US3142251A - Signature printing check writer - Google Patents

Description

July 28, 1 A. A. GOPPERTON SIGNATURE PRINTING CHECK WRITER '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 9, 1963 Gram/(24 6232223 22774 July 28, 1964 A. A. GO'PPERTQN SIGNATURE PRINTING cH Ec K WRITER 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filvd Jan. 9, 1963 I N VEN TOR. Gggperibm BY W W m 912M July 28, 1 A. A. GOPPERTON SIGNATURE PRINTING CHECK WRITER 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 9, 1963 R m N w W.

July 28, 1964 A. A. GOPPERTON SIGNATURE PRINTING CHECK WRITER 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 9, 1963 QrdQZZ/Q 5 1322 2 071 BY M,

July 28, 1964 A. A. GOPPERTQN SIGNATURE PRINTING cmacx WRITER 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 9, 1963 IN VENTOR Gweriimz amia i /Cz.

u y 28, 1964 A. A. \GOPPERTON 3,142,251

SIGNATURE PRINTING CHECK WRITER Filed Jan. 9, 1963 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TOR.

July 28, 1 A. A. GOPPERTON SIGNATURE PRINTING CHECK WRITER 7 Sheets-Sheet: 7

Filed Jan. 9, 1963 INVENTOR. g yerfim W NM United States Patent 3,142,251 SIGNATURE PRINTING CHECK WRITER Ardath A. Gopperton, Niles, Ill., assignor to Theodore B. Hirschberg, In, Chicago, Ill. Filed Jan. 9, 1963, Ser. No. 250,424 Claims. ((31. 101-336) This invention relates to machines for printing checks and the like, frequently referred to as check writers, and has to do with such a machine having an inking ribbon.

Check Writers employing inking ribbons for inking the printing characters are known. In cases where checks are to be issued in substantial number it is desirable that the signature of the drawer or person signing the checks be printed thereon, thereby effecting a corresponding saving in time in issuing the checks. In ribbon type check writers, the ribbon is maintained under appreciable tension, to assure proper indexing and inking of the printing surfaces. A signature printing plate if used in such a machine must be disposed remote from the normal printing line of the machine, corresponding to the line on which the characters for printing the amount of the check are disposed. Accordingly, the platen cooperating with the signature plate must have greater movement than the platen cooperating with the characters on the printing line. If the ribbon were maintained under normal tension and in its normal position, throughout the printing operation, relative movement between the ribbon and the signature platen, transversely of the latter, would occur as that platen reached its fully closed or printing position. Such movement would cause blurring or smudging of the printed signature, which is objectionable for obvious reasons.

My invention is directed to a ribbon check writer provided with a signature plate and cooperating platen, embodying means whereby smudging or blurring of the printed signature is guarded against, thereby assuring a clear cut and clean printed signature. More particularly, I provide means whereby the portion of the inking ribbon corresponding to the signature plate and its cooperating platen is raised during the operating cycle and to an extent compensating for the greater movement of the signature platen. Another object of my invention is the provision of means for preventing contact with the inking ribbon of the area of the instrument adjacent the signature area thereof and not being printed upon, so as to guard against objectionable smudging of such area. A further and important object of my invention is the provision of means effective for preventing unauthorized use of the signature plate. It is also an object of my invention to provide a clearing yoke and improved operating means therefor, for returning to neutral position the amount printing characters of the machine after completion of a printing operation. Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the detail description.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front View of a check writer embodying my invention, with the enclosing casing removed;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view, taken substantially on line 22 of FIGURE 1, but including the casing;

FIGURE 3 is a right hand side view, of the check writer of FIGURE 1, taken substantially on line 3-3 of that figure and including a minor portion of the casing carrying the signature plate lock;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, with the means for operating the ribbon spools shown as adjusted for imparting intermittent rotation to the rearward spool;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 55 of FIGURE 1 but with the means for operating the ribbon spools shown as adjusted for imparting intermittent rotation to the forward ribbon spool, and

with the printing platen arms partly broken away and the toggle links also partly broken away;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of the left side of the machine of FIGURE 1 with the casing omitted and the base of the machine and other parts partly broken away;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 77 of FIGURE 6, the printing segments being omitted for clearness of illustration and certain parts being broken away;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of FIGURE 3, with the signature plate lock shown in plan;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective plan View of the signature plate;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the front portion of the check writer, taken from front to back, with certain parts broken away and certain other parts shown in elevation, for clearness of illustration, and with the parts shown in their normal positions; and

FIGURE 11 is a view similar to FIGURE 10 but with the parts shown in the positions which they occupy at the completion of a printing operation.

The check writing machine of my invention is, in general, similar to the check writer disclosed in Patent No. 2,826,140, issued March 11, 1958, to Hubert Jagger, and a brief description of the general construction and operation of the machine will sufiice.

The main frame of the machine comprises right and left side plates 1 and 2 of irregular polygonal shape, each of these plates being provided with a forwardly extending base element 3 which defines with the body portion of the plate, a rearwardly extending slot 4 for the insertion of the check or like paper into the machine. The plates 1 and 2 are secured together in spaced relation by cross rods 5 suitably secured therethrough.

A shaft 6 is suitably mounted in the plates 1 and 2 and 2 and extends through a sleeve at the upper end of a dollars bar 8 secured at its lower end to a guide bar 12 which extends transversely of the main frame and has its end portions suitably secured in the plates 1 and 2. There are two other bars-a sum bar 9 and a cents bar 8a having sleeves at their upper ends receiving the shaft 6 and secured at their lower ends to the guide bar 12, the cents bar So being disposed adjacent the inner face of plate 1. The printing line of the machine is the line defined by the bars 8, 8a and 9 aligned transversely of the machine, and the segments which carry the printing characters are individually adjusted to align such characters on this printing line. The bar 8 bears upon its lower or printing face the abbreviation dols. for dollars and the cents bar 8a bears upon its lower or printing face the abbreviation cts for cents. The sum bar 9 (FIGURES 4 and 6) is disposed adjacent the inner face of the left hand side plate 2, as viewed from in front, and is of T-cross section at its lower end for reception of a prefix plate 10 of channel cross section slidable thereon. The plate 10 may bear a suitable legend upon the printing face thereof, such as The sum. Suitable means, with which we are not here concerned, is provided for actuating the prefix plate 10.

A plurality of type segments 15 (FIGURE 1) are mounted on shaft 6 for turning movement thereon, these segments being suitably spaced apart upon shaft 6. An arcuate type bar 16 is suitably secured to the edge portion of each segment 15 for movement therewith. The type bar 16 is provided, upon its printing face, with a series of characters ranging from 0 to 9 and arranged in seriatim order. The guide bar 12 is provided with a plurality of guide slots 17 extending from front to back thereof, this bar being of approximately L-shape in cross section. The guide slots 17 receive the type bars 16 of 3 the respective segments 15 so as to guide the latter in the movement thereof and hold them against lateral movement. In that connection, it will be noted that the forward edge of the guide bar 12 is disposed adjacent the printing line of the machine, the characters which are used for printing in a given printing operation being those which are disposed in alignment immediately in front of the forward edge of the guide bar. That is advantageous as assuring that the type characters used in the printing operation are effectively held against any objectionable looseness or play during the printing operation, thus assuring accuracy.

Each segment 15 is provided with a forwardly projecting finger 20 riveted or otherwise suitably secured thereto and suitably shaped and disposed to project through a slot in an index plate 21 suitably secured over an opening provided in a housing or casing 22 mounted on the machine in a suitable manner. A number strip 23 is suitably secured to finger 20 at the underface of index plate 21. The finger 20 is provided at its outer end with a finger grip 24 fitting thereon with a tight friction fit so as to be removable if required. The strip 23 is disposed concentrically with the shaft 6 and is marked correspondingly to the arrangement of the characters upon the type bar 16. The index plate is provided, adjacent each slot thereof, with an opening for observation of the strip 23 which is disposed to move beneath such opening, as is known. The strips 23 are so disposed that the number or character visible through the opening corresponds to the character of the associated type bar 16 which is disposed upon the printing line of the machine. That provides simple and efficient means for accurately determining the set of the respective printing or type segments.

The printing segments 15, being loose upon the shaft 6, are independently adjustable on a common axis for selectively aligning the printing characters of the type bars 16 on the printing line of the machine, this independent adjustment of the segments being accomplished by direct movement thereof through the manual operation of member or finger 20. Each segment 15,is provided with a two way rack 27 formed by cutting teeth in the hub portion of the segment. An index bar 23 (FIGURE 2) is suitably secured at its ends in the plates 1 and 2, this bar being disposed in rear of and above the shaft 6. Bar 28 is suitably bored from its lower forward edge for reception of detent balls 29, one of which is shown in FIGURE 1, which are spring pressed for engagement with the rack 27. The bar 28 is slotted for reception of the racks 27 of the respective segments 15 and the ball detent 29 engages between adjacent teeth of the rack and provides therewith means for yieldingly holding the respective segments 15 in adjustment.

Upon completion of a printing operation all of the segments 15 should be returned to normal position. For that purpose I provide a clearing yoke 32 of inverted U-shape, the arms of which are mounted for turning movement upon the shaft 6. The yoke 32 is yieldingly urged in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG- URE 2, by means to be described presently, and normally is held in a forward position spaced away from the index bar 28, by means to be described later. By swinging the yoke 32 forwardly and downwardly, after a printing operation, all of the segments 15 are returned to normal or inoperative positions. Movement of segments 15 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 2, is limited by contact of the fingers 20 with the upper ends of the corresponding slots in the index plate 21.

A short sleeve or bushing 34 (FIGURE 3) is mounted for turning movement on a stud (not shown) secured to and projecting outward from the right hand side plate 1 a short distance above the slot 4. Bushing 34 is confined between side plate 1 and the head of a screw 35, as shown in FIGURE 3, threading into the stud secured to plate 1. At its inner end the bushing 34 has secured thereto a cam 36 pivoted at its outer end, at 37, to the forward end of a toggle operating link 38 disposed at the inner face of cam 36 and confined between the latter and plate 1. The outer end of bushing 34 is slabbed off from opposite sides, to provide flats thereon and receives the lower end portion of an operating lever 41, indicated in broken lines, fitting tightly on the outer end of the bushing, which is provided with a reduced cylindrical extension or neck 39 which is exteriorly threaded for reception of a nut for securing the operating lever in position. Normally, the cam 36 is in its full line position shown in FIGURE 3, being held in such position by a tension spring 46 anchored at its forward end to side plate 1 adjacent the top thereof and anchored at its rearward end to the pintle 51 of a toggle link structure 52 on which pintle the rearward end of link 38 is pivoted, as will be explained more fully presently.

A clearing yoke operating lever 42 is disposed at the inner face of side plate 1 and is pivoted, at its lower end on pintle 51. Lever 42 extends upwardly and forwardly from pintle 51 and is provided at its upper end with a forwardly extending finger 44. The lever 42 is also provided with a lengthwise arcuate slot 45 which receives a short stud 46 secured in side plate 1. Washers of appropriate diameter are mounted on stud 46, at opposite sides of lever 42, effective for retaining it upon stud 46. A coiled torsion spring 47 (FIGURE 4) is mounted on shaft 6, adjacent the inner face of side plate 2. One end of spring 47 is anchored to the adjacent arm of the clearing yoke 32 and the other end of spring 47 engages beneath an abutment on side plate 2, referred to more fully presently. The spring 47 normally is effective for urging the yoke 32 rearward and for returning it to a rearward position after a clearing operation pursuant to completion of a printing operation. The clearing yoke lever 42 normally is effective for actuating yoke 32 and means is provided for optionally rendering lever 42 ineffective, when it is desired to print a plurality of checks for the same amount, as will be explained more fully later.

As above stated link 38 is pivoted, at its rearward end on the extended end of pintle 51 of a toggle link structure 52 shown in FIGURE 2. That end of pintle 51 operates in an arcuate slot 51a in plate 1. The toggle link structure includes an upper yoke 53 rockably mounted at its upper end on a cross shaft 54 mounted in the side plates 1 and 2. The lower ends of the arms of yoke 53 are pivoted, by pintle 51, to the slotted upper ends of two lower links 55 pivoted at their lower ends, at 56, to the rearward ends of two platen supporting arms 57, shown in FIGURE 1, rockably mounted on a cross shaft 58 mounted in the side plates 1 and 2, the platen supporting arms 57 being mounted adjacent the inner faces of the side plates. A platen supporting bar 59 is secured in the forward ends of the arms 57 and carries a platen 60 adjustably mounted thereon in a suitable known manner. The upper face of the platen 60 is serrated and cooperates with the printing characters disposed upon the printing line of the machine, which characters are also serrated. A second platen supporting bar 174 is secured in the forward ends of arms 57, in front of bar 59, and carries a second platen 173, as shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, for a purpose to be explained more fully hereinafter. A tension spring 61 is anchored at its upper end to left side plate 2 and at its lower end to the rearward end of the adjacent platen supporting arm 57. The spring 61 assists in breaking or releasing the printing engagement of the toggle and normally holding it in its inoperative position shown in FIGURE 2. In effecting the printing operation, the bushing 34 is turned by lever 41 in counterclockwise direc tion, as viewed in FIGURE 2, thus forcing the link 38 rearward in opposition to the tension spring 40. As previously noted, the pintle 51 extends through the link 38, plate 1 being provided with the arcuate slot 51a of adequate size to accommodate the movements of pintle 51. When the link 38 is forced rearward the toggle is straightened or extended and the platens 60 and 173 are moved upward into cooperating relation with the characters on the printing line of the machine and a signature plate referred to more fully later. Upon completion of the printing operation the operating lever 41 is released and returned to its normal rearward position, tension spring 40 then returning the link 38 to its normal forward position and the parts assume their normal positions shown in FIGURES 2 and 3.

Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, the arm of clearing yoke 32 adjacent the inner face of side plate 1 is provided with a downward extension 62. A headed stud 63, secured in and projecting inwardly from extension 62, carries a collar or roller 64 extending inwardly across the path of movement of finger 44 of lever 42, it being noted that finger 44 is off-set inwardly relative to lever 42. The clearing yoke 32 normally is held spaced forwardly from the index bar 28 by a repeat arm 66 fixed on the inner end of a stub shaft 67 rockably mounted through side plate 2. The stub shaft 67 passes through a flanged bushing 68, at the inner face of plate 2, and a spacing collar 69 mounted on bushing 68 and disposed at the outer face of arm 66. The collar 69 is provided with a central circumferential groove which receives the rearwardly extending arm of torsion spring 47, providing the abutment therefor previously mentioned. A grip member 75 (FIGURES 1, 5 and 6) bearing the legend repeat is secured on the outer end of stub shaft 67. When member 75 is in approximately vertical position, the rearwardly extending finger of arm 66 is in contact with index bar 28 and its forward finger, which is bent at an angle and provided with a plastic covering, is in contact with the rearward edge of the adjacent arm of clearing yoke 32. The latter is then held in its normal position, in opposition to the torsion spring 47, shown in FIGURE 4.

In the normal position of the clearing yoke 32 finger 44 of clearing yoke lever 42 is disposed above roller 64 with its forward tip at about the rearward side thereof. Incident to a printing operation the operating lever 41 is turned forward and downward. That moves the clearing yoke lever 42 rearward and downward to a position in which finger 44 contacts roller 64 and then passes rearward beyond it, at which time lever 42 drops to a position with finger 44 below roller 64. In the return movement of operating lever 41 to its normal position, clearing yoke lever 42 is first moved forwardly to position with finger 44 underlying roller 64. In the continued return movement of operating lever 41 clearing lever 42 is swung upward and rearward. That swings the clearing yoke 32 downward and forward thereby effecting a clearing operation. As the operating lever 41 reaches its full return or normal position, the finger 44 of clearing lever 42 passes out of contact with roller 64 and clearing yoke 32 is returned to its normal position by torsion spring 47. When it is desired to print a plurality of checks all for the same amount, the repeat finger grip is turned from its normal substantially vertical position downwardly and forwardly through approximately 90. That permits rearward movement of clearing yoke 32 into proximity with index bar 28, spaced therefrom by the arm 66, movement of the latter in either direction being limited by index bar 28. In such rearward position of yoke 32 finger 44 of clearing lever 42 clears roller 64 and no clearing operation is performed, as will be understood. The non-clearing or repeat positions of yoke 32 and arm 66 are shown in FIGURE 4.

The machine is provided with adjustable check stops for limiting the extent of insertion of the check into the machine, as is known and which need not be described. A printing line indicator 77, to be referred to more fully presently, is pivoted at 77a on the outer face of the left one of two multiple armed brackets 78 suitably secured, conveniently by riveting, to the forward portions of the side frame plates 1 and 2. The indicator 77 is disposed at the outer face of the left frame side plate 2 and does not extend inwardly of the machine. It comprises a base element 77b and an upwardly extending finger 77c suitably secured, conveniently by spot welding, to the pivoted body portion or arm of indicator 77; as shown in FIGURE 6. A door 81 is mounted at the front of casing 22 by means of hook elements 82 engaging in circumferential grooves in a front cross rod 83 extending between the forward arms of brackets 78, and a latch 84 engageable with the edge of the main portion of casing 22 and attached to an operating knob 85.

A front spool 88, disposed at the front of the machine in underlying relation to the door 81, is provided with a spindle 89 rotatably mounted in the brackets 78. A ratchet wheel 90 is secured to spindle 89 adjacent the head of spool 88 at the left hand side plate 2, for a purpose which will appear more fully later. Suitable means such as a spring washer (not shown) may be provided for impressing a slight drag on spool 88 sufficient to prevent overrunning thereof when the ribbon is being unwound from the pool, as will appear more fully presently. A rear spool 92 is mounted between the side plates 1 and 2 in back of and above the printing segment shaft 6, as shown more clearly in FIG- URES 1 and 2. One end portion of spindle 93 of spool 92 extends into a substantially U-shaped guide 94 (FIG- URE 4) extending along the inner face of the side plates.

A knob 95 is screwed into one of spindle 93, adjacent the left hand side plate 2, for manually turning the spool 92 when it is desired to take up slack in the ribbon. A leaf spring 96 (FIGURE 1) is secured to the inner face of side plate 1 and bears against the adjacent head 97 of spool 93 with appreciable pressure effective for preventing overrunning of the spool when unwinding the ribbon therefrom. The end of spindle 93 adjacent head 97 is of reduced diameter, providing a stud 98 which seats in a slot 99 extending from the upper edge of plate 1. It will be seen that the knob 95 and stud 98 provide means for rotatably mounting spool 92 in side plates 1 and 2 and that spool 92 may readily be removed and replaced as may be required. A ratchet Wheel 100 is secured to spindle 93 adjacent the outer face of the other head 101 of spool 92, for a purpose to be explained later. An inking ribbon 103 is windable onto and off of the spools 88 and 92. Preferably the ribbon 103 is divided into two transverse areas containing different colors of ink, such as red and black, the red area corresponding in width to the cents area of the check and the black area of the ribbon corresponding in width to the dollars area of the check.

The ribbon 103 is led downward from spool 92 in back of and beneath rollers 104 mounted for free turning movement on lower cross rods 5 extending between and mounted in side frame plates 1 and 2; as shown in FIGURES 2 and 4. A sheet metal guide 105 is mounted on lower cross rods 5 by tabs 105a engaging about rods 5 between the rollers 104, the rearward face of guide 105 being substantially flush with the rearward surfaces of rollers 104. A second sheet metal guide 106 is supported by ears 107 at the sides thereof from the bottom cross rod 5. Guide 106 is provided with an upwardly and rearwardly extending neck 108 the upper end of which rests on shaft 54. The guides 105 and 106 direct the ribbon 103 downward and forward beneath the printing segment guide bar 12 and are for threading the ribbon through the machine, as will be understood. The ribbon 103 is led beneath a forward cross rod 110 and thence upward over spool 88. The rod 110 is carried by a tension release member 111, of substantially elongated U-shape in plan, pivoted between the brackets 78 on spindle 89 of front spool 88.

A smudge guard member 79, shown more clearly in FIGURES l, 3, 6 and 7, of elongated U-shape in plan, is pivoted at 80 between the arms of tension release member 111, the arms of which extend upwardly and forwardly beyond the brackets 78. The member 79 comprises a cross plate 79a of appreciable width, beneath which and the printing line indicator 77 a check blank c (FIGURE 10) is inserted into the machine. The arm of the printing line indicator 77 is provided with a finger 77d extending therefrom inwardly beneath the outer arm of bracket 78. Finger 77d limits downward movement of indicator 77 by contact with the lower edge of the arm of bracket 78 as shown more clearly in FIGURE 6. The finger 77d also contacts shoulder 79b of the adjacent arm of member 79 and limits downward movement thereof. When a check blank is fully inserted into the machine for a printing operation, to be described later, the outer end portion of the check blank underlies the indicator 77. In the printing operation the platens 60 and 173 pick up the check blank and move it upward into pressure contact with the printing characters and a signature plate 161, to be referred to more fully later, with the inking ribbon interposed. During such upward movement of the check blank c raises the smudge guard member 79 to position with the cross plate 79a underlying rod 110 and the adjacent portion of the inking ribbon 103, and the outer portion of the check blank 0 raises the indicator '77; as will be explained more fully later. The cross plate 79a then prevents contact of the lower portion of the check blank 0, which is not to be printed upon, with the ribbon. That effectively guards against smudging of such portion of the check, which would occur if it contacted the ribbon 103 incident to the printing operation.

A plate 114 (FIGURE of generally rectangular shape with upwardly extending end fingers 115 and 116 is rockably and slidably mounted, at the inner face of the side frame plate 2, on a shouldered screw 117 received in a lengthwise slot in plate 114. The screw 117 is coaxial with and secured to a shoulder screw 118 at the outer face of the side frame plate 2, as will be clear from FIGURE 6. A front feed pawl 119 is pivoted at its lower end, at 120, on the lower forward corner of plate 114 and is disposed to engage ratchet wheel 91) of the front spool 88, when the plate 114 is in its forward position, and to clear ratchet wheel 90 when plate 114 is in its rearward position. Pawl 119 is urged in clockwise direction by a tension spring 121 anchored at its lower end to pawl 119 and at its upper end to finger 115 of plate 114. A rear pawl 122 is pivoted at 123 on finger 116 of plate 114 and is urged in clockwise direction by a tension spring 124 anchored to pawl 122 and to plate 114 at the lower rearward portion thereof. In FIGURE 5 the plate 114 is shown in its inoperative position with the pawls 119 and 122 disposed to clear the ratchet wheels 90 and 100, respectively. When the plate 114 is in its forward operative position the pawl 119 engages ratchet wheel 90 for turning the front spool counterclockwise, as viewed in FIGURE 5, pawl 122 being then disposed to clear ratchet wheel 100 of the rear spool 92. When piate 114 is in its operative rearward position pawl 122 engages ratchet wheel 100 for turning spool 92 counterclockwise and pawl 119 is disposed to clear ratchet wheel 90, as will be explained more fully later.

Plate 114 is provided in its upper portion and adjacent finger 115 with two V-shaped notches contiguous to each other. The notches 127 and 128 receive a V-shaped locking finger 129 extending from the forward end of a lever 130 (FIGURE 6) pivoted at its midlength on the screw 118 at the outer face of side plate 2, finger 129 extending through an opening in the side frame plate 2. At its other or rearward end lever 130 is provided with an inwardly extending stud or pin 131 which projects through slot 132 at the forward end of an angle lever 133 pivoted at about its midlength, on the outer face of the side frame plate 2, on a headed stud 134. An angle latch lever 135 is pivoted on stud 134 at the inner face of the side frame plate 2 and is retained on the stud by a snap ring 136. The angle lever 135 is part of the mechanism for controlling the operation of the prefix plate 19, previously referred to, and need not be further considered here. The angle lever 133 is provrded in its rearward portion with a cam slot 137 which receives a roller 138 mounted on the end of the pintle 51 0f the toggle comprising the links 53 and 55. A latch arm 139 (FIGURES 4 and 5) is pivoted on the screw 117, at the inner face of plate 114 and normally engages over the lock finger 129 of lever 130 for holding finger 129 engaged in one of the notches 127 and 128. A tension spring 140 is anchored at its upper end to arm 139 and is anchored at its lower end to plate 114 ad acent the lower edge thereof. The tension spring 140 normally connects arm 139 and plate 114 together for movement as a unit upon the pivot screw 117.

A holding pawl 143, of generally rectangular shape, is pivoted, at the inner face of side plate 2, on bushing 63 between the flange thereof and collar 69, on the stub shaft 67. The holding pawl 143 is adapted for engagement with ratchet wheel 190 of the rear ribbon spool 92 during rotation of the latter in counterclockwise direction by the feed pawl 122, as will be explained more fully presently. A tension spring 144 anchored to an upper spacing or cross rod 5 and to pawl 143, urges the latter in counterclockwise direction for engagement with the ratchet wheel 100. A front holding pawl 145, pivoted at 146 on bracket '78 secured to side plate 2, is disposed for engagement with ratchet wheel of the front spool 88 when the latter is rotated by the feed pawl 119, for preventing reverse rotation of spool 88. Pawl 145 is provided with an elongated arcuate arm 147 to which is anchored the lower end of a tension spring 143 anchored at its upper end to the side plate 2. Spring 148 urges pawl 145 in counterclockwise direction for engadgement with the ratchet wheel 90, as will be understoo When the plate 114 is in its rearward operative position shown in FIGURE 4, the feed pawl 122 and the holding pawl 143 are in operative engagement with ratchet wheel of the rear spool 92, lock finger 129 is engaged in the forward notch 127 of plate 114 restraining it against forward movement, the front feed pawl 119 is spaced rearward away from ratchet wheel 90 of the front spool 88 and the front holding pawl 145 is held clear of ratchet wheel 90 by engagement therewith of a release pin 149 carried by finger of plate 114. With the parts in the positions shown in FIGURE 4, when the pintle 51 is moved rearward incident to a printing operation, the angle lever 133 is turned in counterclockwise direction, swinging the lever in clockwise direction. The plate 114 and the parts carried thereby turns in clockwise direction, with the lever 130, and the feed pawl 122 turns the rear spool 92 in counterclockwise direction until pawl 122 passes out of engagement with ratchet wheel 100 before completion of the printing operation. In the return or forward movement of the pintle 51 the lever 130, and with it the plate 114, is turned in counterclockwise direction reengaging the pawl 122 with the ratchet wheel for turning the spool 92 a further distance incident to a subsequent printing operation. In that manner, the rear spool 92 is rotated step by step in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 4, for winding thereon the ribbon 103 from the front spool 88, the latter being free to rotate, subject to a slight drag effective for preventing overrunning thereof during unwinding therefrom of the ribbon.

When the ribbon 103 has been completely unwound from the front spool 88, any further attempt to wind ribbon 103 onto the rear spool 92 places the ribbon under tension and it then becomes effective for preventing further rotation of spool 92 by the feed pawl 123. Accordingly, when the pintle 51 is again moved rearward the feed pawl 123 fulcrums on the ratchet wheel 100 and then constitutes with the plate 114 a toggle tending to force plate 114 forward over the pivot screw 117. Forward movement of plate 114 is resisted by engagement of the lock finger 129 in the forward notch 127 with the result that turning of lever 130 in clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 4, raises finger 129 out of the notch 127. When that occurs, plate 114 moves to its forward operative position and is moved in clockwise direction about pivot screw 117 by tension spring 140, so as to cause finger 129 to engage in the inner notch 127, thus completing the forward movement of plate 114 and locking it against rearward movement. The feed pawl 119 is then in engagement with the ratchet wheel 90 of the front spool 88, and the front holding pawl 145 is then released, due to the upward movement of pin 149 with plate 114, and engages ratchet wheel 90 so as to prevent reverse rotation thereof. Thereafter in the operation of the machine the front spool 88 is rotated in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 4, step-bystep for winding thereon the ribbon 103 from the back spool 92, which is now released and free for rotation. In that connection, the forward movement of plate 114 to its forward operative position moves feed pawl 122 clear of ratchet wheel 100 and, in addition, pin 150 on finger 116 of plate 114 contacts the downwardly extending arm 151 of holding pawl 143 and swings the latter to releasing position clear of the ratchet wheel 1190. When the ribbon 1G3 has been completely wound oil? of the rear spool 92 onto the front spool 80, the latter spool is held against rotation and the plate 114 is returned to its position shown in FIGURE 4, by the toggle action of feed pawl 119 and plate 114 in cooperation with entry of the lock finger 129 into notch 127 of plate 114. In that manner, the feed of the ribbon 103 is automatically reversed when it has been completely wound off of one spool onto the other spool, such reversal of feed being controlled by the ribbon itself.

When it is desired to replace the inking ribbon 103, it is wound onto the rear spool 92, which is turned in winding direction by means of the knob 95. That may readily be done if the ribbon feed means is adjusted for winding the ribbon onto spool 92. If the ribbon feed means is adjusted for winding ribbon 103 onto the front spool the feed is first reversed. That is accomplished by holding rear spool 92 against turning while swinging the operating lever 41 forward and downward as in a printing operation. The ribbon is then placed under tension effective for reversing the ribbon feed. The ribbon may then be wound onto the rear spool 92 in the manner above indicated. The ends of the ribbon 103 are at-' tached to the spindles of the spools by suitable known quick detachable means (not shown), which need not be described here.

The ribbon feeding means above described is substantially the same as that disclosed in the above identified patent and need not be explained in greater detail here. It will be understood that my invention comprehends the use of any suitable ribbon feeding mechanism.

Referring to FIGURES 2, 3, 7, and 9, a signature plate bar 155, provided with upwardly extending posts 156 and 157, is fixedly secured to dollars bar 8 and cents bar 8a, respectively. The underface of bar 155 is inclined at a slight angle downwardly and forwardly from the underfaces of the bars 8 and 8a. The bar 155 is provided with a downwardly and forwardly extending rib 158 of T-shape in cross section. The rib158fits snugly in a corresponding lengthwise groove 159 in base 160 of a signature plate 161 which seats on the underface of bar 155. The signature plate bears on its underface the facsimile of the signature of the drawer of a check C. W. Palmer, for examplesurrounded by pointed projections, as shown in FIGURE 2. The signature plate 161 is inserted into the machine through suitable openings in side frame plate 1 and the corresponding side panel of housing or casing 22. To facilitate insertion and withdrawal of signature plate 161 it is provided at its outer end with a finger or extension 162 which projects a short distance outwardly beyond housing 22, so as to be readily grasped, when signature plate 161 is in its fully inserted position, limited by a stop pin 163 secured in rib 158 and disposed to be contacted by the inner end of base of signature plate 161.

The signature plate 161 is disposed in front of the printing line of the machine and spaced therefrom a distance such that the printed signature will appear on the signature line of a check properly positioned in the machine. Signature plate 161 is provided, adjacent its outer end with an upwardly and forwardly extending boss 164 provided with a transverse slot for reception of a locking arm 165 (FIGURE 1, 3 and 7). The arm 165 is disposed at the inner face of side plate 1 and is pivoted at its upper end on an upper connecting or cross rod 5. It is held in close proximity to the inner face of frame side plate 1 by a snap ring 166 engaging in a groove in rod 5. When in its lowered locking position, the lower end of arm 165 engages in the groove of boss 164, effectively preventing withdrawal of the signature plate 161. A key operated cylinder lock 168 (FIGURES 3 and 8), of suitable known type, is secured through an opening in side panel 169 of casing 22. Lock 168 extends into an opening in side frame plate 1 and is provided, at its inner end, with a pin 170 which extends through an arcuate slot 171 in arm 165. The latter may be moved to either locking position or releasing position and locked in either of such positions, by means of lock 168, as will be understood. When arm 165 is in looking position it effectively precludes unauthorized removal of the signature plate 161, or replacement thereof by a different signature plate, both undesirable for obvious reasons.

The signature printing plate 161 cooperates with a platen 1'73 adjustably mounted in a suitable known manner on a bar 174 secured to the forward ends of the platen arms 57. The inking ribbon 103 passes from the guide 166 forwardly beneath the printing segment guide bar 12 and thence between the printing characters on the printing line and the platen 59. Ribbon 103 then passes downward to cross rod 111), carried by tension release member 111, and from rod 110 to spool 88. The ribbon 103 is spaced an appreciable distance below the printing surfaces of the dollars and cents bars 8 and 8a and the characters of the segments 15 on the printing line, and is spaced a greater distance below the signature printing plate 161.

The ribbon 103 normally is under lengthwise tension, as previously noted. Due to the spacing of ribbon 1113 from the printing line and the signature plate 161 lengthwise movement of the ribbon 103, during the final step of the printing operation, would occur if the tension of the ribbon were maintained. That would result in smudging or blurring of impressions printed on the check, particularly of the signature. Such blurring would be objectionable, for obvious reasons, especially as to the signature, the impression of which should be clean and clear cut. I have provided means whereby lengthwise movement of the ribbon in the final step of the printing operation is precluded, thereby assuring clear and unsmudged impressions.

Referring to FIGURE 3, when the operating lever 41 is in its normal rearward position, the upper forward edge of cam 36 is in contact with a stop or stud 175 secured in side frame plate 1, which limits clockwise turning of cam 36 and of lever 41. A bell crank 176 is pivoted on a reduced extension or stud 177 of the printing segment shaft 6, projecting through plate 1. Bell crank 176 is retained on stud 177 by a. washer 178 thereon and a snap ring 179 at the outer face of washer 178 and engaging in a circumferential groove in stud 177. A tension spring 180 is anchored, at its rearward end, to the rearwardly extending arm of bell crank 176 and, at its forward end, to plate 1. Spring 180 holds a roller 181, mounted on the rearwardly extending arm of bell crank 176, in pressure contact with the arcuate rearward edge of cam 36, a short distance in advance of a shoulder 182 thereof, when cam 35 is in its normal position. The downwardly and forwardly extending arm of bell crank 176 is provided with a slot 183 extending from its lower end. The slot 183 receives a pin 184 secured to a finger 185 projecting rearwardly from the upper portion of the adjacent end of the ribbon tension release member 111.

In performing a printing operation, the operating lever 41 is swung forwardly and downwardly, and the cam 36 is turned in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG- URE 3. With the lever 41 in its normal position, the tension release member 111 is held in its normal position, holding cross rod 110 in its lowered position effective for maintaining ribbon 103 under lengthwise tension. When lever 41 is swung forwardly and downwardly a short distance, in a printing operation, the shoulder 182 of cam 36 passes beneath roller 181 and the latter then bears upon portion 186 of cam 36 extending from shoulder 182 and concentric with the axis of rotation of cam 3%. As shoulder 182 of cam 36 passes beyond roller 181, the bell crank 176 is turned clockwise by tension spring 180. That swings the ribbon tension release member 111 upward, raising the cross rod 110 and releasing the tension of ribbon 103. At that time the platens 60 and 173 are moving upward and pick up the check blank c and the slack portion of the ribbon thus provided. In the continued forward and downward movement of the operating lever 41 the platens 60 and 173 move into pressure contact with the check blank for effecting the printing operation. The concentric portion 186 of cam 36 is of such extent as to assure that the tension release member 111, and with it cross rod 110, will remain in raised position until completion of the printing operation, as will be understood. The slight drag on the ribbon spools 88 and 92, previously mentioned, assures that the ribbon 103 will not be unwound from either thereof during the printing operation. That, in conjunction with the lifting effect exerted upon the ribbon by the upwardly moving platens and check blank 0, assures that the ribbon will be disposed smoothly between the platens and the check blank c and the cooperating printing characters thereby assuring clear and sharp impressions in the printed check. The platen 60 and the printing characters cooperating therewith are provided with means for perforating the corresponding areas of the printed check, as is known. Likewise, the pointed projections on the signature plate 161 cooperate with platen 173 for perforating the signature area of the printed check.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES and 11, preliminary to printing of a check a check blank c is inserted into the machine, between the base of housing 22 and cross plate 79a of smudge guard member 79. The check blank c is inserted into the machine toward the rear thereof until the line on which the amount of the check is to be printed is aligned with the rearward edge of base element 77b of the printing line indicator 77. Further insertion of the check blank is then prevented by the check stops (not shown) appropriately adjusted to that end, as is well known. When the check blank 0 is properly positioned in the machine, the left hand end portion thereof projects beyond the left frame plate 2 and underlies base element 77b of the printing line indicator 77.

In the normal position of smudge guard member 79 the rearward edge of cross plate 79a thereof is disposed approximately in the vertical plane of the front surface of the ribbon tensioning and tension release rod 110, as in FIGURE 10. When the operating lever 41 is swung forwardly and downwardly, in the printing operation, the ribbon tensioning and tension release member 111 is swung upwardly, as previously explained, about the axis of the front spool 88. That raises the cross rod 110 effective for releasing the tension of ribbon 103, as and for the purpose above stated. Also, during the printing operation, the platens 60 and 173 pick up the check blank 0 and, with it, the slack portion of the ribbon 103. In the continued upward movement of the platens 60 and 173 the ribbon 103 and the check blank c are moved into pressure contact with the printing characters and the signature plate 161. As the check blank 0 is moved upwardly by the platens 60 and 173, with the slack portion of ribbon 103, the left end portion of the check blank c, underlying the base element 77b of the printing line indicator 77, picks up the latter and swings it upward about the pivot 77a. That prevents interference by indicator 77 with upward movement of the check blank in the printing operation. At the completion of the printing operation, the check blank c, ribbon 103 and associated elements are positioned as shown in FIGURE 11.

During the upward swinging movement of member 111 the pivot axis of the smudge guard member 79, pivoted at each side at 80 on an arm of member 111, is moved downward and rearward to limited extent. That shifts cross plate 79a of member 79 rearward a short distance. The ribbon tensioning and tension release rod reaches its uppermost position while the platens 60 and 173 are still moving upward. At that time the cross plate 790 of member 79 is in its rearward position, underlying rod 110 and the area of the ribbon 103 extending from rod 110 upward to the front spool 88, and also overlying the check blank 0. The cross plate 79a of member 79 then rests upon check blank 0 which, in its continued upward movement with platens 60 and 173, raises cross plate 79a to position in contact with the lower rearward portion of rod 110 and underlying the area of ribbon 103 extending from rod 110 upward to the front spool 88. The cross plate 79a of member 79 is then restrained against further upward movement by the rod 110, as will be understood, and is effective, in its raised position, for deflecting the then forward portion of check blank 0 downward away from the ribbon 103. The slack in ribbon 103 during the upward movement of check blank 0 to printing position guards against smudging of the signature and the cross plate 79a guards against smudging of the then forward area of the blank beyond the signature. The then rearward portion of the check blank 0 is held, by the guide member 106 depressed and out of contact with portion of ribbon 103 extending beneath guide bar 12.

As the member 79 moves upward with the check blank 0 shoulder 79b moves out of contact with finger 77d of indicator 77, as will be understood from what has been said. As the check blank c moves upward it picks up the indicator 77, as previously explained. That moves finger 77d out of contact with the lower edge of the arm of the adjacent bracket 78. In the continued upward movement of the check blank 0, the members 77 and 79 move upward at the same rate, with shoulder 79b of member 79 remaining spaced from finger 77d of member 77. Upward movement of member 79 is arrested by contact of cross plate 79a with rod 110, as previously explained. That occurs shortly before the platens 60 and 173 reach the limit of their upward travel. The continued upward travel of the platens 60 and 173 moves upward the portion of the check blank c extending rearward beyond the cross plate 79a. That imparts further upward movement to the indicator 77, effective for moving finger 77d thereof into contact with shoulder 79b of member 79 and, shortly thereafter, the platens 60 and 173 reach their uppermost position in pressure contact with the check blank c. The parts then are positioned as shown in FIGURE 11. The finger 77d of member 77 thus assures that the cross plate 79a is maintained in its full raised position during completion of the printing operation thereby guarding against possible downward slippage thereof.

When the operating lever 41 is returned to its normal 13 position, the printed check moves downward with the platens 60 and 173. The members 77 and 79 are also returned to their normal positions, with finger 77d of member 77 in contact with the arm of bracket 78 and shoulder 79a of member 79 in contact with finger 77d; as shown in FIGURE 10. The finger 77d of indicator 77 cooperates with bracket 78 and shoulder 79!) of member 79 to assure proper normal positioning of such members. It also assures that cross plate 79a of member 79 will be held in its proper operative position. The mounting of indicator 77 for free upward and downward movement, on pivot 77a, avoids any objectionable interference with upward and downward movement of the check blank and the smudge guard member 79 during the printing operation, while also enabling the members 77 and 79 to resume their normal positions after completion of a printing operation, as will be understood from the foregoing.

It will be understood that changes in detail may be resorted to without departing from the field and scope of my invention, and I intend to include all such variations, as fall within the scope of the appended claims, in this application in which the preferred form only of my invention is disclosed.

I claim:

1. In a check writer, a printing couple comprising type members positionable on a printing line and a signature plate adjacent said printing line, platens cooperating with and underlying said printing couple normally in spaced relation thereto and mounted for movement toward and away from said couple, an inking ribbon passing between and normally spaced from said printing couple and platens, a ribbon tensioning and tension release member overlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said couple and platens, means mounting said member for movement to a normal lower position pressing upon said ribbon effective for maintaining it under tension and to an upper position effective for releasing tension of said ribbon and providing slack therein, a pivoted smudge guard member having a cross plate underlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said tensioning and tension release member, a printing line indicator pivoted at one side of said check writer clear of said cross plate, means normally holding said indicator and guard member in a lowered position, said check writer having a slot for insertion of a check blank to a printing position extending between said printing couple and platens and underlying said ribbon and cross plate with one end portion extending therebeyond and underlying said indicator, operating means for moving said platens upward for effecting a printing operation, and means actuated by said operating means and effective for moving said tensioning and tension release member to its said upper position incident to a printing operation and prior to completion thereof, said last mentioned means being also effective for returning said tensioning and tension release member to its said normal lower position subsequent to completion of a printing operation, said platens being effective for raising the check blank and thereby moving said cross plate to an upper operative position in proximity to the under face of said ribbon and moving said indicator to an upper position, incident to a printing operation.

2. In a check writer, a printing couple comprising type members positionable on a printing line and a signature plate adjacent said printing line, platens cooperating with and underlying said printing couple normally in spaced relation thereto and mounted for movement toward and away from said couple, an inking ribbon passing between and normally spaced from said printing couple and platens, a ribbon tensioning and tension release member overlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said couple and platens, means mounting said member for movement to a normal lower position pressing upon said ribbon effective for maintaining it under tension and to an upper position effective for releasing tension of said ribbon and providing slack therein, a smudge guard member mounted for upward and downward movement and having a cross plate underlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said tensioning and tension release member, a printing line indicator mounted adjacent said guard member for upward and downward movement, means normally holding said guard member and indicator in a lowered position, said check writer having a slot for insertion of a check blank to a printing position extending between said printing couple and platens and underlying said ribbon and cross plate and indicator, operating means for moving said platens upward for effecting a printing operation, and means actuated by said operating means and effective for moving said tensioning and tension release member to its said upper position incident to a printing operation and prior to completion thereof, said last mentioned means being also effective for returning said tensioning and tension release member to its said normal lower position subsequent to completion of a printing operation, said platens being effective for raising the check blank and thereby moving said cross plate to an upper operative position in proximity to the under face of said ribbon and moving said indicator to an upper position, incident to a printing operation.

3. In a check writer, printing means comprising type members positionable on a printing line and platen means cooperating with and underlying said type members normally in spaced relation thereto and mounted for upward and downward movement, an inking ribbon passing between and normally spaced from said type members and platen means, a ribbon tensioning and tension release member overlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said type members and platen means, means mounting said member for movement to a normal lower position pressing upon said ribbon effective for maintaining it under tension and to an upper position efiective for releasing tension of said ribbon and providing slack therein, a smudge guard member mounted for upward and downward movement and having a cross plate underlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said printing line, a printing line indicator mounted adjacent said guard member for upward ad downward movement, means normally holding said indicator in a lowered position, cooperating means carried by said indicator and said guard member effective for holding the latter in its said normal lowered position, said check writer having a slot for insertion of a check blank to a printing position extending between said type members and platen means and underlying said ribbon and cross plate and indicator, operating means effective for moving said platen means upward for effecting a printing operation, and means actuated by said operating means and effective for moving said tensioning and tension release member to its said upper position incident to a printing operation and prior to completion thereof, said last mentioned means being also effective for returning said tensioning and tension release member to its said normal lower position subsequent to a printing operation, said platen means being effective for raising the check blank and thereby raising said cross plate to an upper operative position in proximity to the underface of said ribbon and moving said indicator to an upper position, incident to a printing operation.

4. In a check writer, printing means comprising type members positionable on a printing line and platen means cooperating with and underlying said type members normally in spaced relation thereto and mounted for upward and downward movement, an inking ribbon passing between and normally spaced from said type members and platen means, a ribbon tensioning and tension release member overlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said type members and platen means, means mounting said member for movement to a normal lower position pressing upon said ribbon effective for maintaining it under tension and to an upper position effective for releasing tension of said ribbon and providing slack therein, a smudge guard member mounted for upward and downward movement and having a cross plate underlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said printing line, means normally holding said guard member in a lowered position, said check writer having a slot for insertion of a check blank to a printing position extending between said type members and platen means and underlying said ribbon and cross plate, operating means effective for moving said platen means upward for effecting a printing operation, and means actuated by said operating means and effective for moving said tensioning and tension release member to its said upper position incident to a printing operation and prior to completion thereof, said last mentioned means being also effective for returning said tensioning and tension release member to its said normal lower position subsequent to a printing operation, said platen means being effective for raising the cheek blank and thereby raising said cross plate to an upper operative position in proximity to the under face of said ribbon incident to a printing operation.

5. In a check writer, printing means comprising type members positionable on a printing line and platen means cooperating with and underlying said type members normally in spaced relation thereto and mounted for upward and downward movement, an inking ribbon passing between and normally spaced from said type members and platen means, ribbon tensioning and tension release means having a normal position pressing on said ribbon effective for maintaining it under tension and movable to a second position effective for relieving tension of said ribbon and providing slack therein, a smudge guard member mounted for upward and downward movement underlying said ribbon adjacent and in front of said printing line, said check writer having a slot for insertion of a check blank to a printing position extending between said type members and platen means and underlying said ribbon and guard member, operating means for moving said platen means upward for effecting a printing operation, and supplementary means actuated by said operating means and effective for moving said ribbon tensioning and tension release means to its said second position incident to a printing operation and prior to completion thereof, said supplementary means being also effective for returning said tensioning and tension release means to its said normal position subsequent to a printing operation, said platen means being effective for raising the check blank and thereby raising said smudge guard means to an upper operative position in proximity to the underface of said ribbon incident to a printing operation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,943,607 Hedman Jan. 16, 1934 1,984,706 Slettevold Dec. 18, 1934 2,118,871 Thompson May 31, 1938 2,198,139 Svensson Apr. 23, 1940 2,619,899 Gollwitzer Dec. 2, 1952 2,707,432 Rindfieisch May 3, 1955 2,794,387 Schultz June 4, 1957 2,798,429 Werner et al. July 9, 1957 2,826,140 Jagger Mar. 11, 1958

Claims (1)

1. IN A CHECK WRITER, A PRINTING COUPLE COMPRISING TYPE MEMBERS POSITIONABLE ON A PRINTING LINE AND A SIGNATURE PLATE ADJACENT SAID PRINTING LINE, PLATENS COOPERATING WITH AND UNDERLYING SAID PRINTING COUPLE NORMALLY IN SPACED RELATION THERETO AND MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID COUPLE, AN INKING RIBBON PASSING BETWEEN AND NORMALLY SPACED FROM SAID PRINTING COUPLE AND PLATENS, A RIBBON TENSIONING AND TENSION RELEASE MEMBER OVERLYING SAID RIBBON ADJACENT AND IN FRONT OF SAID COUPLE AND PLATENS, MEANS MOUNTING SAID MEMBER FOR MOVEMENT TO A NORMAL LOWER POSITION PRESSING UPON SAID RIBBON EFFECTIVE FOR MAINTAINING IT UNDER TENSION AND TO AN UPPER POSITION EFFECTIVE FOR RELEASING TENSION OF SAID RIBBON AND PROVIDING SLACK THEREIN, A PIVOTED SMUDGE GUARD MEMBER HAVING A CROSS PLATE UNDERLYING SAID RIBBON ADJACENT AND IN FRONT OF SAID TENSIONING AND TENSION RELEASE MEMBER, A PRINTING LINE INDICATOR PIVOTED AT ONE SIDE OF SAID CHECK WRITER CLEAR OF SAID CROSS PLATE, MEANS NORMALLY HOLDING SAID INDICATOR AND GUARD MEMBER IN A LOWERED POSITION, SAID CHECK WRITER HAVING A SLOT FOR INSERTION OF A CHECK

Images