US400716A - Office - Google Patents

Description

3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

GJSPIRO.

(No Model.)

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. PIRO.

TYPE w v NG MACHINE. Y No; 400,716. Patented Apr. 2,, 1889..

(No Modem J 3 Sheets-Sheet s. r

o. SPIRO,

4 "TYPE WRITING MACHINE; 2

No. 400,716.] r Patented Apr;2,- 188 9.

N. PETERS. mrl ummpm Wuhlnglcn 01c i ITED ST TES? PATENT QFFICE.

CHARLES SP IRO,.( )F NEW YORK, N. Y.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 400,716, dated April 2, 1889. Application filed April 15,1887. Serial 110,234,905. (llo model.) Patented in England April 30, 1887, No. 6,325.

To all whom it may concern.-

of the United States, residing at New York,

vin the county of New York, State of New 30, 1887,being numbered 6,325 of the York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Type-Writing Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings. 7 i The subject-matter of this specification has been patented to me in Great Britain April patents of that year. i

This invention has relation to type-writing machines, and among the objects in view are to reduce the number of parts, to simplify the connection between the several operative parts, to provide a simple variable spacing mechanism, a. compact assemblage of the type-bars, and an inking mechanism which permits of printing directly from the type, and means for a simultaneous line-feed- .ingof the platen and of the carriage.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear, and the novel features thereof will be particularly pointed out in the claims. Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a central vertical section, the carriage and inking devices being shown in side elevation, of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a half plan. Fig. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the feed mechanism. Fig. 4 is a detail of the inking mechanism. Fig. 5 is a bottom plan of theinking mechanism. Fig. 6 is a sectional detail of the type-bar hangers. one of the type-bar hangers detached, and Fig.

8 is a perspective of one of the type-bars.

ures of the drawings.

.50 to act as guides for the key-levers.

Like letters indicate like parts in all the fig- A represents any suitable base or table, from the rear supports, A, of which extends a key-lever-supporting rod, B. From intermediate supports or depending brackets, A, arod, B extends from side to side of the base.

The function of said rod is to limit the down-- ward movement of the key-levers. Screwpins B are inserted between the key-levers and seated in the under surface of the table At the Fig. 7 is a perspective of sides and near the back edge of the table are standards 0, which support the ways 0 for the carriage D, in which is mounted the platen D.

E is a pawl-lever, pivoted, as at E, to the riser D? at the end of the carriage, the said lever being arranged between the end of the platen and the riser. The riser D is provided with a rigid standard, D in which is an adj usting-screw, D arranged in the path of the lever E.

D represents the journal of the platen, and F a ratchet rigidly secured thereto.

E represents a pawl, pivoted in the bifurcated end of the lever E and pressed at its rear flat end by a spring, E A spring, E projects from the riser D and bears against the lever E below its pivot, and serves to retain the pawl-carrying end of the lever and the pawl out of contact with the ratchet F. The leverand ratchet are mounted on difierent centers, so that when the free end of the lever E is moved toward thestandard D the pawl comes into contact with the ratchet and rotates the platen for a greater or less distance, in accordance with the predetermined adjustment of the screw D The operative motion of the free end of the lever being toward the standard, it will be seen that after a line movement of the platen the lever and standard are brought together, so that at such times as a line movement of the platen is made the carriage can without additional preparation be drawn to a position to commence the next line of the work. A pressureroller, G, extends along the platen and is yieldingly supported at each end by a spring, G. A guide, H, is provided to direct the 7 paper between the platen F and the roller G.

The variable spacing feed mechanism will be understood by reference to Figs. 1 and 3. The carriage D is provided with the usual rack, I, and opposite the rack there is pivot ally secured a pawl-carrying lever, I, the pawl J pivoted at one end of said lever, being a double-ended pawl, and a spring,J serving by contact with one end thereof to keep said end of the pawl in mesh with the rack Iwhen not otherwise acted upon. A bracket, J extends over and down in front of the rack I and in the path of the spring-depressed end of the pawl, so as to act as a stop to the pawl at the end of its operative stroke. Said bracket also acts somewhat in the nature of a lock, in that it by reason of the beveled end of the pawl directs the same in a wedgelike manner into contact with the rack. The opposite end of the pawl J is curved or camshaped, so that when brought into contact with the adjacent bracket J and when retained for a longer or shorter period in contact therewith during a return movement of the pawl-lever I and the pawl thereon, the operative end of the pawl is caused to pass over a greater or less number of teeth in the rack, so that the next operation of the feed will be varied in accordance with the width of the letter to be printed. This automatic variation in the backward movement of the pawl over the rack is accomplished, primarily, by notching the key-levers K, each lever being notched in accordance with the character as to width'of the type which it brings to the printing-point.

In connection with the notched levers I have provided a double bail, L, which extends along under the entire system of key-levers K, the bail being supported on a shaft, L, mounted in depending brackets L at each side of the machine. An arm, L extends from the bail, and is connected by a rod, L, with a link or shorter rod, L which is rigidly connected to the end of the pawl-carrying lever I. The connections of the arm, rod, and pawl-lever are all pivotal, so that when the bail L is oscillated on its shaft the pawl-lever I is oscillated on its pivot I so that the pawl is caused to take the movements hereinbefore described. Now, by notching each of the key-levers, as at K K and varying the notches as to depth, different throws as to distance of the arm L will be produced. As the key K of the lever is depressed, the lever will assume the position indicated by dotted lines, Fig. 1, and the bail will be brought parallel with the lever, as indicated by dotted lines, and here produce a further locking of the parts in that a further depression of the key-lever is impossible, and any vibration of the arm L after its throw is prevented and the positive movement thus produced is accurately communicated to the feed-pawl, whereby accuracy of automatic variable spacing is secured, and this by exceedingly simple devices quite closely and directly connected with each other. The key-board in this instance consists of six transverse rows of keys, K the outer three making up one set of characters-for example, the lower-case letters-and the inner three rows of keys the capitals and other characters. Of course a single-set key-board could be employed, with the other novel features of my invention co-' operating therewith, if desired, by providing two type upon each bar and any suitable platen-shifting mechanism. Type-bar rods M connect each of the key-levers K with the type-bars N N. A standard, 0-, at each side of the table A supports a superimposed table or foundation-plate, P, which has a series of two or more concentric grooves, P, each and all of which are curved as from a common center, which center is the printing-point on the platen D. The type-bars N, which are arranged in the inner circular groove, are therefore shorter than the type-bars N, arranged in the grooves farther from the platen or outside of said first groove, P. The longest type-bars N are substantially of the same length of type-bars in well-known machines of this class, while the bars in the inner series are proportionately shorter.

By reference to Fig. 2 it will be s:en that the plate P is provided with a series of apertures, P in the ridges P and another series, P in the grooves, the apertures being prop erly spaced the former for the reception and passage of the connecting-rods M and the latter for the reception of the screws R employed for securing the brackets in position in the grooves. Notches P on the inner edge of the plate serve the same function as do the apertures P A spring, U Fig. 5, bears upon the pawl U, pivoted, as at U, on the arm U, so as to press the free end of said pawl constantly upward toward the under surface of the disk.

One of the type-bars is shown by dotted lines in Fig. l. depressed, as in the act of printing. A shield,P is secured to the front edge of the platePand acts as a stop or cushion for the type-bars when returning from a printing stroke. This shield is of such a height as not to prevent an easy inspection of the matter printed, in that the operator, when seated at the machine, has an unobstructed view along the line X, Fig. 1, of the platen..

Each of the type-bars has at one end lateral pivots N which may be either plain or conical at their bearing portions.

Q represents my type-bar bracket; and it consists of a base, Q, which is upwardly curved, and in this instance perforated, as at Q for the passage of an attaching-screw, R From each end of the curved or convex base there projects an arm or standard, Q which is perforated, as at Q, for the reception of the pivots N Now, when not otherwise influenced, the arms or standards Q are formed to slant or incline outwardly from each other, so that the pivots N of the type-bar N or' N may be entered into the apertures Q Now by running the screw R into the foundation P, after the bracket is inserted in a groove, 1?, thereof, the arms Q are brought into substantial parallelism and into a firm true bearing with the pivots of the type-bar by reason of a depression of the conical base. This constriction also permits of an easy and perfect take-up or wear at the pivots of the type-bar.

The width from front to rear of the base of the bracket, and it may be the outline of the front and rear edges thereof, is similar to that of the circular groove P, into which the bracket is to be inserted. These grooves P are provided with screw-holes P while the ridges of the plate orfoundation P, occurring between the grooves, are provided with apertures P through which pass the type-bar rods M. Notches P serve the same purpose assapertures P -N.ow it will be observed that the mere placing of a bracket Q at any point within one of the curved grooves P aligns the type-bar, so that it will strike at the printing-point on the platen. This results from cutting the grooves on the plate in circles concentric tothe printing-point. Each ,of the type-bars N is notched, as at N in order that it may clear the brackets or pivots ofthe type-bars in rear thereof. By this construction the bars of the entire system may be arranged-very closely side by side, and

. therefore the entire system will be exceedingly compact, whileat the same time no typefbars will conflict with each other in any part of the movements given to the same in a proper to the printing-point.

operation of the machine. It now remainsto describe the inking mechanism. The inking mechanism is supported by a bracket, R, secured to and projecting above the table and terminating at a point above and at one side of the platen D. The

bracket may be arranged at either side of the printing-point, and the rod in which it terminates may projectin either direction from the bracket, the purpose being to bring the lowest point of the disk-flange adjacent In Fig. 1 the bracket is at the left of the printing-point, and in Fig.5 the rod is represented as projecting.

I from the bracket when arranged at the right of the printing-point. The bracket terminates in the form of a cylindrical rod, on which The inking device S is mounted on a stud,

R projecting from the sleeve, and is removably secured by a thumb-nut, RL Upon the inking-disk is a layer or layers, T, of cloth or other ink-holding fabric. A pawl-lever, U,

Fig. 5, is pivoted to the sleeve and projects therefrom toward the periphery of the'inking-disk, and is provided at its free end with. a pawl, U, adapted to take into apertures U formedv in the disk and extending in a circular series, all equidistant from the pivot U of the pawllever. This pawlU has a sloping face turnedin the direction opposite to that of the arrow,,and is consequently inactive during the movement in such direction, The other side of the pawl is, however, perpendicular to the disk, and engages with the apspring, U bears upon the pawl U, which is pivoted, as at U, on the arm U, so as to press said pawl constantly upward toward the under surface of the disk. Now, when by any means the disk S is tilted, dipped, or. partially rotated from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 1 to that shown in dotted lines Y in said figure, the arm U comes into contact with the pin U and consequently carries its pawl U from one to another of the apertures U in the disk, so that when the disk returns to the position shown in full lines it is caused by the pawl and lever to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5 until the free end of the armUcomes into contact with the pin U projecting from the bracket. In this manner a constant change of the point of contact of the type with the ink-disk is secured. The end of the pawl U merely rests in the apertures and has no difficulty in riding over the same in its backward stroke, and

therefore the disk is not liable to be rotated backward by the pawl. The forward rotation of the disk is positive or independent, so as to have a wiping effect or action upon the face of a type in contact therewith, which is preferable to a mere contact of a type with a roller actuated thereby.

In Fig, 2 I have shown in section the standard V, which supports a screen, V, the object of which is to so cover the inking-disk as to prevent contact of the hands of the operator therewith, and in a measure prevent the accumulationof dust upon the disk.

In Fig. 4 Ihaveillustrated a preferred form IIO when said type comes into contactwith the flange. Now it will be readily seen by a comparison of Figs. 1 and 4 that the distance which the free edge of the inking-disk is re quired to travel with the type, and along the path thereof, is materially reduced by providing the flange S upon the disk. The travel of the disk across the path of the type in this instance is limited substantially to the width of the flange; butthis is sufficient, in view of the intermittent rotation of the disk,

to deposit the required quantity of ink upon the face of the type.

There isacompound movement of my inking-disk, in that it not only moves with the type-that is, along the path of the typebut it also moves in a direction across said path, whereby during the movement of the type from its position of rest to the print ing-point it is joined and accompanied by the transversely-moving inking device, whereby the advancement of the type is not interfered with to increase the depression or force required to depress the key of the machine; nor is the contact of the type with the inking-disk accompanied by excessive .force, so that smoothness of operation of both devices is a resultant advantage of the construction herein disclosed. The inclination of the disk or of its flange may be varied by changing the position of the pivotal support of the disk nearer to or farther froma point directly over the printing-point of the platen. It is also evident that the bracket R may be secured at another port-ion of the base than that herein shown; but by reason of non-interference with the paper being printed upon, which naturally projects rearwardly from the carriage, I have illustrated the bracket as supported in front of the carriage and at one side of the printing-point of the platen.

\Vhat- I claim isl. A bracket for a type-bar, comprising a yielding convex base provided with upwardlyprojecting sides, substantially as specified.

2. The combination, with the type-barhaving lateral pivots or bearings, of a support consisting of a yielding convex base provided with projecting sides, perforated for the reception of the pivots, and an attaching device passing through the base into a suitable table or foundation, substantially as specified.

3. The combination of a suitable foundation having a groove the front and rear walls of which are parallel and curved on circles having a common center, with a type-bar having lateral pivots, and with a type-barsupporting bracket having a convex base of a width agreeing with that of the groove in the foundation, and having projecting sides adapted to receive the type-bar pivots, and a fastening device passing through the convex base of the bracket and into the foundation, substantially as specified.

4. In combination with the platen and type-bars of a type-writing machine, an inclined tilting rotatable ink-disk, with its edge arranged in the path of the free end of the type-bars, and a disk-tilting spring, substantially as specified.

5. The combination, with the platen and type-bars of a type-writing machine, of a flanged rotatable and tilting inking-disk arranged to project into the path of the type, substantiallyas specified.

6. The combination, with the pawl and rack of the feed mechanism of the carriage, ofa pawl-carrying lever, a double bail, a series of key-levers suitably notched and arranged above the bail, and suitable devices for directly connecting the double bail with the pawl carrying lever, substantially as specified.

7. An inking-plate provided with an outwardly-flared flange, in combination with printing-characters constructed and arranged, substantially as specified, to come into contact with said flange with their faces parallel to it.

8. An inking-disk provided with a flange and centrally pivoted at a point to present the flange in a plane substantially agreeing with that of the face of the type when inked thereby, substantially as specified.

9. The combination, with the key-levers K and with the type-bars connected therewith, of the carriage D, having the rack I, the double bail L, having the arm L the pawl J and its pivoted lever, and the rod L substantially as specified.

10. The plate P, provided with a series of parallel circular grooves, and perforated between the grooves for the passage of connecting-rods, substantially as specified.

11. The combination, wit-h the plate P, having circular annular grooves and intermediately-arranged apertures, of type bar brackets arranged within the grooves, typebars mounted therein, and connecting-rods passing through the apertures, substantially as specified.

12. The combination of the bracket R, a sleeve mounted thereon, an inkingdisk 95 mounted on the sleeve and projecting into the path of the type, and an inking-disk-returning device, substantially as described, for bringing the disk to its normal position after having been depressed by a type, sub- 10o stantially as and for the purpose specified.

13. The combination, with the bracket, the sleeve pivotally mounted thereon, and the disk pivotally mounted on the sleeve, of diskrotating mechanism, substantially as de- 105 scribed, mounted on the sleeve, substantially as specified.

14. The combination of the bracket, the sleeve mounted thereon, the inkingdisk mounted on the sleeve, and a pawl-carrying no lever mounted on the sleeve, and having a projecting arm and stops arranged on the bracket in the path of the arm, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in I I 5 presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES SPIRO.

lVitnesses:

B. F. MORSELL, W. S. DUVALL.

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