The forme was fixed in
a cast-iron plate which was carried to and fro on a table, being
received at either end by strong spiral springs. A double
machine, on the same principle,--the forme alternately passing
under and giving an impression at one of two cylinders at either
end of the press,--was also included in the patent of 1811.
How diligently Koenig continued to elaborate the details of his
invention will be obvious from the two last patents which he took
out, in 1813 and 1814. In the first he introduced an important
improvement in the inking arrangement, and a contrivance for
holding and carrying on the sheet, keeping it close to the
printing cylinder by means of endless tapes; while in the second,
he added the following new expedients: a feeder, consisting of an
endless web,--an improved arrangement of the endless tapes by
inner as well as outer friskets,--an improvement of the register
(that is, one page falling exactly on the back of another), by
which greater accuracy of impression was also secured; and
finally, an arrangement by which the sheet was thrown out of the
machine, printed by the revolving cylinder on both sides.
The partners in Koenig's Patents had established a manufactory in
Whitecross Street for the production of the new machines. The
workmen employed were sworn to secrecy. They entered into an
agreement by which they were liable to forfeit 100L.
Pages:
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221