US2163945A - Typewriting machine - Google Patents

Typewriting machine Download PDF

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US2163945A
US2163945A US156328A US15632837A US2163945A US 2163945 A US2163945 A US 2163945A US 156328 A US156328 A US 156328A US 15632837 A US15632837 A US 15632837A US 2163945 A US2163945 A US 2163945A
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type
bar
lever
key
arm
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US156328A
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William F Helmond
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Underwood Elliott Fisher Co
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Underwood Elliott Fisher Co
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J7/00Type-selecting or type-actuating mechanisms
    • B41J7/02Type-lever actuating mechanisms

Definitions

  • TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1937 s Shee ts-Sheet s Patented June 27, 1939 means 'rrrswarrnw momma William F. Helmond, West Hartford, Conn., as-
  • the series of type-bars are usually pivotally mounted in a type-bar segment having an arcuate pivot line and in which the various bellcrank slots are disposed radially at varying angles on the segment.
  • the arms of the typebars by which same are actuated in typing project from the segment at increasing angles of inclination from the center of the type-bar series to the outside, so that a number of the outside type-bars have their arms disposed at an acute angle from the vertical.
  • the arms of the bellcranks or sub-levers are bent at their free ends at varying angles into parallelism with the projecting arm of the corresponding type-bars, a pin projecting from the bell-crank arm engaging in a slot of the type-bar arm.
  • connection including a roller having a compensating sidewise or axial play; a series of such connections for all the type-actions in which the rollers are mounted on studs of varying lengths, the lengths being greatest on the outside typeactions.
  • a further feature of the invention is a connection that automatically accommodates a varying biasing or skewing relationship between the bellcrank and the type-bar and includes a roller having a circumferential groove with an aperture of much greater width than the thickness of the type-bar, and also such a roller having a sidewise play.
  • the pivot pins or studs may be of three different lengths
  • rollers are all of the same dimensions, but are used only on the eight outside bell-cranks on each side.
  • the specific number of keys above stated may be varied to suit the typeaction arrangement desired, these numbers being given for example only.
  • the invention also provides certain novel improvements effective during the swing of the type-bars, particularly during the whip action thereof, at the completion of the down stroke of the key-levers.
  • the stop position of the keylevers in down stroke is critical in eifecting the whip action, since such limitation determines the point in the type-bar stroke at which the typebar travels of its own momentum and begins the whip action.
  • Adjustably limiting the key-lever down stroke also serves to co-ordinate the key stroke, type impact, type rebound, and letterfeed release of the carriage during manifolding and while operating at high speeds.
  • the invention provides a device for arresting the key-lever in its printing stroke before the type strikes the platen.
  • An adjustable stop-device is provided to engage the key-levers near the front ends; the lower the stop is set,
  • each key-lever has integrally formed thereon adjacent the key-end a relatively rigid but bendable tongue member which at its free end may engage the stop.
  • the variation of the individual stroke is effective primarily to co-ordinate the action of the respective type-actions, particularly those at the sides of the machine with the actions at the center of the machine, and, accordingly, the bending of the tongue to the desired setting may be effected at the plant, .where adequate facilities are provided, the collective adjustable stop being manipulated by the typist or operator at will for the purposes set forth.
  • a movable pointer may be mounted over a scale to indicate whether the stop is effective when the type are near the platen and tend to make heavy impressions, or when the type are farther from the platen and so tend to make light impressions on the work-sheet, the pointer being operatively connected to the adjustable stop to be moved thereby.
  • Figure 1 is a partial front elevational view of the type-actions of a typewriting machine, the key-levers and certain other parts thereof being omitted for clarity, and showing also the adjustable stop and indicator for the key-levers.
  • Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the type-action shown in Figure 1, taken on a front and rear plane at about the center of the machine, illustrating the type-actions in inactive initial position and showing the letter-feed-escapement mechanism associated therewith, and the adjustable key-lever stop.
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the type-action during actuation at the instant of engagement of the key-lever with the stop, the type-bar in full line commencing its whip action by momentum, the dotted-line showing of the type-action representing its position at the instant of impact of the type with the worksheet, the stop being lowered to afford a heavy type impact as in manifolding.
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 with the adjustable stop lowered to afford a light type impact as for a single work-sheet.
  • Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of the type action showing the type-bar in full line at the instant of engagement with the segment anvil, the dotted-line showing of the type-bar representing the flexure thereof with the type at impact with a single work-sheet, for example.
  • Figures 6, 7 and 8 represent comparative elevational views, partly in section, of the operating connection between the bell-cranks or sub-levers, and the type-bar arm at three different stages of action of a typical type-action at a side of the 30 machine, Figure 6 showing the relation of the parts at the start, Figure 7, at an intermediate stage, and, Figure 8 showing the relation at the completion of the stroke.
  • Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation of a bellcrank and its stud roller, typical for a group of type-actions at the center of the machine.
  • Figures 10 and 11 are end elevations of the bell-crank, type-bar arm connections demonstrating the effect of the rollers in accommodating the angular change or skewing of the bell-crank end relative to the type-bar arm, and
  • Figure 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the letter-feed mechanism, being-a view taken on the plane l2--l2 of Figure 2.
  • a series of keylevers M are provided at their free ends with keys
  • Finger-pressure of a key I! causes the key-lever l4 toswing downwardly on its pivot it against the pressure of 'a spring l1 engaging the keylever
  • a laterally-projecting pin l3 engaging in an open slot i3 formed in an arm 23 of a bell-crank or sub-lever 2
  • includes an upwardly-extending arm 23 which, at its free end, carries a stud 24 rotatably carrying a roller 25, the roller 25 engaging a slot 26 in a projecting arm or tall 21 of the typebar 23.
  • the bell-crank pivot 22 is disposed in a straight line extending laterally of the machine, the pivot 22 being retained in a transverse member or frame 33, having a series of vertical slots 34 therein in which the pivot portion of each of the bell-cranks 2
  • the series of type-bars 28 are mounted for guiding movement in the segment 29 which includes a series of radially disposed slots, one for each type-bar 23 to guide same during travel so that its type-end enters a type-guide 35.
  • the radial disposition of the various type-bars from a substantially common center produces a condition in which the arms or tails 21, extendingfrom the type-bars 23, are disposed at varying angles, increasing in inclination from the center type-actions, so that the extreme outer type-actions have the arms 21 'at an appreciable angle from the vertical.
  • have their ends bent into spaced parallelism with the projecting arms 21 and, in that the bell-cranks 2
  • the roller 25 having its periphery in rolling contact with the slot 26 during action, is rotated on its stud 24 thereby conducing toward a free axial travel of the roller 25 on'the stud 24 because of the constantly changing bearing, which also has the advantage of minimizing wear, since the effect of the roller 25 is distributed over a substantial length of the stud 24.
  • the end of the bell-crank arm 23 changes its position angularly in relation to the type-bar arm 21 in that the arm 21 moves in a straight path, while the end of arm 23 moves in an arcuate path, as viewed from a point beyond the end of the arm 23.
  • The. roller 25 has its periphery formed in a groove diverging at each side in a flange 25. The root diameter of the roller at the bottom of the groove is such as to permit free rolling in the slot 25 without undue looseness in reversing the action so that the roller may readily roll on one edge of the slot 26 and be free of the opposite edge of the slot.
  • the flanges 25 keep the arm 21 in the groove of roller 25 during lateral movement and, to accommodate varying angular position of the parts as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the flanges 25 are spaced from each other a distance adequate to permit such angular change.
  • the stud 24 may be upset or otherwise formed to provide a collar 24' to retain the roller 25 on the stud
  • the deviation in the path of travel of the typebar arms 21 and the bell-crank arms 23 increases toward the outer type-actions. From this it will be seen that the studs 24 carrying the rollers 25 may be varied in length to suit each type-action.
  • the studs for all of the type-actions may be of three different lengths, namely: for the five type-actions of each side of the machine, studs of maximum length; for the next three type-actions the studs 24 may be of a medium length; and for the remainder of the type-actions at. the center of the machine, a short stud will be adequate.
  • the immediate center type-actions produce practically no lateral movement of the parts relative to each other and, therefore, the studs 24 thereof may afford only freerotation of the rollers 25; or, if desired, the rollers 25 may be rigidly aiiixed to the arms 23, as shown in Figure 9.
  • the invention includes the provision of means for adjustably limiting the downward stroke of the key-levers so that the point in the stroke of the type-bar at which same starts to travel of its own momentum may be varied to the desired distance from the platen or work-sheet.
  • the operator may conveniently regulate all the type-actions collectively for a rela tively light or heavy type impact to suit the particular work at hand whether single sheet or manifolding work and in a substantial range of adjustment.
  • the adjustable stop provided for these purposes is also of advantage in facilitating the work of the operator by co-ordinating the key-stroke type impact, type rebound and letter-feed release of the carriage for Various kinds of work and operating speeds.
  • the adjustable stop comprises a stop-bar 40 mounted for slidable motion relative to a cross-bar 4
  • lateral movement of the stopbar 45 causes same to be raised or lowered so .that its surface 44 is adjusted to or from a portion of each type-lever I4 adjacent its forward end to adjustably limit the down stroke thereof.
  • Each type-lever I4 has formed adjacent the forward end, a member or tongue 45 for engaging the bar 45.
  • a screw 45 is journaled in the main frame of the machine and is secured against axial movement relative thereto as by a collar 41 and a knob 48.
  • the screw 45 threadedly engages a lug 45 extending from the angle-bar 45. Rotation of screw 45 in either direction will raise or lower the bar 45 by coaction with the slots 43 and screws 42, to move its surface 44 toward or away from the tongues 45 of the key-levers I4.
  • the stop-bar 45 has been lowered to aiford a greater stroke for the key-lever and thus reduce the distance from the platen 32 at which the type-bar begins to swing of its own momentum, such setting being preferred, for example, in manifolding wherein a greater type impact is desired.
  • the stop-bar 45 is shown therein as being raised so as to limit the down stroke of the key-levers I4 so that the point at which the type-bar begins to travel of its own momentum is a greater distance from the platen such as would be required in single-sheet work. It will be noted by joint reference to Figures 3 and 4 that by varying the extent of travel of the type-bar in its own momentum, the celerity of impact will also be varied at will of the operator to suit the type of work at hand, as well as for other advantages set forth.
  • the movement of the type-bar in momentum may be permitted, for example, by the inclusion of a lost-motion device interposed at a suitable point in the type-action.
  • the motion of the type-bar in momentum is permitted by the resilient yield of the component parts of the type-action, particularly the key-lever I4.
  • the key-lever I4 at its fully depressed'position is supported at widely separated points, namely, on the pivot I5 at the rear end and at the forward end by the tongue 45 resting on theadjustable stop 45, a substantial length of the key-lever I4 is in suspension and thus provides adequate resilience to flexing and acts substantially as a bow spring, as will be seen from the dotted-line showing of key-lever I4 in Figures 3 and 4. Since by adjusting the stop 40, the arc of the momentum stroke may be varied, it will follow from this that the extent to which the key-lever I4 is flexed during the momentum stroke will accordingly be varied and therefore the celerity of impact of the type on the work may be set to the desired degree.
  • the flexed key-lever I4 during recovery to its normal state, augments the rebound or return of the type from the typeguide to insure against the jamming ofsevera1 type-bars into the guide 55, as may result during high-speed typing.
  • the amplitude of the return action of the type-bar 25 may be set so as to obviate any chance of jamming the type at the guide 55, at the same time assuring ample celerity of the greases momentum stroke for either manifolding or single-sheet work.
  • the type-bars 25 are arranged te flex in whip action at the completion of the typing stroke, there being an anvil or stopring 51 on the type-bar segment against which the intermediate portion oi the type-bar strikes, at which instant same is caused to flex until its type-head strikes the work.
  • the rebound of the type-bar 25 from its whip-action flexure co-operates with the flexed key-lever I4 in its recovery, both effecting the instant withdrawal of the type from the guide after the type impression is made.
  • each tongue 45 extending from each of the key-levers I4, provide for individual adjustment of each key-lever down stroke so as to co-ordinate the entire system of type-actions, particularly to vary the down-stroke of the type-keys in the outer type-actions with reference to the central group of type-actions to aiford uniform typeimpression throughout the machine. Accordingly, each tongue 45 depends from its key-lever I4 and projects forwardly in cantilever manner, the free end of the tongue 45 being disposed to engage the surface 44 of the stop-bar 45.
  • the tongue 45 is relatively rigid in structure but, being bendable, may be arranged to the desired setting to or from its type-bar I4 so as to engage the stopbar 45 with a lesser or greater down stroke of the key-lever I4 as required to co-ordinate same with the other type-actions.
  • a visual indicator is provided by which the operator may observe the setting of the adjustable stop 45, the indicator including a numbered dial so that the operator may quickly adjust the stop to the desired key-stroke suitable for the work at hand, the dial indicating the celerity of impact of the type with the work for a certain setting of the stop-bar 45.
  • is pivoted at 52 and has a member 55 thereof flexibly connected to the bar 45 by a fork 54 extending from the bar 45 to engage the member 55 so that as the bar 45 is adjusted, the indicating end 55 of the pointer 5i moves along the stationary dial 55, the dial being calibrated or numbered as desired to designate the range of adjustment afforded by the stop-bar 45.
  • the escapement-mechanism is similar to that usually employed in the Underwood typewriter and comprises a toothed escapement-wheel 55 co-operating with a pair of dogs 55, 5i, mounted on a rocker 55.
  • the feed dog 55 is pivoted on the rocker at 52 and is normally engaged by a tooth 53 of the escapement-wheel 55 so as to prevent rotation thereof, a spring 54, and the customary carriage-drive spring, not shown, functioning to hold the dog 55 in normal position in which it is stopped at abutment 55.
  • Figure 12 on the dog-rocker 55.
  • the spring 44 is so directed as to urge the rocker 55 to normal position against a stop 5! also urging the dog 55 normally against the abutment 55.
  • is integral with the rocker 55 and has a bevelled face 55 which may engage the escapement-wheel tooth 55 when the latter is disengaged from the feed dog 55 by a rearward movement of the rocker 55.
  • the escapementwheel 55 carries a pinion 55 with which a gear rack 55 is in mesh, the latter forming a platencarriage I5 rotatably supporting the platen 52.
  • the escapement-mechanism is actuated during swinging of each of the type-bars 25, same being provided with a shoulder II disposed to engage a universal bar 12 carried on a reciprocally mounted plate 13.
  • engaging the universal bar I2 moves the plate 13 rearwardly against the tension of a spring 14 so that the end of plate 13 engages the detent dog ii to rock the rocker 59 in releasing the platen-carriage for letter-feeding.
  • a type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing toward a platen in typing, a pivotally mounted sub-lever including an arm disposed adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar for actuating same in typing and comprising a member slidably carried on said sublever arm for lateral movement relative thereto and engaging said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the type-bar and sub-lever.
  • a type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a subdever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially vertical plane and including an arm terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion or said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a member slidably carried on said sub-lever arm for lateral movement relative thereto and engaging said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the typebar and sub-lever.
  • a type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a sub-lever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially vertical plane and including an arm terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a roller rotatably carried on said sub-lever arm and having sidewise play relative thereto and engaging said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the associated type-bar and sub-lever.
  • a type-action i'or typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a sub-lever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially vertical plane and including an arm terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a roller including side flanges defining a groove therebetween rotatably mounted on said sub-lever arm and having sidewise play relative thereto, said roller engaging an edge 01 said type-bar so that the flanges oi the roller straddle the type-bar edge to maintain alignment oi! the roller with the type-bar, whereby to.accommodate deviations 01' travel 0! the associated type-bar and sub-lever.
  • a type-action i'or typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a sub-lever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially. vertical plane and including an and terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a stud projecting laterally from said sub-lever arm, and a roller rotatably carried on said stud for sidewise movement relative to said sub-lever arm and engaging parallel edges defining a slot in said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the associated type-bar and sub-lever.
  • a plurality of type-actions comprising, in combination, a series of type-bars, a type-bar segment presenting an arcuate pivot for said type-bars, the respective type-bars being guided for pivotal movement in planes of increasing inclination from the center to the outside type-action, a series of sublevers pivotally mounted to operate in substantially vertical planes and including arms disposed adjacent the respective type-bars, means operatively connecting each of said type-bars and a corresponding sub-lever arm and comprising a stud projecting laterally from said sub-lever arm, a roller rotatably carried on said stud and having sidewise play thereon, and a slot in saidtype-bar for action of said roller therein, the sidewise play of said roller accommodating deviations in the respective paths of travel of the type-bar and sub-lever arm.
  • a plurality of type-actions comprising, in combination, a series of type-bars, a type-bar segment presenting an arcuate pivot for said type-bars, the respective type-bars being guided for pivotal movement in planes of increasing inclination from the center to the outside type-action, a series of sublevers pivotally mounted to operate in substantially vertical planes and including arms disposed adjacent the respective type-bars, means operatively connecting each of said type-bars and a corresponding sub-lever arm and comprising a stud projecting laterally from said sub-lever arm, a'roller rotatably carried on said stud and having sidewise play thereon, and a slot in said type-bar for action of said roller therein, the sidewise play of said roller accommodating deviations in the respective paths of travel of the type-bar and sub-lever arm, said sub-lever arm studs being of varying lengths increasing from the intermediate type-actions to the outer typeactions.
  • a type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a first member having a portion operating in a straight path and a second member having a portion operating in an arcuate path adjacent the operating path of said first member, and means operatively connecting the said portions of said members and comprising a roller mounted for rotational and sidewise motion on one of said members and a slot in the other member, said roller engaging an edge 01 said slot for movement 01 said members in unison.
  • a type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a pivotally mounted first member having a slot therein and a pivotally mounted second member including a roller rotatably carried thereon and having sidewise play relative thereto, and engaging an edge oi. said slot, whereby to actuate one or said members by movement of the other member notwithstanding a deviation in the respective paths of travel of the first and second members.

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Description

June 1939. w. F. HELMOND TYPEWRITING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 29, 1937 Inventor N orney June 27, 1939. w. F. HELMOND 2,163,945
TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 fiql.
Inventor:
' j I ,1 zdbemzwamv I 1 Z2 1 If 4' Eg Attorney.
June 27, 1939. wnF. HELMOND 2,163,945
TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1937 s Shee ts-Sheet s Patented June 27, 1939 means 'rrrswarrnw momma William F. Helmond, West Hartford, Conn., as-
signor to Underwood Elliott Fisher Company,
New YorhN. Y.. a
corporation of Delaware Application July 29, 1937, Serial No. 156,328
9 Claims.
15 thereby. The series of type-bars are usually pivotally mounted in a type-bar segment having an arcuate pivot line and in which the various bellcrank slots are disposed radially at varying angles on the segment. Thus, the arms of the typebars by which same are actuated in typing, project from the segment at increasing angles of inclination from the center of the type-bar series to the outside, so that a number of the outside type-bars have their arms disposed at an acute angle from the vertical. The arms of the bellcranks or sub-levers, each being directed substantially vertically, are bent at their free ends at varying angles into parallelism with the projecting arm of the corresponding type-bars, a pin projecting from the bell-crank arm engaging in a slot of the type-bar arm.
It is at this point of connection, that is betweenthe bell-crank arm and the type-bar arm,
that diiliculties in operation are had, particularly their free ends, during actuation of the type-bars,
' describe an are which rises away from the plane of the type-bar arm, particularly during the center part of the stroke. This operative connection of the bell -crank and type-bar produces three distinctive variations in action; the normal distance of the bent end of the bell-crank from the typebar arm increases during the first part of its advance movement and decreases during the latter part of its advance movement; the bell-crank pin is continuously changing its angular and lateral position relative to the type-barslot; and the arm of the type-bar skews with reference to the bent end of the bell-crank. As aforeindicated, these variations result primarily from the difference in angularity of the planes through which the respective parts of the type-action swing. As the bell-crank swings back to its initial position all of the foregoing movements are reversed. It may be noted that rigid, truly pivoted bell-cranks or sub-levers are important in maintaining the predetermined relationship of the type-bars, particularly of the type themselves. Longer pivot pins or studs have been used between the bell-cranks and the type-bars on the outside type-actions with the object of overcoming the difficulties, but an especial trouble in this construction is clinging of the type-bar on the pivot pin or stud so that the bell-crank lifts the tail of its type-bar and so skews or biases the type-bar out ofits normal plane. Since the typebar is formed and mounted so that the type passes centrally through the guide in front of the platen, skewing of the type-bar causes this endof the type-bar to strike one side of the guide and to set up a lateral quivering of the type-bar in the guide as the type strikes the work-sheet on the platen, resulting in an imperfect type impression.
The above inherent faults of a type-action are obviated by providing a. novel connection between the bell-crank and the type-bar to accommodate the differences in movement of these members in an even, frictionless manner; the connection including a roller having a compensating sidewise or axial play; a series of such connections for all the type-actions in which the rollers are mounted on studs of varying lengths, the lengths being greatest on the outside typeactions.
A further feature of the invention is a connection that automatically accommodates a varying biasing or skewing relationship between the bellcrank and the type-bar and includes a roller having a circumferential groove with an aperture of much greater width than the thickness of the type-bar, and also such a roller having a sidewise play.
It is an advantage particularly to the outer type-actions to enhance the speed of operation of the typewriter by eliminating the friction in these type-actions to a substantial extent, thereby increasing acceleration in the type-bars, advantageous in effecting the whip action thereof. Such advantages are obtained particularly in the outer type-actions because the side play of the roller readily accommodates itself to the position taken by the type-bar arm so as to actuate same without any skewing of the bell-crank, thus obviating any binding at the bell-crank pivot slot. The roller, having sidewise play, and being rot ated during action, readily assumes an aligned position relative to the type-bar arm since the rotation of the roller allows same to move axially on its pin practically without resistance.
In one embodiment of the inventionthe pivot pins or studs may be of three different lengths,
namely: for the five outside bell-cranks on each side the longest pivot pins; for the next three bell-cranks the medium length; for the rest a short stud. The rollers are all of the same dimensions, but are used only on the eight outside bell-cranks on each side. The specific number of keys above stated may be varied to suit the typeaction arrangement desired, these numbers being given for example only.
The invention also provides certain novel improvements effective during the swing of the type-bars, particularly during the whip action thereof, at the completion of the down stroke of the key-levers. The stop position of the keylevers in down stroke is critical in eifecting the whip action, since such limitation determines the point in the type-bar stroke at which the typebar travels of its own momentum and begins the whip action. Adjustably limiting the key-lever down stroke also serves to co-ordinate the key stroke, type impact, type rebound, and letterfeed release of the carriage during manifolding and while operating at high speeds.
In machines, such as the Underwood, employing type-bars swingable about a fulcrum to a common printing point, there is employed a stopring or anvil which the type-bar strikes just before the type strikes the platen, whereby the swinging type-bar is arrested in such manner that the type-end thereof whips to the platen and makes the impression, and then springs away from the platen again to avoid blurring. There is still apt to be some blurring of the impression or some double printing or ghosting due, for instance, to faulty key manipulation.
To overcome these objections and gain other advantages the invention provides a device for arresting the key-lever in its printing stroke before the type strikes the platen. An adjustable stop-device is provided to engage the key-levers near the front ends; the lower the stop is set,
able distance equal to that of a heavy manifolding bly. The recoil of the type-bar from the platen is impelled by the resilient recovery of the key-lever from its downwardly flexed condition, being also aided in its recoil by its recovery from flexure on the anvil as aforementioned.
The aforesaid adjustable stopembodies means for varying the limit of down-stroke for all the key-levers collectively and it is desired to afford means for varying the limit of stroke of each key-lever individually, and more particularly to vary the distance between the finger-engaged surface of the key on any one key-lever and the part of the lever engaging the stop. In accordance with the invention each key-lever has integrally formed thereon adjacent the key-end a relatively rigid but bendable tongue member which at its free end may engage the stop. Thus, by bending the overhanging member or tongue relative to the key-lever the depth of down stroke for the individual key-lever may be aiiected. The variation of the individual stroke is effective primarily to co-ordinate the action of the respective type-actions, particularly those at the sides of the machine with the actions at the center of the machine, and, accordingly, the bending of the tongue to the desired setting may be effected at the plant, .where adequate facilities are provided, the collective adjustable stop being manipulated by the typist or operator at will for the purposes set forth.
A movable pointer may be mounted over a scale to indicate whether the stop is effective when the type are near the platen and tend to make heavy impressions, or when the type are farther from the platen and so tend to make light impressions on the work-sheet, the pointer being operatively connected to the adjustable stop to be moved thereby.
Certain improvements herein set forth, particularly the adjustable stop for the key-levers, relate to the co-pending application of Jesse A. B. Smith, entitled Improvements in typewriting machines", Serial No. 109,228, flied November 5, 1936.
Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.
- In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a partial front elevational view of the type-actions of a typewriting machine, the key-levers and certain other parts thereof being omitted for clarity, and showing also the adjustable stop and indicator for the key-levers.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the type-action shown in Figure 1, taken on a front and rear plane at about the center of the machine, illustrating the type-actions in inactive initial position and showing the letter-feed-escapement mechanism associated therewith, and the adjustable key-lever stop.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the type-action during actuation at the instant of engagement of the key-lever with the stop, the type-bar in full line commencing its whip action by momentum, the dotted-line showing of the type-action representing its position at the instant of impact of the type with the worksheet, the stop being lowered to afford a heavy type impact as in manifolding.
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 with the adjustable stop lowered to afford a light type impact as for a single work-sheet.
Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of the type action showing the type-bar in full line at the instant of engagement with the segment anvil, the dotted-line showing of the type-bar representing the flexure thereof with the type at impact with a single work-sheet, for example.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 represent comparative elevational views, partly in section, of the operating connection between the bell-cranks or sub-levers, and the type-bar arm at three different stages of action of a typical type-action at a side of the 30 machine, Figure 6 showing the relation of the parts at the start, Figure 7, at an intermediate stage, and, Figure 8 showing the relation at the completion of the stroke.
Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation of a bellcrank and its stud roller, typical for a group of type-actions at the center of the machine.
Figures 10 and 11 are end elevations of the bell-crank, type-bar arm connections demonstrating the effect of the rollers in accommodating the angular change or skewing of the bell-crank end relative to the type-bar arm, and
Figure 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the letter-feed mechanism, being-a view taken on the plane l2--l2 of Figure 2.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, a series of keylevers M are provided at their free ends with keys |5 comprising a keyboard of the machine.
Finger-pressure of a key I! causes the key-lever l4 toswing downwardly on its pivot it against the pressure of 'a spring l1 engaging the keylever |4 adJacent the pivotal end thereof, each spring |1 engaging its key-lever |4 against a cushion stop l3. Intermediate the ends of the key-lever I4 is a laterally-projecting pin l3 engaging in an open slot i3 formed in an arm 23 of a bell-crank or sub-lever 2| so that during depression of the key-lever H the bell-crank 2| is caused to swing on a pivot 22. The bell-crank 2| includes an upwardly-extending arm 23 which, at its free end, carries a stud 24 rotatably carrying a roller 25, the roller 25 engaging a slot 26 in a projecting arm or tall 21 of the typebar 23. A series of type-bars 23-are provided, each being pivotally mounted on a type-bar segment 23 which includes an arcuate pivot pin 30 therein. As each bell-crank 2| is actuated by depression of the associated key-lever l4, the roller 25 on the arm 23, acting in the slot 26, swings the type-bar 23 so that the type characters 3| thereon strike a. work-sheet carried on a platen 32, as will be hereinafter described in further detail.
In reference to the general arrangement of the elements in the three-part type-action, as illustrated in Figure 1, it will be observed that the bell-crank pivot 22 is disposed in a straight line extending laterally of the machine, the pivot 22 being retained in a transverse member or frame 33, having a series of vertical slots 34 therein in which the pivot portion of each of the bell-cranks 2| is disposed for guiding in a substantially vertical operating plane. ,Asis usual in three-part type-actions of Underwood machines, the series of type-bars 28 are mounted for guiding movement in the segment 29 which includes a series of radially disposed slots, one for each type-bar 23 to guide same during travel so that its type-end enters a type-guide 35. The radial disposition of the various type-bars from a substantially common center, produces a condition in which the arms or tails 21, extendingfrom the type-bars 23, are disposed at varying angles, increasing in inclination from the center type-actions, so that the extreme outer type-actions have the arms 21 'at an appreciable angle from the vertical. The arms 23 of the bell-cranks 2| have their ends bent into spaced parallelism with the projecting arms 21 and, in that the bell-cranks 2| operate in a vertical plane, their free ends, carrying the studs 24 and the rollers 25, describe an are which deviates from the plane of travel of the arms 21.
This deviation of travel is shown graphically in several stages of action in Figures 6, '1 and 8, Figure 6 illustrating substantially the relation of the parts at the start of operation at which stage the bell-crank arm 23 is close to the type-bar arm 21; Figure 7 showing the relation of the parts intermediate the stroke at which instant the bell-crank arm 23 has moved laterally away from the type-bar arm 21; and Figure 8 showing the relation of the parts at the completion of the stroke at which instant the bell-crank arm 23 has again moved toward the type-bar arm 21. From this it will be readily seen that the roller 25, having sidewise play on the stud 24, will readily assume the position to or from the bell-crank arm 23 as defined by the type-bar arm 21. The roller 25.,having its periphery in rolling contact with the slot 26 during action, is rotated on its stud 24 thereby conducing toward a free axial travel of the roller 25 on'the stud 24 because of the constantly changing bearing, which also has the advantage of minimizing wear, since the effect of the roller 25 is distributed over a substantial length of the stud 24.
With further reference to the action of the roller 25 it will alsobe observed, by reference to Figures 10 and 11, that the end of the bell-crank arm 23 changes its position angularly in relation to the type-bar arm 21 in that the arm 21 moves in a straight path, while the end of arm 23 moves in an arcuate path, as viewed from a point beyond the end of the arm 23. The. roller 25 has its periphery formed in a groove diverging at each side in a flange 25. The root diameter of the roller at the bottom of the groove is such as to permit free rolling in the slot 25 without undue looseness in reversing the action so that the roller may readily roll on one edge of the slot 26 and be free of the opposite edge of the slot. The flanges 25 keep the arm 21 in the groove of roller 25 during lateral movement and, to accommodate varying angular position of the parts as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the flanges 25 are spaced from each other a distance adequate to permit such angular change. The stud 24 may be upset or otherwise formed to provide a collar 24' to retain the roller 25 on the stud In view of the varying angles of inclination of the various type-bars 23, as shown in Figure 1, the deviation in the path of travel of the typebar arms 21 and the bell-crank arms 23, increases toward the outer type-actions. From this it will be seen that the studs 24 carrying the rollers 25 may be varied in length to suit each type-action. For practical purposes, however, to effect economics in manufacture, the studs for all of the type-actions may be of three different lengths, namely: for the five type-actions of each side of the machine, studs of maximum length; for the next three type-actions the studs 24 may be of a medium length; and for the remainder of the type-actions at. the center of the machine, a short stud will be adequate. In action, the immediate center type-actions produce practically no lateral movement of the parts relative to each other and, therefore, the studs 24 thereof may afford only freerotation of the rollers 25; or, if desired, the rollers 25 may be rigidly aiiixed to the arms 23, as shown in Figure 9.
The invention includes the provision of means for adjustably limiting the downward stroke of the key-levers so that the point in the stroke of the type-bar at which same starts to travel of its own momentum may be varied to the desired distance from the platen or work-sheet. By such adjustment the operator may conveniently regulate all the type-actions collectively for a rela tively light or heavy type impact to suit the particular work at hand whether single sheet or manifolding work and in a substantial range of adjustment. The adjustable stop provided for these purposes is also of advantage in facilitating the work of the operator by co-ordinating the key-stroke type impact, type rebound and letter-feed release of the carriage for Various kinds of work and operating speeds.
As shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable stop comprises a stop-bar 40 mounted for slidable motion relative to a cross-bar 4| on studs or screws 42 passing through inclined slots bar 4i, the bar 4| extending across the machine 45 in the stop-bar 45 and anchored inthe crossand being supported on the main frame thereof. By the coaction of the inclined slots 43 with the respective studs 42, lateral movement of the stopbar 45 causes same to be raised or lowered so .that its surface 44 is adjusted to or from a portion of each type-lever I4 adjacent its forward end to adjustably limit the down stroke thereof. Each type-lever I4 has formed adjacent the forward end, a member or tongue 45 for engaging the bar 45. A screw 45 is journaled in the main frame of the machine and is secured against axial movement relative thereto as by a collar 41 and a knob 48. The screw 45 threadedly engages a lug 45 extending from the angle-bar 45. Rotation of screw 45 in either direction will raise or lower the bar 45 by coaction with the slots 43 and screws 42, to move its surface 44 toward or away from the tongues 45 of the key-levers I4.
In the showing of the type-action in Figure 3, the stop-bar 45 has been lowered to aiford a greater stroke for the key-lever and thus reduce the distance from the platen 32 at which the type-bar begins to swing of its own momentum, such setting being preferred, for example, in manifolding wherein a greater type impact is desired.
Referring to Figure 4, the stop-bar 45 is shown therein as being raised so as to limit the down stroke of the key-levers I4 so that the point at which the type-bar begins to travel of its own momentum is a greater distance from the platen such as would be required in single-sheet work. It will be noted by joint reference to Figures 3 and 4 that by varying the extent of travel of the type-bar in its own momentum, the celerity of impact will also be varied at will of the operator to suit the type of work at hand, as well as for other advantages set forth.
The movement of the type-bar in momentum, that is, when the key-lever I4 has engaged the stop-bar 45 and its down stroke is arrested, may be permitted, for example, by the inclusion of a lost-motion device interposed at a suitable point in the type-action. However, in the present invention, the motion of the type-bar in momentum is permitted by the resilient yield of the component parts of the type-action, particularly the key-lever I4. In that the key-lever I4, at its fully depressed'position is supported at widely separated points, namely, on the pivot I5 at the rear end and at the forward end by the tongue 45 resting on theadjustable stop 45, a substantial length of the key-lever I4 is in suspension and thus provides adequate resilience to flexing and acts substantially as a bow spring, as will be seen from the dotted-line showing of key-lever I4 in Figures 3 and 4. Since by adjusting the stop 40, the arc of the momentum stroke may be varied, it will follow from this that the extent to which the key-lever I4 is flexed during the momentum stroke will accordingly be varied and therefore the celerity of impact of the type on the work may be set to the desired degree.
In the reverse action, the flexed key-lever I4, during recovery to its normal state, augments the rebound or return of the type from the typeguide to insure against the jamming ofsevera1 type-bars into the guide 55, as may result during high-speed typing. By adjustment of the stop-bar the amplitude of the return action of the type-bar 25 may be set so as to obviate any chance of jamming the type at the guide 55, at the same time assuring ample celerity of the greases momentum stroke for either manifolding or single-sheet work.
As shown in Figure 5, the type-bars 25 are arranged te flex in whip action at the completion of the typing stroke, there being an anvil or stopring 51 on the type-bar segment against which the intermediate portion oi the type-bar strikes, at which instant same is caused to flex until its type-head strikes the work. The rebound of the type-bar 25 from its whip-action flexure co-operates with the flexed key-lever I4 in its recovery, both effecting the instant withdrawal of the type from the guide after the type impression is made.
The tongues 45, extending from each of the key-levers I4, provide for individual adjustment of each key-lever down stroke so as to co-ordinate the entire system of type-actions, particularly to vary the down-stroke of the type-keys in the outer type-actions with reference to the central group of type-actions to aiford uniform typeimpression throughout the machine. Accordingly, each tongue 45 depends from its key-lever I4 and projects forwardly in cantilever manner, the free end of the tongue 45 being disposed to engage the surface 44 of the stop-bar 45. The tongue 45 is relatively rigid in structure but, being bendable, may be arranged to the desired setting to or from its type-bar I4 so as to engage the stopbar 45 with a lesser or greater down stroke of the key-lever I4 as required to co-ordinate same with the other type-actions.
A visual indicator is provided by which the operator may observe the setting of the adjustable stop 45, the indicator including a numbered dial so that the operator may quickly adjust the stop to the desired key-stroke suitable for the work at hand, the dial indicating the celerity of impact of the type with the work for a certain setting of the stop-bar 45. A pointer 5| is pivoted at 52 and has a member 55 thereof flexibly connected to the bar 45 by a fork 54 extending from the bar 45 to engage the member 55 so that as the bar 45 is adjusted, the indicating end 55 of the pointer 5i moves along the stationary dial 55, the dial being calibrated or numbered as desired to designate the range of adjustment afforded by the stop-bar 45.
The escapement-mechanism, Figures 2 and 12, is similar to that usually employed in the Underwood typewriter and comprises a toothed escapement-wheel 55 co-operating with a pair of dogs 55, 5i, mounted on a rocker 55. The feed dog 55 is pivoted on the rocker at 52 and is normally engaged by a tooth 53 of the escapement-wheel 55 so as to prevent rotation thereof, a spring 54, and the customary carriage-drive spring, not shown, functioning to hold the dog 55 in normal position in which it is stopped at abutment 55. Figure 12, on the dog-rocker 55. The spring 44 is so directed as to urge the rocker 55 to normal position against a stop 5! also urging the dog 55 normally against the abutment 55. The detent dog 5| is integral with the rocker 55 and has a bevelled face 55 which may engage the escapement-wheel tooth 55 when the latter is disengaged from the feed dog 55 by a rearward movement of the rocker 55. The escapementwheel 55 carries a pinion 55 with which a gear rack 55 is in mesh, the latter forming a platencarriage I5 rotatably supporting the platen 52.
The escapement-mechanism is actuated during swinging of each of the type-bars 25, same being provided with a shoulder II disposed to engage a universal bar 12 carried on a reciprocally mounted plate 13. As the type-bar 28 swings upwardly, the shoulder 1| engaging the universal bar I2, moves the plate 13 rearwardly against the tension of a spring 14 so that the end of plate 13 engages the detent dog ii to rock the rocker 59 in releasing the platen-carriage for letter-feeding.
Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention, and portions of the improvements may be used without others.
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing toward a platen in typing, a pivotally mounted sub-lever including an arm disposed adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar for actuating same in typing and comprising a member slidably carried on said sublever arm for lateral movement relative thereto and engaging said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the type-bar and sub-lever.
2. A type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a subdever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially vertical plane and including an arm terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion or said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a member slidably carried on said sub-lever arm for lateral movement relative thereto and engaging said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the typebar and sub-lever.
3. A type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a sub-lever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially vertical plane and including an arm terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a roller rotatably carried on said sub-lever arm and having sidewise play relative thereto and engaging said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the associated type-bar and sub-lever.
4. A type-action i'or typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a sub-lever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially vertical plane and including an arm terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a roller including side flanges defining a groove therebetween rotatably mounted on said sub-lever arm and having sidewise play relative thereto, said roller engaging an edge 01 said type-bar so that the flanges oi the roller straddle the type-bar edge to maintain alignment oi! the roller with the type-bar, whereby to.accommodate deviations 01' travel 0! the associated type-bar and sub-lever.
5. A type-action i'or typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a type-bar pivotally mounted to swing in an inclined plane toward a platen in typing, a sub-lever pivotally mounted to operate in a substantially. vertical plane and including an and terminating adjacent said type-bar, and means for transmitting the motion of said sub-lever to said type-bar to actuate same in typing and comprising a stud projecting laterally from said sub-lever arm, and a roller rotatably carried on said stud for sidewise movement relative to said sub-lever arm and engaging parallel edges defining a slot in said type-bar, whereby to accommodate deviations in the respective paths of travel of the associated type-bar and sub-lever.
6. In a typewriting machine, a plurality of type-actions comprising, in combination, a series of type-bars, a type-bar segment presenting an arcuate pivot for said type-bars, the respective type-bars being guided for pivotal movement in planes of increasing inclination from the center to the outside type-action, a series of sublevers pivotally mounted to operate in substantially vertical planes and including arms disposed adjacent the respective type-bars, means operatively connecting each of said type-bars and a corresponding sub-lever arm and comprising a stud projecting laterally from said sub-lever arm, a roller rotatably carried on said stud and having sidewise play thereon, and a slot in saidtype-bar for action of said roller therein, the sidewise play of said roller accommodating deviations in the respective paths of travel of the type-bar and sub-lever arm.
7. In a typewriting machine, a plurality of type-actions comprising, in combination, a series of type-bars, a type-bar segment presenting an arcuate pivot for said type-bars, the respective type-bars being guided for pivotal movement in planes of increasing inclination from the center to the outside type-action, a series of sublevers pivotally mounted to operate in substantially vertical planes and including arms disposed adjacent the respective type-bars, means operatively connecting each of said type-bars and a corresponding sub-lever arm and comprising a stud projecting laterally from said sub-lever arm, a'roller rotatably carried on said stud and having sidewise play thereon, and a slot in said type-bar for action of said roller therein, the sidewise play of said roller accommodating deviations in the respective paths of travel of the type-bar and sub-lever arm, said sub-lever arm studs being of varying lengths increasing from the intermediate type-actions to the outer typeactions.
8. A type-action for typewriting machines comprising, in combination, a first member having a portion operating in a straight path and a second member having a portion operating in an arcuate path adjacent the operating path of said first member, and means operatively connecting the said portions of said members and comprising a roller mounted for rotational and sidewise motion on one of said members and a slot in the other member, said roller engaging an edge 01 said slot for movement 01 said members in unison.
9. A type-action for typewriting machines, comprising, in combination, a pivotally mounted first member having a slot therein and a pivotally mounted second member including a roller rotatably carried thereon and having sidewise play relative thereto, and engaging an edge oi. said slot, whereby to actuate one or said members by movement of the other member notwithstanding a deviation in the respective paths of travel of the first and second members.
WILLIAM F. HELMOND.
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US20040193185A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Inscope Development, Llc Surgical jaw assembly with increased mechanical advantage

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040193185A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Inscope Development, Llc Surgical jaw assembly with increased mechanical advantage

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