Patent GB-833371-A (GB)
Title: Typewriting and printing machines
IPC: B41J3/51
Filed: 1957-01-09
Abstract: 833,371. Typewriters &c. COMMERCIAL CONTROLS CORPORATION. Jan. 9,1957 [Feb. 27, 1956], No. 909/57. Class 100(4) A power operated printing machine which can record information on punched cards or tape, and also respond to such information, operates on a five level code whilst having the information handling capacity normally only obtainable by use of a six level code. To achieve this all the key levers are divided into two approximately equal groups. Except for the carriage return and letter space keys, the two groups are mechanically interlocked so that keys of only one group at a time may be operated. Key lever group selection is effected mechanically by the type basket which has a "Letters" and a "Figures" position. Key levers within a group are also mechanically interlocked against simultaneous depression. Concurrently the type basket actuates a code translator slide in its "Figures" position which mechanically adds a sixth level code bit to each group of five level codes received. Thus, one five level code signal can represent two different items of information, the two being distinguished by a preceding type basket shift signal. The machine includesa reader for reading print and functional-control information from a punched tape, and also includes a recorder for recording print and functional control information in a second punched tape. Information read may be used to control the printing machine to duplicate printed copy, the machine during such operation develops print and functional control information required to duplicate the printed information. The information recorder of the printing-machine may-record the developed information or may record the information derived by the reader during intervals when the machine is placed in non-print condition, either manually, or by information read from the control tape. During such intervals all character and functional-control keys are electrically locked against actuation by operation of the code translator with the exception of the basket shift key lever which continues to operate so that the type basket is always correctly positioned for code conversion. The type basket is moved as described in Specification 750,454. The interlocks are of rollers 28, Fig. 2, in a channel 29 type, there being sufficient space between the rollers for the insertion of one key lever 32 only at a time. Each group of key levers has a separate interlock, the two being placed adjacent to each other, Figs. 3, 4, 5. -The-letters key levers 32, Fig. 3,. co-operate with interlock 27L, and the figures key levers 32, Fig. 4, with interlock 27F. Basket shift key lever 20, Fig. 5, co-operates with both interlocks. In its letter position shown the figures keys cannot be depressed and vice versa, also key 20 cannot move from figures to letters position whilst a figures key is depressed. The carriage return and space keys are shaped so as not to engage either of the interlocks. Under control of the tape feed switch, cards or tape may be fed without being punched. Actuation of key levers operates a code selector to close a plurality of contacts, according to the coder used, which energize punch magnets to effect record punching. The "on 1/on 2" switch oprates a code selector contact to initiate automatic punch selection, one punch forming part of the machine and the other being remote therefrom, whenever the punch control switch is in "punch select" position. When ever the machine is energized for operation the key levers are unlocked by energization of a key lock magnet. The keys are locked whenever any condition is present which would result in erroneous punch operation, or when the punch error relay is energized by energization of the anti-repeat relay caused by actuation of two keys too quickly in succession. The tape reader mechanism is as described in Specifications 750,454 and 831,111. Specification 832,908 also is referred to.