Patent GB-332296-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to coding or decoding machines
IPC: G09C3/00
Filed: 1929-04-24
Abstract: 332,296. Paterson, J. G. April 24, 1929. Type-case machines for coding and decoding; index setting arrangements.-A typewriter for coding and decoding is provided with a number of sets of type characters formed on or secured to the teeth of a comb-plate carried by a longitudinally slidable bar, a striker being associated with each set together with means for conjointly adjusting the sets to bring a selected type character into alignment with its striker, and means for conjointly actuating the strikers. The comb-like plates 14, 15, Fig. 1, carrying the two sets of type characters at the ends of the teeth, are made of sheet metal or other material and secured upon the slidable bar 13. The set of types 15 effect the printing of a message in clear text, the ciphered message being printed by the set 14. Character selection is effected by the sliding of the bar 13 under the action of a rod 16, Fig. 2, secured thereto and attached by an universal joint 17 to an arm 18 carrying a substantially spherical member 19 with a handle 20, whereby it is moved over a plate 21 provided with perforations 22 which reveal index characters upon a removable slide or card 23 beneath it. Character selection is effected by fitting the spherical member 19 in the requisite perforation, thereby producing movement of the bar 13 carrying the combs. The code used may be varied by substituting one ciphering comb for another, or by varying the position of the ciphering comb upon the bar 13. The positions of individual teeth or groups of teeth on the ciphering comb may also be varied, for example by mounting the teeth within sockets from which they are removed readily. A shift-key device may also be provided for bringing into operation one or another of different rows of characters upon the combs. Several identical original copies may be typed simultaneously by employing comb plates carrying similar type characters. Hammer - impression arrangements. - The striker or impression hammer 24, Figs. 1 and 2, associated with the set of type carriers 14 is secured upon a spindle 26 mounted between bearings 27 on the base 1, the lower end of the striker being extended through a hole 28 in the base and normally held against a stop by a spring 30, Fig. 3. A rocking shaft 32 which is rocked at each depression of a printing-key 33 carries an arm 37 located at the rear of the lower end of the striker 24, so that the striker is actuated each time the shaft 32 is rocked clockwise, and strikes the particular blade or tooth of the comb aligned with it. Similar means are provided to co-operate with the type carriers 15. Ink-ribbon mechanism.-The ink ribbon 39, Fig. 4, passes from a spool 40 beneath the base, and around a guide 38 to a spool 41, the feeding of the ribbon and the reversal of the feed preferably being effected automatically in known manner. Paper carriages and supports; letter-spacing mechanism. - The machine is provided with a slidable carriage 3, Fig. 2, mounted on a runway 2 and connected to spring-drum mechanism to effect carriage movement under the control of an escapement 7 co-operating with a carriage rack 8. The carriage 3 is preferably formed in two separate sections detachably connected by a link 9 and respectively provided with cylindrical platens 10, 11 which may be rotated independently or connected by a clutch at their inner ends 12, so that they rotate in unison. The escapement 7 is moved against the action of a spring 44 by a rod 45 secured to a spring-controlled rooking shaft operated by a space key 47. Letter spacing may be effected simultaneously with printing by securing at right angles to the space-key lever 50, Fig. 3, a bar 49 which extends beneath the printing-key lever 34. To ensure the accurate location of the comb-plates 14, 15 the central portion of the bar 3 is provided with a comb-plate 53 which co-operates with a pivoted blade 51 connected to a tensioned spring which tends to pull it towards the combplate 53, a stop 54 connected to the space-key lever 50 serving normally to hold it from engagement with the combs. At each depression of the key lever the blade 51 enters between the teeth of the comb-plate 53.