Improvements in or relating to apparatus for drying stereotype matrices

摘要

441,500. Stereotype matrices. HOWELL, A. H., 211, Queen's Road, Vimbledon, London. July 21, 1934, No. 21381. [Class 100 (ii)] In apparatus for drying stereotype matrices having a drying arch upon which the matrices are to be placed, a flexible cover plate for the arch is provided adapted to be wrapped round the surface of the arch from one longitudinal edge of the arch to the other. As shown, the cover plate 3 consists of a perforated sheet of spring steel anchored at one end to a bar 5 extending parallel with one longitudinal edge of the arch 1, and anchored at the other end to a bar 6 which is yieldingly secured to a supporting bar 7. The bar 7 extends between a pair of end plates 10 each fitted with rollers 11 adapted to run on an involute-shaped track 12, serving to guide the movements of the cover plate 3 into and out of operative position. The tracks 12 form part of a frame 13. The flat matrix to be dried is placed against the cover plate 3, and the latter then turned downwardly over the arch, preferably by means of a handle 14, until the rollers 11 reach the portion of the track of minimum radius at the front edge of the arch. The rollers ride over studs 15 whereby the bar 7 and cover plate are locked in the operative position. The lower bar 5 may be fixed in relation to the edge of the arch, but is shown as being spring-pressed towards the arch by springs 20 mounted on studs 19 passing through the bar into the arch. Rods 21 rotatably mounted on the base 2 of the apparatus pass through slots in the bar 5, and are provided with eccentric lugs which engage lugs on the bar 5, whereby when the rods are rotated the bar 5 is moved away from, or allowed to move towards, the arch 1. The rods 21 have lateral arms 24 at the top ends which are engaged by the end plates 10 of the bar 7 when the latter is moved into the inoperative position thereby causing the bar 5 to move away from the arch 1. When the bar 7 is moved downwardly, the bar 5 moves towards the arch 1 to grip the matrix. Pins may be provided on the bar 5 to assist in locating the matrix. A layer of metallic gauze may be secured to the front of the cover plate 3 to assist the dispersion of vapour from the matrix. The surface of the arch may be provided with a layer 17 of asbestos or the like.