US3610389A

US3610389A - Keyboard machine with sequentially responsive printing means

Info

Publication number: US3610389A
Application number: US758350A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alessandro Cortona; Eridiano Gindri
Original assignee: Olivetti SpA
Current assignee: Olivetti SpA; TIM SpA
Priority date: 1967-09-16
Filing date: 1968-09-09
Publication date: 1971-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 1988-10-05
Also published as: FR1579393A; CH478433A; DE1762870A1; DE1762870C3; DE1762870B2; GB1172667A

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations in a teleprinter or other keyboard machine comprising a series of setting members, each arranged, when preset by a movement in a first direction to initiate a cycle of operation of a motor-driven universal member which drives the preset member in a second direction to set a group of code bars in accordance with the code combination pertaining to the said member and then permits the said member to be restored resiliently to its inoperative position, and a plurality of keys for presetting corresponding setting members, one of these said corresponding setting members being connected to a further one of the setting members by a linkage which presets the further setting member when the said one member is driven in the said second direction.

Description

United States Patent [54] KEYBOARD MACHINE WITH SEQUENTIALLY RESPONSIVE PRINTING MEANS 4 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 197/7, 197/14, 197/17 [5 1] Int. Cl B4lj 3/00 [50] Field oi'Search 197/l4,7,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,289,804 12/1966 Schaefer 197/7 3,306,417 2/1967 Gassino et al 197/17 Primary Examiner-Edgar S. Burr Attorney-Birch, Swindler, McKie & Beckett ABSTRACT: An apparatus for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations in a teleprinter or other keyboard machine comprising a series of setting members, each arranged, when preset by a movement in a first direction to initiate a cycle of operation of a motor-driven universal member which drives the preset member in a second direction to set a group of code bars in accordance with the code combination pertaining to the said member and then permits the said member to be restored resiliently to its inoperative position, and a plurality of keys for presetting corresponding setting members, one of these said corresponding setting members being connected to a further one of the setting members by a linkage which presets the further setting member when the said one member is driven in the said second direction.

PATENIEU nm 5 Ian KEYBOARD MACHINE WITH SEQUENTIALLY RESPONSIVE PRINTING MEANS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Applicants claim priority from corresponding Italian Patent Application Ser. No. 53042-A/67, filed Sept. 16, 1967, now Italian Patent No. 813,572.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations for teleprinters, typewriters, calculating machines, accounting machines and other such keyboard machines comprising a series of keys for setting code combinations by presetting setting members. The preset setting member is then driven by a universal member adapted to be actuated cyclically by motor on the setting of each of the keys to shift the setting member so as to set the code bars of the machine.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various arrangements for setting sequences of code combinations are known, involving a series of setting members each adapted to set a code combination of the sequence and one of which is preset on the depression of a sequence release key. In known arrangements of the aforesaid type, repeated codes are generally set by keeping the relative key depressed manually for the required number of setting operations, so that the arrangement requires the attention of the operator.

In a known arrangement, it has been proposed to set the sequence of characters forming the words THE and AND recurring in the English language by means of the same key for setting the first letter of the sequence, this key being adapted to be set in two different positions in the case of the single character and in the case of the sequence. In this arrangement, each lever of the key is provided with a rotary element adapted to prearrange the corresponding setting member.

The code combinations of the sequence are set by another series of setting members provided with projections offset so as to be engaged in sequence by the element of the lever controlling the sequence, this latter element being rotated step by step when the preceding setting member is restored to its rest position. This arrangement is therefore very complicated and costly and its operation is sensitive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations comprising:

A series of keys for setting corresponding code combinations,

A series of setting members each adapted to be shifted in a first direction to selectively set a group of code bars in accordance with one of said code combinations, each of said setting members being shiftable in a second direction upon the movement of the corresponding key to be preset for actuation,

A universal member adapted to be actuated cyclically by motor upon the setting of each of the keys to shift the preset member from an inoperative position to an operative position to set said code bars and then to allow said setting member to be restored resiliently to the inoperative position,

A further series of setting members each adapted to set a code combination of the said sequence of code combinations, a setting member in said further series being preset upon the movement of a sequence release key, at least one of said setting members in said further series being adapted so that, when shifted into the operative position, a member associated therewith is actuated to cause the setting of said setting member in accordance with the subsequent code combination of said sequence of code combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, the transmission code bars 3 of a teleprinter can be set selectively and are adapted to remain from time to time in the position reached. The bars 3 are all alike and can rock about pairs of pivots 4 disposed at the ends of the bars on their longitudinal axes and journaled in the frame of the machine. The bars 3 are adapted in this way to represent the various code combinations. The bars 3 are set by a series of sliders 6 slidably mounted in fixed rear and front combs 7 and 8. In correspondence with each bar 3, each slider 6 is provided with a long projection 9 or a short projection 11, these projections being adapted to act on the corresponding bar 3 at diametrically opposite positions. More particularly, a projection 9 is adapted to swing the corresponding bar 3 counterclockwise, while a projection 11 is adapted to swing it clockwise,whereby the bars 3 are positioned positively.

Each slider 6 is shifted to the rear by a corresponding setting member constituted by a slider 12 sliding on a fixed rod 13 and normally held engaged in the position shown in FIG. I, in opposition to the action of a spring 14, by a latch 15. The latch is normally held so that it bears against a fixed bar 16 by a spring 17 and engages by means of a notch 18 with a lug 19 of a shank 20 slidable vertically in a fixed comb 21. Fixed to the shank 20 is a corresponding key 22 for setting a code combination, for example a writing key or a coded-function key.

The slider 12 is moreover provided with a projection 23 adapted to cooperate with a universal bar 24 adapted to control a cycle of a main shaft, not shown in the drawing, in the manner described in US. Pat. No. 3,306,417. During this cycle, a lug 25 fulcrumed on a spindle 26 is rocked first clockwise and then counterclockwise to cooperate with a shoulder 27 provided on each of the sliders 12.

When a key 22 is depressed, its latch 15 is turned about the point of contact with the bar 16 and releases the slider 12. The slider is swung by the spring 14 and, on the one hand, acts by means of the projection 23 on the universal bar 24 to start a cycle of the main shaft and, on the other hand, brings the shoulder 27 into the path of lug 25. During the cycle, the lug 25 pushes the slider 12 firstly to the rear (i.e. the left in FIG. 1) and this slider reengages the latch 15 and also acts on the corresponding slider 6, so setting the code bars 3. Thereafter, the lug 25 returns to rest, as a result of which the spring 14 returns the slider 12 in the forward direction. The slider 12, however, cannot produce another cycle unless the key 22 is first released and depressed again, in manner known per se.

There will now be described by the way of example an arrangement for automatically setting the sequence of three codes CARRIAGE RETURN," LINE-SPACING, CAR- RIAGE RETURN which is used to make the carriage of the machine shift to a fresh line which is to be printed. The last code combination CARRIAGE RETURN" of the sequence, which is normally redundant, is used, however, for safety. This arrangement comprises a sequence release key 29 (FIG. 2) carried by a shank 30 slidable vertically in the fixed comb 21 and provided with a lug 31 engaged in a notch 32 in a latch 33 equivalent to the latches 15 (FIG. I) and normally bearing against the fixed bar 16 through the action of a spring 34 (FIG. 2). a

The latch 33 holds a setting member or slider 36 engaged in opposition to the action of a spring 35, the slider 36 being similar to the sliders I2 (FIG. I) and adapted to engage a corresponding slider 37 similar to the sliders 6 (FIG. 1) and the projections 9 and 11 of which are disposed in accordance with the first code combination of the sequence to be set on the bars 3 (FIG. 1). The slider 36 is moreover provided with an arcuate slot 38 in which is engaged a pin 39 on a bail 40. The latter can turn on a fixed rod 41 and is pivoted to a slider 42 slidable vertically in two fixed guides 43. The slider 42 is provided with a lug 44 adapted to cooperate with a shoulder 45 of a second latch 46 like the latch 15, (FIG. 1) which is normally made to bear against the fixed bar 16 by the action of a spring 47 and is engaged by means of a notch 48 with a fixed lug 49.

The latch 46 nonnally keeps engaged, in opposition to the action of a spring 50, a second setting member or slider 51 like the setting member 36 and adapted to engage a corresponding slider 52 the projections 9 and 11 of which are disposed in accordance with the second code combination of the sequence tobesetonthebars3.

The slider 51 is moreover provided with an arcuate slot 53 in which is engaged a pin 54 on another bail 56 which can turn on the rod 41 and is pivoted to a slider 57 similar to the slider 42 and slidable vertically in two fixed guides 58. The slider 57 is provided with a lug 59 adapted to cooperate with a shoulder 61 of a third latch 62 similar to the latches 33 and 46 and provided with a notch 63 engaged by another fixed lug 64.

The latch 62 normally keeps engaged, in opposition to the action of a spring 65, a third setting member or slider 67 adapted to engage a corresponding slider 68 the projections 9 and l l of which are disposed in accordance with the third code combination of the sequence to be set on the bars 3.

Each of the

sliders

36, 51 and 67 is provided with a projection 69 adapted to act on the universal bar 24 (FIG. 1) in an identical manner to the projection 23 of the sliders 12, (FIG. 1) and with a shoulder 70 (FIG. 2) adapted to cooperate with the lug 25 in an identical manner to the shoulder 27 of the sliders 12 (FIG. 1).

The arrangements for automatically setting three code combinations operates in the following manner.

n depression of the key 29 (FIG. 2), the shank 30 turns the latch 33 by means of the lug 31 about the point of contact with the bar 16. The latch 33 then releases the slider 36, which through the action of the spring 35, turns clockwise about the rod 13 without affecting the pin 39 of the bail 40 because of the arcuate form of the slot 38. The slider 36 then brings its shoulder 70 into the path of the lug 25 (FIG. 1) and also acts through the medium of its projection 69 (FIG. 2) on the universal bar 24 (FIG. 1), thereby producing a cycle, as in the case of the depression of the key 22. During this cycle, the lug 25 acts on the shoulder 70 (FIG. 2) of the slider 36 and pushes it to the rear. The slider 36 now acts on the corresponding slider 37 which sets the code bars 3 (FIG. 1) by means of the projections 9 and 11 in accordance with the first code combination of the sequence.

While the slider 36 reengages the latch 33 as it shifts to the rear, it causes the bail 40 to turn counterclockwise (as viewed from the left in FIG. 2) by means of the pin 39 and shift the slider 42 upwardly. By means of its lug, this slider causes the latch 46 to turn about the lug 49 and then release the slider 51. This spring 50 now swings the slider 51 clockwise about the rod 13, without affecting the bail 56 because of the arcuate form of the slot 53, until the slider 51 bears temporarily against the lug 25 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is completing the setting stroke of the slider 36.

At the same time, the projection 69 of the slider 36 leaves the bar 24 (FIG. 1), while the projection 69 of the slider 51 is brought into contact with the bar 24 and therefore keeps it in the shifted position. At the end of the return stroke of the lug 25, the slider 51 brings its shoulder 70 into the path of the lug 25, while, since its projection 69 is keeping the bar 24 in the shifted position, a second cycle of the main shaft begins.

The lug 25 now shifts the slider 51 to the rear, as in the case of the slider 36, causing the shifting of the corresponding slider 52 which sets the bars 3 by means of the projections 9 and 11 in accordance with the second code combination of the sequence. At the same time, the slider 51 causes the bail 56 to turn counterclockwise by means of the pin 54 and shift the slider 57 upwardly. By means of the lug 59, this slider causes the latch 62 to turn and the latch releases the slider 67 in a similar manner to the slider 51. The projection 69 of the slider 51 now leaves the bar 24 (FIG. 1), while the projection 69 of the slider 67 is brought into contact with the bar 24, therefore still keeping it in the shifted position and producing a third cycle of the main shaft.

The lug 25 (FIG. 1) now shifts the slider 67, which acts on the corresponding slider 68, thereby setting the bars 3 in accordance with the third code combination of the sequence. At the same time, the projection of the slider 67 leaves the bar 24, which returns to rest in the position of FIG. 1 so that at the end of the cycle the main shaft stops.

Obviously, the sequence CARRIAGE RETURN, LINE- SPACING, CARRIAGE RETURN is preferable to another sequence of these particular code combinations, such as CAR- RIAGE RETURN, CARRIAGE RETURN, LINE-SPACING, since if the operator depresses any key by mistake while the last code combination of the sequence is being set on the bars 3 the loss of the redundant code combination occurs and does not affect the setting of the fresh line.

It is therefore clear that at least one setting member 36 in the last series of setting

members

36, 51 and 67, when it is set in the operative position, actuates a slider 42 associated therewith to cause the prearrangement of the setting member 51 pertaining to the following combination of the sequence.

If the bail 56, the latch 62 and the sliders 67 and 68 are eliminated, the arrangement described can be used for return to the beginning, that is return of the carriage followed by linespacing. Moreover, if the three

sliders

37, 52 and 68 are identical, the arrangement described can be used to set a sequence of combinations equal, for example, to treble zero in a calculating or accounting machine. Obviously, various other modifications are possible.

We claim:

1. A device for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations for a keyboard controlled apparatus having a group of code bars selectively positionable in one of a pair of positions to represent code combinations, a series of depressible keys, a series of setting members associated with said keys and individually shiftable to an operative position to selectively position said code bars according to a corresponding code combination, a series of latches each one connected to one of said keys and nonnally latching the associated setting member in an inoperative position, each one of said keys upon being depressed conditioning the latch connected thereto to release the corresponding setting member, spring means for bringing the released setting member from said inoperative position to a preset position, and a universal member responsive to the presetting of any of said setting members for being cyclically power operated to shift the preset setting member from said preset position to said operative position, wherein the improvement comprises:

an additional key depressible for starting the setting of a sequence of code combinations,

an additional number of setting members presettable to be shifted in a predetermined order by said universal member from a preset position to an operative position for sequentially positioning a plurality of code bars according to said sequence of code combinations,

an additional number of latches associated with said additional number of setting members and normally latching said number of setting members in an inoperative position,

spring means for bringing the setting members of said number from their inoperative position to their preset position when released by the associated latches, the latch associated with the first setting member of said number in the order of said sequence being conditioned by the depression of said additional key to release the associated setting member,

an intermediary linkage connected to each setting member of said number but the last one, and

an element on each of said linkage being effective upon shifting the associated setting member to engage the latch associated with the next following setting member of said number in the order of said sequence.

2. In a keyboard controlled apparatus having a plurality of code bars selectively positionable to represent various code combinations and a set of first setting members each operable in response to the depressing of an associated operating key to position one of said code bars, means for sequentially setting a series of codes upon said code bars comprising:

a set of second setting members for sequentially setting a series of codes in a predetermined sequence, each of said second setting members being cyclically drivable in response to a mechanical input signal from an inoperative position to an operating position and then back to said inoperative position, said first and second sets of setting members positioning said code bars when in said operating position, sequence key separate from said operating keys and operatively associated with the first one of said second setting members in said sequence, said sequence key providing said mechanical input signal to said first one of said second setting members in said sequence, and means interconnecting said second set of setting members to provide sequential operation thereof, said interconnecting means comprising a plurality of linkages connected between sequentially adjacent ones of said second setting members for providing said mechanical input signal to each succeeding one of said second setting members in said sequence in response to the movement of each preceding one of said second setting members in said sequence from said inoperative position to said operative position, whereby said first one of said second setting members in said sequence is provided with said mechanical input signal by depressing said sequence key and said second setting members succeeding in said sequence are each provided with said mechanical input signal by said second setting member immediately preceding in said sequence.

3. A keyboard controlled apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a latch retaining each of said second setting members in said inoperative position and resilient means for moving each of said second setting members into engagement with cyclic drive means for moving said second setting member cyclically from said inoperative position to said operating position and then back to said inoperative position, when said latch is released, said latch being released by said mechanical input signal.

4. A keyboard controlled apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said second setting members move linearly, and each of said connecting linkages comprises a pivotally mounted lever engaging said preceding second setting member and pivoting in response to movement of said preceding second setting member toward said operating position, a latch release lever connected to said latch of said succeeding second setting members, and means connecting said latch release member and said pivotally mounted lever and moving said latch release lever in response to movement of said pivotally mounted lever.

Claims

1. A device for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations for a keyboard controlled apparatus having a group of code bars selectively positionable in one of a pair of positions to represent code combinations, a series of depressible keys, a series of setting members associated with said keys and individually shiftable to an operative position to selectively position said code bars according to a corresponding code combination, a series of latches each one connected to one of said keys and normallY latching the associated setting member in an inoperative position, each one of said keys upon being depressed conditioning the latch connected thereto to release the corresponding setting member, spring means for bringing the released setting member from said inoperative position to a preset position, and a universal member responsive to the presetting of any of said setting members for being cyclically power operated to shift the preset setting member from said preset position to said operative position, wherein the improvement comprises: an additional key depressible for starting the setting of a sequence of code combinations, an additional number of setting members presettable to be shifted in a predetermined order by said universal member from a preset position to an operative position for sequentially positioning a plurality of code bars according to said sequence of code combinations, an additional number of latches associated with said additional number of setting members and normally latching said number of setting members in an inoperative position, spring means for bringing the setting members of said number from their inoperative position to their preset position when released by the associated latches, the latch associated with the first setting member of said number in the order of said sequence being conditioned by the depression of said additional key to release the associated setting member, an intermediary linkage connected to each setting member of said number but the last one, and an element on each of said linkage being effective upon shifting the associated setting member to engage the latch associated with the next following setting member of said number in the order of said sequence.

2. In a keyboard controlled apparatus having a plurality of code bars selectively positionable to represent various code combinations and a set of first setting members each operable in response to the depressing of an associated operating key to position one of said code bars, means for sequentially setting a series of codes upon said code bars comprising: a set of second setting members for sequentially setting a series of codes in a predetermined sequence, each of said second setting members being cyclically drivable in response to a mechanical input signal from an inoperative position to an operating position and then back to said inoperative position, said first and second sets of setting members positioning said code bars when in said operating position, a sequence key separate from said operating keys and operatively associated with the first one of said second setting members in said sequence, said sequence key providing said mechanical input signal to said first one of said second setting members in said sequence, and means interconnecting said second set of setting members to provide sequential operation thereof, said interconnecting means comprising a plurality of linkages connected between sequentially adjacent ones of said second setting members for providing said mechanical input signal to each succeeding one of said second setting members in said sequence in response to the movement of each preceding one of said second setting members in said sequence from said inoperative position to said operative position, whereby said first one of said second setting members in said sequence is provided with said mechanical input signal by depressing said sequence key and said second setting members succeeding in said sequence are each provided with said mechanical input signal by said second setting member immediately preceding in said sequence.