Patent GB-189721268-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Printing Attachments for Calculating Machines.
Inventor: ASHWELL ARTHUR THOMAS
Filed: 1897-09-16
Granted: 1898-03-12
Abstract: 21,268. Ashwell, A. T., [American Arithmometer Co.]. Sept. 16. Type-writers and like machines. -Relates to a printing-attachment more especially for the calculating-apparatus described in Specifications No. 12,121, A.D. 1888, and No. 17,126, A.D. 1893, the object being to print the items in several columns side bv side on a wide sheet of paper instead of in one long column, each column being totalized at the bottom and carried forward if desired. The paper feed for spacing each column is effected at each stroke of the operating- handle of the machine by the lever X, Fig. 2, striking the bell-crank lever T, R connected by a link Q with the arm P. On the arm P is a pawl F engaging the ratchet N, so that, when the spring U returns the parts, the feed-roller M and platen roller F advance the strip. The roller F is supported by the paper carriage C', which can be swung back or slid longitudinally by the handle E<1> on a cross-rod A<1>. To the cross-bar F<1> is attached a paperguide G<1> cut away to form fingers G", under which are narrow guide-springs H<1> surrounding the roller a n d terminating in a guide - strip P running across the paper carriage. When the frame C' is thrown back, the roller F may be turned by the milled head L<1> to draw the paper through the guides into proper position to commence work or to begin a new column. The ends of the fingers G<11> indicate the position on the paper where the machine will print. To determine the lateral positions of the carriage on the rod A for printing different columns, a latch N' mounted on a spring shaft O<1> engages with one of a series of grooves M' in the rod. It can be released when desired by pressing the lever Q<1> against the handle E'. Further to ensure the exact positioning of the carriage for printing the columns, an extension D<1> of the frame C', which, when the carriage is thrown back, rests against a cross-rod R', has a finger T' which travels in a longitudinal slot S<1>, Fig. 7<a>, in the bar A' ; by this means the carriage can be thrown forward only when the finger T<1> comes opposite one of the grooves M<1>. An alarm is sounded whenever the foot of a column has been reached. For this purpose a gear-wheel is mounted on a swinging frame B', and is normally in engagement with a pinion on the shaft L. The face of the wheel carries a scale, on which a pointer may be adjusted and held according to the number of lines required for a column. At each actuation of the apparatus the gear-wheel is advanced, winding up a spring meanwhile, until the desired number of items have been printed. The pointer, which projects beyond the wheel, then strikes the hammer G<2> of the alarm bell P, and, on swinging back the frame B<2>, the spring returns the gear-wheel to the zero position, where it is held by a stop. This swinging back of the frame B<2> is effected automatically by a notched bar J<3> whenever the carriage is moved laterally for starting a new column. Provision is made for printing long columns on a narrow strip when desired. The arrangements may be varied in detail.