US2905296A - Type lever actuating mechanism - Google Patents

Description

p 22, 195.9 w. STUIBER ET L TYPE LEVER ACTUATING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 24, 1956 INVEN TOR. 40/7172! $711189? BY Rap; Mao/M I /I E Sept. 22, 1959 w s u ETAL 2,905,296

TYPE LEVER ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 24, 1956 2 SheetsSheet 2 MM: X 7

2,905,296 TYPE LEVER ACTUATING MECHANISM Walter Stuiber, Stein near Number-g, and Rudolf Neidhardt, Nurnberg, Germany, assignors to Triumph Werke Nurnberg A.G., Nurnberg, Germany Application October 24, 1956, Serial No. 618,118 Claims priority, application Germany October 28, 1955 23 Claims. (Cl. 197--17) The present invention relates to a type lever actuating mechanism and more particularly to a type lever actuating mechanism for selectively producing single strokes or repeated strokes of the type levers of typewriters and similar olfice machines.

Devices for producing repeated actuations of type levers are known, however, the devices according to the prior art have the disadvantage that in the event of jamming of the mechanism, an undesired repeated actuation of a type lever takes place.

Other devices according to the known art require transverse shifting of the key lever for producing a repeated actuation of the type lever, and such operation requires a particularly complicated key lever structure, and necessitates a difiicult operation.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages of the actuating mechanisms of the prior :art, and to provide an actuating mechanism capable of selectively producing single actuations and repeated :actuations of an oflice machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an actuating mechanism of the above described type which reliably operates and requires a simple and inexpensive construction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide :an actuating mechanism in which any key lever of the machine can be used for single strokes and for automatically repeated strokes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a type lever actuating mechanism permitting to set a group of type levers, or all type levers of the machine, to a position in which actuation of any one key lever will produce repeated actuation of the type lever.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a type lever actuating mechanism in which a preset type lever is repeatedly actuated as long as the associated key lever is depressed, and is automatically set to single actuation position by release of the respective key lever.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a type lever actuating mechanism which can be set by a manual operation to single actuation position or to repeated actuation position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a type lever actuation mechanism in which a set of type levers are simultaneously preset to repeat actuation position, but in which selected type levers and key levers may be provided with special coupling elements which render the presetting ineffective for such key levers and type levers so that these key levers and type levers remain in single actuation position.

With these objects in view, the present invention mainly consists in a type lever actuating mechanism for an office machine including types and a keyboard such as a typewriter, a calculator, or an accounting machine. The type lever actuating mechanism according to the present invention preferably comprises, in combination, actuating means by which the type levers carrying the types are actuated, drive means for the machine such as 2,905,296 Patented Sept. 22, 1959 an electrically driven rotary member, key lever means having keys forming a keyboard, a first coupling means movable to an actuated position for connecting the drive means with the type lever actuating means for effecting a single actuation of the type lever actuating means, the first coupling means being moved to said actuated position by depressed lever means, second coupling means for connecting the drive means with the type lever means for repeated actuation of the type lever means, the second coupling means being held in actuated position by depressed key lever means, control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering the first and second coupling means operative, and operating means for moving the control means between two positions thereof.

Preferably, the control means are provided with spring means urging the same into the first position, and the operating means are provided for moving the control means to the second position in which repeated actuation of the type levers takes place. The control means are automatically locked in the second position but are released when a key lever is actuated. While a key lever is depressed, hoiding means hold the control means in the second position so that the initial position of the apparatus is again restored when me key lever is released by me operator.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control means are associated with a set of key levers and with a set of type levers so that the entire set or type levers is simultaneously preset to repeat actuation position by shining or the control means. The first and second coupling means are combined in a U-snaped coupling element having two coupling legs which are selectively rendered operative by the control means shifting the U-shaped coupling element between two positions respectively corresponding to single actuation and to repeat actuation of the respective type lever.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the control means include two end members and a control bar extending across the entire width of the keyboard across a set of key levers and type lever actuating levers, and through the U-shaped coupling element. A crank shaft is also mounted in the end members of the control means and is turned by any one key lever to an actuated position when the key lever is depressed. In such actuated position of the control crank shaft, the holding means for holding the control means in repeat actuation position become elfective, while release of the key lever permits return of the crank shaft and of the holding means to releasing position in which the control means return to the single actuation position.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary side view of an embodiment of the present invention, partly in section, illustrating the normal position of the mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side view of a part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 illustrating a different operational position in which the key lever has just been actuated;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the type lever actuating levers and all key levers with the exception of one being omitted for the sake of clarity; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side View of the embodiment ofFig. 1 illustrating a detail in another operational position in which' repeat actuation ofthe type lever'takes lace.

p Referringnow to the drawings, and more particular- 1y to Fig. 1, a set of manually operated key levers20, of which only one key lever is visible, are mounted'for independent pivotal movement on the pivot means 21. The key levers 20 tend to assume the illustratednormal position abutting against the stop means 23'under the influence of spring means, not shown. A set of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations on the machine and illustratedto be type levers 19 is pivotally mounted at the pivot means 18, each type lever 19'being connected by a link 16, a pivoted lever 13, and another link 10 to a type lever actuating means including a drivelever 2, and a connecting lever 'pivotally mounted'on pivot means 4. The arm 7 of lever 5"is' pivotally connected at 11 to the link 10, and similar pivot connections 12, 15, and 17 are provided in the linkage system connecting the actuating lever means 2,,5 with the type lever system 19.

The drive lever 2 has an arm 3 which under the infliience of the spring 9 abuts against the fixed stop 74. Since the drive lever 2 is pivotally connected at 6 to the lever 5, shifting of the drive lever 2 will effect pivotal movement of the lever electrically driven drive means 1 is mounted in the frame of the machine and extends across'all members 3 of the type lever actuating means 2, 5. The members 3 have rough faces opposite the cylindrical surface of thezrotary dfive means 1, such faces being normally spaced from the drum surface as illustrated in Fig. l. A U-shaped elebecome apparent that each spring passes through twoholes in the respective key lever and has bent end portions respectively abutting a ainstthe key lever 20, and a shoulder on the coupling element 24.

Each coupling element has two coupling legs 26'and 27. A transverse lug 26' is provided at the free end of couplin let. 26. and a transverse lug 27' is ovided on the coupling leg 27. In the normal position of the mechanism in wh ch sin le actuation iseflected, the leg 26 and the lug 26 are locatedopposite a projection 28 inxthe respectiveassociated lever 2. When'all coupling elements .24 are simultaneously shifted into the position showninFig. 4 in a manner'which will be described hereinafter-in greater detail. the'projection 28 is located opposite theinclined lug 27', which correspondsto repeated-actuation of therespective type lever.

Themechanism is normally in the position illustrated m -Fig. l." When-a key lever 20 is depressed, the respective lug'26' engages the projection 28, and turns the respective drive lever 2 from the normal position illustrated in Fig; l'into an intermediate position in which the face3"of the arm 3 frictionally engages the cylindrical surface of the continuously rotating'drive means 1. Consequently,

separates from the drive means 1, so that the 2 returns to its upper positionunder the inspring 9, and when the type Vr 1, @IOP 5 away from the stop 7'. A rotary.

The shape of themember 3 is driven downwardly until the drive lever 2 engages the stop 75 in an actuated hits the platen or a sheet thereon,-

back, the whole system pivots about pivot pin 4 into the initial normal position illustrated in Fig. 1.

During this operation, the projection 28 moves along a closed path 28 which has a first portion corresponding to the downward movement of lever 2, a second portion corresponding to the movement to the left, a third portion corresponding to the upward movement of lever 2, and a fourth portion corresponding to the return movement of lever 5.

From-the above description of a single actuation operation of themech anism, it will'become apparent that the levers 2, 3, 5 constitute type lever actuating means and are movable between anormal position, an intermediate position in which thedrive means become operative, and an actuated'position.

In the event th'atthe -key-lever20 is held in depressed position to the end of the actuation of the respective type lever by the drive means 1, the U-shaped member 24 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 2, and the projection 28 passes at the end of the operation into the positionof a set of key levers simultaneously into a position inv which repeat actuation takes place when any one of the key levers is depressed. This arrangement will be best understood with reference to Fig. 3, which, however,

shows only one key lever of a set of parallel key levers,

and omits the associated type levers 19 and the type lever actuating means 2, 5. The control means according to the present invention include two end members 46 and 47 which are pivotally mounted on the machine frame for movement about pivot means 55 and 56 which are preferably threaded by threaded portions 53, 54 into corresponding bores in the side walls of the frame. The two end members 46and 47 are connected by the control bar 48 whichpasses through all U-shaped coupling elements 24 of the set of key levers 20. Consequently pivoting of the two end members 46 and 47 about the pivots 55 and 56 will result in shifting of the control means between a first position in which the coupling elements are in the positionillustrated in Fig. l for producing single actuation of the type levers, and a second position in which the U-shaped coupling elements 24 are in the position illustrated in Fig. 4 in which repeated actuation of the type levers will-take place as will be described hereinafter in greater detail. The control means further includea control crankshaft 49 having a crank portion 59 extending across all key levers 20. The crank shaft end portions are turnably mounted in the end members 46 and 47. A holding means 61 is fixedly secured to one crank shaft end portion for turning movement with the control crank shaft 49. The holding means 61 has two arms 62 and 65, the arm being provided with a locking projection 67 cooperating with a stop 69 which is fixedly secured to the machine frame by screws 68. A spring 63 is connected to the arm 62 and secured to a bore 64 in theend member. 46 so that the holding means 61 is normally turned away from the stop 69. The arm 65 of the holding means 61 has a lateral projection 66 which is arranged above a locking 41v isturnable about a pin 70 which is secured by a threaded connection to the machine frame. A spring 71 extends between the arm 41' of the locking means 41 and the end member 46. The end member 46 is connected by spring-57 to an ear 59 on the machine frame so that the'entire control means is normally in a position in which means 41. Locking means For shifting the control means into the second position thereof which corresponds to repeat actuation of the type levers, operating means are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating means include an operating member 39 having a slot 42 engaging a pin 43 which is fixedly secured to the end member 46. A spring 45 is attached at one end to the pin 43 and at the other end to a bore 44 in the operating member 39 so that the pin 43 is urged into the slot 42. The operating member 39 has a pin or projection 40 which is engaged by the locking means 41 under the action of the spring 71.

The other end of the operating member 39 is connected by a pivot pin 38 to a lever 32 which is turnable about a pin 33 which is threaded into the machine frame. A handle portion 37 is provided at the end of lever 32 which is movable between two end positions defined by the adjustable stops 34 and 35.

Due to the action of spring 57, the entire control means is normally held in a position in which the control bar 48 is located as shown in Fig. 1. In this position, the coupling leg 26 is effective when any one of the key levers 20 is depressed so that only a single actuation of a type lever takes place when the associated key lever is depressed. In this position, the projections 51 which are provided on the key levers 20 are transversely spaced from the crank portion 50 of the control crank shaft 49. The spring 71 urges the locking means against the pin 40, and the spring 63 urges the holding means 61 into an inoperative releasing position.

For presetting the mechanism to repeat actuation of the type levers, the lever 32 is shifted in direction of the arrow 36 so that the operating member 39 performs a movement to the right as viewed in Fig. 3. During such movement, the end member 46 turns in direction of the arrow 60 in clockwise direction about the pivot pin 55, and the end member 47 turns about the pin 56. Under the action of spring 45, the pin 43 remains on the bottom of slot 42. The control bar 48 moves with the two end members 46 and 47 into the position illustrated in Fig. 4, in which all U-shaped coupling elements 24 are turned into the repeat actuation position shown in Fig. 4. The lugs 27 are now located opposite the projections 28 of the associated drive levers 2 of the type lever actuating means 2, 5. At the same time, the crank portion 50 of the control crank shaft 49 has been moved underneath the projections 51 of the key levers 20.

In order to prevent that the control means return to normal position under the action of spring means 57 as soon as the lever 32, 37 is released, the control means are immediately locked by the locking means 41.

When the operating member 39 is shifted after actuation of the levers 32, 37, the pin 40 moves away from the edge of member 41 so that member 41 turns in clockwise direction under the action of spring 71 and into a position in which its locking projection 72 engages the lug 73 of the end member 46. Since the locking means 41 is mounted in the machine frame, the control means is locked in the second position thereof which corresponds to repeat actuation. The mechanism is thereby preset for operation of the key levers.

When any one of the key levers 20 is actuated, its projection 51 engages the crank portion 50 of control crank shaft 49 and turns the control cam shaft 49 and thereby the holding means 61 in clockwise direction. During such turning movement of the holding means 61, the holding means 61 assumes a control position in which the locking means 41 is released, and return movement of the control means to a normal position is prevented by the holding means 61. The holding means 61 engages with its lug 66 the opposite arm of the locking means 41, and turns the locking means 41 in counterclockwise direction so that the locking projection 72 releases the lug 73. At the same time, the projection 67 of the holding means 61 engages the stop 69 which is fixed on the machine frame so that the control means is now prevented from movement in counterclockwise direction by the holding means 61.

It will be understood that the locking means 41 is provided for holding the control means in repeat actuation position while no key lever is depressed, while the holding means 61 is provided for holding the control means in repeat actuation position during the time any one key lever 20 is depressed.

When the respective depressed key lever 20 is again released, it returns to its normal position under the action of spring 22 and releases the crank shaft portion 50. Consequently the spring 63 turns the crank shaft 49 and the holding means 61 in counterclockwise direction releasing the control means from stop 69. The spring 57 now turns the control means in counterclockwise direction into initial position corresponding to the single actuation position of the mechanism. The pin 43 pushes during such movement of the control means, the operating member 39 to the left as viewed in Fig. 3 whereby the initial position of the operating lever 32 is again achieved.

From the above description it will become apparent that preset control means remain in repeat actuation position as long as the key lever is held in depressed position, and during that time continuous repeat actuation of the type lever associated with the depressed key lever takes place.

In preset position of the control means, the inclined lug 27' is located opposite the projection 28, and is best seen in Fig. 4. During the initial depression of the respective key lever 26, the lug 27 turns the drive lever 2 in clockwise direction thereby moving the arm 3 from its normal position to an intermediate position in which the face 3' engages the drive means 1 so that the arm 3 moves downwardly as previously described. Thereby actuation of the associated type lever takes place. Directly before the type strikes the platen, the face 3' is separated from the drive means, and the type lever actuating means 2, 5 return to the intermediate position, but are prevented from returning to normal position since the lug 27 blocks further movement of the type lever actuating means beyond the intermediate position in which the drive means 1 become again efiective. During the engagement between the projection 28 and the inclined lug 27, the projection 23 slides along the lug 27 so that no jars are transmitted to the respective key lever which is held in depressed position.

Since the type lever actuating means 2, 5 cannot return to normal position as long as the lever is held depressed, but is always returned to intermediate position, the drive means again actuate the type lever actuating means so that the type lever is repeatedly actuated. The position of the U-shaped coupling element 24 is determined by the control bar 48 which is located between the end portions of the coupling legs 26 and 27. When the key lever 20 is again released, the U-shaped coupling element 24 returns with key lever 20 to the position illustrated in Fig. 4 in which the lug 27 permits return of the type lever actuating means into normal position. As previously described, the control means return at the same time to normal position since the release of the key lever 20 releases the holding means 61. Consequently the position shown in Fig. l is again obtained and the next actuation of a key lever 26 will produce a single actuation of the respective type lever.

From the above description of the structure and operation of the type lever actuating mechanism of the present invention it will become apparent that the coupling legs 26 and 27 respectively constitute first and second coupling members which are selectively rendered operative and inoperative by shifting of the control means including control bar 48 by operating means 39, 32.

As explained above, the mechanism is normally returned into single actuation position by release of a previously depressed key lever 20. It is, however, also posengagement with the. lug 73. The stops 34, 35 of the operating means 32, 39 are preferably made adjustable whereby it is possible to exactly adjust the position of the: lug 26' of the coupling element 24 with respect to the projection-28 of the drive lever 2.

It will be noted that the arrangement of the present invention permits the use of any key lever for single actuation and for repeat actuation. ifyingthe shape of selected-coupling elements 24 it is possible to produce single actuation with selected kev levers, even-if the set ofkey levers to which the respective key lever belongsis simultaneously preset by the control means ofthepresent invention. For instance the leg 27 may be omitted in the coupling elements of certain key levers, or the coupling elements of selected key levers may be detachably mounted on the key levers so that it is-possible to exchange U-shaped coupling elements 24 for other coupling elements which permit only single actuation. A coupling element in which the lug 27' is omitted would serve this purpose.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of type lever actuating mechanism differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a type lever actuating mechanism for selectively setting a typing mechanism in a single actuation position or in a repeat actuation position, it isnot intended tobe limited to the details shown, since various-modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the peresent invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intendedto be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence. of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a-device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanismcomprising, in combination, type lever actuating means; drive means; key lever means; firstcoupling means movable to an actuated position for connecting said drive means with said type lever actuating means for eifecting a single actuation of said type lever actuating means, said first coupling means being moved to said actuated position by depressed key lever means; second coupling means for connecting said drive means with said type lever actuating means for repeated actuationof said type lever actuating means, said second coupling means being held in actuated position by depressed key lever means; control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering said first and second coupling means operative; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for locking said control means in said second position; and releasing means connected to'and controlled by said key lever means for releasing said locking means when said key lever means -returns from depressed position to normal position.

2. Ina device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means; ,drive means; key lever means; first coupling means movable to an actuated position for connectingsaid'drive means with said type lever actuating However, by modmeans for; effectinga.singleactuation of said type lever actuating: means, said first coupling means. being. movedto saidactuatediposition by depressedkey lever means; second. coupling means for connecting said drive means with saidl type lever actuating means for repeated actuationof said type lever actuating-,means, said second coupling meansibeing held in actuated position by depressed key leverrmeans; control means movable between a first position and a second'position for selectively rendering.'

said first and? second coupling means operative; means urging said control'meansinto said'first position; operating means-movable between an inoperative position and anoperative positiontor moving said-control means to said'secondlposition; locking means for automatically locking. said control'means in said second position; holding-meansmovable betweenv a normal position and-a holding position andtending to assume said normal position, said holding. means releasing said locking means in said holding, position thereof and simultaneously holding-saidcontrol means in-said second position, said holdingmeans releasingin said norrnal position thereof said control means for return to said first position, said holdingmeans being connected to and operated by said key lever means so as to move to said holding position when saidkey lever means is depressed and to return to said normal'position thereof when said key lever means returns to the normalposition thereof.

3. In a device of the type.- described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever means movable between a normal position and-a printing position; a drive lever means connected to said type lever means and' beingmovable between a normal position,.an'- intermediate position and an actuated position, said drive lever means moving. said type lever means to said printing position when moving from said intermediate position to said actuated position; drive means engaging sald drivev lever means in said intermediate position for moving the same to said actuated position; key lever means movable between a normal position and an operative positiomfirst coupling means connecting. said key lever' means with said drive lever means for movingsaid drive lever means from said normal position to said intermediate position when said'key lever means is'moved to said operative position, saidv first coupling means releasing, said drive lever means upon movement of said drive lever means to said actuated position so that said type levermeans is actuated only once; second coupling. means connecting said key lever means with said drive lever means for moving said'drive lever means from said normal position to said intermediate positionwhen said key lever is moved to said operative position, said second. coupling means blocking.

movement ofsaid drive levermeans from said intermediate position to said normal position when said k'ey lever means is in said operative position whereby said drive means, repeatedly actuate said type lever means while said key lever means is in said operative position;

controlmeans movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering said first and second-coupling means operative; means urging said control means into said first position; operating meansfor" moving said controlimeans tosaid second position; locking'means for locking said control means in said second" position; andreleasing means connected to and controlled by saidkey'lever means for releasing said locking means when said keylev'er meansreturns from depressed position 'to normal position.

4; Ina device of the type described, a type lever a0 tuating mechanism-comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers;

drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set' of actuating levers;key'lever means including a set of key leversrespectively associated with said actuating levers; first coupling means for effecting a single actuationofthe associated' typelever by said drivemeaus' when the associated key lever is depressed; second coupling means for efiecting repeated actuation of the associated type lever by said drive means while the associated key lever is depressed; control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering said first and second coupling means operative; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for locking said control means in said second position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by said key lever means for releasing said locking means when said key lever means returns from depressed position to normal position.

5. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; first coupling means including a first set of coupling members respectively connected to said key levers, said first coupling members effecting a single actuation of the associated type lever by said drive means when the associated key lever is depressed; second coupling means including a set of second coupling members respectively connected to said key levers, said second coupling members effecting repeated actuation of the associated type lever by said drive means while the associated key lever is depressed; control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering said first and second coupling means operative; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for locking said control means in said second position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by said key lever means for releasing said locking means when said key lever means returns from depressed position to normal position.

6. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; first coupling means including a first set of coupling members respectively connected to said key levers, said first coupling members effecting a single actuation of the associated type lever by said drive means when the associated key lever is depressed; second coupling means including a set of second coupling members respectively connected to said key levers, said second coupling members eflecting repeated actuation of the associated type lever by said drive means while the associated key lever is depressed; control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering said first and second coupling means operative; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means movable between an inoperative position and an operative position for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for automatically locking said control means in said second position; holding means movable between a normal position and a holding position and tending to assume said normal position, said holding means releasing said locking means in said holding position thereof and simultaneously hold-;

ing said control means in said second position, said holdingmeans releasing in said normal position thereof said control means for return to said first position, said holding means being connected to and operated by said key lever'means so as to move to said holding position when said key lever means is depressed and to return to said normal position thereof when said key lever means returns to the normal position thereof.

7. In a device of the type described, a type lever ac tuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating lever in said second position of the respective coupling element, each of said first coupling members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; control means connected to said set of coupling elements and being movable be tween a first position and a second position for simultaneously moving all coupling elements between said first and second positions of the same; and operating means for moving said control means between said first and second position.

8. A type lever actuating mechanism as set forth in claim 10 wherein each of said coupling elements is a U-shaped element having first and second coupling legs constituting said first and second coupling members respectively; wherein each of said actuating levers is movable between a normal position, an intermediate position, and an actuated position, each actuating lever being engaged by said drive means in said intermediate position and moved by the same to said actuated position; wherein each of said coupling legs moves the associated actuating lever from said normal to said intermediate position upon depression of the associated key lever; and wherein said first coupling leg permits return of the associated actuating lever from said intermediate position to said normal position whereas said second coupling leg blocks return of the associated actuating lever from said intermediate position to said normal position while the associated key lever is depressed.

9. A mechanism as set forth in claim 8 and including means for detachably securing each of said U-shaped coupling elements to the respective key lever whereby each of said coupling elements may be exchanged for a coupling element having only said first leg so that the respective associated key lever is capable only of single actuations of the respective type levers.

10. A mechanism as set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said actuating levers has a projection; and including a transverse lug at the free end of each of said first and second coupling legs, said lugs cooperating with the respective projection of the associated actuating levers, each lug on said first coupling legs being inclined so that the respective associated projection engages said inclined lug in said intermediate position of the respective associated actuating lever.

11. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement operating with the respective associated actuating levers in..'said.first .position of therespective coupling element, andsaid second coupling member cooperating with the respective. associated actuating lever in saidsecond position of the respective couplingelement, each of said first coupling members .efiecting in said first position of the associatedtcoupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in saidsecond position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; control means connected to said set of coupling elements and being movable between a first position and a second position for simultaneously moving all coupling elements between said first and second positions of the same; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for locking said control means in said second position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by each of said key levers for releasing said locking means when said key lever returns from depressed position to normal position.

12. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating, mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuatin means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a. set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement between a first position and. a second position, each coupling element. including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating lever in said second position of the respective coupling element, each of said first coupling members efiecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means movable between an inoperative position and an operative position for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for automatically locking said control means in said second position; holding means movable between a normal position and a holding position and tending to assume said normal position, said holding means releasing said locking means in said holding position thereof and simultaneously holding said control means in said second position, said holding means releasing in said normal position thereof said control means for return to said first position, said holding means being connected to and operated by each of sai key levers so as to move to said holding position when said key lever means is depressed and to return to said normal position thereof when the respective key lever returns to the normal position thereof.

13. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; aset of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling membercooperating with therespective associated actuating lever in said second position of the respective coupling element, each of said first coupling members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; control means including a pair of pivotally mounted end members and movable between a first position and a second position, and a control bar extending across the key levers of said set of key levers and engaging the coupling elements of said set of coupling elements, said control bar simultaneously moving all coupling elements between said first and second positions when said control means are moved between said positions thereof; spring means connected to one of said end members for urging said control means into said first position; and operating means for moving said control means to said second position.

,14. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling member cooperating with the 'espective associated actuating lever in said second p0sition of the respective coupling element, each of said first coupling members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; control means in cluding a pair of pivotally mounted end members and movable between a first position and a second position, and a control bar extending across the key levers of said set of key levers and engaging the coupling elements of said set of coupling elements, said control bar simultaneously moving all coupling elements between said first and second positions when said control means are moved between said positions thereof; spring means connected to one of said end members for urging said control means into said first position; a spring loaded locking means for automatically locking said control means in said second position; operating means for moving said control means to said second position; and releasing means operated by said key levers for releasing said locking means upon return of each depressed key lever to normal position.

15. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of. actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating lever in said second position of the respective coupling element, each of said first 7 v 13 coupling'members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; control means including a pair of pivotally mounted end members and movable between a first position and a second position, and a control bar extending across the key levers of said set of key levers and engaging the coupling elements of said set of coupling elements, said control bar simultaneously moving all coupling elements between said first and second positions when said control means are moved between said positions thereof; spring means connected to one of said end members for urging said control means into said first position; a spring-loaded locking means for automatically locking said control means in said second position; spring-loaded holding means movable between a normal position and a holding position and tending to assume said normal position, said holding means releasing said locking means in said holding position and simultaneously holding said control means in said second position, said holding means releasing in said normal position thereof said control means for return to said first position, said holding means being connected to and operated by each of said key levers so as to move to said holding position when any one key lever is depressed and to return to said normal position when the respective key lever is released.

, 16. In a device of the type described, a type lever actuating mechanism comprising, in combination, type lever actuating means including a set of actuating levers; drive means for operating the actuating levers of said set of actuating levers; key lever means including a set of key levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said key levers for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating lever in said second position of the respective coupling element, each of said first coupling members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuating of the respective actuating lever when the associated key lever is depressed, and each second coupling member effecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated key lever is depressed; control means including a pair of pivotally mounted end members and movable between a first position and a second position, a control bar extending across the key levers and engaging said coupling elements for simultaneously moving all coupling elements between said first and second positions when said control means are moved between said positions thereof, and a control crank shaft turnably mounted in said end members and having a crank portion extending across said key levers so that said crank shaft is turned to an operative position when any one key lever is depressed; spring means connected to one of said end members for urging said control means into said first position; a spring-loaded locking means for automatically engaging one of said end members in said second position of said control means for automatically locking said control means; holding means secured to said control crank shaft for turning movement with the same, said holding means being turnable with said control crank shaft between a normal position and a holding position, said holding means releasing said locking means in said holding and simultaneously holding one of said end members of said control means in said second position, said holding means 14 releasing in said normal position thereof said end member for return of said control means to said first position, said holding means being moved together with said control crank shaft to said holding position when any one of said key levers is depressed and moves said control crank shaft to said operative position; and a spring connected to said holding means for turning the same to said normal position, and said control crank shaft out of said actuated position; and operating means for moving said end members and said control means to said second position.

17. A mechanism as set forth in claim 16 wherein each of said coupling elements is a U-shaped element having a first leg and a second leg respectively constituting said first and second coupling members; and wherein said control bar passes between said first and second legs of all said coupling elements; wherein said operating means includes an operating member having a slot and a projection; wherein one of said end members of said control means includes a pin projecting into said slot so that said operating member is urged into a normal position corresponding to said first position of said control means, said projection of the operating member engaging in said normal position of said operating member said locking means for holding the same in a position releasing said end member, said operating member being movable to an operative position for shifting said control means to said second position, and for simultaneously moving said projection to a position releasing said locking means for automatic movement into said locking position thereof.

18. In a business machine, in combination, at least one movable operating element adapted to perform an operation in the machine; actuating means for actuating said movable operating element; drive means; manually operated lever means; first coupling means movable to an actuated position for connecting said drive means with said actuating means for effecting a single actuation of said actuating means, said first coupling means being moved to said actuated position by depression of said manually operated lever means; second coupling means for connecting said drive means with said actuating means for repeated actuating of said actuating means, said second coupling means being held in actuated position by said manually operated lever means in depressed position;

control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively rendering said first and second coupling means operative; means urging said control means into said first position; operating means for moving said control means to said second position; locking means for locking said control means in said second position; and releasing means for releasing said locking means when said manually operated lever means returns from depressed position to normal position.

19. In a business machine, in combination, a set of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine; a set of actuating levers respectively associated with said operating elements for actuating the same; drive means for operating said actuating levers; a set of manually operated levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of first coupling members respectively connected to said manually operated levers, and being movable to and from an operative position in which each first coupling member cooperates with an associated actuating lever, said first coupling members effecting a single actuation of the associated actuating levers by said drive means when the associated manually operated lever is depressed while said first coupling members are in said operative position; a set of second coupling members respectively connected to said manually operated levers, and being movable to and from an operative position in which each second coupling member cooperates with an associated actuating lever, said second coupling members effecting repeated actuation of the associated actuating lever by said drive means while the associated manually operated lever is depressed and while said second coupling members are in said operative position thereof; control means movable between a first position and a second position for selectively moving all said first coupling members tosaid operative position thereof, or all said second coupling members to said operative position thereof; and operating means for moving said control means between. said positions whereby all said operating elements are simultaneously pre-set for independently performing single operations or automatically repeated operations. 5

20. A machine as set forth in claim 19 wherein said movable elements are type levers adapted to perform printing operations.

21. In a business machine, in combination, a set of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine; a set of actuating levers respectively associated with said operating elements for actuating the same; drive means. for operating said actuating levers; a set of manually operated levers respectively associated with said actuating levers; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said manually operated levers for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling member cooperating with the respective associated actuating levers in said first position of the respective coupling element, and said second coupling member cooperating with the respective associated lever in said second position of the respective coupling element, each of saidfirst coupling members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating lever when the associated manually operated lever is depressed, and each second coupling member etfecting in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating lever while the associated manually operated lever is depressed; control means connected to said set of coupling elements and being selectively movable between a first position and a second position for simultaneously moving all said coupling elements between said first and second positions of the same; and operating means for moving said control means between: the first and second positions whereby all said operating elements are simultaneously pre-set for independently performing single operations or automatically repeated operations.

22. In a business machine, in combination, a set of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine; a set of actuating means respectively associated with said operating elements for actuating the same; drive means for operating said actuating means; a set of manually operated means respectively associated with said actuating means; a set of first coupling members respectively connected to said manually operated means, and being movable to and from an operative position in which each first coupling member cooperates with an associated actuating means, said first coupling members elfecting a single actuation t w soci e ct a nemean b saidsl v mean when the associated manually operatedv means. is actuated while said first coupling members are in said operative. position; a set of. second coupling members respectively connected to said manually operated means, and being movable toand from operative position in which each second coupling member cooperates with an associated actuating means, said second, coupling members effecting repeated actuation of the associated actuating means by said drive means while. the associated manually operated means is actuated and while said second coupling members are in said operative position. thereof; control means movable between afirstposition and a second position for selectively moving all said first coupling members to said operative position thereof, or all said second coupling members to said operative position thereof; and operatingrneans for moving said control means between said positions whereby all said operating elements are simultaneously pre-set for independently performing single operations or automatically repeated operations.

'23. In a business machine, in combination, a set of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine; a set of actuating means respectively associated with said operating elements for actuating the same;;drive means; for operating said actuating means; a set of manually operated means respectively"associated with said actuating means; a set of coupling elements, each coupling element being secured to one of said manually operated means for movement between a first position and a second position, each coupling element'including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, said first coupling members cooperating with the respective associated actuating means in said second position of the respective coupling element, each ofsaid first coupling members effecting in said first position of the associated coupling element a single actuation of the respective actuating means when the associated manually operated means is actuated, and each second coupling member effecting .in said second position of the associated coupling element repeated actuation of the respective actuating means while the associated manually operated means is depressed; control means connected to said set of-coupling elements and being selectively movable between a'first position and a second position forsimultaneouslymoving all said coupling elements between said first and second positions of the same; and operating-means for moving said control means between the first and second positions whereby all said operating elements are simultaneously pre-set for independently -performing single operations or automatically repeated operations.

Hokanson Oct. 10, 1933 Pasinski "Jan. 9, 1936

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