An Improved Method of and Means for Operating Type-writing Machines.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Dec., 1892-Accepted, 18th Feb., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Method of and Means for Operating Type-writing
Machines.
We, JAMES EDWARD WILSON, Manufacturer, 435 West 42nd Street, in the
City, County and State of New York, United States of America, and EDWARD
STRONG TORREY, Manufacturer, 15 Britannia Street, London, England, 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 :-
This invention relates to that class of type-writing machines in which the type
are carried by a rotating wheel or disc, and brought into contact with the surface
to be printed upon by a downward movement of the wheel.
This invention has for its object to provide a type-writing machine that shall be
simple in construction, accurate and effective in operation and cheap to manufacture,
which shall not only be useful as an educational device for children, but shall be
capable of practical use for business and professional purposes.
The invention consists in the novel details of improvement and the combination
of parts that will be more fully set forth and pointed out in the claims.
Figure 1 is a front elevation of our improved type-writing machine.
Figure 2 is an end elevation thereof.
Figure 3, a front elevation of the same, the type-wheel being removed showing
the bell in position.
Figure 4 is an end elevation thereof, partly in section, showing both the type-wheel
and bell in position.
Figure 5 is a plan or top view, the type-wheel being removed.
Figure 6 is a sectional view of the end from the right in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the type-wheel carrying head.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of the rear of the spacing mechanism in the normal
position.
Figure 9 is a similar view showing the second position.
Figure 10 represents a plan or top view of a modification of construction of
this type-writing machine complete, except spacing, by a series of lines, the surface
of the base or platen.
Figure 11 is a plan or top view of the base or platen upon which the printing
mechanism is to be mounted, and spaced by a series of lines as will be described.
Figures 12 and 13 are sectional end views respectively of Figure 1.
Figure 14 is a face view of the type-wheel detached.
Figures 15 and 16 are sectional elevations of the rack and pawl detached, the
pawl being represented in its two extreme positions in printing.
Figure 17 is a central section of the type-wheel detached.
Figure 18 is a side elevation of a fragment of the rubber or flexible type as
they would appear before being placed in the type-wheel.
Figure 19 is a view of the spring clamping wire detached to show the bends
therein near either end.
Figure 20 is a plan or top view of the spring foot to which the ink pads are
secured; and
Figure 21 is a plan or top view of the slotted end of the type-wheel frame
which is to slide back and forth over a rack, and through which a pawl is to
operate to move the type-frame over the paper to be printed upon intermittently,
as will be described.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several
views.

page_text: A, in the accompanying drawing, represents the base upon which the operative
parts are to be mounted. The paper to be printed upon is placed upon said base
and is held in position by a spring bar, a; shown pivoted at one end to the base, A,
at b, and at its free end passing under a hook, d, that holds it upon the paper.
This base A, forms a platen for the paper to be printed upon.
In order to permit the proper alignment of the paper upon the base or platen, A,
a series of lines, f, is placed thereon running longitudinally, and another series of
lines, f, running laterally, or at right angles to the lines, as shown in Figures 5
and 11. By this method of spacing the platen by a series of lines, the paper can
be quickly and properly placed thereon to be printed upon by causing its edges to
coincide with the lines and f, and for adjusting the paper to a new line the same
as if it was ruled in the usual manner as a guide.
The lines, f, may be stamped upon the platen A or printed upon paper
or other suitable material and pasted thereon or otherwise properly attached
thereto.
Upon the base, A, are standards, g, which support a rack, B. Upon this rack B,
is mounted a sliding frame, D, having a tube-like part, h, through which the bar, B,
passes, whereby the frame D is supported and guided on the rack B. The frame, D,
extends forward over the base or platen A, and through an aperture in said frame
a rod, E, passes which is supported by the standards, g, and extends, parallel
with the rack B. The slot E is large enough to permit an up and down or
rocking movement of the frame D over or upon the rod E, around the rack B,
as a fulcrum (see Figure 6).
To the outer or forward part of the frame D, is pivoted a lever, F, that extends
rearwardly toward the rack B, and parallel with and preferably close to the
frame D. This lever, F, has a substantially horizontal (or longitudinal) slot, E,
through which the rod, E, passes.
By means of a screw, l, carried by the frame D, and passing through a slot, m,
in the lever F, the latter is guided on the frame D, and lateral movement of said
lever is prevented. On the rear or free end of the lever F is a projection or
finger, F, which is adapted to enter between the teeth of the rack B, to prevent
the movement of the frame D thereon (see Figure 8). A spring G, connects the
frame, D, with the free end of the lever, F, and by its tension tends to depress
the free end of the lever F, which, bearing upon the rod, E, as a fulcrum lifts
the outer part of the frame D (see Figures 2 and 4) whereby the, parts are held
in their normal positions. The lever F, at its free end pivotally carries a pawl
or lever H, having a toe, n, adapted to engage with the teeth of the rack B (see
Figures 8 and 9).
In their normal positions, the finger F, and toe, n, are in their respective
notches of the rack B (see Figure 8). But when the frame D is depressed,
the lever F (working on the rod E as a fulcrum) is lifted at its free end,
whereby the pawl H is lifted and thereby its 'toe, n, advances one tooth on the
rack B, (Figure 9).
+
Then the frame D raises the lever F, and descends carrying down with it the
pawl H, which, by engaging a tooth of the rack' B, causes the frame D to advance
the space of one tooth.
This will occur each time the frame D is depressed and raised and thereby the
advance or feeding of the frame is effected step by step.
To the pawl, H, is also connected an arm, H2, by which the, pawl may be
operated.
To make a space between words, the type-carrier is turned until the part 'having
no type is brought in line with the paper, whereupon, when the carrier is depressed,
the pawl will be lifted to move the frame one tooth of the rack, but no impression
upon 'the paper will be made.
The pawl, H, also carries a cam-like, projection, H2, adapted to engage the
frame D, so that when 'the arm 'H' is raised, the cam H' will be pressed against

page_text: the frame D, the toe, n, and finger F' will be lifted out of the rack B, and thereby
the frame D will be free to be shifted along the rack B.
The frame D, at its outer part carries a type-wheel I, having a thumb piece, I³,
by which it can be rotated.
This type-wheel, I, is mounted upon a suitable shaft, J, on the frame, D, and by
preference the type-wheel is given a slight lateral or oscillating movement on the
frame, D. For this purpose the shaft, J, is connected pivotally with the frame D,
and we prefer to connect the shaft J with a head J, which is forked at o, on
its inner end, to straddle the frame D, a pivot-pin, P, passing through the frame D
(Figure 7).
Only a slight motion is permitted the head J', on its pivot P. Between the
head, J, and frame, D, is interposed a spring, q, represented in a recess, r, in
the frame D, and bearing at one end against the frame D and at its other end
against the head J³, Figure 7, the tendency of the spring, g, being to hold the
head J2 and shaft, J, up.
On the inner side of the type-wheel, I, is a series of teeth, L, corresponding
in position and in number to the type on the periphery of the type-wheel, I.
On the lower part of the frame, D, is a tongue or projection, M', that is
adapted to enter between the teeth, L, when the type-wheel is oscillated laterally
to lock the latter in position to prevent rotation during the act of printing.
On the face of the type-wheel, I, is an index on which are arranged the letters
and characters corresponding with the type on the periphery of the wheel, I (see
Figure 14). N, is a pointer carried by the frame, D, and extends over the
type-wheel, I, in line with the characters on the face of the type-wheel, so that
to produce an impression of the type the desired character on the index or on
the face of the type-wheel is brought opposite the pointer, N, which places the
corresponding type in line with the platen and the frame D is depressed to produce
an impression.
To ink the type, an inking pad, O, is secured, say at the lower part of the
frame D, which is normally out of line with the type as in Figure 2. The pad, O;
is supported by spring arms, s, which are connected to the frame D, as shown,
so that when the type-wheel, I, is depressed, the type will come in contact with
the pad and the type to print will be permitted to pass through the aperture, O³,
in the pad, O, Figures 2 and 5.
Although a type-writing machine may be used without a bell, some styles are
preferable with a bell, and for this purpose a standard, t, is placed upon the
frame D, upon which a hell, R, is mounted (see Figure 4). Q is the bell clapper
carried by a bell crank, R', pivoted to the frame D, and acted upon to strike the
bell by a spring, u.
The bell crank lever is bent across the frame D and then downward on the
opposite side (Figure 6) forming a projection, v, which projection, v, is adapted to
be engaged by a counterbalance trigger, S', carried by the frame D.
On the rod, E, is an arm, T, (Figure 5) shaped so as to engage the trigger, S,
to trip the same to release the clapper Q. The arm, T, is movable along the
road E, and for this purpose it has connected to it an arm, T2, adapted to rest in
the rack. E, to prevent spontaneous side movement.
When the frame D is depressed, the lever F, engages and raises the bell-crank
lever, R, to draw the clapper away from the bell, R, and at the same time the
When
projection, v, engages the trigger, S, which holds the clapper set to strike.
the frame, D, is moved along the rack, B, the required distance, the trigger will
encounter the arm, T, and thereby the projection, t, will be tripped, thus permitting
the clapper to strike the bell.
The operating of this type-writer may be briefly described as follows:
The paper to be printed upon is placed upon the base or platen, A, and adjusted
according to the lines, f,f. The type-wheel, I, is then turned to bring the desired
letters of the index opposite the pointer, N, which causes the corresponding type
to pass in line with the opening, O2, in the pad, O. The type-wheel, I, is then

page_text: depressed and rocks on its pivot, E, until the teeth, L, engage the projection, M',
to prevent rotation of the type-wheel.
The frame, D, is now pressed down until the type passes through the opening, O',
and reaches the paper to make an impression, the spring pad, O, permitting the
type to pass through. As the frame is thus depressed, it carries the outer end
of the lever, F, down, which fulcrums on the rod, E, and thereby its inner end,
carrying the pawl, H, rises. As it thus rises, its finger, H, is lifted out of the
rack, B, and the toe, n, of the pawl, H, is moved along one notch.
frame again rises under the influence of the spring, G, acting on the lever, F, as
stated, the inner end of the lever, F, descends, causing the pawl, H, to push the
frame D along the rack B, the distance of one tooth, whereupon the finger, F³,
enters between two teeth on the rack B, to hold the frame D from moving.
When the
Each time the frame D is rocked, the same motions occur to feed the frame D,
along the base, A, step by step to space apart the letters. To make a space
between words, the arm H2, of the pawl, H, is raised which causes the toe, n, on
said pawl to move the frame D, one space. The manner of ringing the bell having
been already stated, need not be recapitulated.
The modifications in this type-writing machine illustrated in Figures 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21, consist in the mechanical construction and
arrangement of the mechanism, simplifying and cheapening the cost of manufacture
and producing a more perfect machine, embodying the same general features and
operation herein before described and referred to.
Upon the base or platen, A, the printing mechanism is mounted to be operated
the same as other type-writing machines of this peculiar form of construction
are operated.
To the opposite ends of this base or platen, A, are secured two corresponding
standards, B, to which a rack B' is pivoted so as to be oscillated when the type-
wheel is depressed or raised in printing, or capable of making a half turn upward
and backward to expose the printing and the ink-pads.
To this rack, B', is fitted the sliding end, h, of the frame E, which is of sufficient
length to maintain the type-wheel F firmly in position, and parallel with the base
or platen A, and to permit of the type-wheel frame, E, being moved back and forth
over the platen freely and without binding or cramping.
Extending forward from this sliding end, h, is the frame, E, proper, to the upper
edge of which is pivoted at a, a vibrating bar, G, to the front end of which bar, G,
is pivoted the type-wheel, F, as shown.
In Figure 13, this type-wheel is in position to be revolved back and forth to
present the different characters thereon, and to be depressed by means of the thumb-
but, H, in the usual manner of operating type-wheels of this peculiar construction
to print, the pivot, a, being the fulcrum.
To the rear end of this vibrating bar, G, is fitted the pawl, J, taking into teeth
in the oscillating rack B', and operated by said bar to move the frame E, inter-
mittently over the platen to space between the characters in printing the same as
the pawl is operated in the previously described machine by the up and down
movement of the type-wheel.
Figures 15 and 16 represent this pawl, J, in its two extreme positions in printing,
one position, K, to move the frame E, one space forward, the other position L, to
firmly lock the frame E, by means of the toe, M, and spur, N, having entered their
respective notches in the oscillating rack B₁, as shown.
When the type-wheel is depressed in printing, the pawl, J, is raised sufficient
to move its toe one notch, as represented in Figure 16, and when the type-wheel
is raised as in Figure 13, the pawl will have moved the frame, E, one space toward
the right, and the frame, again become locked with the rack B', as shown in
Figure 15, and to so remain until again raised by depressing the type-wheel to
print the next succeeding character, as in Figure 12, and so on the frame is
moved intermittently over the paper to print and space as described.
In order to insure the printing of the particular character desired, and to prevent

page_text: the type-wheel slightly turning in its downward movement, and thus to present
the wrong character, the front end, P, of this carrier extends forward, so
that when the type-wheel is slightly depressed and commences its downward
movement. the V-shaped edge of this front end, P, will enter one of the notches, O,
in the edge of the type-wheel, and this V-shaped front edge being in the proper
curve, will permit the type-wheel to descend until the bottom of the notch reaches
the perpendicular part, P₁, of this V-shaped end, when the front end of the frame
or carrier will be forced downward, by the notched edge of the type-wheel, until
the character thereon leaves its imprint upon the paper, at the same time raising
and allowing the pawl to advance one notch, and by raising the type-wheel to
move the frame over the paper advance the frame one space forward as before
stated.
Secured to the lower side of the frame, E, is the usual spring, S, carrying the
inkpads, S', to ink the type as they descend in printing, said spring, S, to maintain
the inkpads between the paper and the type-wheel when the type-wheel is in
position to be revolved as shown in Figure 13.
To the frame,, E, in its cylindrical front end, T, is fitted a spiral spring, u, shown
in dotted lines, Figures 12 and 13, which spring surrounds a plunger, W, the
lower end of said plunger resting upon a spring clamping wire, X, as repre-
sented in Figures 12 and 13, this plunger, W, being provided with a collar upon
which the lower end of the spiral spring, u, rests, the opposite end of this spiral
spring bearing against the lower side of the vibrating lever, G, and by which spring
the front end of the frame, E, is raised and the frame and type-wheel maintained
in position as shown in Figure 13, the plunger W, sliding up and down as the type-
wheel is depressed and raised.
To clamp and hold the paper firmly in position upon the base or platen while the
characters are being printed thereon, and to permit the sheets of paper to be
quickly inserted and removed from the base or platen, A, a wire, X, is provided
which is slightly bent near its ends, as shown in detached view Figure 19, thus
forming a spring, the bent ends being held in position by loops, Y, on the ends of
the base of the standards B, thus by making a quarter turn of this clamping wire X,
the bent ends Z, serving as handles, the paper is alternately clamped and released
as required, either to be removed from the platen or to be adjusted in printing lines
one after another, or to insert a new sheet.
The type, in this form of construction, are of rubber or other suitable, flexible
material, cast in strips and introduced from the interior of the type-wheel through'
openings therein, to maintain them in position in the usual manner of employing
flexible type, as shown in sectional view Figure 17.
These rubber type are cast in strips containing the required characters as shown
in fragmental view, Figure 18, and of the required length equal to the inner
periphery of the type-wheel, so that when, fitted thereto, and maintained therein by
means of a flat spring, R, the type, Q, will project through the openings in the
edge of the wheel, as shown more clearly in Figure 17.
In order that sheets of paper may be placed upon the platen or base, A, and
quickly and accurately adjusted so that the lines thereon may be regularly and
accurately spaced, the same as they would be if the paper was ruled as a guide,
and to enable the operator to adjust the paper so that the lines of printing thereon
may be at right angles to the length of the sheets and parallel with each other,
the surface of this platen or base A is divided into spaces by distinct lines, f', ƒ¨¹,
thereon, as shown in detached view Figure 11.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
--
First In a type-writing machine a base or platen having horizontal or longitu-
by which to adjust the paper to be printed upon, substantially as
عمسنا لمسنة

page_text: ;
Second In a type-writing machine, a base or platen having lateral lines, f¹,
by which to adjust the paper to be printed upon, substantially as set forth and
shown.
Third In a type-writing machine, a base or platen having horizontal lines or
longitudinal lines,, and lateral lines, f, at right angles to the lines, f, by which
lines the paper to be printed upon may be adjusted substantially as described.
Fourth In a type-writing machine a rack, a frame or lever pivotally carried
thereon, a head, J', pivoted on said frame or lever and a spring between said frame
and head combined with a type-carrier journaled on said head substantially as
described and shown.
Fifth-In a type-writing machine, the combination of a rack, a frame or lever
pivotally caused to slide thereon, a head, J2, pivoted to said pivoted frame, a spring
between said frame and head, a type-carrier journaled on said head, a series of
teeth on said carrier, and a projection on said frame to engage said teeth to lock
the carrier substantially as described and shown.
Sixth In a type-writing machine, the combination of a rack, a frame, or lever,
to slide thereon and a type-wheel connected thereto, with a lever pivoted to said
frame and having a finger to engage the rack and with a rod upon which said lever
operates substantially as set forth.
Seventh-In a type-writing machine, the combination of a rack, a frame or
lever to slide thereon and a type-wheel connected thereto with a lever pivotally
connected with said frame, a finger on said lever to engage said rack, a pawl
carried by said lever, also to engage said rack to feed the frame along, and a rod
upon which said lever operates as the frame is actuated, substantially as described.
Eighth-In a type-writing machine the combination of a frame or lever, a type-
carrier connected therewith and a rack, upon which the frame is mounted with a
lever pivoted to said frame, a spring connecting said frame and lever and a rod
upon which said lever acts substantially as set forth and shown.
Ninth In a type-writing machine, the combination of a rack, a frame mounted
thereon and a type-wheel connected to said frame, with a lever pivoted to said
frame and a pawl carried by said lever to move the frame step by step, a cam-like
projection on said pawl by which the lever can be lifted and a rod upon which said
lever operates substantially as described.
Tenth In a type-writing machine, a frame and a type-carrier connected thereto,
a bell connected with said frame and a clapper for said hell also connected with
said frame, combined with a lever pivoted to said frame and adapted to actuate
said clapper, and a rod upon which said lever operates substantially, as described.
Eleventh-In a type-writing machine, the combination of a frame, a type-
carrier connected thereto, a bell carried by said frame, a clapper, and a. lever
carrying said clapper, combined with a lever to actuate said clapper, a trigger
to hold said clapper and an arm to trip said trigger substantially as set forth.
Twelfth In a type-writing machine a frame and a carrier carried thereby, a
bell on said frame, a clapper, a lever carrying the same and a projection on said
lever, combined with a lever to actuate said clapper, a trigger to engage and hold
said projection and an arm to trip said trigger substantially as described.
Thirteenth-In a type-writing machine, the combination of a frame capable of
being moved back and forth guided by an oscillating rack in printing, a type-wheel
and pawl mounted respectively upon and operated by a single bar pivoted to said
frame between the V-shaped end and the oscillating rack, substantially as herein
set forth and shown.
Fourteenth-In a type-writing machine, in combination an oscillating rack, a
frame connected to said rack so as to slide back and forth thereon in printing, a
type-wheel and pawl mounted respectively upon a single bar pivoted to said frame
so that in depressing and raising the type-wheel the rack will be oscillated, the
pawl operated to move the frame intermittently over the paper and locked so as
to hold the frame in position while printing, and a spring and plunger to raise and
support the frame substantially as set forth and shown.

page_text: Fifteenth :—In a type-writing machine, in combination with a type-wheel
mounted upon a vibratory bar and having an up and down motion in the arc of a
circle in printing, a frame having a curved front end with which the notches in
the edge of the type-wheel engage substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Sixteenth-In a type-writing machine the combination of a frame adapted to
be moved back and forth in printing, a single bar upon which a type-wheel and
pawl are pivoted respectively, a spring and plunger fitted to said frame by which
the type-wheel and frame are to be raised and the type-wheel maintained above
the surface of the base or platen substantially as described and shown.
Seventeenth-In a type-writing machine, a spring clamping-wire to clamp and
hold the paper upon the platen in printing and to release the paper by giving this
clamping-wire a quarter of a revolution substantially as described.
Dated this 19th day of December 1892.
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicants.