IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE-WRITING MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alberto Donald Furse, of Rome, in the Kingdom of
Italy, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE-WRITING MACHINES."
"
A communication from La Société Clavigraphique Maggi et Cie., of Rome, in
the Kingdom of Italy.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alberto Donald Furso at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th June 1881.
ALBERTO DONALD FURSE, of Rome, in the Kingdom of Italy. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN TYPE-WRITING MACHINES." [A communication from La Société Clavigraphique
Maggi et Cie., of Rome, in the Kingdom of Italy.]
This Invention relates to the construction, manufacture, and use of type writing
machines, as hereinafter described, for printing in ordinary letters with the same
speed with which a person can make a speech, and the improvements consist
mainly in a new order to be given to the letters of the alphabet and their
arrangement in series or groups, and the application of the letters thus arranged
to levor arms operated by means of keys; in the construction of sectors on which
aro engraved the letters of each series, such sectors having a convergenco given to
their outer side in such manner that the impression of the letters shall be effected
simultaneously, connectedly, and in order, as in ordinary typography; in an
automatic arrangement for moving forward the tape and the paper in proportion as
printed on, and in the arrangement for effecting the pressure of the paper ribbon
against the sectors; also in the arrangement and action of a lever which effects the
forward movement of the tape and the paper.
The improved machine forming the subject of the present Invention is constructed
in the form of a piano, and has been designed with the object of enabling any one
knowing how to manipulate the keyboard to simultaneously print several letters
continuously in a manner as to reproduce them, properly united so as to form words
as in ordinary printing, and with the speed at which a speech can be made even
by a quick orator; in other words, the Invention has for object to substitute
for manual stenography mechanical stenography with ordinary letters, and to
obtain any desired copies of the production.

page_text: In order to obtain this result I will first describe the method of distributing or
arranging the letters of the alphabet in such a manner as to allow, by the
simultaneous pressure on several keys which correspond to as many letters, of
printing with ordinary type properly set in order one with the other.
In almost all languages the syllabic connection of the letter S admits of its being
joined or affixed to all the letters of the alphabet, and for this reason I have given
it a special place in the new alphabetical order which I have given to the letters for
the purpose of carrying out this Invention.
I would next remark that the soft letters B, G, D, V, and hard letters P, C, T, F,
never join with one another in the same syllable without the aid of a vowel in
languages of Latin origin, and with difficulty in other languages, whilst on the
contrary several of the letters unite together in the same syllable without the aid
of a vowel with the liquid letters L, R, N, and I thus am enabled to form a second
series with the letters B, P, C, G, D, T, F, V, and a third with the letters L, R, N.
And since it is impossible to form a syllable without at the least one vowel, I
form a fourth series with the vowels placed as follows, viz:-I, U, E, A, O.
These four series of letters take the relative position of first, second, third, and
fourth in the above order.
It is necessary also for the Italian language to arrange for the letters M, H, Q, J, Z,
and for other languages also of the letters K, X, Y, W; and I will at first only
refer to those languages which are most commonly known.
I have placed theso nine letters in the different series according to the euphonic
formation of words, that is to say, M, as the first letter in the second series;
K and H, as first and second in the third series; Q and J, as fourth and fifth in
the same series; W and Y, as sixth and seventh in the fourth series; and X and Z,
being allied with S, as second and third in tho first series. It will thus be seen
that the four series complete read as follows:-S, X, Z; M, B, P, C, G, D, T, F, V ;
K, H, R, L, N, Q, J ; I, U, E, A, O, W, Y.
In this order 1 apply the letters to a keyboard similar to that of a piano.
I would remark (1) that the relative position of each letter in each series can be
changed without thereby destroying the system of the series; (2), that any variation
of place given to the letters joined for convenience to the four original series will
not effect the novel arrangement of the letters into series; (3), that certain variations
are necessary according to the language to be reported.
Having found that by the hereinbefore described system the operator can with
facility simultaneously touch several letters forming part of a word or syllable. I
will now proceed to shew the manner of reproducing the greatest possible number
of letters without making the arrangement too complicated.
For this purpose the fourth series of letters is immediately followed by a fifth
series, similar to the fourth, but without the letters W and L, which it would be
useless to repeat; and for certain languages I reverso the order of the vowels in
order to more easily obtain the diphthongs and the triphthongs.
The fifth series of letters is followed by a sixth, which is a repetition of the third
series without the letters K, H, Q, and J.
The sixth series is followed by a seventh or a repetition of the second series, and
an eighth series is formed of the letters K, H, S, T, S.
And in order to facilitate the writing I place an auxiliary series of vowels before
and after the hereinbefore described eighth series.
The several series of letters will therefore be placed as follows:-I, U, E, A, O,
W, Y; S, X, Z; M, B, P, C, G, D, T, F, V ; K, H, R, L, N, Q, J; I, U, E, A, O, W, Y;
O, A, E, U, I; R, L, N, M, B, P, C, G, D, T, F, V; K, H, S, T, S; I, U, E, A, O, W, Y.
If this repetition, or more correctly speaking, this addition of series or parts of
series renders the type writing a little more difficult in consequence of the large
number of keys, it yet allows of printing eight letters simultaneously in nearly
every language. This addition is not however necessary, and although a loss
number of keys will diminish the number of letters which may be simultaneously
printed, it will on the other hand facilitate the task of learning this method of

page_text: typo writing. Either arrangement may therefore be adopted according to the
language and circumstances.
To facilitate the task of finding with ease the different keys corresponding to so
many letters the several series may be painted different colors, the same color
being given to similar series; for example (without counting the two series of
vowels at the commencement and end, and represented by knobs and not by keys),
the second and seventh; the third and sixth; the fourth and fifth.
Having described the chief points on which the Invention is based, I will now
proceed to describe a suitable construction of apparatus for carrying the Invention
into practice.
The machine or apparatus is constructed of a series of levers which converge in a
plate; the levers are separated by a support, and each carries at its upper end a
punch on which is engraved the letter of the alphabet, which corresponds with
that which is (or is not) printed on the key on the other lower end of the lever.
The movements of each lever are regulated by means of a two armed spring, one
arm of which presses on the lever and the other on an upper surface in the plate.
By means of the said spring all the levers are inclined in such a manner that in
touching any key the upper end of the lever is raised and causes a pressure of the
punch on the paper, so as to print the letter engraved thereon.
All the keys aro pivotted in the upper part of the key board by means of a
support, and their movement is effected by a band which is connected to the foot,
that is to say, to the base of the machine. The movements of the keys aro further
regulated by pivots placed in a blade or common lever, consisting of a blade of.
metal which embraces the width of the framework of the apparatus, and on which
the keys base their movement; it is connected to spiral springs for regulating the
tension and movement. Another spiral spring keeps the common lever inclined in
order that it also shall have a movement in common with the keys which press on
it in such a manner that in pressing on any key whatsoever the common lever
falls with the key, and this lever has its right arm furnished with a support having.
a tooth at its extremity, which at each downward movement takes into a toothed
wheel, and communicates a rotary movement to it and also to another wheel placed.
on the same axis, around which is wound a ribbon of suitable textile material,
soaked in ink; the ribbon unrolls automatically, and these two wheels are fixed in.
supports attached to the base of the machine. The ribbon passes over the punches
of the letters on the paper ribbon and on a pressure cylinder.
On the hereinbefore described plate are placed two cylinders which move in
opposite directions to one another. The paper ribbon passes under ono cylinder
against which takes place the pressure of the punches and the impression of the
letters and passes out.
The forward movement of the paper ribbon is regulated by that of the two
cylinders, and is caused by the common lover, which is in communication with a
lever arm united to the axis of the said cylinder; two spiral springs serve to keep
the two cylinders pressed one against the other.
With this apparatus the impression of the letters or syllables is not effected
horizontally and with the required spaces, as in ordinary printing, but they are
placed nearer to or further from one another according to the distance between the
punches which print the letters.
To diminish the space between the letters I place the consonants in two or more'
lines.
To obtain the pressure of the letters in a horizontal direction the placing and
movement of the paper would take place by substituting an apparatus by which
the impression of the united letters may be obtained by determining the play of
the punches in a limited space; this apparatus consists of a fixed inclined metal
band, which regulates the movement of the punch. When it is required to print
two or three letters at a time the punches are caused to press on a moveable
band, which is moved forwards to again take its place under the action of a
spring.

page_text: A complete apparatus is constructed of a key board, also provided with knobs
having a movement equal to that of the keys, and by which is effected the
impression of the united letters. On each is marked a letter of the alphabet,
and all the letters arranged in groups, videlicet, by the progression already
described.
To each knob of the key board answers a small lever, and all the levers converge
by a free movement on transverse reglets towards a point or space in the upper
part of the support or plate. This metal plate contains a series of holes arranged
either horizontally or vertically, in which act as many moveable punches, and on
the ends of the punches are printed in relief or otherwise the letters of the
alphabet and the bottom ends are fixed to the corresponding levers. The holes of
the plate and the respective punches have a slight inclination of circular section
in such a manner that when they are pushed by the lever they converge in a
perfectly horizontal line, so as to obtain the impression of the letters one after the
other in a horizontal line.
Any one knob of the key board pressed will move the corresponding lever,
which in its turn will push upwards the punch which is about to pass through the
plate and will print the letter on the paper ribbon by means of a small inked
band.
To obtain the necessary resistance above the paper ribbon to insure the impression
over the said plate is placed a metal or wooden plate.
The successive movement for the impression of the types is obtained in the
following manner:-
On a spindle fixed in the small case of the machine is wound a band of
paper, under which is also rolled a thin tissue imbibed with dry colouring
matter.
The paper band in unwinding, as well as the tissue, which moves less quickly,
pass over the plate and over the circumference of the two cylinders to be rolled as
required on a spindle on the right hand side.
On the right hand side of the plate are two cylinders placed vertically, their
axes being joined by means of two springs for containing the circumferences of the
cylinders, so as to draw in their movement the tissue and the paper. This apparatus
may also be applied above the plate.
To a knob carrying the letter is firmly united a common lever, on which are
placed the knobs carrying the vowels of the alphabet in such a manner that one
vowel being necessary for each syllable to be printed the lever is always in
motion. One end of this lover is connected to a lever arm, which operates an
arm which in its turn operates the cylinder regulated in its movement by
means of a tooth. A spiral spring regulates the movement of the common
lever.
The machine may be arranged with the necessary modifications, so as to be
used for all languages, and is provided with keys corresponding to the orthographic
signs and numerals, besides those for the letters of the alphabet arranged in
groups in order to obtain the combination and simultaneous impression of the
syllables, which forms the principal part of the Invention, and the object of this
apparatus is to obtain the impression of the letters in a horizontal line and connected
together as in ordinary typography.
Each key is connected to a lever corresponding to it, all the levers are attached
to a longitudinal axis or fulcrum held by supports. To the upper end of the
machine are attached four large supports, in each of which are placed three lever
arms having a free movement, arranged horizontally and provided throughout their
length with a small projection or tooth, and at the end of each cylinder is attached
a sector, which takes the same movement proportionally to the length of the lever
arm.
By depressing any key the lever corresponding to it will raise the lever arm by
means of the small tooth, and the sector will be caused to describe a circular

page_text: movement more or less long in proportion to the circular movement which the lever
will impart to the cylinder.
There are six sectors, that is to say, the same number as there are axes or lever
arms corresponding thereto, and in the circumference of each soctor are engraved
the letters of the alphabet and other signs.
The impression of one letter more than another depends on the movement of the
sector, which is, as herein before described, put in motion by its axis, which com-
municates with the levers united to the keys. The circular movement of the sector
will be more or less pronounced, and will thus determine the impression of the
letter which it is desired to print in consequence of the rotatory movement given
to the cylinder by the more or less greater length of the lever, and as all the levers
have not the same length of arm the circular movement of the sector will thus bo
proportioned to the movement of the small tooth.
The necessary pressure for the impression is obtained by means of a small
plate placed under the ribbon, and raised by means of the spring. The automatic
movement is obtained by means of a second lever arm, with which the white
and black keys which correspond with the vowels are provided.
The second lever may be dispensed with, and in its place the common lever may
be utilized for raising the compressor by all the keys.
The movement of the paper is obtained as follows:-A wheel or cylinder carries
the paper ribbon, which passos over the point of impression. A bobbin fixed on
the opposite side of the apparatus regulates the motion of the ribbon. The move-
ment of the bobbin is caused by the common lever placed above the levers in such
a manner that one or more of them rising will give movement to the bobbin by
means of the arm of the common lever.
It should be observed that according to the requirements of different languages
new groups of letters can be added to the apparatus, and the number of sectors
may be increased.
Having described the movement of the machine I will now describe some of its
principal details.
I would here remark that the black and white keys corresponding with the
vowels are furnished with two lever arms, one of which serves to put the sector in
inovement, and the other the spring plate which regulates the necessary pressure of
the sector on the paper ribbon, and as it is necessary to employ at least one vowel
for each syllable it follows that the movement of the plate will be continuous and
automatic. A knob corresponds to a vowel of the second series, and it will be
seen that these knobs are connected to the axis at the back part of the cylinder
which regulates the movement of the sector.
By means of a small screw knob on the end of the lovers I obtain a regular play
of the sector for better insuring the impression of the desired letter.
The spring plate may be put in motion by the second levers of the vowel keys,
or by all the keys, according to the machine. This lever is attached to the machine
by two hinges, and by means of an arm and spring exerts an automatic pressure
movement against the sector and the paper ribbon which passes under it, thereby
producing the impression of the letters.
A better method of inking consists in holding the sectors in contact with a brush
or a sponge imbibed with ink, so that when the letter is presented for printing it
shall be already inked.
In order that the apparatus with moveable sectors should give the practical
results necessary, the construction of the apparatus must be carried out with great
precision and the best materials be employed, and as this cannot always be effected,
and is besides very expensive, I can more easily obtain and at a less expense of
construction the impression of the united letters by arranging the punches on the
extremities of which are the letters to be printed in six circular sections (or in any
other suitable number of sections) all having the same radius.
In this arrangement and the combination of letters applied to each segment of a

page_text: circle the lever arm punches are each fixed at a point in a proper arc of a
circle.
By depressing any key the small hammer punch will be raised, and turning
on the pivot will be pushed in the proper direction, and will print the letter in the
centre corresponding to its sector, and will immediately retake its normal position
from the weight of the arm.
The impression therefore takes place in the circular space enclosed by the sectors,
and the movement of the paper band and the application of the coloring matter to
the punches are obtained by the arrangement bereinbefore described.
To imprint the letters on the punches with precision with respect to the centres
where they strike I employ an apparatus consisting of a circular thimble sliding
over a reglet. The reglet is pressed on the upper end of the arc of the circle, and
the thimble is made to slide until it corresponds with the central point of the sector
to which the small hammer belongs, and by means of the punch the desired letter
is impressed on the small hammer punch.
I have already stated that by means of the impression of letters on a series of
sectors, or the placing of the punches in the arc of a circle in circular sectors, I
obtain the impression of the letters one after the other, and in a horizontal line.
Now it will be clear that by employing a suitably prepared paper or ink I can
in proportion, as a speech is printed, transfer the words onto a lithographic stone, or
on a composition similar to that employed' in the system of reproduction known as
the "velocigraph" or the like.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alberto Donald Furse in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th December 1881.
ALBERTO DONALD FURSE, of Rome, in the Kingdom of Italy.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN TYPE WRITING MACHINES." A communication from La Société Clavigraphique
Maggi et Cie., of Rome, in the Kingdom of Italy.
This Invention relates to the construction, manufacture, and use of type writing
machines, as hereinafter described, for printing in ordinary letters with the same
speed with which a person can make a speech, and the improvements consist
mainly in a new order or distribution to be given to the letters of the alphabet
and their arrangement in series, groups, or categories, and the application of the
letters thus arranged to lever arms operated by means of keys or a key board; in
the construction of sectors on which are engraved or impressed in relief the letters
of each series (or of hammers carrying types in sections of a circle), such sectors
having a convergence given to their outer side in such manner that the impression
of the letters shall be effected simultaneously, connectedly, and in order, as in
ordinary typography, in an automatic arrangement for moving forward the tape
and the paper in proportion as printed on, and in the arrangement for effecting the
pressure of the paper ribbon against the sectors; also in the arrangement and
action of a lever which effects the forward movement of the tape and the paper.
The improved machine forming the subject of the present Invention is in the
form of a small keyboard, and to which I have given the name of clavigraph, and
has been designed with the object of enabling any one knowing how to manipulate
the keyboard to simultaneously print several letters continuously, in a manner as
to reproduce them, properly united so as to form words as in ordinary printing, and
with the speed at which a speech can be made even by a quick orator; in other
words, the Invention has for object to substitute for manual stenography mechanical
stenography with ordinary letters and to obtain any desired copies of the
production.
In order to obtain this result I will first describe the method of distributing or
arranging the letters of the alphabet in such a manner as to allow by the simul-
taneous pressure on several keys, which correspond to as many letters, of printing
with ordinary type properly set in order one with the other.
In almost all languages the syllabic construction is such that letter S admits of
being joined or affixed to all the letters of the alphabet, except perhaps the letters X
and Z, which are its compounds, and for this reason a special place has been given
it in the new alphabetical order which has been given to the letters for the purpose
of carrying out this Invention, and a first series has been formed of the three
letters S, X, Z.
It is also known that the soft consonants B, G, D, V, and the hard consonants
P, C, T, F, seldom unite together in the same syllable (at the commencement of a
syllable) without the medium of a vowel, while on the other hand they unite in
the same syllable without the medium of a vowel with the liquid consonants
L, R, N; a second series is therefore formed with the consonants B, P, C, G, F, V,
D, T; and a third series with the liquid consonants L, R, N.
There remain the consonants M, Q, K, H, J, W. The letter M has been
placed in the second series for the same reason as the other eight, and also
the K and Q, because they are allied to the C. The H has been placed in the
third series, because it frequently occurs after the C and before a vowel, and J
and W have also been placed in the third series because they generally precede a
vowel.

page_text: Then as no syllable can be formed without vowels a fourth scries is formed
with the vowels arranged according to the dipthongs most in use, videlicet,
I, E, A, O, U, Y.
According to this Invention the alphabet has thus been divided into four
groups or series as follows, videlicet S, X, Z; B, P, C, G, D, T, F, V, M, Q, K;
J, W, H, L, R, N; I, E, A, O, U, Y.
A fifth series of the four letters L, R, M, N, has been added, and finally a sixth
series formed of all consonants found at the end of a syllable.
I would however observe (1) that the relative position of each letter in each
group or series can be changed without altering the system of the series or groups;
(2), that the ingenious distribution of the letters in groups is not destroyed by a
change of position of the letters not originally belonging to the first three groups,
such as M, Q, et cætera; (3), that this systein allows of any variations that may
be suggested by the particular requirements of different languages.
The letters thus divided are distributed on the keyboard, as hereinafter
described.
The various groups or series may be for further clearness painted in various
colours. The left hand operating the first three series, the right hand the other
three series, the right thumb operating the final letters. Pedals may be also
employed either for the spacing or the punctuation, or other signs or letters.
Thus the system which I call the clavigraphic system consists in
(1). The distribution of the letters of the alphabet in the order in which they
are most usually placed in speech.
(2). The division of the letters thus distributed in several categories, groups, or
series, so that it may be seldom necessary to touch at the same time two letters
belonging to the same group.
(3). The distribution of these groups in suitable order on the key board in such
a way as to allow the writer to touch simultaneously at least one letter of each
group without any extraordinary muscular effort.
I will now proceed to describe by reference to the accompanying Drawing some
of the contrivances or writing machines for carrying the Invention into practice.
Sheet 1 represents several Figures of an apparatus by which the letters are
reproduced at a certain distance between each other, which distance is that of the
space of the types forming the various series, and the letters come close together
or are separated according as they belong to two or more series close together or
at a distance from each other.
The reproduction of each syllable is obtained by incans of a keyboard, such as is
shewn in Figure 1, Sheet 1 bis.
A will be seen by reference to Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 1, each letter of the
alphabet is represented by a key to which is connected a convergent lever Z, which
at its extremity has its corresponding type.
Figure 2 represents a plan of the whole apparatus, and Figure 3 shows the
same without the keys, and some details for greater clearness.
The movement of the keys is similar to that of the keys of a piano, each key
moving on a fulcrum f, Figures 3 and 4, and in order to obtain the necessary
inclination a series of springs c, c, is placed at the extremity of each lever, as in
Figures 2 and 4.
Hence by touching any one of the keys the corresponding type will be raised,
and will immediately retake its original place from the action of the spring c.
As will be seen from Figuro 3, all the keys are fixed on the support b, and
their movement is regulated by the ruler q; finally, they all rest on a common
lever d, the upward and downward movement of which is regulated by the springs
e¹, e', Figure 4, and by the supports e, e, Figure 3. Hence by touching any of the
keys the common lever is also pressed downwards; the right arm of this lever has
a point t, which at each motion meets one of the teeth of the wheel n in the
direction of the arrow.
To the wheel n and on the same axis corresponds another wheel m, round which

page_text: passes a tape or ribbon impregnated with colouring matter. The two wheels n, m,
are held up by the supports 8, and the ribbon passes above the types and below
the ribbon of paper to be printed by incans of the pressure exercised by the types
on the cylinder g. As will be seen by reference to Figure 4 on the plane A are
fixed two cylinders g' and g, the inverso movement of which in the direction of
the arrows regulates the forward movement of the ribbon of paper Z. The pressuro
of the two cylinders against each other is effected by the spiral spring x, and the
forward movement of the paper and of the colouring ribbon is obtained by means
of the common lever hereinbefore described.
In order to diminish the distance between the letters in reproducing them the
types of the consonants are placed on a double horizontal line, Figure 5, and they
may also receive a slight circular inclination in order to obtain the reproduction of
the letters all in one line.
I will now proceed to describe two apparatuses constructed to obtain the repro-
duction of the letters joined together, videlicet, following each other closely, as by
the usual typographic system.
Sheet 2 represents the movement of the keys, and the forward movement of
the paper can be obtained either by the system already explained or by the
following
To the extremity of each key is attached a lever a, and all the keys move on
the axis b maintained by the supports c, c, Figures 1 and 2. The arm of each
lover meets a small wing or tooth of the cylinder e', at the end of which is fixed
a sector, which on its circumference (Figures 8 and 9) bears in high relief the
letters of the alphabet, the numbers, orthographic signs, et cetera, arranged in
groups, according to the hereinbefore described clavigraphic system.
The impression of any particular letter of the same sector is effected by means
of the lever arın, which determines the extent of its motion, which motion will be
more or less pronounced, according as the lever arm from the fulcrum to the wing
or tooth t is longer or shorter.
The impression of the letters takes place at the point P, and the pressure is
obtained by means of the spring g.
The forward motion of the strip of paper is determined by the common lever h
moved by the lover Z. The strip of paper unwinds from the cylinder C, passes the
point of pressure at P, and is carried forward by the cylinder R in the direction of
the arrow (Figures 6 and 7). The paper is carried forward by the two cylinders R, R',
which move in a contrary direction (Figure 6), and their mutual pressure is caused
by the spring m.
The sectors in a state of rest are dipped into a sponge or other body impregnated
with colouring matter.
Figure 2, Sheet 2, is a side view of the clavigraph showing a second series of
vowels, the impression of which is obtained by means of the buttons or keys p.
Figure 2bis, Sheet 2, is a detailed Drawing of one of the lever arins.
Figure 3 is a front view of a support carrying three sectors, of which the first is
rigid and the other two are moveable side ways and are slightly inclined, and aro
moved aside by the first sector when this comes into action. The same action
takes place with the sectors of the other support. Figures 4 and 5 represent a
spring U moved by the common lever and exerting pressure on the point P.
Figure 9 is a back view of the sectors with the corresponding letters on them.
Figure 10 represents a portion of the machine without the keys, and the
letters c, c, are the fulcra.
But as the construction of this apparatus with moveable sectors requires very
great precision of construction, and the employment of a highly resisting material,
inasmuch as on account of the very slight curve of the circumference of the
sector the slightest imperfection may cause the reproduction of one letter instead
of another, I will describe another apparatus by means of which an identical result
is obtained with greater security and at less expense. This arrangement consists
in placing the types in a circular manner, as shewn in Figure 1, Sheet 2. In this

page_text: Figure it will be seen that the letters or orthographic signs have been divided
according to the fundamental principle of this Invention into six distinct groups,
which have the form of circular sectors; but it is obvious that the distribution of
the letters in the various groups, as also the greater or smaller number of tho
sectors, depends upon the nature and the requirements of different languages.
4
In the apparatus shewn in Figure 2, Sheet 3, a number of hammers m are
arranged on an oval placed at the end of the keys, and at the extremity of each
hammer is a type. The impression of the letters is obtained by the means already
described, videlicet, by pressing downwards the keys which cause the small lovers
to which they are connected to rise, and these cause the hammers to move, as in 1
Figure 6, Sheet 3.
In this manner the letters are printed on the strip of paper which runs across
and rests upon a strip of metal P sustained by the oval, on the circumference of
which rest the hammers m. The hammer having struck the paper retakes its
former position, as also does the key (Figure 4).
The foot of the hammer being composed of two lever arms which form a spring,
these exert a constant pressure on the base and the hammer can be easily removed
and replaced.
The motion of the paper as well as the colouring of the types may be obtained
by any of the systems shewn on Sheets 1 and 2. In order however to obtain a
more regular automatic motion of the paper and to still more lighten the keys, &
wheel A round which is placed the strip of paper is placed on the right of the
apparatus, and a clock work arrangement B to draw off the paper on the left. A
common lever e placed below the keyboard is moved by the pressure exercised on
it by each key: To this lever is connected an arm working with it, which arm
imparts a uniform tension to the strip of paper at the point g (Fig. 2). The
regular tension of the paper can be still better obtained by the application of a
moveable cylinder c, Figure 10. An equal degree of motion is given to the lever
arm connected to the other end of the common lever. The lever arm l¹ is in
communication with the clock work arrangement, and the automatic and regular
forward movement of the paper is obtained as follows:―
Each depression of the common lever e causes a corresponding depression of the
arm, which is in communication with the fan-wheel C having two teeth t, t,
which meet the anchor which has an oscillating motion, shewn by the dotted
lines (Figure 7). With the first motion the wheel C moves the short distance
between the teeth Z and Z' of the anchor, with the second motion it becomes free
and moves the distance of half a revolution until it meets the other tooth tin
consequence of the tension exercised upon it by the drum S. This double
movement has the advantage of moderating and rendering uniform the forward
movement of the paper, which would otherwise be too quick on account of the
continuous movement of the common lever e.
Figure 8, Sheet 3, is a side view of the anchor, and Figure 9 is a top view of the
fan wheel and the anchor.
The development of the paper is caused by the wheel A, Figure 10, in the
direction of the arrow, and the pressure of the paper against the wheel is regulated
by the screw V. The strip of paper leaving the wheel A passes over the metal
strip P, where it receives the impression of the letters, and is carried on by the
wheel B, as shewn in Figure 3.
In the arrangements herein before described by reference to Sheets 1 and 2, the
types are coloured by a ribbon or a sponge, but in the last described apparatus a
small round or oval brush s is provided impregnated with ink and kopt up by the
support C; it is so arranged that each type on its way downward to meet the
paper passes through the brush, Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 3.
In order to fix with precision the letters on the types at the end of each hammer
and with the precise degree of inclination according to the position of the sector to
which they belong, a small ruler (Figures 11, 12, 13, 14) is provided, one extremity
of which is placed on the curve of the oval to which the hammer belongs, and the
]

page_text: other towards the point on which the type is to print the letter. Then the disc D
is made to proceed until its centre exactly corresponds with that point, and the
type p will impress with precision the letter on the hammer.
By means of duly prepared paper or of special ink several copies of the
production can be taken.
Having thus described the said Invention and the best means with which I am
acquainted for carrying the same into effect, 1 wish it to be understood that
what is claimed and intended to be protected by the herein-in part recited Letters
Patent is,-
Firstly. The manufacture and use of the herein before described machines for
printing in ordinary type a speech at the same speed with which it is usually
pronounced, the said machines being constructed and arranged and operating,
substantially as hereinbefore described and represented in the accompanying
Drawings or any mere modification thereof.
Secondly. In a type writing machine the described arrangement of the letters
of the alphabet and their distribution in serics, groups, or categories, as herein-
before described.
Thirdly. The application of the letters thus distributed to lever arms moved by
means of keys or a key board, as hereinbefore described.
Fourthly. The construction and employment of sectors on which are impressed
in relief the letters of each series, or the placing of hammers carrying types in
circular sections of a circle according to the combination of the letters of this
system, as herein before described.
Fifthly. The automatic forward movement of the colouring ribbon and the strip
of paper, and the arrangements for obtaining the pressure of the strip of paper
against the sectors, as herein before described.
Sixthly. The arrangements for the movements of the common lever herein
described, and which produce the motion of the ribbon and of the paper, as herein-
before described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alberto Donald Furse, have hereto set my
hand and seal, this Eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
A. D. FURSE. (L.S.)