Improvements in Type Writing Machines.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 19th May, 1891-Accepted, 4th July, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type Writing Machines.
I, GEORGE WASHINGTON NEWTON YOST, of No. 6 Wall Street, New York
City, in the County of New York, and State of New York, United States of
America, Inventor and Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
My invention has for its main objects the production of a simple, cheap, and
effective type-writing machine of the kind known as "shift" machines, and consists
in the features of construction and combinations of devices hereinafter more fully
described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, is a plan view of a type-writing machine embodying my improvements.
Figure 2 is a central vertical section of the same.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the line a, a, of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a similar section on the line y, y, of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a detail perspective view illustrating the shifting mechanism.
Figure 6 is a detail plan of the shift-ring, retaining and returning devices.
Figure 7 is a similar view with the part in a shifted or changed position.
Figure 8 is a central vertical section showing the invention embodied in a
machine of somewhat different construction as to the type-movement or printing
levers.
Figure 9 represents in perspective a modification of my invention.
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail view of the central stand or support etc.
In the several views the same part will be found designated by the same numeral
of reference.
2 represents the bed-plate; 3 the key-levers, 4 the key-levers fulcrum-posts
and 5 the finger-keys. The rear end of cach key-lever is provided with a stem or
lifter 6, which is preferably jointed thereto and which extending above the base-
plate terminates in a head or enlargement.
Mounted upon the bed-plate is a stand or support 7 formed with a circular
shoulder 8 for supporting the bearing or fulcrum-ring 9 of the lifting or sub-
levers 10, and for also supporting the sub-lever guide-ring 11, which is placed on
top of the sub-lever fulcrum-ring 9. The stand is made hollow or tubular
centrally and is threaded exteriorly at its upper end to receive a nut 12 which
operates to clamp the fulcrum-ring 9, and the sub-lever guide-ring firmly upon the
stand or support.
The lifting sub-levers 10 radiate from their fulcrum-ring 9 to points directly
over and slightly beyond the lifters 6, and are preferably formed with heads or
enlargements.
13 designates a shift or movable-wheel or circular-plate mounted centrally upon
a shoulder 14 formed on the stand or support 7 and held in place by a bolt or
screw 15 and a nut 16. The shift-wheel is provided with perforations 17 which
are arranged in a circle near its perimeter. Through these perforations or openings
pass the lower ends of the vertical connecting-rods 18 which actuate the type-
carriers 19. With each type-carrier is associated a connecting-rod. The type-
carriers are arranged in a circle, likewise the connecting-rods.
In the machine illustrated in all the views excepting Figure 9, there are seventy-
eight type-carriers, seventy-eight connecting-rods, twenty-six sub-levers, and
twenty-six key-levers.
The connecting-rods are arranged in groups or periods of three; that is to say,

page_text: three connecting-rods and type-carriers are controlled by one key-lever and one
sub-lever.
Each sub-lever stands normally beneath the middle connecting-rod of each
group with the extremity of said connecting-rod terminating close to or immediately
above it.
The shift-ring is designed to be oscillated to vibrate or swing the lower ends of
the pendant connecting-rods, so that the first and third of each group may be
brought in line or register with the radiating sub- or lifting-levers 10.
There are provided two shift-keys, one for moving the shift-ring and the lower
ends of the series of connecting-rods to the left, (or in the direction of the hands of
a clock). and the other for shifting these devices to the right of their normal
positions.
20 designates the shift-key for moving the shift ring and the lower ends of the
connecting-rods to the left.
This key or finger-piece is connected to a lever 21, to
which is attached a link 22 whose upper end is connected to one end of a bell-crank
or bent-lever 23. A rod 24 is connected at one end to the inner end of the bell-
crank and at its other end to an arm 25 projecting forwardly from the shift-ring.
The key for moving the shift-ring and the lower ends of the connecting-rods to
the right is designated by the numeral 26 and is connected to a lever 27 provided
with a link 28 extending up through the bed-plate like the link 22. To the upper
end of the link 28 is attached on arm of a bell-crank 29 whose opposite arm is
pivoted to one end of a rod 30 which at its other end is connected to the arm 25 of
the shift-ring.
The rear portion of the shift-ring or plate is formed with a V-shaped notch 31
providing inclined walls or cams 32 and 33. Into this notch or recess plays the
free end of a lever 34, provided with an anti-friction roller 35. A spring 36
attached at one end to a post 37 affixed to the bed-plate and at its other end to the
lever 34 is provided to keep said lever in operative engagement with the shift-
wheel and to return the same and its connections to their normal positions after
actuation of either shift-key.
Preferably the connecting-rods are all provided with inwardly-projecting lugs or
fingers 38 for supporting the circular universal-bar 39. The hub or centre of
the universal-bar or ring is provided with a conical depression into which is
stepped the lower conical end of a vertical spindle 40, which slides in a bearing
formed in an arm or extension 41 of the stand or support 7. Through a slot in
this spindle passes a horizontally-arranged lever 42 which is fulcrumed on a post 43
rising from the bed-plate. The front end of this lever rests upon or is connected to
the upper end of a vertical rod 44, which is connected at its lower end beneath the
bed-plate to the space-key lever 45, having a suitable key or finger-piece as 46.
The rear end of the lever 42 is connected by a link 47 to a rocker-arm 48
projecting rearwardly from an oscillatory holder or trunnion, which carries the
feed-dogs 49 for the paper-carriage. The trunnion or dog-holder is supported by
an arm or bracket 50, and the dogs are adapted to co-operate with the duplex-
rack 51, attached to the paper-carriage in a manner to effect a step-by-step feed of
the carriage under the influence of its driving mechanism, which is here represented
as consisting of a spring-drum 52, and a cord or chain 53 attached at one end to
the spring-drum and at the other to the right hand end of the paper-carriage.
Pulleys 54 are provided for giving the proper direction to the cord or flexible
connection 53.
The paper-carriage is adapted to travel on ways or supports 55, 56, and is pro-
vided with a platen 57, a feed-roller 58, a paper-table 59 and paper-guides 60.
The machine shown at Figures 1 and 2 is adapted to print directly from an
inking-pad or ring 61, while that illustrated at Figure 8 is designed to print through
the customary inking-ribbon or band.
In printing from a pad jointed type-carriers are employed, as shown at Figures 1
and 2, while in printing through a ribbon simple or plain bars provided with type
are used, as seen at Figure 8. The dotted lines at Figure 2 show the action of the

page_text: ointed type-carrier when moving the type-face from the inking-pad to the printing
point. The dotted line at Figure 8 shows the path of the type-face of the unjointed
or rigid type-bar or lever in moving to the impression point to print through the
usual ribbon (not shown). In the use of either form of type-carrier, the type is
moved to the impression-point (or the paper on the platen) by an upward push or
movement of its associated connecting-rod 18.
The middle connecting-rod of each group is preferably attached to a lower case
or small letter type-carrier; the right hand connecting-rod of each group is con-
nected to an upper case or capital letter type-carrier, and the left hand connecting-
rod of each group to a type-carrier bearing a numeral, punctuation mark or sign.
In the normal or regular position of the shift-ring the middle or second con-
necting-rod of each group is adapted to be lifted to move a lower case or small
letter type to the printing-point. When the ring is shifted to the left and held, the
right hand or third connecting-rod of each group is adapted to be lifted to move
an upper case or capital letter to the printing-point. When the ring is shifted to
the right and held, the left hand or first connecting-rod of each group is adapted
to be actuated to move a numeral or punctuation-mark or sign to the impression-
point.
The three connecting-rods of each group or series are operated by one key-lever
and its associated lifting or sub-lever.
In writing with lower case letters the shifting remains in its normal position. If
it be desired to print an upper case letter, the finger-key 20 is depressed, thus
forcing down the lever 21 and link 22, and oscillating the shift-ring to the left,
As the
slightly, through the intermediate bell-crank 23 and rod or pitman 24.
shift-ring is turned in this direction the lower ends of all the connecting-rods are
shifted or moved in the same direction sufficient to bring the pendant or hanging
end of the right hand, or third, connecting-rod of each group over or in line with
the lifting-lever 10 which controls it. In this position of the shift-ring and con-
necting-rods an upper case letter may be printed. If now any of the finger-keys 5
be depressed the key-lever 3 will be actuated and the stem 6 elevated. As the
stem 6 rises, the lifting lever 10 is raised at its outer end and the connecting-rod 18
is forced up to drive or throw the type-carrier to the platen.
If it be desired to print a numeral, punctuation mark, or sign, the finger-key 26
is depressed and the shift-ring moved slightly towards the right by means of the
When the ring
key-lever 27, the link 28, the bell-crank 29 and rod or pitman 30.
is thus shifted the lower pendant ends of the connecting-rods are all swung with it
in the same direction, and the left hand or first connecting-rod of each group is
brought over to coincide or connect with its respective lifting-lever. While the
ring is held in this shifted position, if any of the finger-keys 5 be operated, the
key-lever 3, the stem 6, the lifting-lever 10, and the connecting-rod 18 will be
actuated as before and a type-carrier bearing a numeral or other sign will be driven
or moved to the paper-platen or roller. In order to have the lifting-levers when
at rest occupy at all times their proper positions, and in order to prevent any
lateral movement of these levers when in action the slotted guide-ring 11 is
provided.
The spring actuated lever or arm 34 presses towards the axis of the shift-ring
and serves to hold the latter firmly in position when the lower case letters are
being operated. When the shift-key 20 is actuated the inclined wall 32 forces out
a slight distance the free end of the lever 34, as shown by the dotted lines at
Figure 6, and when the shift key 26 is operated the inclined wall 33 similarly
effects said lever as indicated in full lines at Figure 7. The movement of the lever
34 being effected against the tension or stress of the spring 36, said spring will
consequently return the lever, the shift-ring, the connecting-rods, and the devices
between the shift-ring and the shift-key, as soon as the pressure or force upon the
latter is removed.
Preferably each lifting lever 10 is provided with a small spring such as 62, to

page_text: insure its return after having been vibrated. This spring is inserted in a housing 63
formed in an annulus 64 in the guide-ring 11, and bears upon said lever near its
fulcrum, the annulus being slotted radially for the passage or accommodation and
guidance of the lifting-lever.
The material difference in construction between the machine shown at Figure 8,
and that shown at Figure 1, is in the form of the type-movement. The operation
of the two machines so far as the shifting mechanism is concerned is substantially
the same.
In the modification shown at Figure 9, I have shown my invention adapted to a
single shift machine, or one in which the shift-ring and pendant ends of the con-
necting-rods move only to one side of the normal position and return. Referring
to this figure it will be seen that the connecting-rods are arranged in groups or
periods of two. In a machine of this construction there must be, provided half as
many lifting-levers and key-levers and finger-keys as there are connecting-
rods and type-carriers. That is to say, if there are seventy-eight type-carriers,
there must be seventy-eight connecting-rods, thirty-nine lifting- or sub-levers,
thirty-nine key-levers, and thirty-nine finger-keys.
As will be seen, the devices for shifting the lower ends of the connecting-rods
are constructed and operated substantially like the devices employed in the double
shift machine. In lieu of the holding and returning lever 34 however, I may
employ a spiral spring 65 fastened at one end to a fixed arm or post 66 and at the
other end to a slotted plate 67, adjustable by a set screw 68 upon the shift-ring.
The universal-bar 39 is adapted to be lifted by any of the connecting-rods, as
illustrated by the dotted lines at Figure 2, to lift the spindle 40 and the lever 42
and thus actuate the feed-dogs to allow the carriage to be moved towards the left
one notch at a time under the influence of its spring-propelling or driving mechanism.
That portion of the universal bar or ring opposite the portion being lifted, bears
upon its supporting finger 38 and causes it to act as a fulcrum for the universal-bar,
during the lifting of the connecting-rod, and the movement of the type-carrier to
the platen.
•
When it is desired to space between words etc., the space-key is operated to lift
the link 44 and the lever 45, to vibrate the feed-dogs, without actuating the lifting-
levers, the shift-ring, the connecting-rods, the universal-bar, or the type-carriers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
1. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of a
series of pendant connecting-rods, a ring or plate for shifting the free ends of said
connecting-rods, a series of key-levers, and a series of lifting-levers arranged
between the key-levers and the connecting-rods; substantially as set forth.
2. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of
a series of pendant connecting-rods, a ring or plate for shifting the free ends of
said connecting-rods, a series of key-levers each provided at its rear end with a
stem or lifter, and a series of lifting-levers; substantially as set forth.
3. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of a
series of pendant connecting-rods, a ring or plate for shifting the free ends of said
connecting-rods, means, substantially as described for moving said ring or plate and
with it the free ends of said connecting-rods, a series of lifting-levers, and a series
of key-levers; substantially as described.
4. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of a
series of pendant connecting-rods, a ring or plate for shifting the free ends of said
connecting-rods, a shift-key, a key-lever, a stem, a bell-crank, and a pitman;
substantially as described.
5. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of
a series of pendant connecting-rods, a ring or plate for shifting the free ends of

page_text: said connecting-rods, and a spring-actuated lever for holding the ring or plate in
its normal position pivoted independently of the ring or plate and pressing toward
the axis of rotation thereof; substantially as described.
6. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of
a series of pendant connecting-rods, a shift-ring or plate having a notch or recess,
and a spring-actuated lever for returning said ring or plate to its normal position
pivoted independently of the ring or plate and pressing toward the axis of rotation
thereof; substantially as described.
7. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers, of
a series of pendant connecting-rods, the same in number as the type-carriers, a
shift-ring or plate, a series of lifting-levers less in number than the connecting-
rods and type-carriers, and a series of key-levers the same in number as the lifting-
levers; substantially as described.
8. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers and
a series of pendant connecting-rods, alike in number, of a shift-ring or plate, a
series of lifting levers arranged so that each one controls three connecting-rods
and type-carriers, and means, substantially as described for actuating said lifting-
levers; substantially as set forth.
9. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers and
a series of pendant connecting-rods arranged in groups of three, a shift-ring or
plate, a series of lifting-levers arranged to normally operate the middle connecting-
rod of each group, and means, substantially as described for moving the shift-ring
or plate to bring either the first or the last connecting-rod of each group to a
position to be operated upon by said lifting-levers; substantially as described.
10. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers,
and a series of pendant connecting-rods, of a shift-ring or plate, a series of radiating
lifting-levers adapted to control two or more of said connecting-rods and type-
carriers and a series of key-levers adapted to actuate said lifting-levers; substantially
as set forth.
11. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of type-carriers
and a series of pendant connecting-rods, of a shift-ring or plate, a series of radiating
lifting-levers, a guide-ring or plate for said lifting-levers, and a series of key-
levers; substantially as set forth.
12. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a series of type-carriers
arranged in a circle, a series of vertical connecting-rods arranged in a circle, a
shift-ring within the circle formed by the connecting-rods and connected to the free
ends of said rods, a series of radiating lifting-levers beneath the free ends of said
connecting-rods, and a series of key-levers extending to said lifting-levers and
adapted to elevate the same; substantially as set forth.
Dated this 19th day of May 1891.
FELL & WILDING,
.1, Queen Victoria Street, Agents for the Applicant.