Patent GB-546160-A (GB)
Title: Phonetic typewriting machines
IPC: B41J3/26
Filed: 1941-05-14
Abstract: 546,160. Typewriters. SWEENEY, J. L. May 14, 1941, No. 6239. [Class 100 (iv)] Stenographic machines ; type-bar actions; keyboards.-A machine for typing phonetically syllables comprising one, two, or three initial and final consonants, and one or two intermediate vowels comprises keys adapted for simultaneous operation by the fingers and thumbs of the two hands and connected in pairs to type-bars provided with two types which are selectable by operation of one or other of the associated pair of keys. In the machine shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the keyboard comprises two groups of keys for operation by the left and right hands to type initial and final consonants respectively, and a front group for operation by the thumbs to type vowels, the key-letters being arranged substantially in the order shown in Fig. 1. The keys are arranged in fore-and-aft pairs, each associated with one of a set of type-bars 31 arranged adjacent to a platen 30, and each bearing two 'types. The rear key of each pair is preferably smaller than the front key. The keys in the initial-consonant group print in the lateral order X or S, F or D .. J or L, Y or N, and are employed to print single consonants or, in combination, to print double or triple consonants such as BL or THR. The keys in the final-consonant group print in the lateral order ZH or R, L or S .. ST or TH, Z or S, and are employed to print single consonants or, in combination, to print double or triple consonants such as BZ or SPS. The key-letters are so arranged that it is never necessary for one finger to strike simultaneously a key in the bottom row and a key in the second row from the top without striking the intervening key. The vowel-group of keys print in the lateral order A or O, .. E or U. A space-key 89, and key 91 for printing punctuation and other signs are arranged in the middle of the keyboard. The top row of key-letters may be replaced by numerals, corresponding changes being made also in the types. Each pair of key-levers, for instance the levers 98, 99 of the J and L keys 96 and 97, is coupled to bell-cranks 102, 103, the bell-crank 103 being pivoted to the end of the associated typebar 31, and the bell-crank 102 being provided with a pin 111 which engages a slot in the type-bar. On depression of the key 97, the type-bar slides on the pin 111, and the bottom type 105 prints the letter L. On depression of both keys 96, 97, the type-bar is shifted downwards, and the top type 104 prints the letter J. The upper key, such as 96, of each pair may co-operate with a lug 113 on the lower key, such as 97, of the pair. Web feeding and guiding arrangements.-The types print on a web 33 which is held in contact with the platen 30 by a pivoted, spring-urged apron, and a roller 55 mounted on a spring-urged, pivoted bail 57 provided with a plate 58 and a roller 52 for guiding the web, and a tearing edge 65. When the bail is retracted, a shoulder 64 thereon releases the apron. Line-spacing mechanism.-A ratchet-wheel 34, Fig. 1, on the platen 30 co-operates for line-spacing with a pawl 35 on a lever 44 connected by a link 43 to a bell-crank on an arm 41 forming part of a universal frame 36, 37 comprising a cross-bar 39, Fig. 6, engaged by the typing-key levers, and the lever of the space-key 89. Ink-ribbon mechanism.-The type-bars 31, Fig. 1, strike through an endless ribbon 66 passing over guide-rollers 67, 68, 69, and a feed-roller 70 which is geared to the platen 30. The roller 67 is mounted on a spring-urged slide 72. The roller 70 is provided with an ink-supplying coating.