3-009-036 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: Mitchel's type-distributing machine, 1862. 'The distributor is a small machine of circular form. The lines of type to be distributed are placed successively in a long channel, in which they are pressed forward towards a vibrating metal finger. By this finger each type is separated from the line, pushed aside, and dropped on to a grooved brass wheel revolving horizontally. In the grooves of this wheel pins are placed, on which the types are hung by means of nicks, the ends of the types projecting below the under surface of the wheel at distances varying according to the position of the nicks. As each letter arrives over its receptacle it is lifted off its pin and dropped into its place, being pushed a little forward to make way for the next arrival. When the line is filled in this way it is removed by the boy to the compositor. The distributor is self-acting and requires only the attention of a boy. It distributes 8000 letters per hour'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.