US3598047A

US3598047A - Checkwriter-inking control means

Info

Publication number: US3598047A
Application number: US853715A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ardath A Gopperton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-08-28
Filing date: 1969-08-28
Publication date: 1971-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-10

Abstract

A machine for printing money orders and like instruments including a frame, means defining a printing line, individually adjustable type segment members supported by the frame and having numerical printing characters thereon ranging from zero to numbers greater than zero positionable on the printing line, an inking roller supported for movement into contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line, a platen underlying the printing line and movable to engage an instrument disposed between the platen and printing characters on the printing line, an operating handle movable from a nonprinting to a printing position for effecting operative movement of the inking roller and platen, and control lever means for preventing movement of the inking roller into contact with the printing characters on the printing line unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Ardath A. Gopperton Mount Prospect, Ill.

[21] App]. No. 853,715

[22] Filed Aug. 28, 1969 45] Patented Aug. 10, 1971 [73] Assignee Theodore B. Hirschberg, .Ir.

Chicago, Ill.

[54] CHECKWRITER-INKING CONTROL MEANS Primary Examiner-Aldrich F. Medbery Attorney-Johnson, Dienner, Emrich, Verbeck & Wagner ABSTRACT: A machine for printing money orders and like instruments including a frame, means defining a printing line, individually adjustable type segment members supported by the frame and having numerical printing characters thereon ranging from zero to numbers greater than zero positionable on the printing line, an inking roller supported for movement into contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line, a platen underlying the printing line and movable to engage an instrument disposed between the platen and printing characters on the printing line, an operating handle movable from a nonprinting to a printing position for effecting operative movement of the inking roller and platen, and control lever means for preventing movement of the inking roller into contact with the printing characters on the printing line unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line.

PATENTED AUG 1 0 l97| SHEET 2 [IF 5 PATENTEU AUG] 0197! SHEET 3 BF 5 PATENTED AUG] 0197:

SHEET UF 5 WNW NW 3.

SHEET 5 OF 5 QM qw w QNN PATENTED AUG 1 0 an CHECKWRITER-INKING CONTROL MEANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to machines, commonly termed checkwriters, for printing money orders, checks and like instruments, and more particularly to such a machine having novel means for preventing inking of the printing characters unless selected of the printing characters are disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter.

Checkwriters of the character referred to are generally known and extensively used, particularly in commercial businesses. In many of the known checkwriters the type or printing characters may be selectively positioned on a printing line and are inked by means of an inking roller which is moved into contact with the printing characters on the printing line during movement of an operating handle from a nonprinting position to a printing position. When the operating handle of one of these machines is moved from a nonprinting position toward a forward printing position, either inadvertently or purposely as when carrying the machine by the handle, the inking roller is caused to contact the printing characters disposed on the printing line even though a printing operation is not intended. Such contact of the inking roller with the printing characters applies an ink coating to the printing characters which, when a printing operation is not intended, causes the printing characters to become clogged, wastes ink, and tends to abrade the printing characters with resulting unnecessary wear. There thus exists a need for such a printing machine having means preventing inking of the printing characters disposed on the printing line unless selected of the printing characters are disposed on the printing line preparatory to effecting a desired printing operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a machine for printing money orders and like instruments, which machine overcomes the disadvantages in the prior art machines through providing means for preventing unintended contact of the inking roller with printing characters disposed on the printing line of the machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a money-order-printing machine having a plurality of type segment members and wherein contact of the inking roller with printing characters disposed on the printing line is prevented unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a selected printing character thereon is disposed on the printing line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine as described wherein the means for selectively preventing inking of the printing characters disposed on the printing line includes an operating lever associated with each of the type segment members and operative to cancel or release the inking-preventing means upon movement of the corresponding type segment member to a position wherein a selected printing character thereon is disposed on the printing line of the machine.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a printing machine as above described wherein the means for selectively preventing inking includes a trip plate adapted to prevent engagement of the inking roller with the printing characters when the operating handle is in a nonprinting position, and a control lever associated with the trip plate and the operating levers and adapted to release the trip plate to allow inking when at least one of the type segments is positioned such that a numerical printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for printing money orders and like instruments which includes a platen movable upon movement of an operating handle toward a printing position to engage an instrument disposed between the platen and printing characters positioned on the printing line, and which machine further includes a locking arm operatively associated with the platen and type segment members and adapted to prevent movement of the platen and operating handle unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a numerical printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line of the machine.

In furtherance of the above objects of my invention, I provide a machine for printing money orders and like instruments which includes a frame, means defining a printing line, individually adjustable type segment members supported by the frame and having numerical printing characters thereon ranging from zero to numbers greater than zero positionable on the printing line, a platen underlying the printing line in normally spaced relation therefrom and movable into pressure contact with an instrument disposed between the platen and printing characters disposed on the printing line, an inking roller normally positioned below the printing line and movable into pressure contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line, an operating handle movable from a nonprinting position to a printing position and adapted to effect contact of the inking roller with printing characters on the printing line and thereafter effect movement of the platen into engagement with an instrument disposed between the platen and the printing line, and means including a trip plate and operating levers operatively associated with the type segment members for preventing movement of the inking roller into contact with the printing characters on the printing line unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line of the machine.

An alternative embodiment employs a locking arm operatively associated with the type segment members and the platen support mechanism such that movement of the platen and thereby the operating handle is prevented unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line of the machine.

Further objects and advantages of my invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a checkwriter employing the present invention, with the enclosing casing removed to better illustrate the trip plate and associated operating mechanism preventing engagement of the inking roller with printing characters disposed on the printing line of the machine;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 22 of FIG. I looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. I looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a side view generally similar to FIG. I but having the sideplate partially broken away to better illustrate the operating levers in cooperation with the type segment members;

FIG. 5 is a side view generally similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating the operating mechanism in a position to allow movement of the inking roller into engagement with the printing characters disposed on the printing line;

FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the checkwriter illustrated in FIG. I, with the operating levers being shown in cooperation with associated type segment members;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a checkwriter with the near sideplate broken away, and illustrates an alternative embodiment of means for selectively preventing engagement of the inking roller with printing characters disposed on the printing line; and

FIG. 8 is a rear view taken generally alongthe line 8-8 of FIG. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I have illustrated my invention, by way of example, as embodied in a checkwriter generally similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No 3,296,962, issued Jan. 10, 1967, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,697,981, issued Dec. 28, I954, both of which are assigned to the assignee of my present invention. As will become more apparent hereinbelow, my present invention embodies certain improvements over the aforementioned patents and may be used with other suitable checkwriters or analogous machines.

Referring now to the drawings, I have illustrated my invention in combination with a checkwriter, indicated generally at 10, for printing money orders and like instruments. The checkwriter comprises a frame having upstanding sideplates l2 and 14 secured together in parallel spaced relation by cross rods 16 in a known manner. The

upstanding sideplates

12 and 14 are of irregular polygonal shape and are provided with forwardly extending base elements which define with the upper portions a rearwardly extending opening or slot I8 to receive a check blank or analogous instrument to be printed upon, as is known. An enclosing casing (not shown) is conventionally adapted to be secured to the checkwriter frame, the casing being suitably secured to the sideplate I2 through attaching or mounting bosses 20 fixed to the outer surface of sideplate 12. The enclosing casing is adapted to enclose the frame structure and working elements of the checkwriter, the lower portion of the casing enclosing the sideplate portions below the slot 18 providing a support platform or work surface along which the check blanks are moved during insertion into the slot for printing.

Noting FIG. 2, a cross-shaft 22 is rotatably mounted on and between the spaced sideplates I2 and 14 by means of reduced studs (not shown) at its opposite ends providing shoulders abutting the inner faces of the sideplates and restraining the cross-shaft against endwise movement. A plurality of type segmentmembers 24 are mounted upon the cross-shaft 22 for individual rotation or turning movement thereon and are maintained in spaced relation on the cross-shaft by spacing collars in a known manner. Each of the type segment members 24 includes an arcuate type bar 26 having upon its peripheral printing face a series of printing characters selectively positionable through finger grips, one of which is illustrated at 28 in FIG. 1, to position the printing characters on a printing line of the checkwriter as will become more apparent hereinbelow, While the printing characters on the peripheral printing faces of the type bars 26 may be of any desired printing indicia, for purposes of illustration I provide each of the arcuate type bars with a blank space position and a series of numerical printing characters ranging from zero to nine and arranged in seriatim order in a known manner. The leftmost group of five type segment members 24 shown in FIG. 2, may comprise conventional dollars and cents printing characters for the money order to be printed, while the rightmost group of type segment members may comprise similar numerical printing characters of a smailer size than the leftmost group whereby to duplicate the value for which the money order is printed at a second location on the money order. The number of type segment members 24 selected for use in the checkwriter 10 may be varied as desired, the number of type segment members employed having no bearing upon my present invention. Each of the type segments 24 comprising the rightmost group of type segments shown in FIG. 2 is connected to a corresponding one of the leftmost type segments such that movement of any one of the leftmost type segments effects a corresponding movement in the associated rightmost type segment in a manner as illustrated more fully in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,296,962.

A sum" bar 30 is mounted at its upper end upon crossshaft 22 and is secured at its lower end to a guide bar (not shown) extending transversely of the main frame defined by the upstanding sideplates I2 and 14. A prefix plate 32 is slidably mounted on the lower end of the sum bar 30 and bears on its lower end or printing face a suitable legend such as The Sum." During a printing operation, plate 32 is moved inwardly to a position abutting the first or nearest one of the dollar printing segment members 24 then in printing position in a manner more fully described in the above-referenced Rindfleisch patent. A depending arm member 34 is suitably mounted on the cross-shaft 22 to allow rotation of the crossshaft and has a lower end portion 36 secured in fixed alignment on the printing line of the checkwriter and adapted to receive thereon an agents slug 38 having identifying printing indicia on the lower printing surface thereof. The slug 38 is removably secured to the lower end 36 of arm 34 and has an outwardly extending grip portion 40 to allow ready insertion and removal from the checkwriter as is known. The type segment members 24 may be individually adjusted such that selected of the printing characters are positioned in alignment with the printing characters on the prefix plate 32 and the agents slug 38 and define with the last-mentioned printing characters a printing line for the checkwriter I0.

Noting FIG. 1, taken in conjunction with FIG. 2, an operating handle, indicated in phantom lines at 42 in FIG. I, having a conventional handle portion (not shown) on the outer end is secured in fixed relation to the outer end of a bushing 44 which is rotatably mounted on a stub shaft (not shown) secured to and projecting outwardly in normal relation from the sideplate 12 in a manner as described more fully in the above-referenced Rindfleisch patent. The operating handle 42 is retained on the bushing 44 through a capnut 46 and spring washer 48. In this manner, the operating handle 42 may be turned or rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. I, from a normal rearward nonprinting position to a forward printing position. A cam 50 is suitably secured to the bushing 44 in generally normal relation to the axis of rotation of the bushing such that movement of the operating handle 42 effects a corresponding movement of the cam 50. The plane of cam 50 is spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the sideplate I2.

Inking means, indicated generally at 52, is supported by the frame of checkwriter 10 and is adapted to effect selective inking of printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter during initial movement of the operating handle 42 from its rearward nonprinting position toward its forward printing position. The inking means 52 includes a pair of spaced parallel inking

arms

54 and 56 which are secured on the cross-shaft 22, one inking arm adjacent the inner face of each of the sideplates l2 and I4, respectively. The inking

arms

54 and 56 are generally similar in configuration and extend downwardly and forwardly from the shaft 22 as well as rearwardly thereof, though it is not necessary that arm 56 extend rearwardly of the shaft 22 as will become more apparent hereinbelow. Each of the inking

arms

54 and 56 has an ink tray supporting or carrying arm 58 pivotally connected to its inner surface at 60. Each of the ink tray supporting arms 58 includes a depending portion having a forward arm portion 62 and a rearwardly extending arm portion 64. A pair of parallel transverse cross rods 66 are fixedly secured between the ink tray supporting arms 58 to maintain them in parallel spaced relation. An ink box or tray, indicated generally at 68, is suitably releasably supported by the ink tray supporting arms 58. For this purpose, the ink tray 68 has upstanding end walls 70 having a transversely extending cross rod 72 supported therebetween. The cross rod 72 has and portions extending outwardly from the opposed end walls 70 which are received within slots 74 provided in each of the forward portions 62 of the ink tray supporting arms 58. Each of the rearwardly extending portions 64 of the ink tray supporting arms 58 has a slot 76 therein to receive an outer end portion of a cross rod 78 which is removably and rotatably mounted between the end walls 70 of the ink tray 68. The cross rod 78 carries a conventional cylindrical inking roller 80 which, with the cross rod 78, is rotatable relative to the ink tray 68. A pair of spaced hooks 82 (FIG. 2), formed integral with a thumb plate 84, are pivotally supported on the cross rod 72 such that the thumb plate and hook portions are pivotable about the cross rod 72 to releasably engage the hooks with cross rod 66 and retain the ink tray 68 in assembled relation on the ink tray support arms 58 for movement therewith. The ink tray supporting arms 58, and thereby the ink tray 68, are urged in counterclockwise directions about their pivotal axes 60, as considered in FIG. 1, through coil tension springs 88 having their end por tions suitably secured to connecting pins provided on the corresponding ink tray supporting arms and to the inking

arms

54 and 56.

The inking arm 54 adjacent the sideplate 12 of the checkwriter frame includes a rearwardly extending portion 90 having an outwardly directed pin 92 secured in normal relation thereto. The pin 92 is received through an arcuate slot 94 in the sideplate 12 and through an arcuate slot 96 in the cam 50. The arcuate slots 94 and 96 are so positioned that when the operating handle 42 is moved forwardly toward its printing position, the ink tray supporting arms 58 and the ink tray 68 will be moved forwardly. A cylindrical roller 98 having a slightly larger diameter outer end portion 100 is secured to the outer end of the cross rod 78 adjacent the sideplate 12 such that the roller 98 engages a cam surface 102 on the sideplate 12 in rolling relation during forward movement of the ink tray 68. The cam 50 has a lobe portion 104 adapted to engage the end portion 100 of the roller 98 and hold the inking roller 80 out of contact with the printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter when the operating lever 42 is in its rearward nonprinting position. As the cam 50 is rotatable with the operating lever 42, initial forward movement of the operating handle toward its printing position serves to remove the lobe 104 from its holding position with the roller 100 thereby allowing movement of the inking roller 80 into pressure contact with the printing characters disposed on the printing line. A suitable notch or relief 106 is provided in the sideplate 12 to allow upward movement ofthe roller 98 during inking of the printing characters. The above-described inking means 52 is similar in structure and operation to the inking means described in my copending application, Case 10. Ser. No. 819,924 filed Apr. 28, 1969 and assigned to the assignee of my present invention.

An operating link 108 is pivotally connected at its forward end through a pivot pin 110 to the lower forward portion of the inner surface of cam 50. The rearward end of link 108 is pivotally connected to a cross pintle shaft 112 which forms a portion of a toggle link assembly, indicated generally at 114. The toggle link assembly 114 includes an upper transverse leaf 116 pivotally supported between the

upstanding sideplates

12 and 14 through outwardly extending bosses 118 formed integral with or otherwise suitably secured to the transverse leaf and which bosses are received through appropriate apertures in the sideplates. The lower end of the toggle leaf 116 is pivotally connected to the pintle shaft 112, the opposite outer end portions of which are received within parallel oppositely disposed arcuate slots 120 in the

sideplates

12 and 14. The arcuate slots 120 are concentric about the pivot axis of the out wardly extending bosses 118 in a known manner. A pair of spaced opposed links 122 (FIG. 1) are connected to the opposite ends of the pintle shaft 112 through last motion connec tions and have their ends opposite the pintle shaft pivotally connected to the rearward end portions of corresponding platen support arms 124 through connecting pins 126. The platen support arms 124 are rockably mounted on a cross shaft 128 extending between and mounted at its opposite ends in the lower portions of the spaced sideplates 12 and 14. The platen support arms 124 serve to support a platen 130 on the forward ends thereof, the platen extending generally transver sely of the frame defined by the

sideplates

12 and 14 in a known manner. A coil tension spring 132 is associated with each of the platen support arms 124 through having one end connected to the corresponding connecting pin 126 and the other end connected to the associated

sideplate

12 or 14 in a manner such that the tension springs 132 urge the rearward ends of the platen support arms upwardly and maintain the toggle link assembly 114 in a collapsed position when the operating handle 42 is in its rearward nonprinting position. it will be understood that forward movement of the operating handle 42 from its nonprinting position effects rocking movement of the platen support arms 124 and upward movement of the platen into engagement with an instrument disposed between the platen and printing characters positioned on the printing line of the checkwriter.

The structural elements of the checkwriter 10 thus far described are of generally known construction, being disclosed in the referenced US Pat. No. 3,296,962 and No. 2,697,981, and in my copending application. Case 10. Ser. No. 819,924 filed Apr. 28, 1969. As noted above, one of the primary objects of my present invention is to provide means for preventing contact of the inking roller 80 with printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter unless at least one of the type segment members 24 is positioned such that a numerical printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line. For example. the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 prevents upward movement of the inking roller 80 into pressure contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line when the operating handle 42 is moved from its rearward nonprinting position toward its forward printing position with all of the type segment members 24 positioned such that the blank positions thereon or the zero printing characters are disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter, it being understood that printing ofa money order or like instrument for a zero amount is not a conventional business practice.

To this end, 1 provide means, indicated generally at 140, for preventing movement of the inking roller 80 into contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter unless at least one of the type segment members 24 is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line. The means includes a trip plate 142 pivotally supported on an outer reduced diameter end portion 144 of the cross-shaft 22 adjacent the outer surface of the sideplate 12. The trip plate 142 is retained on the shaft end 144 through a suitable snapring 146 and includes a downwardly and rearwardly extending finger portion 148 having a lower edge surface 150 adapted to engage the cylindrical roller 98 and prevent upward movement of the inking roller 80 into contact with the printing characters disposed on the printing line when the trip plate 142 and inking means 52 are disposed in their normal positions as illustrated in FIG. 1. The planar configuration of the rearwardly extending finger portion 148 of the trip plate is such as to allow the trip plate to move to its rearward home position as illustrated in FIG. 1 without engaging or interfering with the outwardly extending grip portion 40 of the agents slug 38. The trip plate 142 is urged in a counterclockwise pivotal or rotational direction, considered in FIG. 1, about the pivot axis 144 by a coil tension spring 152 having one end attached to a connecting pin 154 on the trip plate and the op posite end attached to a control lever as more fully described hereinbelow. The extent of counterclockwise movement of the trip plate 142 is limited by a stop pin or boss 156 secured to the outer face of the sideplate l2 and received through a circular opening 158 in the trip plate. The opening 158 is of a size and location such that the peripheral edge defining the opening engages the pin 156 and limits counterclockwise rotation of the trip plate to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the finger portion 148 thereof underlies the printing line of the checkwriter, the opening being large enough to allow clockwise rotation of the trip plate an extent to remove the finger portion 148 from its position underlying the printing line.

The trip plate 142 has a trip pawl 160 rotatably supported thereon through a stub shaft 162 suitably secured to the trip plate in normal relation thereto. The trip pawl is retained on the stub shaft 162 through a conventional snapring 164. As will become more apparent hereinbelow, the trip pawl 160 is movable between a first position wherein movement of the operating handle 42 towards its printing position is ineffective to remove the finger portion 148 of the trip plate from its blocking position with the inking roller, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a second position wherein movement of the operating handle toward its printing position causes the trip pawl and trip plate to be rotated removing the finger portion 148 from its blocking position thereby allowing movement of the inking roller into contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line. Noting FIG. 1, taken in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, the trip pawl 160 has a recessed portion 166 defined by a peripheral edge surface which cooperates with a stepped pin 168 to define the first and second positions of the trip pawl. The trip pawl includes a rearwardly extending arm portion 170 having a generally semicircular peripheral edge surface spaced radially from the axis of rotation 162 an extent such that when the trip pawl is in its first position as illustrated in FIG. 1, the extending arm portion 170 cannot be engaged by a roller 172 which is rotatably mounted on a plate 174 suitably secured to or formed integral with the cam 50 for rotation therewith. The planar configuration of the trip plate 142 is such that the roller 172 will not directly engage the trip plate during movement of the operating lever 42 from its nonprinting position to its forward printing position, nor during return to its nonprinting position. The trip pawl 160 includes a forwardly extending arm portion 176 which rotatably supports a roller 178 on the outer surface thereof. The roller 178 is adapted for engagement with a downwardly extending arm portion 180 of a control lever 182 movable between first and second positions as will be described more fully below. A coil tension spring 184 is suitably connected to a connecting pin 186 on trip pawl 160 and the stepped pin 168 and serves to urge the trip pawl in a clockwise direction toward its second position.

The control lever 182 is pivotally supported on the outer surface of the sideplate 12 through a stepped cylindrical stub shaft 188 having its outer end receiving the upper end portion of the coil tension spring 152 whereby to urge the trip plate 142 in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot axis 144 as above described. The control lever 182 is retained on the boss 188 through a suitable snap washer 190. A connecting link 192 is pivotally connected to the control lever 182 through a suitable connecting pin 194 and has its opposite end pivotally connected to a bellcrank lever 196 through a connecting pin 198. The bellcrank lever 196 is in turn pivotally supported on the outer surface of sideplate 12 through a stub shaft 200, the bellcrank lever being retained thereon through a suitable snapring 202. The bellcrank lever 196 has a lower end portion 204 which overlies an opening 206 in the sideplate 12 and is connected to an outwardly extending pin 208 through an elongated slot connection 210. The pin 208 is secured in normal relation to the lower end of a generally arcuately shaped arm 212 which is pivotally supported on a crossshaft 214 supported by and between the spaced sideplates 12 and 14 in transverse relation thereto. A second generally arcuately shaped arm 216 is pivotally supported on shaft 214 and maintained thereon in lateral spaced relation to arm 212 through

parallel tie rods

218 and 220 having the

arms

212 and 216 fixedly secured to the ends thereof such that movement of the tie rod 218 upwardly or downwardly about the cross rod 214 ef fects a corresponding pivotal movement of the

arms

212 and 216.

Noting FIG. 3, taken in conjunction with FIGS. 4-6, a plurality of operating levers 222 are pivotally supported in spaced relation on the cross rod 214 generally adjacent the type segment members 24 having the smaller size numerical printing characters thereon such that an operating lever is associated with each of the adjacent type segment members. Suitable spacers are provided on the cross-shaft 214 to maintain the operating levers 222 in spaced relation such that the levers are received between the associated type segment members 24, the operating levers and spacers being retained in fixed relation longitudinally on the cross-shaft 214 through collar stops 224 in a conventional manner. Each of the operating levers 222 includes a forwardly extending arcuate portion. 226 having a recess 228 in the forward edge surface thereof adapted to receive a drive stud or stub shaft 230 fixedly secured to the adjacent surface of the corresponding type segment member 24. The arcuate length or extent of each of the recesses 228 is such that the corresponding drive stud 230 on the associated type segment member 24 will he received within the recess when the type segment member is positioned such that its blank portion or zero printing character is disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter. Each of the operating levers 222 has a shoulder portion 232 disposed rearwardly of the cross-shaft 214 and adapted to underlie the upper tie rod 218. A tension spring 234 is secured to the tie rod 218 and a connecting pin 236 fixed to the inner surface of the sideplate 12 to urge the tie rod 218 against the shoulder portions 232 of the operating levers 222 such that the arcuate portions 226 of the operating levers are biased against the associated drive studs 230 on the type segment members.

Having described the elements comprising the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. l-6, its operation will now be briefly described. When the checkwriter is not being used for printing money orders and like instruments. the type segment members 24 are normally positioned through the as sociated finger grips 28 such that the blank positions or zero printing characters on the type segment members are disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter. When so positioned, the drive studs 230 on the type segment members 24 are received within the associated recesses 228 in the operating levers 222 as illustrated in FIG. 4. With the drive studs 230 disposed within the corresponding recesses 228, the tension spring 234 urges the arm 216 in a clockwise direction, as considered in H0. 4, the extent of such rotation being determined by engagement of the tie bar 218 with the shoulders 232 on the operating levers 222. In this position, the arm 212 and pin 208 urge the bellcrank lever 196 in a clockwise direction, as considered in FIG. 1, to effect a corresponding clockwise movement of the control lever 182 through the operating link 192. With the control lever 182 in the position as illustrated in FIG. 1, the leg portion 180 thereof engages the roller 178 and maintains the trip pawl in its first position wherein the arm portion cannot be engaged by the roller 172 when the operating lever 42 is moved from its rearward nonprinting position toward its forward printing position. With the trip pawl 160 so positioned, movement of the operating handle 42 toward its printing position will be ineffective to rotate the trip plate 142 and finger portion 148 forwardly to allow upward movement of the inking roller 80 toward the printing line of the checkwriter. Thus, it can be seen that when the type segments 24 are positioned such that their blank or zero printing characters are disposed on the printing line, the trip plate 142, trip pawl 160, control lever 182, operating link 192, bellcrank lever 196, the assembly including the spaced

arms

212 and 216 and associated

tie rods

218 and 220, and the operating levers 222 provide means for preventing movement of the inking roller 80 into contact with printing characters disposed on the printing line upon movement of the operating handle 42 from its nonprinting position toward its forward printing posi tion. Such inking preventing means precludes the possibility of inking the printing characters whereby to waste ink, gum up the printing characters. and further abrade them when there is no intent to effect printing of a money order or like instrument as during inadvertent movement of the operating handle or in tentional movement thereof as when carrying the checkwriter by the handle.

When it is desired to effect printing of a money order or like instrument with at least one of the type segment members 24 moved to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line, the drive stud 230 associated with the type segment member so positioned will move arcuately downwardly out of the recess 228 in the associated operating lever 222 whereby to effect coun terclockwise rotation of the associated operating lever about the cross rod 214 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Such counterclockwise rotation of at least one of the operating levers 222 causes its associated shoulder 232 to engage the upper tie rod 218 and effect counterclockwise movement of the arm 212 about the cross-shaft 214. Counterclockwise movement of the arm 212 causes the bellcrank lever 196 to be rotated about its pivotal axis 200 in a counterclockwise direction to effect a corresponding counterclockwise rotation of the control lever 182 about its pivotal axis 188 through control lever 192. Such counterclockwise rotation of the control lever 182 effects movement thereof to a position as shown in FIG. wherein the depending arm 180 is removed from engagement with the roller 178. Removal of the arm portion 180 from engagement with the roller 178 allows the tension spring 184 to effect clockwise rotation of the trip pawl 160 to its second position wherein the peripheral surface defining the recess 166 engages the pin 168. With the trip pawl in its second position. the extending arm portion 170 is disposed in the path of travel of the roller 172 on the plate 174 secured to the cam 50. In this position, forward movement of the operating handle 42 toward its printing position will effect engagement of the roller 172 with the arm portion 170 of the trip pawl and cause a forward movement of the trip plate 142 about its pivotal axis 144 whereby to remove the finger portion 148 of the trip plate from its position overlying the roller 98 on the outer end of the inking roller 80. Removal of the finger portion 148 from its position underlying the printing line of the checkwriter allows the inking roller 80 to be moved upwardly through upward pivotal movement of the ink tray supporting arms 58 about their pivotal axes 60 due to the tension springs 88 whereby to move the inking roller 80 upwardly toward the printing line of the checkwriter. Thus, it can be seen that my present invention prevents inking of the inking roller with the printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter.

With the trip plate 142 and trip pawl 160 having configurations asshown and described, it can be seen that after the operating handle 42 has been moved to its forward printing position with the control lever 182 positioned as shown in FIG. 5, the trip plate 142 will return to a position wherein the finger portion 148 underlies the printing line whereby to prevent re-inking of the printing characters disposed on the printing line during return of the inking means 52 to its home position preparatory to a subsequent printing operation.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of my invention which includes novel means for preventing engagement of the inking roller with printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter'unless selected of the printing characters are disposed on the printing line. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 finds particular application with checkwriters which do not utilize a trip plate 142 and trip pawl 160 for preventing re-inking of the printing characters disposed on the printing line during return movement of the inking roller to its home" position after having initially inked the printing characters during a printing operation.

The embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 utilizes a plurality of operating levers 222 associated with the type segment members 24 through drive studs 230 in similar fashion to the above-described operating levers described with respect to FIGS. 1-6. Similarly, the laterally spaced

parallel arms

212 and 216 and the

tie rods

218 and 220 are supported for pivotal movement about the cross rod 214 as above described. The lower end of the arcuate arm 212 has a stub shaft or pin 240 affixed in normal relation thereto and extending outwardly into the opening 206 in the sideplate 12 of the checkwriter frame. The pin 240 is received within an elongated slot 242 of a lock arm 244. The lock arm 244 is pivotally supported on a cross'shaft 246 suitably secured to and between the

sideplates

12 and 14 in transverse relation thereto. The forward end of the lock arm 244 is provided with a generally radial recess 248 of a radius equal to that of the above-described cross pintle 112. When the type segment members 24 of the checkwriter are positioned such that their blank or zero printing characters are disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter, the associated operating levers 222 will be disposed as shown in FIG. 7 with the arm 212 and pin 240 effecting movement of the lock arm 244 to a position wherein the arcuate recess 248 on the forward end thereof engages the cross pintle 112. In this position, movement of the operating handle 42 toward its printing position is prevented due to the lock arm 244 preventing rearward movement of the pintle shaft 112 as is required for normal printing operations. Prevention of forward movement of the operating handle 42 prevents operating movement of the inking arms 54 and ink tray supporting arms 58 and thereby upward movement of the inking roller 80.

Movement of any one of the type segment members 24 of the checkwriter illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter will effect counterclockwise rotation of the associated operating lever 222 about its pivotal axis 214 whereby to effect counterclockwise movement of the arm 212 through engagement of the corresponding lever shoulder 232 with the upper tie rod 218. Counterclockwise rotation of the arm 212 effects clockwise rotation of the lock arm 244 about its pivotal axis 246 to remove the recess 248 from the cross pintle 112 and allow rearward movement of the toggle link assembly upon forward movement of the operating handle 42 toward its printing position. It can thus be seen that the lock arm 244 in conjunction with the operating levers 222 and drive studs 230 provides means for preventing contact of the inking roller with the printing characters disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter unless at least one of the type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is so disposed on the printing line.

While 1 have described the operating levers 222 as being independently movable about the cross-shaft 214 through movement of the associated type segment members 24 and their drive studs 230,.it will be understood that the operating levers 222 may be interconnected such that movement of any one of the designated type segment members to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on the printing line will effect movement of all of the operating levers to positions as described above with respect to a single independently movable operating lever 222.

Moreover, while 1 have described the type segment members 24 as-having numerical printing characters thereon, it will be understood that my invention may be utilized with any desired printing indieia provided on the type bars 26 of the type segment members wherein it is desired that the inking roller be prevented from upward movement toward the printing line of the checkwriter unless at least one or more of the type segment members are moved to positions wherein selected printing indicia are disposed on the printing line of the checkwriter.

While 1 have described and illustrated preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from my invention in its broader aspects.

lclaim:

1. In a machine for printing money orders and like instruments, the combination comprising, a frame, means defining a printing line, type segment members supported by said frame and having printing characters positionable on said printing line, each of said type segment members having a zero printing character and at least one numerical printing character greater than zero, inking means including an inking roller nor mallyspaced from said printing characters and movable into contact therewith, an operating handle supported by said frame and movable between a nonprinting position and a printing position for effecting a printing operation, means operatively associated with said operating handle and said inking means to effect movement of said inking roller into contact with printing characters disposed on said printing line during movement of said operating handle toward its printing position, and means supported by said frame for preventing movement of said inking roller into contact with said printing characters unless at least one of said type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line.

2. The combination of claim I wherein said last-mentioned means includes means to selectively prevent said inking roller from contacting said printing characters throughout movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position to its printing position and during return to its nonprinting position.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a trip plate pivotally supported by said frame and selectively operatively associated with said operating handle, said trip plate having a projection thereon adapted to prevent movement of said inking roller into engagement with said printing characters when said operating handle is in its nonprinting position, said trip plate being selectively movable to a position to allow engagement of said inking roller with said printing characters upon movement of said operating handle toward its printing position, and means preventing movement of said trip plate to said last-mentioned position unless at least one of said type segment members is moved to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater then zero is disposed on said printing line.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said tripplatc-movc menbpreventing means includes an operating lever operatively associated with each ofsaid type segment members, each of said operating levers being movable upon movement of the associated type segment member to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line to effect cancellation of said inkingroller-movement-preventing means whereby to allow movement of said inking roller into contact with said printing characters during movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position toward its printing position.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said trip plate includes trip pawl means thereon cooperable with said operating handle and movable between a first position wherein movement of said operating handle is ineffective to move said trip plate, and a second position operable by said operating handle such that movement of said handle toward its printing position effects movement of said trip plate to a position allowing en gagement of said inking roller with said printing characters, and wherein said trip-platc-movement-preventing means includes a control lever operatively associated with said trip pawl means and said operating levers such that said control lever maintains said trip pawl means in said first position unless at least one of said type segment members is moved to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes means preventing movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position to its printing position 7. The combination of claim 1 including platen means supported by said frame and movable into pressure contact with an instrument disposed between said platen means and printing characters disposed on said printing line, said platen means being operatively associated with said operating handle such that movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position effects movement of said platen means into pressure contact with an instrument disposed between said platen means and said printing characters.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said means for preventing movement of said inking roller into contact with printing characters disposed on said printing line includes a lock arm operatively associated with said platen means and said type segment members, said lock arm being movable between a first position preventing movement of said platen means and said operating handle toward their printing positions and a second position releasing said platen means and said operating handle for movement toward their operating positions.

9. The combination of claim 8 including means operativcly associated with said lock arm and said type segment members and operative to maintain said lock arm in said first position unless at least one of said type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing linev 10 The combination of claim 8 wherein said means for preventing movement of said inking roller into contact with said printing character further includes operating lever means operatively associated with said type segment members and said lock arm, said operating lever means being movable between a first position effecting said locking position of said lock arm and a second position cancelling said lock arm from said locking position when at least one of said type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line so as to allow movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position to its printing positionv

Claims

1. In a machine for printing money orders and like instruments, the combination comprising, a frame, means defining a printing line, type segment members supported by said frame and having printing characters positionable on said printing line, each of said type segment members having a zero printing character and at least one numerical printing character greater than zero, inking means including an inking roller normally spaced from said printing characters and movable into contact therewith, an operating handle supported by said frame and movable between a nonprinting position and a printing position for effecting a printing operation, means operatively associated with said operating handle and said inking meAns to effect movement of said inking roller into contact with printing characters disposed on said printing line during movement of said operating handle toward its printing position, and means supported by said frame for preventing movement of said inking roller into contact with said printing characters unless at least one of said type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes means to selectively prevent said inking roller from contacting said printing characters throughout movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position to its printing position and during return to its nonprinting position.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said trip-plate-movement-preventing means includes an operating lever operatively associated with each of said type segment members, each of said operating levers being movable upon movement of the associated type segment member to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line to effect cancellation of said inking-roller-movement-preventing means whereby to allow movement of said inking roller into contact with said printing characters during movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position toward its printing position.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said trip plate includes trip pawl means thereon cooperable with said operating handle and movable between a first position wherein movement of said operating handle is ineffective to move said trip plate, and a second position operable by said operating handle such that movement of said handle toward its printing position effects movement of said trip plate to a position allowing engagement of said inking roller with said printing characters, and wherein said trip-plate-movement-preventing means includes a control lever operatively associated with said trip pawl means and said operating levers such that said control lever maintains said trip pawl means in said first position unless at least one of said type segment members is moved to a position wherein a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes means preventing movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position to its printing position.

7. The combination of claim 1 including platen means supported by said frame and movable into pressure contact with an instrument disposed between said platen means and printing characters disposed on said printing line, said platen means being operatively associated with said operating handle such that movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position effects movement of said platen means into pressure contact with an instrument disposed between said platen means and said printing characters.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said means for preventing movement of said inking roller into contact with printing characters disposed on said printing line includes a lock arm operatively associated with said plAten means and said type segment members, said lock arm being movable between a first position preventing movement of said platen means and said operating handle toward their printing positions, and a second position releasing said platen means and said operating handle for movement toward their operating positions.

9. The combination of claim 8 including means operatively associated with said lock arm and said type segment members and operative to maintain said lock arm in said first position unless at least one of said type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line.

10. The combination of claim 8 wherein said means for preventing movement of said inking roller into contact with said printing character further includes operating lever means operatively associated with said type segment members and said lock arm, said operating lever means being movable between a first position effecting said locking position of said lock arm and a second position cancelling said lock arm from said locking position when at least one of said type segment members is positioned such that a printing character thereon greater than zero is disposed on said printing line so as to allow movement of said operating handle from its nonprinting position to its printing position.