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US638591A - Actuating mechanism for key-operated machines. - Google Patents

Actuating mechanism for key-operated machines. Download PDF

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Publication number
US638591A
US638591A US71552199A US1899715521A US638591A US 638591 A US638591 A US 638591A US 71552199 A US71552199 A US 71552199A US 1899715521 A US1899715521 A US 1899715521A US 638591 A US638591 A US 638591A
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Prior art keywords
tape
combs
carriage
key
murray
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US71552199A
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Donald Murray
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J5/00—Devices or arrangements for controlling character selection
    • B41J5/30—Character or syllable selection controlled by recorded information
    • B41J5/31—Character or syllable selection controlled by recorded information characterised by form of recorded information
    • B41J5/36—Character or syllable selection controlled by recorded information characterised by form of recorded information by punched records, e.g. cards, sheets
    • B41J5/38—Character or syllable selection controlled by recorded information characterised by form of recorded information by punched records, e.g. cards, sheets by strips or tapes

Definitions

  • WITNESSES ma NORRIS PETERS cm, mowu'rnov, WASHINGTON, n. c
  • This invention relates to improvements in actuating mechanism for keyboard-operated machines of the class used for the dissemination ofintelligence, einbracinglinotype, typesettingmachines, type-writing machines, and the like.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a new and improved device for operating such machines automaticallyand in such a manner thataccurate work is produced without danger of derangement of the organism of such machines, at the sametime leaving such machines at all times in condition for being operated by hand in the way now generally practiced.
  • a further object of the invention is to furnish syndicates, press associations,news agencies, and other centers of intelligence with simple means for convenient, quick, and immediate distribution to their customers and subscribers, so as to enable the latter to expeditiously and automatically convert, by the use of the type-machine, the intelligence received into type matter for printing serial stories, special artic1es,and telegraphic,cable, or other news without the assistance of any skilled labor whatever.
  • Figure 1 is an end elevation of adevice embodying my invention and shown in connection with a type-writing machine to be actuated by the improvement.
  • Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same.
  • Fig. 3 is a top plan of the same with the type-writing machine removed.
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view of the same on the line at 4 in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 5 is a sectional front elevation of the same on the line 5 5 in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the same on the line 6 6 in Fig. 5.
  • Fig; 7 is a cross-section of the improvement as applied to a type-writing machine, the section being taken on the line 7 7 in Fig.2 and showing a striking device employed as just beginning to operate.
  • Fig. 1 is an end elevation of adevice embodying my invention and shown in connection with a type-writing machine to be actuated by the improvement.
  • Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same
  • Fig. 8 is a similar section showing the striker as operated.
  • Fig. 9 shows a method of attaching the invention to a linotype-machine.
  • Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional front elevation of a portion of the device to clearly illustrate the reciprocating carriage and the tape-feeding mechanism employed.
  • Fig. 11 is a transverse section of the same on the line 11 11 in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 12 is a like section of the same on the line 12 12in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 13 is a similar section of the same on the line 13 13 in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 14 is a like section of the same on the line 14 14 in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional front elevation of a portion of the device to clearly illustrate the reciprocating carriage and the tape-feeding mechanism employed.
  • Fig. 11 is a transverse section of the same on the line 11 11 in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 12 is a like section of the same on
  • Fig. 15 is a sectional plan view of part of the tape-feeding mechanism in posi tion, the section being on the line 15 15 in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 16 is a similar view,but showing the parts in another position.
  • Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic view of certain cams employed.
  • Fig. 18 is a sectional front elevation showing the carriage and the feeding and controlling devices in one position.
  • Fig. 19 is a similar view of the same, but showing the parts in another position.
  • Fig. 20 shows a form of controlling-tape employed.
  • Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional plan view on the line 21 21 in Fig. 10 of the tape-feed, the carriage, and combs in normal position.
  • Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional plan view on the line 21 21 in Fig. 10 of the tape-feed, the carriage, and combs in normal position.
  • Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional plan view on the line 21 21 in Fig. 10 of the tape-feed
  • Fig. 22 is a similar view of the same, but showing the parts in an actuating position.
  • Fig. 23 shows a modified form of tape or web that may be employed under certain conditions.
  • Fig. 23 shows a table with the groups of elements representing the letters of the alphabet, punctuation-signs, and special keys used for forming the message on the tape or Web.
  • Fig. 24 is a sectionalfront elevation of a modified form of the mechanism adapted to be controlled by the tape shown in Fig. 23.
  • Fig. 25 is a top View thereof with parts in section.
  • Fig. 26 is a side view of the comb for the capital-key.
  • Fig. 27 is a side view of one of the regular combs.
  • Fig. 36 is a partial section and partial elevation of a tension device employed.
  • Fig. 37 is an elevation of the same at right angles to Fig. 36.
  • Fig. 38 is a section on theline 38 38 in Fig. 36.
  • Fig. 39 shows a modification in which certain parts are operated by pneumatic means.
  • Fig. 40 is a section showing a valve for governing the pneumatic device, the said valve being in its closing position.
  • Fig. 41 is a similar section, but showing the valve in position to permit the actuating of a type-writer or similar key; and
  • Fig. 42 is a transverse section of a modified form of the improvement, showing an electromagnet arranged for operating certain parts.
  • type-machines of the class described by the use of a continuously-traveling tape or web having perforations representing the message or reading matter to be converted into type matter, the tape being for this purpose provided With perforations representing groups of single elements, of which each group represents a letter or character of the message.
  • perforations representing groups of single elements, of which each group represents a letter or character of the message.
  • type-machines of this class are in themselves formed of a very complex mechanism, and in order to automatically and directly actuate this mechanism by the continuously-moving tape or web containing the elements of the message to be translated into type matter required the addition of such complex mechanism that the attempts heretofore made encountered almost insurmountable practical difficulties, and consequently reliable mechanism for accurate work could not be produced.
  • the mechanical contrivance referred to may be in the form of levers 55, and I prefer hereinafter to call such contrivances unitary parts, as each part represents a letter, numeral, punctuation-sign, logotype, or other unitary character or sign in contradistiuction to the individual elements on the tape and of which elements it requires a number grouped together in a peculiar manner (see Fig. 23) to indicate or represent a letter, numeral, punctuation-sign, &c., of the message.
  • the tape or web is not fed continuously, but intermittently, and is not used direct on the type-machine, but is employed to intermittently actuate the separate machine, which in turn by the unitary parts actuates the type-machine without interfering with the keyboard of such machine, so that this keyboard can be worked by hand Whenever desired.
  • the improved machine is mounted on a suitable base A, carrying standards 2 for supporting a table or bed-plate 1, on which are mounted to slide longitudinally assembling members, preferably in the form of combs 4S, five in number, and controlled by a web or tape 13, fed intermittently by a feed mechanism B, located on a reciprocating carriage 9 for moving the tape to and from the combs 48 and actuating the same according to the message on the tape, as hereinafter more fully described, said combs controlling the unitary parts 55, which in turn are connected with the corresponding parts of a type-setting, linotype, or other machine.
  • my improvement is applied to a type-writing machine 0, set on a skeleton frame E, supported on posts D, carried by the base A.
  • the message on the tape is formed by groups of elements, of which each group represents a letter, numeral, punctuation-mark, or other character, sign-space, 850., (see Fig. 232) so that when a group of elements assembles the corresponding combs the corresponding unitary part has actuated such part repsenting the group of elements on the tape active at the time.
  • the groups of elements are preferably arranged as shown in said Fig. 23, which illustrates the entire alphabet, some punctuation-signs, a group of elements for a space-key, a capital-key, one for a figure or numeral key, and one for a release-key.
  • Each group of elements, as shown contains five elements represented either by apertures or dashes or a combination of both.
  • each letter or character or sign occupies the same space on the tape or web, and the intermittent feed given to the web or tape by the feed mechanism B corresponds to the length of the space occupied by a single group, so that the combs corresponding to the group active at the time are actuated for actuating the corresponding unitary part 55.
  • the groups of elements Owing to the uniformity of the feed of the tape and the equal spaces occupied by the group of elements it is possible for the groups of elements to be placed one alongside the other without intervening spaces and without the slightest danger of actuating wrong combs.
  • the combs 48 are provided at the ends adjacent to the carriage 9 with pins or fingers 51, adapted to be engaged by a group of elementary apertures and dashes on the tape as the latter is moved bodily with the carriage to the right. hen this takes place, the combs, with pins registering with apertures or perforations, are engaged by the latter and remain dormant, while the pins in register with the dashes are engaged by the solid parts of the tape and are shifted by the latter to the right to assemble such combs and bring their slots in register with each other for the corresponding unitary part 55 to drop in such registering slots.
  • the group of elements representing the letter e see Fig.
  • a slideway 3 On the bed-plate 1 is a slideway 3, and from the said bed-plate depend hangers 4, in which is journaled a shaft 5, which may be rotated by any suitable means. I have here shown it as provided with a pinion 6 for engaging with a driving-gear 7, which is provided with a crank, so that it may be operated manually; but said shaft 5 may be driven from other suitable machinery by gearing or belt-andpulley connections.
  • a guideway 8 for the reciprocating carriage 9 to slide on, said guideway consisting of plates secured to brackets 10, projected from the bed-plate 1. The inner edges of these bed-plates engage in grooves on each side of the carriage, so that while the carriage may reciprocate back and forth it is restrained from any other movement.
  • perforated plates 11 and 12 Mounted on the carriage 9 are perforated plates 11 and 12, between which the web or tape 13 is designed to pass, the perforations in the plates 11 and 12 being designed to act as guides for the passage through the tapeperforations of the fingers 51, extending from the controlling-combs 48, as previously mentioned.
  • the plate 12 also acts as a support for the tape, while its solid portions, represented by dashes, are thrust against the corresponding fingers 51 of the said combs 48.
  • rollers 14 and 15 On the ends of the plates 12 are verticallydisposed rollers 14 and 15, and rearward of said plate 12 are guide-rollers 16 and 17. (See Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, and 22.) These guide-rollers 16 and 17 are mounted, respectively, in brackets 18 and 19, held on a bar 20, adapted for adjustment transversely of the carriage, and for this purpose I employ set-screws 21 and 22, engaging tapped apertures formed in arms 23 24, extending from said bar 20, and the inner ends of these setscrews (see Fig. 12) impinge against the sides of the carriage. Obviously by manipulating these screws the rollers 1617, and therefore the tape, may be adjusted.
  • Aspring-guide 12 is held on the carriage, straddles the plate 11, and serves to hold the tape or web against the face of the plate to prevent accidental shifting of the tapeduring the time the tape is active for shifting the combs.
  • a curved shield-plate 25 Adjacent to the roller 16 and mounted on the sliding bar 20 is a curved shield-plate 25, (see Figs. 21 and 22,) designed to prevent buckling of the web or tape as it passes along under the influence of the feeding mechanism.
  • This star-Wheel or feeder 26 has on its periphery a series of pins 27, (see Figs. 10, 18, and 19,) adapted to engage in perforations 28, formed in the tape 13, as shown in Fig. 20.
  • the star-wheel 26 is mounted on a vertical shaft 29, adapted to rotate in the carriage 9, and on the lower end of said shaft 29 is a ratchet-wheel 30, designed to be engaged by a spring-pressed pawl 31, (see Figs. 15 and 16,) mounted on the bracket 10.
  • Reciprocating motion is imparted to the carriage 9 (see Figs. 5, 10, 18, and 19) by means of a cam-pulley 43, mounted on the drivingshaft 5, said cam-pulley having a peripheral groove engaged bya roller 44, loosely mounted on a stud 45, depending from said carriage.
  • a cam-pulley 43 mounted on the drivingshaft 5
  • said cam-pulley having a peripheral groove engaged by a roller 44, loosely mounted on a stud 45, depending from said carriage.
  • the ratchetwheel 30 will of course be disengaged from the pawl 31; but upon the reverse movement of the carriage a tooth of the said ratchetwheel will engage with said pawl 31, so that the star-wheel 26 will be rotated a sufficient distance to move the tape or web through one space.
  • the star-wheel is held from backward rotation while the carriage is moving forward by means of a spring-pressed dog 46, mounted on the carriage and engaging with the ratchet-wheel. (See Figs. 15 and 16.) If it be desired to rotate the star-wheel backward for any purpose the dog 46 may be disengaged from the ratchet-wheel by pushing outward upon the finger-piece 47, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 16.
  • the combs 48 are movable longitudinally on the slideway 3 and are held separately in a vertical position by means of pins 52, extended upward from the bottom of the slideway 3 and between adjacent combs, as is plainly indicated in Figs. 5, 21, and 22.
  • Some or all of the combs 48 are shifted at a time to the right by the action of the tape moved bodily with the feed mechanism, and in order to insure a return movement of the combs to the left during part of the return stroke of the carriage I provide the under side of each finger 51 with a lug 95, adapted to be engaged by a spring arm or finger 94, mounted on a block adjustably secured to the carriage 9, so that when the latter is on the return or outward movement the arms or fingers 94 engage the lugs 95 of the previously-shifted combs to return the latter to their normal position. (Shown in Figs. 10 and 21.)
  • the several combs 48 are provided in their top edges with slots variously placed, (see Fig. 27,) and the slots are designed to govern the unitary parts in the form of levers 55, mounted to swing independently of each other IIO , tween the earns 62 and 63.
  • unitary parts or levers 55 being mounted to swing in fixed guideways 55 to restrain the parts from sidewise motion.
  • the number of unitary parts or levers 55 will correspond to the number of unitary parts contained in the machine to which my device is applied, and said unitary parts 55 are designed to have connection by means of cords or other devices with the several keys of such type-machine.
  • the unitary parts or levers 55 extend transversely of the combs 48 and are supported at their ends normally above the several combs by means of a supporting-bar 56, and they are held yieldingly against said supporting-bar and are adapted to swing downward at the proper time by means of springs 57, connected at one end to the levers 55 and at the other end to a crossbar 58, supported on a threaded standard 582 so that the tension of the springs 57 may be adjusted by nuts 58. (See Figs.
  • the ends of the supporting-bar 56 are movable in slots formed in standards 59, and said bar is moved upward by means of posts 65, mounted on the outer ends of two levers 60, rocking on shafts 61, and said levers 66 are provided at their inner ends with rollers 62, engaging with cams 63, attached to the shaft 5. (See Fig. 5.)
  • step-bearings 64 adjustable through the levers 60, and these bearings are preferably made in the form of serew-bolts, which in their upper ends have depressions for receiving the lower pointed ends of the posts 65, depending from the bar 56.
  • a striking-bar 66 mounted on the upper ends of arms 67, projecting upward from a rockshaft 68.
  • an inwardly-extending arm 69 carrying at its free end a roller 70, engaging the peripheral surface of a cam 71, mounted on the shaft 5 be-
  • a spring 72 con nected at one end to the supporting-bar 56 and at the other end to the arm 69, serves two purposes-one to depress the bar 56 and the other-to hold the roller 70 in contact with the cam 71.
  • each key-lever 55 Mounted to slide on each key-lever 55 is a tappet-rod 73, (see Figs. 7 and 8,) movable through guideways 74 on the unitary part or lever 55, and the outer end of said tappet-rod extends normally forward of the end of the lever to which it is attached.
  • a stop 75 on the inner end of the tappet rod engages against each. side of the lever 55, and said stops not only prevent the tappet-rods from rotating in their bearings, but also by coming in contact with the inner bearing 74prevent the tappet-rods from moving too far in an outward direction.
  • cords or other suitable connections 76 around idler-pulleys 77, mounted on a rod supported in hangers 78, said cords then extending around idlerpulleys 79, supported in hangers 80, and from these idler-pulleys 79 the cords extend to connect with the keys of the type-machine to be operated. Provision is made for adjusting the. length of the cords by turnbuckles or other well-known mechanical means.
  • a figure-comb 49 and a capital-comb 50 having slots or notches in their top edges, but without fingers 51.
  • the figure-comb 49 and the capital-comb are adapted to be actuated by levers S2 and 81, respectively, located at one side of the unitary parts or levers (see Fig. 4) and likewise fulcrumed on the rod 53.
  • the lever 81 (see Fig.
  • a release-lever 92 At the opposite side of the series of unitary parts or levers 55 and'likewise fulcrumed on the rod 53 is arranged a release-lever 92, (see Figs. 4 and 26,) having cam-surfaces 93 adapted to engage with the inclined surfaces 93 on both the combs 49 and 50, so that when the lever 92 swings downward it will return either or both of these combs to their normal position-that is, the lever 92 will be brought into operation when it is desired to change from capitals or figures back to lower case at the time the corresponding group of elements (see Fig. 23) is active on the tape and shifts the corresponding combs 48 to such position as to allow the lever 92 to swing downward the same as a unitary part or lever 55.
  • the three levers 81, 82, and 92 are supported at their free ends on the supporting-bar 56 in a similar manner to the levers 55, and they each have spring connections with the bar 58, the three springs supplying the power to shift the combs 49 or' 50 in the manner described.
  • the tape 13 is fed from a roll supported in any suitable manner, and preferably it will pass through a tension device (see Figs. 3, 4, 36, 37, and "38) before it reaches the starwheel 26, so as to keep said web or tape under proper stress.
  • the tension device is provided with a roller 32, supported on a stem 33, extending from a base 34, attached to the main base A, and said roller 32 is prevented from revolving freely on the stem 33 by a spring 35, which surrounds the stem and engages at one end with the roller 32 and at the other end with a sleeve 36, mounted loosely on the stem
  • the tension of the spring 35 may be adjusted by means of clamping-jaws 37 and 38, which engage the periphery of the sleeve 36, and said jaws 37 38 are connected at one end'to the base 34, and at the opposite ends they are connected to each other byan

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Description

No. 638,591. Patented Dec. 5, I899; D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed Kay 4, 1899.) (No Model.) l 6 Sheets-Shae! l.
WITNESSES: l
N0. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. u. MURRAY. AGTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed May 4, 1899.) (No Model.) l6 Sheets$heet 2.
WITNESSES J? 7 VENTO W 49 Ww No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed Kay 4, 1899.) (No Model.) I6 Sheets-Sheet 3.
A TTOH m: NORRIS mm co], womm No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MAGI'IINES.
(Application filed Kay 4, 1899.) (No Model.) I6 Sheets-8heet 4.
W/ TNESSE S g IN VENTO 1: norms pz-rzns cc. PNOYouTnm WASHMGTDN, n c
No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899.
D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(AP 1i t 111 d M8. 4, 1899) (No M i.) p mm a y is Sheets-Sheet 5.
Jil I I I I I ,a Mall/71011) Iii-inf?- E fi w )2 IIIIIIJIIX IN VENTO v m: NOHRH: PETERS co, PHOTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTON, c. c,
No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY. ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHlNES.
(Application filed May 4, 1899.) (N0 Model.) l6 Sheets-Sheet 6.
1% ms mews co. PHOYGJJY WITNESSES Patented Dec. 5, I899.
u. MURRAY. ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed m 4, 1899.) (No Model.) l6 Sheats-Sheet 7.
WITNESSES ma NORRIS PETERS cm, mowu'rnov, WASHINGTON, n. c
No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANESM FOB KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed m 4, 1899.)
I6 SheeisSheet 8.
(No Model.)
v A 0 m .5 E. .,w/// W N0. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed May 4, 1899.) (No Model.) l6 Sheets$heet 9.
INVENTOH ATTO WITNESSES N0. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5
D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed may 4, 1899.)
I6 Sheets$heet l0.
INVE/VT f? (No Model.)
A 7TORNEYS.
Patented Dec. 5, I899.
l6 Sheets8heet ll.
D. MURRAY.
A licafiim filed May 4, 1899.)
., M o n 11 ay FpQKZ? B OURKE N VE N 70 @mmii N0. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
AGTUATING HECHAMSM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed M511 4. 1899.) (No Model.) I6 Sheets-Sheet l2.
/N VENTOH g WITNESSES ATT N0. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899. D. MURRAY.
AGTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed May 4, 1899.) (No Model.) l6 SheetsSheet l4.
WITNESSES A 77'0RNE Y S.
No. 638,59l. Patented Dec. 5, I899.
D. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed. m 4, 1899.) (No Modal.) l6 Shaetr-Sheat |5.
INVENTO ATTO Fig-(i9 WITNESSES No. 939,591) Patented Dec. 5, I899. u. MURRAY.
ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR KEY OPERATED MACHINES.
(Application filed May 4, 1899.) (No Model.) l6 Sheets-Sheet l6.
W/TNESSES uv VENTOI? m: nowms Pawns co. moramnm wAsmNnmm n, r.
lJNiTE STATES Trice.
PATENT DONALD MURRAY, OF SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 638,591, dated December 5, 1899.
Application filed May 4, 1899. Serial No. 715,521. (No model.)
To a, whom it may concern.-
Be it known that 1, DONALD MURRAY, of Sydney, New South Wales, have invented a new and Improved Aotuating Mechanism for Key-Operated Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.
This invention relates to improvements in actuating mechanism for keyboard-operated machines of the class used for the dissemination ofintelligence, einbracinglinotype, typesettingmachines, type-writing machines, and the like.
The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved device for operating such machines automaticallyand in such a manner thataccurate work is produced without danger of derangement of the organism of such machines, at the sametime leaving such machines at all times in condition for being operated by hand in the way now generally practiced.
A further object of the invention is to furnish syndicates, press associations,news agencies, and other centers of intelligence with simple means for convenient, quick, and immediate distribution to their customers and subscribers, so as to enable the latter to expeditiously and automatically convert, by the use of the type-machine, the intelligence received into type matter for printing serial stories, special artic1es,and telegraphic,cable, or other news without the assistance of any skilled labor whatever.
The invention consists of novel features and parts and combinations of the same, as will be fully described hereinafter and then pointed out in the claims.
A practical embodiment of my invention is represented in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.
Figure 1 is an end elevation of adevice embodying my invention and shown in connection with a type-writing machine to be actuated by the improvement. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a top plan of the same with the type-writing machine removed. Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view of the same on the line at 4 in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a sectional front elevation of the same on the line 5 5 in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the same on the line 6 6 in Fig. 5. Fig; 7 is a cross-section of the improvement as applied to a type-writing machine, the section being taken on the line 7 7 in Fig.2 and showing a striking device employed as just beginning to operate. Fig. 8 is a similar section showing the striker as operated. Fig. 9 shows a method of attaching the invention to a linotype-machine. Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional front elevation of a portion of the device to clearly illustrate the reciprocating carriage and the tape-feeding mechanism employed. Fig. 11 is a transverse section of the same on the line 11 11 in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a like section of the same on the line 12 12in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a similar section of the same on the line 13 13 in Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is a like section of the same on the line 14 14 in Fig. 10. Fig. 15 is a sectional plan view of part of the tape-feeding mechanism in posi tion, the section being on the line 15 15 in Fig. 10. Fig. 16 is a similar view,but showing the parts in another position. Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic view of certain cams employed. Fig. 18 is a sectional front elevation showing the carriage and the feeding and controlling devices in one position. Fig. 19 is a similar view of the same, but showing the parts in another position. Fig. 20 shows a form of controlling-tape employed. Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional plan view on the line 21 21 in Fig. 10 of the tape-feed, the carriage, and combs in normal position. Fig. 22 is a similar view of the same, but showing the parts in an actuating position. Fig. 23 shows a modified form of tape or web that may be employed under certain conditions. Fig. 23 shows a table with the groups of elements representing the letters of the alphabet, punctuation-signs, and special keys used for forming the message on the tape or Web. Fig. 24 is a sectionalfront elevation of a modified form of the mechanism adapted to be controlled by the tape shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is a top View thereof with parts in section. Fig. 26 is a side view of the comb for the capital-key. Fig. 27 is a side view of one of the regular combs. Figs. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and are plan views of the combs in various positions relatively to the tape, the latter being in section. Fig. 36 is a partial section and partial elevation of a tension device employed. Fig. 37 is an elevation of the same at right angles to Fig. 36. Fig. 38 is a section on theline 38 38 in Fig. 36. Fig. 39 shows a modification in which certain parts are operated by pneumatic means. Fig. 40 is a section showing a valve for governing the pneumatic device, the said valve being in its closing position. Fig. 41 is a similar section, but showing the valve in position to permit the actuating of a type-writer or similar key; and Fig. 42 is a transverse section of a modified form of the improvement, showing an electromagnet arranged for operating certain parts.
Various attempts have heretofore been made to directly actuate the operating mechanism of type-machines of the class described by the use of a continuously-traveling tape or web having perforations representing the message or reading matter to be converted into type matter, the tape being for this purpose provided With perforations representing groups of single elements, of which each group represents a letter or character of the message. Now type-machines of this class are in themselves formed of a very complex mechanism, and in order to automatically and directly actuate this mechanism by the continuously-moving tape or web containing the elements of the message to be translated into type matter required the addition of such complex mechanism that the attempts heretofore made encountered almost insurmountable practical difficulties, and consequently reliable mechanism for accurate work could not be produced. In order to overcome these difficulties, I do not disturb the mechanism of the type-machine in question, but translate the elements on the tape into corresponding mechanical contrivances forming part of my machine, and each such mechanical contrivanoe in turn actuates a corresponding mechanical contrivauce of the type-machine to produce accurate work.
In my machine the mechanical contrivance referred to may be in the form of levers 55, and I prefer hereinafter to call such contrivances unitary parts, as each part represents a letter, numeral, punctuation-sign, logotype, or other unitary character or sign in contradistiuction to the individual elements on the tape and of which elements it requires a number grouped together in a peculiar manner (see Fig. 23) to indicate or represent a letter, numeral, punctuation-sign, &c., of the message. For great accuracy in the result it is essential that the tape or web is not fed continuously, but intermittently, and is not used direct on the type-machine, but is employed to intermittently actuate the separate machine, which in turn by the unitary parts actuates the type-machine without interfering with the keyboard of such machine, so that this keyboard can be worked by hand Whenever desired.
The improved machine is mounted on a suitable base A, carrying standards 2 for supporting a table or bed-plate 1, on which are mounted to slide longitudinally assembling members, preferably in the form of combs 4S, five in number, and controlled by a web or tape 13, fed intermittently by a feed mechanism B, located on a reciprocating carriage 9 for moving the tape to and from the combs 48 and actuating the same according to the message on the tape, as hereinafter more fully described, said combs controlling the unitary parts 55, which in turn are connected with the corresponding parts of a type-setting, linotype, or other machine. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, my improvement is applied to a type-writing machine 0, set on a skeleton frame E, supported on posts D, carried by the base A.
The message on the tape is formed by groups of elements, of which each group represents a letter, numeral, punctuation-mark, or other character, sign-space, 850., (see Fig. 232) so that when a group of elements assembles the corresponding combs the corresponding unitary part has actuated such part repsenting the group of elements on the tape active at the time. The groups of elements are preferably arranged as shown in said Fig. 23, which illustrates the entire alphabet, some punctuation-signs, a group of elements for a space-key, a capital-key, one for a figure or numeral key, and one for a release-key. Each group of elements, as shown, contains five elements represented either by apertures or dashes or a combination of both. By having the elements in each group of a like number each letter or character or sign occupies the same space on the tape or web, and the intermittent feed given to the web or tape by the feed mechanism B corresponds to the length of the space occupied by a single group, so that the combs corresponding to the group active at the time are actuated for actuating the corresponding unitary part 55. Owing to the uniformity of the feed of the tape and the equal spaces occupied by the group of elements it is possible for the groups of elements to be placed one alongside the other without intervening spaces and without the slightest danger of actuating wrong combs.
The combs 48 are provided at the ends adjacent to the carriage 9 with pins or fingers 51, adapted to be engaged by a group of elementary apertures and dashes on the tape as the latter is moved bodily with the carriage to the right. hen this takes place, the combs, with pins registering with apertures or perforations, are engaged by the latter and remain dormant, while the pins in register with the dashes are engaged by the solid parts of the tape and are shifted by the latter to the right to assemble such combs and bring their slots in register with each other for the corresponding unitary part 55 to drop in such registering slots. Thus, for instance, when the group of elements representing the letter e (see Fig. 23) and consisting of an aperture and four succeeding dashes engages the combs 48 four of the combs are shifted and only one comb remains dormant as its pin or finger 51 passes through the solitary aperture in said group, while the four other combs are engaged by the solid portions of the web at the dashes following the aperture. In practiceit is not necessary to show the dashes on the tape, and they may be omitted.
On the bed-plate 1 is a slideway 3, and from the said bed-plate depend hangers 4, in which is journaled a shaft 5, which may be rotated by any suitable means. I have here shown it as provided with a pinion 6 for engaging with a driving-gear 7, which is provided with a crank, so that it may be operated manually; but said shaft 5 may be driven from other suitable machinery by gearing or belt-andpulley connections. Extended from one end of the bed plate 1 is a guideway 8 for the reciprocating carriage 9 to slide on, said guideway consisting of plates secured to brackets 10, projected from the bed-plate 1. The inner edges of these bed-plates engage in grooves on each side of the carriage, so that while the carriage may reciprocate back and forth it is restrained from any other movement.
Mounted on the carriage 9 are perforated plates 11 and 12, between which the web or tape 13 is designed to pass, the perforations in the plates 11 and 12 being designed to act as guides for the passage through the tapeperforations of the fingers 51, extending from the controlling-combs 48, as previously mentioned. The plate 12 also acts as a support for the tape, while its solid portions, represented by dashes, are thrust against the corresponding fingers 51 of the said combs 48.
On the ends of the plates 12 are verticallydisposed rollers 14 and 15, and rearward of said plate 12 are guide- rollers 16 and 17. (See Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, and 22.) These guide- rollers 16 and 17 are mounted, respectively, in brackets 18 and 19, held on a bar 20, adapted for adjustment transversely of the carriage, and for this purpose I employ set-screws 21 and 22, engaging tapped apertures formed in arms 23 24, extending from said bar 20, and the inner ends of these setscrews (see Fig. 12) impinge against the sides of the carriage. Obviously by manipulating these screws the rollers 1617, and therefore the tape, may be adjusted. The object of providing for this adjustment of tlie guide-rollers 16 17 transversely of the carriage is to permit of minute adjustment of the tape or web, and which adjustment may be necessary to cause the elementary perforations to properly aline with the fingers of the combs 48; but this adjustment once made rarely or never needs changing. Aspring-guide 12 is held on the carriage, straddles the plate 11, and serves to hold the tape or web against the face of the plate to prevent accidental shifting of the tapeduring the time the tape is active for shifting the combs.
Adjacent to the roller 16 and mounted on the sliding bar 20 is a curved shield-plate 25, (see Figs. 21 and 22,) designed to prevent buckling of the web or tape as it passes along under the influence of the feeding mechanism. In other words, while the tape or Web is being fed by the feeder or star-wheel 26 it will strike against the concave side of the shield-plate 25 and will be directed to a basket or other suitable receptacle without danger of its folding or returning upon the starwheel. This star-Wheel or feeder 26 has on its periphery a series of pins 27, (see Figs. 10, 18, and 19,) adapted to engage in perforations 28, formed in the tape 13, as shown in Fig. 20. The star-wheel 26 is mounted on a vertical shaft 29, adapted to rotate in the carriage 9, and on the lower end of said shaft 29 is a ratchet-wheel 30, designed to be engaged by a spring-pressed pawl 31, (see Figs. 15 and 16,) mounted on the bracket 10. I
Reciprocating motion is imparted to the carriage 9 (see Figs. 5, 10, 18, and 19) by means of a cam-pulley 43, mounted on the drivingshaft 5, said cam-pulley having a peripheral groove engaged bya roller 44, loosely mounted on a stud 45, depending from said carriage. As the cam-pulley 43 moves the carriage 9 toward the bed-plate of the machine the ratchetwheel 30 will of course be disengaged from the pawl 31; but upon the reverse movement of the carriage a tooth of the said ratchetwheel will engage with said pawl 31, so that the star-wheel 26 will be rotated a sufficient distance to move the tape or web through one space. The star-wheel is held from backward rotation while the carriage is moving forward by means of a spring-pressed dog 46, mounted on the carriage and engaging with the ratchet-wheel. (See Figs. 15 and 16.) If it be desired to rotate the star-wheel backward for any purpose the dog 46 may be disengaged from the ratchet-wheel by pushing outward upon the finger-piece 47, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 16.
The combs 48 are movable longitudinally on the slideway 3 and are held separately in a vertical position by means of pins 52, extended upward from the bottom of the slideway 3 and between adjacent combs, as is plainly indicated in Figs. 5, 21, and 22. Some or all of the combs 48 are shifted at a time to the right by the action of the tape moved bodily with the feed mechanism, and in order to insure a return movement of the combs to the left during part of the return stroke of the carriage I provide the under side of each finger 51 with a lug 95, adapted to be engaged by a spring arm or finger 94, mounted on a block adjustably secured to the carriage 9, so that when the latter is on the return or outward movement the arms or fingers 94 engage the lugs 95 of the previously-shifted combs to return the latter to their normal position. (Shown in Figs. 10 and 21.)
The several combs 48 are provided in their top edges with slots variously placed, (see Fig. 27,) and the slots are designed to govern the unitary parts in the form of levers 55, mounted to swing independently of each other IIO , tween the earns 62 and 63.
on a rod 53, secured in standards 54 on the bed-plate 1, said unitary parts or levers 55 being mounted to swing in fixed guideways 55 to restrain the parts from sidewise motion. The number of unitary parts or levers 55 will correspond to the number of unitary parts contained in the machine to which my device is applied, and said unitary parts 55 are designed to have connection by means of cords or other devices with the several keys of such type-machine. The unitary parts or levers 55 extend transversely of the combs 48 and are supported at their ends normally above the several combs by means of a supporting-bar 56, and they are held yieldingly against said supporting-bar and are adapted to swing downward at the proper time by means of springs 57, connected at one end to the levers 55 and at the other end to a crossbar 58, supported on a threaded standard 582 so that the tension of the springs 57 may be adjusted by nuts 58. (See Figs. 6, 7, and S.) The ends of the supporting-bar 56 are movable in slots formed in standards 59, and said bar is moved upward by means of posts 65, mounted on the outer ends of two levers 60, rocking on shafts 61, and said levers 66 are provided at their inner ends with rollers 62, engaging with cams 63, attached to the shaft 5. (See Fig. 5.) As a means of adjusting the bar 56 vertically I provide step-bearings 64, adjustable through the levers 60, and these bearings are preferably made in the form of serew-bolts, which in their upper ends have depressions for receiving the lower pointed ends of the posts 65, depending from the bar 56.
Forward of the supporting-bar 56 and also forward of the unitary parts or levers 55 isa striking-bar 66, mounted on the upper ends of arms 67, projecting upward from a rockshaft 68. On the latter is arranged an inwardly-extending arm 69, carrying at its free end a roller 70, engaging the peripheral surface of a cam 71, mounted on the shaft 5 be- A spring 72, con nected at one end to the supporting-bar 56 and at the other end to the arm 69, serves two purposes-one to depress the bar 56 and the other-to hold the roller 70 in contact with the cam 71.
Mounted to slide on each key-lever 55 is a tappet-rod 73, (see Figs. 7 and 8,) movable through guideways 74 on the unitary part or lever 55, and the outer end of said tappet-rod extends normally forward of the end of the lever to which it is attached. A stop 75 on the inner end of the tappet rod engages against each. side of the lever 55, and said stops not only prevent the tappet-rods from rotating in their bearings, but also by coming in contact with the inner bearing 74prevent the tappet-rods from moving too far in an outward direction. From the inner end of the tappet-rods 73 extend cords or other suitable connections 76 around idler-pulleys 77, mounted on a rod supported in hangers 78, said cords then extending around idlerpulleys 79, supported in hangers 80, and from these idler-pulleys 79 the cords extend to connect with the keys of the type-machine to be operated. Provision is made for adjusting the. length of the cords by turnbuckles or other well-known mechanical means.
Alongside the combs 48 and similarly mounted are arranged a figure-comb 49 and a capital-comb 50, having slots or notches in their top edges, but without fingers 51. (See Figs. 4, 5, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, and 30.) The figure-comb 49 and the capital-comb are adapted to be actuated by levers S2 and 81, respectively, located at one side of the unitary parts or levers (see Fig. 4) and likewise fulcrumed on the rod 53. The lever 81 (see Fig. 26) has a wedge-like cam 88 on one side to engage with the inclined surface 89, formed on the capital-comb 50, and a similar cam 90 is formed on the lever 82 to engage with an inclined surface 91 on the figure comb 49, so that when either of these levers swings downward the corresponding comb will be moved into an operative position.
At the opposite side of the series of unitary parts or levers 55 and'likewise fulcrumed on the rod 53 is arranged a release-lever 92, (see Figs. 4 and 26,) having cam-surfaces 93 adapted to engage with the inclined surfaces 93 on both the combs 49 and 50, so that when the lever 92 swings downward it will return either or both of these combs to their normal position-that is, the lever 92 will be brought into operation when it is desired to change from capitals or figures back to lower case at the time the corresponding group of elements (see Fig. 23) is active on the tape and shifts the corresponding combs 48 to such position as to allow the lever 92 to swing downward the same as a unitary part or lever 55. The three levers 81, 82, and 92 are supported at their free ends on the supporting-bar 56 in a similar manner to the levers 55, and they each have spring connections with the bar 58, the three springs supplying the power to shift the combs 49 or' 50 in the manner described.
The tape 13 is fed from a roll supported in any suitable manner, and preferably it will pass through a tension device (see Figs. 3, 4, 36, 37, and "38) before it reaches the starwheel 26, so as to keep said web or tape under proper stress. The tension device is provided with a roller 32, supported on a stem 33, extending from a base 34, attached to the main base A, and said roller 32 is prevented from revolving freely on the stem 33 by a spring 35, which surrounds the stem and engages at one end with the roller 32 and at the other end with a sleeve 36, mounted loosely on the stem The tension of the spring 35 may be adjusted by means of clamping- jaws 37 and 38, which engage the periphery of the sleeve 36, and said jaws 37 38 are connected at one end'to the base 34, and at the opposite ends they are connected to each other byan
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2543435A (en) * 1945-12-29 1951-02-27 Gorton George Machine Co Record forming, translating and printing apparatus, and automatic control mechanisms therefor
US4146336A (en) * 1977-07-18 1979-03-27 Hasenbalg Ralph D Keyboard actuator for typewriters and the like

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2543435A (en) * 1945-12-29 1951-02-27 Gorton George Machine Co Record forming, translating and printing apparatus, and automatic control mechanisms therefor
US4146336A (en) * 1977-07-18 1979-03-27 Hasenbalg Ralph D Keyboard actuator for typewriters and the like

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