US1280743A - Shorthand-machine. - Google Patents

Description

W. S. IRELAND.

SHORTHAND MACHINE.

APPLlc'moN FILED Nov. 1a. 191s.

1,280,743. l Patented 001;. 8, 191s..

5 SHEETSHSHEET l.

W. S. IRELAND.

SHORTHAND MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLED Nov. as. |916.

1,280,743. Pand 061;. 8,1918.

W. S. IRELAND.

SHORIHAND MACHINE.

1,280,743. ^FPUC^T|0N FILED NOV. la. |945,

Panted oct. 8, 1918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3- W.'S. IRELAND.

SHUHTHAND MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED nov.|s.l91e.

1,280,743. Patented not. 8, 1918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

ff/ mfr/71 W. S. IRELAND.

SHORTHAND MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. ls. |915.

Patented 0st. 8, 1918.`

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5 l i?. w a,

a a f a VM I Url; 3

UNITED STATESl PATENT oEEIcE.

WARD S. IRELAND, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, ASSIGN OR T0 NATIONAL SHORTHAND MACHINE COMPANY, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, A CORPORATION OF'DELAWARE.

SHORTHAND-MACHINE.

Specification ofy Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 8, 1918.

Application led November 18, 1918. Serial No. 182,072.

T0 ZZ whom it may concern.'

Bc it known that I, Tann S. IimnANn, a citizen of the llnited States of America, a resident of the city of St. Louis, State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful lmprovenwnts in Shorthand-Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in typewriting machines, and the novel features of the invention are particularly adapted for use in shorthand machines. Prior to this invention typewriting inachines, especially stenographic or shorthand writing machines, have been provided with means for feeding a continuons strip of paper which usually iinwinds from a roll and passes to printing devices, whereby a continuous series of shorthand characters are printed upon the paper. Owing to the peculiar requirements of a shorthand inachinc, it is a decided advantage to use a very long strip of paper so that the Writing may be continued for a considerable period of time Without frequent interruptions; however, considerable difficulty has been experienced in handling such paper after it passes from the machine. Shorthand machines have been provided with means for rewinding the papel' after it passes from the printing devices, the paper being fed from a supply roll to a rewinding roll, and afterward fed from `the rewinding roll while the shorthand notes are being transcribed by the stenographei'. Other machines have not been provided with rewinding devices, the paper being torn from such machines in comparatively short strips which are irregular in length and usually difficult to handle on account of the tendency of the paper to recurl after passing from a supply roll. In addition to the disadvantage of icing curly and unequal in length, the comparatively short strips are liable to become disarranged so that they do not follow each other in the proper sequence, and in this event the shorthand notes form the sole guide for rearranging the short strips. Therefore, the paper handling devices of shorthand machines have not been entirely an automatic means forI printing consecuftive characters onthe paper, thus distinguishing different sections of the paper so that the shorthand notes may be indexed and tiled for future reference. The inachine is preferably provided with a shearing device associated with the consecutive character printing device so as to cut the paper into small uniform note sheets each bearing one of the consecutive characters. These characters are preferably numerals, printed by a consecutive numbering device, but it is to be understood that alphabetical characters` may be printed instead of numerals. Since thc long strip of paper is usually firmly curled around the axis of a supply roll contained in the machine, the preferred form of the invention includes means for uncurling the paper after it passes from the supply roll, thereby straightening the paper before discharging it from the machine.

Bv automatically cutting the paper into uniform note sheets each havin a serial number or page number, the ditlrent note sheets may be easily handled in transcribing the notes; and if these consecutively numbered sheets become disarranged they may be readily replaced in their proper relative positions. Moreover, the uniform note sheets bearing consecutive numbers may .be easily bound together in book form, or otherwise retained in the sequence indicated by the consecutive numbers.

Another object of the invention is to produce a consecutive numbering device which is so constructed that it will operate automatically in response to movements of the key levers of a shorthand machine. lith this object in view the parts are preferably so constructed and arranged that the energy for driving the consecutive numbering device is transmitted from the printing keys to an operating spring. The power for operating the consecutive numbering device is, preferably, gradually stored in the operating spring during the different key operations, so that the required power is obtained very gradually and without any appreciable. effort on the part of the operator. The automatic numbering device preferably includes a timing arrangement for restraining the operating Spring during a predetermined number of key operations, thereafter releasing said spring with the result of printing one of the consecutive numbers on the paper.

A further advantage is gained by combining the consecutive numbering device with an automatic shearing device for cutting the paper into uniform sheets, and providing key controlled means for operating said devices in synchronism, thus severing the paper and at the same time printing consecutive numbers which appear upon the comparatively small sheets.

Vith the foregoing und other objects in view the invention comprises the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more specifically described and illustrated in accompanying drawings wherein is shown the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, it is to be understood that the invention comprehends changes` variations and modifications which come within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

Figure I is a plan view partly in Section, illustrating a shorthand machine embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. II is a longitudinal section of a machine.

Fig. III is a fragmentary view illustrating the paper feeding device.

Fig. IV is a section taken approximately on the line IWT-IV, Fig. II, looking toward the front of the machine.

Fig. V is a plan view, partly in section, of a rear portion of the machine.

Fig. VI is a fragmentary vertical section illustrating a ribbon feeding mechanism.

Fig. VII is a horizontal section showing a portion of the universal bar, key levers for actuating said bar, and ,the ribbon feeding device under the control of said bar.

Fig. VIII is a side elevation of the ribbon feeding ratchet wheel, showing the retaining pawl associated therewith. l

Fig. IX is an enlarged detail view showing the counting wheels havin peripheral type characters, means for eeding 'said counting wheels, and the means for printing the consecutive characters.

Fig. X is an enlarged-vertical section taken approximately through the center of the consecutive numbering device.

Fig. XI is a perspective view of the inkin device for the numbering wheels.

Fo illustrate the preferred form of the invention I have shown a shorthand machine provided With a housing 1, a type holder 2 arranged in said housing, (Figs. 1, II and III) a type bar 3 secured in said type holder, and an inking ribbon 4 adjacent to the line of type on said type bar 3. The paper passes from a sup ly roll A, over a roller 5, under' and partla ly around a roller 5,in front of and over an uncurl'ng device 6, and then to a paper feeding device whereby it is unwound from the roll and fed through an opening 7 at the rear of the machine, see Fig. II.

The key actuated devices preferably include a series ofv angular levers each having an upwardly extending arm 8 at its front end (Fig. II) and a character key 9 at the upper end of said arm. Any suitable shorthand code may be used, and the character keys 9 are preferably, but not essentially, provided with characters corresponding to the line of type characters on the type bar 3. `Each of the key levers includes an arm 10 extending rearwardly from its arm 8 and an arm 11 extending upwardly from the rear portion of Said arm 10. The series of key levers is pivotally supported by a pivot member 12 located at the junctions of the lever arms 10 and 11. The upper end of each lever arm 11 is provided with a forwardly extending printing hammer 13 which lies adjacent to the type 3, as seen most Y clearly in Fig. I. Restoring springs 14 (Fig. II) tend to retain the key levers in engagement with an abutment 15.

When one of the finger keys 9 is depressed, the key lever associated therewith turns about the axis of pivot member 12 and a printing hammer 13 moves toward the type 3, thereby forcing the aper and inking ribbon toward the type an printin one of the type characters on the paper. he key levers may be operated independently of each other, or any desired number of key levers may be operated simultaneously.

16 designates a key lever guide near the upper ends of lever arms 11, and 17 designates a key lever guide located at the junctions of the lever arms 10 and 11.

The universal bar associated with the key levers includes a-transverse abutment holder 18 (Figs. II and VII) arran ed in front of the series of lever arms 11 an provided with a yieldable abutment 19 which engages all of said lever arms 11. The universal bar also includes a air of arms 20 and 21 pivotally supporte by the pivot member 12, arranged on opposite sides of the lever arms 11, and secured near their upper ends to the transverse abutment holder 18. 22 designates a connecting member unitin the arms 20 and 21 of the universal bar, sai connecting member being located at the rear of lever arms 11." 23 designates a restoring spring (Fig. II) tending to retain the unversal bar in the position shown in the drawings. The transverse abutment 19, forming part of the universal bar structure, is so arranged that theuniversal bar Will move in response to movements of any one of the key levers.

The paper feeding device comprises a rotatable shaft 25, a pair of toothed Wheels 26 and 27 txed to saidshaft, a ratchet wheel 28 also fixed to the haft, and a pawl carrier 29 loosely secured o said shaft. 30 designates a paw] pivoted to the pawl carrier 29, and 32 designates aspring connecting said pawl to the pawl carrier. The spring 32 tends to force the pawl into engagement with the ratchet wheel 28, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. III. The arm 21 of the universal bar is provided with an extension (Fig. III) which coperates with an arm 35 on the pawl carrier 29. A spring 36,secured to the universal bar, tends to force the arm 35 into engagement with the universal bar extension 33, said arm 35i` being so arranged between spring 36 and lmiversal bar extension 33, that the pawl carrier will artake of the movements of the universal iar. It will be understood that the pawl carrier 29. as well as the. universal bar, is under the control of the key levers. and that the pawl carrier is adapted to oscillate in response to movements of said key levers.

When a key is depressed. or when several keys are depressed simultaneously, the universal bar moves forwardly about the axis of pivot member 12. and the pawl carrier 29 turns about the axis of shaft 25 to advance the ratchet wheel 28 one step. thereby turning the toothed wheels 26 and 27 to unwind the paper and advance it one step. At the end of the paper feeding operation. the printing hammer or hammers 13 force the paper and inking ribbon toward the type to print the selected character or characters. rThereafter. the universal bar and key lever or levers. return to the positions shown in the drawings, and during this movement the paper feeding pawl 30 moves idly along the ratchet wheel 28.

The margins of the strip of paper are preferably perforated as shown in Fig. I to receive the teeth which project from the periphery of the feed wheels 2G and 2T. 38 designates' a pressing device pivotally secured to stationary arms 39 and adapted to engage the paper at points near the teeth of the feed wheels :26 and 27 to prevent the paper from becoming disengaged from said feed wheels during the paper feeding operations.

The inner end of the strip of paper is firmly secured to a tubular core 40 (Figs. I and II) provided at its ends with friction members 41 and 42 which turn with the roll of paper. said friction members being secured to the core in any suitable manner. non-yielding friction member 43. engaging the friction member 41. is rigidly secured to a stationary arm 44. 45 designates a yieldable friction member slidably fitted to a spring pocket at the end of a stationary arm 4V. spring 4T forces the friction member 45 into engagement with the friction member 4:2 which turns with the supply roll. at the same time forcing the friction member Vll into engagement with the stationary friction member 42%.

The spring pressed friction elements tend to prevent the roll of paper from turning.

and upon the operation of the paper feeding device, the paper is pulled along the uncurling device (i, (Fig. Il) the latter being a very small rod fixed to the arms 39. In passing over the uncurlin r device, the strip of paper is turned abruptly in the direction opposedvto the direction in which it was wound on the roll. By holding the paper under tension and pulling it over the uncurling device in the manner illustrated, the paper 1s uncurled and fed from the machine 1n an absolutely straight condition.

The automatic shearing device includes a stationary blade 51 and a movable blade 52 located near the rear of the machine and adapted to sever the paper after it passes from the printing, uncurling and feeding devices. This automatic device is preferably under the control of the character keys, and it is preferably constructed to automatically cut the paper into a series of short uniform strips, which may be easily handled by the operator and readily filed for future reference. The consecutive numberingr device B is preferably coperable with the automatic shearing device, both of said devices being under the control of the character keys. and the operating means being preferably so constructed that the said shearing an numbering devices operate simultaneously. The consecutive numbering device is adapted to print serial or page numbers. one of which appears on each of the strips of paper. In this connection it may be noted that the combination of the uncurling device. the shearing device, and the consecutive numbering device produces a very desirable result, for if the paper was not straightened, the small sheets passing from the shearing device would, on account of their tendency to recurl, be nite diflicult to handle; and since each o the small straight sheets bears a serial number or page number, the series of sheets may be readily bound together and indexed for future reference. lf the sheets accidentally become disarranged. they may be easily replaced in their proper relative positions by arranging them in the sequence indicated by their page or serial numbers.

Briefly stated. the means for operating the automatic shearing and numbering devices comprises an operating sprin for moving the blade 52 and at the same time actuating the number printing device, means for transmitting energy from the finger keys to said operating sprinO' so as to place the latter under tension, and a restoring spring for returning the blade 52. These automatic devices are under the control of a timing device which moves step by step in response to movements of the finger keys. and upon the completion of a predetermined number of paper feeding operations. the timing device reaches a position wherein it will permit the operating spring to actuate the shearing and numbering devices.

The movable blade 52 (Fig. IV) is secured to a frame at the rear of the machine by means of a pivot member 53, and it is rovided with an extension 54 adapted to e engaged by a tripable operating member 55, the latter being pivoted at its lower end `to a lever 56. This lever is pivoted at 57,

and is provided with a finger 58 which engages a timing cam 59, see Figs. II and IV. 60 designates an operating spring, secured to the cam driven lever 56 and also secured to a stationary part of the machine. The timing cam 59 moves step by step in response to operations of the character keys, as will be hereinafter described, thereby lifting the lever 56 and placing the operating spring 60 under tension. W en the shoulder 59', on cam 59, reaches the point of finger 58, the operating device is released and the spring 60 then pulls the tripable operating member 55 downwardly so as to force the movable blade 52 into engagement with blade 51. A restoring spring 61, connecting the movable blade to the lever 56, is placed under tension during the cuttin operation, however, this spring is not e ective until the movable blade is released from the tripable operating member 55. The means for releasin the tripable member 55 (Fig. IV) comprlses a cam 62 formed on said member 55 and adapted to engage a roller 63. 64 designates a spring connecting the tripable member 55 to the lever 56, and tending to force the cam 62 into engagement with roller 63. The upper end of the tripable member 55 has an extension 55 adapted to bear u on the blade extension A54 and adapted to be disengaged therefrom by moving said tripable member downwardly from the position shown in Fig. IV. During this downward movement the cam face 62 moves along the roller 63 so as to release the tripable member 55 from blade 52, thuspermittin the restoring spring 61 to return said bla e. The operating spring 60 is of sufficient strength to actuate the movable cutter and at the same time place the restoring spring 61 under tension.

When the cam lever 56 is thrown by the operating spring 60, it strikes a pad 67 which prevents the cam fingerV 58 from striking the cam 59, thus deadening the hammer blow near the free end of-lever 56 and avoiding a noisy hammerblow at the cam 59. As the cam 59 continues to advance, it engages the cam finger 58 in a noiseless manner and the cam lever 56 is gradually shifted to restore the operating spring 60 and the ti'ipable shear operating member 55 to the positions shown in Fig. IV. In moving to this position, the tripable operating member 55 travels slowly along the roller 63 until the inclined face 55, at the upper end of said member 55, engages the blade extension 54. The tripable member 55 then moves upwardly and awa from roller 63, and its extension 55 fina ly passes over the blade extension 54, to the position shown in Fig. u IV. The member 55 is pulled to the last mentioned position by the small spring 64, and instead of striking a hammer blow on the roller 63, said member 55 strikes a pad 68.

Thereafter, the shoulder 59 on the timing cam 59reaches the cam finger 58, and the o Veratin spring 6() then actuates the mova le bla e as previously described.

The means for driving the timing cam 59 (Figs. II and IV) comprises a ratchet wheel 69 secured to said cam, and also secured to a sleeve 70, the latter bein fixed to the shaft 71. 72 designates a rocler arm loosely supported by the sleeve and provided with a `pawl 73 which engages the ratchet wheel 69. A bell crank lever 74, pivotally supported at 75, is provided with a pad which engages the rocker arm 72. 77 designates a yieldable link connecting the univ rsa1 bar to the bell crank lever 74, see Fig. I During each paper feeding operation, the universal bar turns about the axis of its pivot member 12 to actuate the paper feeding device, at the same time operating link 77, bell crank lever 74, rocker arm 72 and pawl 73, so as to advance the ratchet wheel 69 and timing cam 59 one step. During the return movement of the universal bar, the pawl 73 moves idly along the toothed face of ratchet wheel 69, and the ratchet wheel is prevented from turning backwardly by a retaining pawl 78, shown in Fig. IV. The rocker arm 72 is preferably connected to bell crank 74 by a spring 79 (Fig. IV) which retains said parts in frictional engagement with each other.

The consecutive character rinting device shown most clearly in Figs. I and X, preferably comprises units, tens, and hundreds Wheels, designated U, T and H, respectively, arranged within a small housing 81, and rotatably fitted to a tubular member 82, each of said Wheels being preferably in the form of a ring having a series of uniform notches 83 and a comparatively deep notch 84, *see Fig.

IX. Each 0f these wheels is also preferably provided with peripheral type characters for printing the characters 0 to 9 as indicated in Fig. IX. The means for feeding the counting` wheels comprises a rockable pawl carrier having a pair of arms 85 which li'e within the housing, shaft members 86 and 87 extending from said arms, and a curved web 88 connecting said arms. The shaft members 86 and 87 are iournaled in the -side walls of the housing 81. The combined feeding and carrying paw] 89, arranged within the counting wheels, is flexibly connected to the wheel.

arms 85 by means of a link 90. 91 designatos a spring for forcing the paw] 89 into engagement with the notched faces oi' the counting wheels. 92 designates spring pressed retaining pawls adapted to enter the notches of the counting wheels to prevent said wheels from moving beyond the alining point. during` the return movement of the feedpawl 89. The paal 89 is frictioiially engaged with at least one of the wheels during such movements, and the wheel tending to move backwardly with the pawl 89 is forced into engagement with the free end of a retaining pawl 93, thus locating the wheel or wheels in the desired printing positions.

The combined feeding and carrying pawl 89 is provided with a stepped operating edge adapted to enter the notches of the different counting wheels. The diferent steps of the pawl are uniform in depth, the shallow notches 83 of each wheel being uniform, and the enlarged or comparatively deep notch 84 heilig adapted to receive the stepped pawl during the carrying operations. 93 designates an operating arm for oscillating the pawl carrier and pawl 89, so as to feed the counting wheels step by step. When the parts occupy the positions shown in Figs.-

IX and X,a1l of the deep not-ches 84 are one step iu advance of the combined feeding and carrying pawl 89, and the characters 000 appear at the printing point. The pawl 89 engages the units wheel U, and it is disengaged from the remaining wheels as seen in Fig. X. At the beginning of the counting operations, the units wheel advances step by step in response to the oscillatory movements ot' operating arm 93, and after the units wheel has advanced nine steps, the pawl 89 enters the deep notch 84 ofrthe units wheel, at` the same time entering a shallow notch in the tens wheel. The movement of the pawl is limited by the tens wheel, so that its operating edge does not enter the hundreds The tens wheel 'as well as the units wheel, will then move one step with the pawl. aud upon the completion of such movements the characters 10 will appear at the printing point. The tens wheel advances one step during each revolution of the units wheel, and after the tens Wheel has advanced nine steps its deep notch 84 will register with the deep notch of the units wheel, thus permitting the stepped iawl to enga e all of the counting wheels. t this time te characters 99 appear at the printing line, and a continued movement of the pawl carrier will result in moving` all of the counting wheels simultaneously tolocate the characters '100 at the printin point. Obviously, the hundreds wheel wil advance one step during each revolution of the tens wheel. While I have shown three counting wheels it is to be understood that any desired number of counting wheels may be used and that any desired printing characters may be formed on the counting wheels. Furthermore, any desired means for feeding the wheels may be substituted for the mechanisin just described. I designates an ideiitif lication wheel, in the form of a ring located alongside of the counting wheels, and provided with peripheral type characters. This identification wheel is adjustable iiidepeiidently of the counting wheels and it is adapted to print a character designating the operator of the machine.

The counting mechanism moves one step in response to a prtuletcriiiined number of key operations, said counting mechanism being under the control of the timing cam 59 and cani lever 56, shown in Fig. IV. 9i designates a link connecting the operating arm 93 of the counting mechanism to a lever 95, the latter being pivotally mounted on a stationary rod 96. Link 97 connects the lever arm 95 to the cam lever 56, see Fig. IV. Dui-ing each revolution of the timing cani 59, the level' arm 56 rises to the position seen in Fig. IV, and is then pulled downwardly by the operating spring 60 as previously described. Motion is transmitted from the cam lever 56 through the medium of link 9T, lever arm 95, link 94, and operating arm 93, so as to feed the counting wheels` during the upward movements of cam lever 56. When the cam leveiz moves downwardly. the carrying pawl of the counting mechanism is restored very quickly while it is frictionally engaged with at least one of the counting wheels, thereby alining the counting wheel or wheels immediately before the printing operations.

The means for printing the consecutive numbers comprises an inking web or ribbon 98 arranged between the counting wheels and the strip of paper A', and a platen 99 is arranged below the paper at a point iinmediately below the ribbon and counting wheels. Platen 99 is preferably a piece of rubber or other yieldable material fitted to a platen carrier 100, the latter being a lever arm supported by a pivot rod 101 and provided with a. yieldable stop member adapted to engage a stationary member 102, as shown in Fig. IX. The means for operating the platen carrier 10() comprises a hammer 103 loosely supported by the pivot rod 96 and provided with a pad 104 adapted to engage the platen carrier as indicated by arrow iii Fig. IX. A flexible link 105, ireferably made of cloth, leather, or other ti rous inaterial, connects the hammer 103 to the cam lever 56, see Figs. IV and IX. When the cam lever 56 is thrown downwardly by the operating spring 60, the fiexible link is jerked very quickly to throw the hammer 103 into engagement with the platen carrier 100, thereby printing one of the consecutive numbers upon the paper. The hammer 103 is inipelled by momentum when it strikes the platen carrier, the flexible link 105 being free to yield to permit such movement after the cani lever 56 has been stopped by the abutment 67. After striking the platen carrier 100, the hammer 103 drops by gravity to the position below said platen carrier, where it will permit the latter to return to the position shown in the drawings. The downward movement of hammer 103 is limited by the flexible link 105, the latter being straightened during this movement.

From the foregoing, it. will be understood that the counting mechanism, the printing mechanism associated therewith, and the automatic shearing device, are all under the control of the timing cani 59, and upon the completion of a predetermined number of key operations, or paper feeding operations, the shearing device is actuated to sever the paper and the automatic printing device is actuated to print one of the consecutive numbers on the paper at a point in front of the shearing device.. Each of the comparatively small sheets of paper passing from the machine bears a serial or page number which is printed upon the paper by the consecutive character printing device.

The timing cam 59 is fixed to a rotatable shaft 71, said shaft being exposed at the rear of the machine, as shown in Fig. 11. The rear end of shaft 71 is adapted to receive a key or other operating member which may be turned to actuate a timing device independently of the finger keys. One of the objects of the invention is to ciit the paper into uniform sheets each bearing a page number and it is therefore desirable to provide a convenient means for cutting the paper without operating the character keys and paper feeding device. When a new roll of paper is applied to the machine, the strip is fed, by hand, between the shear blades and through the discharge opening at the rear of the machine. The operator then turnsthe cam shaft 71, by hand, so as to actuate the shearing and numbering devices, thereby severing the paper, printing a serial number on the strip at a point in front of the shear, and at the same time placing the timing device in its starting position so that the first sheet will be equal in length to all of the other sheets.

The inking ribbon located between th consecutive numbering device and platen 99, is preferably a small web of fabric 98 secured to a ribbon holder 107, said ribbon holder beinY provided with a` slot for the reception o a screw 108 which is exposed near the rear of the machine, as shown in Fig. V. Lever arm 109, shown by dotted lines in Fig. V, is arranged within a housing arid pivotally connected to the ribbon holder 107 through the medium of a screw 110 which passes through a slot formed in a top iss-oms wall of the housing. The ribbon holder may be readil detached and removed from the machine y removing the screws 108 and 110. A lever arm 109 is connected to an arm 109' (Figs. I and V) engaging an eccentric 111, the latter being fixed to the shaft y112 which turns step by step to feed the small ribbon 98, as Will be presently described.

113 designates a ratchet wheel fixed to the shaft 112, and 114 designates an oscillatory pawl carrier loosely fitted to said shaft, the paWl carrier being provided with a pawl which engages the teeth of said ratchet wheel. A yieldable link 115 connects the pawl carrier 114 to the arm 21 of the unversal bar, as shown in Figs. I and VII. The universal bar oscillates in response to movements of the key levers, so as to oscillate the pawl carrier 114, thereby feeding the ratchet wheel 112i, step by step to actuate the ribbon feeding eccentric 111.

The inking ribbon 4, which travels between the type bar 3 and printing hammers 13, is preferably a continuous web of material passing around guide spools 116, and fitted to a feed spool 117, the latter being fixed to the vertical shaft 112 which is operated through the medium of the universal bar as previously' described.

The printing hammers and the type holding means herein shown'are claimed in an application filed by nie on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,076. They key lever guide is claimed in an application filed by myself and W. E. Lippert on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,077. The universal bar is claimed in an application filed by myself and W. E. Lippert on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,078. The ribbon feeding mechanism is claimed in an application filed by me on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,075, and in an application filed by myself and W. E. Lippert on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,073. The automatic cutting device is claimed in an application filed by me on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,071. The identification device is claimed in an application filed by me on Nov. 18, 1916, Serial No. 132,074. The paper straightener is claimed in an application filed by me on May 19. 1917, Serial No. 169,620. The paper feeding device is claimed in an application filed by myself and W. E. Lippert on Nov. 18. 1916. Serial No. 132,066.

I claimzt 1. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuous strip of pa er, a printing device for printing shorthan characters on the paper, an automatic shearing device for cutting the paper into substantially uniform strips, an automatic consecutive character printing device for numbering each of said strips, and operating means common to all of said devices, said operating means including finger keys, a universal bar under lib the control of said finger keys, and means for transmitting movement from said universal bar to said automatic devices.

2. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a roll of papel', a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, an automatic shearing devicefor cutting the paper into substantially uniform strips, a paper feeding device for feeding the paper `from the roll to said printing device and shearing device, a paper straightener between said shearing device and the roll of paper, and a consecutive character printing device for marking the aper after it passes from said paper straig itener.

3. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuous strip of pa er, a printing device for printing sliorthan characters on the papel', a paper feeding ldevice for moving the paper step, by step, an automatic shearing device for cutting the paper into substantially uniform sheets, said automatic shearing device being adapted to operate upon the completion of a predetermined number of paper feeding operations, and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive characters on the paper, said automatic numbering device being operable in unison With said automaticshearing device.

4. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuous strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, a paper feeding device for moving the paper step by step, an automatic shearing device for cutting the paper into substantially uniform sheets, an automatic numbering device for numbering the sheets of paper, a timing device for controlling said automatic numbering and shearing devices, finger keys for operating said print-` ing-and paper feeding devices, and means for transmitting movement from said finger keys to said timing device.

In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuous strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, a paper feeding device for moving the paper step by step, an automatic shearing device for cutting the paper into substantially uniform sheets, an automatic numbering device for numbering the strips of paper, finger keys for operating said shorthand printing device, a universal4 bar operable by said finger keys, said paper feeding device being under the control of said universal bar, and a timing device for controlling said automatic numbering and shearing devices, said timing device being movable step by step in response to operations of said universal bar. i In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuous strip of paper. a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, finger keys for operating said printing device, an automatic shearing `the completion of a predetermined number of key operations.

7. In a shorthand machine adapted to re- .ccive a continuous strip of' paper. a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, a shearing device for severing the papel', a numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on thc paper, and means for operating said shearing and numberin devices simultaneously.

8. n a Shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuous strip of paper. a printing device for printing shorthand characters onl the paper, a shearing device for severing the paper, a numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, an operatin member common to said shearing and num iei'ing devices, and means for actuating said operating member upon the coniplction of a predetermined number of key operations.

l 9. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a continuousl strip of paper, n printing device for printing shorthand characters on `the paper, a shearing device` for severing the paper, a numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, a timing cam for controlling said numbering and shearing devices, and means for moving said timing cam step by step in response to operations of said finger keys.

10. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip 0f paper, a printing device for printing characters on the paper. finger keys for operating said printing device, an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper. and means whereby movement is transmitted from said finger keys to said automatic numbering device.

11. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of papel'. a printing device for printing characters on the paper. finger keys for operating said printing device, a universal bar actuated bv said finger kevs, and an automatic nuinicring device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper. said automatic numbering device bcingactu ated by said universal bar.

12. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing dcvicc for printing characters on the paper. finger keys for operating said printing device. a numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper. and means whereby said numbering device is operated automatically upon the completion of a predetermined number of key cperations,said means including a timing device actuated by said keys.

13. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of papier, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on ,the paper, finger keys for operating said printing device, and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, a spring for operating said .numbering device, and means for transmitting energy from said finger keys to said spring.

14. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on .the paper, finger keys for operating said printing device, and an automatic numbering device for printingr consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including an operating spring and means for transmitting energy from said keys to said operating spring` said means including a transmission member movable step by step in response to operations of said keys.

15. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip o f paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, finger keys for operating said0 printing device, and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including an operating spring. means for transmitting energy from said keys to said operating spring, said means including a ratchet and paw] movable step by step in response to o eratons of said keys.

16. In a siorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, finger keys for operating said printing device, and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including a controlling device movable step by step in response to movements of Said keys.

17. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing device for rinting shorthand characters on the paper, Enger keys for operating said printing device. and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including a timing cam movable step by step in response to movements of said keys.

18. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of papel', a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper,

, finger keys for operating said printing device, and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the pa cer, said automatic numbering device inclu mg counting wheels, an operating member for actuating said counting wheels, a platen movable toward said counting wheels, and

yof a predetermined number of key operations, and a ficxiblc member for transmit' ting movement from said key actuated device to said hammer.

20. In a shorthand machine adapted t0 receive a strip of paper, a printing device for A printing shorthand characters on the paper,

finger keys for operatingsaid printing device, au automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including printing wheels, a platen movable toward said printing wheels, a hammer for operating said platen, a key controlled device adapted to be actuated upon the completion of a predetermined number of key operations, and a link fiexibly connecting said key controlled device to said hammer.

21, In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, keys for operating said printing device, and an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device being operable independently of said keys, and said automatic numbering device being movable in response to movements of said keys.

22. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, keys for operating said printing device, an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive. numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including a timing device movable step by step in res onse to operations of said keys. and means or operating said timing device independently of said keys.

23. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of paper, a printing device for printing shorthand characters on the paper, keys for operating said printing'device, an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including a timing cam movable step by step in response to operations of said keys, and means independent of said keys for operating said timing cam.

24. In a shorthand machine adapted to receive a strip of pa er, a printing device for printing shorthan characters on the paper, keys for operating said printing device, an automatic numbering device for printing consecutive numbers on the paper, said automatic numbering device including printing elements, a spring for operating said printing elements, a timing device or releasing said spring, said timing device being movable in response to operations of said keys, and means under the control of the operator for moving said timing device independently of said ke s.

25. A s orthand machine having shorthand printing devices, a consecutive character prmtlng device, separate inking means for said printing devices, and operating means common to all of said devices.

26; A shorthand machine having a shorthand printing device, an inking ribbon assO- cated with said shorthand printing device, a consecutive numbering device, an inking ribbon associated with said consecutive numbering device, finger keys for operating said shorthand printing device, a universal bar operable by said finger keys, means for transmitting movement from said universal bar to both of the inking ribbons, and means for transmitting movement from said unversal bar to said consecutive numbering device.

WARD s. IRELAND.

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