Improvements in Type-writing Machines.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 14th July, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 13th Apr., 1897-Accepted, 22nd May, 1897
Improvements in Type-writing Machines.
I GEORGE TARVER of The Glen Glen Eldon Road Streatham in the County
of Surrey Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The object of my invention is to provide for use a type-writing machine that
shall be very true and certain in operation that shall be very simple and cheap in
construction and that can be made very small and compact so as to be readily and
conveniently portable.
To carry out this object I make a plane table of wood or other material of any
desired size and preferably oblong in shape whereon the paper or other material
that is to be written on can be placed and if desired can be secured by ordinary
devices a sheet of india rubber leather cloth or other suitable material being if
necessary or convenient interposed. At a desired elevation above this table and
parallel therewith is supported by suitable brackets or standards it may be an
apparatus like an open bench and on this bench is mounted and lengthwise along
the same
can slide a suitable frame of the desired size and perhaps most
conveniently of a rectangular shape and the sides or walls of this frame are
continued downwards until they closely approach the table below. These sides or
walls of the frame are so made and arranged that the horizontal area of the frame
is gradually diminished from the top of the same above or on a level with the bench
until where they terminate just above the table this horizontal area is quite small
and is situated under the centre of the top of the frame whereby in vertical section
this frame is of a conical shape whatever may be the plan thereof whether
rectangular or circular or otherwise. A small distance above the small open bottom
of this frame is fitted therein an horizontal plate in which are made a desired number
of small holes arranged in a certain desired manner and a certain distance above this
plate is or may be fitted another horizontal plate wherein are a similar number of
small holes arranged in a corresponding manner but obviously more spread out or
a little farther apart as the upper plate must be larger than the lower plate by
reason of the conical shape vertically of the frame. Through the corresponding
holes of these two plates are passed loosely the desired number of small rods to
each of which is applied a coiled or other spring in such wise as normally to retain
the same in its uppermost position with its lower end just below the lower plate on
which lower end is secured the required type whether a letter or figure or otherwise
while on the upper end thereof which is at or about the level of the top of the
frame is an head correspondingly marked in any convenient manner. Therefore
when any particular rod is forced downwards against its spring it passes out through
the small open bottom of the frame and can press the type on its end on the paper
or other material on the table below and all these rods are so arranged that they
all converge towards the same centre or position situated at the level of this table
under the centre both of the top of the frame and of the small open bottom
thereof or thereabouts.
To cause the type when so pressed on the paper or the like to mark the same an
ordinary inking ribbon may be provided which could be wound round a roll
mounted on the outside of the frame in one position and therefrom could pass down
and across the small open bottom of the frame being held in close proximity to the

page_text: Burface of the paper or the like by rollers or other devices and thence could pass
up to another roll mounted on the outside of the frame in another complementary
position.
To cause this inking ribbon to move so that the same part thereof will not be
repeatedly struck by the type I provide the following appliances. Another similar
plate wherethrough all the type rods loosely pass is horizontally placed in the
framing preferably above the aforesaid fixed upper plate but this plate is not fixed
and can move vertically in this framing suitable guides or other appliances being
provided to ensure its horizontality during such vertical movement and coiled or
other springs are fitted to this plate to maintain it in its normal preferably its
uppermost position and a pin or nut or other device is fitted to each type rod in
such wise that preferably the depression of a rod depresses this plate against its
springs. The plate through a stud or pawl or the like can in the ordinary manner
actuate a ratchet wheel on one of the ribbon rolls by its movement and thus
intermittently draw the ribbon off the other roll whereto may be fitted any ordinary
brakes or the like.
This moveable plate can also in the same manner through studs or
pawls or the
like engaging in ratchet teeth formed along the length of the bench cause the
whole frame intermittently to move along such length of the bench and thus cause
the types that are successively depressed on the paper to strike such paper in
different positions and write a line as is desired.
The brackets or standards that support the bench can be mounted on rails or the
like transversely fitted on the edges of the table in such wise that they can slide
along the same being caused so to do in any ordinary manner by any usual
appliances and gauges or notches or suchlike devices may be provided with the
rails or the like to ensure that the brackets or standards will be so properly moved
that when one line has been written as aforesaid this apparatus will be in position
to cominence another line when the frame has by hand or otherwise been brought
back to the proper end of the bench.
Instead of the open bench aforesaid or that is to say two parallel side bars or
rods to support the two sides of the frame only one side bar or rod may be similarly
fitted but in this case it would generally be advisable to mount a wheel or roller
on the bottom of the frame to support the same on and from the table below.
Instead also of the inking ribbon aforesaid an ordinary inking pad may be fitted
inside the frame below the position where the types are normally retained and
this pad can be hinged on one side to the walls of the frame and it is connected by
a rod with the aforesaid moveable plate in such wise that when a type rod is
depressed the type first touches this pad and then the depression as aforesaid of the
plate causes the pad as a valve to turn on its hinge out of the way of the type.
It may too be very convenient to fit a number of anti-friction rollers or other
devices round the small open bottom of the frame and also when desired on the
lower ends of the type rods or near such ends.
For convenience of portability the side bars or rods of the bench may be divided
into two or more parts which would be hinged together in any appropriate manner
and the table likewise may be similarly treated.
A pneumatic bag may be fitted on the under side of the table to act as a cushion
for the same.
When as is perhaps most convenient and preferable in this apparatus the key
board is made so small or that is to say the actutaing heads of the type rods
are made so small and are placed so close together that they cannot be operated by
the fingers of the hands small pins or bolts or metallic or other fingers may be
provided for the operator one of which might appropriately be fitted through a
thimble on each finger of the operator's hands the actuating heads of the type rods
being formed accordingly or any other suitable appliances may be used for this
purpose.
Another similar fixed plate may if desired be fitted it may be on the top of the
frame and above the moveable plate aforesaid wherethrough all the type rods would

page_text: similarly loosely pass in which case the aforesaid upper fixed plate might be
dispensed with.
The type at the end of each rod may be made of metal or rubber or other
material as may be desired.
Although it may perhaps even generally be preferable to effect the actuation
and movement of the inking ribbon and the frame by ratchet teeth and studs or
pawls or the like directly such actuation and movement can also be effected when
desired by screwed rods or any other appropriate and customary contrivances.
Dated this 14th day of July 1896.
HART & Co.,
168, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Agents.
I GEORGE TARVER of The Glen Glen Eldon Road Streatham in the County
of Surrey Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The object of this my invention is to provide for use a type-writing machine that
shall have amongst others the following advantages and excellences that is to say :-
it shall be very true and certain in operation-it shall provide a due proportionate
space for each letter-it shall be very simple and cheap in construction-and it can
be made very small and compact so as to be readily and conveniently portable.
In order the more clearly to explain this my invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed I refer to the accompanying drawing wherein I have shewn
a most convenient form and style of construction and arrangement of this my type-
writing machine and Figure 1 is a plan of part of the same Figure 2 is a side
elevation partly in section of the same Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the same and
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic elevation on an enlarged scale of a certain operating
part of the same.
A plane flat table A is made of wood or other suitable material and of any
desired size and generally and perhaps preferably of an oblong shape on which
table A the paper or other material that is to be written on can be placed and if
desired can be secured by any ordinary devices à sheet of india rubber leather cloth
flannel or. other suitable material being if necessary or convenient interposed.
At a certain desired elevation above this table A. and parallel therewith is
supported by suitable brackets or standards B a bar or rod D which bar D extends.
transversely across the table A while the standards B are mounted on rails E fitted
longitudinally on each side of the table A in such wise that they can slide along
the same being caused so to do in any ordinary manner by any usual appliances and
it is very appropriate to form on the rails E racks E' whereinto pawls B' on the
standards B can engage.
On the bar D is mounted it may perhaps preferably be by three or more rollers F
and lengthwise all along the same can slide a suitable frame or casing H of the
desired size and perhaps most conveniently of a rectangular shape in plan and the
sides or walls of this casing H are continued downwards until they closely approach
the table A being so formed and arranged that the horizontal area of the casing H
is gradually or otherwise diminished from the top of such casing H until at the
bottom of the same this horizontal area is quite small and this small open bottom H
of the casing H is preferably situated directly under the centre of the large open
top of the casing H whereby in vertical section this casing H is of a somewhat

page_text: conical shape as is shewn in Figure 2 whatever may be the plan thereof whether
.rectangular or circular or otherwise. On the opposite side of the casing H to that
on which are the rollers F it will generally be advisable to fit a suitable arm K
.whereon can be mounted a wheel or roller K' to support this side of the casing H
on and from the table A and prevent a too great or an improper strain being put
on the rollers F. A small distance above the small open bottom H' of the casing H
is horizontally formed or fitted in such easing Ha plate L which perhaps preferably
may be slightly curved or domed as is shewn in Figure 2 and in and through which
are made a desired number of small holes arranged in a certain desired manner and
an appropriate distance above this plate L may be and perhaps most conveniently
is horizontally formed or fitted in the casing H another plate L' it may be similarly
curved or domed and wherein and wherethrough are made a similar number of small
boles arranged in a corresponding manner but obviously more spread out and a little
farther apart as this plate L must be larger than the plate 'L by reason of the
conical shape vertically of the casing H.
Through the correspnding holes of these two plates L and L' are loosely passed
the desired number of small rods M to each of which is applied preferably between
the two plates L and L' a coiled or other spring M₁ in such wise as normally to
retain the same in its uppermost position with its lower end just below the plate L
and on this lower end is secured the required type whether a letter or a figure or
otherwise while on the upper end thereof which is at or about the level of the top
of the casing H is an head M³ correspondingly marked in any convenient style and
formed and constructed in the ordinary or other manner and all these heads M² in
any desired number are arranged in the top of the casing H it may be as is shewn
in Figure 1 or in other convenient manner as may be appropriate in each particular
case. Therefore when any one rod M is forced by and through its head M
downwards against its spring M' its lower end passes out through the small open
bottom H of the casing H as is shewn by dotted lines in Figure 2 and can press
the type on such lower end on the paper or other material on the table A below
and all these rods M are so arranged and if necessary or desirable such and so
many of them are so formed and bent that they all converge towards the same
centre or position situated at the level of the table A directly under the centres
both of the open top of the casing H and of the small open bottom H' thereof or
thereabouts. It may sometimes be very convenient to fit a number of anti-friction
rollers or other suchlike devices round the small open bottom H' of the casing H
and also when desired on or near the lower ends of the rods M to minimize any
friction that may or might be experienced in the thrusting out of one of the rods M
through such small open bottom H' of the casing H.
To cause the type when so pressed down on the paper or other material duly to
mark the same an ordinary or other inking ribbon N may perhaps preferably be
provided which could be wound round a roll P mounted on the outside of the
casing H in one position and therefrom could pass down and across the small open
bottom H¹ of the casing H being held in close proximity to the surface of the
paper or other material by guide rollers N¹ or other devices and thence could pass
up to another roll P¹ mounted on the outside of the casing H in another and
complementary position.
As is indeed obvious it is necessary in this machine that when oue type has made
its mark on the paper or other material on the table the casing itself must be
moved to allow the next mark to be made on the paper or other material in a
different position and in the proper sequence and also that it is preferable that
the same part of the inking ribbon should not be repeatedly used and struck by
the type and to carry out these objects I provide the following appliances and
devices.
Another similar but flat and plane plate R wherethrough all the rods M loosely
puss is horizontally placed in the casing H preferably above the fixed plate L
hereinbefore described but this plate R is not fixed and can move vertically upwards
and downwards in this casing H being provided with suitable guides or other

page_text: appliances to ensure its horizontality in all positions during such vertical movement
and with suitable springs or other appliances, normally to retain it in its uppermost
position. I shew in Figure 2 a convenient arrangement wherein one or more
vertical rods T are attached to the plate R and pass through the plate L' and along
sleeves attached thereto on the underside thereof while coiled springs T in com-
pression are fitted round the rods T between the plates L' and R. A pin or nut
or collar or other device is fitted on each rod M in the desired position above the
plate R in such wise that the depression of a rod M depresses the plate R against
its springs as is shewn by dotted lines in Figure 2 and such depression of the plate R
and its consequent and subsequent elevation through studs ur pawls or other usual
and suitable devices can in any ordinary and appropriate manner produce the
required and desired movements hereinbefore mentioned.
For example to move the casing along the bar the following devices may be
provided. A rack D' is properly formed along the bar D and an arm R' projects
from the plate R passing through a vertical slot H in the walls of the casing H
on the end of which arm R' is hung a pawl V which can properly engage the
teeth of the rack D'. According to this arrangement as shewn in Figures 3 and 4
it is obvious that when the plate R is depressed in manner as is hereinbefore
described the pawl V will pass over one or two or more of the teeth of the rack D¹
in accordance and correspondence with the amount of such depression and then
when this plate R is allowed to regain its normal uppermost position also in
manner as is hereinbefore described this pawl V being engaged in the teeth of the
rack D' will cause the casing H by so much to move along the bar D in the
proper direction as is desired a reversed pawl V' being also fitted if necessary or
convenient to prevent any movement in the contrary direction.
Again to move the inking ribbon the following devices may be provided.
Ratchet wheels can be fitted on the rolls P and P and on projections from the
plate R passing through vertical alots in the walls of the casing H are hung
pawls X and X which can respectively engage such ratchet wheels on the rolls P
and P and can be released from such engagement by the hinged struts Y and Y.
According to this arrangement as shown in Figure 3 it is obvious that when the
pawl X is put out of action by the strut Y and the plate R is depressed in
manner as is hereinbefore described the roll P will be revolved and the inking
ribbon N be so much drawn off the roll Pi whereby a fresh part of such inking
ribbon will be struck by the type as is desired. When all the ribbon N has so
been drawn off the roll P the pawl X can be put out of action by the strut Y and
the pawl X can be allowed to engage the ratchet wheel on the roll P¹ whereby
the aforesaid action is reversed.
Furthermore I would point out that as is indeed obvious all letters and other
signs do not absolutely demand the same amount of space in a line as for example
an m or a w properly require more space than an i or an 1 and in this my type-
writing machine such differential spacing can easily and very simply be effected by
causing the plate R to be more greatly depressed for and with some letters and
signs than for and with other letters and signs whereby the pawl V will be passed
over more of the teeth of the rack D' for and with the former than for and with
the latter. This object is carried out by varying the positions of the pin or the
lengths or positions of the nut or collar or the like on each particular rod M it
may be as is shewn in Figure 4 wherein the collar W might suit the letter m and
the collar W might suit the letter i and thus after the depression of the rod M
bearing the collar W the casing H will in manner as is hereinbefore described be
moved along the bar D farther than it will be moved after the depression of the
rod M bearing the collar W' and this is greatly to be desiderated.
Therefore when this apparatus is in the condition and position shewn in
Figure 1 as and when the type rods M are successively depressed the easing H
will be intermittently moved along the bar D until a line is written on the paper
or other material on the table A below when the pawls V and V¹ or other devices
can be put out of action and the casing H can be moved back by hand or otherwise

page_text: to the proper end of the bar D and the standards B will be properly moved along
the rails E a certain desired distance and then this apparatus will be in readiness
to commence another line and so on.
I have thus described and I have shewn in the accompanying drawing as is
herein before stated a most convenient form and style of construction and arrange-
ment of this my type-writing machine but as is indeed very evident I do in no
wise limit myself exactly and precisely to the details of such construction and
arrangement as so described and shewn.
For example another similar bar D also supported by the standards B may be
provided to pass on the opposite side of the casing H which is similarly mounted
thereon when the wheel or roller K' could be dispensed with and thus a kind of
open bench is provided to carry the casing H.
Again a similar fixed plate wherethrough all the type rods would similarly
loosely pass may be fitted at or near the top of the casing H and above the
depressible plate R in which case the upper fixed plate L' might or might not be
dispensed with.
Again instead of effecting the actuation and movement of the casing H along
the bar or bars D and of the inking ribbon N directly by pawls or the like
engaging in ratchet teeth such actuation and movement can be effected and produced
from and by the depressible and elevatory plate K through screwed rods or any
other appropriate and customary contrivances and devices.
For convenience of portability the bar or bars D could be divided into two
or more parts which would be hinged or otherwise connected together in any usual
and appropriate manner and the table A and its rails E may likewise be similarly
treated.
When as is perhaps most convenient and preferable in this apparatus the key-
board is made so small or that is to say the heads M2 of the type rods M are made
so small and are placed so close together that they cannot be operated by the
fingers of the hands any small pins or bolts or metallic or other fingers or other
convenient and appropriate mechanical or other contrivances and devices may be
supplied to and used by the operator for this purpose as may be desired in each
particular case.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :
1. In a type-writing machine a table A travelling standards B erected on such
table A an horizontal bar or bars D supported by such standards B a conical
casing H mounted on and capable of travelling along such bar or bars D and one
or more fixed plates L horizontally fitted in such casing H in combination with
type rods M loosely passing through such plate or plates L and arranged to
converge towards a common centre below the small open bottom H¹ of the casing H
springs M' applied to such type rods M whereby to elevate the same heads Mon
such type rods M. wherethrough to depress the same and an inking ribbon N for
the types on such type rods M means being provided for causing the casing H
intermittently to travel along the bar or bars D'and the standards B intermittently
to travel along the table A substantially as hereinbefore described and set forth.
2. In a type-writing machine a casing H mounted on an horizontal bar or
bars D one or more fixed plates L horizontally fitted in such casing H type
rods M loosely passing through such plate or plates L and springs M' applied to
such type rods M whereby to elevate the same in combination with a moveable
plate Rhorizontally placed in the casing H wherethrough also the type rods M
loosely pass one or more springs T' applied to such plate R whereby to elevate the
same and sleeves W or other devices on the type rods M wherethrough to depress
the plate R with such type rods M means being provided whereby the alternate
depression and elevation of the plate R will cause the casing H intermittently to

page_text: travel along the bar or bars D substantially as hereinbefore described and set
forth.
3. In a type-writing machine the combination with a moveable plate R whereby
the required spacing is effected and one or more springs T applied to such plate R
whereby to elevate the same of type rods M loosely passing through such plate R
and sleeves W or other devices of different sizes or in different positions on such
type rods M wherethrough this plate R will be differently depressed with the
several type rods M substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described and
declared.
4. The improved type-writing machine substantially as hereinbefore described
and shewn in the accompanying drawing.
1907
HART & Co.,
168, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Agents.