Patent GB-191316192-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Automatic Cipher Printing and Transposing Apparatus.
Inventor: SCOTT PERCY MORETON
IPC: H04L9/38
Filed: 1913-07-14
Granted: 1914-07-14
Abstract: 16,192. Scott, Sir P. M. July 14. Electric type-lever machines for coding and decoding.-Apparatus for coding and decoding, particularly for use in connexion with wireless telegraphy installations, comprises two sets of type-levers which are interconnected through a commutator and are controlled by keys in such a manner that the message is printed simultaneously in code and in clear. The apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 5 is for decoding only, and comprises a set of type-levers 3<a> operated by electromagnets 3 connected by contact springs 5 and a commutator 4, consisting of one or more drums with electro-magnets 2 which operate a set of typelevers 2<a> and are controlled by keys 1. The drum is rotated by band or by electrically-actuated ratchet mechanism after each letter or group of letters has been printed. The drum is provided with an index which can be read through an opening 6<a> in the casing 6. The two sets of typelevers are arranged in two semicircular arcs for impression in parallel lines on a tape 8 which is fed in the manner described below. In operation, the keys 1 corresponding with the message received in code are depressed in sequence, the type-levers 2<a> printing the message as received and the typelevers 3<a> printing the message in clear. To prevent the noise of the printing-mechanism interfering with the receipt of messages, the printing- mechanism may be enclosed or may be arranged outside the silent room. There may be provided a third set of type-levers which are operated mechanically or preferably by electro-magnets connected to the electro-magnets 2, this set of typelevers being arranged to print the message as received, in an easily visible position. The third set of type-levers may be arranged outside the silent room, the impression being reid through a window. In the apparatus shown diagrammatically in Fig. 7, means are provided for coding and decoding. The apparatus comprises two sets 1, 1<a> of keys for decoding and coding respectively, the keys 1 being connected directly to the electro-magnets 2 and through the commutator 4 to the electromagnets 3, and the keys 1<a> being connected directly to the electro-magnets 3, and through the commutator 4 to the electro-magnets 2. Letter-spacing mechanism.-The tape 8 passes from a roller 8<a> and is pressed against a feedroller 11 by a spring-pressed roller 12, the feedroller being provided with a ratchet-wheel 10 engaged by a pawl 10<a> which is carried by the armature 7<a> of an electro-magnet 7 in the circuits of the keys. When the electro-magnet is energized, the armature moves the pawl idly over the ratchet wheel, and on breaking the circuit the pawl is returned to line-space the strip by means of a weak returning-spring 7<b> and a spring-plunger 14<a> which has been compressed at the end of the down-stroke of the armature. Ink-ribbon mechanism.-An endless ink ribbon 9 passes over pulleys 17, 18, the pulley 17 being secured to a shaft 17<a> provided with a worm-wheel 19 actuated by two semicircular worm-threads 20 on the ratchet-wheel 10. The ribbon is tensioned by means of the pulley 18, which is for this purpose mounted on a pivoted arm 21 connected to a spring 23.