US2029159A - Typewriter - Google Patents

Description

3. A. ET AL Jam 28, 1 9369 TYPEWRITER 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed April 20, 1932 lmv w/imrfi @M E5 Zhewz4iorneys A. EJEAN AL TYPEWRITER Filed April 20, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 s. A. DEAN ET AL ZJUZWLSQ TYPEWRITER Jan. 28, 11936.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 20, 1932 3y iheirjd Z7 neg Jan. 28, 193%. A DEAN ET AL 2,029,159

TYFEWRITER Filed April 20, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 28, 19 36 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TYPEWRITER Paul, Minn.

Application April 20, 1932, Serial No. 606,352

2 Claims.

This invention relates to typewriters and more particularly to typewriters adapted to simultaneously print a plurality of orginals or duplicates.

It is an object of our invention to provide a compact, eflicient typewriter which will print simultaneously upon a single elongated sheet of writing material, or, if desired, upon a series of separate sheets, two or more columns of characters through the operation of a single set of keys.

It is a further object to provide a typewriter for special work wherein the platen or work holder may be automatically back-spaced and simultaneously elevated line by line by the depression of a single key and wherein a number of keys are provided, the operation of each being adapted to back space the platen a different predetermined distance while elevating the platen in each instance one line above its former position.

A further object is to provide an eificient typewriter for special use such as in printing bills where the numbers or items are disposed one above the other and wherein the variable back spacing functions automatically enable the numbers to be printed in the proper columns and wherein the platen in the printing of a number including a decimal figure will jump the decimal point space, disposing the decimal figure an extra space from the unit column and thus indicating the decimal.

Our improved typewriter is especially well adapted for making out duplicate bills on a single sheet of paper where a number of items in two or more columns are required, such as, for example, in preparing bills for the public utility companies where printed forms are utilized and it is impractical to make carbon copies.

In general, the embodiment of our invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a fiat substantially vertical platen which is adapted to carry sheets or blanks to be printed in multiple and this platen is mounted for step by step movement for figure or letter spacing, governed by an escapement which is located as shown at the rear and lower portion of the platen carriage. The machine as shown is adapted to simultaneously print four duplicate columns of figures or characters and to this end four type baskets are provided, each type basket including an independent segment which is slotted for reception and pivotal connection of the type bars. The corresponding type bars of the several type baskets are connected to common operating members which, as shown, comprise rock shafts each controlled by the depression of an appropriatekey lever so that when a key is struck the four connected type bars all carrying a similar type character are simultaneously and forcibly swung against the sheet to be printed upon at spaced points thereon. The depression of the key lever operates a universal bar which extends rearwardly and around the lower platen support and which operates the escapement. As shown, the typewriter is adapted for special work in typing duplicate bills, the characters of course being in the form of figures which are arranged in four columns, one entry being properly disposed a line below the preceding one. The escapement wheel has one tooth removed so as to jump the space for the decimal point, thereby indicating decimal figures. The universal bar referred to actuates mechanism for winding the typewriter ribbon from one spool to the other and further causes the ribbon to be moved laterally and upwardly slightly before the type strikes the sheet and to be subsequently Withdrawn whereby the writing .is exposed after each character is printed. The typewriter also includes a suitable space bar for operating the escapement mechanism without actuating the type bars.

Mechanism is provided for elevating the platen with the work sheet line by line and for simultaneously back spacing the platen as desired within a given range whereby the platen may be quickly and accurately set by the depression of a single key for starting the next entry to be made in proper relation with the desired vertical column and upon the line below the previous entry made. The two movements of the platen referred to, to wit:the line by line elevation and the back spacing, are effected by two associated mechanisms both of which are actuated by the upward swinging of the inner or rearward end of any one of several platen setting key levers. Each of the said platen setting key levers is associated with the backspacing mechanism to back space the platen a different distance than that effected by the other setting key levers and all of said key levers are associated with the platen elevating mechanism to raise the platen one line at a time when any one of the setting keys are depressed.

In the embodiment of our invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the machine, substantial portions of the top cover plates at the front and rear of the carriage being broken away V to show the working mechanism within the case or frame;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken on a plane disposed just forwardly of the rear cover plate of the case and showing most of the working parts in rear elevation;

Fig. 4 is a cross section taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1 illustrating the type'action, the universal bar for actuating the escape-.. ment mechanism, the carriage and the slidably' mounted platen standard supported from .the

carriage as well as the ribbon actuating mecha.

Fig. 5 is a crosssection taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, showing one of the platen setting key levers and its association with the variable back spacing mechanism as well as the platen elevating mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section taken longitudinally of the machine substantially along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows, this view illustrating the variable back spacing mechanism as well as the platen elevating mechan ism to good advantage;

Fig. 7 is a detail view showing the front of the sheet holding tray of the platen with the writing apertures formed therein and also showing the ribbon elevating and guiding means as well as the platen-position-indicating means;

Fig. 8 is a detail view looking toward one end of the type-writer frame or case and illustrating the bell and the trip means connected with the platen for actuating the same; .:v

Fig. 9 is a detail view showing a suitable manner in which the type-bar-actuating rock shafts may be trunnioned-in theendsof the typewriter case orframe;

: Fig. 10 is a detail cross section taken through the ribbon winding shaft and showing the ratchet and pawl driving means thereforQand Fig; 11 is a detail view showing in section one of the small gear cases at each end of the typewriter frame wherein the ribbon spindle and its worm gear connection with the ribbon winding shaft are mounted. v

In the embodiment of our improved typewriter illustrated, a suitable case or frame is provided, comprising a horizontal bottom plate I5 supported as shown upon short legs I51; constructed of rubber or other elastic sound-insulating'material. Vertical frame ends l6 are rigidly secured to bottom plate l5 and are reinforced and secured together at their upper edgesby an ornamental stringer plate I! as well as by the heavy carriagesupporting-bar IS. The front of the typewriter case or frame is closed by .a detachable front plate l9 and the rear of the case is'provided with a detachable back 20. p

A type-nestesupporting bar 2l. (as shown of angular cross section) extends longitudinally and medially of the case and has its ends rigidly connected to the case ends 16 andon the vertical flange of said bar are mounted four identical type nests disposed adjacent the top of the case or frame and each comprising a vertical segment plate 22 carrying an inverted segment22u. which is slotted radially to accommodate the inner ends -of a series of swingable type bars '23: The several type bars of each nest are pivoted between the slotted portions of the segment by suitable means such as an arcuate rod 24. The type heads 23a at the outer ends of the type bars normally rest -(as shown in Figs. 4 and 5) against supporting sectors 25 disposed at the front of the type nests and rigidly secured 1150. the segmentzplates 22.-

The carriage as shown is in the form of a heavy substantially T-shaped plate 26, Fig. 3, disposed in a vertical plane and having its stem portion 261]. depending to a point slightly above the bottom plate I5 of the case. The ends of the cross head or .T arms of thecarri carr hanger brackets 21 which are each provided with a pair of cooperating rollers 21a; for engaging the top and bottom portions of the carriage supporting bar IS. The cross head of the carriage is disposed at substantially the level of the type nests.

Carriage 26 carries an elongated platen in the form of a fiat vertical plate 28 having a facing of fiber board or equivalent, somewhat compressible material for-receiving the impact of the type bars. Platen 28 is secured to the upper endof a vertical standard 29 which is disposed forwardly in alignment with the depending stem 26a of the carriage. Platen 28 is connected with carriage 2B for vertical sliding movement thereon and, as shown, is provided with a tubular slider 28a, Fig. 4, which is slidably disposed upon a vertical rod 30, said rod being secured at its upper end to carriage 26 and having its lower portion also connected with the depending portion of stem 26a of the standard. The lower extremity of said rod carries a roller 30a which works'in suitable guides provided on the bottom plate l5 of the case orframe (best shown in Fig. 6). Platen 28 carries at its front side a vertical sheet holding tray 3| having a converging entrance at the top thereof to facilitate entrance and removal of the sheet of writing material. The front of tray 31 is provided withfour typing apertures am, 311), 3| 0 and M11, respectively, corresponding to the four type nests and one of said apertures, to wit:aperture 3th, is somewhat wider than the others in order that the writer 'may conveniently view the typing effected on the sheet there through while the work is being done. A viewing aperture 3le may be formed adjacent the left end of the tray 31 to expose the subscribers or clients name and address. bon 32 is stretched longitudinally across the front of platen tray 3| having its respective ends wound upon conventional ribbon spools 33 which are rotatably mounted in spool housings 34 rigidly secured to the ends of the'frame adjacent the upper-edges thereof. Ribbon 32 is guided and moved laterally by suitable ribbon guides 35 and a central double guide 36, all of which are fixed to a horizontal rock shaft 31 by suitable arms 31a said rock shaft being journaled in bearings carried atthe rear of the stringer plate ii.

A removable front cover plate 38 extends from the front plate 19 of the case or frame to the stringer plate I! protecting-most of the working parts exposed forwardly-of the platen while a removable rear cover plate 39 extends from the detachable back of the case to the rear of platen 28 having an off set portion 39a which encloses the carriage andhanger brackets. A U-shaped hand rest 40 is rigidly connected with the front of the case or frame and the type keys, platen setting keys and spacer bar are mounted above this rest and inwardly disposed therewith.

One setiof key levers 4| is provided for actuating the several sets of type bars. Said key levers,

as best shown in Figs. 2 and 4, normally extend horizontally and transversely of the case or frame and are pivoted attheir inner ends to a common pivot rod or shaft 42. The typewriter action includes a series of parallel rock-shafts 43, one be- :ing providedfor each of the key levers 4|. Each The typewriter ribof said rock shafts has fixed there'to,'as shown; four upstanding rocker arms 44 which operate four type bars of the several type nests carrying the same type characters. The rock shafts 43 extend longitudinally across the interior of the case or frame and may be suitably journaled or trunnioned as shown in Fig. 9 by means of trunnicn screws 43a having intermediate threaded portions screwed through the frame ends l6 and having cylindrical inner extremities upon which the ends of the rock shafts are rotatably mount ed. Each of the rock shafts 43 has afiixed thereto a substantially horizontal rocker arm 45 which is connected by a vertical link or links 46 with one of the key levers 4| at a point outwardly of the fulcrum 42. The upstanding rocker arms 44 are each connected by a link or rod 41 with a short depending bell crank arm extending below the fulcrum of one of the type bars 23. Links or rods 41 may include turn buckles 41a for adjustment purposes, if desired. Each of the rock shafts 43 is urged to extreme rearwardly rocked position by a coiled spring 44a connected eccentrically with a hub of one of the rocker arms 44 and anchored to a suitable bracket.

Carriage 26 is moved progressively toward the left hand end of the machine (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) by means of a spring actuated upstanding lever 48 mounted at the rear of the case and connected with the carriage by a link 49. A strong coil spring 50 urges carriage moving lever 48 toward one end of the case or frame and a suitable escapement mechanism controls the step by step movement of the carriage as the type keys or spacer bar are depressed.

The escapement mechanism is more or less conventional and therefore will not be described in detail. Suffice it to say that the escapement is mounted on an upstanding frame 5| fixed to the bottom plate 15 of the case and disposed behind the depending stem 26a of the carriage. The escapement wheel 52 is conventional except that it has one tooth missing at :c for the purpose of double spacing for the decimal point, as will hereafter be more fully explained. Escapement wheel 52 is controlled by the usual. pair of cooperating pawls 53 and 54 which are successively operated by the escapement lever 55 fixed tov pawl 53, pawl 54 being retracted by a small striker disk carried by pawl 53. The outer end vofjescapement lever 55 projects laterally of the depending stem 26a of the carriage standard, is urged downwardly by a small coil spring and is actuated by a swingable universal bar 56 which extends transverselylbelow all of the type key levers 4| and which has an actuating arm 56a, Fig. 2 extending rearwardly and having an angular extremity 56b disposed behind the stem 26a of the carriage and underlying the escapement lever 55. The universal bar 56 also carries a narrow rearwardly projecting arm 560 which underlies a pin 51a carried by a ribbon shaft driving lever 51 (see Figs. 3 and 4). A ribbon winding shaft 58 ex.- tends longitudinally through the medial portion of the typewriter case and is suitably journaled in theframe ends IS, the ends of said shaft being enclosed within the worm gear cases 59 at the respective ends of the case and being provided with worms 58a which drive worm gears 60a fixed to the lower ends of ribbon spool spindles 66. A ratchet and pawl driving device 6|, as illustrated in Fig. 10, is mounted on the ribbon winding shaft 58 having an arm 5 la which is connected with the ribbon shaft driving lever 51 by means of a link 62. A retaining pawl 63 is pivoted to a suitable bracket spaced some distance from the driving device BI and engages a ratchet 64 fixed to ribbon winding shaft 58 to prevent backward turning of said shaft. The ribbon guides 35 and 36 are swung upwardly with rock shaft 31 by a rod 31a connected with universal bar 56.

A double space bar lever 65 extends transversely of the typewriter case or frame at the right hand side of the type key levers and is pivotally mounted at its inner end to a suitable upstanding bracket 66 mounted in the rear and at the right hand end of the case (see Figs. 3 and 4). Space lever 65 carries a laterally projecting arm 55a projecting from the left longitudinal edge thereof which overlies the universal bar 56 and serves to depress said universal bar when the space bar is depressed.

As has been previously stated, the platen standard 29 is mounted for vertical sliding movement upon the vertical slide rod 36 carried by the depending stem of the carriage. By reference to Figs. 3 and 6 it will be seen that the platen standard 29 is provided with a step or ledge 29a adjacent the lower end thereof which is supported by a platen elevating lever 61 carrying a roller 61a at its free end for engagement with said ledge and pivoted to a pin 68 at its opposite end. Pin 68 as well as most of the mechanism for progressively elevating the platen and for back spacing the platen and carriage is mounted in a vertioal rectangular frame 69 supported from the bottom of the case adjacent the left hand end and rear portion thereof. The platen standard 29 and platen 28 are counter-balanced by means of a suitable coil suspension spring 10 connected with platen elevating lever 61 at a point disposed inwardly of its pivot and secured at its opposite end to a supporting bracket 69a. Platen elevating lever 61 carries at its intermediate portion a cam engaging roller 1| which rides the edge of a heart-shaped cam 12, said cam being affixed to a short shaft 13 journaled in frame 69. A ratchet wheel 14 is fixed to the rear end of shaft 13 and is actuated step by step by a pawl or tooth 15 carried by the upper end of an arm or rod 15a which is secured to a short universal bar 16 which traverses the upper edges of the rear ends of four platen setting key levers 11. Key levers 11 are fulcrumed in a slotted upstanding frame 18 which is secured to the bottom plate l5 of the case medially of the front and rear of the machine and spaced some distance from the left end of the machine. The rear ends of platen setting key levers 11, as shown, are curved downwardly and then horizontally, normally lying flush against the bottom plate i5 (see Fig. 5). In the embodiment of our invention illustrated four platen setting levers 11 are utilized, each being adapted to elevate the platen one line at a time and each back spacing the carriage and platen a different predetermined distance for alignment with a certain vertical column. If desired to print figures or characters in more than five columns, additional setting levers may be provided, all within the scope of our invention. The heart cam 12 is so shaped that upon step by step rotation of the same it will raise platen elevating lever 61 a predetermined distance for each progression of ratchet wheel 14, thereby lifting the platen standard and platen a line at a time for each depression of one or the other of the platen setting keys.

Mechanism is provided for variably back spacing the carriage and platen in accordance with the particular platen setting key depressed, said mechanism being also actuated by the upward swinging movements of the rear ends of the key levers II. To this end (see particularly Figures 3 and 6), a bell crank lever 19 is mounted in the rear of the machine adjacent the depending arm or stem of the carriage and has a substantially horizontal arm 19a. which overhangs the rear ends of the several platen setting key levers and a substantially vertical arm 19?) which is disposed adjacent the stern 26a of the carriage carrying at its upper. end a camming roller 89 which is adapted to engage one edge of the carriage stem 26a to push the carriage toward one end of the frame when bell crank lever 19 is swung in counter-clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 3. The lower edge of the arm 19a of the bell crank lever is notched, as shown in Fig. 6, to provide steps, each of which is disposed a different distance above one of the platen setting key levers TI. the said key levers to have the same throw, bell crank I9 will be swung a different predetermined distance by operation of each lever. A stop or guard mechanism 8|, as shown, cooperates with the back spacing bell crank I9 to prevent irregularity or inaccuracy of the back spacing when one of the platen setting keys is depressed violently. As shown, said guard mechanism includes a bell crank 8Ia having a vertical arm which carries a yieldable stop plate 8 lb for engagement with the edge of the carriage stem 26a. The second arm of bell crank Sla. is disposed beneath guard actuating lever 82 which may be pivoted to the same supporting bracket as back spacing bell crank 19 and which has one end'ther'eof traversing and overlying the rear ends of platen setting key levers it. Said overlying end of guard actuating lever 32 is notched, as clearly shown in Fig. 6, to form steps located above the several key levers II in such relation .that the 'upward swinging movement of the rear end of each key lever will swing actuating lever 82 through a different predeterminedmovement, lever 82 producing various predetermined movements of the guard mechanism 8! in accordance with the par- 7 ticular platen setting key depressed.

To indicate to the operator of our typewriter, the typing position of the carriage and platen at any time, we provide on the exterior and central portion of the platen sheet-holding tray a number of dots, perforations or other indicia 83 (see Fig. '7) which are arranged in rertical columns and also horizontal rows corresponding in number and arrangement to the printing spaces on the sheet or platen in which our typewriter can 7 print. A stationary indicator arm 84 cooperates with the indicating elements 83 and may be supported from the type nest supporting bar 2! extending upwardly medially of the frame or case and having a free extremity which is disposed at all times just over one element 83 and indicating the line and column where the next figure is to be typed.

Operation It will thus be seen that, assuming all of may be of bill form, proportionedto nicely. fit the tray. If desired, of course, separate sheets may be utilized for each original typed, in which instance it would be desirable to provide a series of attachment clips at the top of the platen tray.

Assuming the platen 28 in its lowermost position, at which time the platen supporting lever 61 is supported by its roller II by the notch of the heart shaped elevating cam and assuming the first entry to be made is $125.36, the platen setting key bearing the indicia 100 (see Fig. is depressed, thereby swinging its key lever 'Il to elevate universal bar I6 which steps the ratchet I4 one notch and elevates the platen one line. The upward swinging of the rear end of the platen setting key lever II simultaneously actuates the back spacing mechanism, including the bell crank lever I9 and the variable stop or guard actuating lever 82. Since the hundreds column setting key was depressed, the lowest step on the overhanging edge of ibell crank I9 is engaged by the hundreds key lever and bell crank 19 is swung through its maximum movement pushing the standard to its right hand limit of movement. The guard actuating or carriage stop lever 82 is not moved by the operation of the hundreds setting key. The platen with the work sheet thereon is thus automatically disposed for printing the first entry and the typing keys 1, 2, 5, 3 and 6 are successively depressed, visibly typing the desired entry on the sheet through the four type apertures 3la, 31b, 3Ic and 31d. The first decirnal figure 3 printed is spaced an extra space from the unit figure 5'. This is automatically effected by the construction of the escapement wheel 52, this wheel, as has been previously stated, having one of its teeth missing at X. The escapement operation is thought obvious and needs no further explanation. In the operation of the action, the type key lever rocks the appropriate operating shaft 43 which through its multiple connections comprising rock arms l4 and links 41 actuate the corresponding type bars 23 of the four nests of type.' The universal bar 56 operates the driving mechanism for the ribbon winding shaft 58; which shaft in turn winds the ribbon spools in, opposite directions. The universal bar 56 also swings the arms 31a. of the ribbon guides upwardly slightly before the impact of the type.

Assumingtne next entry to he made is $1.72, the unit platen shifting key bearing the numeral 1 is depressed causing the platen to be elevated one line and causing the carriage and platen to be simultaneously back spaced for proper alignment with the unit column. The

actuates not enly the bell crank back spacing lever I9, but also the guard actuating or variable carriage stop lever 82, the guard or stopv mechanism cooperating with the roller of bell crank I9 to prevent inaccuracies in the proper positioning of the carriage and platen. 7

When the platen is in its uppermost position, platen elevating lever 61 is supported upon the heart cam I2 adjacent the apex thereof. The next progressive movement of the ratchet wheel 64 disposes the roller II of the lever on the sharp incline at the opposite side of the cam causing the cam and ratchet wheel to'slip through substantially one-half of a revolution until the roller II is seated in the notch at the top of the heart, whereupon the platen will be again disposed in its lowermost position and set for the particular entry to be made at that time. 7

. unit key lever at its rear end in this instance The particular writing position of the platen at any time in the operation of our typewriter may be quickly ascertained by means of the cooperating indicating elements 83 and 84.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that we have provided an efiicient typewriter which will print simultaneously a series of originals or duplicates and wherein the position of the platen or work holder may be automatically set, both with reference to line setting and column setting by operation of the appropriate setting key.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, proportions and arrangement of the parts, without departing from the scope of our invention, which, generally stated, consists in a device capable of carrying out the objects above set forth and in the novel parts and combinations of parts disclosed and defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a typewriter, a progressively movable carriage, a platen mounted on said carriage and back spacing mechanism comprising a key lever, an actuating lever for backwardly moving said carriage, said actuating lever having an arm disposed in the path of said key lever whereby a predetermined swinging movement of said key lever will back space said carriage a predetermined distance, variable carriage stop or guard mechanism associated with said back spacing mechanism and comprising also a lever having an arm disposed above said key levers and so related to said key levers that it will be swung different predetermined distances by said several levers and a movable guard or stop selectively positioned for engagement with said carriage by said carriage stop actuating lever.

2. In a typewriter, a progressively movable carriage, a platen mounted on said carriage and back spacing mechanism comprising a key lever, an actuating lever for backwardly moving said carriage, said actuating lever having an arm disposed in the path of said key lever whereby a predetermined swinging movement of said key lever will back space said carriage a predetermined distance, variable carriage stop or guard mechanism associated with said back spacing mechanism and comprising a member disposed above said key levers and so related to said key levers that it will be moved different predetermined distances by said several levers and a movable stop selectively positioned for engagement with said carriage by said carriage stop actuating lever.

SEWARD A. DEAN. OBED M. RUSSELL.

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