Improvements in Type-writing Machines.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Oct., 1897--Accepted, 27th Nov., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type-writing Machines.
I, EMERY MANVILLE HAMILTON (Mechanical Engineer) of Flushing, Queens
County, State of New York, United States of America; do hereby declare the
nature of this Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
-
My Invention relates to typewriting machines and has for its object to produce
a very compact and efficient typewriter. To this end my Invention consists in
the construction hereinafter set forth and claimed.
My Invention will be understood by referring to the accompanying drawings
in which Figure 1 is a broken away full size plan view of a typewriter embodying
my invention. Figure 2 is a rear sectional elevation thereof, on the line 2-2 of
Fig. 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the platen feed of the machine on an enlarged scale;
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 3;
Figure 5 is a diagram of a portion of the machine showing the mode of mount-
ing the key-levers;
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the tpewriting machine designed more especially
to exhibit the carriage shifting mechanism in detail, and showing the carriage
in the normal position;
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, the carriage being shown as shifted to
bring the characters on the extremity of the type-bar in contact with the platen;
Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing the carriage as shifted to bring
the platen into such position that the additional signs on the lower parts of the
type-bar will contact with the platen when a type key is depressed;
Figure 9 is a section on line 9-9 of Figure 1, being designed more especially
to show the mechanism for actuating the feed-dog;
Figure 10 is a side elevation of a modified form of type-bar actuating mechanism
and its mounting;
Figure 11 is a plan view thereof, and
Figure 12 is a side elevation of another modification of type-bar actuating
mechanism and its mounting.
In the drawings, 1 is the platen of the machine which is carried upon a spindle 2
mounted in the framework 3 of the typewriter and having at one end a milled
hand-wheel 4 by which the platen may be turned, and at the other end a ratchet
wheel 5. Pivoted adjacent to the ratchet wheel 5 is a swinging frame 6 carrying
a fixed pawl 7 and a spring-pressed swinging pawl 8 which is also capable of
moving laterally on its support or in a direction transverse to the axis of the
platen, and which is provided with a cam-faced toe 9, clearly shown in Figures 3
and 4. This swinging frame turns upon an axis 10 and may be vibrated by the
hand-hold 10 (Fig. 6) to rotate the platen. During the descent of the frame the
toe 9 of the swinging pawl 8 engages with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 5
and causes a partial rotation of the platen, the movement of rotation of the platen
and the swinging of the frame being stopped by the fixed pawl 7 on the swinging
frame coming in contact with one of the moving teeth of the ratchet wheel 5 as

page_text: the said swinging frame swings downward. Upon the return swing of the frame 6
to its initial position, the swinging pawl S will be moved aside in a transverse
direction by its wedge or bevel face 9 contacting with a tooth of the ratchet as the
frame swings. Hence when the frame is swinging downward, the pawl 9 will
first cause the rotation of the platen, the pawl 7 will then be brought into contact
with the ratchet and stop the platen, the same having been stepped the required
distance by the pawi 9, and upon the return movement the pawl 9 will glide over
the outside teeth of the ratchet wheel and produce no motion thereof.
By referring to Figures 1 and 2 it will be noted that the type-bars 11" are shown
as substantially vertical, though it is obvious that they may be otherwise mounted.
These type-bars are each mounted upon a carrier plate or frame 12, which plates
are set in a bed plate 13, being held thereto by screws 14, which pass through
slotted cars or lugs 15, shown as forming part of the type-bar carrying plates 12.
These plates converge so that all the type-bars will strike at a common printing
point, and are adjustable by means of the screws 14 and the slotted ears 15, to and
from the point or points of convergence so as to set the type to write in proper
alignment. It will be observed that the type-bars are pivoted to the plates to
which the elbow or bell crank levers are also pivoted. To one end of each elbow
lever 16 (shown in Fig. 2) a key stem 17 is pivoted by its lower end, the other end
of the elbow lever 16 being connected by a link 18 to the lower end of the type-bar
below the pivot thereof. Each of these links 18 works in a slot or recess 19 in a
key lever and type-bar carrying plate. The plates may also be slotted as at 20
for the reception of a spring 21 attached to the plate and to the elbow lever 16
to normally hold the type-hars in the elevated position. Each of the plates may
also be provided with a slot 22 for the reception of a pivot 23 which connects the
stem 17 of a type key with the outer end of the pivoted elbow lever 16. As before
stated, the type-bar carrying plates converge, but the pivots for the type-bars are
located preferably on the same horizontal plane but at different distances from the
nominal centre of convergence, commencing at each side and gradually lengthen-
ing towards the centre of the curve, as shown in Figure 5. In this figure, the type-
bar pivot in each plate is numbered 24, the type-bars at the middle of the curve
being longer than those at the ends of the curve, for the reason that as we proceed
from the ends of the curve to the middle, the distances from the printing point to
the pivots of the various key levers increase. By this means of mounting and
constructing the type-bars, I am enabled to construct a typewriting machine
wherein a minimum amount of space is occupied by the type-bars and the operat-
ing mechanism therefor. Thus it will be observed in Figure 1 that the type-hars
and plates or frames therefor are mounted almost in contact with each other at
the inner ends. It will be seen that if the type-bars were all of the same length,
it would be necessary to mount them further apart in order to prevent them from
contacting or interfering with one another, but by arranging the type-bars after
the manner shown and described, I am enabled to bring the type-bars and their
carrying plates closer together spoon fashion. The simplicity and compactness
of a machine made in accordance with my invention will be appreciated, when it
is understood that Figures 1 and 2 show a full size working machine.
The mode of operation of the type-bars will be obvious from the drawings; as
it is clear that the pressure upon the key-lever or plunger 17 will swing the elbow
lever 16 and cause it to pull upon the link 18 thus throwing the type-bar 11" down
and out against the platen.
Having described the general plan of the machine and the mode of operation of
the type-bars, I will now set forth the arrangement of the carriage feeding
devices.
Pivoted upon or adjacent to each of the plates 12 is a bar 25 (Figs. 2 and 9)
whose pivot is at the point 26 and one end of which extends beneath a short
universal spacing bar 27 pivoted to the frame of the machine by arms 27* and
which is connected with the carriage feeding pawl 28 or any suitable feeding
mechanism, by a link 29. By referring to Figure 1, it will be noted that all these

page_text: pivoted to it, one end of which is connected by a link 61 to the lower end of the
type-bar 59 below its pivot 53, as indicated at 62. The other end of the elbow
lever 60 is pivoted to a key lever 64, which is carried by late 55. A spring 65
is also provided for restoring the parts to position after the stroke of the type-bar
las been made.
Referring now particularly to Figure 12, another form of type-bar carrying
plate 66 is indicated, to which the type-bar 67 is pivoted by pivot 68 and is pivoted
above said pivot 68 to a push link 69 which is adapted to vibrate in a slot or
aperture 72. This link 69 has the other end thereof pivoted to an elbow lever 70,
pivoted to the plate 66 and provided at its free end with a key lever 71. The
operations of these two forms of key levers actuating and carrying devices will be
obvious from an inspection of the drawing.
The advantages of constructing a typewriting machine where in each of the
type-bars and entire operating mechanism therefor can be carried by a single
plate will likewise, it is thought, be apparent. However, brief reference will be
had thereto. In type-writing machines it is desirable to construct the machine
with shortest possible type-bars consistent with the construction as a whole,
because the type-bars from the key to the entire mechanism so far as the size
thereof is concerned. Furthermore, by providing short type-bars there is more
rigidity of the parts and less liability of an improper alignment being had. It
being borne in mind that a short type-bar is both desirable and essential to a small
compact and efficient machine, it will be readily understood that it is at the same
time necessary to provide a small joint for the type-bar where it joins its support,
in order that the smallest possible curve may be struck and at the same time allow
sufficient room for the free movement of the part. With these points in mind it
is thought the advantages of mounting type-bars in the manner shown and
described will be apparent; short type-bars may be mounted in a small curve
close to the operating platen, the position of which platen corresponds substanti-
ally to a chord of the curve and thereby enables me to produce a typewriting
machine which possesses more stability and is more efficient than typewriters
wherein longer type-bars are employed and allows of the machine being made
much smaller. In a typewriting machine made in accordance with my invention
each type-bar and the mechanism for operating it, occupies a space lateraliv of
only about twice the thickness of the type-bar. Furthermore, the mechanism is
made readily adjustable to secure proper alignment of the type and the individual
plates can be readily disconnected and taken out together with its type-bar and
the operating means therefor, for the purposes of repair, without dismounting the
other parts of the machine.
From the foregoing it will be plain that I have produced a typewriter which is
simple in construction, efficient in operation, durable and compact, whose parts
may be readily adjusted and in which the writing is at all times in plain sight of
the operator.
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. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a series of converging bars 25,
combined with key-levers and with an universal spacing bar.
2. In a typewriting machine, the combination with suitable actuating
mechanism of a series of type-bars arranged upon a curve, the said type-bars being
of successively greater lengths as the middle of the curve is approached, whereby
a spoon-like arrangement of the types may be effected, substantially as described.
3. In a typewriting machine, the combination with suitable actuating
mechanism of a series of type-bars arranged upon a curve, the said type-bars being
pivoted at successively greater distances from the point of convergence thereof as
the middle of the curve is approached.
4. In a typewriting machine, the combination with suitable actuating

page_text: mechanism of a series of type-bars arranged upon a curve, the said type-bars being
pivoted on the same plane at successively greater distances from the point of con-
vergence thereof as the middle of the curve is approached.
5. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a series of disconnected con-.
verging plates each carrying a type-bar, actuating mechanism for the said type-
bars also carried by each of said plates, the said type-bars being arranged on &
curve and of successively greater lengths from the ends of the curve to the middle
thereof, whereby a spoon-like arrangement of the types may be effected, sub-
stantially as described.
6. The combination in a typewriting machine of a series of converging type-bar
carriers, pivoted type-bars carried thereby, converging spacing bars 25 likewise
carried by said type-bar carrier, and an universal bar 27 adapted to be operated
upon by said spacing bars.
7. In a typewriting machine, the combination with suitable actuating
mechanism of a series of type-bars arranged upon a curve, the said type-bars being
of successively greater lengths as the middle of the curve is approached and a
platen corresponding in position to a chord of the curve upon which said type-bars
are mounted.
8. The following instrumentalities combined in a typewriter a series of dis-
connected converging type-bar carrying plates each provided with independent
means for adjusting the same to or from the point or points of convergence, type-
bars carried thereby and arranged along a curve, the said type-bars being of
greater length at the middle of the curve than at the ends thereof, as and for the
purposes set forth.
9. A typewriting printing mechanism comprising a single recessed plate, a type-
bar pivoted thereto, a key stem and a connection between the key stem and
type-bar, working in the recess of the. plate, whereby the support for the working.
parts adds only the thickness of the material to the lateral space occupied by the
printing mechanism.
10. A typewriter printing mechanism comprising a plate or frame, a type-bar
pivoted thereto, a bell crank lever also pivoted to the plate or frame, a key stem
for actuating the bell crank lever, and a link connection intervening between the
type-bar and the bell crank-lever.
11. A typewriter mechanism comprising a single apertured plate, a type-bar
pivoted thereto, a key stem for actuating the type-bar and a connection between
the key stem and the type-bar working in the aperture of the plate, whereby the
support for the working parts adds only the thickness of the material to the lateral
space occupied by the printing mechanism, substantially as described.
12. As a means for rotating the platen of a typewriting machine, the combina-
tion with the said platen of a ratchet wheel carried thereby, a pivoted frame
adjacent to said ratchet wheel, and carrying a plurality of pawls adapted to engage
on opposite sides of the said ratchet wheel, whereby upon swinging the frame one.
pawl will operate to rotate the ratchet wheel as the pivoted frame swings, and the
other pawl will be brought into contact with the side of the ratchet wheel opposite
to that acted upon by the actuating pawl so as to bring the ratchet wheel to rest.
13. As a means for rotating the platen of a typewriting machine, the combina-
tion with the said platen and a ratchet carried thereby of a plurality of pawls upon
a common carrier, one of the said pawls being laterally movable and the other
pawl being rigid, the said pawls being adapted to engage with the opposite sides
of the ratchet wheel, whereby upon movement of the common carrier the laterally
movable pawl will engage with the ratchet wheel and rotate the same, and the
rigid pawl will he brought in contact with the ratchet wheel to stop the same, the
said laterally moving pawl yielding and gliding over the teeth of the ratchet wheel
upon the return movement of the common carrier.
14. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a ratchet wheel 5
carried on one end thereof, a carrier frame 6 provided with a pawl 7 rigid there-
with, and a laterally yielding pawl 8 provided with the incline 9, the said pawls

page_text: being adapted to engage with the ratchet wheel upon opposite sides, the pawl 8
operating to rotate the ratchet until the rigid pawl 7 contacts therewith to stop
the same, the whole constituting a platen rotating device or feed for a typewriting
machine.
15. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a platen carriage, a link con-
nected to said carriage for moving the same, said link being on a dead centre with
relation to the carriage when the carriage is in its normal position, and one or
more keys for moving said link from the dead centre position to shift the carriage.
16. A shifting mechanism comprising a key stem, a pivoted shifting link which
is on a dead centre with relation to the carriage in one of the printing positions,
a platen link connected to the platen carriage and means for connecting the pivoted
shifting link with the platen link to move it to and from its dead centre position
to shift the carriage, substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.
17. A back and forth carriage shifting mechanism, consisting of a carriage, a
platen link, a plurality of pivoted shifting links on a dead centre with relation to
the carriage in one of the printing positions and adapted to connect with the platen
link for shifting the carriage, the said shifting links being pivoted on opposite
sides of the point of connection thereof with the platen link, whereby the connee-
tion of one
will
pivoted shifting link with the said platen link
cause the carriage to be shifted in one direction, whereas the connection of the
other shifting link with the platen link will cause the carriage to be shifted in
an opposite direction.
18. In a carriage shifting device for typewriters, the combination of a platen
link, a plurality of shifting links pivoted to swing in opposite directions each of
said links being on a dead centre with relation to the carriage in one of the print-
ing positions and adapted to connect with and be disconnected from said platen
link and keys for actuating said shifting links, substantially as described.
Dated this 19th day of October 1897.
A. M. & WM. CLARK,
53 Chancery Lane London, Chartered Patent Agents.