Improvements in Type Writing Machines.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Sept., 1895-Accepted, 26th Oct., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type Writing Machines.
I, BENJAMIN WILLCOX of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of London,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been
communicated to me from abroad by The Ford Typewriter Company, a
corporation organized under the Laws of the State of New York, and having its
principal office at No. 253, Broadway, New York City in said State) and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention has reference to type-writing machines, and embraces certain
improvements, hereafter set forth in detail, adapted more particularly (though not
exclusively) to machines of the type characterized by type-bars which make a
plunging stroke in printing and are pivoted so as to move transversely to the
printing stroke, the shift of type being effected by a swinging guide at the free
ends of the type-bars.
The objects of the present invention are to improve the machine in points of
speed of operation, lightness of stroke and in other respects, as will more fully
appear hereafter.
The escapement mechanism of this invention is adapted to give a quick
movement to the carriage advancing it the space of a letter before the last type
has moved a quarter of an inch from the platen, so, that no matter how rapidly the
type follow each other the feed will take place between the successive strokes.
This mechanism includes a dog which normally holds the carriage by engagement
with one of the spaces of a slotted bar or rack and another dog which displaces the
first when a type bar advances and itself holds the carriage until the type-bar
begins to move backward, whereupon the carriage is free and immediately moves
forward until checked by the first dog entering the next slot or notch.
The line spacing mechanism is constructed to admit of the carriage being turned
the space of one or more lines as desired and dispenses with the detaining or check
spring heretofore employed to prevent the platen from turning accidentally. The
pawl for turning the platen is so constructed that it is normally disengaged from
the ratchet-wheel so that the platen is free to be turned in either direction. In
connection with the platen there is devised improved forms of paper feed
mechanism, and means for actuating, supporting and adjusting the carriage, as will
be hereafter described.
When two keys of ordinary type-writers are struck in rapid succession, one of
the type-heads frequently strikes upon or catches the next, which not only
produces bad work, but also injures the face of the type. In machines having this
defect it is not practical to use a very sharp letter. According to the present
invention it is impossible by reason of the shape given to the type-heads and the
manner of connecting them with the type-bars, for one type-head to engage, catch,
or interfere with the others; so that the machine can be worked at maximum
speed. This construction of the type-heads, and the quick-acting escapement, with
other elements that in a measure contribute to the same result make a very high-
speed machine.
The invention includes improvements in other parts of the machine, all of
which will be fully explained in the following detailed description, in which
reference is made to the drawings accompanying and forming part of this
Specification.
Fio 1 is a longitudinal section through the middle of the machine:

page_text: Fig. 2 is a plan view, part of the platen being broken away,
Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation, the section being taken on line - (Fig. 2).
Fig. 4 is a rear elevation,
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the parts constituting the line-spacing
mechanism, the frame and other adjacent parts being indicated in dotted lines.
Fig. 6 is an end view of the carriage,
Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the carriage, partly in section, and showing the ball-
bearing mechanism, and
Fig. 8 is a detail of one of the type-heads.
The type-bars B are arranged to strike a horizontal plunging blow at a common
printing point. The free ends of these bars enter the hollow guide and shifter C,
which is triangular in shape, and has at its apex c adjacent to the platen D a slot
or opening of just sufficient size to permit the passage of a type-head and guide
it properly to the printing point. As the same guide acts for all the type, correct
alignment is maintained and secured.
The upper part of guide C at its apex c is bevelled or curved downward towards
the platon, thereby enabling the operator to view the characters as they are
printed, and in the central part of this curved surface is a rib or pointer C' which
serves as a letter-guage.
The guide and shifter C is pivoted at C2 and is provided with the usual means
(which need not be described) for raising it to two new positions, the type-heads b
being provided each with three characters.
It is of the utmost importance for rapid work that the type-bars and type-heads
should be able to pass each other freely under all conditions without interference.
To this end the type-heads bare formed as shown in Figs. 2 and 8, of approximately
triangular shape looking from the top, tapering gradually rearwardly to the
dimension of the type-bar, to which they are attached by cutting a groove in the
side of the type-heads for the type near the sides of the machine (as shown in
Fig. 2) or in the end of the type-heads for type near the middle of the machine (as
shown in Fig. 8).
The shape is such that the type-heads pass each other with perfect smoothness,
no matter how rapidly the keys are struck and it is impossible for the face of one
type to strike against or catch any part of another type-head.
The carriage is moved by a motor-spring F, enclosed in barrel F1, through a
cord e and is normally held against the tension of the spring by a pivoted dog G
whose tooth strikes into one of the slots of a rack E2 on carriage E.
On the other side of the rack from the holding dog G is the release dog G,
whose tooth is normally clear of the rack, but just opposite the tooth of the
dog G. Dog G is connected with the bail-head G2 which in turn is connected by
means of three rods g with the escapement bail G³ which is a metal strip curved
into a circular arc, and disposed in such position as to be struck and moved
towards the platen by each of the type-levers B¹ or by the arms connected with
the space-bar B². Thus each time a key lever or space bar is actuated, the
release dog G¹ is pushed forward displacing the holding dog from the slot of
rack E and taking its place. The pivot hole g of the dog G is slightly larger
than its pin (see Figure 2) and consequently when pushed out of a notch a
spring draws the dog forward so that its tooth engages against the solid strip or
rack E between the slot just vacated and the one next to it, so that it is ready to
enter the latter as soon as the carriage moves. The carriage in the meantime is
held by the dog G', but as soon as the type bar begins to return, the bail G³ is
released and the bail head G and dog G¹ are retracted by a spring 9. The
carriage is then for an instant free to move until arrested by the dog G. The
tension of the carriage-spring F normally holds the dog G in the position shewn
in Figure 2. By means of the quick-acting escapement the feed of the carriage
may be made to take place before the type-head has moved back a quarter of an
inch from the platen, making it impossible for a second type to strike the paper
before the feed takes place.

page_text: It will be observed that the holding dog G extends from its pivot hackwards in
the direction opposite to the movement of the carriage, so that the pressure of the
rack on its tooth tends to turn the dog so as to force and lock the tooth firmly in
the rack. On the other hand, the release dog (extends forward from its pivot,
so that when engaged in the rack the pressure of the latter tends to throw it out
of engagement as soon as the operator's finger releases the key. This enables a
prompt action to be got by employing a very weak retracting spring 9' and in fact
the escapement will operate without any spring.
The release bail G is a rod loosely pivoted to the carriage E and hanging just
behind the rear extension of holding dog Gr. Its end go forms a convenient handle
by which the operator can swing the bail forward, withdrawing dog G and leaving
the carriage free to be run in either direction as desired.
9
Rods connecting bail G³ and bail-head G2 have right and left handed screw
thi eads, for purposes of adjustment of the position of bail G³. The latter is so
adjusted that the dog G releases the rack 2 simultaneously, or nearly so with the
impact of the type against the paper. One end of the motor spring F (Figure 4)
is attached to the barrel F¹ as usual and the other end to a disk F pivoted on the
shaft of the spring but normally held by detent-spring f engaging with one of the
notches in the periphery of disc F³. Disc can be turned for the purpose of
adjusting the tension of the motor spring by applying sufficient force to turn the
disc against the holding force of spring f.
The construction of the line spacing mechanism is best shewn in Figures 3, 45
and 6. The spindle d of the cylinder D is journalled in the side pieces D' of the
carriage E, and has at one end the pinion D. The pawl D² by which the cylinder
or platen D is turned has a slot d through which the spindle d passes the slot being
of such size that the pawl can move vertically far enough to disengage its tooth d³
from pinion D. This is the normal position of the parts the pawl being held in this
position by its connection with the operating handle I which is normally pressed
outwards by a spiral spring i. The handle or lever I has an arm I to which is
pivoted the lower end of a link 13 whose upper end is pivoted to the pawl D².
Upon pressing lever I towards the carriage, the pawl D2 drops by gravity bringing
its tooth into one of the notches of the pinion D, and as the link 13 is pulled down
by the further movement of handle I, the pawl turns on spindle d as a fulcrum,
carrying the platen D with it, until its end 3 is arrested by stop pin d' fixed to the
side piece D. This mechanism has several advantages. In the first place the
pawl being always clear of the pinion or ratchet wheel the operator can at any
time with one hand turn the platen in either direction. Furthermore, when the
position of the cylinder has been changed for any reason in the course of writing a page
it is necessary to adjust the cylinder by hand to make the lines of completed writing
register with the line where the types strike, since this registration is automatically
effected by the pawl when it strikes against the stop d³.
The line spacing mechanisin may be constructed to turn the cylinder at each
operation the space of one or more lines as desired. As shewn in Figure 5, the
mechanism is normally set for double line spacing; that is to say when the handle I
is actuated the pawl D2 drops in the second notch in front of the stop . For
single line spacing an adjusting lever jis turned to the position shewn in Figure 6
in which position its arm depresses the tail of the pawl D2 bringing its tooth in
such position that it will, when actuated, drop into the notch next to the stop d¹
and move the platen the space of one notch.
Handle is placed at the end of the carriage E in convenient position to be used
for pushing back the carriage to its starting point by movement in the same
direction as that which actuates the line spacing mechanism.
To facilitate adjustment of the paper on the platen in cases where work is
replaced for correction, a line indicator L is provided on the base of the machine
(Figures 2 and 3) its top being exactly in line horizontally with the line where the
type strike. This indicator is in the form of a spring, so that it can be pressed
against the platen to determine accurately the position of the line.

page_text: The platen D is held from turning too freely by the pressure of friction roller K
extending along its entire length and pressed into contact therewith by leaf
springs (Figure 3) which press against collars on the spindle of roller K. The
latter also assists in feeding the paper which passes between it and the platen. This
roller takes the place of the detaining spring usually employed to exert pressure
on the platen and prevent its turning freely. The roller is journalled in a swinging
frame K' pivoted at 2 in the side pieces D' of the carriage. When it is desired
for the easy introduction or removal of the work to separate the roller K and
platen D the frame carrying the former is depressed by throwing forward the cam-
lever (Figure 6) which presses against the end of the spindle of roller K.
The carriage E in its movements slides upon the rail N, anti-friction balls n
being interposed to make an easy movement, suitable grooves being cut in the rail
and carriage to contain the balls (see Figures 6 and 7). The balls on one side of
the rail N are held in position by a trough-shaped plate which is pressed towards
the rail by means of springs ². Plate n' and spring n constitute adjusting means
for taking up the wear in both sets of balls and also render it easy to take the
carriage off the rail when for any reason that is desired.
In this machine it is desirable to have the platen set as close as possible to the
apex of guide C. It follows that in manifolding, the space between these parts,
which answers for the ordinary work, would not be sufficient. An adjustment is
therefore necessary and to that end the carriage is supported so that it can be tilted
slightly, and the ball-bearing mechanism is so constructed as to admit of this
movement. This adjustment is effected by means of a plate P (Figures 1 and 4)
pivoted at P¹ to a boss on the frame and provided with a cam-groove ·p.
In this
groove lies the head of a screw tapped into a block Q whose supporting pin q
slides freely in a hole in boss 12. Block Qalso carries a hook q' which engages a
rod q² on the carriage E and a supporting roller 73 journalled therein and upon
which said rod q² rests. By moving the cam plate P to the right (Figure 4) it
will be seen that block Q will be forced downward through the action of the cam
groove p upon the screw-head tilting the carriage on the line of the front row of
balls n as an axis, enlarging the space been the cylinder or platen D and guide C.
It will also be observed that while the carriage E is supported on one side by the
anti-friction balls n it is also supported on its opposite side by the roller g³ upon
which rod g² rests and slides. This roller q³ is, as shewn, carried by the vertically
adjustable block Q already described.
The paper guide at the left hand end of the platen D (Figures 2 and 3) is as
usual made adjustable to accommodate different widths of paper. According to
the present invention this paper guide is combined with a carriage stop so that
both may be adjusted simultaneously and the carriage be automatically arrested ou
its return movement at the proper point to begin the line for the size of paper
in use at the time. Stop r which carries guider is adjustable along a rail R in
front of the carriage. As shewn in Figure 2 this rail has a number of small
vertical holes s into which a pin t can be fitted to hold the combined stop and
paper guide in its adjusted position. The fixed stop T against which the stop r
engages to arrest the carriage is shewn in Figure 3. Of course, any suitable or
convenient clamping devices may be employed to hold the stop in its adjusted
position, and in general the details of construction shewn and set forth are
susceptible of modification without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I
claim is,―
1. The combination with the carriage and means for moving it, of a rack on the
carriage, a spring actuated holding dog and a pivoted releasing dog extending
forward from its pivot in the direction of movement of the carriage so that the
pressure of the carriage tends to throw the release dog out of engagement with
the rack substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: 2. The combination with the platen and a pinion thereon, a pawl having a slot
through which its pivot pin passes, so that the pawl has freedom of motion into and
out of engagement with the said pinion, a spring normally holding the pawl out of
engagement with the said pinion, an operating handle, and connections for bringing
the said pawl into engagement with the said pinion and turning it on its pivot, and
a fixed stop for arresting the movement of the pawl always at the same spot
substantially as herein before described.
3. The combination of the platen, its sliding carriage, a pinion on the platen, a
slotted pawl on the arbor of the platen normally held out of engagement with the
pinion, and an operating handle connected with the said pawl and pivoted at the
end of the carriage so as to actuate the said pawl and to move the carriage in
the direction of its starting point, substantially as herein before described.
4. The combination with the sliding carriage of a motor spring, a rotatable
plate to which one end of the said spring is attached for the purpose of adjusting
its tension, and a detent spring engaging notches in the said plate for holding the
same in its adjusted position substantially as hereinbefore described.
5. The combination with the sliding carriage of ball bearings for the same at
one side thereof, a supporting roller upon which the opposite side of the carriage
rests and means for adjusting the said roller to tilt the carriage substantially as
hereinbefore described.
6. The combination with the platen and the horizontally moving type-bars, of
the hollow guide common to all the type-bars the said guide being bevelled or curved
downward at the end adjacent to the platen substantially as hereinbefore
described.
7. The combination with the guide and the longitudinally moving type-bars, of
type-heads of approximately triangular outline, tapering gradually backwards to
the thickness of the type-bars, substantially as herein before described.
Dated this 10th day of September 1895.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.