When the line of matrices is raised to the distributor, it is necessary that the matrices shall be separated and presented one at a time to the distributor bar, between the threads of the horizontal carrier-screws. This is accomplished as shown in Figs. 14 and 15. A horizontal pusher or line-shifter _S_ carries the line of matrices forward from the elevator bar _R_ into the so-called distributor box, containing at its opposite sides two rails _u_, having near their forward ends shoulders _u2_, against which the forward matrix abuts so as to prevent further advance of the line, which is urged constantly forward by the follower or line-shifter _S_. A vertically reciprocating lifting finger _V_ has its upper end shouldered to engage beneath the foremost matrix, so as to push it upward until its upper ears are lifted above the detaining shoulder _u2_, so that they may ride forward on the upwardly inclined inner ends of the rails, as shown in Fig. 14. The matrices thus lifted are engaged by the screws and carried forward, and, as they move forward, they are gradually raised by the rails until the teeth finally engage themselves on the distributor bar _T_, from which they are suspended as they are carried forward, over the mouth of the magazine, until they fall into their respective channels, as shown in Fig. 15. The distributor box also contains on opposite sides shorter rails, _u4_, adapted to engage the lower ends of the matrices, to hold them in position as they are lifted. The lifting finger _V_ is mounted on a horizontal pivot in one end of an elbow lever mounted on pivot _v2_ and actuated by a cam on the end of one of the carrier-screws, as shown in Figs. 2 and 15. TRIMMING-KNIVES In practice there is occasionally found a slight irregularity in the thickness of slugs, and thin fins are sometimes cast around the forward edges. For the purpose of reducing them to a uniform thickness, they are driven on their way to the galley between two vertical knives, as shown in Figs. 4 and 16. The inner knife is stationary, but the outer knife is adjustable in order that it may accommodate slugs of different thicknesses. This adjustment is made by the knife being seated at its outer edge against a supporting bar or wedge, having at opposite ends two inclined surfaces seated against supporting screws in the knife-block. A lever engages a pin on the wedge for the purpose of moving it endwise; when moving in one direction, it forces the knife inward toward the stationary knife, and when moved in the other direction, it forces it to retreat under the influence of a spring seated in the block. The wedge is provided with a series of teeth engaged by a spring-actuated pin or dog, whereby the wedge and the knife are stopped in proper positions to insure the exact space required between the two knives. [Illustration: Fig. 15.]