Improvements in Actuating Mechanism for Key-operated Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Actuating Mechanism for Key-operated Machines.
I, DONALD MURRAY, of "Morven," St. Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia, Journalist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
This invention relates to actuating mechanism for keyboard operated machines
of the class used for the dissemination of intelligence, embracing linotype, type-
setting machines, type-writing machines and the like, the object aimed at being
to provide means for operating such machines automatically, and in such manner
that accurate work is produced without danger of derangement of the organism
of such machines, at the same time leaving such machines at all times in con-
dition for being operated by hand in the way now generally practiced.
A further object of the invention is to furnish syndicates, press associations,
news agencies and other centres of intelligence with simple means for convenient,
quick and immediate distribution to their customers and subscribers, so as to
enable the latter to expeditiously and automatically convert, by the use of the
type machine, the intelligence received into type matter, for printing serial
stories, special articles, telegraphic, cable or other news, without the assistance of
any skilled labor whatever.
Various attempts have heretofore been made to directly actuate the operating
mechanism of type machines of the class described by the use of a continuously
travelling tape or web having perforations representing the message or reading
matter to be converted into type matter, the tape being, for this purpose, provided
with perforations representing groups of single elements, of which each group
represents a letter or character of the message. Now type machines of this class
are,
in themselves, formed of a very complex mechanism; and to automatically and
directly actuate this mechanism by the continuously moving tape or web containing
the elements of the message to be translated into type matter required the
addition of such complex mechanism that the attempts heretofore made en-
countered almost insurmountable practical difficulties and consequently reliable
mechanism for accurate work could not be produced.
In order to overcome these difficulties, I do not disturb the mechanism of the
type machine in question but translate the elements on the tape into correspond-
ing mechanical contrivances forming part of my machine, and each such
mechanical contrivance in turn actuates a corresponding mechanical
contrivance of the type machine. The mechanical contrivance may be
in the form of levers, and I prefer hereinafter to call such contrivances "unitary
parts," as each part represents a letter, numeral, punctuation sign, logo-type or
other unitary character or sign in contradistinction to the individual elements
on the tape, and of which elements it requires a number grouped together in a
peculiar manner, to indicate or represent a letter, numeral, punctuation sign etc.,
of the message.
For great accuracy in the result it is essential that the tape or
web is not fed continuously but intermittently and is not used direct on the type
machine, but is employed to intermittently actuate the separate machine, which

page_text: in turn, by the unitary parts, actuates the type machine without interfering
with the keyboard of such machine, so that this keyboard is free to be worked by
hand.
The machine is mounted on a base carrying standards which support a table or
bed-plate on which are mounted to slide longitudinally assembling members,
preferably in the form of combs, five in number, and controlled by a web or
tape fed intermittently by a feed mechanism located on a reciprocating carriage
for moving the tape to and from the combs, and actuating the same according
to the message on the tape, said combs controlling the unitary parts which in
turn are connected with the corresponding parts of say a typewriting machine
set on a skeleton frame supported on posts carried by the base, or of a type-
setting, linotype or other machine.
7 i 1
The message on the tape is formed by groups of elements, of which each group
represents a letter, numeral, punctuation mark or other character, sign, space ètè.,
so that when a group of elements assembles the corresponding combs, the corre-
sponding unitary part has actuated such part representing the group of elements
on the tape active at the time. Each group of elements preferably contains five
elements represented either by apertures or dashes or a combination of both and
the number and arrangement are such as to provide for the entire alphabet for
punctuation signs, a space key, a capital key, a figure or numeral key and a
release key.
By having the elements in each group of a like number, each letter or character
or sign occupies the same space on the tape or web, and the intermittent feed
given to the web or tape by the feed mechanism corresponds to the length of the
space occupied by a single group, so that the combs corresponding to the group
active at the time, are actuated for actuating the corresponding unitary part.
Owing to the uniformity of the feed of the tape and the equal spaces occupied
by the group of elements, it is possible for the groups of elements to be placed
one alongside the other, without intervening spaces, and without the slightest
danger of actuating wrong combs.
The combs are provided at the ends adjacent to the carriage with pins or fingers
adapted to be engaged by a group of elementary apertures and dashes on the
tape as the latter is moved bodily with the carriage to the right. When this
takes place the combs, with pins registering with apertures or perforations are
engaged by the latter and remain dormant, while the pins in register with the
dashes are engaged by the solid parts of the tape and are shifted by the latter to
the right to assemble such combs, and bring their slots in register with each other
for the corresponding unitary part to drop in such registering slots. Thus,
for instance, when the group of elements representing the letter "e" and con-
sisting of an aperture and four succeeding dashes engage the combs, four of the
combs are shifted and only one comb remains dormant, as its pin or finger
passes through the solitary aperture in said group, while the four other combs
are engaged by the solid portions of the web at the dashes following the aperture.
The bed-plate is provided with a slideway and depending hangers in which is
journalled a shaft which may be rotated by any suitable means. Extended from
one end of the bed-plate is a guideway for the reciprocating carriage to slide on,
said guideway consisting of plates secured to brackets projected from the bed-
plate. The inner edges of these bed-plates engage in grooves on each side of the
carriage, so that while the carriage may reciprocate back and forth, it is restrained
from any other movement. Mounted on the carriage are perforated plates between
which the web or tape is designed to pass, the perforations in the plates being
designed to act as guides for the passage through the tape perforations of the
fingers extending from the controlling combs, as previously mentioned, the outer
one of these plates also acting as a support for the tape, while its solid portions,
represented by dashes, are thrust against the corresponding fingers of the combs.
On the ends of the latter plate are vertically-disposed rollers, and rearward of
said plate are guide rollers which are mounted in brackets held on a bar adapted

page_text: .
for adjustment transversely of the carriage by set screws which engage tapped
apertures formed in arms extending from said bar, the inner ends of these set
screws impinging against the sides of the carriage. Obviously by manipulating
these screws, the rollers and therefore the tape may be adjusted.
The object of providing for this adjustment of the guide rollers transversely
of the carriage, is to permit of minute adjustment of the tape or web, and which
adjustinent may be necessary to cause the elementary perforations to properly
align with the fingers of the combs but this adjustment once made rarely or
never needs changing. The tape or web is held against the face of the inner
plate by a spring guide which prevents accidental shifting of the tape during the
time the tape is active for shifting the combs.
A curved shield plate is employed to prevent buckling of the web or tape as
it passes along under the influence of the feeding mechanism, the tape or web as
it is being fed striking against the concave side of the shield plate so that it is
directed to a basket or other suitable receptacle without danger of its folding
or returning upon a star wheel which constitutes a feeder for the tape being provided
with pins on its periphery, adapted to engage in perforations formed in the tape
and being mounted on a vertical shaft mounted to rotate in the carriage, and
having on its lower end a ratchet wheel designed to be engaged by a spring-
pressed pawl mounted on the bracket.
a
Reciprocating motion is imparted to the carriage by means of a cam pulley
mounted on the driving shaft, said cam pulley having a peripheral groove engaged
by a roller loosely mounted on a stud depending from said carriage. As the can.
pulley moves the carriage toward the bed-plate of the machine, the ratchet wheel
is disengaged from the pawl; but upon the reverse movement of the carriage
tooth of the said ratchet wheel engages with said pawl, so that the star wheel is
rotated a sufficient distance to move the tape or web through one space. The
star wheel is held from backward rotation while the carriage is moving forward,
by means of a spring-pressed dog mounted on the carriage, and engaging with the
ratchet wheel which may be disengaged from the ratchet wheel by pushing out-
ward upon a fingerpiece if it be desired to rotate the star wheel backward for
any reason.
The combs are movable longitudinally on the slideway, and are held separately
in a vertical position by means of pins extended upward from the bottom of
the slideway and between adjacent combs. Some or all of the combs are shifted
at a time to the right by the action of the tape, moved bodily with the feed
mechanism; and in order to insure a return movement of the combs to the left
during part of the return stroke of the carriage, I provide the under side of each
finger with a lug adapted to be engaged by a spring arm mounted on a block
adjustably secured to the carriage, so that when the latter is on the return or
outward movement, the arms or fingers engage the lugs of the previously
shifted combs, to return the latter to their normal position.
The several combs are provided in their top edges with slots variously placed,
and the slots are designed to govern the unitary parts in the form of levers
mounted to swing independently of each other on a rod secured in standards on
the bed-plates, said unitary parts or levers being mounted to swing in fixed
guideways to restrain the parts from sidewise motion. The number
of unitary parts or levers will correspond to the number of unitary
parts contained in the machine to which my device is applied, and said unitary
parts are designed to have connection by means of cords or other devices with
the several keys of such type machine. The unitary parts or levers extend
transversely of the combs and are supported at their ends normally above the
several combs, by means of a supporting bar and they are held yieldingly against
said supporting bar and are adapted to swing downward at the proper time by
means of springs connected at one end to the levers and at the other to a cross
bar supported on a threaded standard, so that the tension of the springs may be
adjusted. The ends of the supporting bar are mounted to move in slots, and said
bar is moved upward by means of posts mounted on the outer ends of two rock-

page_text: levers said levers being provided at their inner ends with rollers engaging with
cams attached to the driving shaft. As a means of adjusting the bar vertically
1 provide step bearings adjustable through the levers, and these bearings are pre-
ferably made in the form of screw bolts, which, in their upper ends, have
depressions for receiving the lower pointed ends of the posts depending from" the
bar.
Forward of the supporting bar and also forward of the unitary parts or levers is
a striking bar mounted on the upper ends of arms projecting upward from a
rock shaft. On the latter is arranged an inwardly extending arm carrying at
its free end a roller engaging the peripheral surface of another cam mounted on
the shaft. A spring connected at one end to the supporting bar, and at the other
end to the arm serves two purposes, one to depress the bar, and the other to hold
the roller in contact with the cam.
Each key lever is provided with a sliding tappet rod mounted in guides on the
unitary part or lever, the outer end of said tappet rod extending normally forward
of the end of the lever to which it is attached. A stop on the inner end of the
tappet rod engages against each side of the lever, and said stops not only prevent
the tappet rods from rotating in their bearings, but also by coming in contact
with the inner bearings prevent the tappet rods from moving too far in an outward
direction. From the inner end of the tappet rods cords or other suitable con-
nections extend around idler pulleys to the keys of the type machine to be
operated. Provision is made for adjusting the length of the cords by turn-
buckles or other well-known mechanical means.
Alongside the combs and similarly mounted, are arranged a figure comb and
a capital comb having slots or notches in their top edges, but without fingers.
The figure comb and the capital comb are adapted to be actuated by levers
located at one side of the unitary parts or levers and fulcrumed on the same
rod. Each lever has a wedge-like cam on one side to engage with an inclined
surface on the capital comb and with an inclined surface on the figure comb, so
that when either of these levers swings downward, the corresponding comb will
be moved into an operative position.
At the opposite side of the series of unitary parts or levers and fulcrumed on
the same rod, is arranged a release lever having cam surfaces adapted to engage
with the inclined surfaces on both the combs, so that when the lever swings
downward it will return either or both of these combs to their normal position-
that is this lever will be brought into operation when it is desired to change from
capitals or figures back to the lower case at the time the corresponding group of
elements is active on the tape and shifts the corresponding combs to such position
as to allow the lever to swing downward, the same as a unitary part or lever. The
three levers are supported at their free ends on the supporting bar in a similar
manner to the other levers, and they each have spring connections with the bar,
the three springs supplying the power to shift the combs in the manner described.
The tape is fed from a roll supported in any suitable manner, and preferably it
will pass through a tension device before it reaches the star wheel, so as to keep
said web or tape under proper stress. The tension device is provided with a
roller supported on a steni extending from a base attached to the main base, and
said roller is prevented from revolving freely on the stem by a spring which
surrounds the stem and engages at one end with the roller and at the other
end with a sleeve, mounted loosely on the stem. The tension of the spring may
be adjusted by means of clamping jaws which engage the periphery of the sleeve,
and said jaws are connected at one end to the base, and at the opposite ends they
are connected to each other by an adjusting bolt. By the operator manipulating
the nut on the bolt, the jaws may be caused to hear with greater or less friction
upon the sleeve, and the tension of the spring will be regulated accordingly.
The web or tape is held against the roller by means of a presser roller mounted on
a rod having swinging connection with the base, and said roller is yieldingly held
toward the roller by means of a spring attached to one end of the base, or to any
other fixed device and bearing at its free end against the rod,

page_text: The operation is as follows:-
The position of the various parts is such that the several unitary parts or
levers are supported in their uppermost position directly above the combs by the
supporting bar, the outer ends of the fingers of the combs being transversely in
alignment with each other in the guide plate. The web or tape extends between
the plates and passes around the feed wheel, the feed carriage standing at this
time in its outermost position at the extreme left. Now when a rotary motion
is given to the shaft the cam causes the carriage and the now active feed mechanism
the tape portion directly engaged by said feed mechanism, and the guide plates to
move to the right, so that the tape is brought to the free aligned ends of the
fingers with the elements of a group on the tape in register with the said free
outer ends of the fingers. Upon a further motion to the right of the carriage and
the parts carried thereby the solid or dash elementary portions of the web or
tape shift the corresponding fingers and their combs to the left, while the fingers
opposite the perforations or apertures on the tape pass through the latter and
remain dormant-that is-their combs are not shifted to the right,
but remain stationary. When the carriage is in its extreme right-
hand position, the combs are assembled in such a
manner
that one
set of slots or notches of all the combs are in register with each other in
a transverse direction directly under that unitary part or lever which represents
the group of elements on the tape, active at one time on the fingers of the combs.
When this takes place, the cams actuate the levers to move the supporting bar
downward, and allow the unitary parts or levers to rest on the top of the combs,
with the exception of that unitary part or lever now in register with the register-
ing slots of the combs, and which single lever now swings downward by its own
weight assisted by a spring, the lever following the retreating or downward move-
ment of the supporting bar. When this has taken place the cam actuates the
striker bar to impart a sliding motion to the tappet rod whereby the unitary part
or key of the type machine is actuated, to produce type or other matter corre-
sponding to the letter, sign, character or the like, and represented by the active
group of elements on the tape or web and in engagement at the time with the
fingers, as above described.
The next action is the return of the supporting bar and the striker bar by the
action of the cams so that the down lever is first swung upward out of the register-
ing slots or notches of the combs, and again into alignment with the other non-
active levers or unitary parts to finally swing all the levers upward back to their
former normal position, that is, directly above the top edges of the combs, to allow
free longitudinal movement of the combs when shifted by the solid tape portions
as above described. Upon the return movement of the carriage, the previously
shifted combs are moved back to their former positions by the spring fingers
moving with the carriage, and engaging lugs on the fingers as previously
explained. The feed mechanism for the tape is actuated immediately after the
tape leaves the outer ends of those fingers engaging apertures in the tape and
belonging to those combs which remain dormant for the time being, as described.
The described movement of the actuated parts depends mainly on the cams as
the following description will make evident:-
Assuming the carriage to be in its outer-most position, the groove in which the
roller is engaged is of such form that when the cam is rotated the carriage
moves rapidly inward to bring the tape in contact with the outer ends of the
fingers, and when the friction roller travels in the cam groove a distance about
one-third of the circumference of the cam, then a very slow feed to the right is
given to the carriage and its tape, to shift the corresponding dash_combs to the
right and assemble the combs as described. This slow gradual feed prevents the
fingers in contact with the solid portions of the web or tape from piercing, tear-
ing or otherwise injuring the tape or web, as might be the case if a fast motion
is given to the carriage during the period of shifting the combs. During this

page_text: time the friction rollers on the levers which operate the supporting and striking
bars travel on the segmental cam surfaces of their cams, and consequently the
levers and arms remain dormant; but when the carriage begins its return stroke,
then the drop in the cam causes the levers to be actuated, for dropping the
supporting bar from under the combs, and allowing a corresponding unitary part
or lever to drop into the registering slots or notches of the combs. When this
has taken place, the cam actuates the striker to act on the tappet rod and actuate
the corresponding unitary part of the type machine, as above explained. Both
cams now allow the levers for the supporting bar and the arms for the striker to
return to their former positions, so that the supporting bar is again raised to
swing the previously dropped unitary part into alignment with the rest of the
unitary parts, and to then swing all of the latter just free of the combs, so as
not to interfere with their sliding motion for assembling, as previously explained.
During the action of the cams and during the first part of the return movement
of the carriage, the tape is carried back out of contact with all the fingers. As
soon as the tape is free from the fingers, the star wheel is rotated, the feeding
stopping at the time the carriage has completed its return stroke. During the
latter portion of the return movement of the carriage, the fingers engage the pro-
jecting lugs and carry the combs previously actuated by the solid or dash parts of
the tape back to their former positions, to bring the outer ends of all the fingers
again in alignment with each other, to be ready for the next action.
From the foregoing general description of the operation of the machine, it
will be readily understood that according to the message on the tape, one, two or
more, all or none of the combs is shifted at a time. To more clearly illustrate
the detail working of the machine it will be assumed that the tape portion is
intermittently fed through the machine and that the first tape portion is entirely
unperforated and corresponds to the five dashes for the space key. Now when the
carriage is moved toward the bed-plate and that tape portion pressed against
the fingers all of the combs will be simultaneously moved. The next portion
contains first a blank or dash, then a perforation, then follow three more blanks
or dashes. The sign within this portion (which is designed to make the machine
operate capital letters) will permit the finger of the second comb from the front
of the series to enter the perforation, so that no motion will be imparted to the
second comb when the carriage is moved toward the bed-plate; but the several
other combs will be moved to their limit and also in alignment with a slot in the
capital comb and in the figure comb. The next portion contains a sign which
represents the small letter "b" that is, has within the portion a perforation,
then two blanks or dashes, and then two perforations. This small "6" sign will
allow the operation of the capital "B" because the previous sign has thrown the
capital comb into operation position.
When the portion of the tape having this sign is moved by the carriage toward
the bed-plate and against the ends of the fingers, the first one and the last two of
the combs will remain stationary because their fingers will pass through the
perforations. The other two combs however, will be moved to their limit. This
puts the proper series of slots in alignment to allow a lever to drop downward and
actuate the capital "B" key of the typewriter or other machine; and this is
carried on as long as the capital letters are required. When it is desired to
change the machine to its normal condition of operating small letters, a release sign
serves to adjust the combs so that the release lever is permitted to drop and
throw the capital comb back to normal position.
When applied to a linotype machine, the machine is turned so that the several
levers extend vertically instead of horizontally, and from the tappet fingers
there are direct connections with the key levers of the linotype machine. The
signs on the tape or web may be arranged transversely so that the same number
of words or characters may be formed in a shorter space than can be formed on
the tape first described where the signs extend lengthwise of the tape, but this
form of tape cannot be conveniently telegraphed, and when this tape is em-

page_text: ployed the one plate for the tape will be omitted, and as a substitute therefor
a star wheel having perforations through which the projections or fingers may
pass when the carriage is moved toward the bed-plate, is provided.
A pawl mounted on a fixed support is designed to engage with a ratchet wheel
on the shaft of the wheel to impart a rotary motion to said wheel upon the return
movement of the carriage on which the wheel is mounted. Mounted on the
carriage forward of the wheel is a plate provided with perforations, for receiving
and guiding the fingers of the combs. The operation of this device is substantially
the same as that first described.
In another modification the key levers of the typewriter are operated by
pneumatic agency under the control of the several levers. Each lever is movable
vertically in a slot formed in a block on the forward portion of the bed-plate.
Extended longitudinally in the block is an opening which forms an air chamber
which has communication through a pipe with a pump, the piston of which is
operated by an eccentric on the driving shaft. At one side of the slot in each
block a port is formed, the said port communicating with the air chamber and
also having an outward opening which is normally closed by the lever. At the
other side the block is provided with a port from which a pipe extends to a
cylinder in which a piston operates, the said piston having connection with the
key lever of the typewriter there being of course an operating piston for each of
the key levers.
When the several levers are in their upper or normal position they serve as
valves to close the outlets of the ports. When one of the levers is drawn down-
ward, however, a hole in said lever will place the ports in communication, so
that the blast of air from the pump will be forced through the pipe controlled by
said downwardly moved lever and upon the upper side of the piston, causing the
typewriter or other machine to be drawn downward to operate a type.
In a further modification the unitary parts or levers are held in their normal
uppermost position above the combs by a support controlled by a cam on the
main shaft, having means for closing an electric current to actuate an electro-
magnet which is located under the unitary parts, and which latter are now
armature levers. The electro-magnet is actuated after the combs are shifted
by the tape and the support has moved into a lowermost position, so that the
unitary part.in alignment with the registering slots in the combs is now forced to
swing downward by being attracted by the electro-magnet. The unitary part is
directly connected by a cord with the corresponding part of the type machine, and
the striker mechanism previously described is, in this case, dispensed with, as the
force of the electro-magnet is sufficient to actuate the unitary part or lever and the
machine.
A tape of any width or material may be used, but preferably I employ ordinary
telegraphic paper tape of the standard half-inch width. As perforations in
place of writing characters are used, it is not necessary that the paper shall be
white. In fact, ordinary brown paper may be used, and it is not material as to
the thickness of the paper, as I have found, by experiment, that even tissue
paper will move the combs to their appropriate positions.
In the modification in which the signs are placed transversely of the tape,
the tape may advantageously be made wider than the standard telegraphic tape,
and in this construction it is well to provide two rows of perforations to receive
similar rows of teeth on the star wheel. This arrangement of feed holes may
also be employed in the tape with the signs arranged between the two lines of
perforations and lengthwise of the tape.
While five elements are described as comprised in each group, it is evident that
a greater number may be used. If five elements are used in each group, a
capital and figure comb will be required in the machine. In the event of six
elements being used in each group, there will be sixty-four possible combinations
of the elements, and hence only one, either a capital or a figure comb will be
required; and if each group is composed of seven elements, one hundred and

page_text: twenty-eight combinations are possible, and in such case it is manifest that no
capital or figure comb will be required.
L
1
C
1000
A. M. & WM. CLARK,
Chartered Patent Agents, 53, Chancery Lane, London.
I, DONALD MURRAY, Journalist, of "Morven," St. Leonards, Sydney, New South
Wales, Australia, do hereby declare the nature of my invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:―
This invention relates to improvements in actuating mechanism for keyboard
operated machines of the class used for the dissemination of intelligence, em-
bracing linotype, type-setting machines, type-writing machines and the like. The
object of the invention is to provide a new and improved device for operating such
machines automatically, and in such a manner that accurate work is produced
without danger of derangement of the organism of such machines, at the same
time leaving such machines at all times in condition for being operated by hand
in the way now generally practiced.
A further object of the invention is to furnish syndicates, press associations,
news agencies and other centres of intelligence with simple means for convenient,
quick and immediate distribution to their customers and subscribers, so as to
enable the latter to expeditiously and automatically convert, by the use of the type
machine, the intelligence received into type matter, for printing serial stories,
special articles, telegraphic, cable or other news, without the assistance of any
skilled labor whatever.
The invention consists of novel features and parts and combinations of the
same, as will be fully described hereinafter and then pointed out in the claims.
A practical embodiment of my invention is represented in the accompanying
drawings forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of
reference indicating corresponding parts in all the views.
Figure 1 is an end elevation of a device embodying my invention, and shown in
connection with a typewriting machine to be actuated by the improvement.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same;
Figure 3 is a top plan of the same, with the typewriting machine removed;
Figure 4 is a sectional plan view of the same, on the line 44 in Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a sectional front elevation of the same, on the line 5-5 in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a transverse section of the same, on the line 66 in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a cross section of the improvement as applied to a typewriting
machine, the section being taken on the line 7-7 in Figure 2, and showing a
striking device employed as just beginning to operate;
Figure 8 is a similar section showing the striker as operated;
Figure 9 shows a method of attaching the invention to a linotype machine;
Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional front elevation of a portion of the device, to
clearly illustrate the reciprocating carriage and the tape feeding mechanism
employed;
Figure 11 is a transverse section of the same, on the line 11-11 in Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a like section of the same, on the line 12-12 in Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a similar section of the same, on the line 13-13 in Figure 10;

page_text: Figure 14 is a like section of the same, on the line 14-14 in Figure 10;
Figure 15 is a sectional plan view of part of the tape feeding mechanism in
position; the section being on the line 15-15 in Figure 10;
Figure 16 is a similar view, but showing the parts in another position;
Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view of certain cams employed;
Figure 18 is a sectional front elevation showing the carriage and the feeding
and controlling devices in one position;
Figure 19 is a similar view of the same, but showing the parts in another
position;
Figure 20 shows a form of controlling tape employed;
Figure 21 is an enlarged sectional plan view on the line 21-21 in Figure 10,
of the tape feed, the carriage and combs in normal position;
Figure 22 is a similar view of the same, but showing the parts in an actuating
position;
Figure 23 shows a modified form of tape or web that may be employed under
certain conditions.
Figure 23 shows a table with the groups of elements representing the letters
of the alphabet, punctuation signs and special keys used for forming the message
on the tape or web;
Figure 24 is a sectional front elevation of a modified form of the mechanism
adapted to be controlled by the tape shown in Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a top view thereof, with parts in section;
Figure 26 is a side view of the comb for the capital key;
Figure 27 is a side view of one of the regular combs;
Figures 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 are plan views of the combs in various
positions relatively to the tape, the latter being in section;
Figure 36 is a partial section and partial elevation of a tension device employed;
Figure 37 is an elevation of the same at right angles to Figure 36;
Figure 38 is a section on the line 38-38 in Figure 36;
Figure 39 shows a modification in which certain parts are operated by pneu-
matic means;
Figure 40 is a section showing a valve for governing the pneumatic device,
the said valve being in its closing position;
Figure 41 is a similar section but showing the valve in position to permit the
actuating of a typewriter or similar key; and
Figure 42 is a transverse section of a modified form of the improvement show-
ing an electro-magnet arranged for operating certain parts.
Various attempts have heretofore been made to directly actuate the operating
mechanism of type machines of the class described, by the use of a continuously
traveling tape or web having perforations representing the message or reading
matter to be converted into type matter, the tape being, for this purpose, pro-
vided with perforations representing groups of single elements, of which each
group represents a letter or character of the message. Now type machines of this
class are, in themselves, formed of a very complex mechanism; and in order to
automatically and directly actuate this mechanism by the continuously moving
tape or web containing the elements of the message to be translated into type
matter, required the addition of such complex mechanism, that the attempts
heretofore made encountered almost insurmountable practical difficulties, and
consequently reliable mechanism for accurate work could not be produced.
In order to overcome these difficulties, I do not disturb the mechanism of the
type machine in question, but translate the elements on the tape into correspond-
ing mechanical contrivances forming part of my machine, and each such mechani-
cal contrivance in turn actuates a corresponding mechanical contrivance of the
type machine, to produce accurate work.
In my machine the mechanical contrivance referred to may be in the form
of levers 55, and I prefer hereinafter to call such contrivances "unitary parts,"
as each part represents a letter, numeral, punctuation sign, logo-type or other

page_text: unitary character or sign in contradistinction to the individual elements on the
tape, and of which elements it requires a number grouped together in a peculiar
manner, see Figure 23ª, to indicate or represent a letter, numeral, punctuation
sign etc., of the message. For great accuracy in the result it is essential that the
tape or web is not fed continuously but intermittently and is not used direct
on the type machine, but is employed to intermittently actuate the separate
machine, which in turn, by the unitary parts, actuates the type machine without
interfering with the keyboard of such machine, so that this keyboard can be
worked by hand whenever desired.
The improved machine is mounted on a suitable base A carrying standards 2
for supporting a table or bed-plate 1,.on which are mounted to slide longitudinally
assembling members, preferably in the form of combs 48, five in number, and
controlled by a web or tape 13 (see Figures 20 and 21) fed intermittently by a
feed mechanism B, located on a reciprocating carriage 9, for moving the tape to
and from the combs 48, and actuating the same according to the message on the
tape, as hereinafter more fully described, said combs controlling the unitary
parts 55, which in turn are connected with the corresponding parts of a type-
setting, linotype or other machine. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, my improve-
ment is applied to a typewriting machine C, set on a skeleton frame E, sup-
ported on posts 1 carried by the base A.
The message on the tape is formed by groups of elements, of which each group
represents a letter, numeral, punctuation mark or other character, sign, space etc.,
see Figure 23, so that when a group of elements assembles the corresponding
combs, the corresponding unitary part has actuated such part representing the
group of elements on the tape active at the time. The groups of elements are
preferably arranged as shown in the said Figure 23", which illustrates the entire
alphabet, some punctuation signs, a group of elements for a space key, a capital
key, one for a figure or numeral key and one for a release key. Each group of
elements as shown, contains five elements represented either by apertures or
dashes or a combination of both. By having the elements in each group of a
like number, each letter or character or sign occupies the same space on the tape
or web, and the intermittent feed given to the web or tape by the feed mech-
anism B corresponds to the length of the space occupied by a single group, so
that the combs corresponding to the group active at the time, are actuated for
actuating the corresponding unitary part 55. Owing to the uniformity of the
feed of the tape and the equal spaces occupied by the group of elements, it is
possible for the groups of elements to be placed one alongside the other, without
intervening spaces, and without the slightest danger of actuating wrong combs.
The combs 48 are provided at the ends adjacent to the carriage 9 with pins or
fingers 51, adapted to be engaged by a group of elementary apertures and dashes
on the tape as the latter is moved bodily with the carriage to the right. When
this takes place the combs, with pins registering with apertures or perforations
are engaged by the latter and remain dormant, while the pins in register with
the dashes are engaged by the solid parts of the tape and are shifted by the
latter to the right to assemble such combs, and bring their slots in register with
each other for the corresponding unitary part 55 to drop in such registering
slots. Thus, for instance, when the group of elements representing the letter "
see Figure 23, and consisting of an aperture and four succeeding dashes engage
the combs 48, four of the combs are shifted and only one comb remains dormant,
as its pin or finger 51 passes through the solitary aperture. in said group, while
the four other combs are engaged by the solid portions of the web at the dashes
following the aperture. In practice, it is not necessary to show the dashes on the
tape and they may be omitted.
e.
On the bed-plate 1 is a slideway 3, and from the said bed-plate depend hangers 4
in which is journaled a shaft 5, which may be rotated by any suitable means.
I have here. shown it. as provided with a pinion 6 for engaging with a driving
gear 7, which is provided with a crank, so that it may be operated manually;

page_text: but said shaft 5 may be driven from other suitable machinery by gearing, or
belt and pulley connections. Extended from one end of the bed-plate 1, is a
guideway 8 for the reciprocating carriage 9 to slide on, said guideway consisting
of plates secured to brackets 10 projected from the bed-plate 1. The inner edges
of these bed-plates engage in grooves on each side of the carriage, so that while
the carriage may reciprocate back and forth, it is restrained from any other
movement.
Mounted on the carriage 9 are perforated plates 11 and 12, between which the
web or tape 13 is designed to pass, the perforations in the plates 11 and 12 being
designed to act as guides for the passage through the tape perforations of the
fingers 51 extending from the controlling combs 48, as previously mentioned,
The plate 12 also acts as a support for the tape, while its solid portions, repre-
sented by dashes, are thrust against the corresponding fingers 51 of the said
combs.48.
On the ends of the plate 12 are vertically-disposed rollers 14 and 15, and rear-
ward of said plate 12 are guide rollers 16 and 17, see Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21
and 22. These guide rollers 16 and 17 are mounted respectively in brackets 18
and 19 held on a bar 20 adapted for adjustment transversely of the carriage, and
for this purpose I employ set screws 21 and 22, engaging tapped apertures formed
in arms 23, 24 extending from said bar 20; and the inner ends of these set screws,
see Figure 12, impinge against the sides of the carriage. Obviously by manipu-
lating these screws, the rollers 16, 17 and therefore the tape may be adjusted.
The object of providing for this adjustment of the guide rollers 16, 17 transversely
of the carriage, is to permit of minute adjustment of the tape or web, and which
adjustment may be necessary to cause the elementary perforations to properly
align with the fingers of the combs 48, but this adjustment once made rarely or
never needs changing. A spring guide 12 is held on the carriage, straddles the
plate 11 and serves to hold the tape or web against the face of the plate, to
prevent accidental shifting of the tape during the time the tape is active for
shifting the combs.
Adjacent to the roller 16 and mounted on the sliding bar 20, is a curved
shield plate 25, see Figures 21 and 22, designed to prevent buckling of the web or
tape as it passes along under the influence of the feeding mechanism. In other
words, while the tape or web is being fed by the feeder or star wheel 20, it will
strike against the concave side of the shield plate 25 and will be directed to a
basket or other suitable receptacle, without danger of its folding or returning
upon the star wheel. This star wheel or feeder 26 has on its periphery a series
of pins 27, see Figures 10, 18 and 19, adapted to engage in perforations 28 formed
in the tape 13. as shown in Figure 20. The star wheel 26 is mounted on a
vertical shaft 29 adapted to rotate in the carriage 9, and on the lower end of
said shaft 29 is a ratchet wheel 30, designed to be engaged by a spring-pressed
pawl 31, (see Figures 15 and 16.) mounted on the bracket 10.
Reciprocating motion is imparted to the carriage 9, see Figures 5, 10, 18 and 19.
by means of a cam pulley 43, mounted on the driving shaft 5, said cam pulley
having a peripheral groove engaged by a roller 44 loosely mounted on a stud 45.
depending from said carriage. As the cam pulley 43 moves the carriage 9 toward
the bed-plate of the machine, the ratchet wheel 30 will, of course, be disengaged
from the pawl 31: but upon the reverse movement of the carriage a tooth of
the said ratchet wheel will engage with said pawl 31, so that the star wheel 27
will be rotated a sufficient distance to move the tape or. web through one space.
The star wheel is held from backward rotation while the carriage is moving
forward, by means of a spring-pressed dog 46 mounted on the carriage, and
engaging with the ratchet wheel. See Figures 15 and 16. If it be desired to
rotate the star wheel backward for any purpose, the dog 46 may be disengaged
from the ratchet wheel by pushing outward upon the fingerpiece 47, as indicated
in dotted lines in Figure 16.
The combs 48 are movable longitudinally on the slideway 3, and are held

page_text: separately in a vertical position by means of pins 52 extended upward from the
bottom of the slideway 3 and between adjacent combs, as is plainly indicated in
Figures 5, 21 and 22. Some or all of the combs 48 are shifted at a time to the
right by the action of the tape, moved bodily with the feed mechanism; and in
order to insure a return movement of the combs to the left during part of the
return stroke of the carriage, I provide the under side of each finger 51 with a
lug 95, adapted to be engaged by a spring arm or finger 94, mounted on a block
adjustably secured to the carriage 9, so that when the latter is on the return or
outward movement, the arms or fingers 94 engage the lugs 95 of the previously
shifted combs, to return the latter to their normal position, shown in Figures 10
and 21.
The several combs 48 are provided in their top edges with slots variously
placed, see Figure 27, and the slots are designed to govern the unitary parts
in the form of levers 55, mounted to swing independently of each other on a
rod 53, secured in standards 54 on the bed-plate 1, said unitary parts or levers 55
being mounted to swing in fixed guideway's 55³, to restrain the parts from side-
wise motion. The number of unitary parts or levers 55 will correspond to the
number of unitary parts contained in the machine to which my device is applied,
and said unitary parts 55 are designed to have connection by means of cords or
other devices with the several keys of such type machine. The unitary parts or
levers 55 extend transversely of the combs 48 and are supported at their ends
normally above the several combs, by means of a supporting bar 56, and they
are held yieldingly against said supporting bar and are adapted to swing down-
ward at the proper time by means of springs 57, connected at one end to the
levers 55, supported on a cross bar 58 supported on a threaded standard 58*, so
that the tension of the springs 57 may be adjusted by nuts 58b See Figures 6, 7
and S. The ends of the supporting bar 56 are movable in slots formed in
standards 59, and said bar is moved upward by means of posts 65, mounted on
the outer ends of two levers 60 rocking on shafts 61, and said levers 60 are pro-
vided at their inner ends with rollers 62 engaging with cams 63 attached to the
shaft 5. See Figure 5. As a means of adjusting the bar 56 vertically, I provide
step bearings 64 adjustable through the levers 60, and these bearings are prefer-
ably made in the form of screw bolts, which, in their upper ends, have depressions
for receiving the lower, pointed ends of the posts 65, depending from the bar 56.
Forward of the supporting bar 56 and also forward of the unitary parts or
levers 55, is a striking bar 66, mounted on the upper ends of arms 67 projecting
upward from a rock shaft 68. On the latter is arranged an inwardly extending
arm 69, carrying at its free end a roller 70, engaging the peripheral surface of a
cam 71, mounted on the shaft 5 between the cams 62 and 63. A spring 72, con-
nected at one end to the supporting bar 56 and at the other end to the arm 69,
serves two purposes, one to depress the bar 56 and the other to hold the roller 70
in contact with the cam 71.
Mounted to slide on each key lever 55 is a tappet rod 73, see Figures 7 and 8,
movable through guideways 74 on the unitary part or lever 55; and the outer end
of said tappet rod extends normally forward of the end of the lever to which it is
attached. A stop 75 on the inner end of the tappet rod engages against each side
of the lever 55, and said stops not only prevent the tappet rods from rotating in
their bearings, but also by coming in contact with the inner bearings 74, pre-
vent the tappet rods from moving too far in an outward direction. From the
inner end of the tappet rods 73 extend cords or other suitable connections 76,
around idler pulleys 77, mounted on a rod supported in hangers 78, said cords then
extending around idler pulleys 79 supported in hangers 80; and
from these idler pulleys 79 the cords extend to connect with the keys of
the type machine to be operated. Provision is made for adjusting the length
of the cords by turn-buckles or other well-known mechanical means.
Alongside the combs 48 and similarly mounted, are arranged a figure comb 49
and a capital comb 50 having slots or notches in their top edges, but without

page_text: fingers 51. See Figures 4, 5, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29 and 30. The figure comb 49
and the capital comb 50 are adapted to be actuated by levers 82 and 81, respec-
tively, located at one side of the unitary parts or levers 55, see Figure 4, and
likewise fulcrumed on the rod 53. The lever 81, see Figure 26 has a wedge-like
cam 88 on one side to engage with the inclined surface 89 formed on the capital
comb 50, and a similar cam 90 is formed on the lever 82 to engage with an
inclined surface 91 on the figure comb 49, so that when either of these levers
swings downward, the corresponding comb will be moved into an operative
position.
At the opposite side of the series of unitary parts or levers 55 and likewise
fulcrumed on the rod 53, is arranged a release lever 92, see Figures 4 and 26,
having cam surfaces 93 adapted to engage with the inclined surfaces 93ª on both
the combs 49 and 50, so that when the lever 92 swings downward it will return
either or both of these combs to their normal position--that is-this lever 92 will
be brought into operation when it is desired to change from capitals or figures
back to the lower case at the time the corresponding group of elements, sec
Figure 23, is active on the tape and shifts the corresponding combs 48 to such
position as to allow the lever 92 to swing downward, the same as a unitary part
or lever 55. The three levers 81, 82 and 92 are supported at their free ends on
the supporting bar 56 in a similar manner to the levers 55, and they each have
spring connections with the bar 58, the three springs supplying the power to
shift the combs 49 or 50 in the manner described.
The tape 13 is fed from a roll supported in any suitable manner, and preferably
it will pass through a tension device, see Figures 3, 4, 36, 37 and 38, before it
reaches the star wheel 26, so as to keep said web or tape under proper stress.
The tension device is provided with a roller 32, supported on a stem 33 extending
from a base 34 attached to the main base A, and said roller 32 is prevented from
revolving freely on the stem 33 by a spring 35, which surrounds the stem and
engages at one end with the roller 32 and at the other end with a sleeve 36, .
mounted loosely on the stem 33. The tension of the spring 35 may be adjusted
by means of clamping jaws 37 and 38, which engage the periphery of the sleeve 36,
and said jaws 37 and 38 are connected at one end to the base 34, and at the
opposite ends they are connected to each other by an adjusting bolt 39. By
the operator manipulating the nut on the bolt 39, the jaws 37 and 38 may be
caused to bear with greater or less friction upon the sleeve 36, and the tension
of the spring 35 will be regulated accordingly. The web or tape is held against
the roller 32 by means of a presser roller 40. mounted on a rod 41 having swinging
connection with the base 34, and said roller 40 is yieldingly held toward the
roller 32 by means of a spring 42 attached to one end of the base, or to any other
fixed device and bearing at its free end against the rod 41, as plainly indicated
in Figure 6.
The operation is as follows:
When the several parts are in the position shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10
and 21, then the several unitary parts or levers 55 are supported in their upper-
most position directly above the combs 48 49 and 50 by the supporting
bar 56, the outer ends of the fingers 51 of the combs 48 being transversely in
alignment with each other in the guide plate 11. The web or tape 13 extends
between the plates 11 and 12 and passes around the feed or star wheel 26, as
shown in Figure 21, the feed carriage standing at this time in its outermost
position at the extreme left, the friction roller 44 being in the groove of the
cam 43 at the line - shown in Figure 17. Now when a rotary motion is
given to the shaft 5, the cam 43 causes the carriage 9 and the now active feed
mechanism B, the tape portion directly engaged by said feed mechanism, and
the guide plates 11 and 12 to move to the right, so that the tape is brought to the
free aligned ends of the fingers 51, with the elements of a group on the tape in
register with the said free outer ends of the fingers 51. Upon a further motion to
the right of the carriage and the parts carried thereby, the solid or dash elemen-

page_text: tary portions of the web or tape shift the corresponding fingers and their combs 48
to the left, while the fingers opposite the perforations or apertures on the tape
pass through the latter and remain dormant-that is their combs are not
shifted to the right, but remain stationary. When the carriage is in its extreme
right-hand-position, the combs 48 are assembled in such a manner that one set of
slots or notches of all the combs are in register with each other in a transverse
direction directly under that unitary part or lever 55 which represents the group
of elements on the tape, active at one time on the fingers 51 of the combs.
When this takes place, the cams 63 actuate the levers 60 to move the supporting
bar 56 downward, and allow the unitary parts or levers 55 to rest on the top of
the combs 48, 49 and 50, with the exception of that unitary part or lever 55 now
in register with the registering slots of the combs, and which single lever now
swings downward by its own weight assisted by the spring 57, the lever following
the retreating or downward movement of the supporting bar 56. See Figure 7.
When this has taken place the cam 71 actuates the striker bar 66, to impart a
sliding motion to the tappet rod 73. see Figure 8, whereby the unitary part of
key of the type machine is actuated, to produce type or other matter correspond-
ing to the letter, sign, character or the like, and represented by the active group
of elements on the tape or web and in engagement at the time with the fingers 5!
as above described. The next action is the return of the supporting bar 56 and
the striker bar 66 by the action of the cams 63 and 71 on the levers 60 and arm 69
respectively, so that the down lever 55 is first swung upward out of the registering
slots or notches of the combs, and again into alignment with the other non-
active levers or unitary parts 55, to finally swing all the levers 55 upward back
to their former normal position, that is, directly above the top edges of the
combs, to allow free longitudinal movement of the combs when shifted by the
solid tape portions, as above described. Upon the return movement of the
carriage, the previously shifted combs are moved back to their former positions
by the spring fingers 94 moving with the carriage, and engaging lugs 95 on the
fingers 51, as previously explained. The feed mechanism for the tape is actuated
immediately after the tape leaves the outer ends of those fingers 51 engaging
apertures in the tape and belonging to those combs which remain dormant for the
time being, as described. As the described movement of the actuated parts
depend mainly on the construction and arrangement of the cams 43. 63 and 71,
it is deemed advisable to more fully describe their action, special reference
being had to Figure 17.
The carriage 9 is in an outermost position at the time the roller 44 stands in
the groove at the line -, and when the cam is rotated and the friction roller
travels from the line - to the line 18-18, then the carriage moves rapidly
inward to bring the tape 13 in contact with the outer ends of the fingers 51, and
when the friction roller travels in the cam groove on the line 18-18 to the
line 19-19 a distance about one-third of the circumference of the cam, then a
very slow feed to the right is given to the carriage and its tape, to shift the corre
sponding dash combs to the right and assemble the combs as described. This slow
gradual feed prevents the fingers in contact with the solid portions of the web or
tape from piercing, tearing or otherwise injuring the tape or web, as might be
the case if a fast motion is given to the carriage during the period of shifting the
combs. During this time, that is, while the roller 44 travels from the line -
to the line 19-19, the friction rollers 62 and 70 travel on the segmental cam
surfaces of the cams 63 and 71 respectively, and consequently, the levers 60 and
arm 69 remain dormant; but when the carriage begins its return stroke after
the friction roller leaves the line 19-19, then the drop in the cam causes the
levers 60 to be actuated, for dropping the supporting bar 56 from under the
combs, and allowing a corresponding unitary part or lever 55 to drop into the
registering slots or notches of the combs 48. When this has taken place, the
cam 71 actuates the striker 67 to act on the tappet rod 73 and actuate the corre-
sponding unitary part of the type machine, as above explained. Both cams now

page_text: allow the levers 60, for the supporting bar 56 and the arms 69 and 67 for the
striker 66, to return to their former positions, so that the supporting bar 56 is
again raised to swing the previously dropped unitary part into alignment with
the rest of the unitary parts, and to then swing all of the latter just free of the
combs, so as not to interfere with their sliding motion for assembling, as pre-
viously explained. During the action of the cams 63 and 71, and during the
first part of the return movement of the carriage, the tape is carried back out
of contact with all the fingers. As soon as the tape is free from the fingers, the
star wheel 26 is rotated by the action of the pawl 31, as previously explained,
The feeding stopping at the time the carriage has completed its return stroke;
that is, when the roller 44 is again at the line of the cam. During the latter
portion of the return movement of the carriage, the fingers 94 engage the pro-
jecting lugs 95 and carry the combs previously actuated by the solid or dash
parts of the tape back to their former positions, to bring the outer ends of all the
fingers again in alignment with each other, to be ready for the next action.
From the foregoing general description of the operation of the machine, it will
be readily understood that according to the message on the tape, one, two or
more, all or none of the combs is shifted at a time, as will appear by reference
to the table shown in Figure 23. Now to more clearly illustrate the detail
working of the machine, it is assumed that the tape portion shown in Figure 20 is
intermittently fed through the machine.
Referring particularly to Figure 20, the first tape portion a is entirely unper-
forated and corresponds to the five dashes for the space key, as shown in
Figure 23. Now when the carriage is moved toward the bed-plate and the tape
portion a is pressed against the fingers, all of the combs 48 will be simultaneously.
moved. The next portion contains first a blank or dash, then a perforation,
then follow three more blanks or dashes. The sign within the portion 6 (which is
designed to make the machine operate capital letters) will permit the finger 51
of the second comb 48 from the front of the series to enter the perforation, so
that no motion will be imparted to the second comb when the carriage is moved
toward the bed-plate; but the several other combs 48 will be moved to their
limit and also in alignment with a slot in the capital comb 50 and in the figure
comb 49. The next portion contains a sign which represents the small letter "b,"
that is, has within the portion a perforation, then two blanks or dashes, and
then two perforations. This small "" sign will allow the operation of the
capital "B" because the previous sign has thrown the capital comb into operative
position. When the portion of the tape having this sign is moved by the
carriage toward the bed-plate and against the ends of the fingers 51, the first one
and the last two of the combs 48 will remain stationary because their fingers
will pass through the perforations. The other two combs, however, will be moved
to their limit. This puts the proper series of slots in alignment to allow a lever 55
to drop downward and actuate the capital "B" key of the typewriter or other
machine; and this is carried on as long as the capital letters are required. Thus
the word "BOURKE" is produced in type matter. When it is desired to
change the machine to its normal condition of operating small letters, a release
sign, indicated in the portion e in Figure 20, is provided. This sign adjusts the
combs so that the release lever 92 is permitted to drop and throw the capital
comb back to normal position.
In Figures 27 to 35 inclusive, I have diagrammatically shown the position of
the several combs to allow for the printing of the small letter."a," a capital "A"
and a figure; and referring thereto, Figure 28 indicates the normal position of
the several combs. Now, as the sign for the small letter "a "reaches its position
on the plate 12 and as the carriage is moved toward the bed-plate, the combs will
be distributed to the position indicated in Figure 29, that is, the slots of the
combs will be in alignment to permit a lever 55 to be drawn downward to operate
the device for the small letter "a." Upon the return movement of the carriage,
the several combs 48 will be returned to their normal position indicated in

page_text: Figure 28. In order to set the combs in position to allow for the printing of
capitals, the capital sign will come into position to permit the adjustment of the
combs and allow the lever 81 to move downward into the aligned slots of the
several combs 48 and the comb 49; and the downward movement of this lever 81,
by engaging its cam surface with the incline 89, will move the capital comb 50
from the position indicated in Figure 30 to the position indicated in Figure 31.
The next stage is the return of all the combs except the capital comb to the
position shown in Figure 32. After this, when the sign for the small letter "a"
moves forward the fingers 51 of the first two combs 48 will pass through perfora-
tions, so that these two combs will remain idle. The other three combs, however,
will be forced to the right to bring certain slots in alignment with a slot in the
comb 50, and also in line with a slot in the comb 49. Then the proper lever 55
may be moved downward by its spring to operate a printing type, but none of
the other levers can be moved downward because there are no aligned slots to
receive them. At this time the parts will be in the position indicated in
Figure 33; than after the printing shall have taken place or the proper type is
released, the parts will be returned to the position indicated in Figure 32; then,
as the release signal reaches its position the proper slots will be put in alignment.
to allow the lever 92 to move downward, as shown in Figure 34. This lever will
return the comb 50 to its normal position and then the several parts will be
returned to the position indicated in Figure 28 by means of the fingers 94.
operating figures, when the proper sign reaches its position, say the sign for the
figure "," the comb 49 will be moved by means of the lever 82 to the position
indicated in Figure 35, bringing the proper slots in alignment to allow of the
drawing downward of the proper lever for operating the type carrying the
Figure 3."
For
In certain figures of the drawing heretofore described, I have shown the machine
in connection with a typewriter. In Figure 9 I have shown the same machine as
attached to a linotype machine, and in this view the machine is turned so that the
several levers 55 extend vertically instead of horizontally, and from the tappet
fingers 73 there are direct connections 96 with the key levers 97 of the linotype
machine. In Figure 23 I have shown the tape or web 98 which performs the
same function as the tape first described but in this tape 98 the signs are arranged
transversely of the tape or web. By this means the same number of words or
characters may be formed in a shorter space than can be formed on the tape first
described where the signs extend lengthwise of the tape, but this form of tape
cannot be conveniently telegraphed like that in which the signs are disposed
lengthwise of the tape. When this tape 98 is employed, the machine will be
arranged as indicated in Figures 24 and 25, in which it may be noted that the
plate 12 is omitted, and as a substitute therefore,. I provide a star wheel 99 having
perforations through which the projections or fingers 51 may pass when the
carriage is moved toward the bed-plate. The tape or web 98 passes around the
star wheel 99 and also engages against idlers 100 and 101.
A pawl 102 mounted on a fixed support 103 is designed to engage with a ratchet
wheel 104 on the shaft of the wheel 99, to impart a rotary motion to said wheel
upon the return movement of the carriage on which the wheel is mounted.
Mounted on the carriage forward of the wheel 99 is a plate 105 provided with
perforations, for receiving and guiding the fingers 51 of the combs 48. The
operation of this device is substantially the same as that first described.
In the modification shown in Figure 39, the key levers of the typewriter arc
operated by pneumatic agency under the control of the several levers 55. Each
lever 55 is movable vertically in a slot formed in a block 106 on the forward
portion of the bed-plate 1. Extended longitudinally in the block 106 is an
opening 107 which forms an air chamber which has communication through a
pipe 108 with a pump 109, the piston of which is operated by an eccentric 110
on the shaft 5. At one side of the slot in each block 106 a port 111 is formed,
the said port communicating with the air chamber 107 and also having an out-

page_text: ward opening which is normally closed by the lever 55, as indicated in Figure 40.
At the other side the block is provided with a port 112 from which a pipe 113
extends to a cylinder 114 in which a piston 115 operates, the said piston having
connection with the key lever of the typewriter. Of course there will be an
operating piston 115 for each of the key levers.
When the several levers 55 are in their upper or normal position they serve as
valves to close the outlets of the ports 111. When one of the levers is drawn
downward, however, a hole 116 in said lever will place the ports 111 and 112 in
communication, so that the blast of air from the pump 109 will be forced through
the pipe 113 controlled by said downwardly moved lever and upon the upper side
of the piston 115, causing the typewriter or other machine to be drawn downward
to operate a type.
In the modification shown in Figure 42, the unitary parts or levers 55 are
held in their normal uppermost position above the combs 48, 49, 50, by a sup-
port 120, controlled by a cam 121 on the main shaft 5, having means 122 for
closing an electric current to actuate an electro-magnet 123 which is located
under the unitary parts 55, and which latter are now armature levers. The
electro-magnet is actuated after the combs are shifted by the tape and the sup-
port 120 has moved into a lowermost position, so that the unitary part 55 in
alignment with the registering slots in the combs is now forced to swing down-
ward by being attracted by the electro-magnet. The unitary part 55 is directly
connected by the cord 76 with the corresponding part of the type machine, and
the striker mechanism previously described is, in this case, dispensed with, as
the force of the electro-magnet is sufficient to actuate the unitary part or lever 55
and the type machine.
A tape of any width or material may be used, but preferably I employ ordinary
telegraphic paper tape of the standard half-inch width. As perforations in
place of writing characters are used, it is not necessary that the paper shall be.
white. In fact, ordinary brown paper may be used, and it is not material as to
the thickness of the paper, as I have found, by experiment, that even tissue paper
will move the combs to their appropriate positions.
In the modification in which the signs are placed transversely of the tape, see
Figure 23, the tape may advantageously be made wider than the standard tele-
graphic tape, and in this construction it is well to provide two rows of perfora-
tions to receive similar rows of teeth on the star wheel. This arrangement of
feed holes may also be employed in the tape shown in Figure 20, with the signs
arranged between the two lines of perforations and lengthwise of the tape. In
Figure 20, however, a single line of feeding holes 28 is shown as arranged in the
center of the tape with the signs at one side, but it is obvious that signs may be
placed at both sides of the feeding holes.
While five elements are shown as comprised in each group, it is evident that a
greater number may be used. If five elements are used in each group, a capital
and figure comb will be required in the machine. In the event of six elements
being used in each group, there will be sixty-four possible combinations of the
elements, and hence only one, either a capital or a figure comb will be required;
and if each group is composed of seven elements, one hundred and twenty-eight
combinations are possible, and in such case it is manifest that no capital or
figure comb will be required. This last arrangement is especially applicable to
the modification. shown in Figure 23, which it is obvious cannot be readily tele-
graphed like the tape shown in Figure 20, but may be preferable for matter not to
be transmitted by telegraph or, otherwise, what may be termed local matter.
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
I claim is:
1. A means for setting in motion the actuating mechanism of a typewriting,
typesetting, type-casting or other machine for the dissemination of intelligence,

page_text: consisting of a tape representing a message and having perforated and non-
perforated portions, and a machine connected with said actuating mechanism for
transmitting its motion to said mechanism for the type machine, said machine
being positively actuated by the non-perforated portions of said tape, substantially
as shown and described.
2. In a mechanism such as claimed under head 1, a means for giving the tape
a lengthwise and sidewise movement, substantially as shown and described.
3. In a mechanism such as claimed under heads 1 and 2, constructing the
machine with assembling devices to be engaged by said non-perforated portions
of the tape, to bodily shift the assembling devices to be actuated for a particular
letter, character, sign or the like of the message, the remaining assembling
devices remaining dormant by being accommodated by the perforated portions,
substantially as shown and described.
4. In a mechanism such as claimed under head 1, providing the tape with
groups of elements, the elements in a group representing an alphabetic or other
character, said groups being arranged one alongside the other without inter-
mediate spaces in a single straight line, substantially as shown and described.
5. An actuating mechanism for key-operated machines, consisting of a series of
combs, devices controlled by said combs for controlling the action of a key-
operated machine, a perforated web or tape for assembling the combs, means for
moving the web sidewise toward or from the combs, substantially as shown and
described.
6. In a mechanism for actuating key-operated machines, a change comb
actuated by a series of combs moved by a tape, said change comb serving to
change the combination from small letters to capitals or numerals, or vice versa,
substantially as shown and described.
7. In a mechanism for key-operated machines, a capital comb and a numeral
comb actuated by means controlled by a series of combs actuated by a tape, sub-
stantially as shown and described.
8. In a mechanism for key-operated machines, a release comb actuated by
means controlled by a series of combs actuated by a tape, substantially as shown
and described.
9. In a mechanism such as claimed under head 1, providing the tape with
groups of elements, the elements in a group representing an alphabetic or other
character one alongside the other in a single straight line, and feeding the tape
successively, the distance of a group of elements in a lengthwise direction, and
then moving the tape sidewise to actuate unitary parts of said machine during
the sidewise movement of the tape, substantially as shown and described.
Dated this 5th day of January 1900.
A. M. & WM. CLARK,
Chartered Patent Agents, 53, Chancery Lane, London.