US2886160A

US2886160A - Carriage moving apparatus for typewriters

Info

Publication number: US2886160A
Application number: US591107A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frey Erik
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-06-13
Filing date: 1956-06-13
Publication date: 1959-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 1976-05-12

Description

E. FREY May 12, 11959 CARRIAGE MOVING APPARATUS FOR TYPEWRITERS V Filed June 15, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 uw. l

May 12, l1959 v E. FREY 2,886,160

I CARRIAGE MOVING APPARATUS RoR TYRRWRITERS Filed June 1s, v195e l 4 sheets-sheet 2 May 12, 1959 -,E. FREY CARRIAGE MOVING APPARATUS FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed June 1s, 195e 4 Sheets-Sheet' 3 WT 1% 4 L5@ w NN QQ., H @mw www ,www S 5 May l2, 1959 `l-:QFREY v 2,886,160

CARRIAGE MOVING APPARATUS FOR TYRRWRITERS Filed June l5, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent() i 2,386,160 CARRIAGE MOVING APPARATUS FoR TYPEWRITERS e Erik Frey, Chicago, Ill. Application June 13, 1956, Serial No. 591,107 1.7 Claims. (Cl. 197-84) The present invention relates in general to typewriting machines, and has more particular reference to novel typewriter escapement mechanism.

The conventionalxed escapement typewriter, either manual or electrical, employs an escapement mechanism operably engaged with a rack which is stationary on the carriage. Depression of a character key lever initiates the escapement movementof the carriage through a predetermined fixed distance which is independent of the width of the letter to be imprinted. Hence, the escapement distance on a fixed spacing machine is the same for both upper and lower case letters, whether the same be of the centered or` of the off-centered type. As a result, the spacing between adjacent letters will vary, where one letter is narrower than another, as with lower case letters f, 1, i, .t and j, which are narrower than other lower case letters. Non-uniform spacing between letters is also obtained in connection with upper case or capital letters, whichare wider than their lower case counterparts.` Such non-uniform spacing between the letters of printed material detracts from its appearance and` wastes space. Also, by reason ofthe diterent widths of letters, both upper and lower case, uniform line ending margins are virtually impossible to achieve in conventional typewriters under ordinary circumstances of use.

One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide novel typewriter escapement apparatus embodying a turnable, helically threaded escapement rack.

Another object of the invention is to provide typewriter escapement apparatus comprising a turnable screw forming an escapement rack inconjunction with means selectively operable to rotate the rack in either direction, `to move the carriage through a predetermined escapement distance in response to the actuation of any type key, whereby normal escapement is accomplished by turning the rack forming screw through a predetermined angular displacement, such as one complete revolution of the screw.

Another important object is to provide improved means for achieving uniform spacing between typewritten letters, regardless of whether they are upper or lower case letters, and regardless of letter width variations.

`Another object of the invention is to provide novel typewriter escapement apparatus of the character described which includes an escapement rack comprising a screw rotatably installed on the carriage and electromagnetically operated actuating members drivingly connected with the rack for selectively rotating the same to move the carriage forwardly or backwardly through adjusting distances in addition to the normal escapement movement, in order to achieve uniform spacing between letters regardless of the size or Width ofthe letters imprinted. `Another object of the invention is to provide novel means associated with the proportional spacing apparatus embodying the invention for attaining uniform margins for printed matter, including tabulated printed matter.

`Still a further object of the invention is to provide novel spacing apparatuswhich will permit selective spreading or shrinking of a lineof typed` copy.

2,886,160 Patented May 12, y1959 Certain languages are Written from right to left as distinguished from English, for instance, which is written from left to right. Typewriters of conventional design provide for typing in only one direction since conventional escapement apparatus is intended to accomplish only unidirectional escapement of the carriage. Such a typewriter can not be used for typewriting in the direction opposite to the normal escapement movement that is built into `the machine, Specially constructed typewriters therefore are required for writing from right to left, even where conventional characters are used.

Another very important object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a typewriter which, by employing the principles of the invention, will provide :for carriage escapement in either direction at the option of the user; `a further object being to provide for proportional type spacing in either direction of carriage escapement movement.

Another important object is to provide a typewriter having means selectivelyioperable to cause the machine to proportionally space successively imprinted letters to attain uniform spacing between successive letters, and a1- ternately to operate as a conventional fixed escapement machine.

Other objects of the invention reside in the provision of a novel encoding apparatus for initiating carriage movement; to provide apparatus embodying the principles of the invention, which is simple, inexpensive, and well adapted for incorporation in conventional fixed spacing typewriters; and to enable achievement of these objects at substantial economy. f

Since an important object of the invention is to provide apparatus which can be incorporated into conventional machines, `the invention'is in no way limited by reason of substantial Variations in conventional `parts of the machines not material to the successful operation of the invention.

The foregoing and numerous other important objects; advantages, and inherent functions of the invention will become apparent as the same is more fully understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings: i

Fig. 1 is a side View of a typewriting machine having apparatus embodying the invention installed thereon,` parts of the housing being broken away to show details of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmetary top view of the typewriter as defined by the line 2-2 in Fig. l, portions of the carriage having been removed `to show the turnable rackl forming screw of the invention;

` Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken through the keyboard ofthe typewriter along the line 3-3 of Fig. l and illustrating the encoding apparatus of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken through a clutch mechanism drivingly associated with the rack screw for turning the same; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating novel means provided in accordance with `the invention for returning the rack screw to a predetermined zero position, when. the carriage is at the end of a line, so as to achieve unitypewriter modified in accordance with the invention and showing the apparatus installed for achieving normal or uniform escapement movement in either direction;

9 is a fragmentary elevation view of encoding apparatus for selectively initiating bi-directional escapement movement of the carriage; and

Fig, 110, is a sectional viewf taken alongI the line, 1'0-10 oFig, 8,.

TQ- illustrate. the invention the drawings. showv a type,- writen 2.0 which, for. purposes of the present disclosure, may be either electrically ormanually operable.. In a manualzmachine, a separate electrical line will be required for; QQnneting theA apparatus 0i the invention tof a suit.- able Source-of electrical power. In an electrical machine, the sameapower line.r byl which the: typewriter is energized fon operationI may-.be usedl to supply power for operating the apparatus of the invention'.4 TheI typewriter 20., as shown, may, include: ahousing 21',y a conventional. escapement'. mechanism. 22. mounted in the housing, a. pinion 23 coupled with the.. mechanism Z2 and. drivingly engaged witharack carried: ontthe carriage-.25. Ina conventional uniformishift escapementmachinmthe; rack ordinarily is an. elongate, rectangular; member. whose; teeth. arev meshed with.the-,pinion4 23,. the; rackgheing stationary onthe carriage. 11i-place.l of the, conventional. stationary rack, the present invention. utilizes.. a. circular rack; or helically threaded; lead screw- 24.y which. isi rotatablyf mounted on. the carriageandtmeshed withA the; pinion 215...

It will be appreciated that the conventional escapement mechanismv may vary indifferent typewriters.. Asa consequence, it;has beendeemed unnecessary to` illustrate a specific: escapement mechanism. in detail. In the illustrated.- typewriter,I the. carriage is translated by themechanisrn, 22 in; one.;y direction only, namely, from left to right. Returnr tothe. left. hand margin position of the carriage is accomplished by means of the carriage: release lever 26 whi.ch;mayr function in conventional fashion to. disconnect theescapement mechanism 22 from the rack 24. In the electric typewriter., carriage return. movement. is effected thrugh;a carriagey return key orpbutton on the keyboard ofA the machine;y lIt should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to machineshaving uni-directional. escapement from left to right,` buty applies equally to devices embodyinglrightl to. left escapement as well as totypewriters selectively conditionable. for escapement motion ingeither direction.

The carriagev 25, as shown, mounts a conventional platen or roller 27, a` paper bail28 and various. other. con'- ventioual control members which have not been speciiicallyY illustrated'. since.v they have no bearing on the` invention.v The, keyboard. 29has; a plurality of character key. levers, each.y off which. mayinclude; ashort vertical arm 30 supporting at its upper end a linger piece. 3.1.and an elongate.v horizontal extension.- 32.which. passes along thefb-ottom` of. the, housing.A ancllish upwardly bentat its.` forward end,.to.provide an arm.1'o3.r which. is, pivotally con: nected in conventional fashion, asfby the =link:34to.a. type bandit Type-.hary 35 mountsga;V pair.- of.. type characters 3.5.aaand 35;b and ismovable-towardsaid roller.. 2.7.l toimake a type-impressionwheu the;- linger. piecelc` of aakeyI lever is; depressed. The.. characters. 35a anda 35b respectively represent correspondingv upper and-lower case. letters;` A shift or capital letter key (not shown) maybeprovided on,v the keyboard 29, for selecting upper case lettersV desired. to. be. imprinted.,

YAn important. feature. ofy the. invention. comprises the elimination of the stationaryfrack foundinconventional typewriters.. and.. mounting, in` its, stead a` rotatable rack or helically threaded feed screw 24. The screwvrack Z4 isturnably jkournaled.: at itsopposite. ends in suitable bearings provided in a bracket 3S. connected, atzone end ofthe` carriage.; and; in.the r end. frame` 3.9i off, the carriage at itsoppositef-end. The. screwv rack 24-1meshes withithepinion. 23A which is.` operated: by.- the escapement 'mechaescapement apparatus in a typewriter may be utilized with the rack 24. p

To achieve proportional spacing, it is necessary to adjust the distance moved by the carriage, during normal escapement, by either increasing or decreasing the same suiciently to achieve uniform spacing of characters of unlike widths. This may be accomplished. by means of apparatus adapted to rotate the raclc24l relative to the pinion 23 the necessary' amount to move the carriage through the required= adjustment. distance, independently of carriage escapement movement elfected by rotation of the pinion2'3l.

Secured on an Unthreaded segment of the screw rack 24, spaced inwardly from the frame 39, are a pair of adjacently disposed collars 40 and 41, each carrying a circular gear, suchas-fgear'l-Zl on collar' 40' and gear 43A on collar 41, said gears 42and' 4-3 being preferably'identical. Referring to Fig. 4, thereis` shown av free' wheeling clutch associated' witlr. the collar: 4W* adapted! to` drivingly rotate the'. screw rack.' 24-1inC a counterclockwise direction' upon rotationf of gear'42' in that direct-ion. The=seco1rd" collar 4l: has ani identical clutch; albeit arranged to effect'rot'a'- tion of' theraclcv 24 in the opposite orclockwi'se direction'. The clutcheslmayA each comprisea pair Yof arcuate recesses 441y and 445 formed in the collaron opposite sides of the raclc scrcw 24-andi each cur-vedI toward said screw: at its end145. However, thezendsl 4510i:TA the recesses 44-L and 44 areta-rranged facing iny opposite directions:

A spring pressed ball* 46' is retained in each recess, with the balli normally urgedtowardsaidend 451 Thesdiamct'er of the.` ball 461is-zsuch1 as normally toclampingly engage between the wall. of` the recess and* the rack24, to thereby locky the: collar 403 and1said rack together, so that rotary movementA of the.y gear` 42 in onedirection will resul-t' in rotaryI movement ofi' the rackf in the same' direction; As seenf in Eig. 4,.rotary' movement of the' gearin one direction will' maintainsthe ball 46- wedged! into. theftapered; end 45', thus causing engagement-ofthe clutch, whereas movement ofl the gear42in=thelopposite direction will free the balls 46 from: suchy wedging engagement'and' permit the collar 40 to. free-.wheel relativek to the' rack: It will be understood'V that'thecollars 4'0Jand'. 41 are arranged the one: facing theother;` but slightlyA spaeedf apart to`v permit oneztorotate relative totheiother. It willI ber understood thattthe clutchidevice of..L collar. 41E willi engage for rotating racls'24'f clockwise, viewing` Fig. l, anditofree-wheelfin the opposite'direction..

Thenmeans forrotating the co1l`arsf40'1" and 4I to accom plish incrementali rotation ofthe rack' ZWiS-'illustratediin Figs. l and 2: Saidmeans may; comprise'apar of-"electromagnetically' operated actuating members- 54 and 62 which,` mesh with the: gears 42` and? 432 respectively; As seen in Fig. 1, secured to the rear wall 47 of the carriage is` a supportingz bracket 48:1 having at painof* vertically spaced shelvesf49.-Y andz' @extending within: the;I housing 21; Secured1onshelfr49; asuby means.` oftv erholt? 512, .is al: soleinoidk 52 whose plungenrv 53. extend'sfforwardlyf toward the rack. screw 24.. Securedftostheaforward. endoff plunger 53; is arackl bar 54 whose.y underside; hasf teeth 55 adapted to. mesh with. thel upperl reach. of gear wheel. 42. The plunger 53, is. maintained` ina a. normally extended position by. means. of acoil spring56 appliedthereonbetween-the. solenoid housing and the. bar 54.`

Upstanding on the bar 5'4 is a, stop pin. 57. arrangedfto engage a shoulder 58'forrnedina plate 59 supportedron the solenoid' 52'. The stop memher STand'sh'oulder 58^are spaced apart* linearly' to limit movement. of" the plunger inwardly into the sol'errolto ar predeterminedL distance.

Thus; when tlie solenoid 52 is' energized; plunger 53` will bedrawn into` the solenoid, thereby"movingthetoothedV tercloclwise; viewing*l Fig:Y lt and*=` thereby causing move-- mentrofithe frack `inta: directionofadvanc'ethe carriage to by theplunger I5,3, this `being controlled by the lineardistance between the stop pin` 57 and shoulder 58.

, Similar apparatus is provided for eiecting rotation of the rack screw 24 in the opposite direction to move the carriage to the right, viewing Fig. 2. Mounted on shelf 50 is a second solenoid 60 whose plunger 61 actuates a toothed rack bar 62 which is drivingly engaged with the lower reach of gear wheel 43. A stop member 57 is provided which limits the linear distance traversable by plunger 61 when it engages against the shoulder 58 of plage 59".f `A coil spring 56 on plunger 61 normally urges said bar-62 outwardly relative to the solenoid. When the solenoid 60 is energized, the gear wheel 43 will be moved in a directionto turn the rack screw 24 so as to cause carriage movement toward the right, viewing Fig. 2.

` It will be understood that the clutch devices associated with collars 40 and 41 will permit free wheeling of the collars relative to the rack 24 upon return movement of the rack bars 54 or 62 under the normal bias of the springs 56l` or 56'` respectively, after the solenoid with which a said bar is associated is de-energized. Y

.The linear distance between stop member 57 and the shoulder 58 or stop member 57' and shoulder 58 is calculated to eiect a predetermined incremental rotary movement of the rack screw 24 which is equal for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation thereof. For purposes of illustration, the normal escapement distance of the carriage, effected through the pinion 23, may be established at four units, which includes the width of the character plus the space between characters. A three unit character plus one unit of space for a totalspace of four units is the preferred norm, since the majority of characters are three units in width. The four units of space for normal escapement movement of the carriage may be effected by one complete revolution of the rack or screw 24. The linear distance between stop 57 and shoulder 58 and between stop 57' and shoulder 58' is calculated to etect one-eighth of a revolution of the rack, either clockwise or counter clockwise. Thus, depending upon which of the

solenoids

52 or 6,0 is energized, the normal escapement distance of four units may be either increased or decreased a predetermined fractional amount of the` total escapement distance for the purpose of accommodating carriage movement to the width of the character.

Referring to Figs. l, 3 and 6, the manner in which the solenoids are selectively energized to initiate incremental movement of the carriage 25 in` response to depression of a character key lever is illustrated. At the outset, itis desired to explain that energization of the

solenoids

52 and 60 may be achieved through apparatus, other than as herein described, such as, for instance, the apparatus described in Patent No. 2,663,399, issued December22, 1953, to Frey and Hattis, and in Patent No. 2,680,507, issued lune 8, 1954, to Frey and Cooper.

Suspended within the housing 21 below the horizontal arms 32 of the character `key levers is a control member, whichy may be in the form of a `cord 65 or an elongate encoded bar or rod or a light beam. The cord 65 is re tained in a normally taut condition, one end thereof being fastened to the hook 66 secured on the interior of the housing 21. The opposite end of said cord is attached to the free end 67 of the pivotally mounted switch arm 68 of a microswitch 69. Arm 68 is spring biased into a normal position spaced from the button 70 so that the switch is normally open. Upon movement of cord 65, the arm 68 will be pivoted to close the switch 69. It rwill be appreciated that the sensitivity of such switches will require only a slight movement of the cord 65 to close the switch. The leads 71 and 72 from switch 69 are connected to the solenoid 52.`

Each of the arms 32 of the character key jlevers for lower case f, 1, i, .t and j and for punctuations has secured thereto a depending elongate lug or bar 73, such as shown in Fig. 6. Each ylug or bar 73 is substantially vertically` arranged and alongits inwardly facing edge ;74 is rprovideda projection 75. The projection 75 is spaced from the bottom end of the lug 73 so as to overlie the cord 65. Upon depression of a said key lever, thel projection will bear against the cord as it rides past and 'will move the same `sutciently toclose the switch 69. Upon return of the depressed key lever, the projection 75 will again bear againstthe cord 65, causing the switch A69 to be closed again momentarily.

The projection 75 is positioned so as to close the switch 69 only after the` normal escapement movement of` four units for the carriage is completed, but before the character is printed. As previously explained, since each of the characters f, 1, i,,t, j, et cetera, are narrower` than the remaining letters of the alphabet, to achieve uniform proportional spacing it is necessary to reduce the spacing between such a letter and its adjacent letter or letters.A By means of the apparatus de-V scribed, if the character key 31 for letter f` is initially depressed, the conventional escapement mechanism 22` will `cause the carriage to move ardistance of four units. As depression of the character key continues, the projection 75 will engage `the cord 65,; moving same to momentarily close switch 69 and energize solenoid 52. The plunger 53 will be drawn inwardly causing rotation of rack screw 24 one-eighth of a revolution, through an angular displacement of 45 degrees, thereby displacing the carriage 25 one-eighth of the normal escapement distance of four units, in a direction to reduce carriage travel by one-eighth of the distancemoved during normal escapement, that lis to say, by one-half of a unit.

This reduction of normal carriage escapement isY accomplished before the letter f `is imprinted, so that; upon imprinting, said letter will be one-half of a unit closer to the next preceding letter than would be attained by the normal escapement movement of the carriage. However, when the character key lever for f? returns upwardly to its normal position, thecord 65 is again pulled, thus closing switch 69 a second time. The plunger 53, having in the meantime been returned to its normally extended position by action of the spring 56, will again be actuated to elect movement of the carriage another one-eighth of the normal escapement distance. The foregoing .is the timing sequence required in machines itted lwith centered type. In the case of left-sided olset type, the full reduction or increase of escapement movement would be accomplished after thecharacter has been impressed, in a machine operatingvfrom left to right; `In the case of right-sided offset type, the reduction or increase is applied before the character is impressed.

A complete stroke of a character key lever, where it isA desired to reduce the distance between adjacent letters, will thus result in reduction of escapement movement by one-half a unit of` the normal escapement distance both before and after the letter is imprinted. The escapement distance for `these special lower case letters is thus, in effect, reduced to three units, whereas, in m'ost other instances, the lower case letters will require four units of space, achieved through normal operation of the escapement mechanism 22 and pinion 23, without, `adjustment, since there are no depending lugs provided on these key levers to engage cord 65; It willbe understood that the same principles may be employed to appropriately adjust the escapement distance in connection with certain of the punctuation marks.

Considering now the `upper case or capital letters, where the same are of the center-type, all capitals usually require tive units of space,A including provision for inter-character spacing, with, the possible exception ofthe letters W and M which may require six units. The letter S usually requires four units, while the letter I requires three units. The invention includes means for. increasing `the normal` escapementcdistance for. capital letters as necessary, including provision for avoiding such Y increase in the case `of the letter' fS and reducing ,said

v7 distanceV inthe case of let-ter Il Reference will be: had to Fig; 1 for this portion of" the disclosure.

There is provided', oneach of theA character key lever involved;` a second depending lugA 7S which in. all respects is identical? tothe lu-g' 73. A second cord or bar 30 is suspended in# the same manner as cord 65- with one end of the cor-'di 80" attached to the` pivotal arm ofA a second micros-witch 81. The switch 81 may be and; preferably isidenticai to switch 69, with the leads- 82" and 83 therefrom connected tox the solenoid 60. The cord' 8U- and lug- 78 are arranged to the rear of the cord 65 and lug 7'3'. Although` not specifically show-n, the shift or capital keyon the typewriter. may' be connected to condition the switch 81 for operation,.while at the same time disabling the switch 691 "lhuswhenacharacter key lever is actuated, thei shift or capital'l key being, depressed, only the switch will operate.l The pulling of the cord 80, by downward movement of the projection 79 thereagainst, will close switch- 81 and actuatey the solenoid 60. The plunger 6'1 willi` be moved thereby causing rotation of the rack screw 24 one-eighth of at revolution in a. direction to shiftv the. carriage 25 through ay corresponding displacement distance. of one-half unit in a direction to increase the normal escapement distance. The return movementV of thev key lever will again close switch 81 momentarily to initiate another. incremental movement ofi the carriage: in the same manner as described supra in connection with the operation of the solenoid 52. The result will be` to;` increase the escapement' distance by a total of one: unit'. Since the switch 69' is. dead at this time, nothingj happens to solenoid 52 when cord' 65 is pulled;` during the stroke of the character key lever.

The S character key is.y not provided with a lug, such as lug; 78,. and therefore the normal e'scapement distance oli. fouty units is obtained in. response tov character key operationv for bothlower and upper case letter s'. The lug18 may also-be; omitted from the letter I characterl key, thus obtaining the` normal four units of escapement, distance when. capital I is struck. However, a separate switch. may be installed along. the same principles discussed in connection with. upper case S to achieve three unitsl of spacing. For capitals W and M, where six units of spacing may be desired, all that need be done isk to provide a. second. projection on the lug 78'y mounted on` the key lever for these letters to pull the: cord 80- twice duringv downward movement of the key and twicev during the upward. orv return portion of the keyI lever stroke, thus increasing the total escapement distance to six units.

It is contemplated. that. the principles of the invention may.y encompass the use of only one cord and one switch instead oi the two described. To accomplishthis, it would beI necessary onlyI to incorporate with the shift or capital. key a linkage which would shift the position of the single cord forwardly so as. to be engaged by the projection 79- when. typing'A capitals,y while employing a. double-poley switch connected to

both4 solenoids

52 and 60". Act-ionof they shift key; would select the solenoid to be= energized at. the'. same time the cord is shifted in position. When` typing lower case letters, the cord would be in position for engagement by projection 75 and only the. solenoid 52 would. be energized.

Many modifications may, of course, be madel in the form of encoding apparatus employed to energize

solenoids

52 and, 60 selectively. For example, electronic switches may be substituted for switches 69 and S1, and the cords' or bars' may be replaced' by a light beam and photoelectric cell or other light detecting units for closing such electronic switches, in response to actuation ofthe character keys. y

It will be seenA that the pitch of* the thread of the rack screw 24v is preferably equal tothe normal escapement distant-:cof fourl units; Accordingly, in writing a four unit letter, which requires normal` unmodied escapement,; they rackwill be in the zero position at the end' of thev four unit letter writing,y operation, it was. in zero position at the start of ther operation: It; yhow'- ever, a three unit letter is' typed,l starting with theA rack in zero position, the rack', at the conclusion oi. the letter writing operation, will he turnabl-y displacedE backwardlyfrom zero4 position through al rotated angle of adjustment corresponding* with one spacementv unit, that is' to say, one-quarter of' the' normal escapementdistance, such angle being one-quarter of a complete rotation of the rack or angularl degrees. The rack will` be dis'- pl'aced' backwardly through an 'ang-le of' l80'd'egrees, from zei-of posi-tion, after imprinting a two unit character, such' as a periodv or decimal point. Likewise, in writing a letter' that is live units wide, starting from "zero position, the rack willA be displaced forwardly from' zero position through a rotated adjustment angle of` 90V degrees, and willbe displaced throughA an angle of 1'80V degrees, fromv Zerofposition, at the conclusion of theI operation of: imprinting a six unit' letter. Accordingly, after irnprinting a series of' characters of various widthslin al line of type, the threaded rack member 24v maybe angularly displaced from zero position by` 90` or 180 'degrees in either direction. n

It is desirable, however,v to' insurey that the' rackY screw 24 will always' return to a position such that the pinion 23 will engage the threadsl of the racki properly: when the carriage is* at the line starting margin position. To insure suchv return of the rack to what` is referred to herein as the zero position of the rack screw, there is providedl a cam or pilot wheel 82 fixed on the rack screw 24 between the collars and the end wall 39. The cam wheel 82 has twoV relatively offset parts" 82AY and' 82B- disposed in side-by-side relation. These partsl respectivelyv provide switch operatingA tines or projections 83a, S321, 84a and: 84-"a on the part 82A, and similar projections 83b, 83b and 845 on the part 82B. The projections are angularly` spaced apart 45 de'greesV on the periphery of the wheel, the tinesA 83av and 84b being disposed in alinement. The tines 83a and 83b are also.. alined and displaced 45 degrees fromr the

tines

83a and 846. The tines 83b and 84a likewise are alined andare displaced 45-y degrees from the

tines

83a and 83"b, and l90 degrees from the tinesl 83a and 84'b. The tine 84'11 1s displaced 45 degrees from tines 83b and 8411 90" degrees from tines 831al and 83b, and l35vdegrees from tines 83a andk 841:. Mounted on the carriage on opposlte sides of rack screw 2"4 are a pair off switches 85 yandl 8'6, the switch 85 being alined with the tines 83a, 8 3-a, 84a and 84a, and the switch 86 being alined with tines' 83h, 8311 and' 8`4b. Installed on the interior of the housing' is another pair of switches 88. and 89' in posltion to be intercepted and closed by the projection 90- secured on the carriage and adjustable. in position by means of the margin selector' of the typewriter.`

Referring: to the circuit illustration of Fig. 7;, the. entire. operatlon of the apparatus described will be eXplaned in conjunctiony with the manner of operation of the means for insuring uniform margin positions for the carriage. The solenoid 52 is connectedl bymeans of lead 91' and lead 92 across the line 93 to the source of electrical power.V Switch 69is connected in the lead 92 so that, when closed` upon depression of a character key lever and the pulling of cord 65 as previously explained, the solenoid 52 is energized' to effect incremental movement of the carriage in one direction. The solenoid' 60 is connected byv leads 94' and95 across thel line 93 and the switch 81 is' connected 1n the lead 94' so that, when closed by pulling of cord' 80, the solenoid 60 is energized to effect reverse incremental movement of the carriage. The operation of the sol'enoid's and the manner of achieving such incremental movements' of the carriagehas been described in detail' heretofore, and the solenoids and the leads connecting same, across thei line 9i? comprisesl one branch ofthe entire` circuit-v of the lnventlon.

The second livranclil of the circuit operatesin connection with cam wheel 82 and includes the lead.96 which connects a movable contact 108 of the switch 85 with solenoid 60 at the juncture 97. The stationary contact 108 of switch 85 is connected by lead 98 to one contact of switch 88, while the` second contact of switch 88 is connected to the line 93 by lead 99 at juncture 100. The switch 86 is connected by lead 101 to the solenoid 52, at junction 102, and to the switch 89 by means of lead 103. Switch 89 is connected across the line 93 by means of lead 104, at junction 105.

In order to return the rack screw to zero position, the switches 884 and 89 may be closed by any suitable or preferred means operable immediately prior to or during return movement of the carriage to a line starting margin position. To this end, the

switches

88 and 89 may be closed by the projection 90 when the carriage 25 shall have reached the end of a complete line of imprinted type, immediately prior to return of the carriage to the line starting margin position; and means may be provided -for closing the

switches

88 and 89 in response to operation of the carriage return and tabulating keys, thereby actuating the rack screw zeroizing means whenever the carriage Ais moved to a starting position, either for commencing a line of typing or for tabulating purposes.

Whenever the cam` wheel 82 is turned from its normal or zero position in the counterclockwise direction, as shownby solid arrows in Fig. 7, the tines 83a, 83'a, 84a and 84a will be brought successively into switch closing engagement with the switch 85, as the result of successive strokes` of thewsolenoid 52. Additional strokes of the solenoid, after the tine 84a engages switch 85, will s uccessively `engage tines 84h, 83band 83b with the switch 86. Likewise, when the wheel is turned from its zero position, in theclockwise direction,` as shown by dotted arrows` in Fig. 7, the tines 83b, 83b, and 84b will be brought successively into switch closing engagement with the switch 86, and thereafter the

tines

84a, 84a, 83a and 83a will successively engage switch 85, as the result of successive `strokes of the solenoid 60. As a consequence, whenever the rack 24 is displaced from zero position, in any of seven possible angularly displaced positions, one of the

tines

83a, 83a, 83b, 83b, 84a, 84a and 84 b corresponding with the displaced position of the rack will operate to close one of the switches 85 or 86. I

Closure of switch 85 completes the circuit to solenoid 60,through lead 96,` switch 85, lead 98, switch 88, lead 9 9 to the juncture 100 with the line 93. The solenoid 60 will be energized to draw its plunger inwardly, rotating the rack screw 24 in a clockwise direction the` necessary amount to turn the rack 45 degrees. Thus, if the switch 85 `is closed by the tine 83a, the rack will be returned to its i, zero position with respect to pinion 23, by one operating stroke of the solenoid 60. At the same time, the tine 83a willbe rotated oi the contact 108 where, as seen in its normal position in Fig. 7,\the camfwheel has its `tines removed fromswitches 85 or 86. In the event tine 83b should come to rest on the movable contact of switch 86, a circuit would be completed through lead 101 to solenoid 52 at juncture 102, switch 86, lead 103, switch 89, lead 104 to juncture 105 across the line 93; The solenoid 52 accordingly would be energized to initiate counterclockwise movement of the rack 24 and return the cam wheel 82 to normal position released from the `switches 85 and 86.

. Ineither manner of operation, the return of the cam wheel and rack screw to normal or zero position released froin switches 85 and 86 is automatic at the line end margin position of the carriage and upon operation of carriage return and tabulating keys. Where any of

tines

83a, 84a or 84a are engaged with switch 85, or wherethe tines 83'b or 84b are engaged with switch 86, therackscrew 24 will be kicked over two or more times insuccession in order to return the cam wheel to normal POSOIL Thus, the line starting margin position of the carriage will always be uniform by reason ofthis `return to zero position of the rack screw with respect to pinion 23. i

Referring now to Figs. 8 through 10, there` is illustrated a preferred embodiment of apparatus employing the principles heretofore described for achieving the normal four unit escapement movement in either direction of carriage movement each time a character key lever is depressed, while at the saine time achieving the advantages of pro-` portional spacing. A modified form of typewriter is illustrated and designated 109. In this embodiment, the conventional escapement mechanism 22 and pinion 23 described in connection with the typewriter 20 may be retained, if desired, and provided with selectively operable means for disabling the mechanism 22 while the improved escapement mechanism now to be described is in operation. It will be understood that at least a pinion 23 or other suitable reaction member mounted. on the typewriter in engagement with the rack will be employed to enable the carriage to be translated relative the typewriter frame upon rotation of the rack. t

The typewriter 109 employs the same circular rack 24 as is used in the machine shown in Figs. 1-8, and

solenoids

52 and 60 are employed as seen at the right hand side of the carriage. Instead of escapement mechanism 22 and pinion 23, there is provided a second pair of solenoids 110 and 111, the plunger 112 of solenoid 110 having a toothed bar 113 meshing with the upper reach of a gear wheel 114 carried on the collar 115 mounted on an unthreaded portion of rack 24. There is a coil spring 116 on the plunger 112 between the solenoid 110 and bar 113 normally urging said plunger to a position withdrawn from the solenoid. A stop member 117 upstanding on bar 113 limits the amount of linear movement of the plunger.

However, in this case, the amount of linear movement of which plunger 112 is permitted is calculated to rotate the gear wheel 114 a complete revolution, thus effecting an escapement movement of four units. The solenoid 111 likewise is provided with a plunger, a toothed bar and stop member identical to that of solenoid 110, except that its toothed bar meshes with the lower reach of the gear wheel 118 on collar 119 juxtaposed the collar 115. Identical clutching devices such as described in connection with collars 40 and 41 are likewise provided for collars and 119. Energization of the sole noid 110 results in counterclockwise rotation of rack 24 advancing the carriage 25, while energization of solenoid 111 results in clockwise rotation of the rack reversing the carriage. In each instance, the movement of the carriage is the normal escapement distance of four units.

VReferring to Fig. 9, the solenoids 110 and 111 may be energized under the control of a pair of cords 120 and 123 suspended below the character key levers. The cord 120 may be connected to the switch arm 121 of a microswitch 122 which is electrically connected to thesolenoid 110. The cord 123 may be attached at one` end thereof to the switch arm 124 of a

microswitch

1,25 which is electrically connected to solenoid 111. Each of the key arms of the character key levers is provided with a pair of spaced apart depending lugs 126 and 127 arrangedto engage respectively against the cords 120 and 123. How-` ever, the projections provided on said lugs 126 and 12']` are such as not to ride past the adjacent cord, and hence the closing of either switch 122 or 125 is effected on the downward stroke of the character key lever only. Further, the escapement apparatus is arranged to complete the normal escapement movement after the proportional spacing apparatus commences to operate.

Thus, when solenoid 110 is energized by closing of,-

switch 122, the carriage is translated to the right. When solenoid 111 is energized, the carriage is translated to the left. In each instance, the resulting movement may be equivalent to four units of space. A control buttonor lever on the carriage (not shown) may be provided to enable the operator to select the switch (either 122er:

125)" whichA will be' operable upon depression of' the character keyfflrever; lndeed, it is feasible to employi but a single cord for the operation of the solenoids 11d and lil-1, such single cord being connected to close both 'solenoid switches E22 and 125 each time a key or space barA is: depressed", a selector switch being-l provided' for disconnecting one ory other of the switches4 from its associated solenoid, wherebyy only one of the solenoids ca-rrv be energized at a time. Novel apparatus is thus provided whieh'permits the typewriter to be used either for writing fromv left to right or from right to left merely by' controlling the direction of the escapement movementby-v selection of the switch 122 or 11215 which can beI activateszl in either direction ofv movement, operaytion ofthe proportional spacing apparatus heretofore described can be concurrent. it will" be understood that the same one-cord and double-pole switch arrangement maybe usedhere as well'.

Iftf'has been deemed unnecessary to show a speciiic electrical circuit diagram in connection with the solenoids 110 and 111 and switches 122 and 12S since this circuit will be very simple and may be powered from the sameline 93 independently of the circuit shown in Fig. 7.

I't may be pointed out that, in they event translating movement of lthe carriage by means of the apparatus is accomplished against spring tension associated with carriage; then upon release of the carriage from the normal: escapement, the carriage will be automatically returned to lits starting margin position.

Spreading or reducing a line may be accomplished by connecting the solenoids` 52 and 69 also to separate switches on the keyboard. Where solenoids 110 and 11i arci employed for normal escapement movement of the carriage, to employ also the proportional spacing apparatus when typing from right to left, the action of they solenoids 52 and 6i) may be reversed.

It is believed that the principles of the invention have been-described inY rsuiiicient detail to enable an understanding thereofV commensurate withI the requirements of the patent statutes. in its broadest scope, there is believed to have been'provided novel and advantageous apparatus for effecting control-led movement of the carriage of a typewriter either for purposes of proportional spacing or for standard or uniform escapement movemer-1t, either from left to right or vice versa or for both concurrently. The apparatus may be installed in conventional typewriters, either electrical or manual, with very little modicationand at extremely economical expense. Minor changes in the parts of the invention described are believed within the skill of the artisan without anyv material departure from the principles of the invention as set forthinthe claims hereto.

l` claim:

f l". In` a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character ykeys carrying associated type characters of unlike. Widths, the combination, with said carriage and keys, of escapement mechanism comprising a helically threaded member turn-able on the carriage, escapement means. operatively associated with said helically threaded member-for shifting the carriage through a predetermined uniform escapement' distance in response to actuation of any ofsaid character keys, and proportional escapement'- means operable, in response to actuation of a said character key', to turn the threaded member through an'. angular displacement proportional to the width of the character corresponding with the actuated key, Whereby to shiftI theI carriage through an escapement adjusting distance corresponding to the angular displacement of the threaded member, said escapement mechanism comprising conventional mechanism cooperable with said threaded' member asa rack -to permit uniform escapement motion through a normal escapement distance corresponding wi-tlr the thread pitch of saidv threaded member, additional-escapement mechanism separate from and inde- 12 pendent' of said conventionalmechanism and operablein response to the actuation of' a characterV key; to turn said threaded member through a predetermined normal displacement distance, whereby' to shift the carriage through a corresponding uniform distance in response to actuation of any of said character keys, and selector means operable to condition one or the other of said conventional and additionall escapement mechanisms for operation while simultaneously disabling the other.

2. In a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character keys carrying associated type characters of unlike widths, the combination, with said carriage and keys, of escapement mechanism comprising a helically threaded member turnabley on thev carriage, escapement means operatively associated with said helically threaded member for shifting the carriage through a predetermined uniform escapement distance in response to actuation of any of said character keys, and proportional escapement means operable, in response to actuation of a said character key, to turn the threaded member through an angular displacement proportional to the Width of the character corresponding with the actuated key, whereby lto shift the carriage through an. escapement adjusting distance corresponding to the angular displacement of the threaded member, and zeroizing means operable to turn said helically threaded member to a selected Zero position upon completion of a character line writing operation and betorereturn of the carriage to linestarting position, whereby to achievey a uniform line starting margin, said zeroizing means comprising switch means for actuating said proportional escapement means, switch actuating cam means on said threaded member and operable to actuate said Switches inv all positions of said threaded member except its zero position, and a control switch normally disabling said switch means and operable to activate said switch means after completion of a characterA line.V

3. In a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character key levers for initiating escapement movement of the carriage, apparatus for selectively translatingI said carriage either forward or backward a predetermined linear distance of escapement movement during a complete stroke of a Said key lever comprising, a helically threaded member rotatably mounted on the carriage, a pair of gear members mounted on the threaded member, actuating means meshed with each of said gear-members to rotatel one in one direction and the other inthe opposite direction, clutch means associated with one of said gear members operable only when said gear member is rotated in said one direction to translate the carriage in one direction and clutchv means associated with the other geary member and operable only when said other gear member is rotated in theopposite direction to translate theV carriage inthe other direction, and control means connected between said keyv levers andy each of said actuating means for selectively initiating operation of a said actuating means to rotate-r its associated gear member in` they `direction in which so clutched to translate the` carriage said escapement `distance in 011e of said directions, upon `depression of a *said key lever;

4. Apparatus of the character described' in claim 3 in which there. is a second pair of gear members', actuating means and clutch means assembled inthe same arrange*- ment described for the rst pair thereof, said second pair capable of selectively translating said carriager a predetermined normal escapement distance greater than said irst escapement distancey either forward or backward, independent of the width ofI the character'printed, and second control. means connected between' said key levers and the second pair o fv actuating means. for selectivelyv operating one of the actuating means of the second pairv to translate thel carriage said` normal escapement distance in one of. said forwardy or backwardi directions, saidtrst and second pairs being operable in sequence, whereupon operation of said rst pair is` elective to selectively increase or decrease the normal escapement distance an assalto 13 amount directly related to the Vcharacter imprinted so as to achieve uniformproportional spacing between adjacent printed characters. p

5. Apparatus of the character described in claim 3 `which includes meansfor automatically rotating said threaded member .to appredetermined zero position with respect to the said mechanism at the line end position of the carriage whereby to achieve a uniform margin for matter printed when the carriage `is returned to its line starting position, said last mentioned means comprising a multi-pointed wheel xedon the shaft, a pair ofdnormally open electrical switches closeable upon engagement with a point of said wheel, normally openl electrical switch means, means operable toY close said switch means prior to the return `of the carriage to line starting or` tabulating position, said switch means and pair of switches cooperatively `arranged in an electrical circuit to operate said actuating means to turn the rack to `said zero position.`

6. In a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character keys which initiatehnormal escapement movement of the carriage upon individual depression thereof, an escapement mechanism coupled with said keys, proportionalspacing apparatus comprising a circular rack rotatably mounted on the carriage in operable association with the escapment mechanism of the typewriter for rotating the rack to eifect said escapement of the carriage, means for selectively rotating the rack clockwise or counter-clockwise supplementary to rotational movement thereof to effect normal escapement movement, a plurality of control mechanisms for initiating operation of said first mentioned means and means carried on the keys for operating said control mechanisms individually to cause selective operation of said first mentioned means upon depression of said keys individually, whereby said carriage is translated rectlinearly a predetermined fractional portion of said normal escapement distance in a direction and amount related to the width of the character which would be imprinted by the individual key depressed whereby uniform spacing between adjacent characters is achieved.

7. In a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character keys which initiate normal escapement movement of the carriage upon individual depression thereof, an escapement mechanism coupled with said keys, proportional spacing apparatus comprising a circular rack rotatably mounted on the carriage in operable association with the escapement mechanism of the typewriter for rotating the rack to effect said escapement movement of the carriage, means for selectively rotating the rack clockwise or counter-clockwise supplementary to rotational movement thereof to eifect normal escapement movement, a plurality of control mechanisms for initiating operation of said first mentioned means and means carried on the keys for operating said control mechanisms individually to cause selective operation of said first mentioned means upon depression of said keys individually, whereby said carriage is translated rectilinearly a predetermined fractional portion of said normal escapement distance in a direction and amount related to the width of the character which would be imprinted by the individual key depressed whereby uniform spacing between adjacent characters is achieved, and means fixedly mounted on said carriage operable automatically to effect rotation of the rack in a direction opposite to and in equal amount to rotation thereof by said first mentioned means immediately prior to the carriage reaching its extreme right hand margin position.

8. In a conventional typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character key levers for initiating normal escapement movement unidirectionally of the carriage and a conventional escapement mechanism linked with the key levers, a threaded member rotatably mounted on the carriage in operable association with the mechanism, first and second gear members mounted on the threaded member, actuating means meshed with each of said gear members to rotate same either clockwise' or counter-clockwise, clutch means associated with the rst gear member operable only when said first gear is rotated clockwise to translate said carriage in one of a forward or rearward directions, clutch means associated with the second gear member operable only when the second gear isrotated counter-clockwise to translate the carriage in the` other of said directions, and means cooperating with said key levers and connected to said actuating means for initiating operation thereof, individual depression of key levers arranged to effect selective operating of one of said actuating means whereby the carriage is translated a. predetermined fractional portion of said escapement distance in one of said two directions directly related to the width. of the letter imprinted whereby uniform spacing is achieved with `all characters. 4

9. Apparatus `as described in claim 8 in which said actuating means `each comprise a solenoid operated plunger meshedwith a said gear member, said plungers disposed on ,opposite sides of the threaded member and `capable of limited linear movement an amount sufcient to effect said fractional translation of the carriage.l

l0. In a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character key levers for initiating escapement movement of thefcar'riage, apparatus for translating said carriage a predetermined escapement distance either forward or backward during a complete stroke of a key lever comprising, a circular rack rotatably mounted on the carriage, gear means mounted on the rack, actuating means connected to the gear means to rotate same in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, clutch means associated with the gear means operable only when the gear means is rotated in one of said two directions, and control means connected between said key levers and said actuating means for initiating operation of the actuating means to rotate the gear means in said one direction an angular distance sufficient to translate the carriage said escapement distance in one of said forward or backward directions when a key lever is depressed.

11. Apparatus of the'character described in claim l0 in which said actuating means comprises a solenoid operated plunger meshed with said gear means and an electrical circuit including a connector for connecting the circuit to a source of electrical power and a normally open switch between said source and solenoid, said control means connected to close said switch to energize the solenoid.

l2. Apparatus of the character described in claim l0 in which said control means comprises an elongate member suspended in the path of movement of said key levers and connected to close said switch when the key lever intercepts said elongate member during its stroke.

13. The structure as described in claim 10 in which said machine has a conventional escapement mechanism connected with said key levers and coupled with said rack to translate said rack a predetermined normal escapement distance uni-directionally independent of the character imprinted and greater than said first mentioned escapement distance, said apparatus arranged to operate either to increase or decrease said normal escapement distance of the carriage an amount related to the width of a character imprinted to achieve uniform proportional spacing.

14. In a typewriter having a reciprocable carriage and character key levers for initiating escapement movement of the carriage, apparatus for selectively translating said carriage either forward or backward a -predetermined linear distance of escapement movement during a complete stroke of a said key lever comprising, a circular rack rotatably mounted on the carriage, a pair of gear members mounted on the rack, actuating means meshed with each of said gear members to rotate same in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, clutch means associated with one of said gear members operable only when said gear member is rotated clockwise to translate the carriage in one direction and clutch means associated assenso Withthe other gear'member'operabl'e onlywhen said other gear member is rotated counter-clockwise to translate the carriage n the other direction, and control means connectedE between said" key levers and each of said actuating meansforv selectively initiating operation of a said actuating means* to rotate its associated gear member in the direction in which so clutched' to translate the carriage said escapement distance in one of said forward' or backward' directions upon depression of a key lever.

15. Apparatus of the character described in claim 14 lin which saidV` typewriter has a conventional escapement mechanism coupled with said rack to move the carriage a normal escapement' distance uni-di'rectionally` inclependent of the character imprinted and greater than said first mentioned distance.

16. Apparatus of the character described in claim 14 in which there isa second pair of gear members,` actuating means and' clutch meansr operably assembled inthe same arrangement described for the rst pair thereof, said second' pair capable of selectively translating. said carriage a predetermined normal escapement distance greater than said first escapement distance, either forward o r backward', independent ofthe widthI of the character printed, and second control means connected. between said key levers and the second pair of actuating meansv for selectively' operating one of the actuating means of the second pairl to translate the carriage said normal escapement distance in one of said forward or backward'- directions, said iirst and second pairs being operable in sequence whereupon operation of'said ti'rst pair is elective to selectively increase or decrease the normalI escapernent distance an amount directly related to the character imprinted so as to achieve uniform.4 proportional spacing between. adjacent printed characters.

I7'. Apparatus of the character described in claim 16 in which each of.' the actuating means ofv said rst and second pair comprises. an electrical. circuit including a solenoid operated. plunger movable linearly upon energization ofthe solenoid, and stopr means associated with the plunger for limiting the amount of linear movement thereof related'. to the distance the carriage is desired to be translated by the apparatus.

References. Cited in the le ofv this patent' UNITED STATES PATENTS