Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 001.djvu/129

 the motion to which is given by the bolt, H, forming a point of union between the levers, I I. When their ends are depressed by means of the crank, E G F, which is moved by the handle, A, communicating to the crank, B C, and the connecting rod, D, the platen or upper surface, N, is forcibly drawn down upon the types.

Fig. 2

To maintain the relative position of the several levers, the balance-weight, S, is applied. T T T is the framework supporting the whole of the machinery.

Such is as minute an account of Mr Ruthven's printing press as is necessary for general information. It is here proper to state some of the points of superiority which it has, very decidedly, over all other contrivances of the same kind. These may be very briefly detailed, as we have already pointed out the most glaring defects which first solicited Mr Ruthven's attention.—1st, In the new patent press the types remain stationary. 2d, The platen is the size of the whole sheet, 3d, Time is saved by its being brought over from the side. 4th, There is nearly half an inch between the tympans and the platen while passing over the types, by which all blurring is avoided. 5th, Any degree of pressure (from an ounce to twenty tons) may be correctly and uniformly given at pleasure. 6th, The platen being drawn down by the two ends, and the resistance sustained against the under surface of the tablet, affords the most complete and uniform security to all the parts; while, contrary to every other example known to us of the application of pressure, the frame is wholly independent of, and unaffected by, the force employed. 7th, As