Improvements in Combined Typewriters and Electro-telegraphic Transmitters.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Aug.. 1896-Accepted, 12th Sept., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Combined Typewriters and Electro-telegraphic
Transmitters.
A communication from abroad by WORLD FLASH COMPANY, of No. 13 River
Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Manufacturers and
Dealers in Telegraphic Supplies.
I, WILLIAM LLOYD WISE of 46 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of
London, Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent 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
An ordinary typewriter machine having a series of finger keys to actuate the
familiar type bars is here designed for unison action with an electric code trans-
mitter governed from the same keys. The improvement permits the typewriter
and the transmitter to be used singly or together and is of special benefit e.g., in
instances where a skilled operator is afflicted with telegrapher's cramp.
transmittal of the code signals is uniform and distinct while with the typewriter in
play a record is kept to verify the messages. The separate use of the typewriter
enables the code signals to be transcribed as rapidly as the operator can receive
the signals and manipulate the typewriter keys.
To ensure legibility the receiving operator now frequently employs the typewriter
to reduce the messages to written form. The present invention affords a machine
ready at hand for the purpose. The training which enables the device to be thus
skilfully used will suffice beside (by play upon the same finger keys) for the quick
and distinct transmission of dispatches by electric code. The operator is wholly
relieved from the fatigue and muscular cramp which the persistent strain by use of
the ordinary hand transmitter frequently "imposed. The details of structure
adapted to practice the improvement in one selected style of the device will appear
from the description.
In the drawings like parts bear like designation throughout.
Sheet I: Fig. 1 is a plan view at the two sides of the machine; the mid-portion
from front to rear and the upper works of the typewriter are removed.
Sheet 11 Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section at line 2-2 of Fig. 1.
Sheet III Fig. 3 is a like section at line 3-3 of Fig. 1.
Sheet IV: Fig. 4 is a transverse section at the transmitter with the several
parts at rest. Fig. 44, a like view with the parts in action. Fig. 4B, a longitudinal
vertical section at opposite ends of the transmitter. Fig. 4, a detail front view at
the right-hand end of the transmitter.
Sheet V: Fig. 5, detail section view of the key action common to the typewriter
and the transmitter with the typewriter out of play. Fig. 54, like view with both
typewriter and transmitter in play.
Sheet VI: Fig. 6, is a vertical transverse section of the key action at opposite
ends of the machine on line 6-6 of Fig. 2. Fig. 6A, a like view at line 6-6 of
Fig. 2 looking toward the front of the machine. Fig. 6B, a detail view in vertical
transverse section on line 6-6 Fig. 1 looking toward the rear. Fig. 6º, a like
view on line 6-6 Figs. 1 and 3 looking toward the front.
Sheet VII: Fig. 7 is a detail section view at the left inner side of the trans-
mitter frame, on line 7-7, Figs. 1 and 4B. Fig. 74, a plan view of a detached

page_text: shifter at the transmitter. Fig. 7B, a perspective view of the keeper and its
adjuncts interposed in the key action between the finger-keys and the jacks for the
type barz.
The drawings display the invention properly adapted in detail for use in con-
junction with a typewriter of the general Remington style. This particular style
of machine is selected for illustration merely.
The base frame 10 is of usual rectangular form having foot-sockets beneath to
receive the rubber plugs 11 upon which the machine rests. Upright standards 12
extend at opposite corners from the base and sustain the deck 13 across which
travels the carriage (not shown) of the familiar roll platen. A ring 14 in the
depressed seat of top plate 13 affords a nount for the type bars 15 set in circular
array about the deck 13. Each bar is pivoted as at 16 to the separate lug 17
therefor. Rest pad 18 for the type bars is carried by pendants 19 from deck 13
while links 20 jointed freely to the separate type bars 15 back of pivots 16 extend
thence below and are united by knuckle joint 21 to the key action. The individual
keys 22 are here shown of familiar lever form arranged in parallel series across the
front of the machine and extended back to the fulcrum ledge 23 on base-frame 10.
Springs 24 located between the several keys 22 and a cross piece 25 maintain the
levers normally uplifted (Figs. 2, 3) in readiness to be struck by the operator.
The U-like spacer 26 (Figs. 1, 3) encloses the bank of keys and at its rear
extremities fulcerums upon ledge 23 to actuate the universal bar 27. Said bar 27
extends (Figs. 1-3) beneath the spacer 26 and by arms 28 is jointed to the
customary feed-escapement (not shown) for the carriage. Buffers 29, 30 are
arranged across the width of the machine near the front above and below the key-
levers 22, 26. As thus far detailed the features of the device are common to
various sorts of typewriters now in use.
The
Instead of uniting the type-bar links 20 directly to the keys 22 there is
interposed between these parts a supplemental structure by means of which the
type bars can be thrown at will into or out of action. The key-levers conveniently
serve in dual role to actuate (1) the printing bars of the typewriter and (2) the
shifter switches for the series of code symbols at the electric transmitter.
same series of key levers determines the unison play of both devices.
The peculiarities in structure now to be detailed enable either the typewriter or the
electric transmitter to be thrown into or out of connection with the key levers.
The two machines may be used jointly or singly as the operator elects. There is
no interdependency between the devices except that each is controlled from the
same bank of key levers. Save for ease in touch the release of the typewriter
from play is of no especial moment. The transmitter performs its functions
invariably whether the type bars be permanently joined to the key levers or be cast
off therefrom as contemplated.
Pivoted at 31 near the mid-length of the several key-levers 22 is the set of
parallel trippers 32 which project above through slots 33 (Fig. 7B) of a cross plate
or keeper 34. Said keeper 34 moves slightly in the grooves 35 formed at the
opposite brackets 36 bolted to base frame 10. Screws 37 carried by brackets 36
near grooves 35 determine the play of the sliding keeper 34 and allow the same to
be removed when desired.
Each tripper 32 by side pin 38 thereon engages at will with a companion notch
formed in the adjacent edge of the series of upright jacks 39. The jacks 39 are
mounted in parallel at the front of the trippers 32 and alternately, the jacks have
a front or rear extension 391 to which is attached the knuckle joint 21 for the
link 20 of the corresponding type bar. The jacks are free to rise and fall slightly
in the slots of the upper and lower guide bars 40, 41. Guide bar 40 is carried
(Fig. 7B) on ledges at the side brackets 36 while the lower guide bar 41 is fastened
to base frame 10. A safety plate 42 sustained by arms 43 (Figs. 2, 3, 7") from
keeper 34 and movable therewith enters notches 44 at the adjacent edge of
jacks 39 (Fig. 5) and thus locks the jacks against displacement at such time as
trippers 32 may be withdrawn by keeper 34 from engagement with said jacks.

page_text: To govern the throw of keeper 34 common to the trippers a rock shaft 45
(Figs. 1-3) mounted at opposite brackets 36 is furnished with pins 46 which project
loosely through holes (Fig. 7) in keeper 34. A crank arm 47 fastened to rock
shaft 45 near the right inner side of the machine is united by pitman 48 to bell-
crank lever 49 pivoted at 50 to the inner face of front standard 12. The arm of
crank lever 49 passes through slot 51 in the standard (Fig. 1) and is guided
thereby. A cam spring 52 encounters pin 53 (Figs. 1, 3) upon the crank lever to
lock said lever with its adjuncts in assigned position.
When the machine parts are as shown by Figs. 2, 3, 54, a stroke by the
operator on any of the individual key levers will cause the corresponding type
bar to quickly rise and make its imprint. Movement from lever 22 is by
tripper 32, side pin 38, jack 39 and its extension 391, link 20 to the type bar.
On lifting the free end of bell-crank lever 49 at the front of the machine the
pitman 48 through crank arm 47 turns rock shaft 45 and causes pins 46 thereon
to slide keeper 34 and safety plate 42 attached thereto, a slight distance toward
the rear. This backward play releases tripper pins 38 from engagement with
jacks 39 and simultaneously brings the safety plate 42 into the notches at said
jacks.
The parts now assume the relation shown by Fig. 5. The type bars no longer
respond to the play of the key levers 22. The levers are free to actuate the
electric transmitter solely. Any minor displacement of the vertical jacks due to
the jar of the machine or chance contact with adjacent key levers is prevented by
safety plate 42. The jacks are locked in readiness to engage anew with tripper
pins 38 when crank lever 49 is reversed to bring the typewriter again into action.
The
It will be noted that the several trippers 32 are joined to the respective
key-levers 22 at essentially the same distance from fulcrum ledge 23.
corresponding jacks 39 have the alternate extensions 391, at front and rear, of
practically equal length measured from drive-pins 38 on trippers 32 to the point
of union with links 20 for type bars 15. Hence, the resistance to be overcome on
application of the power at pivots 31 for trippers 32 is substantially equal for each
type-bar to be actuated. The "touch of the key-board becomes uniform
throughout.
Owing to the even throw of the several key levers 22, 26 rendered feasible as
just detailed the buffer 30 comes into effective play to relieve the shock at the
limit of descent. This might not be if the several levers differed in respect to the
distance to be traversed before the descent was accomplished.
Towards the rear, there is pivoted to each key lever 22 as at 54 a connector 55
having side pin 56 designed to encounter heel 57 of a switch shifter F. The
parallel set of connectors 55 projects above through slots of the sliding throw-off 58.
The throw-off consists of a transverse metal plate sustained at its ends in grooves
of brackets 59 mounted upon the sides of base frame 10. Upon the same brackets
beneath the throw-off 58 is journalled the rock shaft 60 (Figs. 1, 2, 5) having
drive pins 61 extended therefrom and loosely through holes in throw-off 58. The
throw-off may thus be shifted to bring studs 56 on connectors 55 into or out of
range with heels 57 of the parallel series of shifters F at the transmitter. A crank
arm 62 on rock shaft 60 connects by link 63 (Figs. 1, 2) with bell-crank lever 64
pivoted as at 65 on the inner face of the left-hand front standard 12. The free
end of the lever extends forward through a slot in the standard. Cam spring 66
encounters stud 67 on the bell-crank and locks said crank at assigned position.
By the means detailed it is clear that the individual key levers 22 are brought
into or out of action with the corresponding series of shifters on the electric
transmitter, as the operator may desire.
In general structure the electric transmitter here shown is substantially the
same as that disclosed by British Letters Patent No. 3086 dated February 12, 1895.
The particular transmitter is selected merely as an example.
Upon the top of main frame 10 and snugly received between the rear

page_text: standards 12 is the base plate A for the transmitter.
Side standards A¹ con-
nected by lugs with plate A carry bearers a (Figs. 4B, 7) of insulating material,
e.g., vulcanized fibre, which receive the hub boxes a' for the journals of the fluted
shaft B. Shaft B extends across the machine and affords a mount for the set of
switch appliances such as are requisite to transmit a complete system of conventional
code signals. At one end (Figs. 1, 4B) shaft B carries a pinion 6 usually of
vulcanized fibre to engage with a gear train (not shown) of a suitable motor
designed to drive the shaft at uniform speed.
A series of shifters F of irregular shape designed to control the diversion of the
electric current through any of the several switches or symbol disks appropriate to
the several code signals is mounted in parallel array near the front of the trans-
mitter frame. The several shifters are set within slits in base plate A and by
means of pins 70 projected through holes 71 in the transverse guide 72 (secured at
its ends to standards A¹) the shifters are kept upright and have a limited vertical
play. Springs 73 seated within a slot at the lower end of each shifter F extend
between the set of shifters and a cross rod 75 upon which the springs are strung.
The springs hold the several shifters in normal relation (Figs. 2, 5, 54) snugly
against the buffer strip 76 beneath guide 72. The shifters are thus in position for
stud-pin 56 on connector 55 to strike the heel 57 of the adjacent shifter F to
depress the shifter slightly against the stress of spring 73, if the suitable key lever
be brought into play.
Between the several shifters are set the partitions D, usually of vulcanite
(Figs. 3, 4, 7) the same being seated at their upper ends within the slits of
comb-bars d', d which extend across the machine and are affixed to standards A¹.
At their lower ends the partitions are received within grooves of base-plate A.
A tie-rod 3 passes through the feet of the partitions to hold them in place. The
several partitions have holes therein through which the rotating driver B extends
whilst around said driver and between the partitions is mounted the series of
symbol disks or rings E. The inner rim of each ring is fluted to engage at will
with the fluted driver. On the outer rim the several metal rings E carry insulating
blocks e at proper intervals. The insulation varies in keeping with the conventional
signal for the letter, character or word to be transmitted by the particular ring.
Space-pins el project from the ring rim between each code set. The pins serve as
trips to check the motion of the ring at the insulation block on completion of the
signal.
Under stress of springs 73 the shifters F generally stand in uplifted position and
carry with them the series of circuit rings E which are thus free from the
driver B and do not revolve. At the front, shifters F are held upright by
guide-pins 70 and retainer bar 99 which latter bears against the edge of the
shifter-legs.
Ranged across the base-plate A near its front is a standard I having notches
therein to receive the forked ends of the series of latches m. There is one latch
for each of the shifters. The latches are pivotally set upon a rod n common to all
of them and carried by the standard 1. Plate-springs p bear upon the several
latches below the pivot rod n and maintain the latches upright with the rear fork
abutting against the standard. Each shifter F is furnished with a lateral stud q
(Figs. 4, 44) to engage with the front fork of the adjacent latch. When the
shifter is depressed the stud q rides along the latch turning it slightly about its
pivot n against the stress of spring p.
The descent of the shifter causes its arm f¹ to be withdrawn from beneath trip-
pawl g which is pivoted to the upper end of latch m. Said pawl accordingly drops
against the face of circuit ring E and rests in the path of its space-pins e. The
descent of the shifter necessarily lowers the circuit ring E which it controls and
brings such ring into engagement with the rotating driver B. At once the
circuit ring begins to revolve and so persists for a distance sufficient to transmit the
desired signal,

page_text: When the transmitter is in use the electric-circuit can be traced from the battery
(not shown) by wire 82, binding post 83 and wire 84 (Fig. 1). to the metallic
plate t¹ insulated fron the frame (Fig. 4). The plate t' carries a series of spring
contact pieces forked at their free front ends and brought to bear lightly upon
the several circuit rings E. When the metal part of the ring E makes contact.
with the spring piece u resting thereon the circuit is closed thereby and may be
traced further from ring E by driver B, metal hub box a¹ (Fig. 4B), wire 85,
binding post 86 (Fig. 1) and line wire 87 to the distant station. The successive
dots and dashes to complete the signal are produced by variations in length of the
metallic parts of the ring E having the insulating blocks between them.
As the signal is finished, the next space-pin e on the ring E encounters the
trip-pawl and forces it forward, thereby rocking the latch on its pivot n until
the heel of said latch withdraws from stud q of the shifter F. Said shifter is thus
free to rise again to its normal position under stress of its springs 73 and in rising
it lifts the circuit ring E out of engagement with shaft B and arrests its movement
whilst arm of the said shifter raises the pawl g¹ clear from the ring. All of the
parts are thus restored to normal state in readiness to allow for transmission of
the next character.
If multiple repetition of the same signal is desired, as in calling a distant station,
this can be effected by holding trip-pawl gl out of action, i.e., clear from the path.
of the space pins on circuit ring E. A pivot bar to (Figs. 4-4°) arranged above
the rings carries a transverse rod which extends through the partitions D across
the transmitter in position to come within the path of the series of pawls g'. The
button y on the end of bar w (Figs. 1, 4B) serves to turn said bar and thus to
bring its cross-rod a in position to prevent the drop of any of the pawls g'. Hence
when the selected shifter is depressed and held down by its latch the individual
pawl g pertaining to the latch m must stay uplifted by which expedient the
circuit ring E continues to revolve on the driver B until at will the rod x is.
withdrawn to allow the pawl g to descend and effect the release of latch m..
shifter F and ring E. A cam piece 80 carried by the pivot bar w (Figs. 4B, 7)
bears at its V-end against spring 81 to hold the bar w together with its cross-rod.c
in assigned position.
Provision is made for the arrest of the rotating driver B and for short circuiting
the machine. The end-ring 90 of the series of rings (Fig. 3) is of metal but has
a rim 21 of insulating material e.g., gutta percha. A metal screw 22ª in contact
with the ring attaches a spring-piece 220 to the rim 21. At its opposite end said
spring piece is fastened to the circuit plate t'. The shifter F¹ to control the short.
circuit ring is mounted as usual and near the rear (Fig. 3) carries a trip 92 which
overlies the spring piece 220 to force it down together with its ring 90 when the
shifter F¹ is depressed. The result is to bring the metal ring 90 against shaft B
thereby dogging the shaft against rotation and closing the electric circuit through
said shaft and its hub box a¹ (Fig. 4B). To depress the end shifter F¹ the
rock shaft 60 (Fig. 3) carries a crank stud 93 which bears upon heel 57 of
the shifter to force the shifter down when bell-crank lever 64 (Figs. 1, 2) is.
manipulated.
If it is desired to use the transmitter alone, without actuating the writing
mechanism this can be simply accomplished by the provision shown at Fig. 3.
The rock-shaft 45 has a crank-arm 120 united by pivoted link 121 with
stub-lever 122. Said lever is set at the end of the row of individual
key-levers 22 and like them fulcrums on ledge 23 and has a re-action spring 24..
On shifting the rock-shaft 45 to disengage the series of trippers from their jacks,
as already detailed, said rock-shaft through its arm 120 and link 121 depresses
stub-lever 122 until the universal bar 27 is encountered and forced down to its.
limit. Being thus detained in depressed position the universal bar 27 is free
from the stroke of the several key-levers and hence these can be used at will in,
operating the electric transmitter whilst the typewriter carriage remains at a
stand-still.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The combination, with the individual finger-keys and with the type-bars
operated therefrom, of the intermediate mechanism connecting said keys and
type-bars and suitable means common to separate companion parts of said
mechanism to throw the same in unison, whereby said finger-keys and type-bars
are engaged or disengaged from action, substantially as described.
2. The combination, with the individual finger-keys and with the switch
shifters at the transmitter operated therefrom, of the intermediate mechanism
connecting said keys and shifters and suitable means common to separate
companion parts of said mechanism to throw the same in unison, whereby said
finger-keys and shifters are engaged or disengaged from action, substantially as
described.
3. The combination, with the individual finger-keys and with the series of
trippers to actuate the several type-bars, of the keeper common to said trippers,
a lever to separately depress the universal-bar of the machine, and means to shift
said keeper and separate lever in unison, substantially as described.
4. The apparatus constructed substantially as described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, and operating as, and for the purposes, specified.
Dated this 4th day of August 1896.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.