US2887531A - Page printing teletypewriter - Google Patents

Description

May 19, 1959 R. STABENAU PAGE PRINTING TELETYPEWRITER Filed Jan. 24, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I ,fizz/eigfart laent fife/66mm.

J I I t y 19, 1959 R. STABENAU 2,887,531

PAGE PRINTING TELETYPEWRITER Filed Jan. 24, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 p ,fiz/ezzfzt .Zoerpi Lita/banana,

nited States Patent PAGE PRINTING TELETYPEWRITER Robert Stabenau, Munich, Germany, assignor to Siemens .& Halske Aktiengesellschaft, Munich, Germany, a corporation of Germany Application January 24,1955, Serial No. 483,648

Claims priority, application Germany January 28, 1954 7 Claims. (Cl. 178-25) The present invention relates to a page printing teletypewriter with type basket.

As is well known, page teletypewriters are equipped either with a moving platen carriage or with a moving type basket carriage. Teletypewriters with moving type basket have the advantage over such with moving platen that the paper feed process can be rendered considerably simpler because the paper supply roll need not be moved transversely.

For shifting from lower to the upper case and vice versa it has heretofore been proposed, in case of page teletypewriters equipped with moving type basket, to raise and to lower the platen. This solution, however, entails the disadvantage that, during shift operations, the paper on which the message material is recorded does not remain stationary, but jumps with each shift operation so that coincident reading of the typed text by the operator becomes rather diificult, all the more so if several shifting operations follow in succession.

To eliminate this disadvantage, the invention provides, in a page teletypewriter with the type basket moving, after each printing operation, across the stationary platen by the distance corresponding to one character space and in case of several-in particular two-different groups of types, for a type basket which is shiftable vertically and in parallel with the vertical axis of the platen, and where the type bars, no matter for what type group the typing unit has been set, are controlled by selectable code bars through the medium of transfer members which are shiftable, in each case, by an equal distance. This arrangement permits also simplification of the instrumentalities required for actuating line-feed, carriage return and other possible functions, such as printing of standard forms. The advantage that each character can be read immediately after being printed is retained in each case.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides for the accommodation within the type basket proper of the instrumentalities required for the selection of the type bars and the horizontal stepping of the type basket, whereas the vertical shifting of the type basket is accomplished by a drive system outside the type basket.

To accomplish this purpose, a special control segment may be associated with code ring segments, which are connected with the type basket, whereby the control seg-' ment is operated only when the code ring segments are set in accordance with the code combinations for type group shifting, thereby controlling the means provided for raising and lowering, respectively, the type basket.

Moreover, a type basket moving only transversely, parallel with the-platen, can be supported on a carriage in such a way that it may be displaced vertically and at right angles with the direction of movement of that carriage.

Finally, a rail, to be actuated by the typing unit, may be provided for raising or lowering the type basket vertically to the line of print independence of the chosen type group. t

A further embodiment of the present invention provides for T-shaped transfer members which are pivoted onan axle which is mounted on a setting lever whose other en is pivoted to the frame of the type basket. 1

A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a T-shaped transfer member whose cross arm may consist of axially displacedfingers.

The transfer bars to be displaced in accordance with the selected code combination may be tiltable about theirlower longitudinal edge and, depending on their respective position, the one or the other finger of the T-shaped transfer members may be allowed to contact the upper edge of the transfer bar.

To compensate at least partly the Weight of the type basket, the invention further provides for a compensating spring hooked between type basket and type basket carriage.

In a page teletypewriter provided with a facility for optionally changing from the one to the other of two different alphabets, arranged in two rows of types, on the type pallets, this changeover operation is accomplished, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, by raising and lowering the platen. This shifting of the platen need not be effected frequently, at any rate not during the transmission of one and the same teleprinter message, but only when connection has been established with another teleprinter station. As a result, there is usually no need to accomplish this function by remote control. Adjustment to the desired platen position may also be accomplished manually. It was found advisable to make the latching means very rugged to prevent accidental disengagement.

The present invention further provides for a lever, adjustable in dependence of the type group to be printed and, in connection with case shift, so movable by the drive system of the typing unit, and the type basket being so linked to this lever, that the type basket can be shifted to two different positions which are parallel to each other. This method permits an extremely simple device for raising and lowering the type basket, which lends itselfparticularly well for actuation by pull bars. Only very few components are required which, together with the type basket, travel in parallel with the line of print but, during case shift operations, are not displaceable vertically to the line of print.

The present invention further provides that the lever required for shifting the type basket vertically to the line of print has been designed as bellcrank whose one arm carries the type basket.

The present invention further provides that the lever required for shifting the type basket vertically to the line Fig. 2 shows in simplified perspective view the cooperation of parts of Fig. 1.

Figs. 3 .to 6 are diagrams of the absolute and the relative position of type bars and platen of a page teletype- Writer for two alphabets; namely, Fig. 3, Figures position of first alphabet; Fig. 4, Letters position of first alpha- 7 bet; Fig. 5, Letters position of second alphabet; Fig. 6, Figures position of second alphabet.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 the rotatableplaten 1 of a page printing teletypewriter is disposed in front of a type basket 2 which can be moved both transversely and parallel to the line of print, and vertically to the line of print by the amount H" for performing the case shift functions. The type basket rests with its two upper rollers 3 and its two lower rollers 4, the former being designed in the form of double-taper rollers, on a tubular supporting rail 5. This supporting rail is mounted on a rocker arm 6 which is pivoted to shaft 7 and, together with the lever 8, which is rigidly connected with the rocker arm, forms a bellcrank. Another roller 9, mounted on the underside of the type basket, guides the latter along the rail 10 which is rigidly mounted and extends over the full width of the machine. To prevent the type basket from moving away from rail 10 by any appreciable distance, the type basket has been provided with a guide pinll which glides within a small distance along the stationary rail 12 when the type basket is moved to and fro across the platen. Rail 12 is disposed in front ofguide pin 11 and rail 10 behind roller 9. Five selectable code bars 13 provided with notches for accomplishing operational functions, cooperate with pull bars 14 and 15, one each being assigned to the Letters shift or Figures shift function. These pull bars are linked to a lever 17 which is pivoted to a stationary shaft 16. Lever 17 is articulated to lever 8 so as to form a toggle lever assembly. The shaft of the typing unit is indicated at 18. This shaft carries two earns 19 and 20, the latter controlling rocker arm 21 which, against the action of spring 22, rocks that pull bar, which dropped into an alignment of notches of the code bars 13, to the left. Cam 19 controls rocker arm 23 which determines the instant when the selected pull bar drops into and when it is lifted clear of the code bars. Spring 24 has been provided to keep the pull bars-in engagement with rocker arm 23 and with the code bars 13, respectively. The latch lever 25, which is held, in engagement, by spring 26, with roller 27, acting as a latching and coupling roller between the lever 8 and lever 17, serves for securing the type basket in the upper or lower position. The weight of the type basket is largely compensated by a spring 44 connected to the laterally extending ear of rocker arm 6.

The travel of the type basket parallel to the axis of the platen from printing locus to printing locus may be accomplished by any desirable gear train arrangement. For instance, the type basket may be moved by means of a feed screw 28 which is turned step by step for each character space and is supported at both ends in the frame of the machine. A toothed push rod 29, which is vertically slidable in the type basket, meshes with the feed screw. Ledge 30, which is guided in the frame of the machine, assures that the rod 29 is always held in the same vertical position, no matter whether the type basket is raised or lowered. During the carriage return operation ledge 30 is raised whereby the push or shifting rod 29 is disengaged from feed screw 28.

Actuation of the type bars 31 is accomplished by means of bail 32 which, in the illustrated normal position, 'lifts all pull bars 33, "to which thetype bars are articulated, clear of the code ring segments 34. Springs 35 are provided to retain the pull bars in their normal position. Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the code ring segments 34 are set by means of five selectable code bars 36 (only two are shown in Fig. 1 to provide a clearer view) which are linked to code bars 13. Their displacement is accomplished by means of transfer members 37 which are pivotally mounted on shaft 38. As shown in Fig. l and Fig.2, the entire type-bar carriage or type basket. 2 is upon type-group change lifted and lowered, with the exception of the shifting rod 29, shaft 38, and the transfer members 37. This shaft is always held at the same height by the stationary ledge 39. It reconnected with the lower end of rocker 40 which, at its upper end, carrim shaft 41. Depending on the position of the type basket, this shaft 41 is positioned by a.

definite and equal amount either above or below axle 38. The code ring segments 34 are connected with the extensions 43 of the transfer members 37 by means of the nearly horizontally disposed arms 42. When, as soon as the code ring segments have been set, bail 32 moves to the left, all pull bars drop onto the code ring segments, the selected pull bar is allowed to engage and will be pulled to the left whereby the associated type bar 31 is swung upwards in an arc, into the dotted printing position.

The raising and lowering of the type basket is accomplished as follows: Let it be assumed that the type basket is to be returned from the illustrated upper position by the distance H into the lower position. This operation takes place when a teleprinter signal is received which, in the above described manner, allows pull bar 14 to drop into an alignment of notches in the code bars 13. This pull bar is then pulled to the left by the rocker arm 21 which is controlled by the typing unit shaft 18 by means of cam 20. At the same time pin 17a protruding through slot 14a of this pull bar is pulled to the left, causing lever 17 to be shifted, against the action of spring 26 and after overcoming the unstable condition of levers 8 and 17 which are coupled to form a toggle lever assembly, into its other end position. This movement is consequently transferred to the lever S and the rocker arm 6 which carries the type basket. With its roller 9 the latter glides downward on rail 10 while the rollers 3 and 4 perform a relative movement about the supporting rail 5. With the type basket in the new position, the latching roller is positioned in the right hand recess of latching lever 25. When a type bar is now actuated, the upper type face of the pallet will now strike against the desired printing locus.

Shifting to the upper case takes place in a similar manner by the pull bar 15 engaging pin 17]; of lever 17.

While the present invention has been explained and described in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that the case shift device may be designed in a different manner without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the. bell crank formed by the components 6 and 8, may be substituted by a different linkage or in any other way. It may as well consist of one piece. The toggle joint might also be dispensed with or be arranged on any other place of the control mechanism.

To meet special requirements it isv customary to design teleprinters suitable for typing two different types of script, for instance, Latin and Cyrillic. The Figures shift position denoted by. the reference letters Zi, whereby the respective figures are arranged in the center of the type pallets, is common to both languages. As can be seen from Figs. 3 to 6, such teleprinters have type bars 131 whose palletshave been assigned three type faces, the lower (Bu) pertaining to the Letters position of the Latin alphabet, the upper (Cy) to the Letters position of the Cyrillic alphabet, and the type face located in between to the common Figures position. With the printer set for one of the two types of script shifting is required either from the Bu to the Zi position (Latin) or from the Cy to the 21' position (Cyrillic). Figs. 3 and 4 show the pallet face of a type bar striking against platen 132 in the Figures and Letters position for the Latin alphabet. When shifting from Letters to Figures, the type basket must be lowered by the amount H, corresponding to the distance between the center lines of two type face rows. When shifting from Figures to Letters, it must be raised by the same amount.

When changing from the one alphabet to the other, av requirement which generally does not arise during the transmission of a single message but only when connection has been established with another station, additional and not illustrated means must be provided for shifting also the platen by the amount H, that is, the platen must also be raised or lowered, respectively, by the dis,-

tance between two adjacent rows of type faces. Since,

the need for shifting also the platen occurs relatively seldom, platen shift may be accomplished manually. A specially controlled drive system might, however, also be provided for this purpose. Since, for example, in the position of the platen illustrated in Figs. and 6, the Figures row lies below the Letters row, the direction ofv movement of the type basket when shifting from Cyrillic Letters to Figures must be opposite to that required for shifting from Latin Letters to Figures. This reversal of movement may be easily accomplished with the aid of known means.

Changes may be made within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A page printing teletypewriter for optionally changing from one to the other of two different alphabets having figures common to said alphabets and comprising a platen disposed in axially fixed position, a type basket containing type levers carrying types for said two alphabets allotted to two case shift positions, means for disposing said type basket for motion axially of said platen, control means for moving said type basket to effect case shifting in a direction vertically to the line to be typed and parallel to the typing plane, code ring segments operatively related to said type levers, pull bars for actuating said type levers, bail means for actuating said type levers, said bail means in the normal position thereof lifts said pull bars to which said type levers are articulated clear of the code ring segments, and selectable code bars operatively connected to said code ring segments for controlling the operation of said pull bars.

2. A page printing teletypewriter according to claim 1, wherein said pull bars and said selectable code bars are disposed as parts of said type basket, and drive means disposed outside of said type basket for operating said control means and including other pull bars for actuating letters shift and figures shift, one pull bar for operating 6 a letters shift and the other pull bar for operating a figures shift.

3. A page printing teletypewriter according to claim 2, comprising a lever linked to said drive means, and means for linking said type basket to said lever for disposal of said type basket in two positions extending in the typing plane and parallel to each other.

4. A page printing teletypewriter according to claim 1, comprising spring means for compensating the weight of said type basket.

5. A page printing teletypewriter according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a bell crank having an arm operatively linked to said type basket.

6. A page printing teletypewriter according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises toggle lever means including two arms, one arm of said toggle means is operatively linked to said type basket and the other arm of said toggle means is operatively linked to other pull bars operatively related to said different alphabets and said figures common to said alphabets, and other selectable code bars operatively associated with said first mentioned selectable code bars and operatively related to said last-mentioned pull bars.

7. A page printing teletypewriter according to claim 1, comprising type pallets including three type faces carried by said type levers and having type faces assigned to said two different alphabets, and the intermediate type face including said figures common to said alphabets.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 93 6,849 Barclay Oct. 12, 1909 1,426,768 Pfonnenstiehl et al Aug. 22, 1922 1,796,378 Krum Mar. 17, 1931 1,955,415 Dysart Apr. 17, 1934 2,349,674 Potts May 23, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS 628,815 Great Britain Sept. 6, 1949

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