IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE WRITING MACHINES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Lorentz Albert Groth, of the Firm L. A. Groth & Co.,
the Scandinavian Patent Office, 6, Bective Road, Putney, in the County of
Surrey, Consulting Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE
WRITING MACHINES." A communication by Lucien Stephen Crandall, of
New York, in the State of New York, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Lorentz Albert Groth at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th August 1879.
rr
LORENTZ ALBERT GROTH, of the Firm L. A. Groth & Co., the Scandinavian
Patent Office, 6, Bective Road, Putney, in the County of Surrey, Consulting
Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE-WRITING MACHINES." A communication by
Lucien Stephen Crandall, of New York, in the State of New York, United States
of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in type-writing machines, by which a
less complicated yet more reliable and effective construction than in the present
systems of type-writers is obtained, and at the same time a greater range of type
provided, so that the machine is adapted for use in every business and for every
language.
The Invention consists in its general features of a series of keys, the successive
depression and release of which vibrate a common printing lever and cause the
type, arranged on a longitudinally and axially-shifting type sleeve, to strike a
common printing point for all the type thereon. The printing point is formed on
a platen, over which the paper is stretched, while an inking ribbon of the printing
lever supplies the ink for the impressions. While the type-lever and key are
returning to place the paper is moved the distance of a type space by the traversing
paper-carriage, a variable placing for letters of different widths being obtained by
suitable mechanism. The paper is firmly held on the platen by clamping devices,
and fed forward for the distance of a line-space, independently of or simultaneously
with the return of the paper carriage to its starting point by griping jaws which
may be jointly oscillated with the platen and clamping devices and opened for the
insertion of a new sheet of paper.
The type-writer consists more specifically of the following essential elements :-
(1). A type-bearing sleeve on which the type is grouped preferably in nine rows

page_text: of nine types each, three rows of which form a type field or system. The type
sleeve is arranged on an oscillating printing-lever, and capable of longitudinal and
axially shifting-motion, so that any desired type thereon may be brought to a
common printing point.
(2). A compound shifting mechanism for the type-sleeve, by which, by the
depression of a key, the proper position is given to the sleeve on the printing lever
both in longitudinal and axial direction.
(3). An automatically fed inking ribbon which is connected to the printing lever
and oscillated therewith.
(4). A mechanism by which a variable letter space is obtained that provides for
the different widths of the letters in each field or system.
(5). A platen common to all the type and mounted on oscillating arms of a
traversing carriage by which the paper is fed for the proper letter spaces.
(6). A paper griping-device supported on oscillating arms of the paper carriage
whereby the paper is stretched tightly over the platen, and also carried forward for
the space between the lines.
The apparatus is constructed as follows:-A series of keys are grouped with
reference to the frequency of their use around a central key which is to be used for
the most frequently recurring letter "e." The keys are marked with their cor-
Besides
responding letters, figures, or characters, 27 keys forming a type-system.
these letter-keys there are two additional keys for shifting the type into their
proper type-field or system, and a larger central spare key by which traversing
motion is imparted to the paper-carriage for producing the spaces between the words.
Each key is attached to a key-lever, which swings by an eye at its rear end on a
fixed pivot-rod, and is returned as soon as released by a spring, as customary in
such machines. Every regular letter-key is provided with an inclined cam that
engages a bail which extends across the entire width of the machine. This bail is
rigidly attached to a pivoted shaft which carries a fixed arm that oscillates at each
depression of a key. The oscillating arm is of fork shape at its upper end, and
connected to a U shaped trunnion that is pivoted to the upper bifurcated end of a
fixed standard of the enclosing casing. The U shaped trunnion is either made in
one piece with or rigidly attached to an oscillating printing lever or arm which
swings in the symmetrical plane of the machine.
On the oscillating printing lever are arranged three tubular shells or sleeves, of
which the shorter sleeve is placed near the trunnioned end of the lever, while the
second longer sleeve extends from the end of the shorter sleeve to the rear end of
the printing lever. The third sleeve is arranged to encircle the longer sleeve and
to slide thereon in longitudinal direction by means of suitable guides. The first
sleeve is provided with two symmetrically-arranged centralizing springs which
are engaged by a fixed tongue or pin of the second sleeve, so that by turning the
first sleeve in axial direction the second sleeve follows it instantly, and is placed
The
into the same relative position towards the axial plane as the first sleeve.
axially shifting motion is imparted to the first sleeve by means of an exterior gear
wheel, which is engaged by a toothed segment on the upper end of an arm keyed
to the axially turning shaft of the field shifting keys. These keys are attached to
the ends of levers which extend at right angles from their central shaft, which shaft
turns in suitable bearings of the casing. The depression of either field shifting key
causes a partial rotation of their shaft, and a corresponding oscillation of the
toothed segment to one side or the other, the segment turning the first sleeve to one
side or the other on the printing lever.
The field shifting motion of the first sleeve carries the second sleeve along by the
tongue and centralizing springs. The row-shifting motion is then imparted to the
second sleeve by two row-shifting bails which are engaged by cams or projections
at the underside of those key-levers, whose letters are placed in the side-row of
each type-field, the key-levers of the letters of the central rows not having these
cams as they require no row-shifting motion but simply a field shifting and a
longitudinal motion. The row-shifting bails are placed symmetrically to the centre,

page_text: one at each side thereof, the keys of the side-row letters being correspondingly
grouped at both sides of the central keys which govern the letters of the centre row
of each field or system.
The row-shifting bails operate two oscillating cam-arms, one of which is placed
at each side of the row-shifting sleeve, the pointed cam ends engaging a spur wheel
of the sleeve. After the sleeve is set into the proper field by the field-shifting keys
and mechanism the depression of the letter key operates one of the bails and cam
arms and causes one of the cam ends to engage one of the six spurs of the spur
wheel so as to positively carry it to either side, and bring the row in which the
desired letter is placed into centre at the lower part of the printing lever. On the
release of the field shifting key the field shifting sleeve is returned into its normal
central position by springs applied to its key lever, while the return of the row-
shifting sleeve is accomplished on the release of the letter key by the centralizing
springs, which springs bear on either side of the tongue of the row-shifting sleeve
and carry it thereby back into its normal position. The field-shifting mechanism
and the row-shifting bails are brought into exact positions by contact with stop
pins and shoulders on the key levers, or by other equivalent stopping devices, and
are thereby retained in accurate position, which is indispensable to the proper
working of this type-writer, as thereby only the proper and positive operating of
the printing lever and sleeves is obtained.
"
The exterior longitudinally-sliding sleeve bears on its outer perimeter a number
of type, which are for the sake of convenience divided into nine equidistant longi-
tudinal groups or rows, each row consisting of nine type. Three groups or rows of
type form a type-field or system, the first one of which contains an alphabet of
lower case letters, the second an alphabet of capital letters, and the third the '
punctuations and numerals. The individual type of each row are grouped according
to the frequency of their use, the letter which most frequently occurs being by
preference placed into the centre of the row. For instance, the letter "e," which
is used most frequently, is placed into the centre of the middle row of the field to
which it belongs, the letters next frequently in use being grouped nearest to it, and
the remaining ones being grouped in the more remote positions. The type sleeve
receives for the central letter of the central system no motion, but receives for each
remaining letter in the central row a longitudinal motion, while for each letter in
the side-rows a row-shifting motion of the sleeve is required. For the central
letter of the remaining systems only a field shifting motion is necessary, while the '
remaining letters in the side rows receive a compound motion; which is formed of a
field-shifting motion, a row-shifting motion, and a longitudinally-shifting motion.
The longitudinally-shifting motion is imparted to the type-sleeve by a bail and
an oscillating central arm. The latter is forked at the upper end and pivoted to a
similarly forked pitman, the forked rear end of which engages by means of pins a
flanged annular collar at the end of the type sleeve, so as to push it longitudinally..
forward or back on the row shifting sleeve without interfering with the axial
motion of the latter as imparted by the field and row shifting devices. The extent *
of the forward or backward motion of the type sleeve is governed by means of
straight and inclined cams at the underside of the key levers of all those keys
whose letters require. a certain shifting motion for being brought to the common
printing point. The inclined cam is either placed in front of or back of the bail,
according as a backward or forward motion of the type-sleeve is required for the
letter. The upper part of the inclined cam is parallel to the straight cam and forms
with the same and the key lever a square recess that serves to lock the bail and
type sleeve in position when the letter to be printed has arrived at the printing
point. By this positive locking mechanism of the type sleeve all the letters are'
printed uniformly in line, and thus the irregular printing of the letters in the
present type writers, sometimes above and sometimes below the line, is entirely
avoided.
The type-sleeve is returned into its central normal position by springs applied to.

page_text: the oscillating arm and by suitable stops; as soon as the pressure on the keys is
withdrawn.
The inking ribbon extends over both ends of the printing lever and below the
type-sleeve. It is held in stretched position by a spool within the drum at the
front-end, and by two smaller rollers at the rear end of the printing lever. The
spool turns on a pin in said drum, the whole being attached to a projection of the
printing lever and placed in the space formed by the forked oscillating arm and the
forked pitman. The ink is supplied by means of a felt or other covering around
the spool, the drum serving merely as a protecting shell or guard. On this spool is
a ratchet wheel which engages a pawl on the supporting frame of the trunnion in
such a manner that when the printing lever is vibrated the ribbon is moved a short
distance by the turning of the spool; the inking and ribbon-feeding devices are
well known.
The rear-portion of the printing lever carries the small stretching rollers and is
made movable and forced outwardly by a spiral spring interposed between the
main-part and the movable part of the printing lever. This spring keeps the
ribbon always taut on the guiding and stretching rollers.
The paper carriage is supported by longitudinal rails on antifriction rollers, and
drawn from the right to the left side of the machine by a spring drum. The
traversing motion of the paper carriage is regulated by a guided double rack frame
which is open at the middle portion and which meshes at the rear part with an
exterior cog-wheel of the spring drum, and at the front part with a fixed pawl and
with a pivoted and spring-acted pawl. The rigid pawl is keyed to the shaft of the
bail that oscillates the printing lever and is carried into the rack when the key is
depressed, so as to hold the rack and paper-carriage firmly in position. To the top
of the fixed pawl is pivoted a flexible pawl, which clears the teeth of the rack when
the key is depressed, and which is then carried by its spring against a step above
the rack. On the release of the key the flexible pawl drops into the next tooth of
the rack, while the fixed pawl drops below the rack. The power of the spring
drum then carries the rack and carriage forward against the flexible pawl and
presses the same back until it comes in contact with its stop pin, by which opera-
tion the rack frame is fed forward for the space of one tooth. This arrangement is
well known and is not intended to be claimed. For the purpose of providing,
however, for the larger spaces required by the wider letters m and w of the lower
case system, and by the capital letters, and also for the larger space required by
the letters M and W' of the latter system, a step-shifting mechanism is arranged by
placing the step on the end of a spring arm which is carried sideways by an arm
on the field shifting key-shaft whenever the same is depressed for shifting the type-
sleeve into the capital letter field. To the side of the shifting step is pivoted a
second step that is lifted by a hook on the key levers of the letters " m or W
whenever their keys are depressed. The lifting of the pivoted auxiliary step allows
the flexible pawl to move against the step and thus to move the paper for the space
of two teeth. When the capital-field or system is shifted into printing position
the step is carried sideways for the space of two teeth, and thereby the paper
allowed to move for the space of two teeth whenever a capital letter is printed.
The space for the capital letters M and W is, by means of the pivoted pawl and the
same lifting hooks, increased to the distance of three teeth, in analogous manner as
described for the lower case letters "m" and "w." This variable letter spacing
can also be accomplished by different mechanism, as, for instance, by making the
rack-teeth smaller and moving the rack for the space of one tooth for the thinner
letters, for the space of two teeth for lower case " ID and " w" and the thinner
capitals, and for the space of three teeth for the capitals W and M, although the
described mechanism is preferred, as a rack with too small teeth is unreliable.
"
"9
The space between the words is obtained by depressing the larger central space-
key, whose key-lever carries at its rear part a fixed hook that engages the front-
part of the rack frame, and lowers it just sufficiently to clear the flexible pawl and
"

page_text: place its teeth in line with the fixed pawl. The flexible pawl then springs into
contact with the pivoted step and provides, by the release of the key and by the
action of a return spring of the rack frame, for the movement of the rack for the
space of a tooth. If a larger space is desired the space key is depressed a second or
third time, and so on, as described.
The rack frame is pivoted to downwardly extending arms of the paper carriage,
and is tilted by means of a hand lever keyed to one of the end pivots of the rack-
frame. By carrying the hand lever forward the rack frame is tilted below the
pawls so as to clear them, and be drawn back towards the right for the beginning
of a new line. This motion winds up the spring in the drum by the action of the
rack frame on the cogwheel of the drum.
"
On the upper part of the paper carriage is supported on radial arms the platen
which is made of a narrow plate of a width, but slightly larger than the body of
the type. At each side of the platen and parallel thereto are arranged convex
"huggers" which are attached to the ends of a strong cross spring that is secured
to the underside of the platen, and which serves to press them tightly against the
slightly concave rails of the carriage, so as to keep the paper firmly in position
and stretched tightly over the platen. The "huggers" also hold back the paper
against a too free motion of the same by the line spacing mechanism.
The line spacing mechanism consists of a central shaft to which two radial arms
are keyed which bear a pair of jaws, the lower one being rigid, while the upper
jaw is hinged thereto and pressed down upon the former by means of a spring.
These jaws form a kind of "duck-bill," through the throat of which the paper
passes. To the outer end of the shaft is keyed a hand-lever that is somewhat
shorter than the rack lever, and which levers terminate preferably in half spheres,
so that both may be jointly and conveniently grasped by the hand when the paper
is to be fed for the space of a line and the carriage returned for the next line.
Both hemispheres close up against a stop at the outside of the carriage-frame.
The hinged or movable jaw is provided with a rear extension or arm which
passes over a fixed arc-shaped cam on the frame of the paper carriage. By means
of a cam extension at the end of a radial arm the cam may be elongated to pro-
vide for a greater or less distance between the lines. When the jaw operating
hand lever is brought up against its stop, the extension arm of the upper jaw
passes over the outer surface of the cam and keeps thereby the jaws tightly closed
on the paper, so as to draw it forward over the platen for the distance of a line-
space, until the end of the arm by its spring-action slips down over the bevilled
end of the cam or cam extension, and releases by returning along the inner side
thereof the upper jaw from the paper, so that the jaws pass readily over the paper
into their former position ready to grip it again for the next line space.
As long
as the extension arm passes along the inner side of the cam the jaws are held
open, but they are instantly closed by the spring-pressure on the upper jaw as
soon as the extension arm leaves the inner side of the cam.
The centre shaft of the paper carriage is provided at the opposite end with a
knob for the purpose of swinging the platen and jaws into downward position to
receive a fresh sheet of paper. By turning the knob towards the key-board the
radial supporting arms of the jaws engage by lugs the supporting arms of the
platen and carry the latter with them. A side projection on the hinged jaw
engages a fixed cam of the carriage frame causing the upper jaw to open for
the reception of the paper. This is passed over a curved apron of sheet metal into
the throat between the jaws, and the knob is then turned back. The jaws close
instantly on being withdrawn from the cam, and drag the paper around below
the clamping rails and type sleeve until the platen arrives at its proper position.
This is accomplished without any difficulty, and in a quick and reliable manner,
by the action of the jaws.
The forked pitman of the type sleeve clutches the annular collar of the same in
such a manner that the pitman may be readily disengaged therefrom, and the type-

page_text: sleeve after removing the inking ribbon detached from the printing arm. This
is necessary not only for replacing a worn out type-sleeve by a new one, but
also for substituting a type-sleeve with a different character of letters, such
as italics, Greek letters, and so forth. By this simple interchanging of the
type-sleeve, the mechanism of this type-writing machine is adapted for every
important language spoken by civilized nations. It becomes thereby in effect an
international type printing mechanism with small additional expense. By em-
ploying a system of phonographic characters on the type sleeve it may be
employed successfully for stenographic purposes, and thus its application and
utility considerably extended and increased. The small number of parts as com-
pared to the present type writers admits of its cheaper construction, so as to place
it within the reach of almost every one, while the lightness and compactness of its
mechanism render it readily removable from place to place, and adapt it for con-
venient use at nearly any place and in every vocation, business, or pursuit.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Lorentz Albert Groth in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 12th
February 1880.
LORENTZ ALBERT GROTH, of the Firm L. A. Groth & Co., the Scandinavian
Patent Office, 6, Bective Road, Putney, in the County of Surrey, Consulting
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE WRITING MACHINES." A communication
by Lucien Stephen Crandall, of New York, in the State of New York, United
States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in type-writing machines by which a
less complicated, yet more reliable and effective construction than in the present
systems of type writers is obtained, and at the same time a greater range of type
provided so that the machine is adapted for use in every business and for every
language.
The Invention consists in its general features of a series of keys, the successive
depression and release of which vibrate a common printing lever and cause the
type, arranged in a longitudinally and axially shifting type-sleeve, to strike a
common printing point for all the type thereon. The printing point is formed
on a platen over which the paper is stretched, while an inking ribbon of the
printing lever supplies the ink for the impressions. While the type lever and key
are returning to place, the paper is moved the distance of a type space by the
traversing paper carriage, a variable placing for letters of different widths being
obtained by suitable mechanism. The paper is firmly held on the platen by
clamping devices and fed forward for the distance of a line space, independently of
or simultaneously with the return of the paper carriage to its starting point by
gripping-jaws, which may be jointly oscillated with the platen and clamping
devices and opened for the insertion of a new sheet of paper.
The type writer consists more specifically of the following essential elements:-
1. A type bearing sleeve, on which the type is grouped preferably in nine rows
of nine types each, three rows of which form a type-field or system. The type-
sleeve is arranged on an oscillating printing lever and capable of longitudinal and
axially shifting motion, so that any desired type thereon may be brought to a
common printing point.
2. A compound shifting mechanism for the type sleeve by which, by the
depression of a key, the proper position is given to the sleeve on the printing
lever both in longitudinal and axial direction.
3. An automatically fed inking ribbon, which is connected to the printing lever
and oscillated therewith.
4. A mechanism by which a variable letter space is obtained that provides for
the different widths of the letters in each field or system.
5. A platen, common to all the type, and mounted on oscillating arms of a
traversing carriage, by which the paper is fed for the proper letter spaces.
6. A paper-griping device supported on oscillating arms of the paper carriage,
whereby the paper is stretched tightly over the platen, and also carried forward
for the space between the lines.
In the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 1 represents a plan view of this improved
type-writing machine; Fig. 2, a vertical longitudinal section of the same on line
x, x, Fig. 1; Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively a sectional side view and a top view of
the mechanism for oscillating the printing lever; Figs. 5 and 6 represent
respectively a sectional side-view and an end elevation of the devices for shifting
the type sleeve axially into the proper type field and row; Fig. 7 is an end view
of the row-shifting sleeve with its centralizing springs; Fig. 8 is a sectional side-
view of the mechanism for the longitudinal shifting of the type-sleeve; Figs. 9, 10
and 11 are respectively a sectional side-elevation, a plan view and a sectional end-
elevation of the mechanism for producing the variable letter space for the wider

page_text: letters of each type system, and Figs. 12 and 13 are vertical transverse sections of
the paper carriage showing the paper-griping and clamping devices respectively
in position for receiving the sheet of paper, and for printing and line spacing
the same.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
The apparatus is constructed as follows:-
A, A, are a series of keys, which are grouped with reference to the frequency of
their use around the central key, which is to be used for the most frequently
occuring letter "e". The keys are marked with their corresponding letters,
figures or characters, 27 keys forming a type system. Besides these letter keys
there are two additional keys A' for shifting the type into their proper type-field
or system, and a larger central space key A² by which traversing motion is
imparted to the paper carriage for producing the spaces between the words. Each
key is attached to a key lever which swings by an eye at its rear end on a fixed
pivot rod, and is returned as soon as released by a spring, as customary in such
machines. Every regular letter key A is provided with an inclined cam a that
engages a bail B which extends across the entire width of the machine. This bail
B is rigidly attached to a pivoted shaft which carries a fixed arm B¹ that oscillates
at each depression of a key. The oscillating arm B¹ is of fork shape at its upper
end, and connected to a U shaped trunnion B2 that is pivoted to the upper
bifurcated end of a fixed standard B³ of the enclosing casing. The U shaped
trunnion B2 is either made in one piece with or rigidly attached to an oscillating
printing lever or arm C which swings in the symmetrical plane of the machine.
On the oscillating printing lever C are arranged three tubular shells or sleeves
D, D1, D2, of which the shorter sleeve D is placed near the trunnioned end of the
lever, while the second longer sleeve D¹ extends from the end of the shorter sleeve
to the rear end of the printing lever. The third sleeve D2 is arranged to encircle
the longer sleeve D₁, and to slide thereon in longitudinal direction by means of
suitable guides. The first sleeve D is provided with two symmetrically arranged
centralizing springs d, which are engaged by a fixed tongue or pin d¹ of the second
sleeve D¹, so that by turning the first sleeve in axial direction the second sleeve
follows it instantly, and is placed into the same relative position towards the axial
plane as the first sleeve. The axially shifting motion is imparted to the first sleeve D
by means of an exterior gear wheel d², which is engaged by a toothed segment d³ on
the upper end of an arm keyed to the axially turning shaft of the field shifting keys
A'. These keys are attached to the ends of levers which extend at right angles
from their central shaft, which shaft turns in suitable bearings of the casing. The
depression of either field shifting key A¹ causes a partial rotation of their shaft and
a corresponding oscillation of the toothed segment to one side or the other, the
segment turning the first sleeve D to one side or the other on the printing
lever C.
The field-shifting motion of the first sleeve carries the second sleeve D¹ along by
the tongue and centralizing springs. The row-shifting motion is then imparted to
the second sleeve D' by two row-shifting bails E, E, which are engaged by cams or
projections e at the underside of those key-levers whose letters are placed in the
side-rows of each type-field, the key-levers of the letters of the central rows not
having these cams, as they require no row-shifting motion, but simply a field
shifting and a longitudinal motion. The row-shifting bails E, E, are placed sym-
metrically to the centre, one at each side thereof, the keys of the side-row-letters
being correspondingly grouped at both sides of the central keys, which govern the
letters of the centre row of each field or system.
The row shifting bails operate two oscillating cam-arms E¹, one of which is placed
at each side of the row shifting sleeve D¹, the pointed cam ends e' engaging a spur-
wheel e² of the sleeve D¹. After the sleeve Di is set into the proper field by the
field-shifting keys and mechanism, the depression of the letter key operates one of
the bails and cam-arms E¹, and causes one of the cam-ends to engage one of the six
spurs of the spur-wheel, so as to positively carry it to either side and bring the row

page_text: in which the desired letter is placed into centre at the lower part of the printing
lever. On the release of the field-shifting key the field-shifting sleeve is returned
into its normal central position by springs applied to its key-lever, while the return
of the row shifting sleeve is accomplished on the release of the letter-key by the
centralizing springs D, which springs bear on either side of the tongue d' of the
row-shifting sleeve, and carry it thereby back into its normal position. The field-
shifting mechanism and the row-shifting bails are brought into their exact positions
by contrast with stop pins and shoulders on the key levers, or by other equivalent
stopping devices, and are thereby retained in accurate position, which is indispen-
sable to the proper working of this type-writer, as thereby only the proper and
positive operating of the printing lever and sleeves is obtained.
The exterior longitudinally-sliding sleeve D³ bears on its outer perimeter a number
of type, which are for the sake of convenience divided into nine equidistant longi-
tudinal groups or rows, each row consisting of nine type.
Three groups or rows of type form a type-field or system, the first one of which
contains an alphabet of lower case letters, the second an alphabet of capital-letters,
and the third, punctuations and numerals. The individual type of each row are
grouped according to the frequency of their use, the letter which most frequently
occurs being by preference placed into the centre of the row; for instance, the
letter "e," which is used most frequently, is placed into the centre of the middle
row of the field to which it belongs, the letters next frequently in use being
grouped nearest to it, and the remaining ones being disposed in the more remote
positions. The type-sleeve D° receives for the central-letter of the central system
no motion, but receives for each remaining letter in the central row a longitudinal
motion, while for each letter in the side-rows a row-shifting motion of the sleeve is
required. For the central letter of the remaining systems only a field shifting
motion is necessary, while the remaining letters in the side rows receive a compound
motion, which is formed of a field-shifting motion, a row-shifting motion, and a
longitudinally shifting motion.
The longitudinally-shifting motion is imparted to the type sleeve D³ by a bail F,
and an oscillating central arm F'. The latter is forked at the upper end and
pivoted to a similarly forked pitman F2, the forked rear-end of which engages by
means of pins f a flanged annular collar f¹ at the end of the type-sleeve so as to
push it longitudinally forward or back on the row-shifting sleeve D' without
interfering with the axial motion of the latter as imparted by the field-and row-
shifting devices. The extent of the forward or backward motion of the type-sleeve
D2 is governed by means of straight and inclined cams f, f³, at the underside of the
key-levers of all those keys whose letters require a certain shifting motion for being
brought to the common printing point. The inclined cam f³ is either placed
in front of or back of the bail F, as shown in Figs. 2 and 8, according as a backward
or forward motion of the type-sleeve is required for the letter. The upper part of
the inclined cam is parallel to the straight cam, and forms with the same and the
key-lever a square recess f* that serves to lock the bail and type-sleeve in position
when the letter to be printed has arrived at the printing point. By this positive
locking mechanism of the type-sleeve all the letters are printed uniformly in line,
and thus the irregular printing of the letters in the present type writers, sometimes
above and sometimes below the line, entirely avoided.
The type-sleeve is returned into its central normal position by springs applied to
the oscillating arm F¹ and by suitable stops as soon as the pressure on the keys is
withdrawn.
The inking ribbon G extends over both ends of the printing lever and below the
type-sleeve. It is held in stretched position by a spool within the drum g at the
front-end, and by two smaller rollers g¹ at the rear end of the printing lever. The
spool turns on a pin in said drum, the whole being attached to a projection of the
printing lever, and placed in the space formed by the forked oscillating arm F¹ and
the forked pitman F. The ink is supplied by means of a felt or other covering
around the spool, the drum serving merely as a protecting shell or guard. On this
.

page_text: spool is a ratchet wheel which engages a pawl on the supporting frame of the
trunnion in such a manner that when the printing-lever is vibrated the ribbon is
moved a short distance by the turning of the spool. As the inking and ribbon-
feeding devices are well known they are not shown in the Drawings.
The rear portion C¹ of the printing lever carries the small stretching rollers, and
is made movable and forced outwardly by a spiral spring 92 interposed between
the main-part and the movable part of the printing lever. This spring keeps the
ribbon always taut on the guiding and stretching rollers.
The paper-carriage H is supported by longitudinal rails on antifriction-rollers h,
and drawn from the right to the left side of the machine by a spring-drum H³.
The traversing motion of the paper-carriage H is regulated by a guided
double-rack-frame H³ which is open at the middle portion, and which meshes at
the rear part with an exterior cog-wheel of the spring-drum H2, and at the front
part with a fixed pawl H, and with a pivoted and spring-acted pawl H³, as shown
in Fig. 2, 9 and 10. The rigid pawl H' is keyed to the shaft of the bail B that
oscillates the printing-lever, and is carried into the rack when the key is depressed
so as to hold the rack and paper-carriage firmly in position. To the top of the fixed
pawl is pivoted a flexible pawl H, which clears the teeth of the rack when the key
is depressed and which is then carried by its spring against a stop d above the rack.
On the release of the key the flexible pawl drops into the next tooth of the rack,
while the fixed pawl drops below the rack. The power of the spring-drum then
carries the rack and carriage forward against the flexible pawl and presses the
same back until it comes in contact with its stop pin h², by which operation the
rack-frame is fed forward for the space of one tooth. This arrangement is well
known and is not intended to be claimed.
"
"
For the purpose of providing however for the larger spaces required by the wider
letters " m " and "w" of the lower case system and by the capital letters, and also
for the larger space required by the letters "M" and "W" of the latter system a step-
shifting mechanism is arranged by placing the step I on the end of a spring arm I,
which is carried sideways by an arm 12 on the field-shifting key-shaft, whenever
the same is depressed for shifting the type-sleeve into the capital letter-field. To
the side of the shifting step I is pivoted a second step 13 that is lifted by a book I'
on the key levers of the letters "
m or "W whenever their keys are depressed.
The lifting of the pivoted auxiliary step allows the flexible pawl to move against
the step 1, and thus to move the paper for the space of two teeth. When the
capital field or system is shifted into printing position the step I is carried side-
ways for the space of two teeth, and thereby the paper allowed to move for the
space of two teeth whenever a capital letter is printed. The space for the capital
letters "M" and "W" is by means of the pivoted pawl and the same lifting hooks
increased to the distance of three teeth in analogous manner, as described for the
lower case letters "m" and "w." This variable letter-spacing can also be accom-
plished by different mechanism, as for instance, by making the rack-teeth smaller,
and moving the rack for the space of one tooth for the thinner letters for the
space of two teeth for lower case " 'm" and "w" and the thinner capitals, and for
the space of three teeth for the capitals "W" and "M," although the described
mechanism preferred, as a rack with two small teeth is unreliable.
The space between the words is obtained by depressing the larger central space-
key A2, whose key-lever carries at its rear part a fixed hook a, Fig. 2, that
engages the front part of the rack-frame, and lowers it just sufficiently to clear the
flexible pawl and place its teeth in line with the fixed pawl. The flexible pawl
then springs into contact with the pivoted step, and provides by the release of the
key and by the action of a return spring of the rack-frame for the movement of
the rack for the space of a tooth. If a larger space is desired the space key is
depressed a second or third time, and so on as described.
The rack-frame H³ is pivoted to downwardly-extending arms of the paper-
carriage H, and is tilted by means of a hand-lever H keyed to one of the end-
pivots of the rack-frame. By carrying the hand-lever forward the rack-frame is

page_text: tilted below the pawls, so as to clear them and be drawn back towards the right
for the beginning of a new line. This motion winds up the spring in the drum by
the action of the rack frame on the cog-wheel of the drum.
On the upper part of the paper-carriage is supported on radial arms, the platen L
which is made of a narrow plate of a width but slightly larger than the body of
the type. At each side of the platen and parallel thereto are arranged convex
huggers" L', which are attached to the ends of a strong cross-spring that is
secured to the underside of the platen, and which serves.to press them tightly
against the slightly concave rails L² of the carriage, so as to keep the paper firmly
in position and stretched tightly over the platen, as shown in Figs. 2 and 13. The
huggers" also hold back the paper against a too free motion of the same by the
line spacing mechanism.
The line-spacing mechanism consists of a central shaft to which two radial arms
M are keyed which bear a pair of jaws M', the lower one being rigid while the
upper jaw is hinged thereto, and pressed down upon the former by means of a
spring. These jaws form a kind of " ducksbill," through the throat of which the
paper passes. To the outer end of the shaft is keyed a hand-lever M2 that is some-
what shorter than the rack lever, and which levers terminate preferably in half
spheres, so that both may be jointly and conveniently grasped by the hand when
the paper is to be fed for the space of a line and the carriage returned for the next
line. Both hemispheres close up against a stop at the outside of the carriage-
frame.
The hinged or movable jaw M is provided with a rear extension or arm m, which
passes over a fixed arc-shaped cam m² on the frame of the paper carriage. By
means of a cam-extension m³, at the end of a radial arm m³, the cam may be
elongated to provide for a greater or less distance between the lines. When the
jaw-operating hand-lever is brought up against its stop the extension-arm of the
upper jaw passes over the outer surface of the cam m¹, and keeps thereby the jaws
tightly closed on the paper so as to draw it forward over the platen for the distance
of a line-space until the end of the arm m by its spring action slips down over the
beveled end of the cam or cam-extension and releases by returning along the inner
side thereof the upper jaw from the paper, so that the jaws pass readily over the
paper into their former position ready to gripe it again for the next line-space. As
long as the extension arm m passes along the inner side of the cam the jaws are
held open, but they are instantly closed by the spring-pressure on the upper jaw as
soon as the extension-arm leaves the inner side of the cam.
The centre-shaft of the paper-carriage is provided at the opposite end with a
knob N for the purpose of swinging the platen and jaws into downward position
to receive a fresh sheet of paper. By turning the knob towards the key-board the
radial supporting arms of the jaws engage by lugs n the supporting arms of the
platen, and carry the latter with them into the position shown in Fig. 12. A side-
projection on the hinged jaw engages a fixed cam m of the carriage frame, causing
the upper jaw to open for the reception of the paper. This is passed over a curved
apron N¹ of sheet-metal into the throat between the jaws, and the knob is then
turned back. The jaws close instantly on being withdrawn from the cam m and
drag the paper around below the clamping rails and type sleeve until the platen
arrives at its proper position. This is accomplished without any difficulty and in
a quick and reliable manner by the action of the jaws.
The forked pitman of the type-sleeve clutches the annular roller of the same in
such a manner that the pitman may be readily disengaged therefrom, and the type-
sleeve after removing the inking ribbon detached from the printing arm. This is
necessary not only for replacing a worn-out type-sleeve by a new one but also for
substituting a type-sleeve with a different character of letters, such as italics, Greek
letters, and so forth. By this simple interchanging of the type-sleeve the mechanism
of this type-writing machine is adapted for every important language spoken by
civilized nations; it becomes thereby in effect an international type-printing
mechanism with small additional expense. By employing a system of phonographic

page_text: characters on the type sleeve it may be employed successfully for stenographic
purposes, and thus its application and utility considerably extended and, increased.
The small number of parts, as compared to the present type-writers, admits of its
cheaper construction so as to place it within the reach of almost everyone, while
the lightness and compactness of its mechanism render it readily removable from
place to place, and adapt it for convenient use at nearly any place and in every
vocation, business, or pursuit.
Having thus described the nature and particulars of the said Invention, I
claim,―
First. In type-writers, an oscillating printing lever or arm, having a cylindrical
type-sleeve capable of simple or of compound axially-shifting and longitudinally-
sliding motion, in combination with a traversing platen common to all the type of
the sleeve, substantially as set forth.
Secondly. In type-writers, a type-sleeve provided with equidistant, longitudinal
rows of type, in combination with mechanism whereby every type of the sleeve
is adapted to be brought to a common printing point, substantially as set forth.
Thirdly. In type-writers, the combination of an oscillating printing arm or lever,
and of an axially and longitudinally-shifting type-sleeve with an inking ribbon
and laterally-traversing platen and paper-carriage, all as and for the purpose
specified.
"
Fourthly. In type-writers, the combination of an oscillating printing lever and
of an oscillating printing lever and of a type sleeve placed thereon with a series
of actuating letter-keys, and with mechanism whereby every type of the type-
sleeve may be brought to a common printing point by the depression of the keys,
substantially as described.
Fifthly. In type-writers, the combination of a printing lever and of a type-sleeve
placed thereon with shifting keys, and with mechanism by which the sleeve is
axially shifted into the required type-field or system, substantially as specified.
Sixthly. In type-writers, the combination of a printing lever and of a type-sleeve
placed thereon, first, with mechanism whereby the type-sleeve is shifted into the
desired type-field or system, and secondly, with mechanism by which it is then
shifted to bring a desired group or row of type into line with the printing point,
substantially as set forth.
Seventhly. In type-writers, the combination of an oscillating printing-lever with
a type-sleeve, and with mechanism whereby the sleeve is shifted longitudinally in
either direction from its centre for bringing each type of a group or row to a
common printing point, substantially as specified.
Eightly. In type-writers, the combination of an oscillating printing lever and
of a type-sleeve placed thereon, with mechanism by which every type of the type-
sleeve is brought over a common printing point, and then locked firmly in position
for printing, substantially as described.
Ninthly. In type-writers, the combination of an oscillating printing-lever and of
a type-sleeve placed thereon, with an automatically-feeding inking device that is
secured to the printing lever and oscillated therewith, substantially as set forth.
Tenthly. In type-writers, the combination of a printing-lever trunnioned to an
oscillated arm with an actuating bail and cams of the key-levers, substantially as
described.
Eleventhly. In type-writers, the combination of a printing-lever and of a type-
sleeve with a field-shifting sleeve and actuating mechanism, and with a second row
sbifting sleeve that is coupled to the field shifting sleeve, and extended through the
type-sleeve, substantially as set forth.
Twelfthly. In type-writers, the combination of the bail for imparting longi-
tudinal shifting motion to the type-sleeve, with the letter key-levers having
straight and inclined cams, and extension spaces above the inclined cams for
locking the type-sleeve after it has been shifted into desired position, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Thirteenthly. In type-writers, the combination of the printing lever having an

page_text: axially moving sleeve and gear wheel with a toothed oscillating segment actuated
by the field-shifting key-levers, substantially as specified.
Fourteenthly. In type-writers, the combination of a printing lever provided with
an intermediate row-shifting sleeve having a spur wheel with oscillating cam armis,
actuating bail, and inclined cams of the key levers, substantially as described.
Fifteenthly. In type-writers, the combination of a printing-lever with a field
shifting sleeve, having symmetrically arranged centralizing springs, and with an
intermediate sleeve having a tongue or pin engaging the centralizing springs, so as
to be returned by the same into the printing line when the pressure on the key is
released, substantially as set forth.
Sixteenthly. In type-writers, the combination of the oscillating printing-lever
having a spring acted movable end piece carrying guide rollers, with the inking
ribbon and suitable ribbon stretching and feeding devices, substantially as described.
Seventeenthly. In type-writers, the combination of the rack-frame of the paper-
carriage, and of suitable actuating pawls with mechanism whereby a variable space
for the letters is obtained, substantially as specified.
Eighteenthly. In type-writers, the combination of the rack-frame of the paper-
carriage and of actuating space-pawls with hooks of the key-levers, and with a
fixed and a pivoted space-step, substantially as specified.
Nineteenthly. In type-writers, the combination of the rack-frame of the paper-
carriage and of a fixed and a flexible actuating pawl, with a fixed hook of the
key-levers, with a laterally movable step having a pivoted side step, and with a
laterally swinging arm of the shifting key-lever to provide the proper spacing for
the wider letters in the different type-fields or systems, as and for the purpose set
forth.
Twentiethly. In type-writers, the combination of the oscillating rack-frame of
the paper-carriage, and of a fixed and a flexible actuating pawl with a fixed hook
of the space-key, and with a step on a level with the flexible pawl to produce the
space between the words on the depression of the space key, substantially as
described.
Twentyfirstly. In type-writers, the combination of a fixed platen and spring-
acted huggers at either side thereof, with clamping rails of the paper-carriage to
keep the paper taut on the platen, substantially as set forth.
Twentysecondly. In type-writers, the combination of the platen and paper-
holding devices with paper gripping jaws, and with mechanism for oscillating the
jaws for drawing the paper forward for a line space, substantially as specified.
Twentythirdly. In type-writers, the paper-gripping jaws, the upper jaw of which
is hinged to the lower and provided with mechanism for oscillating the jaws,
and with a fixed extensible cam on the carriage frame to release the paper after it
is drawn forward for the distance of a line space, substantially as set forth.
Twentyfourthly. In type-writers, the combination of the platen and paper-
huggers, and of the paper-gripping jaws with mechanism for oscillating the jaws
and platen, and with a fixed cam of the carriage frame for opening the jaws so as
to insert the paper and draw it instantly into proper position below the type-sleeve,
essentially as set forth.
Twentyfifthly. In type writers, the combination of a printing-lever with a
detachable and interchangeable type.carrying sleeve, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Lorenz Albert Groth, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventh day of February, One thousand eight hundred
L. A. GROTH. (L.s.)