US2869443A - Apparatus for selecting printing characters - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 20, 1959 w. c. HUEBNER 2,869,443

v APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS Filed June 2'7, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. WILL/HM C. HUEBNEE A r meme- 5 Jan. 20, 1959 w. c. HUEBNER 2,869,443

APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS Filed June 2'7, 1952 6 Sheecs-Shet 2 JNVENTOR. fl W/ LL IBM 6 HUEBNE/a HTTOENE 7 5 Jan. 20, 1959 w. c. HUEBNER 2,869,443

APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 27, 1952 .m m W @7 C M K m W gs u m QvWM T W w m 7 4r A h u v wm M (mm M P W i M mm VIIIIIA &\ Qi: w i m x: l t m km Jan. 20, 1959 1 w. c. HUEBNER 2,369,443

APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS Filed June 27, 1952 e Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

WILL/AM C. HuEBMs-e BY Jan. 20, 1959 w. c. HUEBNER 2,869,443

APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS Filed June 27, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 20, 1959 w. c. HUEBNER I 2,869,443

APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS Filed Junn 27, 1952 6 Sheets-Shet 6 I NVENTOR.

W/ L L IAMHUEBNEB 5 Bygzg g l F1 /0 W United States Patent 9 APPARATUS FOR SELECTING PRINTING CHARACTERS Application June 27, 1952, Serial No. 2%,llb5

4 Claims. (Ci. 95-45) This invention relates to an apparatus for selecting printing characters and, more particularly, to an apparatus for selecting or setting characters for reproduction by printing or other procedures.

United States Patent No. 2,180,417, granted to this applicant on November 21, 1939, discloses an apparatus for photographically composing printing characters or symbols. Briefly stated, this is effected by providing one or more fonts or sets of printing or type characters, including upper and lower case letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and the like, which are selectively projected on a light sensitized surface by an optical system under control of a manually operated keyboard, a perforated tape or other means for selecting the characters. in that apparatus actuation of a key, when a keyboard is employed, effects operation of a shutter associated with a corresponding one of the printing or type characters so that the latter is reproduced on the light sensitive surface. When, however, it is desired to select the characters or symbols comprising an entire line of type, prior to reproducing any of the separate symbols or characters, it is necessary to interpose' an additional mechanism between the keys and the shutter operating means. A device of this latter type is disclosed in United States Patent 2,402,750 issued to William C. Huebner on June 24-, 1946, and permits correction of any errors in the selection of the symbols or characters for a complete line thereof, as well as justification or spacing of the line before reproduction of any of the individual characters therein. Since the shutters of the reproduction apparatus are preferably operated under control of an electromagnet or relay, this intermediate apparatus may be conveniently termed a relay or electromagnet selecting device or apparatus.

An object of this invention is to provide a relay or electromagnet selecting apparatus for effecting the aforementioned operations in an improved manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus permitting selection of the printing characters or symbols for a complete line of type before reproduction of any of the individual characters thereof, wherein each selected character or symbol is sequentially represented by a separate signal on a rotatable member with the said signals spaced longitudinally and circumferentially about the member, after which the member is rotated past sensing means connected to relay or electromagnetically controlled character reproducing devices so that the signals are eifective to operate the relays r electromagnets and thus reproduce the desired characters in their predetermined order.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus as defined in the preceding paragraph and in which the representation of the printing characters on the rotatable member is effected during step-by-step rotation of the latter while sensing of the said signals for eifecting reproduction of the selected characters is efiected by a single continuous rotation of said member in the same direction with the said signals being removed from the member after being sensed.

F atented Jan. 29, lh'iiti An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of the type defined above for selecting relay or electromagnet operation in which two rotatable members are so associated with the character selecting means and the character reproduction means that one of said members may be provided with signals representative of one line of type while the other member is cooperating with sensing means for effecting reproduction of a previously selected set of characters comprising another line of type, the rotatable members being alternately employed for producing signals thereon and sensing of such signals so that one line of type may be reproduced while the next line is being set.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved printing character selecting apparatus comprising a cylindrical member provided with a plurality of movable members, arranged in circumferentially extending columns and longitudinally extended rows which are selectively moved by a plurality of individually operable devices during step-by-step rotation of the cylindrical member past the said devices with the moved members being thereafter sensed to control printing character reproduction in accordance with the positions of said movable members.

A still more specific object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as defined in the preceding paragraph and wherein the said movable members are radially slideable pins supported in the periphery of the said cylindrical member with the said operable devices arranged longi tudinally of said cylindrical member in the interior thereof and. with the said sensing means arranged longitudinally of said cylindrical member externally thereon.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus of the type defined in the two preceding paragraphs and wherein two cylindrical members are provided in association with a set of manually actuated character selecting means and a set of character reproduction means so that one of said cylindrical members may have the pins thereof selectively moved while the pins on the other of said members are cooperating with a sensing means for effecting reproduction of a previously selected set of characters comprising a preceding line of type, the cylindrical members being alternately employed so that one line of type may be reproduced while the next line is being set.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved printing character or symbol selecting apparatus comprising a single rotatable member or drum on which such character or symbol is sequentially represented by a separate signal, with the said signals spaced longitudinally and circumferentially about the member, which signals be either sense-d while additional signals are imparted step-by-step to the member, or all the signals corresponding to a line of type may be rapidly sensed before new signals are imparted to the member.

The invention also contemplates the provision of an improved apparatus of type defined above which is capable of use with printing apparatus employing electronographic, photo-electric and other processes in addition to those employing photographic reproduction of the selected characters.

The invention further resides in certain novel features of the construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts of the apparatus in which the invention is embodied, and further objects and advantages thereof will be apparent from the following description of the present preferred embodiment and certain modifications which are hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a somewhat schematic front view of a photographic type composing apparatus operating in a manner similar to that disclosed in the aforementioned Patent aaeasss 2,180,417 and showing the improved character selecting apparatus of this invention applied thereto but with the manually operable keys and certain other portions of the structure omitted for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 2 is a somewhat schematic end elevational view of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 as seen from the right-hand side thereof;

Pig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary traverse sectional view of one of the rotatable members or cylinders of the mechanism showing the relationship of the movable members or pins with the actuating and sensing devices there for;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through one of the rotatable members or cylinders, further showing the relationship of the movable members or pins with the actuating and sensing means therefor, as well as the means for producing stepby-step or continuous rotation of the cylindrical member, the majority of the pins, actuating means and sensing means being omitted for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 5 is a somewhat schematic view, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating the driving means for effecting rotation of the cylindrical members;

Fig. 6 is a detached enlarged view of a portion of the mechanism for producing step-by-step rotation of one of the cylindrical members, the view being taken approximately on the line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary developed view showing a portion of one of the cylindrical members in section and the stop members carried thereby which control step-bystep rotation thereof, together with the means for restoring the last mentioned members to their initial positions;

Fig. 8 is a simplified wiring diagram showing the manner in which the apparatus operates when two cylindrical members are provided, only a part of the plurality of signal producing and sensing means and one of the character reproduction controlling relays or electromagnets being shown for the sake of simplicity;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to the lower portion of Fig. l but showing a modification of the invention wherein but one rotatable or cylindrical member is employed for effecting printing character selections; and

Fig. 10 is a simplified wiring diagram similar to Fig. 8 but showing the manner in which the apparatus operates when but one cylindrical member is provided.

Before entering upon a detailed description of the apparatus embodying the invention, a brief summary of the general character thereof will assist in an understanding of both the purpose and the construction of the device. The usual line of type can ordinarily be composed from a font of characters comprising 96 different characters, one of which will represent a space. Selection of the proper character from such a font or series to compose a given line of printing is effected by actuation of the keys of a keyboard similar to that of a typewriter or linotype machine, there being one key for each of the various characters or symbols in the font thereof. The actuation of any key to select a character or symbol produces a signal on a rotatable member and simultaneously causes a partial rotation of that member so that the characters or symbols corresponding to an entire line of type are represented by spaced signals. upon the rotatable member. The nature of each of the characters is therefore represented by its location longitudinally on the rotatable member while the position of the character in the line which is to be reproduced is represented by the location of the signal circumferentially' of the rotatable member.

After the signals corresponding to an entire line of type have been provided upon the rotatable member any changes or corrections may be made by altering the signals thereon before reproduction of the characters represented by the signals is effected. Also, justificeu.

tion of the line may be effected, if necessary, before reproduction. Thereafter, the rotatable member is rotated through one complete revolution without interruption during which time the signals previously placed upon the member are sensed and sequentially actuate electromagnets, relays, or the like, controlling reproduction of characters corresponding to those initially selected from the font of type by actuation of the keys of the keyboard.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention two rotatable members or cylinders are employed so that setting of one line of type may be effected in the form of signals on one member or cylinder while the other member bearing previously set signals corresponding to the preceding line of type is employed for causing reproduction of the preselected characters. As a modification of the mechanism, however, a single rotatable member may I be employed with the signals corresponding to a set line being sensed in its entirety before a second line is set. Alternatively, this form of the mechanism may be operated in a manner such that each signal corresponding to a space or character of a previously set line is sensed step-by-step as the signals corresponding to the characters or spaces of the next line are being set.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, Figs. 1 through 8 illustrate the present preferred embodiment of the invention and the manner in which it cooperates with a photographic composing apparatus to control reproduction photographically of the selected characters. The photographic composing apparatus, which is conventional and hence is not illustrated or described in detail, is resiliently supported upon a rigid frame, generally designated 15, as by means of springs 16 and 17 extending between upper and lower portions of the frame 15 and upper and lower structural members 18 and 19 of the composing mechanism, respectively. The composing mechanism, generally designated 20, comprises a lighttight housing 21 attached to an extensible bellows 22 with the latter adjustably supported upon the members or rails 13 and 19 through suitable mechanism including bevel gears 23 and shafts 24, 25 and 26 which are actuated by a crank such as 27 and bevel. gears 28 to effect movement of the bellows member 22 laterally of the structural members or rails 18 and 19. Two other sets of such shafts, bevel gears and cranks are provided which respectively operate, in a manner well known for dark room cameras, to effect adjustment of the mechanism vertically and longitudinally of the structural members.

Within the photographic composing apparatus 20 is provided a font of type characters or symbols, 96 in mum-- er, which may be selectively projected upon a light sensi-- tt've surface or film through operation of a shutter mechanism such as 29, see Fig.8, which is preferably pneumatically operated under control of an electromagnet or relay means 3%. The details of this shutter operating mechanism does not, per se, form a part of this invention but may, for example, be of the type fully disclosed in Patent 2,402,752 issued to William C. Huebner on June 25, 1946. It will be understood from reference to this patent and the aforementioned Patent 2,180,417 that when the electromagnetic or relay means 30 is energized the shutter means 29 is operated to move the slide 31 to open position, thus exposing the corresponding printing character or symbol in the font thereof for a predetermined length of time to effect reproduction thereof. Also included within the photographic composing mechanism 24 is a means for shifting the sensitized plate or paper so that the characters or symbols are reproduced thereon in proper order to constitute successive lines of printing. This mechanism, generally designated 32, in Fig. 8 likewise does not, per se, form a part of the invention and hence is not here illustrated or described in detail.

The present invention is concerned with a means for permitting selection of the characters or symbols for an entire line type before of the characters reproduced and then rapidly effecting reproduction of the line thus selected or set. For this purpose the aforementioned frame of the mechanism is provided adjacent the lower portion thereof with a horizontally disposed shelf or support 33 on which spaced vertically extending support or bracket members 34, 35, 36 and 37 are mounted with their upper ends connected by horizontally extending bars or members such as 33, 39. Journaled within the skeleton framework thus provided are two identical rotatable members, generally designated 4t) and 41. Since these members are identical in construction and operation, only one will be described in detail.

The members 49 and 41 each have a cylindrical shell 42 which is supported at either end on an end member provided with openings or cut out portions such as intermediate the periphery and the hub portion 45 thereof. The members it? and 41 are rotatably supported upon a centrally disposed hollow tubular member or axle 46 by means of bearings such as d7, the tubular member or axle 46 being stationarily mounted in the support members or brackets 34 to 37 and held from rotation with respect thereof by keys or the like 43, see Fig. 4. The rotatable members or cylinders and 41 are maintained in predetermined axial position upon the shaft or tubular member 56 by suitable nuts such as and 50 which are screwed upon threaded portions of the tubular member or shaft 46 to hold the inner races of the ball bearings fixed to the shaft by clamping the races against shoulders formed on the tubular member or shaft 46. A suitable lock washer, such as 51, may be interposed between each of the nuts 49, 50 and bearings 47, if desired.

The cylindrical shell 42 of each of the members 49 and 41 is provided with a plurality of radially extended bores 52 arranged in longitudinally extending rows and circumferentially extended columns. As mentioned heretofore, 96-characters are normally sufiicient to provide for a complete line of type. Consequently, the cylindrical shells of the members 4%, 41 each have 96 of the bores 52 in any longitudinally extended row and 190 or more of such rows arranged circumferentially spaced about the surface of the cylindrical member. The provision of more than 96 rows circumferentially of the members permits the presence of 96 complete rows between the signal producing means and the sensing means for a purpose hereinafter described.

Within each bore 52 is slideably disposed a movable pin-like member 53 which is formed of electrically conductive material and is slideable through insulating bushings 5d and 55 provided adjacent either end of the bores 52. Intermediate its ends and between the bushings 5d, 55, the pins 53 are each provided with a collar 56 of conductive material which has a sliding frictional lit within the bore 52, thus retaining the pin 53 in the position to which it is moved while at the same time providing an electrically conductive path from the pin to the shell 42 which is also formed of conductive material.

The pins 53 are adapted to be selectively moved radial outwardly relative to the circumference of the cylinder to thereby provide the aforementioned signal indicative of the fact that the corresponding character from the font of characters or symbols is to be reproduced. To effect this selective movement an individually operated device or means is provided for each of the pins in a longitudinally extending row of the latter, said operating de vices being disposed so that the pin actuating portions are in longitudinal alignment lengthwise of the cylinder and are individually aligned with the pins in any row thereof. In the illustrated embodiment the pin actuating devices or means are electromagnetically operated and each comprises a pair of solenoids or electromagnets 57 mounted by suitable brackets upon a plate-like support .58 carried by a supporting member 59 wh'ch, in turn, is

bolted to clamping blocks on and 61 secured to the shaft or tubular member 46.

Each of the pairs of solenoids or electromagnets 57 is adapted, when energized, to attract an armature member 62 and thereby effect radial movement of the associated pin 53. This is achieved by having the armature member 62 in the form of a bell crank lever, one arm of which constitutes the armature for the associated electromagnet while the other arm 63 has arcuate portion curved beneath the associated pin 53 to engage and axially move such pin when the lever is rocked about its pivot 65. As shown, each lever is pivoted to a separate support as at 65. The pivot 65 may, however, be common to the longitudinally aligned levers of the adjacent electromag netic devices and comprise a longitudinally extended rod suitably supported upon the aforementioned structure which supports the electromagnets.

Due to the fact that the pins 53 are relatively close together, alternate pin actuating devices or electromagnets are reversely disposed with respect to each other to conserve space and prevent interference of the pin actuating levers. Thus, it will be seen that the pair of solenoids comprising the electromagnetic device 66, for actuating the pin 53 adjacent that which is actuated by the device 57, face in the opposite direction to the electromagnetic device 57 and have the cooperating bell crank lever 63! likewise reversely arranged. This provides a compact arrangement of the pin actuating devices and a balanced distribution of the same upon the mounting means thCl'zxfor. Each of the cylinders or rotatable members 4?, is provided with a separate set of pin actuating devices of the type just described corresponding in number to the number of pins in a longitudinal row of the latter on the cylindrical member. For the sake of clarity, the majority of the pins and pin actuating devices have been omitted from the drawings.

The solencids or electromagnets of the pin actuating devices 57, 6e are adapted to be selectively energized through actuation of individual keys associated therewith. These keys 655, one only of which is illustrated in Fig. 8, may be provided in a keyboard similar to that of a typewriter or linotype machine and will be equal in number to the number of characters or symbols in the font of type employed, which in the present embodiment is 96. Each key is adapted, when actuated. to close an electrical circuit, as hereinafter described, to operate the corresponding electromagnetic means, such as 57, thereby actuating the corresponding pin 53. Thus, when the electromagnet 57 is energized as a result of operation of its associated key 68, the armature portion 62 of the bell crank lever will be rocked clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 3, thereby moving the arcuate portion 64 upwardly so that the pin 53 aligned therewith is radially displaced and projects outwardly from the periphery of the cylindric l member in a manner which may be said to provide a signal. The actuated pin 53 will be retained in this position, until positively returned to its initial or lowermost position, due to the aforementioned friction between the pin 53 and the bushings 5d, 55, as well as the friction between the collar 56 and the bore 52 in which the pin is positioned. Consequently, release of the key 63 and resulting deenergization of the electromagnetic device 57 will return the arcuate portion d4 of the ell crank lever to its lowermost position while the corresponding pin 53 will remain in its actuated position as a signal which may be subsequently sensed to effect reproduction of the corresponding printing character or symbol as will hereinafter become apparent.

Electrical current for operating the electromagnetic devices, such as 57, 6a? is provided by a plurality of supply wire such as 69, see Fig. 4, one for each set of electromagnets, which enter the apparatus through the hollow interior of the tubular member as and pass therefrom to the devices through appropriate openings such as 76. The circuit may be completed through se "it return Wires or through a common return which may either be in the form of a wire or simply through the electrically conductive portions of the apparatus.

The rotatable members or cylinders 49, 41 are each adapted to be separately rotated step-by-step to successively bring each succeeding longitudinal row of pins into alignment with the arcuate portions 6 of the pin actuating devices. This may be efifccted by any suitable driving means. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the drive for both cylinders is provided from a single electric motor ill, see Fig. 5, the shaft of which provided with a spur gear '72 in continuous mesh with spur teeth on a "riction clutch member 73. The friction clutch member 73 is freely rotatable on a shaft '74 on which driven clutch members 75 and 7d are supported adjacent to and on opposite sides ing clutch rber 73. The members 75 and id have axially extended annular flanged portions which respectively engage annular friction members 7'9 and 8% disposed one on either of the clutch member 73:. The friction members 79 and are urged into engagement with the annular portions 75, 6 by compression springs, such as 31, which disposed between the members '79 and in bores extending through the clutch member 73 parallel with the axis thereof. The friction members 7%, are prevented rom rotation relative to the driving clutch member by suitable means such as, for example, a plurality of spaced pins 82 extending through the clutch member 73 and the friction members 79", fill, one of which pins is shown in Pig. 5.

Tie driven clutch member 75 is provided on its ex ternal periphery with spur gear teeth 83 which mesh with a spur gear provided on the adjacent end member 43 of the rotatable member or cylinder Likewise, the driven clutch member 7-6 is provided on its external periphery with spur gear teeth which mesh with the teeth of a spur gear 3t: upon the adjacent end wall of the other cylindrical member ift. Preferably, the shaft '74 is extended parallel with the axis of the tubular member or shaft 46 and is provided with gears such as 87 and 87' adjacent either end meshing with gears :53, 33' near the adjacent end walls 43 of the cylinders to provide driving at both ends of the latter and thereby balance the torques.

The construction just described is such that, when the cylindrical members id and 31 are free to rotate, they are both driven by the motor '71 at a speed determined by the speed of the latter and the ratio of gears between the motor and the members. If, however, one of the members 23*, ii is held stationary, driving of the other member may still be effected since the stationary member will simply produce slipping between its associated annular member or 76 and the corresponding friction material such as 79, 353, while there will be no slippage between the corresponding parts associated with the other rotatable member. Step-by-step rotation of either member may be effected by sequentially stopping rotation of ti t member while maintaining the motor 71 in continuous operation. Consequently, one of the members may continuously rotate while the other of the members is being rotated in a step-by-step manner. Therefore, the pins on one of the cylindrical members 4%, 41 may be selectively actuated while that member is rotating step-by-step and at the same time the previously set pins on the other member may have its actuated pins sensed, as hereinafter described, to eflect actuation of the corresponding shutter means 99 and thereby effect reproduction the associated characters in the font of type.

The selecive stopping or perniitting of free rotation of rotatable members or cylinders ill, may be effected by various mechanisms. in the preferred embodiment, how ever, this is achieved by providing the outer face of one of the end members, such as 43, of the cylinder with a plurality of outwardly movable stop members, generally designated 89. These stop members are arranged circumferentially about the cylindrical member and are spaced apart distances corresponding to space between adjacent rows of the pins 53. The stop members 39 are each provided with a shaft-like portion integral with the stop member or connected for movement therewith, which shaft portions are axially slideable in bores provided in the end wall of the cylindrical member, see Fig. 4. The stop members 69 are each prevented from rocking or rotating relative to the end wall 43 by ha ing sliding fit on an axially extending pin 93 mounted ii, the end wall 43 in parallel relationship to the shaftlike portion 9h, there being one s ch pin for each stop member.

The ends of the stop members 89, adjacent the hub 2-5, have radially extending flange portions 92 which are adapted to sequentially engage a master stop mcmbe 93. This master stop member 93 is pivoted adjacent its upper upon a shaft 94 which is mounted in a suitable bracket 95 attached to the supporting wall or member 37 adjacent the end wall of the cylindrical member. in the illustrated form, the master stop member is substantially tria gular in confi uration although this may be varied if desired. The lower end of the master stop member 93 is of reduced width, as indicated at 96 in 6, and is adapted to fit between the flange portions 92 on adjacent ones of the stop members 89.

intermediate the pivot shaft and the reduced width portion 96, the master stop member )3 is connected to one end of an actuating rod 97. This rod extends through a suitable bore in a boss or bracket on the support member 37 and is connected, adjacent its other end, with one arm 93 of a bell crank lever 93. The bell crank lever 99 is pivoted at itltl to the bracket or frame member 37 and has the other arm rill thereof pivoted to the armature 1W2, of an electromagnet Trill; supported upon the bracket or frame member 37. The rod 97 is provided with a collar ill-i intermediate the lever arm and stop member 93, and a compression spring 1 25 surrounds the rod 97 between this collar and a plate TlQd which is suitably connected to the boss or bracket throt gh which the rod )7 slides.

The construction just described is such that the spring urges the master stop member to the position shown in Fig. 4 where the lower end @6 is disposed between the stop members 39 and in engagement with a flange 92 on one of these stop members. Consequently, the corresponding rotatable member or cylinder Ed is held from rotati n. t/hen, however, the electromagnet 1 33 is energized the bell crank lever 99 will be rocked counterclockwise as viewed in Pig. 4 since the electromagnet itlf; is of the push-out type. Consequently, the rod 97 will move to the left, against the force of the spring 3%, thus rocking the master stop member clockwise to a position such that portion is no longer in the path of the stop members 89, when the latter are in their positions shown in Fig. 4, so that there can be free rotation of the corresponding rotatable member or cylinder A cor res onding rotation controlling mechanism is also provided for the rotatable member or cylinder 41.

Step-by-sten rotation of the rotatable member or cylinder ill is effected by allowing the electromagnet to?) to remain deenergized, so hat the master stop member 93 is positioned in the path of the stop members 89, and then successively moving the stop members out of engagement with the master stop member This latter operation is effected by a second push-out type solenoid or electromagnet its? which is supported from the tubular shaft or member 1-6 by a suitable bracket 1%. The elem tromagnet 197 has the armature thereof connected to a rod ill? which is supported for axial sliding movement parallel with the axis of the rotatable member and at a radial distance from that axis such as to be successively in alignment with the inner ends of the shaft portions of the stop members The rod 339 is urged to the position shown in Fig. 4 by means of a coil spring lit acting between a collar ill on the rod and a bushing 112 assume 9, and through which the rod slides. The rotatable memher or cylinder 41 has a similar stepping mechanism comprising an electromagnet M37 and associated axially moving rod for sequentially actuating the stop members 89 carried by. that cylindrical member.

The electromagnets 1W7 and 1 97 are connected in an electrical circuit, as hereinafter described, in a manner such that the stepping electromagnet associated with the rotatable member or cylinder iii or 5-1 on which the pins 53 are being actuated is sequentially energized to thereby produce step-by-step rotation of at c nder. The circuit connections are such that wl a hey corresponding to one of the characters or symbols to be re produced is actuated a circuit is completed to boh energize the pin setting electromagnet such 2 simultaneously energize the stepping elc as 107. Energization of the latter more the left as viewed in Fig. 4, thus engaging the i of the shaft portion 99 of the stop member aligned with the rod, thereby moving that sto member 89 to the left as viewed in Fig. 4. Ti

next succeeding stop member 89 abuts member 93, it being remembered that mechanism is continuously operating tending to pro" such rotation through the friction drive described. tofore The extent of this partial rotation is just sufficient to bring the next succeeding row of pins 53 into alignment with the pin actuating electromagnetic means 57" and the shaft portion hfi of the next succeeding stop member 89 into alignment with the rod 1% which will have returned to its initial position upon release of the associated key 655. This action is repeated each time a characo5 ter or space selecting key d3 is operated so that the position of each printing character or space in a complete line of type is represented by the circumferential posi of an actuated pin on the cylinder while n the character is represented by the position of the corresponding actuated pin longitudinally of the cylindrical member.

The actuated stop members 89 are returned to their initial positions during further rotation of the corresponding cylindrical member by a suitable stationary cam. Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, the stop members which have been moved to a position such that their flanges 2 no longer in position to engage with the stop member 93 are restored durin further rotation of the cylindrical member by a stationary cam 113 connected to or integnal with the frame member or bracket 37. The cam 113 is preferably so located that the stop members are re turned to their initial positions shortly after they have passed the master stop member 93.

Let it be assumed that one of the rotatable members or cylinders, for example at has thus been sequent ally rotated step-by-step by actuating the suitable keys for operation of the pins 53 and the step-by-step rotation of the cylinder or member. Consequently, there will now be a plurality of pins 53 extending outwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical member with the position of each actuated pin longitudinally of the cylindrical member representing the character, symbol or space which is to be reproduced with the circumferential positions of 'the actuated pins representing the sequential order in which the characters, symbols or spaces will be repro duced in the completed line of type. To eifect reproduction of the preselected characters, symbols or spaces, the openator now effects energization of the electromagnet 103 controlling the master stop 93. This moves the master stop from the path of the stops 8% so that the cylindrical member 49 may now freely rotate. During this rotation the pins 53 which have been actuated will be sensed and the corresponding shutter means 2S will be operated to efiect the desired reproduction of the corresponding characters from the font of type. Shortly a" 10 ated pins 53 have thus been sensed they will each be restored to its initial position thereby preparing the cylindrical member for setting of a ncuv line.

The mechanism for sensing the signals on the cylindrical member, i. e., the actuated pins 53, comprises a plurality of rollers 114 formed of electrically conducted material insulatingly support-ed for rotation about a common axis extending longitudinally of the rotatable member or cylinder 4%). The spacing between the separate rollers 114- is equal to the distance between the pins 53 so that there is a roller in the path of each of the pins 53 in any longitudinal row thereof. The rollers 114 are shown as having separate axles supported in suitable brackets or the like 115 depending from a member 116 which is substantially U-shaped in cross section and is insulatedly supported upon a block or blocks 117 of rubber or the like which is, in turn, carried by brackets or other supporting means 118 connected with the frame of the apparatus. Disposed in vertical alignment with each of. the rollers 114 is a rod or pin 119 of conductive material, the lower end of which is in engagement with the corresponding roller 114 and held thereagainst by a spring 120 mounted upon the insulating material 117 and acting upon the upper end of the corresponding rod or pin 119. The spring 128 is likewise formed of conductive material and is connected by a wire, such as 121, to one terminal of a shutter actuating electromagnet or relay 3%) and each shutter mechanism for each character, symbol or space in the font of type is similarly connected to a separate roller 114 of the sensing means. The cylindrical member dli is provided with an identical sensing means and an electrical swl ching means is provided, as hereinafter described, to selectively employ eit .er set of sensing means to actuate the relays or electr c-magnets 30 of the shutter means 29.

The pins 53 are, as mentioned heretofore, in electrical contact with the shell of t e corresponding cylindrical member, and these shells of the members 40, 41 may be selectively placed in electrical conductive relationship with one side of an electrical power supply to provide the aforementioned selective control of the shutter means. Thus the wire 122, which represents one side of the power supply, is connected with a wire 123 and this wire is, in turn, connected with a switch blade 12% which may be positioned into engagement with a wire 125 connected with the shell and pins 53 of one of the cylinders or with the wire 126 connected with the pins 53 and shell of the other cylinder. Assuming that wire 125 is thus connected, electrical energy flows through an actuated pin 55 to the associated rolier 114, when engaged therewith, thence through pin 319, spring 120 and wire 121 to one terminal or" the corresponding electromagnet 30 for actuating the shutter means 29. The other terminal of this electro-magnet is connected by a Wire 3127 to the other side of the electrical power supply rep-resented by the wire 128. Hence, as each row of pins 53 moves beneath the sensing means, the actuated pins successively engage the rollers and actuate the shutter means controlling reproduction of the selected printing characters.

The rotation of the cylindrical member to effect this sensing is effected by moving the master stOp member of the cylindrical member, whose pins are being sensed, to inoperative position. This is under control of the switch blade 1%. Thus, with this switch blade in engagement with wire to effect sensing of the pins on the cylindrical member the clectromaguet 163 is energizcd rocking the master stop member 93 out of the path of the stop members so that the cylindrical member is freed for uninterrupted rotation during which the pins 53 which have been actuated outwardly of the cylinder engage the rollers lid as they rotate thereunder, thus completing an electrical circuit therethrough operating the corresponding shutter means 29 in succession to reproduce the corresponding character or symbol in a manner which will be apparent from the aforementioned Patent 2339.417, the speed of rotation of the cylinder being the ascends selected through proper selection of the gear ratios in the previously described drive so that the speed of shutter operation is proper for reproduction purposes.

As each of the actuated pins 53 passes beneath the sensing means comprising the rollers 114, the said engagement will tend to move the pins back to their initial positions. 129 which comprises outwardly projecting fingers carried by the sensing means mounting support and positioned to engage the pins 53 and return the latter to their lowermost positions.

The sensing means and the reset means for each cylindrical member are angularly disposed rearwardly of the position where the pin actuating mechanism is operative, as will be apparent in Fig. 3, so that each actuated pin 53 may be sensed and returned to its initial position before the pins are again in position for a new actuation. After the pins have all been sensed, rotation of the cylinder may continue without further operation of the shutter means 29 until such time as the switch blade 124 is reversed in position to place it in engagement with the wire 12s. When thus positioned, the switch blade conditions the machine for sensing of the pins 53 upon the other cylindrical member, which pins were being set during the sensing of the previously mentioned cylinder. This new position of the switch blade 124 breaks the circuit to the master stop electromagnet 103 so that the master stop 93 for the cylinder whose pins have just been sensed is returned to its initial position and prevents further rotation of that cylinder by engagement of the said stop member 93 with one of the stop members 89. At the same time the electromagnet 103 for the master stop of the other cylindrical member is energized so that the latter is now free to rotate for sensing of the actuated pins thereof which have been placed in the electrical circuit by the switch blade 124. It will be noted that since the cylindrical members and 41 have their entire peripheries provided with rows of pins 53, all equally spaced, it is immaterial between which of the stop members 39 thereon the associated master stop member 93 enters and thereby causes the cylindrical member to come to rest since at any point where this can occur one of the rows of pins 53 will be aligned with the pin actuating means such as 57. in view of the fact that 96 rows of pins may be necessary for preselecting a complete line of type, the number of rows of pins 53 on the cylindrical members is preferably 100 or more so that a pin 53 in each of 96 rows thereof may be actuated before any of them reach the sensing means.

As mentioned heretofore, the electrical power for operating the apparatus is supplied through wires 122 and 123 which are connected with the mechanism in the manner schematically represented in Fig. 8 wherein but one pin actuating key 68 is illustrated together with the associated pin setter for each of the two cylindrical members. Likewise, Fig. 8 shows but one of the sensing rollers 114 for the sensing means of each of the cylindrical members and a single shutter means 29 which may be controlled by either of these sensing mechanisms. it will be understood, however, that there will be as many keys 68 as there are pins 53 in a row extending longitudinally of a cylindrical member 41) or 41 and that there will be a corresponding number of pin setting electromagnets 5'7 or 57 for each of the cylindrical members as well as a corresponding number of sensing rollers 114 for each of the cylindrical members. There is, however, but one stepping solenoid such as 1W7, 107', respectively, for each of the cylindrical members and but one master stop electromagnet 1133, 1.113, respectively, for each of the cylindrical members.

As illustrated in Fig. 8, each of the keys 68 has an insulating portion 130 which is adapted to move an electrical contact 131 into engagement with a second'electrical contact 132 when the key is actuated. This will complete a circuit from the wire 122 through the wire This action is completed by a reset means 12 133 and contacts 131, 132 to a wire 134 which is connected with a switch blade 135. The switch blades 135 associated with the keys 68 and the previously mentioned switch blade 124 are ganged for simultaneous operation. Consequently, when these switch blades have been moved to the left, the blades 135 will each be positioned in circuit closing relationship with a terminal of a pin actuat-.

ing or setting electromagnet 37. Thus, the illustrated switch blade 135 is placed in engagement with the contact connected with the wire 69 which is connected with the input lead of the electromagnet 57 for one of the pin setting or actuating electromagnets and which is here termed the left pin setter since it is associated with the left-hand cylindrical member 44). Simultaneously, the switch blade 124 will be in engagement with the contact connected with the wire 126 so that the sensing means 114 of the right-hand sylinder 41 is effected to transfer the signals or information, in the form of projecting pins 53, to the shutter means 29, as has just been described. During the time that the right-hand cylindrical member 41 is being sensed, as described above, the operator will be selectively actuating the pins 53 on the left-hand cylindrical member 4-0 through operation of the keys 63. Thus, as mentioned above, when a key 63 is depressed it completes a circuit from the power supply line 122 through the associated switch blade 13 5 to the corresponding electromagnet 57 and from the latter to the common return wire 127 which is connected with the other side 1 28 of the power supply. Consequently, the electromagnet 57 will be energized, moving the corresponding pin 53 radially outwardly. The armature 62 of the electromagnet 57 is connected with a normally open contact 136 which is adapted, when closed, to connect the wire 69 to one terminal of the electromagnet 107 of the left stepping solenoid or electromagnet, this circuit being completed through a wire to the wire 127 which is connected with the power supply wire 12S. Consequently, the depression of a key 68 not only actuates the corresponding electromagnet 57 to project the associated pin 53, in the row which is aligned with the pin actuators, radially outwardly, but also energizes the electromagnet 167 thereby projecting the stop member 89 aligned therewith beyond the position of the master stop member 93 so that the left-hand cylindrical member rotates a distance suflicient to bring the next succeeding stop member 89 into engagement with the master stop 93, thereby aligning the next succeeding row of pins 53 with the pin actuating electromagnets. The other keys of the keyboard corresponding to the other characters which are to be reproduced are likewise sequentially operated and will likewise produce radial outward movement of the corresponding pins 53 in the proper row thereof and the stepping of the cylindrical member to the next successive position. Similarly, actuation of a space key will actuate a pin 53 and step the cylindrical member. The provision of a contact such as 136 actuated by the armature of each electromagnet 57, ensures that an energized pinsetting electromagnet will have fully projected the associated pin 53 before the stepping electromagnet is energized.

When all of the pins corresponding to the characters, symbols or spaces which are to be reproduced have thus been set, the operator then moves the switch blades 124 and 135 from their previously mentioned positions to the opposite positions thereof thereby placing the blade 124 into engagement with the contact connected with the wire i123 and the switch blades into engagement with the contacts connected with the wire such as This position of the switch blades 135, one only of which is shown, therefore connects the keys such as 68 for control of the pin setting or actuating electromagnets such as 57 associated with the right-hand cylindrical member 41 and disconnects the pin setting or actuating electromagnets 57 of the left-hand cylindrical member 40 from operative will relationship with the keys 6%. Likewise, this movement of the switch blades 1% has provided an energizing path through the wire 139 hid the armature actuated contact me to the stepping electromagnet 107' for the right-hand cylinder while simultaneously breaking the energizing circuit for the corresponding stepping electromagnet 1W for the left-hand cylindrical member 41). Therefore, when the keys o are now actuated the pins 53 on the right-hand c ri member are sequentially actuated and the c indrical ember 41 rotated step-bystep in the same mt left-hand c drical member dll was previously ctuated.

The placing of swi blade 124 in engagement with the contact connected to wire simultaneously with the transfer of the keys from control of the pins for the left-hand cylindrical member to control of the pins on the right-hand cylindrical member, now makes possible the sensing of the previously set pins 53 on the left-hand cylindrical member while preventing sensing of the pins on the right-hand cylindrical member 4-1. Hence, the electromagnet 1G3 controlling the master stop 93 for the left-hand cylindrical member is now energized through a circuit extending from the power supply wire 122 through wire 123, switch blade 124, wire 125, and electromagnet 1 33 to the wire 12%. Therefore, the master stop 93 for the left-hand cylindrical member 46 is released from the stop members 89 thereon so that this member may now rotate freely. This rotation successively brings the pins 53 beneath the sensing rollers 11d of the lefthand sensing means, which are now connected to the power supply wire 122 and 123 through the switch 124 and wire Hence, the pins 53 which are engaged complete a circuit through the corresponding rods 119 and the wire 121 to the electromagnetic operators or relays 3% of the corresponding shutter means 29, which are representative of the character or symbol whose pin was thus sensed, this circuit being completed through the wire 127 to the other side of the power supply. No shutter means need be provided for the pins 53 corresponding to a space in the completed line where the reproduction is photographic since such a space would require no exposure of the light sensitive member on which reproduction is efiected.

Therefore, while the characters representative of the next successive line are being set upon the right-hand cylindrical member 41, those previously set upon the lefthand cylindrical member are now effective to cause reproduction through operation of the shutter means 29 in a manner which will be apparent from an inspection of the previously mentioned Patent 2,180,417. During this reproduction the set film, in the form of a plate or paper, upon which the reproduction is being eifected will be properly moved by the stepping mechanism 32, the control of which does not form a part of this invention but may be similar to that shown in the aforementioned Patent 2,180,417.

It will be apparent, therefore, that by the mechanism just described a complete line of characters, symbols and/or spaces corresponding to a complete line of type may be preselected through operation of suitable keys such as 63 and then this preselected information reproduced while a new line is being set. This effects a considerable saving of time since it is not necessary to await transfer of the previously set information before beginning setting of a new line of information. Moreover, by effecting setting of a complet line before reproducing any of the characters in that line, any errors may be readily corrected which is much simpler than attempting to correct a line which has been reproduced in error. Correction of an error may be readily effected by simply depressing the incorrectly operated pin 53 and, in fact, the entire setting may be cleared in this manner and the line reset without the necessity of retu ding the cylinder to its initial posi 1 n since setting of a l ..e of information may be started at any peripheral point about a cylindrical member.

Although the invention preferably embodied in an apparatus comprising two cylindrical members so that the advantages of setting pins upon one cylindrical member may be elfected while the previously set member is used to reproduce the corresponding information, the invention may also be embodied in a similar manner by employing only one cylindrical member. In such a construction, the photographic composing mechanism is the same before and hence is designated by the same numeral 21). Likewise, the supporting structure or frame is substantially the same and hence is designated by the same numeral 15. Similarly although only one of the cylindrical members is employed, it will be constructed and driven in the same manner as previously described.

Such a cylindrical member or drum will have a plurality of radially movable pins 141 corresponding in number, spacing and construction with the aforementioned pins 53, see Figs. 9 and 10. Likewise, the cylindrical marnber 140 will be provided with stops similar to the stops 89 and which are actuated by a solenoid or electromagnet 142 in the same manner as were the stops 89 of the first described embodiment. Similarly, the mechanism will be provided with a master stop actuated under control of an electromagnet 143 in the same manner that the electromagnet 103 controlled operation of the master stop 93 in the prior embodiment. Also, the sensing means will comprise rollers 144 and rods 145 in engagement therewith and electrically connected with the electromagnets or relays 30 of the shutter means 29, as has been previously described. Keys 146 will be also provided similar to the keys 68 for operation of the contacts 147 and 148 and thereby control actuation of the pins 141 through energization of the associated electromagnets 14?. In view of the fact that the aforementioned elements are identical in construction to those previously illustrated and described, it is not deemed necessary to repeat those details.

Fig. 10 illustrates the circuit for this modified form of apparatus. As shown therein, only one manually operated key, one pin actuator, one sensing roller and one shutter operating mechanism are illustrated but it will be understood that these will correspond in number with the number of characters or symbols needed to compose an entire line.

. Electrical energy is supplied to the apparatus through wires 15d and 151 with wire connected to the movable key controlled contact such as 147. Hence, actuation of the key 146 will now complete a circuit from the wire 15%; through the contacts 147, 148 to a wire 152 which is connected to the input lead of the pin actuating or settling electromagnet 145 the other lead thereof being connected by a wire 153 to the power supply wire 151. Consequently, actuation of the key 146 operates the corresponding electromagnet 149 thus moving the associated pin 141 radially outwardly. Movement of the armature of electromagnet 149 to fully operated position, corresponding to full projection of the associated pin 53, closes the armature actuated contact 154 completing a circuit therethrough and through wire 155 to the stepping electromagnet 142. This circuit is completed through wire 156 to supply line 151 so that the electromagnet 142 is energized thereby permitting rotation of the cylindrical member 146 one step, as will be apparent from the previous description of the embodiment utilizing two cylindrical members. This brings the cylindrical member 140 into position for selective actuation for one of the pins 141 in the next succeeding row and this may be effected by a key similar to 146 which will energize the corresponding pin setting or actuating electromagnet and the stepping solenoid or electromagnet, as will now be apparent.

The relative positions of the pin actuating and sensing means are the same as described for the embodiment illusstrated in Figs. 1 to 8 and hence the pins corresponding aseaass to an entire or substantially an entire line of type may be set before any of the pins is in position to be sensed. Hence, sensing the set pins, and transfer of the stored information represented thereby, is effected by actuation of a switch such as 157. This completes a circuit from the wire 150 through the wire 158 and through the switch 157 to and through the master stop operating electromagnet 143, this circuit being completed by the wires 159 and 153 back to the other power supply wire 151. Consequently, the master stop is moved from operative position so that the cylindrical member 140 is free to rotate, and during this rotation the actuated pins 141 will be sensed by engagement with the corresponding rollers 144 of the sensing means, thereby causing actuation of the corresponding shutter means 2%. This is possible due to the fact that the power supply wire 1% is connected through the wire 158 to the pins 141. Hence, each actuated pin is engaged by the associated sensing rollers 1'44 thereby completing a circuit through the said roller and its pin 145 to a wire 1'60 connected with the electromagnet or relay for the corresponding shutter means 29, the circuit being completed from the latter through a wire 161 connected with the other side of the power supply through the Wires 159 and 153. Consequently, the several shutter means 29 corresponding with the characters which are to be reproduced will be sequentially actuated, as has been previously described, thereby reproducing the line of characters, symbols and/or spaces which have been preselected. As each actuated pin 141' is sensed, the rollers 144 will tend to effect resetting of the pins, as has been previously described, this resetting being completed by lingers or projections 162 similar to those designated 129 in Fig. 3.

It will be evident therefore that in this modification of the invention the operation of producing signals upon a rotatable member in accordance with the characters which are to be reproduced is effected in the same manner as in the first described embodiment. Therefore, when operated as just described, the advantages with respect to being able to correct any errors is likewise present in this embodiment although it is necessary to await completion of the transfer of the selected information in the form of reproduction of the characters corresponding to the line which has been set prior to setting a new line.

The single rotatable member or drum embodiment of the invention can also be operated in a manner such that the signals corresponding to the characters or spaces of one line of type are sensed step-by-step while the signals corresponding to the next line of type are being provided on the member or drum 14-0. This mode of operation is elfected, as before, by sequentially actuating the keys 146 corresponding to the characters or spaces in a given line of type. Consequently, the appropriate pins 141 will be projected outwardly with the member Mil rotatably stepping with each actuation of a key. However, when pins corresponding to an entire line of type have thus been actuated, the operator does not close switch 157 but begins to actuate keys corresponding to the next line of type. This will continue to rotatably step the member 140 so that the previously actuated pins 141, corresponding to the preceding line of type, sequentially pass beneath the sensing means thereby actuating the corresponding shutter means 2s. When the apparatus is to be thus operated the shutter means 29 should be of the wellknown self closing type so that a predetermined exposure of the sensitized surface will be effected regardless of the length of time a pin 141 remains in contact with a roller 144%.

When the apparatus is operated as just mentioned,

setting of pins 141 and sensing of previously set pins,

corresponding to the preceding line of type, may be effected concurrently so that it is not necessary to await the completion of the sensing of the pins for the previous line of type before starting to set the pins for the nor-Lt line. When the pins for the last line have been set,

they may be sensed by actuating switch 157 thereby energizing the master stop operating electromagnet 143 so that the member is driven continuously through a complete revolution during which the actuated pins will be sensed and restored.

For the sake of simplicity this invention has been described with reference to photographic composing of lines of text by employing an apparatus similar to that shown in the aforementioned Patent 2,180,417. The mechanism here disclosed may, however, be used for reproducing text in accordance with other procedures as, for example, by either photo electric or electronographic means. Thus, in place of the mechanism shown in Patent 2,l80,4l7 for effecting character or symbol reproductions, the apparatus here disclosed may be employed with the reproduction apparatus shown in my copending application Serial No. 249,753 filed October 4, 951, and entitled Apparatus for Reproducing images, now Patent No. 2,764,500. Moreover, although the means for resenting the characters which are to be reproduced has been disclosed as radially projected pins carried by a cylindical member, it will be apparent that other means may be employed for providing spaced signals upon a cylindrical member representative of the characters to be reproduced and which means may thereafter be sensed to effect relay operation. For example, but without limitation thereto, the signals might be provided in the form of magnetic influence areas by employing suitable eiectrornagnets in the positions of the presently disclose-d pin actuating member for acting upon a magnetically susceptible surface similar to that employed for magnetic recording. The sensing means would then comprise conventional electromagnetic pick-ups similar to those employed in magnetic recording apparatus. Consequently, where reference is made to production of a signal and sensing the same, it is to be understood as inclusive of, but not limited to, actuation and sensing of the pins here disclosed and is to be also construed as including other means of producing and sensing signals capable of producing the same results. Consequently, the invention is not to be considered as limited to the details illustrated and described except as may be required by the spirit and scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. In an apparatus for preselecting printing characters corresponding to a line of type, a plurality of manually actuated means each representative of one of the characters to be reproduced, a pair of rotatable members, a separate set of signal producing means associated with each of said members with the number of means in each set corresponding to the number of manually actuated means, means for selectively connecting the signal producing means of either set to said manually actuated means for producing a signal on the corresponding rotatable member when a manually actuated means is operated, means to produce stey-by-step rotation of that rotatable member associated with the operating set of signal producing means in timed relationship with the operation of a manually operable means so that each signal is spaced circnmferentially on a rotatable member from the previously impressed signal, separate sets of signal sensing means adjacent each of said rotatable members selectively operatively connectable with means controlling reproduction of printing characters, means for rendering operative the set of sensing means associated with one of said rotatable members when the set of signal producing means for the other of said members is rendered operative, means for effecting relative rotation between said sensing means and the rotatable member on which signals have been previously impressed including means to change said step-by-step rotation of the latter to a continuous rotative movement, whereby the signals on the latter corresponding to a line of type are successively sensed and effect sequential operation of the means controlling reproduction of e corresponding printing characters while the other of said rotatable members is being provided with signals representative of the characters in the next line of type, the means for rotating said rotatable members comprising a common prime mover and a friction drive operatively connected to said rotatable members to produce rotation thereof, means sequentially momentarily preventing rotation of a rotatable member during signal producing operations in correlation to said operations, and means to render the last mentioned means inoperative thereby providing continuous rotation of the rotatable member during signal sensing.

2. In an apparatus of the character described for etfecting selective operation of a plurality of electromagnets, a rotatable member, a plurality of selectively movable members supported upon said rotatable member in circumferentially extending columns and longitudinally extended rows, a plurality of individually operable devices corresponding in number to the number of said movable members in a row thereof and supported for alignment respectively with each of said selectively movable members in a row thereof for effecting individual movement of the members thus aligned, means for selectively efiecting operation of said devices, means for producing stepby-step rotation of said rotatable member when any one of said devices is actuated to effect successive alignment of the rows of said movable members with said devices, means for substituting a continuous rotation in the same direction for said step-by-step rotation of said rotatable member, means adjacent said rotatable member and including members supported adjacent said rotatable member and adapted during said continuous rotation to sense those movable members which have been moved by said operable devices, electrical connections for effecting electromagnet operation as a result of said sensing, the means for producing rotation of said rotatable member comprising a power means adapted to produce continuous rotation, a friction drive between said power means and said rotatable member, a plurality of stop members supported by said rotatable member, a master stop member supported independently of said rotatable member and normally disposed in the path of the said plurality of stop members, means to sequentially move each of said plurality of stop members from engagement with said master stop member to thereby produce said step-by-step rotation of said rotatable member, and means to move said master stop member from the path of said plurality of stop members to thereby substitute continuous rotation for said step-by-step rotation.

3. In an apparatus for preselecting printing characters corresponding to a line of type, a pair of hollow cylindrical members, means rotatably supporting said members, a plurality of pins supported in the periphery of each of said cylindrical members in longitudinally extended rows and circumferential columns for radially sliding movement, a plurality of pin actuating means stationarily supported in a row extending longitudinally of each of said cylinders with the number of said means associated with each cylindrical member corresponding to the number of pins in any row thereon, separate manually operated means each representative of one of the characters to be reproduced and connectable respectively with pin actuating means associated with either of said cylindrical members for selective operation thereof, means to produce step-by-step rotation of that cylindrical member whose pin actuating means have been connected to 18 said manual means to thereby bring each longitudinal row of pins thereon into operative relationship with the associated actuating means for selective radial movement of said pins in accordance with actuation of said manual means, separate sensing means adjacent the periphery of each of said cylindrical members adapted to engage those pins which have been radially moved by a pin actuating means, means to selectively connect means controlling reproduction of printing characters to the said sensing means associated with one of said cylindrical members when the manually operated means are connected to the pin actuating means of the other of said cylindrical members, means to etfect continuous rotation of that cylindrical member whose actuated pins are being sensed whereby the actuated pins on one of said cylindrical members are selectively sensed and eflect sequential operation of th means controlling reproduction of the corresponding printing characters while the pins on the other of said cylindrical members are being selectively actuated in accordance with the printing characters in the next line of type which is to be reproduced, the means for rotating said cylindrical members comprising a common prime mover and a friction drive operatively connected to said cylindrical members to simultaneously produce rotation thereof, means sequentially momentarily preventing rotation of a cylindrical member in correlation with the efiecting of movement of the pins thereof, thereby efiecting step-by-step rotation of that member, means to render the last mentioned means inoperative thereby providing said continuous rotation, and means responsive to connection of said manually actuated means to the pin actuating means of one of said cylindrical members to render operative the step-by-step rotation of that member and continuous rotation of the other of said members.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 and wherein there is included a plurality of stop members supported on each of said cylindrical members, a separate master stop member for each cylindrical member supported independently of the latter and normally disposed in the path of the plurality of stop members on the associated cylindrical member, means responsive to operation of each of said manually actuated means to sequentially move each of the plurality of stop members on the cylindrical member whose pins are being actuated from engagement with the associated master stop member to produce said step-by-step rotation of that cylindrical member, and means to simultaneously maintain the other of said master stop members out of the path of the plurality of stop members carried by the other of said cylindrical members to thereby produce continuous rotation of the latter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,178,380 Spievak Oct. 31, 1939 2,402,750 Huebner June 25, 1946 2,402,751 Huebner June 25, 1946 2,475,497 Harrold July 5, 1949 2,600,168 Klyce June 10, 1952 2,646,733 Ackerman July 28, 1953 2,725,803 Tansel Dec. 6, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 55,991 France June 4, 1952 (Addition to 992,584)

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