After the matrices have been used for the line they are lifted by an arm to the top of the machine and distributed again, each character in its particular channel in the magazine. The matrices for each character have a set of notches or teeth different from every other character; and as they are moved along the distributing apparatus by horizontal screws each matrix reaches a point where its notches are matched and it drops into the top of its channel. There are a number of matrices of each character, and the arrangement of the machine is such that three lines of matrices may be kept in operation at once--one being assembled, one at the casting mold, and the third being distributed.
The work of the operator is to manipulate the keyboard and, at the end of each line, move a lever which engages the mechanism that carries the assembled line to the mold. All other operations are performed by mechanical power.
The Lanston Monotype is a type-casting machine which produces separate types set in lines of any length, up to sixty ems pica, spaced and justified. It is in two parts--a keyboard and a casting machine. The function of the keyboard section is to punch a series of holes in a moving strip of paper, which unwinds from one spool to another, passing under a series of punches in its journey. The punches are operated by pressing the keys on the keyboard, the result of this operation being a roll of perforated paper ribbon. This ribbon is then taken to the casting machine, which contains a pot for melted metal, a stationary mold for the size of type to be cast, and a matrix-plate. The matrix-plate is about five inches square, and has on its face depressed images or matrices of each letter and character of the font. The perforated strip of paper, when fed to its place, controls the movement of the matrix-plate, so that the required letter is adjusted exactly in place over the mold, while the melted metal is squirted in to form the type. The type then moves away and takes its proper place in the line, until the line is completed, when it is automatically moved out on to a galley.
The Monotype keyboard, being an entirely separate machine, may be and usually is operated in any place away from the casting apparatus and work may be executed on it anytime before casting. The perforated roll may be fed through any number of times to produce duplicate castings of the matter, and a matrix-plate for a different face may be used if desired. In the casting of the line the proper spaces are cast with it, the spacing needed to justify each line being indicated on the perforated record during composition on the keyboard.