Patent GB-783708-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to the automatic location of the successive imprints ofa key-operated machine
IPC: B41J11/46
Filed: 1954-11-11
Abstract: 783,708. Typewriters &c. SOC. ANON ASSERVELEC. Nov. 11, 1954 [Nov. 16, 1953; July 19, 1954], No. 32659/54. Class 100(4) A process for automatically positioning headed forms in a typewriting, tabulating, computing, &c. machine is charaterized in that while typing a first form, the positions of the entries, both in regard to tabular position and line position, are located and recorded on an auxiliary magnetic recording surface which is used to position subsequent forms to be typed in similar positions. The auxiliary magnetic surface is coupled to movements of the typewriter. &c. platen and the entry positions, e.g. P<SP>1</SP>1. P<SP>1</SP>2, are defined bv two orthogonal co-ordinates on the surface of the form and corresponding co-ordinates on the magnetic surface. The first form is typed as required and the entry positions are recorded on the magnetic surface by a directrix head-piece which follows a path A-D and makes a recording of the line position at points P1-, Q1, T2 by means of an alternating current, preferably of a musical frequency, or alternately recording by means of digits. The horizontal. or tubular positions of the entries P<SP>1</SP>1, P<SP>1</SP>2, Q<SP>1</SP>1. T<SP>1</SP>1, T<SP>1</SP>2, are recorded on the magnetic surface by a generatrix head-piece which scans each line, and makes a recording in the required position. A recording P3 is made to indicate that all entries have been made. Cancellation of entry positions is effected by applying a magnetic ruler or roller to the moving magnetic surface. When the subsequent forms are now fed into the machine the two head-pieces are used as detectors which allow line-spacing of the magnetic surface and in consequence the coupled typewriter platen until the recordings are sensed. In one arrangement the first entry position is recorded by one frequency and the next by a differing one, so that by a circuit arrangement, Fig. 3, not shown, the platen moves to the left so it may make a second entry in the same line, or travels to the right, in a carriage return movement, where the form automatically moves to the next line. In a modification, Fig 4, there are as many directrix head-pieces as there are entry positions in a line and they scan paths d1 - d<SP>1</SP>1, d2 - d'2, d3 - d<SP>1</SP>3. A fourth directrix following a path d4-d<SP>1</SP>4 may be provided when the height of the form does not correspond to the length of the magnetic surface, and a generatrix head-piece imprints digits at points e.g: A B corresponding to the horizontal entry positions. Recording on the auxiliary magnetic surface are made bv the four directrix headpieces TD1-4, Fig. 5, and the generatrix head-piece TG and they operate through coupled switches CD1-4, CG and a rotary switch E controlled by the escapement mechanism of the machine and switch tappings P1-3. When the recordings are being sensed to position the subsequent forms the switches CD1-4, CG are changed to contacts 2 so that the recordings are directed to amplifiers and a relay mechanism to control the line and letter spacing mechanisms of the typewriter &c.