes to large display faces, Model 32 can take almost everything that comes along without tying up additional equipment. The centrallylo unit control links the one-turn shift with either bank of magazines. Matrices from any one auxiliary magazine are composed with matrices from any one main magazine and automatically distributed. Master model 32 is a liner type of great versatility. A machine recognized for its low operating cost for both text and display composition. This demonstration of the liner type would not be complete without a quick look at some of the additional production aids with which your new liner type can be equipped at extra cost. This ingenious selfquat automatically quads lines right or left or centers them without counting or filling in. Amazing gains in the production of certain types of work are credited to this simplified quatting device. Liner type sturdy one piece six mold disc reduces mold and liner changes to a considerable degree. It's an important timesaver in shops where changes of type size and slug length are frequent. Thermablow is an air cooling device that keeps molds from overheating. Since the air is not compressed, there is no moisture condensation. Thermablow's patented construction concentrates the air stream on the mold itself. There is no cooling action on the mouthpiece. No draft to annoy the operator. The more liner saw automatically cuts the slug to any measure from 4 to 30 pers by points. Slugs like these are ready for makeup. Linotype's quick opening knife block snaps open instantaneously to clear overhanging slugs in ejection. Where quantities of display slugs are being cast, this attachment saves valuable time. There's no occasion for resetting the knife block dial. No margin for error. The body size is held to exact degree. A flip and the knife block is closed. These attachments are plus factors of production. In some classifications of work, they may represent the difference between a profit and a loss. But now it's time to measure your own requirements. Why will Linotype best answer the needs of your plant? Because for over 60 years, Linotype has proved its capacity to cast quality slugs with standout economy. Because linotype is flexible, its ease of operation is exceptional. Safety is a prime consideration in Linotype engineering. Protection for the operator and the machine. Liner type has all these advantages and more. You can expect extra years of service from your liner type. From top to bottom, simple adjustments are provided to take up the wear that comes with thousands of hours of production. Linotype saves you money because it gives more production per dollar of capital investment and takes less time out for maintenance. For more profitable composition, make your choice linerite.