Abstract: In a photocomposition machine, a method for projecting characters at a selected point size. A first reference position and a second reference position are defined. The variator lens and the collimator lens of the machine are driven to the first and second reference positions, respectively, in predetermined directions. The variator lens is then driven from the first reference position to a first composing position, and the collimator lens is driven from the second reference position to a second composing position. The composing positions are determined by the point size data, and each lens is moved to a composition position only in a direction opposite the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An optical system for photocomposing. A variable aerial image is supplied to the focal plane of a collimating lens couple, wherein the decollimating lens is used for composition escapement.

Abstract: The disclosure is a two-solution tray, each a substantial duplicate of the other, and each illustrating the principle of a chicken feeder supply, an overflow control that doubles as a drain cock and a sealed system drain container for ecologically safe disposal of spent chemicals.

Abstract: A photocomposition machine wherein the lens system includes at least one focusing lens which is moved into point size position by a mechanical drive under a control means which returns the lens carriage to a known reference position prior to a composition routine, which reference position becomes a value in the memory of the control, whereby the mechanical precision and wear alteration of the drive become of no factor in accurate focusing of the lenses.

Abstract: An improved photocomposition machine is provided including a keyboard and a cathode ray tube (CRT) which displays various function commands, such as font, point size, and line length and their selected values, in a function field area on the CRT screen. Changes in point size and font values made by the operator within a line appear on the screen with the type line characters in a sequence which they were entered. Upon completion of a type line, the last selected point size and font values appear in the function field area as the completed line is shifted to a predetermined location on the CRT screen, whereby the operator is provided with a visual record of the point size and font values for both current and previous lines.

Abstract: A shaft encoder of negligible moment of inertia. A grating provides a grid pattern of transmitted light. A mirror on the shaft sweeps the pattern. A lens focuses the sweep over a mask of like grid pattern. A photocell is activated by light transmitted through the mask whenever there is a register of the grating image with the mask. By using a mask of N grid lines per unit of measure, and a mask of N plus 1, two cells will be able to detect direction of shaft rotation.

Abstract: A turret mounted series of photocomposing disc fonts wherein the turret has a series of disc hubs all having a different elevation in order that the disc members may be bunched together in overlapped relationship and hence occupy a minimum area within the photocomposing machine. The advance in the art is primarily in the placement of the discs in overlap relationship and then advancing or retracting the turret in order to accomplish proper positioning of the disc as opposed to the concept of the prior art in keeping all discs on one plane and then rotating the turret to bring each disc in turn into the optical system.

Abstract: The use of a stepper motor of large steps, with a pulley type mechanical motion reducer system using a flexible cable for dividing a step of the motor into a divided output motion, and an alternative embodiment wherein a second stepper motor in the form of a two-step solenoid further alters the output by changing the position of the flexible cable anchor. The combination is illustrated in an environment of a lens in a photocomposer wherein a carriage carries a decollimating focusing lens and mirror as an escapement composition device shifted in accordance with the dictates of a program operating under specific algorithms.

Abstract: In a photocomposition machine environment the apparatus and method show the concept of advancing the photosensitive material into position normally occupied for composition of text. The known apparatus and method are then modified by providing reverse leading for the paper and re-advance to the starting point followed by composition of a second column lateral to and aligned with the first column. A particular advance in the art is the ability to compose a complex mathematical formula with greatly simplified software using the improved hardware.The point of reference is established by a sensor which is activated upon advance of the paper to the sensor and therefore reversal and re-advancement of the paper will cause an exact repositioning of the paper for each column.