Improvements in Type-writing Machines.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Feb., 1897-Accepted, 3rd Apr., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type-writing Machines.
I. BURNHAM Coos STICKNEY, of No. 151 Jefferson Avenue, in the City of
Elizabeth, County of Union and State of New Jersey, in the United States of
America, Inventor, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates more particularly to that class of type-writing machines in
which there is employed, in connection with the type-mechanism, the paper-
carriage, and its escapement or feed-mechanism, a tripping meaus or detaching
device arranged at some point between the finger-piece or key and the type, by
which both the type and feed mechanisms are released after the initial depression
of the finger-piece or key, so that both may return to their normal positions.
independently and in advance of the finger-piece or key, or while the finger-piece
or key is depressed or held down, whereby another finger-piece or key may be
actuated without waiting for the removal of the finger first employed and the
return of the previously depressed finger-piece or key.
My invention 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 vertical longitudinal section of a type-writing machine embodying
my present improvements;
Figure 2 is a horizontal section taken at the lino Z Z of Figure 1, and looking
in the direction of the arrow;
Figuro 3 is a sectional elevation of the annular universal-bar and its actuating
mechanism in its normal position;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 3, omitting the type-
bar and hanger;
Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective detail view of one of the type-bars and its
associated devices, the key-lever being broken away at the forward end;
Figure 6 is a detail view of the type-bar action, showing the position of the
type at the tripping moment ;
Figure 7 is a detail view to show the relation of the spring to the type-bar at a
certain point in the movement of the latter, and whereat the influence of the spring
ceases; and
Figure 8 is a plan perspective view illustrating the universal-bar mechanism,
more particularly to show the loose connections of two of the side-arms to the ring.
A pin 29 on the arm 27 enters a horizontal slot in the ring 15: and a pin 30 ou
the side-arm 28 enters a similar slot on the opposite side of said ring, this slot
being hidden, however, in the view.
In the several views the same parts will be found designated by the same numerals
of reference.
1 designates the frame-work of the machine, 2 the top-plate or type-ring, 3 the
type-bars, 4 the trips, and 5 the usual power-driven paper-carriage. The paper-
carriage is provided with a feed-rack 6, with which co-operates a spacing-dog 7
and a detaining-dog 8, mounted upon a trunnion or rocker 9, held by a bracket 10

page_text: and actuated by a link 11 connected at its lower end to an arm 12, secured to a
transverse rock-shaft 13, mounted in arms 14 at the rear corners of the machine,
and oscillated by the annular universal-bar or ring 15, as will be hereinafter
explained. The escapement or spacing-dogs may be of the usual or any suitable
construction.
The key-levers 16 are of the first order, each being mounted upon a fulcrum-post
or stud 17 secured to the base-plate of the machine. The front ends of the key-levera
work in a slotted guide or comb 18, extending across the machine in frout of the
fulcrum-posts. The slots are open at the top, to facilitate assembling the levers
in the machine. The rear ends of the key-lovers are bent to radiate from the
center of a cushioned ring 19, which is concentric with the type-bar ring or top-
plate. The key-levers normally rest upon the cushioned ring 19.
To the rear end of each lever is pivoted at 20 a vertical trip 4, connecting the lever
to the type-bar 3. The trips 4 stand normally perpendicularly to the base. The type-
bars are pivoted at 21 to hangers or brackets 22, secured in a groove formed in the
type-bar ring 2. A short vertical link 23 extends downwardly from each type-bar
in position to depress the abuular universal-bar 15 when the type-bar is carried to
the platen, the lower end of each link 23 being preferably forked, as shown at 24,
to embrace the universal-bar and to insure its co-operation therewith at each
printing-movement of the type-bar, the legs of the forks preferably extending below
the upper edge of the universal-bar ring so as at all times to prevent the link from
moving or being forced into a position wholly outside of or inside of the universal-
har ring, where it would fail to actuate the same. Each link is so huug or arranged
that no portion thereof contacts with the universal-bar when the type-bar is in
normal position. The object of thus maintaining the links out of contact with the
universal-bar is to avoid the friction which would otherwise result, and which
would be perceptibly felt at the finger-keys. This separation of the links from
the universal-ring is effected by so mounting or pivoting each link as that its
inner edge will bear normally against the hub 25 or some other part of each
type-bar.
The annular universal-bar 15 is mounted in the following manner: A second rock-
shaft 26 (Fig. 4) is mounted at a right angle to rock-shaft 13. The shaft 13 is
provided with forwardly-extending horizoutal arms 27, 28, to the free ends of
which the ring 15 is pivoted or hung, at opposite points, 29, 30. As arms 27, 28
move together, it is manifest that the points 29, 30 of the ring 15 will always be in
the same horizontal piane, and that the only motion that the ring would be capable
of, independently of the arms 27, 28, is a vibratory motion about the points 29, 30
as centers. To prevent such vibratory motion and therefore maintain the ring at
all times in a true horizontal plane, the rock-shaft 26 is provided, from which
extend horizontal arms 31, 32, to the free ends of which the ring is loosely pinned
or connected at points 33, 34. In operation, when the ring is depressed, the
arms 27 and 28, and 31 and 32 will freely move with it, but will always maintain
the ring in a horizontal position, so that at any point where the ring may be
depressed by a link 23, the motion of the shaft 13 and arm 12 will be the same,
and the feed-dogs will be vibrated uniformly for all the key-levers. Rock-
shaft 13 and arms 27, 28 constitute a bail embracing one side of the universal-ring;
and rock-shaft 26 and arms 31, 32 constitute another bail, embracing another
portion of the universal-ring. The universal-ring and its supports are compactly
arranged just beneath the type-bar hangers and outside of the type-bar circle,
permitting the use of short, light links on the type-bara, avoiding sidewise straius
ou the universal-ring and its supports, and not occupying room needed for the
proper disposition of the type-bars, connections or trips, and type-har basket.
A spring 35 (Fig. 1) is provided to return the annular universal-bar 15 and its
connections to their normal positions. The universal-bar arm 28 normally rests
against a stop-pin 36 (Figs. 1 and 3), so that none of the liuks 23 is ever in contact
with the universal-bar except when it is carried down by the action of the type-
bar to which it is attached.

page_text: In operation, when a key is depressed the rear end of its lever is raised and the
trip is thrust up, lifting the type-bar to the platen to make the impression; and
during the vibration of the type-bar the link 23 on the short arm of the type-bar
or lever is forced down, carrying down the annular universal-bar 15, rocking the
shaft 13 and vibrating the arm 12. Through the feed-mechanism described or any
other suitable feed-mechanism, the carriage is fed the necessary letter-spaces as
the impressions are made.
At a predetermined time the type-bar and the universal-bar and its connections
are released from the control of the key-lever and returned to their normal positions
independently and in advance of said key-lever, all as will now be more specifically
described.
The upper free end of each trip 4 normally stands in line with and under a
horizontal pin 37 on the type-bar, and during the upward thrust of the trip it
engages and travels with the pin until a lateral projection 38 on the type-bar comez
in contact with the rod and forces it out of engagement or contact with the più 37,
the separation being timed to take place when the type has very nearly reached the
platen, as shown at Fig. 6. The type-bar coutinues by inertia to the platen an 1
makes the imprint, and then returns to its normal position, together with the
universal-bar and feed-mechanism, independently and in advance of the key, the
impression of the type and the necessary letter-feeding of the carriage being thus
accomplished by a single downward stroke of the key, the manipulation of other
keys being permitted without relieving the first. key from pressure.
When the separation between the key and the type-bar occurs the motion of the
key is stopped by a suitable pad 39, supported by a plate of yielding sheet-metal 40,
which in turn is supported by springs 41 or any other yielding support. The pad 30,
the plate 40 and the springs 41 each have a separate and independent yield, so that
a soft yielding stop for the finger-key is assured notwithstanding the pad 39 may
become hard from constant use. The single pad 39 is arranged to receive the blows
of all the finger-keys.
At Fig. 1 the rear key-lever is shown in its depressed position, with its foot
resting against the pad, and the trip attached to said lever is shown as having been
tripped or forced out of contact or engagement with the pin 37 on the type-bar,
which is in its elevated position, while the universal-bar is shown in its depressed
position and as having actuated the feed-dogs in one direction. The trip having
taken place, the type-bar, the universal-bar and the connections to the feed-dogs
will all now instantly return to their normal positions, independently of any release
of the finger-key, under the influence of spring 35 and also under the influence of
the gravity of the type-bar. When the key-lever is released, it and the trip will
returu to their normal positions by reason of the superiority of the weight being
on the trip side of the key-lever. At the same time the weight of the trip is so
arranged as to cause it to simultaneously resume its normal position or fall back
under the pin 37 again. The rear end of the key-lever, it will be observed, is made
heavier than the fore end, and to this weight is added that of the tripping-bar,
which combined weight will be amply sufficient to overbalance the key end of the
lever and enable these parts to be restored to their normal positions with promptness.
The trip is so constructed or arranged as that the weight thereof will lie on one
side of the pivot and tend to cause said trip to fall outwardly or towards the
periphery of the type-ring. To effect this action, the trip is preferably beut
outwardly, as at 42, by which construction it will be seen that the gravity of the
trip will act to force or throw the upper end of the trip away from the center of
the system of trips and type-bars; and this action or ten lency is designed for the
purpose of causing the upper end of the trip to automatically resume its proper
position relatively to the lifting-pin 37 of the type-bar. As the rear end of the
key-lever descends and carries with it the trip, the latter will vibrate outwardly
independently, and its outer edge will ride along the inner side of the pin 37, until
the extremity of the trip passes by said pin, when the trip will instantly fall
outward, so that its extremity will come again in line and beneath said lifting-pin.

page_text: The upper and of the trip passes through and is guided by a slot in an arm or
bracket 43, supported from some fixed part of the machine, in this case projecting
horizontally inward from a depending arm attached to the type-bar bracket or
hanger.
As shown in Fig. 2, the trips are all arranged radially, and the rear ends of the
key-levers are bent to match, the trips being lonely pivoted to the key-levers,
especially on the side lovers, to avoid binding. The trips are all made alike, us
also are the type-bars and their hangers.
Each type-bar is provided with a spring 44, which may be of any form or
construction, and which has the several functions to be presently described. The
spring shown is attached at one end to a pin 45 on the type-bar below its pivot,
and at the other end to a pin 46 on the type-bar bracket, the spring being formed
of wire and having one or more turns intermediate its ends, whereby the ends of the
spring have a contractile force, or tendency to approach each other. This spring
acts to keep the lower end of the type-bar at rest in the basket or support 47
during the operation of other type-bars. It also tends to prevent the type-bar
from excessively rebounding when it strikes the rest or basket, and it likewise
assists in the elevation of the type-bar immediately before the printing monent.
As the type-bar rises, the pin 45 moves upwardly in an arc of a circle about the
pivot 21, and the ends of the spring are drawn a little farther apart, until the said
pin arrives at the dead point (a line passing through the pivot and the pin 46—
illustrated at Fig. 7), when the expansion of the spring ceases; and during the
continuance of the upward movement of the type-bar the pin 45 passes beyond the
dead-center line, and the contractile force of the spring tends to assist the rise of
the type-bar and acts in opposition to the gravity thereof. The expansion of the
spring during the travel of the pin 45 from its normal position to the dead center
líne does not in the least increase the touch or resistance to the finger-key, but on
the contrary during such expansion the resistance of the spring to the finger-touch
.is lighter, because the leverage of the spring gradually diminishes towards the dead
point, where the spring ceases altogether to have any influence on the type-bar or
its connected mechanism. While the spring acts upon the type-bar with a slight
accelerating force when the type is near the paper on the platen, yet the spring
does not materially retard the type-bar in rebounding from the platen, there being
always more than enough rebound to cause the type-bar to instantly spring away
from the platen and drop by gravity to the rest or basket. As the resistance
offered by the spring to the action of the finger-key constantly diminishes, the
action of the keys is less fatiguing than in machines where the resistance of the
type-bar spring (usually placed under the key-levers) is constantly increasing.
It is
The type-bar basket 47 is formed of leather or other light-weight material
possessing some degree of flexibility, and is loosely supported by wires 48 from the
top plate 2, or it may be loosely supported in any other suitable manner.
kept in normal position by the equal outward pressure of the lower ends of the
type-bars. When the type-bar; in falling from the platen, strikes the flexible side
of the type-bar basket, the latter yields a little, and the basket itself is distorted a
trifle out of its true shape, and moved a trifle out of its true position, the other
type-bars or some of them being jarred a little. All of these things absorb the
force of the said type-bar, and it is gradually brought to a stop, so that it does not
rebound into the path of the succeeding type-bar and impede the manipulation of
the machine.
The cushioned ring 19 constitutes a better stop for the key-levers than the
transverse bar that is usually placed over the key-levers at the front of the
machine, inasmuch as it facilitates assembling the machine or removal of
the parts, and permits a more accurate and easier adjustment of the trips in
relation to the lifting-pins 37 on the type-bars, as the trips when in normal
position must not stand so high as to fail to fall under the lifting-pins, or so low
as to cause excessive lost motion before contacting with the lifting-pins.
This cushioned ring is preferably made vertically adjustable, for the purpose of

page_text: arresting the return movements of the key-levers at the desired or best locality, so
as to insure the proper position of the upper end of the trip relatively to the
lifting-pin 37 on the type-bar. This adjustment may be variously effected. I have
shown one means, consisting of a tubular boss 49 at each side of the machine,
which is threaded interiorly to receive the threaded shank of a screw, having a
head 50 and a shoulder 51, between which the lateral arm of the cushioned ring 19
is introduced, said arm having a longitudinal slot 53, by which it may be connected
to the plain cylindrical portion 54 of the screw device, so that the said plaia portion
may turn freely in the slot of the arm. By turning the screws up or down, the
arms and hence the ring are either raised or lowered.
The key-lovers of the top two rows are each provided with a downwardly.
extending portion or foot 55, for the purpose of contacting with the pad-stop 39
below. The lower edge of this foot or projection in the normal position of the
key-lever stands at an angle to the pad, which is so arranged that when the
key-lever is depressed to its lowermost position the said lower edge of the foot-
piece is adapted to contact with the pad for its whole length simultaneously,
instead of striking the pad coruerwise and indenting and thereby injuring the
same.
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 [
claim is :
1. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a finger-key and a trip actuated
by the key and adapted to actuate a type-bar, the type-bar being provided with a
projection wherewith the trip engages when actuating the type-bar, and with another
projection adapted to contact with the trip to disconnect it from the type-bar,
substantially as set forth.
2. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a key, a type-bar, an inter-
mediate trip adapted to actuate said type-bar and release it, and a moving
projection, as 38, normally ont of contact with said trip but adapted to come into
contact therewith during the depression of the key and force said trip out of active
engagement with the type-bar during its ascent to the platen, substantially as set
forth.
3. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a key-lever, a trip pivoted
thereto and adapted to actuate a type-bar, and a moving striker arranged to
contact with the trip and vibrate it to release the type-bar, substantially as set
forth.
4. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a finger-key, a type-bar, and a
vertical trip arranged alongsido of said type-bar and in advance of its pivot, the
said type-bar being provided with a lateral pin or projection to be engaged by the
trip for the purpose of elevating the type-bar, and also being provided with another
lateral pin or projection for forcing the trip out of engagement with the first-
mentioned pin or projection, substantially as set forth.
5. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a key-lever, a type-bar, and a
vertically-arranged trip having the weight on one side of its pivot and directly
connecting the type-bar and key-levor, the said trip being adapted to actuate and
release said type-bar and then to return at once by gravity to its initial position or
place of rest when the key-lover is relieved from pressure, substantially as set
forth.
6. In a type-writing machine, a key-lever of the first order, bearing a key at one
end and a trip at the other, the trip being adapted to actuate and release a type-
bar and return by gravity to normal position, the weight of the trip giving the
trip a vibrating movement and giving the key-lever a downward movement,
substantially as set forth.
7. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a type-bar, a swinging trip
arranged in a plane parallel to that of the type-bar and pivoted to a lever at
its lower end, and at its upper end adapted to engage the type-bar by means of

page_text: a lateral projection, and means for disengaging the trip from the type-bar,
substantially as set forth.
8. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a type-bar proviled with n
lateral projection, a swinging trip arranged in a plane parallel to that of the type-
bar and whose upper end is adapted to engage said lateral projection and elevate
the type-bar, and means for disengaging the upper end of the trip from the lateral
projection, substantially as set forth.
9. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a type-bar provided with a
lateral projection, a swinging trip arranged in a plane parallel to that of the type-
bar and whose upper end is adapted to engage enid lateral projection and elevate
the type-bar, and a second lateral projection as a means for disengaging said trip
from the type-bar, substantially as set forth.
10. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a circular sories of type-bars,
a series of radially arranged trips, and a series of key-levers bent to radiate at their
rear ends and pivotally connected to the trips at the radial bends, substantially as
set forth.
11. In a type-writing machine, a series of key-levers, a series of vertically-
arranged trips loosely pivoted to the rear ends thereof and adapted to actuate at
their upper ends a circular series of type-bars, the type-bars being provided with
means, as 38, to disengage the trips at their upper ends from the type-bars, a
universal-bar arranged to be actuated by any of said type-bars and connected to
the carriage-feeding mechanism, and means for restoring the trips to normal
position upon release of the fuger-keys from pressure, substantially as set
forth.
12. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a series of type-bars arranged
in a circle, a series of key-levers arranged thereunder, a series of trips radially
arranged from the center of the type-bar system, the said trips being loosely
pivoted at their lower ends to said key-levers and extending directly to the type-
bars to swing and then part company with them, the pivotal connections of snid
trips to the key-levers excepting those at the center being made so that said trips
have each an angular arrangement with respect to the plane of vibration of its
associated key-lever, whereby the side trips may vibrate in vertical planes at
varying angles to the planes of vibration of their associated key-levers without
causing the latter to bind in their guides or imposing a strain upon them: and
means for vibrating said trips on their key-levers and restoring engagement with
the type-bars after the key-levers have been relieved from pressure, the said
vibrating and restoring menus being disconnected from and independent of said
key-levere, substantially as set forth.
13. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a universal-bar, a series of
type-bars, a series of links pivoted thereto, aud means for holding the inactive
links free from the universal-bar during its depression, whereby the universal-bar
is enabled to descend without frictional contact with said links, substantially as set
forth.
14. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a universal-bar, a type-bar,
and a link attached to the type and adapted to actuate the universal-bar, but
normally supported out of contact therewith, substantially as set forth.
15. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a type-bar, a universal-bar,
and a link attached to the type-bar and forked at its lower end to bestride th;
universal-bar, substantially ns set forth.
16. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a key-lever bearing a pivoted
thrust-trip and a type-bar provided with means between its pivot and the type
to engage said thrust trip, and with a short arm on the other side of its pivot from
which depends a link in position to actunte the universal-bar, substantially as set
forth.
17. In a type-writing machine, a parallel-motion annular universal-bar, in
combination with four supports extending to or arranged at the four quarters
of said universal-bar, and connected thereto at the said quarters, so As to

page_text: permit the necessary bodily movement of said universal-bar, substantially as set.
forth.
18. In a type-writing machine, a universal-bar loosely hung in twn bails, which
are connected to the nuiversal-bar at the four quarters thereof, substantially as set:
forth.
19. In a type-writing machine, a universal-bar loosely, hung in two bails set at a
right angle to each other and connected to the universal-bar at the four quarters.
thereof, substantially as set forth.
20. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a circular series of depending
type-bars with an annular universal-bar provided with vibrating supports by which
it is permitted to move in parallel planes, the universal-bar with its supports being
arranged outside the system of type-bars and in proximity to the type-bar ring or
hangers, and a sories of links pivoted to the type-bars and depending therefrom in
position to actuate the universal-bar, substantially as set forth.
21. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a depending type-bar, a
platen arranged above it, and a spring attached to the type-bar and arranged to
normally hold the type-bar in its depending position, but to diminish its resistance
to the finger-touch during the printing motion of the type-bar, substantially as set
forth.
22. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a depending type-bar, a.
platen arranged above it, and a spring adapted to first resist and afterwards assist
the type-bar during its printing motion, substantially as set forth.
23. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a deponding type-bar, a
platen arranged above it, the type-bar being pivotally supported and adapted to
swing to the platen to make the impression and provided with a spring arranged to
bear first on one side of its pivot and then on the other side, whereby the spring
first resists and afterwards assists the printing action of the type-bar, substantially
as set forth.
24. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a key, a type-bar, and a.
releasing means arranged between the key and the type-bar, and a spring arranged
to retain the type-bar in its normal position and to diminish its resistance to.
the finger-touch during the printing motion of the type-bar, substantially as set
forth.
25. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a circular series of depending
type-bars and a bodily-flexible loosely-supported type-bar basket retained in place
by the pressure of the type-bars, substantially as set forth.
26. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a series of key-lovers of the
first order, arranged side by side; a series of individual fulcra for said levers; the
key portious of said levers all being arranged at the front of the machine and
their rear portions terminating in a circle under the type-bar system; and an
annular support for the rear portions of the said koy-levers, substantially as set
forth.
27. In a type-writing machine, the combination of a series of levers arrangeil
side by side and whose ends terminate in a circle, a series of vertical trips directly
connecting them to a series of type-bars, and au annular support for the ends of
the levers, substantially as set forth.
28. In a type-writing machine, a loosely-supported type-bar rest or basket, the
type-bar-bearing portion of which consists of a continuous, bodily flexible, distortible
material, substantially as set forth.
29. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of finger-keys, a
series of type-bars, and meaus for disconnecting the keys from the type-bars, of a
yieldingly supported plate boaring a pad, for arresting the keys on the down stroke
when the type-bars have been released, substantially as set forth.
30. In a type-writing machine, the combination, with a series of key-levers, a
series of type-bars, and a series of trips pivoted to the key-levers and extending
directly to the type-bars, of a vertically adjustable support for adjusting the trips
with reference to the type-bars, substantially as set forth.

page_text: 31. In a type-writing machine, the combination with a series of key-levers of the
first order, and a series of vertical trips pivoted to the key-levers and extending
directly to the type-bars, and a series of radially arranged type-bars, substantially
as described, of a vertically adjustable cushion or pad stop made in ring form
and underlying the rear euds of said key-lovers, for adjusting the trips with
reference to the type-bars, substantially as described.
82. In a type-writing machine, in combination with a fixed arresting pad, a
key-lover having a depending projection or foot-piece arranged to stand normally
at an angle to the pad and when the key-lever is depressed to strike or contact with
the same simultaneously for its whole length, substantially as described.
33. In a type-writing machine, in combination with a fixed arresting pad, a
key-lever having a depending projection or foot-piece arranged when depressed to
strike or contact with the pad, substantially as described.
•
34. In a type-writing machine, in combination with a type-bar having an
integral lateral projection, a vertically-arranged pivoted trip extending to said
projection, and a key-lever of the first order, the koy-lever and the trip being
adapted to descend together independently of the type-bar, and the trip
having also simultaneously a vibratory movement outwardly to automatically
re-engage said lateral projection at the cessation of the movement, substantially
as described.
138
FELL & JAMES,
Agents for the Applicant.