Type Writing and Printing Apparatus.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Mar-, 1891-Accepted, 25th July, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Type Writing and Printing Apparatus.
I, MIERS FISHER, of Denver, in the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado,
and United States of America, Gentleman, 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:-
My invention relates to a novel and improved form and construction of type-
writing machine.
In the manufacture and use of machines of this class as hitherto constructed
many difficulties have presented themselves, owing largely to the lack of simplicity,
the skill required in their successful manipulation, the great number of parts, which
frequently become disarranged, and to the cost attending the manufacture of
complicated machines.
The object therefore of my improvement is to produce a device which while
being perfectly reliable in operation and efficient for the purpose intended,
shall be of such simple construction and so easily operated as to be a valuable
equipment to persons unskilled in the use of the ordinary pen, and so inexpensive as
to place it within reach of all.
To these ends my invention consists of the features and arrangements more
particularly hereinafter set forth and claimed.
In the accompanying drawing is illustrated an embodiment of my invention,
wherein,
Fig. 1 is a cross section on the line -, Fig. 3.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the device, the parts being assembled and in position
ready for operation;
Fig. 3, a top view of the stencil plate together with its attachments;
Fig.
a top or edge view of the pen or stylus;
Fig. 5, a detail view of a suitable spring mechanism for operating the stylus;
Fig. 6, a perspective view of the disk of the stylus removed from the handle;
Fig. 7, a perspective view of the handle of the stylus ;
Fig. 8, a perspective view of a suitable device for automatically inking the type
of the stylus;
Fig. 9, a top view of the stencil plate partially broken away, showing the cap or
shield for the spacing roller.
Referring now to these views the reference numeral 1 designates the stencil
plate. Journalled in suitable standards or bearings 2 secured to plate 1 is an axle
or shaft 3 provided with rollers or drums 4 rigidly mounted on the extremities
thereof, said rollers or drums extending or protruding through suitable slots or
apertures made therefor in stencil plate 1.
The peripheries of these rollers are provided with cogs, ribs, elevations or
corrugations 5, the number of corrugations or cogs on one being equal to that of
the other and the corresponding cogs or corrugations of the two drums or rollers
occupying the same radial planes with reference to the shaft 3. Thus it becomes
apparent that whenever plate is placed on a sheet of paper or other surface,
rollers or drums 4 protruding through the slots or apertures in plate 1 contact
therewith, and as shaft 3 on which said rollers are mounted is rotated, plate 1 will
be made to traverse the page or surface in a straight line, since both rollers travel
across the page with the same rapidity. Shaft 3 with its cylinders may be termed
the spacing attachment for the device, the space between the letters being measured
by the distance apart of the teeth formed on the periphery of the cylinders. By
reason of shaft 3 turning with the cylinders, a person with his hand or fingers.

page_text: thereon is enabled to feel, as it were, each tooth touch the paper and thus space
accurately between the letters and words.
The shaft 3 with its cylinders is provided with a cap or shield 35 having a finger
opening 36. The object of this shield is to support the hand and at the same time
to prevent its tendency to move forward and hide the characters from sight; while
the opening 36 allows the operator to keep one finger for controlling the feed
always in contact with shaft 3.
It will be observed that the feed of the device may be controlled by the use of a
pressure button so connected with the teeth of one of the cylinders that every time
the button is pressed the cylinder turns the distance between the teeth or one
space.
The reference numeral 6 designates a suitable ink pad secured to the stencil
plate, the object thereof being to provide the stylus with ink as hereinafter
explained. As shown in Figs. I and 3, the ink pad is placed in a groove made by
flanges or tongues 8 extending upwardly from plate 1, said anges serving as
guides to the disk of the stylus as the same is being inked by rolling thereacross,
while contiguous to and parallel with one of said flanges or tongues is a rack 7; one of
the flanges or tongues 8 also serving as a guide for the disk of the stylus while it is
traversing said rack. Rack 7 is adapted to serve as a guide to the stylus and to
facilitate the successful operation of the device.
A letter board 26, or a space having the characters used on the machine indicated
thereon and having said characters arranged in the order in which they most
frequently occur, or in the order most convenient to the operator, is marked or
stamped on the stencil plate parallel with and contiguous to rack 7 and on the side
thereof opposite to that on which flange 8 is located, the different characters of
the letter board being placed opposite the notches or depressions of the cogged
rack 7.
Extending transversely across rack 7 and across a portion of plate 1 is a printing
slot 9 through which the impressions are made on the paper or other surface by the
stylus or pen as hereinafter set forth.
Extending backward from slot 9 and on the side of the cogged rack opposite
tongues 8, is a flange 40 of any suitable length, forming a guide for the stylus as it
enters the slot. This flange is preferably short and curved slightly outward as it
extends backward in order the better to direct the stylus and prevent deviation from
its true course.
two
Above slot 9 and at a suitable distance therefrom are the spacing slots 41, 41,
being shown, though any desired number may be employed. These slots are used
for spacing between the lines. After a line is written the plate 1 is moved
downward on the page until the letters of the written line appear in one of the slots
above. If the lines are to be quite close together, the slot nearest the printing
slot 9 is used if they are to be farther apart the next siot above is used and so
By this means the distance between the lines is readily and accurately
on.
controlled.
;
Forming a continuation of slot 9 across plate 1 and on the underside thereof
is a shallow recess or groove 30 shown in Fig. 2, and in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The
object of this recess is to raise this portion of the plate from contact with the newly
printed letters, and thus avoid spreading the ink and marring the neatness of the
work.
In Fig. 4 is illustrated a top or edge view of the stylus or pen which consists of a.
revolving disk pivotally secured to one extremity of a suitable handle.
In this case
an approved form of construction of this stylus is shown, said form consisting of a
revolving disk 10 pivotally secured in the forked extremity of a suitable handle 11
by means of a pin 12 passing through the wheel or disk 10 and through the arms 13
of the handle, said pin serving as a journal, bearing or axis on or about which disk 10
revolves.
Rigidly secured to one side of disk 10 and adapted to rotate about pin 12
with said disk is an eccentric 14, while in the portion of eccentric 14 most remote

page_text: from the centre or from pin 12 is a slotted eye 15 or other approved means
of securing one extremity of a cord or wire or its equivalent 16 thereto. It
will, however, be observed that instead of this eccentric 14 an ordinary pulley may
be used and a cord or wire 16 secured to its periphery; or any other suitable
means which will serve as a drum about which cord or wire 16 may be wound as
disk 10 is rotated, may be employed instead of eccentric 14.
The reference numeral 17 designates a suitable pointer or index which may be
rigidly secured to the disk or marked or printed on the surface thereof as may be
deemed advantageous and desirable.
Extending radially from the periphery of disk 10 are the cogs or projections 18,
the extremities of which are provided with or fashioned into type, there being
enough projections to provide the device with the number of characters required for
the purpose for which it is designed, said number corresponding to the number of
characters on the letter board 26.
The characters of disk 10 are arranged in reverse order to those on the letter
board. That is, by starting the stylus with the pointer opposite any character on
the letter-plate and running toward slot 9, the characters between said point and the
slot will be printed in the reverse order of the arrangement on the letter board.
Then it becomes apparent that distance from slot 9 to any given character on the
letter plate is the same as the length of the are measured on the periphery of the
wheel from the index or pointer 17 to the corresponding character thereon. Then
since the distance between slot 9 and any given character is equal to the arc
measured on the periphery of disk 10 from pointer 17 to the corresponding
character thereon, it follows that if pointer or index 17 which marks the initial
point of rotation on disk 10 is placed opposite a given character and said disk
rotated or rolled to the slot 9, said character will be produced at the slot.
Recurring now to the handle 11 which is hollow the reference numeral 19
designates a spiral spring located therein. One extremity of said spring is secured
to the handle in any suitable manner as by means of a cord or its equivalent 20
passing through an aperture in the free extremity thereof where it is secured by
incans of a button 21 or in any approved manner; the opposite extremity of said
spring being secured to eccentric 14 by means of an eye 15 or in any other way
desired.
Thus it will be observed that as disk 10 is rotated about pin 12, eccentric 14
engaging cord or wire 16 winds the same therearound and distends spring 19. Then
on the release of wheel or disk 10 said spring 19 contracts, unwinding cord or
wire 16 from around eccentric 14 and returning disk 10 to its normal or original
position.
It may be well here to note that I am not limited to this particular construction
in-as-much as spring 19 with cords 16 and 20 may be dispensed with and a rubber
strand or other suitable elastic or resilient means for returning disk 10 to its normal
position substituted therefor; or cords 16 and 20 and spring 19 together with
eccentric 14 may be dispensed with and any approved means of automatically
returning disk 10 to and retaining it in its normal position employed.
In Fig. 8 is illustrated a device for automatically inking the type formed on or
secured to the extremities of projections 18, said device consisting of a clamp or
casing 22 adapted to fit around or clamp the sides of handle 11. Secured to or
made integral with and extending upwardly from the upper portion of said casing 22
is a leaf spring 23. To the upper extremity of said spring are secured the flanges 24
between which is mounted on a suitable axis 25 an ink roller 27. The downwardly
projecting flanges or points 28 serve to keep the device in position on the disk at all
times. In Fig. 2 the automatic inking device is shown in dotted lines in position
on the stylus or pen, casing or clamp 22 securing it to the handle while leaf
spring 23 holds roller 27 in contact with the periphery of disk 10.
Having thus set forth in detail the construction and operation of my improved
machine, the general operation will now be fully understood.
The stencil plate 1 is placed at the left side of the page across which it is desired

page_text: to write. Disk 10 is then inked by rolling over ink pad 6 or by engagement with
roller 27 as the case may be. The stylus is then placed on the cogged or ratchet
rack 7 with pointer or index 17 opposite the character which it is desired to produce
or impress on the paper through slot 9, the projection 18 of disk 10 entering the
proper depression of said rack, and the stylus or pen then moved forward, the disk
rolling over the cogged rack, while eccentric 14 winds up cord 16 and distends
spring 19. When the stylus reaches the slot the character which would engage a
depression of the cogged rack correspondingly located makes its inked imprint on
the paper by pressing through said slot. The stylus is then raised when spring 19
or its equivalent quickly returns disk 10 to its normal position. Plate 1 is now
moved forward one space by the hand and pointer 17 placed opposite the next
character it is desired to print and the operation just described repeated.
In the operation of the device the disk 10 is made to traverse the cogged rack 7,
the cogs or projections 18 entering and engaging the depressions of the cogged rack.
It must be understood, however, that I am not limited to this particular construction
as I am well aware that disk 10 may be provided with a cogged rim or flange
adapted to engage a cogged rack provided therefor instead of having projections 18
serve as cogs, or other similar means of carrying out the principle of my invention
may be employed.
From the preceding description it will be observed that my improved type-writer
possesses many advantages over those now in use or upon the market.
no
For instance my full sized device may be carried easily in the pocket, being
longer than an ordinary lead pencil and sufficiently narrow to slip easily end-wise into
the pocket of the ordinary waistcoat or vest. Other points which may be mentioned
are its simplicity of construction, case of adjustment and operation, and cheapness.
It may thus be made an instructive and entertaining toy for the child, and a
useful instrument for the mechanic or merchant.
It requires no lubrication, no ink ribbons, no outlay for repairs, since there is no
appreciable wear and tear. There is no limit to the size of paper used, and no skill
required in its adjustment.
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 :-
First: A type-writer consisting of a plate or card 1 having a row of characters
formed thercon and provided with a slot cut through the plate or card at
one extremity of the row of characters, in combination with a pen or stylus
consisting of a handle and a disk pivoted thereon, the disk being provided with
raised characters on its periphery, said characters corresponding with those on the
plate but arranged on the disk in the reverse order or position, the disk being
adapted to rotate on the handle as the pen or stylus is moved across the plate
with the periphery of the disk in contact therewith, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
Second: In a type-writer a plate having a row of characters formed thereon, a
cogged, recessed or toothed rack alongside said row of characters and an opening in
the plate at one extremity of said rack, in combination with a pen or stylus provided
with a rotating disk having raised characters on its periphery, said characters
corresponding with those on plate 1 but arranged on the disk in the reverse.
order or position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
:-
Third In a type-writer, a plate having a row of characters formed thereon, a
cogged, recessed or toothed rack alongside said row of characters, a recess being
opposite each character, and an opening cut through the plate at one extremity of
the rack, in combination with a stylus or pen consisting of a hollow handle
terminating at one extremity in a fork, a disk supported in said forked extremity
and adapted to rotate therein, said disk being provided with raised characters
on its periphery, said characters corresponding with those of the plate 1 but
arranged on the disk in the reverse order or position, each raised character forming

page_text: a projection adapted to enter a recess of the rack, a coiled spring located in the
hollow handle, one extremity of said spring being connected with an eccentric or
drum secured upon the disk while the other extremity is connected with a
button or its equivalent outside the free extremity of the handle, substantially as
described.
Fourth In a type-writer a plate having a row of characters formed thereon, a
recess opposite each character forming in effect a rack, a slot or opening formed in the
plate at one extremity of the rack and suitable means of moving the plate
downward in a direct line, in combination with a pen or stylus consisting of a disk
with a pointer marked thereon indicating on the periphery the initial point of
rotation, the periphery being provided with raised characters forming projections
adapted to engage the recessed rack, said characters corresponding with those on
plate 1 but arranged in the reverse order or position, a handle one extremity of
which is fashioned for the reception of the disk and within which it rotates, and
suitable means of maintaining the disk normally in a uniform position, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Fifth-In a type-writer a plate having characters formed thereon, a rack along
side the characters with a recess opposite each, a slot or opening at one end of the
rack, and a roller journalled upon the plate and provided with a toothed spacing-
cylinder secured to each extremity thereof, said cylinders protruding through
suitable openings formed in the plate, in combination with a pen or stylus provided
with a rotating disk having raised characters formed on its periphery corresponding
with the characters on the plate, but arranged in the reverse order or position, and
suitable spring mechanism whereby the disk is normally maintained in a uniform
position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Sixth A type-writer consisting of a plate having a row of characters thereon,
an opening or slot at one extremity of said row, a roller journalled upon the plate
and provided with a fluted spacing cylinder secured to each extremity thereof, said
cylinders protruding through suitable openings formed in the plate, a cap covering
said roller and provided with a finger opening as shown in combination with a pen
or stylus provided with a rotating disk having raised characters on its periphery,
said characters corresponding with those on the plate but arranged in the reverse
order or position, and a pointer indicating on the periphery of the disk the initial
point of rotation and suitable means of normally maintaining the disk in a uniform
position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh A type-writer consisting of a plate 1 having a row of characters
thereon, an opening or slot at one extremity of said row, the plate being provided
with a padded groove for inking the stylus, said groove extending preferably
parallel with the row of characters, in combination with a pen or stylus provided
with a rotating disk having raised characters on its periphery, said characters cor-
responding with those on plate 1, but arranged in the reverse order or position,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Eighth :—A type-writer consisting of a plate having a row of characters thereon,
an opening or slot at one extremity of said row, in combination with a stylus
consisting of a handle and a disk pivoted thereon, the disk being provided with
raised characters, said characters corresponding with those on the plate but
arranged in the reverse order or position, the disk being adapted to rotate on the
handle as the pen is moved across the plate with its periphery in contact therewith,
and suitable means of inking the stylus, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Ninth A type-writer consisting of a plate having a row of characters formed
thereon, a slot or opening cut through the plate at one extremity of said row and a
recess across the under side of the plate in line with said opening, in combination
with a stylus consisting of a rotating disk and a handle, the disk being pivoted on
the handle and provided with raised characters on its periphery, said characters
corresponding with those on the plate but arranged in reverse order or position,
the disk being operated by placing its periphery in contact with the plate
and moving the stylus forward, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: :-.
Tenth A type-writer consisting of a plate having a row of characters formed
thereon, a printing slot or opening 9 cut through the plate at one extremity of said
row, one or more line spacing slots cut through the plate.above slot 9 in combination
with a stylus consisting of a handle and a disk or its equivalent having printing
characters formed on its periphery, said characters corresponding with those on the
plate but arranged in reverse order or position, the stylus being operated by placing
the periphery of the disk in contact with the plate and moving the same forward
thereon, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Eleventh A type-writer consisting of a plate having a row of characters
formed thereon, a slot or opening 9, cut through the plate at one extremity of said
row, a guide flange 40 extending backward from slot 9, in combination with a stylus
provided with a disk or its equivalent having printing characters formed on its
periphery, said characters corresponding with those on the plate but arranged in
the reverse order or position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Twelfth A pen or stylus consisting of a handle, a disk pivoted thereon and
having its periphery provided with raised characters adapted to print as the disk is
rolled over a suitable surface, and means of returning the disk to the same relative
position upon the handle after each printing act, substantially as described.
Dated this 17th day of February A.D. 1891. ·