Improvements in Typewriting Machines.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Oct:, 1896-Accepted, 13th Feb., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Typewriting Machines.
I, ROBERT JOSEPH FISHER, of Athens, in the County of MoMian, and State
of Tennessee, 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 typewriting machines, and has special reference to
machines for use in book-work for forming court, bank, tax-office, and similar
records the same consisting of an improvement upon my former British. Patent
No. 24513, of 1894.
The objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following
description, and the novel features thereof will be particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
In the drawings:-
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a typewriting machine constructed in accordance
with my invention.
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same.
Fig. 3 is a side view.
Fig. 4 is a rear view.
Fig. 5 is a vertical central section taken transversely to the direction of move-
ment of the carriage.
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical section on the plane indicated by the line 6-6
of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view of the carriage.
Fig. 8 is a detail longitudinal section of the carriage on the plane indicated by
the line 8-8 of Fig. 5, to show the carriage-feeding mechanism.
Fig. 9 is a detail horizontal section of the feed-dogs and contiguous parts, on the
line 9-9 of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a detail view in perspective of the feed-dogs detached.
Fig. 11 is a detail horizontal section of the adjustable line-stop.
Fig. 12 is a detail view in perspective of the same detached.
Fig. 13 is a detail vertical section of the operating devices for the line-spacing
mechanism to show the means for limiting the throw of the line-spacing lever.
Fig. 14 is a detail view in perspective of the pawl for holding the line-spacing
mechanism from hackward movement, and illustrating the locking-pin for said
pawl.
Fig. 15 is a detail view in perspective of the worm-operating mechanism which
forms a part of the ribbon-feed.
Fig. 16 is a detail view in perspective of a portion of one of the ribbon-guides,
and means for mounting the same upon the type-bar supporting ring.
Fig. 17 is a detail plan view of a portion of the type-har supporting-ring showing
the connected type-bars in section.
Fig. 18 is an enlarged detail view of one of the upper clips for securing the
alternate type-bars to the supporting-ring.
Fig. 19 is a similar view of one of the lower clips for securing the intermediate
type-bars to the supporting-ring.
Fig. 20 is a detail vertical section of one of the draw-rod tension devices.
Fig. 21 is a detail horizontal section of the same.

page_text: Fig. 22 is a detail view in perspective of the nut forming one member of the
draw-rod tension devices.
Fig. 23 is a detail view in perspective of the trip and supporting spider or frame
which forms a part of the upper-case shifting mechanism.
Fig. 24 is a detail longitudinal section of the free end of a type-bar to, show the
means for locking the type-head or carrier in its normal position, said figure
showing in full lines the head released and in dotted lines the head locked in its
normal position.
Fig. 25 is a detail view in perspective of the same showing the head locked.
Fig. 26 is a detail transverse section of the type head or carrier.
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the table inverted, to show the means for
accomplishing the adjustment of the movable leaves.
Fig. 28 is a detail view in perspective of the follower which is employed for
holding a leaf or sheet in a flat condition.
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the letter-writing attachment.
Fig. 30 is a vertical sectional view of the platen and illustrating in full lines
the operative and in dotted lines the repressed or shifted position of the frame of
the machine.
Fig. 31 is a detail horizontal section of the means for operating the platen.
Fig. 32 is a detail view in perspective of the holding pawl for the platen.
Fig. 33 is a detail view in perspective of one of the ribbon-spool feeding-pawls
whereby longitudinal motion is imparted to the ribbon.
Fig. 34 is a detail view of one of the slides carrying the key-locking stud, the
same being shown in engagement with the co-operatiug notch or sent in the
contiguous line-stop.
Fig. 35 is a detail transverse section of the adjustable line-stop and the rail upon
which it is mounted.
Fig. 36 is a detail view of the line-spacing lever.
Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures of
the drawings.
1 designates a substantially rectangular framework having front and rear
base-bars 2 terminal cross-bars 3 forming hand-holds, and front and rear carriage
guides 4 and 5. The frame includes scrolls 6 which support the carriage-guides
terminally, only, whereby the space between the front carriage-guide and the
front base-bar is unobstructed except by a single narrow upright brace-bar 7 to
give to the operator an uninterrupted view between said front carriage-guide and
base-bar of the space within the frame contiguous thereto.
The base-bars rest upon laterally-adjustable tracks 8 and have seats 9 to receive
the upper sides thereof and prevent displacement.
The carriage 10 is closed at its bottom by means of a floor 11 which supports
posts 12 in bifurcations of which are mounted the intermediately pivoted key-
levers 13. The stems of the printing keys 14 are connected with the front
ends of the key-levers. Depending from the carriage is a type-bar supporting-
ring 15 upon which are mounted type-bars 16 connected by draw-wires 17 with
the rear ends of the key-levers 13 (see Fig. 5). The supporting-ring is suspended
by means of side hangers 18 and a rear hanger 19 consisting of vertical rods
connected at their lower extremities to the supporting-ring by means of a
securing plate 20 which extends under the latter (see Figs. 3 and 5), said
plate carrying depending stop-pins 21 arranged in the plane of the tracks 8
and adapted to come in contact therewith to prevent the carriage from passing
beyond the limite of the space between the tracks. These pins form a safety-
stop to prevent the carriage, if released, from becoming dismounted from the
carriage-guides, and as the pins are arranged upon opposite sides of the center
of the plate 20 (see Fig. 15) and her.ce upon opposite sides of the center of the
carriage, the latter is prevented from movement in either direction sufficient to
bring its center over the tracks.
The type-bar supporting ring is semi-circular or crescent shaped in plan with its

page_text: open side toward the front of the machine, and hence contiguous to the plane of
the front carriage-guide, and the type-bars which are mounted upon the ring are
arranged to strike at a common printing point located at the center of the interval
between the horns or extremities of the supporting-ring, and hence within view of
an operator looking through the space between the front carriage-guide and base-
bar. The supporting-ring consists of a flat bar to the upper and lower surfaces of
which are alternately secured type-bar bearing-clius 22 and 23 (see Figs. 5, 6, 17, 18
and 19) the same being preferably struck from sheet metal and provided with
upturned lateral flanges 24 terminating at their outer ends in bearing-eyes 25 for
the reception of the bearing pins of the type-bars, said bearing-eyes being arranged
approximately in a common horizontal plane by reason of the upturned portions of
the clips 23 extending npward a distance sufficient to compensate for the thickness
of the supporting-ring. The upper clips 22 are spaced apart and the lower clips
are arranged beneath the intervals therebetween.
In order to secure accurate alignment the clips are mounted for radial adjustment
upon the supporting ring, the upper clips being longitudinally slotted, as shown
at 26 to receive set-screws 27 which extend through the supporting-ring from its
under side, and are engaged by nnts 28 held from rotation by the flanges of the
clips. The lower clips are provided with longitudinal slots 29 through which
corresponding set-screws extend to fit in threaded openings in the supporting-ring.
It will be seen that the heads of all of the set-screws are accessible from the under
side of the supporting-ring. The extremities of the type-bar supporting-ring are
connected by a horizontal bar 30 which carries a pointer or index 31 to indicate,
in any position of the carriage, the point at which the impression of a character will
be made, and a second index 32 on the front of the carriage traverses a scale 33.
The type-bar which I use in connection with my typewriting machine, carries a
movable type-head or carrier 34 which is preferably pivoted as at 35 in a terminal
bifurcation of the type-bar, said type-head or carrier being reduced and extended
to form an ear 36 which fits between the cheeks of said bifurcation. The
shoulders 37 at opposite sides of the ear 36 form stops to limit the movement of
the type-head or carrier in opposite directions, and inasmuch as the preponderance
of weight or the centre of gravity of the typehead or carrier is in advance of the
pivotal point 35, it will be yieldingly held by gravity in its normal position, and
will be returned to such position by gravity as the type-bar returns after operation,
to its normal or upright position illustrated in full lines in Figs. 5 and 6.
Inasmuch as the lower-case characters are those which are used with greater
frequency I preferably place the lower-case type-face 38 uppermost upon the
type-head or carrier whereby when the latter in its normal (or hereinafter terined
"retracted ") position, the lower-case type face will produce the impression upon a
printing surface, when the type-bar is actuated.
Although, as above indicated, the type-head or carrier is held in its normal
position by gravity, it is obvious that, owing to the swinging movement of the
type-bar, the operation or movement of a type-bar to its depressed or printing
position will cause the type-head or carrier to be affected by centrifugal force, and
have found in practice that, with the arrangement specified, the centrifugal force
acting during the descent of a type-har to its printing position, will bring the
other or upper-case type-face 39 into printing position, as shown in full lines
in Fig. 24, unless a positive lock is employed to maintain the type-head or carrier
in its lower-case position as shown in dotted lines in said figure. Thus, it will be
seen that the movable type-head or carrier is "retracted" and yieldingly held in
its normal or lower-case position by gravity which forms a constant retracting
force, and is adapted to be "extended centrifugally to produce the impression of
an upper-case character.
The means, which I have illustrated in the drawings, for securing the type-head
or carrier in its lower case position include a pivotal trigger 40 mounted upon the
type-bar in the lower or inner end of the slot formed by the bifurcation therein,
and having the free extremity of its locking arm 41 in operative relation with a

page_text: finger 42 formed as an extension of the ear 36, and projecting beyond the rear or
outer side of the type-bar. This locking-arm of the trigger is normally arranged
in the path of the finger 42 as shown in full lines in Figs. 5, 6, and 25, and in
dotted lines in Fig. 24, and when removed from the path of said finger the type-
head or carrier is free to be extended by centrifugal force to the position shown
in full lines in Fig. 24. The trigger is firmly held in either position by means of
a friction or brake-spring 43 arranged in permanent contact with the rounded hub
or friction-face 44 of the trigger. The means shown in the drawings for actuating
the trigger include a trip or arm 45 having opposite convexed and concaved
operating faces, and a trip 46 adapted for adjustment to bring it in the paths of
the trip-arms and normally held by a yielding force out of the paths of the trip-
arms, as shown in full lines in Figs. 5 and 6. This trip is constructed of a
continuous band or semi-ring and is disposed contiguous to the upper or concave
faces of the trip-arms wheroby when depressed against the force employed for
yieldingly holding it in its normal position, the trip is brought into contact with
the concaved faces of the trip-arms to depress the latter (see dotted lines in Fig. 6)
during the forward swinging movement of the type-bar in operation.
If, after the release of a type-head or carrier as described, the trip is returned
to its normal position out of the paths of the trip-arms, the typehead or carrier
will, as above described, be returned to its lower-case position by gravity, but in
order to return the locking device or trigger to its operative position with relation
to the type-head or carrier I employ an auxiliary or buffer-ring 47 arranged in
the paths of the trip-arms 46 for contact with the convex faces thereof. This
auxiliary or buffer-ring consists of a wire-rod or its equivalent, bent into semi-
circular form and permanently fixed to the carriage (as to the hangers 18). The
operation of the auxiliary or buffer ring is entirely independent of the position of
the trip, and hence the trigger of a given type-bar will be returned to its normal
or operative position even if the trip is in its depressed or operative position.
When it is desired to print a series of upper-case characters successively without
repeated depressions of the trip, the latter may be secured in its depressed position
by any suitable means not shown.
In order to facilitate the operation of the trip I employ a vertically-movable
slide or stud 48 mounted in a guide-sleeve 49 which is supported by the floor of the
carriage, and provided with a return-spring 50 by which the stud is yieldingly held
in its clevated position. To this stud are attached the arms 51 of a spider
carrying the trip 46. The case-key 52 has its stem connected to a case-key
lever 53 which is fulcrumed terminally, as at 54, and is provided at an intermediate
point with a lateral pin 55 engaging a similar pin 56 on the stud 48. The arms of
the spider extend through vertical slots 57 in the guide-sleeve 49.
From the above description it will be seen that whereas the type-heads or
carriers are returned to their normal or lower-case positions by a constant yielding
force, as gravity, the triggers by which the type-heads or carriers are locked in
their normal or lower-case position, are actuated, to bring them into operative
position by a fixed buffer or stationary trip in contradistinction to the "movable"
or adjustable trip which is key actuated and is adapted to be operated only when
the reversal of a typehead or carrier is desired.
The carriage is provided with front and rear antifriction rolls 58 and 59 to
traverse the front and rear carriage-guides, and formed in or let into the front
carriage-guide is a front rack 60 while arranged contiguous to, and preferably in
rear of, the rear carriage-guide is a similar rack 61. These racks are engaged
respectively, by front and rear carriage-feeding pinions 62 and 63 (see Figs. 5, 6, 7)
carried by a common transverse spindle 64 mounted in front and rear bearings 65
and 66 in the carriage.
The carriage-feeding mechanism further includes a ratchet-wheel 67 fixed to the
shaft 64 and operating the holding-dogs 68 and 69. The operating dog is provided
with a reduced hub or sleeve 70 upon which the bolding dog is mounted (see Fig. 5)
and an operating arm 71 rigid with the operating dog is connected by means of a

page_text: link 72 with a crank-arm 73 on the rock-shaft 74 (see Figs. 5 and 8). This rock-
shaft is mounted longitudinally in the carriage to receive motion from the keys 14
by means of intermediate connections hereinafter described, whereby at each
depression of a key the rock-shaft is operated to elevate the arm 73 and throw the
detent of the operating dog 68 into engagement with the teeth of the feeding
ratchet 67, the detent of the holding dog 69 being simultaneously disengagel from
the teeth of the feeding ratchet. The operating dog is normally held out of
engagement with the feeding-ratchet by means of a spring 75 (see Fig. 8) which
holds the operating-arm depressed. A swivel 76 forms the connectio: between the
link 72 and the arm 71, said link being thre idel in the swivel wherebr adjustment
between the link and the operating-arm is possible, after detaching the upper end
of said link from the arm 73, in order to bring the operating and holding- logs into
the proper position with relation to the ratchet-wheel.
As above described, the holding-dog is mounted upon the hub or sleeve 70 of the
operating-dog and receives motion simultaneously with the operating-dog from the
arm 71, said holding-dog being normally held in a given position (see Figs. 8
and 10) with relation to the operating-dog by means of a spring 77 (see Fig. 9).
In order to provide for disengaging the holding dog from the ratchet-wheel to
allow movement in either direction of the carriage independently of the feeding
mechanism, I employ a trip-lever 78 provided at one extremity with a trip-pin 79
(see Figs. 8 and 9) which is arranged in engagement with a downwardly-tapered
or V-shaped notch 80 (see Fig. 10) formed in the meeting edges of the operating
and holding-dogs. The portion of said notch which is formed in the holding-dog
constitutes a cam-face, and when the trip-arm is operated in the direction indicatel
by the arrow in Fig. 8, the trip-pin descends upon sail cam-face and swings the
holding-dug outwardly or from the ratchet-wheel against the tension of the
spring 77. Any suitable means may be employed for operating the trip-lever, such
as a release-key 78, and a connecting lever 78°. The advantage derived from
the use of front and rear racks co-operating with pinions 62 and 63 resides
in the fact that the carriage is fed uniformly, and binding and vibration are
prevented.
The connections between the type-keys and the feed mechanisin include pivotal
yokes 81 (see Figs. 5, 7 and 8) having side arms conuected by cross-bars 82
arranged in the paths of pins 83 carried by the key-stems. The side arms of these
yokes are connected at their rear extremities, respectively, to vrtical slides or
uprights 84, which are in turn connected with crank-arms 85 on the rock-shaft 74.
In the construction illustrated the arms of the yokes are arranged under lateral
pins 86 carried by the slides or uprights 84 and the yokes are yieldingly held in
their normal positions by spriugs 87.
The ribbon-spools 88 which are arranged at opposite sides of the carriage are
feathered or fitted to slide without independent rotation upon the spool-spindles 89,
and are yieldingly held in contact with removable stops 90 formed by thumb-screws.
Depending from the spindles and provided with arins 91 fitted to slide thereon, are
ribbon-guides 92 (see Figs. 3, 6, and 16) having inturned lower extremities 93
bich are located below the plane of the type-bar supporting-ring. These ribbon.-
guides are flanged outwardly at their front and rear edges, as shown at 94, to form
a seat for the ribbon, and the horizontal or inturned lower portions of the same are
provided with upstruck guiding-ears 93 which engage over guide-strips 96 secured
by means of brackets 97 to the lower side of the type-bar supporting-ring (see
Fig. 6). The inner extremities of the horizontal portions 93 are transversely
slotted as at 98, and through these slots the ribbon 99 extends said ribbon resting
upon the guide-lips 100. 101 is a ribbon-shift key having its stem connected to
one arm 102 of a bell-crank lever, the lower arm 103 of said lever being connected
by means of a link 104 with one of the ribbon-guides. The lever is fixed to the
ruck-thaft 105 extending parallel with the line of writing, and provided at the end
remote from the shifting-key 101 with a depending arm 108 connected with the
contiguous ribbon-guide. This ribbon-shifting key is provided with a return-

page_text: spring 107 and by its depression the ribbon-guides are simultaneously moved to the
rear in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5 to expose the line of
writing.
Connecting the rear ends of the ribbon-spool spindles is a bar 108 provided at
its extremities with bearings 109 in which said spindles are mounted, and attached
to the center of this connecting-bar is n worm or thranded stem 110 which is
.arranged parallel with the ribbon-spool spindles. The worm or stem extends
through horizontally-aligned openings in a yoke 111 which is supported in rear of
the type-bar supporting-ring by means of the rols constituting the hanger 19, said
yoke being provided with terminal clamp-shoes 112 which engage said rods,
respectively, and are secured in frictional contact therewith by set-screws 113.
The rear plate of the yoke is bowed horizontally to the rear to receive a worm-
genr or feed-nut 114 through which the worm or threadel stem extends axially,
said worm-gear or feed-nut being provided with an extendel hub or sleeve 115
(see Fig. 5) to give a long bearing to the worm or threadel stem and thereby
prevent the twisting thereof when the mechanis:n is in operation. The worm-gear
or feed-nut is provided with an adjustable pin or feather 116 engaging the worm.
The means for producing rotary movement of the worm-gear or feed-nut during
the movement of the carriage consists of a rack 117 which is secured permanently
to the supporting-frame and is continuously in mesh with the gear or nut. To
still further strengthen and direct the movement of the worm or screw, I employ a
tubular guide 118 which is arranged in alignment with the worm-gear and its
hub 115 for the reception of the worm. When it is desired to feed the carriage in
the direction of the line of writing without manipulating one of the type-keys a
space-key 119 (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6) is depressed against the tension of
its return-spring 120 (see Fig. 5) thus causing the operation of one of the
yokes 81 by reason of the contact therewith of a pin 121 carried by the stem of
the key 119.
The means for feeding the ribbon longitudinally at the end of each advance
movement of the carriage, consist of swinging-arms 122 pivoted to the carriage and
terminating in heads 123 which engage the peripheral teeth of ratchet-wheels 124
fixed respectively to the ribbon-spool spindles. These hends are provided with ears
or projections 125 to prevent the disengagement of the swinging arms from the
ratchet-wheels. As the ratchet-wheel is carried forward with the spindle by the
operation of the feed-screw and co-operating parts, during the advance movement
of the carriage, the head of the arm in engagement with said ratchet-wheel slips
idly thereover, and during the return movement of the carriage, when rearward
movement is imparted to the spool spindles, the ratchet-wheel is moved toward the
plane of the pivotal point of the swinging-arm and rotary movement is imparted to
the wheel. Only one of the swinging-arms is in engagement with a ratchet-wheel
.at one time, and by alternating the engagement of the arms the direction of the
ribbon may be reversed.
It is frequently desirable to limit the movement of the carriage in order to
form suitable margins at the sides of a page, and hence I employ adjustable or
line-stops 126 (see Figs. 1, 2, 11, 12, and 34) which are mounted upon the carriage-
guide, respectively in the paths of the carriage when moving in opposite directions.
The adjustable line-stop consists of a plate 127 to bear against the front surface of
said carriage-guide, a rib 128 to fit in the throat of a cross-sectionally T-shaped
channel or groove 129 in said guide, a clamping-block 130 fitting in the enlarged
portion of said channel, and a thumb-screw 131 which is threaded in an opening in
the face-plate 127 and is headed at its rear end, as shown at 133, in said clamping-
block, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 11. By tightening the thumb-screw the
clamping or follower-block is brought into frictional contact with the inner wall of
the channel, as will be understood by reference to Figs. 11, 12, and 36. I provide
one of the line-stops, as indicated in Figs. 12 and 35 with a notch or seat 134 for
engagement with a line-locking stud 135 (see Figs. 1 and 35) carried by the
contiguous slide or upright 84.

page_text: Applied to the rear of the carriage is a gage-bar 136 (see Fig. 4) carrying an
adjustable indicator 137 provided with a pawl 138 for engagement with the
extremity of a hammer 139 mounted upon a standard 140 in operative relation with
en alarm-bell 141. The actuating or carriage-spring 142 has its drum 143
connected with the carriage by means of a ribbon 144 (see Figs. 1 and 4).
The line-spacing mechanism comprises the tracks 8 having smooth portions 145,
aud depressed racks 146; spur-wheels 147 carried by a transverse shaft 148 mounted
in brackets 149, and means for communicating rotary movement to the shaft. The
spur-wheels are provided with bubs 15" having set-screws 151 to engage the shaft.
To one end of the shaft is fixed a ratchet-wheel 152 engaged by a spacing-lever 153
having a spring-tooth 154. A gravity-retaining pawl 155 (see Figs. 13 and 14) is
arranged to prevent backward rotation of the ratchet-wheel, and is provided with
an angularly-disposed arm 156 carrying a locking-pin 157 held in operative relation
with a projection 158 on the frame by means of a spring 159. By arranging the
locking-pin above said projection the pawl is held out of engagement with the
ratchet-wheel to allow backward movement of the frame upon the tracks, and when
the locking-pin is below said projection the pawl is held by gravity in engagement
with the teeth of said wheel and is allowed to recede sufficiently to allow
the teeth thereof to pass the pawl as the wheel is turned by the line-spacing
lever.
A gage 160 (see Fig. 13) is fitted in suitable guides 161 and 162 and is
provided with a stepped enlargement 164 adapted to be arranged in the path of
the line-spacing lever to limit the downward movement of the spring-tooth and
hence the throw of the lever. A return-spring 165 is attached to the spindle of
the line-spacing lever.
In order to facilitate the adjustment and replacement of type, I employ a
split or divided type-bead (see Fig. 26) having cheeks 166 and 167 connected
by a set-screw 168 and provided in their contiguous faces with registering
grooves which combine to form sockets for the reception of the stems 169 of
the type.
The stems are round to facilitate rotary adjustment and thereby secure alignment
and, furthermore, said stems are preferably of even thickness throughout to provide
for the desired extension of the type-faces beyoud the contiguous edge of the
type-head.
The draw-rod 17 which is used in connection with each type-bar for communi-
cating motion thereto from the key-lever 13 is threaded for engagement by a
nut 170 forming one member of a tension device (see Figs. 5, 20, 21, and 22) said
nut having a reduced barrel 171 which fits in a clamp 172 at the upper end of a
connecting-link 173, said link being pivotally connected as at 174, to the
extension 175 of each type-bar. In the construction illustrated, this clamp, which
consists of a band encircling the reduced portion of the adjusting-out, is formed
integral with the link 173 and is engaged at its free end by a set-screw 175 whereby
after the adjustment of the draw-rod to the desired tension (by turning the nut 170)
the nut may Le clamped, and thereby held from accidental change of adjustment,
by tightening the set-screw 176.
In connection with the bearing-clips for the type-bars 1 preferably employ
compensating screws 177 connecting the side flanges (see Figs. 18 and 19)
which may be tightened to take up lost motion between the bearing-eyes of
said clips and the extremities of the hubs of the type-bars which fit between
said bearing-eyes and said compensating or adjusting-screws also serve
rests for the approximately horizontal arms 178 of the looped type-bar return-
springs 179.
as
In connection with the above-described construction I employ a table 180
(see Figs. 1, 5, 6, and 27) provided contiguous to one end and parallel with its
edge with a vertically-adjustable supporting-strip 181 provided with a depending
Flotted arm 182 which operates in a guide-groove in the guide-block 183.
Extending through the slot of said arm is a Tocking-rod 184 provided with a.

page_text: shoulder 185 to bear against the outer surface of the slotted arm and threaded in a
nut 186 let into the guide-block. This locking-rod extends through the front bar of
the table and is provided with a hand-wheel 187. In order to raise the supporting-
strip when released by unscrewing the locking-red, I employ an elevating spring 188
sealed at its lower end in an ear 189 on the guide-block depending from the
supporting-strip. In order to depress the strip to hold the book at the desired
elevation, one hand of the operator should be placed upon the surface of the hook
and when the desired level is reached the lucking-rod may be tightened to clamp
the parts in place.
Any desired number of these supporting-strips may be employed in connection
with the table (two only being illustrated in the drawings) their object being to
hold in a horizontal and elevated position that side of the book which has a less
number of leaves than the other, as when the book is opened other than at its
center. Obviously, when it is desired to write upon the side of the book having
the greater number of leaves, the supporting-strip or strips need not be used for
the reason that the book forms a sufficient base for the tracks, but when it is
desired to operate upon the side of the book having the less number of leaves it
must be elevated approximately to the plane of the upper surface of the other side
of the book in order that it may be arranged in a horizontal position to form
a suitable base for the tracks.
In this connection I also employ a follower-plate 191 (see Figs. 1, 5, and 28)
which rests upon the surface of the leaf to receive the impression, and is provided
at its front edge with an upturned flange 192 for engagement with the front base-
bar of the frame. The weight of this plate is sufficient to hold a leaf in a flat
condition contiguous to the printing plane, whereby the impressions of the type may
be made without blurring. This device is preferably constructed, as shown, in the
form of an attachment which may be used or not, as desired. In other words,
when the page is in proper flat condition the follower-plate is unnecessary, but
when a warped leaf is encountered the plate may be arranged in the manner
described.
In order to form a suitable backing for the leaf or sheet to receive the impression,
I employ a flat printing plate or platen 193 (see Figs. 5 and 6) having a surface of
hard rubber, or its equivalent which is inserted beneath said leaf. The tracks rest
upon the leaf and thus hold it in proper position upon the printing plate.
When the machine is used, as above described, in connection with book-work,
and it is desirable to print a line contiguous to the upper edge of a leaf, the machine
must be arranged mainly, or with the major portion of its weight, beyond the upper
edge of the leaf, inasmuch as the printing point of the machine is contiguous to the
front of the frame, and in order to prevent the depression of the upper extremities
of the tracks (see Fig. 1) 1 employ supporting-pins 194 adjustably fitted in vertical
guide-openings 195 arranged near the extremities of the tracks, and locked at the
desired adjustment by means of set-screws 196. The upwardly-projecting portions
of the pins form stops to limit the backward movement of the frame, and prevent
the dismounting thereof from the tracks.
.
In Figs. 29, 30, 31, and 32, I have shown a letter or sheet-holding attachment
designed for use in ordinary commercial work, the same having a frame comprising
parallel transverse tracks or guides 197 connected at their rear ends by a longitudinal
rod 198, and at their front ends by a sheet metal guard 199, said tracks or guides
being adapted to fit in the seats 9 in the front and rear base-bars of the frame to guide
the frame in forward and rearward movement. Mounted longitudinally in suitable
bearings in the tracks or guides is a roller-platen 200 provided with terminal
thumb-wheels 201 and adapted to carry a sheet of letter or similar paper to receive
impressions from the type when the frame is in its operative position, illustrated
in full lives in Fig. 30. This platen is provided with a terminal ratchet 202
engaged by a holding-pawl 203 illustrated in detail in Fig. 32, and provided with
an actuating-spring 204, and forward motion is communicated to the platen by
n.eans of a li.e-spacing lever 205 fulcrumed upon one of the tracks or guides 197

page_text: and having a pivotal operating-pawl 206 to engage the teeth of the ratchet 202.
The line spacing lever is provided with a return-spring 207, and the pawl is held
in operative position by means of a spring 208. The interval between the lines is
regulated by an adjustable stop 209 arranged in the path of the linc-spacing lever
to limit its throw, said stop being cam-shaped to allow greater or less throw of the
line-spacing lever, as required.
The paper is held in frictional contact with the roller-platen by means of
a pressure-roll 210 mounted terminally in swinging arms 211 which are fulcruined
by means of a longitudinal rod 212 and an actuating-spring 213 is coiled upon said
rod to normally hold the pressure-roll in contact with the surface of the roller-
platen. In connection with the pressure-roll I also employ a longitudinal guide 214
consisting of a bar arranged parallel with and contiguous to the roller-platen and
provided with a scale indicating letter spaces (see Fig. 29). This guide is provided
with terminal arms 215 fulcrumed by means of a longitudinal rod 216 and the
guide is normally held in operative position by means of a spring 217. The
terminals of the pressure-roll or the arms 211 by which said roll is supported, are
arranged in the paths of the arms 215 of the guide, whereby when the guide
is elevated to allow the introduction of a sheet, the pressure-roll is also elevated to
release the sheet.
When it is desired to expose the platen to insert a sheet or for an analogous
purpose, the frame may be moved rearwardly in a direction transverse to the lines
of writing upon the tracks or guides to the position indicated in dotted lines
in Fig. 30, said frame being normally held in the operative position illustrated in
full lines in said figure by means of a yielding-stop 218 having a rounded upper
extremity for engagement with the rear base-bar of the frame, as shown in said
figure. This stop allows movement of the base-bar in either direction thereover,
but prevents displacement of the frame by jarring. Front and rear stops 219
and 220 are provided for limiting the forward and rearward movements of the
frame.
It will be understood that in practice various changes in the form, proportion and
the minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the
spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
1 claim is
1. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a framework having elevated
front and rear carriage-guides parallel with the line of writing, the front guide
being supported solely at its extremities whereby the view under the intermediate
portion thereof is unobstructed, a carriage mounted upon said guides and having a
peudent type-bar supporting-ring of crescent shape in plan with its open side to the
front, printing mechanism, including type-bars mounted upon said supporting-ring
and having their common printing point contiguous to the plane of the front guide,
whereby the line of vision of an operator passes under the front carriage-guide and
embraces the line of writing, the keyboard being arranged above the horizontal
plane of the carriage-guides and between the vertical planes of the same,
substantially as specified.
2. In a typewriting machine, the combination of tracks adapted to rest upon the
page of a book, a movable frame mounted upon the tracks and carrying printing
mechanism, vertical supporting-pins adjustably mounted upon the extremities of
said tracks, and means for securing the pins at the desired adjustment substantially
as specified.
3. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a frame mounted for move-
ment transverse to the line of writing, of a follower-plate adapted to rest upon the
page or sheet to receive the impression and engaged by a contiguous portion of the
frame to receive motion therefrom, substantially as specified.
4. In a typewriting machine, the combination with tracks, a frame mounted

page_text: upon the tracks, line-spacing mechanism including a ratchet-wheel, and an operating
lever having a pawl to engage the ratchet-wheel, of a locking-pawl normally in
engagement with the ratchet wheel, a fixed projection on the frame, and a spring-
pressed locking-pin carried by the pawl for engagement with the projection,
substantially as specified.
5. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a type-bar supporting-ring,
of upper and lower type-bar bearing-clips secured, respectively, to the upper and
lower surfaces of the supporting-ring, the upper bearing-clips having lateral
upstruck flanges terminating at their outer ends in bearing-eyes and the lower
bearing-clips being provided beyond the outer edge of the supporting-ring with
upturned bearing-eyes terminating approximately in the plane of the bearing-eyes
on the upper clips, and type-bars mounted in said bearing-eyes, substautially as
specified.
6. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a type-bar supporting-ring,
of type-bar bearing-clips arranged alternately above and below the plane of the
supporting-ring and provided respectively with longitudinal slots, and set-screws
fitted in openings in the supporting-ring and engaging said slots, the heads of all of
the screws being arranged at the under side of the supporting-ring, and the screws
which engage the slots in the upper clips being engaged above said clips with nuts,
substantially as specified.
7. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a type-bar supporting-ring,
of type-bar bearing-clips having bearing-eyes, type-bars having their trunnions
mounted in the bearings of said eyes and provided with hubs bearing against the
inner surfaces thereof, and transverse compensating screws connecting the bearing-
eyes, whereby the latter may be adjusted to take up lost motion, substantially as
specified.
8. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage, of feed pinions
fixed to a common shaft mounted transversely on the carriage, fixed racks arranged
parallel with the path of the carriage and simultaneously engaged by the pinions,
and feed mechanism connected with said shaft, substantially as specified.
ratchet
9. In a typewriting machine, a carriage-feeding mechanism having
wheel, co-axial operating and holding-dogs arranged in operative relation with the
ratchet-wheel, the holding-dog being capable of movement independently of the
operating-dog, and held in its normal position by spring tension, means connected
with an arm of the operating-pawl for communicating simultaneous oscillatory
movement to the dogs, and a trip-lever having a pin arranged in operative relation
with a cam on the holding-dog for communicating motion to the latter, substantially
as specified.
1
10. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage, of a line-stop
having a face-plate, a guiding-web fitting in the throat of a cross-sectionally
T-shaped channel in one of the carriage-guides, a clamping-block fitting in the
enlarged portion of said channel, and a thumb-screw for adjusting the clamping-
block, substantially as specified.
11. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage and printing
mechanism, of a ribbon spool, means for imparting axial movement to the spool to
feed the ribbon transversely, and a pivotal arm having a fixed pivot on the carriage
and adapted to swing parallel with the axis of the spool, the free end of the arm
being held by gravity in permanent engagement with a ratchet fixed to the spindle
of the spool and being provided with a lateral ear or projection in contact with the
side of the ratchet to prevent disengagement, substantially as specified.
12. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage and feeding
mechanism, of ribbon-spool spindles, means for feeding said spindles longitudinally,
ribbon spools slidably and removably fitted upon the spindles, means for imparting
rotary movement to the spindles and through the same to the spools, and ribbon
shields or guides having arms fitted slidably upon the ribbon-spool spindles and
removable with the spools, substantially as specified.
13. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage and feeding

page_text: mechanism, of ribbon-spool spindles having one end free, ribbon-spools removably
fitted upon the free ends of the spindles, means for imparting longitudinal and
rotary movement to the spindles, removable 8:ops attached to the free ends of the
spindles, yielding means to hold the spools normally in contact with the stops, and
ribbon-shields or guides fitted to slide upon the spindles and removable therefrom
with the spools, substantially as specified.
14. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage and feeding
mechanism, of ribbon-spool spindles, ribbon-spools removably attached to said
spindles, means for imparting a rotary movement to the spindles, ribbon-shields or
guides depending from the ribbon-spool spindles and keepers having open front ends,
to engage the lower ends of the ribbon-shields or guides, substantially as specified.
15. In a typewriting machine, the combination with printing mechanism
including a type-bar supporting-ring, of ribbon spools mounted for axial movement
transverse to the line of writing, ribbon-guides mounted for movement with the
ribbon spools and extending to a point below the plane of the type-bar supporting-
ring, a ribbon-shifting key, and connections between the shifting-key and said
ribbon-guide whereby the latter may be moved transversely to the line of writing
to expose the same, substantially as specified.
16. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a type-bar supporting-ring,
of ribbon-spools mounted for axial movement above the plane of the supporting-
ring and transverse to the line of writing, ribbon-guides mounted for movement
with the ribbon-spools and having horizontal inturned lower extremities, and
guide-strips carried by the type-bar supporting-ring transverse to the line of
writing and having an interlocking sliding connection with the ribbon-guides,
substantially as specified.
17. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage and an axially-
movable ribbon-spool, of a threaded stem mounted for movement parallel with and
connected to the spindle of said spool, a rotary nut engaging said stem and held
from axial displacement, and means for communicating rotary motion to said uut
during the movement of the carriage parallel with the line of writing, substantially
as specified.
18. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a carriage and axially-
movable ribbon spool mounted thereon, of a worm mounted for movement parallel
with and connected to the ribbon-spool spindles, a worm-gear mounted for rotury
and held from axial movement and having an elongated hub or sleeve through
which the worm extends, an adjustable pin or feather carried by said hub to engage
the worm, and means for communicating motion to the worm-gear, substantially as
specified.
19. In a typewriting machine, a carriage having a casing constructed of sheet-
metal and having front and rear sides and ends, a slotted bottom or floor, a
keyboard closing the front portion of the top of the casing, and a removable plate
closing the rear portion of the same, key-levers arranged within the casing, and
draw-wires for connection with type-bars extending through the slots in the bottom
or floor, substantially as specified.
20. In a typewriting machine, the combination with pivotal type-bars and
key-levers, of rods connecting said parts and provided with tension devices including
an adjusting-out threaded upon one member and swiveled upon the other member
of the connection and a clamp for engaging said nut and securing it at the desired
adjustment, substantially as specified.
21. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a type-bar, a key-lever and
a rod connecting the said parts, of a tension device including a nut threaded upon
said rod and provided with a reduced portion, and a clamp including a band
encircling said reduced portion of the nut, and a set-screw for tightening the band
upon the nut to prevent rotation of the latter, substantially as specified.
22. A sectional type-head having relatively adjustable cheeks, type-faces having
stems arranged between the planes of said cheeks, and means for adjusting the
cheeks to clamp said stems therebetween, substantially as specified.

page_text: 23. A sectional type-head having relatively adjustable cheeks provided in their
contiguous faces with registering grooves combining to form sockets, type-faces
having round stems of even thickness throughout fitting in said sockets, and means
for adjusting the cheeks to clamp the stems therebetween, substantially as
specified.
24. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a pivotal type-bar, of a
type-head or carrier movably supported thereon, the same being yieldingly held in
its normal position and being movable to its adjusted position by centrifugal force,
a locking device carried by the type-bar for holding the type-head or carrier in its
normal position, and a key-actuated trip for disengaging said locking device,
substantially as specified.
25. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a pivotal type-bar, of a
type-head or carrier movably supported thereon, the same being yieldingly held in
its normal position and adapted to be moved to the other position by centrifugal
force, a locking device carried by the type-bar for securing the type-head or carrier
in its normal position, and fixed and movable trips for co-operating with a trip-arm
forming a part of said locking device, the fixed trip being permanently arranged in
the path of the trip-arm and the movable trip being capable of adjustment into and
out of the path of the trip-arm, substantially as specified.
26. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a pivotal type-bar, of a
type-head or carrier movably supported thereon, the same being yieldingly held in
one position and being adapted to be moved to the other position by centrifugal
force, a pivotal trigger carried by the trip-bar to maintain the type-head or carrier
in its normal position and having a trip-arm, a brake-spring arranged in contaet
with a friction surface of the trigger to hold the latter in either its operative or
inoperative position, and fixed and movable trips for co-operation with said
trip-arm, the latter being adjustable into and out of operative position, substantially
as specified.
27. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a frame carrying printing
mechanism and adapted for movement transverse to the line of writing, of a
sheet-holding attachment having parallel transverse guides or tracks upon which
said frame is mounted, a roller platen terminally. mounted in said guides or tracks,
line-spacing mechanism for operating said platen, and means for holding the
machine in its operative position with relation to the platen, and adapted to yield
to allow the frame to be moved to expose the platen, substantially as specified.
28. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a frame carrying printing
mechanism, of a sheet-holding attachment having a roller platen, a spring-actuated
pressure roll in operative relation with the platen, a longitudinal gage having
spring-actuated pivotal arms adapted to engage and repress said roll, and. line-
spacing mechanism operatively connected with the platen, substantially as
specified.
29. In a typewriting machine, the combination with parallel tracks adapted to be
arranged upon a page of a book, and a frame mounted upon the tracks for
movement parallel therewith, of a table having countersunk vertically-adjustable
supporting-strips, an elevating spring arranged under each supporting-strip, and a
shouldered locking arm threaded in a fixed guide and extending through a slotted
arm on the supporting strip with its shoulder in contact with said arm, the locking-
arm extending to and beyond the front of the table and terminating in means
whereby it may be rotated to secure the strip at the desired vertical adjustment,
substantially as specified.
Dated this 12th day of October 1806
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.