Patent GB-190121880-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to Actuating Mechanism for Keyboard Operated Machines.
Inventor: MURRAY DONALD
Filed: 1901-10-30
Granted: 1902-07-17
Abstract: 21,880. Murray, D. Oct. 30. Type-writers.-Relates to apparatus for actuating the keyboards of typewriters and other keyboard - operated machines by means of perforated strips produced either locally or telegraphically, and comprises improvements on the invention described in Specification No. 11,778, A.D. 1899. The cold connections between the type-writer and the controlling-mechanism are replaced by direct mechanical couplings. The type-writer rests on supporting- pillars 26, 27, Fig. 8, the lcwer portion of the frame being indicated by dotted lines in that Figure. The key levers 9 of the type-writer are connected by links 12 to the type-bars, adjustable turn-buckles 34 being interposed between the key levers and the links. Folded over each lever 9 and riveted to it is a metal plate 13, which carries a pivoted hook 17 tensioned forwards by a weak spring 18. Each book rests between the arms of a saddle-shaped guide-piece 19, fixed to the upper end of a vertical lever 1 pivoted at 2 and tensioned by a strong spring 8. The levers 1 normally rest against the leather-faced edge 58 of a bar 5, Figs. 8 and 9. One or more of the irregular combs 3 having been moved by the agency of the perforated strip so as to bring a certain series of notches into coincidence, the bar 5 is withdrawn by the cams 6, Fig. 9, and the selected bar 1 enters the coinciding notches, all the other bars 1 being obstructed by one or more of the combs 3. The rearward movement of the selected bar 1 brings the corresponding hook 17 beneath the cam-actuated universal bar or striker 20, and the proper key lever 9 is depressed by the operation of the striker. While the impression is being made, the bar 5 returns the levers 1 to their forward position, in readiness for a fresh re-arrangement of the combs 3. The force of the blow can be increased, for manifolding purposes, by turning the lever 35 so as to lift by means of cams 44 the short cylinders 36 on which the front part of the type-writer frame rests. Screw bolts 42 passed through the frame support the machine on the cylinders 36. Fig. 17 shows a portion of the perforated strip, and Fig. 16 shows the method of setting the combs 3. The strip t passes over guide-rolls 45 in front of a perforated die-plde 46, and is fed by the teeth of an intermittentlyactuated sprocket. wheel 48, which engages with the central row of perforations t'. The strip is thrown off the wheel 48 by a shield 49, and falls into a basket &c. The die-plate, sprocket-wheel, and shield are attached to a carriage 50, which slides between V-plates 52, 53 and is reciprocated by means of a cam. As the carriage moves towards the right, the portion of the strip covering the die-plate 46 abuts against the rods 7 which form the ends of the combs 3, and one or more of the combs is moved while the others enter the holes in the strip and die - plate, and are undisturbed. Certain notches in the combs are thus aligned, and a certain lever 1 selected as described above. During the return movement of the carriage, the combs are re-set by the engagement of a vertical rib on the carriage with teeth provided on the rearward side of the rods 7. A ratchet-wheel on the shaft of the sprocket-wheel 48 co-operates with a fixed pawl 51 to effect the intermittent feed of the strip. To prevent rebound of the combs when moved. friction devices are provided, which are preferably of tho followining character : -The comb- 3 are supported on, and guided by, several vertical rows of pins 61, Fig. 8. Two of there rows are carried by movable blocks, which can be depr ssed so as slightly to flex the combs and prevent their rebound by friction. Brake mechanism is provided for stopping the machine automatically at the end of a line. A special group of perforations is formed in the controlling strip at the end of each line, and they select a lever 1 which causes a special key lever 68, Fig. 10, to be drawn down. A downward extension 69 of this lever depresses a detent pawl 70, and allows the spring 75 to draw the lever 73 towards the left so as to disconnect the splined clutch piece 81 from the loose driving pinion 84 and force the brake cone 81 into engagement with the fixed conical block 80. When the paper-carriage is returned to the right in readiness for a fresh line, a block 79 on the carriage restores the lever 73 to its right-hand position, or the pawl 70 snaps back into the position shown in Fig. 10. The machine may be driven by hand or by power. In the latter case, a conical friction clutch may replace the positive clutch 81, to ease the starting. A cam-bar 92, Fig. 8, serves to throw out the levers 1 when the combs 3 are to be removed for cleaning and oiling.