United States Patent Pitman [4 1 June 13, 1972 KEYBOARD FOR A PRINTING MACHINE [72] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl ..197/98, 197/49, 197/84B [51] Int. Cl. ..B41j 5/08 [58] FieldofSearch ..197/12-14, 16-18,

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,458,024 7/1969 Schaefer 197/ l 7 1,178,879 4/1916 Schnyder 197/14 1,955,987 4/1934 Trego ..l97/14 1,967,273 7/1934 Trego ..197/49 2,051,112 8/1936 Spaloss ..l97/49 2,066,979 1/1937 Koca ..197/176 2,581,200 l/l952 Norton ..197/84 3,001,625 9/1961 Cetran et a1. 197/17 3,160,257 12/1964 DEvelynes.... 197/14 3,268,049 8/1966 Krauss et al.... 197/82 X 3,295,653 1/1967 Salto 197/74 3,310,148 3/1967 Lennon ..197/84 3,352,399 11/1967 Madison 197/84 3,404,766 10/1968 Castle et al. ..l97/84 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATlONS 424,870 2/1926 Germany ..l97/l2 908,144 10/1962 GreatBritain ....l97/14 Primary Examiner-Ernest T. Wright, Jr. Attorney-Russell L. Root and Ray S. Pyle [57] ABSTRACT A keyboard operated composing machine comprising a plu rality of members which effect selection of printing characters and certain other functions of the machine. Each character or function selection member has a corresponding key on the keyboard and projects into proximity to a corresponding drive element operatively connected to a cage, which is intermittently reciprocated by a power driven mechanism, when one of the keys is depressed a predetermined distance. Means are provided for selectively placing a drive element and particular selection member into engagement when a corresponding key is depressed. Further depression of the key actuates the power driven mechanism for reciprocating the cage through one cycle, thereby driving the engaged member to effect selection of the printing character or machine function corresponding to the depressed key. The design of the keyboard is such that existing manually operated machines can be readily converted to power driven ones without drastically reorganizing the basic structure of the machine.

16 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUM 13 m2 SHEET 3 [IF 6 PATENTEDJUH 13 I972 3. 669 238 saw u or 6 KEYBOARD FOR A PRINTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The invention relates to a new and improved electrically driven or operated keyboard, which is especially suitable for use in Varityper composing machines similar to those shown and described in US. Pat. Nos. 1,967,273 and 2,581,200. Machines of this type employ a shiftable type font or matrix, having a plurality of characters corresponding to the different keys on the keyboard. A desirable feature of this machine is that the style of type face can be readily changed by substituting any of a variety of matrices with distinctive lettering styles. Although these composing machines are electrified, only certain operations, e.g., the carriage return, are powered. Other functions such as selecting the various characters and moving them to a printing position, are manually effected.

This invention makes it possible to convert the aforementioned composing machines to fully powered operation by providing a keyboard wherein a depressed key triggers operation of an electrically driven unit or mechanism which takes over to actuate moving the desired character to a printing position. The keyboard has been redesigned to reduce the stroke of each key to about one-quarter of an inch and the vertical distance between adjacent rows of keys to correspond with the arrangement of conventional power keyboards.

Briefly stated, the invention is in an electrically operated printing machine, comprising a plurality of characters actuable to a printing position, and a plurality of corresponding keys which are depressible to initiate actuation of the characters. A plurality of movable character levers are provided for actuating positioning of the characters. A plurality of stirrups, mounted for unitary movement on an assembly powered to reciprocate in response to a depressed key, are utilized to move the character levers. Also provided are means for selectively placing one of the stirrups in driving engagement with a character lever in response to movement of a depressed key and prior to reciprocation of the stirrups.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description of the invention will be better understood by referring to the annexed drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan of the keyboard as it would be positioned in a printing machine;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the keyboard showing the mechanism for reciprocating the stirrups in unison;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the keyboard taken in the plane indicated by the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stirrup cage and driving mechanism shown apart from the keyboard;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the trip mechanism for controlling the clutch which controls operation of the stirrup cage and consequent positioning of the selected character;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, typical sectional view of the keyboard taken, for example, on the line 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the space bars and their operating mechanisms shown apart from the keyboard;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the Fig. and Fig. Lock keys and their operating mechanisms shown apart from the keyboard, and which are exemplary of the Cap. and Cap. Lock keys and their mechanisms;

FIGS. 9-12 are similar partial end elevations showing the Fig. and Fig. Lock keys and their mechanisms in different operatiing positions; and

FIG. 13 is a partial end elevation showing the Tab. key and its operating mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF KEYBOARD RELATING TO CHARACTER SELECTION FOR PRINTING NUMERALS AND LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-6 of the drawing, there is shown a keyboard generally indicated at 10. The keyboard 10 is well suited for use in the composing machine described in the aforementioned patents. The keyboard 10 comprises a frame 11 for supporting a plurality of depressible keys, e.g., keys l2, l3, and 14. The keys 12, 13, and 14 are typical of the keys corresponding to alphabetic or numeric characters. Therefore, the description of the invention will be given in relation to these keys. The special keys for controlling spacing, capitalization, etc., will be described later on in the specification.

The keyboard frame 11 essentially comprises upstanding sides 15 and 16, FIG. 6, which are held apart and braced by top and bottom plates 17 and 18. The top and bottom plates 17 and 18 are provided with a plurality of holes or slots for receiving the keys and maintaining them in spaced relation within the keyboard 10. The slots act as guides for the depressible keys. For example, slots 19, 20, and 21 in the top plate 17, and slots 22 and 23 in the bottom plate 18 are designed to accommodate the keys 12, 13, and 14.

The keys 12, 13, and 14 (FIG. 6) are disposed in different rows A-B-C, which are in vertically offset relation to facilitate striking and depressing the keys 12-14. The keys 12, 13, and 14 have bifurcated ends, e.g., end 26, which are aligned in the slots 22 and 23 of the lower plate 18. Consequently, the keys 12, 13, and 14 have specially configured] key stems 27, 28, and 29, respectively. The key stem 28 of the key 13 in the middle row B is generally straight, whereas the key stems 27 and 29 of the keys 12 and 14, respectively, in the upper and lower rows A and C, are similarly curved, but in opposite directions to place the bifurcated ends 26 of the key stems 27-29 in alignment.

Externally accessible key buttons 30, 31, and 32 are removably mounted on the upper ends 33, 34, and 35, respectively, of the key stems 27-29 protruding from the slots 19-21 above the top plate 17 of the keyboard frame 11. A coil spring 36 is placed on each of the protruding key stem ends 33-35 between the top plate 17 and key buttons 30-32, to bias the keys 12-14 towards their inoperative rest positions.

The key stems 27-29 are provided with elongated slots 37, 38, and 39, respectively, adjacent the top plate 17. Elongated pins, e.g., pin 40, coextensive with the length of the keyboard frame 11, extend through the key slots 37-39 and are removably fastened adjacent the top plate 17. The pins 40 maintain the keys 12-14 in position in the rows A-C. A key such as 12 is readily removed and replaced by withdrawing the pin 40 from the slot 37 in the key stem 27. The length of the slots 37-39 are such that they do not interfere with the stroke of the keys 12-14.

A cam is carried by each of the keys 12-14. In this particular embodiment, the cam is a flat surface 41 formed in the key stems 27-29. The cam 41 (FIG. 6), is a sloped surface which is preferably disposed at an angle greater than degrees measured in a clockwise direction from the axes along which the keys 12-14 travel when they are depressed and released.

As previously indicated, the ends 26 of the keys 12-14 within the keyboard frame 11, are bifurcated or split into two spaced end portions 42 and 43. The longer end portion 43 is designed to coact with the mechanism for tripping the power mechanism, while the shorter end portion 42 is designed to coact with a conventional ball interlock 44, which prevents depression of more than one key 12-14 at a time.

Mechanism for Actuating Positioning of the Character Fonts A plurality of character levers, oractuating members, e.g., levers 50, 51, and 52 (FIG. 6), are disposed in proximate relation to their corresponding keys l2, l3 and 14 respectively. The character levers 50, 51, and 52 are mounted for up and down oscillating or reciprocating movement similar to the key levers of a manual typewriter or composing machine. When moved, the character levers -52 efiect selection of the desired character, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,967,273, wherein the curved matrix is rotated to a position where the desired character is in a printing position. For purposes of the present invention the disclosure in the above U.S. Pat. No. 1,967,273 is incorporated herein by reference.

The character levers 50-52 adjacent the key stems 27-29, are each provided with an upwardly facing abutment or drive receiving catch 53 designed for cooperation with a driving stirrup as will presently be described.

A cage generally indicated at 55 (FIGS. 4 and 6), is mounted for up and down reciprocating motion within the keyboard frame 11. The cage 55 comprises side sections 56 and 57 held apart in spaced, braced relation by a plurality of runners or bars 58, 59, and 60 which generally are beneath and aligned with the upper portions of the key stems 27-29. Any suitable means can be used for mounting the cage 55 within the keyboard frame 1 1. For example, elongated slots 61 and 62 are provided in the side sections 56 and 57, respectively, of the cage 55 for receiving guides 63 and 64 projecting from the keyboard frame 11. A pair of upper and lower stops 65 and 66 are provided at the cage slots 61 and 62 for limiting the distance the cage 55 travels.

A plurality of stirrups, e.g., stirrups 70, 71, and 72 (FIG. 6), are mounted on the cage 55 for unitary reciprocating motion therewith. The stirrups -72 are secured to the cage runners 58-60 by any suitable means, e.g., screws 73. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stirrups 70-72 are generally produced in pairs as indicated at 74. Each pair 74 comprises two parallel stirrups 75 and 76 joined together at their bases 77 and 78 by a bar 79. Two screws 73 are used to fasten the stirrup bar 79 to the cage runners, e.g., runner 58. Thus, the stirrups 70-72 are more firmly secured in position and held erect with a minimum of fasteners. Each stirrup 70-72 is positioned adjacent a corresponding key stem 27-29. The stirrups 70-72 are reciprocated by the cage 55 in a direction parallel to that in which the keys 12-14 move when depressed and released. The stirrups 70-72 are preferably composed of spring steel and are resiliently defiectable.

A loop or latch portion 80 with an opening 81 is disposed at the free end 82 of each stirrup, e.g., stirrup 75. Each stirrup opening 81 provides a downwardly facing surface 83 which is adapted to engage the abutment 53 of an adjacent character lever 50-52.

A cam is carried by each stirrup, 70-72 e. g., cam 85, carried by stirrup 70 (FIG. 6). The cam 85 is a semi-circular bend placed in the stirrup 70 intermediate its ends, forming a curved projection extending towards the adjacent key stem 27. The cam 85 is designed for wedging engagement with the cam 41 carried by the key stem 27, when the key 12 is depressed. The interaction of the earns 41 and 85 causes the loop portion 80 to deflect and embrace the adjacent character lever 50-52. Thus, for example, the stirrup 70 will be selectively placed in driving relationship with the adjacent character lever 50 as the cams 41 and 85 engage and bypass each other. A bridge 86 is secured to the stirrup 70 in spanning relation to the curved projection or cam 85, and acts to reinforce the stirrup 70 in this area.

MEANS FOR DRIVING THE ACTUATING MECHANISM Any suitable source of power, e.g., an electrically operated motor (not shown), can be utilized to reciprocate the stirrup cage 55, whereby an engaged character lever 50-52 is moved to effect movement of a character to a printing position. A shaft 90 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is operatively connected to the electric motor, and is continuously rotating when the machine is operating. Interposed between an end 91 of the rotating shaft 90 and keyboard 10, is a conventionally designed spring barrel, one revolution clutch generally indicated at 92.

The one revolution clutch 92 comprises a cylindrical driven hub with an attached collar 94, a conventional helical clutch spring (not shown) surrounding the shaft end 91 and the hub of the collar 94, and a control sleeve 93 surrounding the clutch spring. A driving lug is eccentrically mounted on the collar 94 for rotating about the axis of the sleeve 93. The lug 95 is positioned for driving engagement with any suitable means, indicated at 96, for translating rotary motion of the shaft 90 into vertical reciprocating motion of the stirrup cage 55. A dowel 97, (FIG. 3), is also secured to the collar 94, but in a location leading the driving lug 95 by about 90. A step 98 projects from the sleeve 93. The sleeve 93 and step 98 are, in effect, a ratchet wheel with one tooth. A pawl, generally indicated at 99 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5), engages the step 98 and disengages the clutch 92 thus keeping the collar 94 from rotating in unison with the shaft 90, thereby maintaining the stirrup cage 55 in a stationary, rest position until the pawl 99 is tripped or disengaged from the step 98.

Any suitable mechanism, indicated at 100 (FIG. 5), can be utilized for tripping the pawl 99. In the embodiment shown, the tripping mechanism 100 comprises a vane 101, which is coextensive with the length of the keyboard 10 and positioned relative to the key stems 27-29 such that the longer end portion 43 of each key stem 27-29 (FIG. 6), will engage the vane 101 adjacent its leading edge when the keys 12-14 are depressed. The vane 101 is mounted for rotation about its trailing edge, or pivot 102.

A pair of ears 103 and 104 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 8), are secured to the vane 101. The cars 103 and 104 extend from opposing ends 105 and 106 of the vane 101, beyond the keyboard frame sides 16 and 15, respectively. The projecting ear 103 is designed to engage a latch 107, which is slidably mounted on the frame side 16 by any suitable means, e.g., slot 108 and pin 109 (FIGS. 2 and 5).

The latch 107 comprises a shoulder 110 which engages and interlocks with the projecting ear 103. A pair of coil springs 111 and 112 are provided for biasing the latch 107 upwardly and in a direction which, if the car 103 and shoulder 110 were engaged, would hold the vane 101 in its unrotated or rest position adjacent the longer ends 43 of the key stems 27-29 and bottom plate 18 of the keyboard frame 11 (FIG. 6). The latch 107 includes an outstanding flange 113 with a tapered edge 1 14, in spaced relation from the plane of the latch 107, forming a notch 115. The latch 107 is designed to hold the pawl 99 in engaged relation with the step 98 of the sleeve 93. A striking pad 113 at the lower end of the outstanding flange 113 is arranged to be engaged by means for detaching the latch 107 from the vane 101 as will presently appear.

The pawl 99 is L-shaped (See FIG. 5) comprising a body portion 116 and an outstanding arm 117. A tongue 118 projects from the body portion 1 16 of the pawl 99 for interlocking engagement in the notch of the latch 107. A portion of the pawl body 116 is bent over, forming an elevated cam surface 119 for engaging the dowel 97 when it rotates with the sleeve 93 and shaft 90. The leading edge 120 of the pawl arm 117 is designed, when in raised position, to intercept and engage the step 98 on the sleeve 93. The pawl 99 is mounted for rotation into and out of engagement with the step 98 by any suitable means. In the embodiment shown, the pawl body 1 16 and arm 117 rotate about an axis, which is parallel to the axis of the sleeve 93 and substantially at the juncture of the body 116 and arm 1 17 where it is rockably connected to the frame side 16 as by projections 121. In the engaged and untripped rest position of the pawl 99, the pawl body 116 is adjacent the keyboard frame side 16. A hook 122 is formed on the pawl arm 117 adjacent the leading edge 120, and a coil spring 123 is fastened thereto for biasing the pawl 99, when unlatched, to a position where the am 117 is out of engagement with the step 98.

The means 96 for translating rotary motion of the shaft 90 to reciprocating motion of the stirrup cage 55 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4), comprises a drive plate, generally indicated at 127. The drive plate 127 is essentially an L-shaped piece, having one leg 128 extending normal to the side plate 56 of the stirrup cage 55 and disposed at right angles to the plane of the other leg 129 which parallels the cage side 56. The leg 128 is positioned adjacent the collar 94 and lies in a plane approximately normal to the axis about which the latter rotates. An elongated slot 130 is cut into the leg 128 for receiving the rotating drive lug 95. The. longitudinal axis of the slot 130 is normal to the axis of the collar 94 and to the direction of reciprocation of the stirrup cage 55. Thus, any force imparted by the rotating lug 95 against the plate 128, is in the direction which the stirrup cage 55 moves.

The other leg 129 includes a pair of spaced elongated slots 131 and 132. A pair of rigid pins 133 and 134 are secured to the cage side 56 in parallel relation. The upper pin 133 and lower pin 134 extend through corresponding slots 135 and 136 in the keyboard frame side 16, and are slidably guided in the upper and lower slots 131 and 132, respectively, by any suitable means, e.g., the grooved collar 137 on pin 134. An eccentric 138 is adjustably mounted on pin 133, e.g., by nut 138 (FIG. 2). The pin 133 is downwardly urged with respect to the drive plate 127 so that its eccentric 138 is normally held by a coil spring 139' against a ledge or stop 139 formed in the leg 129 at the bottom of the upper slot 131, thus fonning a lost motion connection between the stirrup cage 55 and the drive plate 127 which, at certain times, permits relative movement therebetween. The home position level of the cage 55, and hence the time of engagement of the cams 85 and 41 carried by the stirrups 70-72 and key stems 27-29 respectively, relative to the stroke of the keys 12-14 can be varied by adjusting the position of the eccentric 138 relative to the ledge 139.

A shaft 140 is journalled for rotation in keyboard frame sides 15 and 16 (FIG. 4). The shaft 140 extends beyond the frame side 16 and carries a pair of spaced striking hammers 141 and 142, which are rotatable with the shaft 140. A third striker or hammer 143, is carried by the shaft 140 intermediate the cage side sections 56 and 57. An arm 144 is disposed between the cage side section 56 and drive plate 127 for rocking the shaft 140 in response to movement of the stirrup cage 55. One end 145 of the arm 144 is secured to the shaft 140, and the other end 146 is forked, having a slot 147 for receiving the lower cage pin 134. The lower cage pin 134 carries the slotted end 146 of the arm 144 with it as it reciprocates, thereby swinging the arm 144 about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 140. The rockable shaft 140 is important in the operation of the special keys such as the space bars, which will be more fully explained later. It was briefly described at this point of the specification, because of its close operating relationship with the stirrup cage 55.

TYPICAL OPERATION OF UNIT WHEN CHARACTER KEY STRUCK Assuming the machine is operating and the shaft 90 is rotating, a key 12 is depressed to initiate positioning of the corresponding character for imprinting paper positioned in the machine. When the key 12 is depressed to actuate the positioning mechanism, the cam 41 carried by the key stem 27, engages the opposing cam 85 associated with the adjacent stirrup 70. As the cams 41 and 85 interact, the stirrup 70 is deflected to a point where the opening 81 of the loop portion 80 passes over and surrounds the adjacent portion or drive receiving element 148 of the character lever 50.

The bifurcated end 26 of the key stem 27, simultaneously engages the ball interlock 44 and vane 10]. When the key 12 is further depressed, it actuates the pawl tripping mechanism 100 by rotating the engaged vane 101, thereby moving the interlocked latch 107 downwardly to cause disengagement of the pawl tongue 118 from the notch 115 in the latch 107. The pawl spring 123 then acts to rotate the pawl 99 out of engagement with the step 98 of the control sleeve 93. The one revolution spring barrel clutch 92 then frictionally locks the collar 94 and shaft 90 together for unitary rotational motion in which the sleeve 93 also participates.

The lug 95 is thereby driven in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3), driving the plate 127 and stirrup cage 55 from its rest position, first downwardly in a direction away from the key buttons 12-14, the stirrup 70, now interlocked with the character lever 50, accordingly driving the latter in the same downward direction to effect movement of the corresponding character to a printing position. The surface 83 of the stirrup loop will be in abutting driving engagement with the abutment 53 of the character lever 50 when the stirrup cage 55 is moving away from the key buttons 30-32. The stirrup cage 55 moves downward, until the upper cage stops 65 strike the guides 63 and 64 projecting from the keyboard frame 11. The stops 65 are positioned relative to the downward travel of the stirrup cage 55 away from the key buttons 30-32, such that the corresponding movement or travel of the character lever 50 will be sufficient to properly position the character matrix.

To insure bottoming of the stirrup cage 55, Le, engagement between the stops 65 and guides 63 and 64, the driving lug is so positioned on the collar 94 that the stops 65 and guides 63, 64 should engage before the lug 95 reaches bottom dead center of its cycle. Consequently, the lug 95 continues driving the plate 127 downward for a short time after the stops 65 and guides 63 and 64 supposedly engage. After the stops 65 and guides 63, 64 are in abutting relation, the aforementioned lost motion connection between the stirrup cage 55 and the drive plate 127 permits further downward movement of the drive plate 127 relative to the stopped stirrup cage 55.

As the drive plate 127 moves downward with the lug 95, a corner 128a of the leg 128 strikes the outstanding pad 113 (FIG. 2) of the latch 107 and swings the latch 107 out of engagement with the ear 103 of vane 101, and the springs 111 and 112 act to return the latch 107 to its rest position. Thus, the latch 107 is repositioned for engaging the pawl 99 even though the key 12 (and hence the vane 101) is held in a depressed position.

As the collar 94 continues rotating, the lug 95 moves in the opposite direction or upward to return the stirrup cage 55 back to its rest position. As the stirrup 70 moves upward with the cage 55, the natural resilience of the stirrup 70 acts to return the stirrup 70 to its rest position as soon as the driving pressure on the abutment 53 is relaxed.

Moving ahead of the rotating lug 95 during this time, is the dowel 97 which engages the cam surface 119 of the disengaged pawl 99, and rocks the pawl 99 back to its latched position where the leading edge 120 of the outstanding pawl arm 117 is repositioned in the path of the step 98 to stop rotation of the sleeve 93 relative to the rotating shaft 90. The pawl tongue 118 overrides the tapered edge 114 and moves back into the notch 115 of the now upwardly repositioned latch 107. A coil spring (FIGS. 6 and 8), adjacent each end 105 and 106 of the vane 101, acts to return the vane 101 back to its home position when pressure on the key 12 is removed and the key stem 27 moves upward out of engagement with the vane 101. The biasing force of the springs 150 and the configuration of the contacting parts are such that the projecting car 103 of the vane 101, in moving upwardly, overrides a sloping edge 151 (FIG. 5) of the shoulder 110 on the now repositioned latch 107. The projecting ear 103 then moves back into interlocked engagement with the shoulder 110. (FIGS 2 and 5).

Thus, all mechanisms are repositioned, and are ready for retriggering by depressing another key 12-14. The collar 94 and driving lug 95 rotate one revolution and one revolution only, every time a key 12-14 is depressed. All mechanisms go through one complete cycle in which all the mechanisms are actuated and respond to position and then restore 'the character matrix, and at the termination of which all the mechanisms are returned to their rest positions to await a new driving cycle.

SPACE BARS AND THEIR OPERATION Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1, 4, 6, and 7 there is shown a pair of space bars 155 and 156. When struck, the space bar 155 allows for two increments of space, and the space bar 156 allows for three increments of space, it being understood that the machine described is one intended for composition work, using proportional spacing for wide and narrow characters, based on a four increment width for the maximum character unit. The two increment space bar 155 is used for word spacing in most situations, and the three increment bar 156 is provided for unusual situations where greater word spacing may be found preferable. The space bars 155 and 156 are mounted on the keyboard frame 11 similar to the normal or standard keys, e.g., key 12.

The two increment space bar 155 comprises a pair of parallel key stems 157 and 158. An elongated striking bar 159 is removably mounted on the key stems 157 and 158. Similarly, coil springs 159 (FIG. 6), are positioned on the key stems 157 and 158 to bias the space bar 155 upwardly out of engagement with the actuating vane 101. The key stem 157 has a bifurcated end 160 for simultaneously engaging the ball interlock 44 and operating the vane 101 to trip the pawl '99. A pair of spaced fingers 161 and 162 project from the key stem 157, forming a notch 163. The notch 163 is designed to receive a pin 164 extending from an arm 165 secured to a rotatable shaft 166, which is coextensive with the space bars 155 and 156. The shaft 166 and arm 165 are used to operate both space bars 155 and 156 in unison when the three increment space bar 156 is depressed. The two increment space bar 155 is operable independently of the three increment space bar 156. The reason for this will be evident as the description proceeds.

The two increment space bar 155 is operatively connected to a conventionally designed escapement mechanism similar to that described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,581,200. The escapement mechanism is capable of moving the paper carriage three increments of space, but is provided in a known manner with a stop normally limiting travel of the paper carriage to two increments of space when the escapement is tripped by a two increment control. An operating member 167 for actuating the two increment control is slidably associated with the key stem 157 by any suitable means, e.g., pin 168 and slot 169. The operating member 167 carries a depending pad 170, which is positioned for striking engagement by the previously described hammer 143 when the space bar 155 is depressed to trip the clutch 92 and effect operation of the stirrup cage 55. The reciprocating motion of the cage 55 is utilized solely for rotating the hammer 143, since none of the stirrups 70-72 are in driving engagement with a character lever 50-52. The hammer 143 hits the pad 170 and drives the operating member 167 axially to trip the two increment control, whereby the escapement mechanism moves the paper carriage two increments of space. The operating member 167 is biased to return to its rest position when the hammer 143 rotates out of engagement with the pad 170.

The three increment space bar 156 comprises a key stern 171 having a lower end 172 for engaging the vane The key stern 171 does not engage the ball interlock 44, since this is accomplished by the key stem 157 which operates in unison with the key stem 171 when the three increment space bar 156 is depressed. A striking bar 173 is removably positioned on the key stem 171, and is biased upwardly by a spring (not shown) similar to spring 159'. A single projecting finger 174 is carried by the key stem 171 for engaging a pin 175 extending from a link arm 176 secured to the rotatable shaft 166. The fingers 1 61 and 174 are similarly positioned on their respective key stems 157 and 171 relative to each other. Any movement of the finger 174 carried by the three increment space bar 156 against the pin 175 causes corresponding movement of the pin 164 against the lower finger 162 carried by the two increment space bar 155. However, movement of the upper finger 161 carried by the two increment space bar 155 against the pin 164 does not cause corresponding movement of the three increment space bar 156, because there if no corresponding lower finger. A lever arm 177 is rockably associated with the key stem 171 by any suitable means, e.g., pin 178 and slot 179,

and is operatively connected to the aforementioned escapement mechanism in a known manner to disable the two increment stop action and thereby allow the full three increment escapement movement to proceed. Both key stems 157 and 171 operate in unison when the three increment space bar 156 is depressed and, accordingly, the vane 101 will be engaged by both stems 157 and 171 to actuate operation of the stirrup cage 55 to rotate the hammer 143 into engagement with the operating member 167 so that escapement motion is initiated by the same mechanism which caused the operation when the two increment space bar was struck. However, the action of the three increment space bar 156 on lever arm 177 disables the two increment stop action causing the escapement mechanism to move the paper carriage three increments of space.

FIG., FIG. LOCK, CAR, AND CAP. LOCK KEYS AND THEIR OPERATION Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1, 3, 8-12, there are shown Fig. keys 183, a Fig. Lock key 184, Cap. keys and a Cap. Lock key 186.

As is well known on machines of the type being described, there are case shift motions of two different magnitudes, the first being referred to as Cap." which elevates the type matrix one stage to place the upper case alphabet at printing level, and the other being known as Fig. which elevates the type matrix two stages and thereby places a row of numerals and other figures at the printing level. Each of these case shift motions can be either manually held or locked as is customary on typewriters.

The following description of the keys and their operation is in relation to the Fig. and Fig. Lock keys, 183 and 184 respectively, since the Cap. and Cap. Lock keys 185 and 186 respectively are similarly constructed and operated, except for the degree of travel involved in the actual shift mechanism, which is well known and forms no part of this invention. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 8, there is a Fig. key 183 on either side of the keyboard 10. These Fig. keys 183 are coupled together for unitary movement by any suitable means, e.g., arms 187 and rotatable shaft 188. The Fig. and Fig. Lock keys 183 and 184 comprise key stems 189 and 190, respectively, on which are mounted similar striking buttons 191. The key stems 189 and 190, similar to the other key stems 27-29, are slidably mounted on the keyboard frame 11.

A lug 192 extends laterally from the bottom of the key stem 189 of the Fig. key 183 for driving engagement with the adjacent key stem of the Fig. Lock key 184, when the Fig. key 183 is depressed. The reason for this will be apparent from the following description. The key stem 190 of Fig. Lock key 184, is operatively connected to a dummy key stem 193 by any suitable means, e. g., arms 194 and 195 and rotatable shaft 196 actuated by striker 197 associated with the key stem 190. The dummy key stem 193 is positioned adjacent the keyboard frame side 15 for engaging the other projecting ear 104 of the rotatable vane 101 to trip the pawl 99. Coil springs 150 and 199 are provided for biasing the vane 101 and dummy key stem 193 upwardly towards their inoperative rest positions. The spring 199 in biasing the dummy key stem 193, also acts through link arms 194 and 195, shaft 196 and striker 197 to bias the Fig. Lock key 184 to its rest position.

A stirrup 200 is disposed adjacent the key stem 190 of the Fig. Lock key 184. The key stem 190 and stirrup 200, respectively, carry engaging cams 201 and 202 similar to those carried by the aforementioned character keys 12-14 and their stirrups 70-72. Also, the loop portion 203 of the stirrup 200 is essentially the same as the loop portions 80 of the other stirrups 70-72, except for an elongated slot 204 (See FIG. 3), which provides a clearance path for a cooperating abutment 213 under certain circumstances. The Fig. key 183 must work through and in unison with the Fig. Lock key 184 to operate the dummy key stem 193 and stirrup 200. A guide 205 is carried by the key stem 189 of the Fig. key 183. The guide 205 is a U-shaped piece of spring steel similar to the material from which the stirrups 70-72 are made. The guide 205 is firmly connected at one end to the key stem 189, and includes a guide member 206 projecting laterally from the key stem 189. A coil spring 207 is provided for biasing the key stern 189 upwardly towards its rest position.

A function lever 208 is disposed adjacent the stirrup 200 for actuating positioning of the Fig. shift selection, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,051,112. A locking latch 209 depends from, and is mounted for limited rocking motion on, the end of the function lever 208 by any suitable means, e.g., pin 211 and lug 212. The locking latch 209 carries the abutment 213 similar to that formed in the character levers 50-52. A shoulder 215 is formed in a free end 216 of the locking latch 209 for cooperation with a stop 218 secured to any suitable portion 219 of the machine frame.

A key shaped control member 220 is slidably mounted on the key board frame 11 for reciprocating movement towards and away from the striking hammer 141 carried by the adjacent rotatable shaft 140, or generally along an axis which is normal to the axes along which the key stems 189 and 190 reciprocate. The control member 220 has a bifurcated end 221 with a slot 222 for receiving a guide pin 223 attached to the stop 218. A pusher arm 224 is carried by the control member 220 adjacent the bifurcated end 221, and is designed to disengage the locking latch 209 from the stop 218 under appropriate circumstances. The control member 220 also includes an enlarged portion 225 with a reduced end portion 226 which extends through, and reciprocates in a slot 227 formed in an adjacent wall 228 of the keyboard frame 1 1. The enlarged portion 225 has a specially configured opening 229 characterized by a corner projection flanked by clearance areas 230 and 231. The reduced end portion 226 includes a pair of offset shoulders 232 and 233 for selectively resting on the bottom 234 of the slot 227. A coil spring 235 acts to bias the control member 220 in two directions, i.e., in an axial direction towards the hammer 141 and downwardly to alternately maintain the shoulders 232 and 233 against the slot bottom 234. The rest position of the control member 220 is shown in FIG. 9. In this position, the lower shoulder 232 rests on the slot bottom 234, and the guide member 206 lies in the opening 229, and generally within the clearance area 230.

When the Fig. key 183 is depressed, as shown in FIGS. and 11, the lug 192 engages and carries with it the Fig. Lock key 184 to deflect the stirrup 200 into embracing relationship with the abutment 213 of the locking latch 209 carried by the function lever 208. Simultaneously, the striker 197 of the Fig. Lock key 184 engages and rotates the arm 194 to effect corresponding movement of the dummy key stem 193 for activating the mechanism 100 via vane 101, causing disengagement of the pawl 99 from the step 98. Consequently, the stirrup cage 55 and shaft 140 carrying the hammer 141 are operated. The hammer 141 strikes the exposed adjacent reduced end portion 226 of the control member 220, driving it axially to a point where the lower shoulder 232 passes beyond the frame wall 228. When this happens the spring 235 pulls the controll member 220 downwardly such that the upper shoulder 233 rests on the slot bottom 234 and the control member 220 is for the moment latched against movement to the right. Meanwhile, the stirrup 200 reciprocating with the stirrup cage 55, drives the function lever 208 downwardly and rotates the shoulder 215 of the locking latch 209 into interlocking engagement with the lower edge of the stop 218. The guide member 206 rests in the lower or rightmost clearance area 231 of the opening 229 in the control member 220. The moved function lever 208 actuates the Fig. key mechanism described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,051,112. In this condition the parts are as seen in FIG. 10, which shows the power apparatus in mid-stroke.

The elongated slot 204 in the stirrup 200 provides clearance to prevent interference with the abutment 213 of the locking latch 209, as the stirrup 200 subsequently moves upward in unison with the other stirrups 70-72 back to its rest position,

while the Fig. key 183 and interlocked Fig. Lock key 184 remain depressed by the operators finger. If it were not for the slot 204, the interaction of the cams 201 and 202, as the stirrups -72 and 200 reciprocate, would cause undesirable interference contact between the bottom of the stirrup opening and locking latch 209.

The Fig. key 183 is kept in a depressed position while the key 12-14 of the character desired is depressed, as previously described. After the proper character is imprinted, the Fig. key 183 is released, as seen in FIG. 11. The spring 207 acts to return the Fig. key 183 and key stem 189 to its upper rest position. The guide member 206, carried by the key stem 189, engages the control member 220 at an abutment 236 (FIG. 11) and rotates or pulls the control member 220 upward from the slot bottom 234. When the control member 220 is at a position where the lower shoulder 232 is free of the slot bottom 234, the spring 235 acts upon the control member 220 to move it axially to the right. When this happens, the pusher arm 224 engages and rotates the free end 216 of the locking latch 209, moving the shoulder 215 free of locking engagement with the stop 218, and the upwardly biased function lever 208 is accordingly allowed to return to its rest position. The guide member 206 moves to its rest position in the opening 229 when the control member 220 returns to its rest position (FIG. 9).

When it is desired to lock the function lever 208 to provide continuous numeral printing without manually holding down the Fig. key 183, the Fig. Lock key 184 alone is depressed as shown in FIG. 12. The Fig. Lock key .184 can move independently of the Fig. key 183. Thus, the guide member 206 carried by the Fig. key 183, will remain stationary at the upper level, relative to the moving control member 220. Its resilient nature lets it deflect slightly to the left to allow it to accommodate the leftward movement of the control member 220 under the influence of striking hammer 141. As seen in FIG. 12, the deflected guide member 206 is positioned in the upper clearance area 230 when the control member 220 comes to rest after depressing the Fig. Lock key 184 "to lock-up the locking latch 209 with the stop 218, whereby the function lever 208 is retained in its actuating position during operation of the various keys 12-14 for imprinting the numeral characters.

The locking latch 209 can be disengaged from the stop 218 by depressing the Fig. key 183 to position the guide member 206 in the lower and rightmost clearance area 231 of the opening 229 in the control member 220, as in FIG. 10. The Fig. key 183 is then released to return all the parts to their original rest positions, as previously described.

TAB KEY AND OPERATION Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 13, there is shown a tab key indicated at 240. The tab key 240 is positioned adjacent the keyboard frame side 15, and comprises a striking button 241 mounted on a key stem 242, which rests on the projecting ear 104 or the vane 101, similar to the dummy key stem 193. The key stem 242 is slidably mounted on the machine frame side 15 by any suitable means, e.g., pins 243 and slots 244. The key stem 242 carries a cam 245 in the form of a semi-circular projection. A stirrup 246, having a configuration similar to the other stirrups 70-72 and 200, is disposed adjacent the key stern 242 of the tab key 240. The tab key stirrup 246, however, is inverted as compared with the other stirrups 70-72 and 200. The tab key stirrup 246 comprises a cam 247 and a loop portion 248 having an opening 249 with an upwardly facing surface 250. The other end 252 of the stirrup 246 is secured to a function lever 253 which, on swinging downwardly, actuates a conventional tabulating mechanism. Any suitable means, e.g., bracket 254 and pin 255, are used for securing the stirrup 246 to the function lever 253.

A drive arm 256 is fastened to the stirrup cage 55 at a location adjacent the path of the stirrup 246. The drive arm 256 is secured to the cage 55 by a pair of screws 259 and 261 projecting through elongate slots 260 and 262 respectively, provided in the frame side 15. The drive arm 256 carries a projecting lug 257, having an abutment 258. The spring 150 acts to bias the tab key 240 and vane 101 in an inoperative rest position. When the tab key 240 is depressed, the cams 245 and 247 engage and deflect the loop portion 248 of the stirrup 246 into embracing relation with the adjacent lug 257 of the drive arm 256.

The depressed stem 242 also actuates the mechanism 100 for tripping the pawl 99 to reciprocate the stirrup cage 55 and attached drive arm 256, first in a downwardly direction away from the key buttons 30-32, and then in an upwardly direction. The stirrup 246 and function lever 253 are correspondingly reciprocated to actuate the tabulating mechanism.

Thus, there has been described a novel mechanism employing key selected power actuated members for effecting the positioning of character types in a printing or composing machine. The mechanism includes a plurality of unique connecting and driving mechanisms, involving stirrups, operating in unison in response to depressing a key, for actuating the members. Among other unique features is the arrangement for selectively placing a stirrup in driving engagement with its mating member prior to moving or reciprocating the stirrups in unison. In addition, there are provided special mechanisms for adapting this same power mechanism to the requirements of other essential functions of the machine, such as the spacing and tab mechanisms, as well as the Fig. and Cap. selection mechanisms.

What is claimed is:

l. A printing machine comprising in combination: a keyboard including a plurality of selectable keys for controlling the machine;

an actuating member including a drive receiving element associated with each key and movable in a confined predetermined path for actuating an operation of the machine controlled by the key;

a power mechanism operable through a cycle in response to depression of any one of the said keys, said power mechanism including a drive element associated with each drive receiving element and its corresponding key, and means for operating the drive elements in unison each in a confined predetermined path as the power mechanism is cycled, one of said associated drive and drive receiving elements being mounted on its associated actuating member or power mechanism for displacement, relative to its associated actuating member or power mechanism on which it is mounted, into coacting relationship with the corresponding other of said drive and drive receiving elements, but normally positioned free thereof; and

means responsive to depression of a key for selectively displacing the corresponding one of said associated drive and drive receiving elements into coacting relationship with the corresponding other element to thereby operatively connect the actuating member and the power mechanism prior to cycling of the power mechanism.

2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein each drive element is a deflectable stirrup with means for embracing the drive receiving element on the actuating member associated therewith.

3. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein the means responsive to depression of a key for selectively displacing the corresponding one of said associated drive and drive receiving elements includes engaging cams carried by the keys and the stirrups for deflecting the stirrups into driving relationship with the actuating members.

4. The keyboard of claim 1, in which the power mechanism embodies a reciprocating cage and the drive elements are deflectable stirrups secured to the cage.

5. In a printing machine including a plurality of character members for creating printed impressions on a receiving surface in response to operation of the machine, a keyboard comprising:

a character lever member including a drive receiving catch, said character lever member movable in a confined predetermined path and operatively connected to each character member for moving the character member to a printing position in response to movement of the character lever member;

a depressable key on the keyboard associated with each character lever member;

a plurality of stirrups each having a latch portion thereon, one stirrup associated with each key and corresponding character lever member, said stirrups each having a first position disengaged from the associated catch and a second position engaged with the catch, and means for mounting the stirrups normally in the first position;

means for mounting the stirrups for joint reciprocating movement each in a confined predetermined path;

means responsive to a key being depressed a predetermined distance for effecting joint reciprocation of the stirrups; and

cam means associated with each of the keys responsive to a key being depressed less than said predetermined distance for selectively driving the latch portion of the associated stirrup to the second position in driving relationship with the catch of the corresponding character lever member prior to reciprocation of the stirrups.

6. The printing machine of claim 5 wherein each stirrup is a spring member biased away from engagement with its character lever member and deflectable into the path of the character lever member by depression of its key.

7. The printing machine of claim 5 wherein the cam means includes engaging cams carried by the keys and the stirrups.

8. The printing machine of claim 5 wherein the means for effecting joint reciprocation of the stirrups includes:

a continuously rotatable shaft;

means for translating rotary movement of the shaft to reciprocating motion of the stirrups; and

means for placing the shaft in driving engagement with the rotary movement translating means when a key is depressed the predetermined distance.

9. The printing machine of claim 8 wherein the means for placing the rotatable shaft in driving engagement with the rotary movement translating means includes:

a one revolution spring barrel clutch interposed between the rotatable shaft and the rotary movement translating means, the clutch including a driven collar;

means for disengaging the clutch causing relative movement between the collar and the shaft until a key is depressed; and

means for engaging the clutch causing unitary rotation of the shaft and the collar when a key is depressed the predetermined distance.

10. The printing machine of claim 9 wherein the means for disengaging the clutch includes a control sleeve normally rotatable with the driven collar, and a pawl for engaging and holding the control sleeve stationary relative to the rotatable shaft.

1 1. The printing machine of claim 10 wherein the means for engaging the clutch includes:

means for tripping the pawl to disengage the pawl from the control sleeve.

12. The printing machine of claim 11 wherein the means for tripping the pawl includes:

a latch movable relative to the pawl for holding the pawl in engaged relation with the control sleeve;

means for moving the latch from its engaged position with the pawl in response to a key being depressed the predetermined distance, to cause disengagement between the pawl and the latch; and

means urging the pawl out of engagement with the control sleeve when the pawl and the latch are disengaged.

13. The printing machine of claim 12 wherein the means for moving the latch includes:

a vane engaging the latch and rotatable to move the latch from its engaged position with the pawl;

means for rocking the vane when a key is depressed the predetermined distance;

means for disengaging the latch from the rotatable vane when the latch moves from its engaged position with the pawl; and

means for returning the disengaged latch to its initial position wherein the latch is conditioned to receive and latch the pawl whenever the latch is restored.

14. The printing machine of claim 13 which further comprises means for reengaging the pawl, including a cam carried by the pawl, and a member rotatable in unison with the driven collar for engaging the cam and rotating the pawl back into engagement with the repositioned latch.

15. The printing machine as set forth in claim in which the means responsive to a key being depressed a predetermined distance comprises a swingable vane and in which the keyboard comprises key stems associated with the keys, all of which stems are arranged in alignment with the vane to rock the vane when any key is depressed.

16. The printing machine as set forth in claim 5 in which the means for efiecting joint reciprocation of the stirrups includes:

a cage on which the stirrups are carried; a reciprocating drive plate drivingly associated with the cage through a spring biased lost motion connection; stop means for the cage at the maximum limit of travel from rest position; means for moving said drive plate beyond the maximum travel position of said cage; and adjustable limiting means associated with said lost motion connection for adjustably positioning the cage to place the stirrups carried thereby at a position for proper coaction with their respective actuating members.