US PATENT CLASS 400
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 400/
This is the generic class for an apparatus wherein a user of the apparatus causes an intelligible character* to be imprinted on a record-medium* by a type-member* that is impressed on the record-medium, said type-member being selected from a plurality of different type-members, and the selected type-members being impressed serially to form a sequence of characters that record intelligible information.
This class includes a method of using the apparatus described above.
(1) Note. The definition as written above is intended to emphasize the major difference between this class (400) and the class of printing. The difference is that as a general rule in this class each character* is imprinted serially by a type-member* that is selected from an assortment of type-members, the assortment containing only one of each type-member to be impressed, and the selection being made in sequence to imprint one character after another to form a word, and one word after another to form the text to be read. In the printing class, on the other hand, a plurality of type-members are arranged to be printed simultaneously to form a print-line* or a page* or a plurality of pages of printed text.
(2) Note. The word "intelligible" in the definition of this class does not limit the character to a visible character. A character that is invisible to the human eye can be intelligible to a "scanner" that "reads", for example, infrared light emanations, and thus be intelligible within the definition stated above.
(3) Note. Explanatory note regarding placement of patents within the class. A typewriter includes many elements, often numbering in the hundreds and even thousands of elements.
Because of this, many patents in the typewriter art include claims that recite elements of a typewriter that are named in a claim for the purpose of setting forth the environment of the inventive structure. In such patents, the mere naming of various elements in a claim will not necessarily be the basis of placing a patent having such a claim into the schedule as an original patent. Original placement will be based upon the inventive concept emphasized in a patent claim rather than on the basis of all the elements that are merely named in a claim.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
The relationship of this class (400) to classes which warrant specific mention is as follows:
Class 101, Printing, involves the imprinting on a record-medium* of a multitude of character symbols simultaneously to form a print-line* or a page* or a plurality of pages of printed text. The significant difference between this class (400) and Class 101 lies in the term "simultaneously". In Class 101 plurality of type-face* elements are assembled. If a plurality of occurrences of a particular character are to be printed, a corresponding number of type-faces representing that character are included in the assemblage. When the entire assemblage of type-faces is inked and impressed against a record-medium, all the type-faces will be imprinted simultaneously. In this class (400) only one type-face element is provided for each character to be imprinted, and the type-faces are impressed in sequence to form the text. Two exceptions should be noted. In a stenos:graphic typewriter, the typist may select two or more characters to be imprinted to form a syllable of a word, and may then select two or more characters to form another syllable of a word. One or more of the characters selected for one syllable may be selected again to form another syllable, but only one type-face for each character to be imprinted is provided in the stenos:graphic typewriter. In a logotype typewriter a plurality of type-face elements may be preassembled to form a word or symbol, but the logotype type-face is one of the type-face elements of the typewriter, and the logotype type-face element is selected as one of the type-face elements in the sequence of characters to be imprinted serially. Various subcombinations of elements are usable either in a Class 101 printing press or in a typewriter of this class (400). Among such subcombinations are a ribbon-feeding or ribbon-inking mechanism, a record-medium feeding mechanism, etc., but the placement of a patent to such subcombination will be governed by the environment of the machine. Class 178, Telegraphy, includes in subclasses 4 and 23 disclosures of printing telegraph systems that are similar in some aspects to a typewriter. In general, Class 178 involves a teles:graphic system including one or more signal-sending units, one or more signal-receiving units, and electrical circuitry, the system being capable of (a) transmitting a
signal over great distances, or (b) boosting or amplifying the signal, or (c) mixing signals that have been generated in a plurality of sending units, transmitting the mixed signals over a single line and unmixing the signals at a plurality of receiving units so that each receiver will transcribe only its own signal from the single line, or (d) selecting the receiving units that will be controlled by the sending units. Class 178 also provides, in various subclasses, for subcombinations including key-board*, key* element, type wheel, and other elements that are peculiar to printing telegraph systems. This class (400) as related to Class 178, involves a typewriter that is (a) directly coupled to a second typewriter by electrical or mechanical linkage over a short distance (e.g., "master-slave" relationship), or (b) coupled by way of a "storage" or "memory" circuit to itself or to a second typewriter (e.g., "input-output" relationship), or (c) controlled to modify the typing signals generated by a typist to create a text different from that which would be produced by the unmodified generated signals (e.g., by "justification" (see subclass 1). This class (400) will also accept subcombinational aspects of a teles:graphic printer that embody typewriter subcombinations not provided for in Class 178. Examples of such subcombinations include: ribbon* feed, carriage* feed, record-medium feed, type-head* structure, key-board mechanism, type-bar* action, tabulator structure, etc.
Class 234, Selective Cutting (e.g., Punching), the relationship of this class (400) to Class 234 is fully set forth in the class definition of Class 234, in section V, paragraph E. Reference is made to the relationship between Class 234 and Class 400, Typewriting Machines, in that note.
Class 235, Registers, the relationship of this class (400) to Class 235 is set forth in the "SEARCH CLASS" 400, Typewriting Machines, that appears under the definition of Class 235, subclass 60.
Class 346, Recorders, provides for an ink* jet means for recording intelligence. This class (400) provides for a typewriter structure in which the usual type-face* element that impresses a character symbol against a record-medium is replaced by an ink jet for imprinting a character symbol on a record-medium. To be placed as an original into this class, a patent should clearly recite the typewriter structure that controls the ink jet to form characters successively.
Class 395, Information Processing System Organization, includes in subclasses 101+ disclosures involving a data-processing system that generates a printout of the results produced by the processing system. The significant subject matter of such a system that is proper for Class 395 is in the processing of data within the system, and the printer associated with said system is disclosed to provide the environment for said processing and is for the purpose of recording data of said processing in its "raw" or unmodified form. The environment may include details of the printing
member such as a print hammer or print head, a platen*, a line advance, etc., if the environment is passive or recited by name only.
OTHER CLASSES INCLUDING MATERIAL HANDLING OR MATERIAL FEEDING
See References to Other Classes for subcombinations that may be included in a typewriter to feed a record-medium* or a ribbon* or other sheetlike or weblike material. For a patent to be placed as an original into this class (400) the claimed subject matter of such patent should be clearly related to a typewriter (e.g., be directed to one or more ink*-ribbon spools in a typewriter, sheet, or web feeding involving line-space* distances or format control in a typewriter, etc.).
SEARCH NOTES TO OTHER CLASSES INCLUDING SUBCOMBINATIONS USABLE IN A TYPEWRITER
See References to Other Classes for subcombinations that may be included in a typewriter for various purposes needed during the operation of a typewriter. For a patent to be placed as an original into this class (400) the claimed subject matter of such patent should be clearly related to a typewriter (e.g., be directed to a device for cleaning a type-face* of a typewriter, a bell for indicating the occurrence of the end of a print-line* in a typewriter, etc.).
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
246, include an attachment for cleaning. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
341, for a copyholder that is not part of a typewriter, but which may be used in conjunction with a typewriter for advancing material that may be copied from during typing. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for a linkage that is usable as an actuating mechanism of a typewriter. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
108, Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, appropriate subclasses for a support for sheet or web material. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
116, Signals and Indicators,
148, and 200 for an indicator or a bell. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
118, Coating Apparatus,
200, for coating apparatus applicable to a typewriter to re-ink a ribbon*. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter) 221, Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses and especially
33, for dispensing of a sheetlike article. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
222, Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for dispensing of liquid. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for feeding of web material. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding appropriate subclasses for the winding of web material onto a roll or the unwinding of web material from a roll. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
248, Supports,
442.2, for a support for a copyholder. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering,
8, for appropriate sheet-feeding structure. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
276, Typesetting,
28, for justification in a type setting machine. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, 45, for a book or leaf holder. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
838+, for a reflector usable in a typewriter. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
384, Bearings, appropriate subclasses for guide structure usable in a typewriter. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
434, Education and Demonstration,
176, 202, and 227 for a key-board* for teaching or learning purposes. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, appropriate subclasses and especially
73, for the holding and formation of books, strips and leaves for manifolding. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
411, 413, 430, 433, and 451 for the folding of zigzag or fan folded material. (Class Including Material Handling Or Material Feeding)
492, Roll or Roller, for a roll, per se, not elsewhere provided for, especially 49+, for concentric layered annular roll structure and subclasses 57+ for single annular member roll structure. (Other Classes Including Subcombinations Usable In A Typewriter)
GLOSSARY:
In the typewriter art certain words and terms have acquired distinct and specialized meanings. The following Glossary will define and explain the terms so as to facilitate understanding of, and simplify, the definitions of the subclasses to follow. Throughout the class definition and the subclass definitions, an asterisk (*) following a word or term will indicate that it has been defined in this section. For a term that is defined in this Glossary and used in the title or definition of a subclass, the individual words of the term are separated by a hyphen (-) to indicate that the term is alphabetized in this Glossary as if it were a single word.
APRON
A member closely adjacent to the cylindrical platen* of a typewriter that serves to guide a record-medium* into close contact with the platen. It is usually a thin sheet of relatively rigid material having a length dimension approximating the length of the platen and is arcuately shaped to approximately the radius of the platen whereby it conforms to part of the periphery of the platen. It is usually located underneath the platen and closely adjacent thereto so that the record-medium is guided between the apron and the platen to be partially wrapped around the platen. The apron may also serve as a mounting for feed-rollers* that
cooperate with the platen to move the record-medium in a line-space* direction.
AUXILIARY-RECORD-PROGRAM
A set of instructions used in a programmed-control-system* of a typewriter, which set of instructions may be readily removed from the typewriter so that another set of instructions may be inserted into the typewriter to perform a different or a modified sequence of typing functions.
CARRIAGE
A mechanism for supporting a record-medium* or for supporting a type-head-carrier*, which mechanism is provided with means to effect relative movement between the record-medium and a type-head-carrier that is at the print-point*, the movement occurring along a line that is parallel to the print-line*. A "carriage-feed" means effects carriage movement in the direction that causes character* symbols to be imprinted in succession, thus "carriage feed" also effects character-space* and word-space* distances. In most typewriters used for typing a European language said direction is from left to right, but there are some typewriters capable of imprinting successive characters from right to left even though the words will be read from left to right, and there are other typewriters intended to imprint successive characters from right to left because the words will be read from right to left. In any event, the carriage-feed direction is always the direction that causes characters to be imprinted in succession. In some typewriters the record-medium is held to a platen that is mounted on a carriage, and the "platen carriage" (together with the record-medium) is moved relative to the main frame of the typewriter. Each successively actuated type-member* is impressed at a print-point that is stationary relative to the main frame. The platen-carriage (e.g., right to left) is opposite to the direction in which successive characters are imprinted and read (e.g., left to right). (The directions mentioned apply except as noted above.) In some typewriters the record-medium is held to a platen that does not move during the imprinting of a print-line. The type-member is on a type-head* that is on a type-head-carrier that is mounted on a carriage, and the type-head carriage is moved relative to the main frame of the typewriter. Each successively actuated type-member is impressed at a print-point that is moved relative to the main frame. The "type-head carriage" movement (e.g., left to right) is in the direction in which successive characters are imprinted and read (e.g., left to right). In both forms of typewriter noted above, the term carriage feed is applied to movement of the carriage in the direction that effects imprinting of successive characters and words*. Thus, for a platen-carriage typewriter, carriage feed is usually from right to left (but note the exception above), whereas for a type-head-carriage typewriter, carriage feed is usually from left to right. Either typewriter is also capable of carriage reversal, which is in the direction
opposite to carriage feed, and is used for "carriage return" (e.g., to start a new print-line) or is used for carriage backspace (e.g., to move a carriage a distance equivalent of one or more character-spaces in a reverse direction).
CARRIAGE-RACK A bar having teeth or notches along one of its sides, which bar is affixed to a carriage*, and which teeth or notches cooperate with a pawl* or a pinion gear to enable or cause movement of the bar and the carriage to which it is affixed. There may be provision for adjustment of the bar relative to the carriage, but the adjustment is usually made at the time of manufacture of the typewriter, or may be made subsequently during a period of time when the typewriter is not being used for typing. When a carriage-rack cooperates with a pawl, it acts as a ratchet*, and for a discussion of how a pawl and ratchet operates as a carriage-feed mechanism, see the definition of pawl in this Glossary,
CASE-SHIFT
Case-shift is the relative movement between a record-medium* and a type-face* or a type-die* that is at the print-point*, which movement is effected by pressing a case-shift key* concurrently with the pressing of a character* key. In most typewriters, selection of which character is to be imprinted in sequence is made by selection of the character keys. In a typewriter with a case-shift, a choice of upper-case* (i.e., "CAPITAL" letter) or lower-case* (i.e., "small" letter) form of the selected letter is possible by concurrently pressing or not pressing the case-shift key. Analogous choice of other characters that appear on the various character keys is also possible with the case-shift key. In some typewriters case-shift is effected by moving into one of two positions (or in other typewriters one of three positions) any of (a) a type-bar-segment*, or (b) a platen, or (c) a type-head* that carries at least two fixedly related type-face elements; in all of these the movement occurs in a plane substantially parallel to the plane occupied by the type-face at the print-point. In some typewriters a type-head is on a type-head-carrier* and includes a type-set-assemblage* thereon, and in such typewriters case-shift is effected by moving the type-head so that the chosen type-face (i.e., upper-case or lower-case) will be impacted against the record-medium. In some typewriters, case-shift may also be used to imprint a character in a different font* or a character in a different language for specialized uses.
CHARACTER
A single symbol imprinted on a record-medium* by a type-member* and intended to be read by the human eye, or intended to be "read" by a mechanical or electrical scanner, for the purpose of conveying intelligence to the reader (i.e., human reader or mechanical "reader"). It forms one of the elements needed to form a word*. In most typewriters a
character is formed by impressing a single type-member against a record-medium, usually via an inking means. However, a single character may also be formed by impressing a plurality of different type-members either simultaneously or successively in the same zone or area of the record-medium. A character may be (a) one of the letters in an alphabet, either upper-case* (i.e., "CAPITAL" letter), or lower-case* (i.e., "small" letter), or (b) one of the numeral digits (i.e., "0" through "9"), or (c) a punctuation mark [e.g., comma (,), colon (:), etc.], or (d) one of a variety of signs and symbols incorporated into a typewriter intended for general usage [e.g., dollar sign ($), ampersand symbol (&), etc.]. The number or variety of characters that a particular typewriter may imprint is limited only by the size of the typewriter and the area allotted to the key-board* and the type-members of that typewriter.
CHARACTER-SPACE
Character-space is the distance that the carriage* or the record-medium* is moved to effect the separation of one imprinted character* from a subsequently imprinted character of the same word*. In most alphabets the width of one character (i.e., the distance that it extends along the print-line*) differs from the width of another character. In many typewriters the character-space distances are in equal increments of carriage feed. Due to the fact that successively imprinted characters have different widths, the spaces between the successive characters are unequal. To compensate for different widths, some typewriters are provided with mechanism to vary the carriage feed. This mechanism causes the carriage feed to be proportional to the width of the character imprinted by a type-face*. The unequal increments of carriage feed produced by this mechanism results in equal spaces between successively imprinted characters, thereby improving the uniformity and appearance of the typing.
COLLATING-TABLE
A platform or support used while a plurality of sheets or webs are arranged or assembled according to an orderly system. The sheets or webs may include record-medium* pieces or transfer-medium* pieces in any desired order or sequence and the assemblage of pieces comprises that which is to be typed on. The term "collating" as used in this class (400) is used to describe a simple structure that is used for collating, usually manually. It differs somewhat from the term collating as applied to a machine that accomplishes a similar result of arranging or assembling plural sheets or webs.
CONDENSED-BILLING
A term used in the typewriter industry for the production of a condensed or summary record of a succession of typed documents (e.g., bills or numerical data). The operation includes the typing of plural copies (e.g., an "original copy" and one or more "carbon copies", or duplicate "original copies") simultaneously on plural record-medium* pieces. At least one of the pieces is intended to be complete as to heading, address, and other information that is to be sent to one user. At least another piece is to be retained by the typist, and is not required to be complete; that is, it may omit much of the information, but may be a composite or summary or condensed record of the information that is to be sent. The record-medium on which the condensed-billing is typed is therefore moved in line-space* distances that differ from the line-space distances of the complete record medium.
DENOMINATIONAL-STOP
A component of the carriage* mechanism that causes stopping of the carriage in any of selected denominational column positions. In a denominational column a sequence of numerical digits is imprinted on one print-line* and further sequences of numeral digits are imprinted in successive print-lines, one print-line below the previous print-line. The distinguishing characteristic of a denominational column is that the decimal point of successive print-lines of numeral digits is in vertical array, or in the instance where the decimal point of successive numbers is not actually imprinted, the "units" digit of the successive numbers is in vertical array. Thus the position where the carriage will be stopped to imprint each of a succession of numbers will depend on whether the first digit of a sequence of numeral digits is to be a "hundreds" digit, or a "tens" digit, etc. A denominational-stop is usually a "counter stop" (see the discussion under the definition of tab-rack* in this Glossary).
FEED-ROLLER
A rotatable element having a cylindrical or cylindroidal periphery that contacts a surface of a sheet or web of record-medium* material or transfer-medium* material and enables or causes movement of the sheet or web. Usually a feed-roller cooperates with a second element and the sheet or web lies between the feed-roller and the second element, the opposite surfaces of the sheet or web being closely adjacent to the corresponding surfaces of the feed-roller and the second element and in nonsliding contact therewith. When the second element is a platen* the feed-roller serves as a "pressure roller" to urge the sheet or web toward the platen, and the platen is rotated to cause feed movement of the sheet or web. When the second element is another feed-roller either or both of the feed-rollers may be driven for rotation, the rollers being rotated in opposite rotational directions to cause feed movement, and the two feed-rollers cooperate to form a feed-roller couple.
FONT
A complete assortment of type in the same style and size to
imprint character* symbols having a substantially uniform appearance. Examples of font include elite and pica (both refer to size of type), italic (i.e., having slope to the right), and cursive (i.e., having flowing lines connecting individual characters in a style resembling handwriting), these being only a few of the fonts used in various typewriters.
FUNCTION
In general, an operation performed on or by a typewriter during use of the typewriter for typing. As used by the typewriter industry, however, the term "function" is limited to an operation other than (a) impressing a type-member* against a record-medium* to imprint a character* (which thereby concurrently effects a character-space*), or (b) effecting a word-space*. Examples of typewriter operations considered by the industry to be functions are: backspace, carriage return, case-shift*, tabular stopping, line-space* (i.e., for record-medium feed), ribbon feed, and similar typewriter movements.
INK
A substance (usually fluid, may be viscous or solid) that is applied to the surface of a record-medium* in the configuration of a typed character* symbol to make the character visible to a reader of the typed text. An important property of ink is its ability to form a "permanent" symbol, that is, a symbol that is not easily erased (or erased only with great difficulty), and it is this property that aids the production of an original copy of the typed text. (See the definition of transfer-medium* in this Glossary, section III, for a discussion of the difference between original copy and carbon copy.) A fluid ink may be applied directly to a type-face*, from which type-face the ink is directly imprinted onto a record-medium. A viscous ink may be applied to the record-medium via an ink-impregnated ribbon*, and the ink therein will "flow" by capillary action from unused portions of the ribbon into the used portions of the ribbon. A solid ink may be applied via a so-called "carbon-ink" ribbon, which is often a single-use or one-use ribbon because all or most of the coating of the ribbon is imprinted onto the record-medium when a type-face is impacted thereagainst. A "hecto-s:graphic" ink is a particular form of ink that is soluble and is used to form a "master" plate used in a "spirit duplicating" copying process. KEY
An element on a typewriter, located on a key-board*, which element is pressed to cause either (a) the actuation of a type-member* to imprint a character* that corresponds to the selected key, or (b) the actuation of a selected function* of the typewriter. In a manual typewriter a key is usually pressed by a finger of a user, and the movement of the
selected key is transmitted via a system of levers and links into movement of a corresponding type-member actuator or function actuator. In some typewriters and external power source assists the actuation. In other typewriters keys are pressed successively in response to signals to the typewriter by a human or mechanical operator. The key referred to in (a) above (i.e., a character key) also causes a character-space* movement of the carriage* as well as actuation of the type-member.
KEY-BOARD
That portion of a typewriter which is located so as to face and be adjacent to the user of a typewriter, and containing the key* elements that are to be pressed in succession to produce a text that is being typed, or pressed as needed to actuate a particular function* of the typewriter.
LINE-SPACE
The distance caused by relative movement between a record-medium* and a print-point* of a type-member* against the record-medium, which movement effects separation of one print-line* of typed text from a subsequently imprinted line of typed text on the same page* of text. It is effected by incremental relative movement that occurs in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which a print-line is formed. In most typewriters the type- member is impressed in substantially the same area of the typewriter and the record-medium is effectively held to a platen* which moves incrementally between successive print-lines, but in some typewriters the type-member and its actuating mechanism moves in a corresponding direction in incremental movements between successive print-lines. Thus, in most typewriters, line-space movement is a specific form of record-medium movement, but line-space movement is a determinate, incremental movement in selected units of distance or in multiples or fractions thereof. If a unit of distance is considered as one line-space, the multiples would include two or three line-spaces and the fractions would include one-half, one and one-half, or two and one-half line-spaces, all these distances being selected by the user of a typewriter according to the needs of the user. The most significant aspect of line-space movement is that it is related to a preceding or succeeding print-line on the record-medium as distinguished from record-medium movement which is not related to a print-line, but rather is an indeterminate movement.
LOWER-CASE
A "small" letter, similar in appearance to this text, as opposed to upper-case*. The names lower-case and upper-case are derived from the printing art during the period when type-faces* were handpicked and handset, the type being picked from a tray in which the capital or upper-case type were held in compartments physically located above the
compartments for the small or lower-case type.
MAGNETIC
A property of nature resulting in attraction or orientation of a ferrous material relative to a body having such a property. Examples of such a body include the earth, a loadstone, and a coil of wire in an electrical circuit, all of which have, or can generate, a magnetic field. Magnetism is used to produce a force, as in a magnetic solenoid, or to transmit a force, as in a magnetic clutch. Magnetic also describes a property inherent in an auxiliary-record-program* containing ferrous particles capable of being oriented or reoriented relative to the auxiliary record, the orientation of the particles being sensed to effect a typing operation in response to the sensing. MARGIN
The distance from an edge of the record-medium* to the closest character* symbol of a print-line* to that edge. The term is most usually used when a plurality of print-lines are typed and the first imprinted characters of each of the print-lines are all equally spaced from the edge. When typing any language that is read from left to right, the left margin is the distance from the left edge to these first characters and will usually be parallel to that edge, whereas the right margin is the distance of the right edge to the last characters of the successive print-lines. However, because the number of characters in a print-line is subject to chance, the right margin will usually not be equally spaced from the right edge unless "justification" is performed. For a discussion of justification, see (1) Note to the definition of subclass 1 below.
MARGIN-STOP
A member that is used to stop the movement of a carriage* when the carriage reaches the margin* of the record-medium*. The margin-stop of a platen* carriage (see the definition of carriage in this Glossary) is usually mounted on the platen carriage for movement therewith and cooperates with a stop fixed to the frame of the typewriter, whereas the margin-stop of a "typehead-carriage" (see the definition of carriage in this Glossary) is usually mounted on the frame of the typewriter and cooperates with a stop mounted on the type-head carriage for movement therewith, but in either typewriter one margin-stop may be set for various margin distances for the left margin and another margin-stop may be set for various margin distances for the right margin.
PAGE
A unit of printed text corresponding to that which would appear on one leaf or sheet of a book, newspaper, or document. It usually refers to a sheet of text, but in the instance where text is imprinted on a web (i.e., of
indeterminate-length material), it refers to that length of web which will subsequently be cut to form a sheet of determinate length.
PAPER-FINGER
A member that is in substantial contact with a platen* or with a record-medium* that is supported or backed by the platen, which member thereby ensures contact of a record-medium with the platen. It is usually an elongated element, and in those typewriters wherein the platen is cylindrical the paper-finger is arcuate and conforms to the periphery of the platen for a substantial length of the paper-finger in order to hold the record-medium to the platen.
PAWL
A moveable member having a protruding portion that engages a notch between two adjacent teeth of a ratchet* to cause or enable intermittent movement of the ratchet. The movement of a pawl is usually two-way, that is, oscillation or reciprocation, and the protruding portion of the pawl engages a notch between two adjacent teeth of the ratchet and moves relative to the ratchet over or around one of the teeth to engage a notch between the next two adjacent teeth. In one form of pawl and ratchet mechanism, the pawl is driven while engaged in a notch between the teeth to thereby drive the ratchet, and then is retracted to reengage a notch between the next teeth. In another form of pawl and ratchet mechanism, the ratchet is urged to be moved, but its movement is restrained by the pawl; movement of the pawl momentarily releases the ratchet for movement of the ratchet, and return of the pawl to a notch between the next teeth again restrains the ratchet. In either mechanism a plurality of pawls, or a pawl with a plurality of protruding portions may be used alternately.
PITCH The term "pitch" in the typewriter art derives from its usage in mechanics or machinery, where it refers to the distance between two things in series, e.g., two adjacent threads of a screw or two adjacent teeth of a toothed wheel or rack, etc. As used in the typewriter art, "pitch" refers to a line-space* distance or to a character-space* distance, as such distances are caused by mechanical elements in the typewriter. Some typewriters are capable of imprinting different character* sizes due to easily replaceable type-head* elements. In order to maintain a proper or pleasing appearance to the type text, it is necessary, when such a change in character size is made, also to change the character-space and line-space distances in proper proportion to that of the character size. Such a typewriter is therefore also capable of having the pitch changed when character size is changed.
PLATEN
An element that serves as a support or backing for a record-medium* while a type-member* is impressed against the record-medium and thereby prevents movement of the record-medium during impression; or an element that serves as a support or backing for a record-medium and also moves the record-medium toward the type-member for impression of the type-member against the record-medium. Although from the derivation of the word "platen" it should comprise a flat or planar plate, in the typewriter art it is not so limited. In most typewriters the platen is a cylinder having a generally smooth surface, and the record-medium is partially wrapped around the periphery of the cylinder. In use the cylinder is rotated until the location of the record-medium corresponds to the desired location of the print-line* to be imprinted thereon, and after the desired line has been imprinted, the cylinder is rotated an increment corresponding to a desired line-space*, thereby moving the record-medium. Some typewriters do include a flat platen, which may be a plate having dimensions corresponding to the record-medium (i.e., sheet), or may be a bar platen having dimensions corresponding to the height of a character* and the length of a print-line, or may be an anvil having dimensions corresponding to the height and width of a single character.
PRINT-LINE
A single row of imprinted, spaced character* symbols and word* groups that is part of the text being typed. It is usually a straight row, but particular characters of the line may be offset therefrom, as, for example, to imprint subscript (i.e., slightly below the line) or superscript (i.e., slightly above the line), or to imprint a mathematical or chemical formula without negating its characteristics as a line. It is usually formed and read across a page, either from left to right as in European languages, or from right to left, as in Semitic languages, but may also be formed and read parallel to one of the side margins* of a page* (i.e., "up" or "down"), as in some Oriental languages.
PRINT-POINT
Print-point is the typewriter industry term for the area or spot on the record-medium* that a type-member* is impressed against to imprint a character* on the record-medium. The print-point may be fixed or movable relative to a typewriter main frame as discussed in the definition of carriage* in this Glossary.
PROGRAMMED-CONTROL-SYSTEM
Means for regulating the operation of a typewriter to perform a predetermined sequence of operations for typing, which means include a set of instructions which may be replaced or modified at will, to which instructions the typewriter mechanism responds by performing the sequence of operations.
The instructions may be in the form of a tangible article such as a tape or card or disc with visible or invisible indicia thereon, or may be in the form of an intangible "computer program" including a "memory" and related circuitry, but in any event, must be related to the operation of a typewriter to be considered for this class.
RATCHET A movable member having teeth thereon and at least one notch between the teeth, which notch is engaged by a protruding portion of a pawl* to cause or enable intermittent movement of the ratchet. The manner in which a pawl and ratchet mechanism is used in a typewriter is discussed under the definition of pawl in this Glossary, section III. Ratchet teeth may be part of a "ratchet wheel" or of a "ratchet rack", and the action of the pawl is similar in both instances. However, since a ratchet wheel is circular, its motion will be a one-way rotational intermittent motion; and since a ratchet rack is linear, its motion will be a one-way rectilinear intermittent motion.
RECORD-MEDIUM
A piece of material, usually paper but not limited to paper, on which material is recorded an imprint of a type-member* that is impressed against the material to form a character* to be read. The material may be a relatively thin "sheet" having a determinate width and a determinate length, or may be a "web" having a determinate width and an indeterminate length. The recording is usually by way of an ink* that coats the material in the form of a line representing a character; but other kinds of recording may be done, as, for example, embossing, which deforms the surface of the material to raise or lower the surface into a line representing the character, or perforating, which punches a plurality of holes in the material that taken together form a representation of a character.
RIBBON
A piece of elongated and relatively thin transfer-medium* material impregnated with, or carrying, ink* that is to be applied to a record-medium*, which material is interposed between the record-medium and a type-face* that is at the print-point*. When the type-face is impressed against the record-medium (with the ribbon therebetween) a portion of the ink on the ribbon will be transferred to the record-medium to form a readable character* symbol corresponding to the symbol on the type-face that was impressed against the record-medium. Although in most typewriters the ribbon is an elongated relatively narrow strip of material, these dimensions are not critical in its usage as a ribbon. (For example, a ribbon may be narrow and sufficiently short to be held in the hand of a typist while being temporarily positioned adjacent to the print-point, or a ribbon may be elongated and as wide as the record-medium to be typed on.)
What is critical in its usage as a ribbon for making an original copy is (a) its location directly between the record-medium and the type-face that is at the print-point, and (b) the use of a "permanent" or not easily erasable ink; the combination forms an original copy of the typed text, in contrast to a carbon copy. (See the definitions of transfer-medium and ink in this Glossary for a discussion of carbon copy). Among the various forms of ribbon used in a typewriter are: (a) a fabric ribbon coated or impregnated with "permanent" ink, the ribbon being reusable many times or until the ink therein is depleted, and producing an original copy; (b) a carbon-ink ribbon coated with permanent ink, the ribbon being usually a single-use ribbon due to the operation wherein all or most of the coating is deposited on the record-medium during the impact of a type-face thereagainst, and producing an original copy (see the definition of transfer-medium in this Glossary, for a discussion of the difference between the permanent ink used in a carbon-ink ribbon, and the carbon coating of a "carbon-paper" transfer-medium); (c) a "hectos:graphic" ribbon that uses a soluble ink and produces a "master" plate subsequently used in a spirit duplicating copy process; (d) a carbon-paper ribbon coated with a substance containing carbon or other pigment to produce a carbon copy that is easily erasable; (e) a "correction" ribbon that is used to correct an error in typing as discussed in the definition of subclass 697 below. It should be noted that in early typewriter technology the term "ribbon" usually referred only to a fabric ribbon mentioned above; therefore, unless a disclosure particularly describes a ribbon by an intended function or specific coating, it should be assumed that a fabric ribbon is disclosed.
SPACE-BAR
An element on a typewriter, located on a keyboard*, which element is pressed to cause a carriage-feed movement of the carriage* without an imprint of a character*, thereby to separate one word* from another word on a print-line*.
TAB
A tab is an abbreviated form of the term "tabular", which term refers to a columnar arrangement of character* symbols on a page* of text. A "column" of text is formed by imprinting a particular symbol on one print-line* and subsequently imprinting the same or another particular symbol on another print-line directly below the first print-line (i.e., equally spaced from one of the side edges of the record-medium*), and repeating the typing until a plurality of print-lines have been formed, all of which are in vertical array. The particular symbol may be the first letter of the first word* in each of the successively imprinted print-lines, and two or more columns are usually arranged in such a "column-set" arrangement, each of the columns being arrayed at a preset distance from an edge of the record-medium. The particular symbol may be the decimal point
or the "units" digit of a set of numeral digits representing a number; this arrangement is termed "denominational". The terms "column" and "tabular" are also discussed in (1) Note and (2) Note to subclass 284, the term "denominational" is also discussed in (1) Note to subclass 285, and the term column set is discussed in (3) Note to subclass 284 and defined in subclass 285.1. It should also be noted that, in some disclosures, the term "tab" has been used as an abbreviation of an element which is better known as a "tab-stop" element and is discussed in this Glossary under tab-rack*.
TAB-RACK A component of the carriage* mechanism that causes stopping of the carriage in any of selected tabular (see tab* in this Glossary) positions. A tab-rack is an elongated member extending parallel to the direction of carriage movement and having a length substantially the same as the extent of carriage movement. On the tab-rack a plurality of "tab-stop" elements are mounted, each of said elements being movable transversely of the length of the tab-rack form a "clear" position at which the element is passive to a "set" position at which the element is able to cooperate with a "counter-stop" element. In operation, relative movement between the tab-rack and the counter stop is effected in the lengthwise direction of the tab-rack until a set tab stop abuts against the counter stop. Usually the tab-rack is connected to the carriage and its tab stop abuts a stationary counter stop, thereby stopping the carriage. The same result may be achieved by mounting the counter stop on the carriage and abutting the counter stop against a set tab stop on a stationary tab-rack, thereby stopping the carriage. A plurality of counter stops may be provided, one of which counter stops may be set to stop the carriage in a preset column or denominational position. A typewriter capable of tabular operation is provided with at least three key* elements for regulating the operation. One of the keys, labelled "set" (or a variant thereof) is depressed by the typist to move a selected tab-stop element from its passive position to its set position on the tab-rack. Another key, labelled "tab" (or a variant thereof), or unlabeled but having a distinctive shape, is depressed by the typist to concurrently (a) release the carriage from its normal carriage-feed mechanism to enable unrestrained movement of the carriage, and (b) set a counter stop into a position where it will abut against the set tab stop when the counter stop and tab stop engage one another, whereby the movement of the carriage will be stopped in the tabular position. A third key, labelled "clear" (or a variant thereof), is depressed by the typist to move any of the previously set tab stops back to its passive position on the type-rack.
TOGGLE-LINKAGE
An assemblage of at least two links, pitmans, bars, or struts and at least three pivots, an end of one link being connected
to an end of the other link by a pivot that is common to both links. Each of the links also has a pivot at the end remote from the common pivot, which common or intermediate pivot is movable from a first (or "broken") position at which the common pivot is not in line with the other two pivots to a second (or "straightened") position at which the common pivot is substantially in line with the other two pivots, or which common pivot is movable from said second position to said first position. Such movement is accomplished by a force applied to the common pivot in a direction approximately at right angles to either link, thereby moving the remote pivots relatively away from each other (i.e., when the common pivot moves to the second position) or relatively toward each other (i.e., when the common pivot moves to the first position).
TRANSFER-MEDIUM
A piece of material, relatively thin as compared to its other dimensions, and flexible so as to conform to various configurations as required in a typewriter, which material is impregnated or coated on one or both of its opposite surfaces with a preparation of ink* or gelatin or other substance-containing carbon or other pigment that is capable of being transplaced from a surface of said material onto a surface of an adjacent record-medium*. Among the various forms of transfer-medium used in a typewriter are: (a) a "permanent" ink transfer-medium in the form of an elongated, narrow ribbon*, a wide ribbon, a disc, etc., all of which have the property that the character* symbol imprinted with the use of this transfer-medium is not easily erased, thereby producing an "original copy" text; (b) a "carbon-paper" transfer-medium, so called because one of its surfaces is coated with a substance containing carbon or other pigment having the property that the character imprinted with this transfer-medium is easily erased, thereby producing a "carbon copy" text; (c) a "hectos:graphic" ink transfer-medium, using an ink that is soluble in a particular solvent and is used to form a "master" plate that is subsequently used in a "spirit duplicating" copying process, and (d) a "correction" transfer-medium that is coated with a substance containing a pigment of the same color as that of the record-medium, and is used to correct an error in typing (as discussed in the definition of subclass 697 below).
TYPE-BAR
An elongated member having at one end a type-member* (i.e., a type-die* or a type-face*) element and at its other end a connection to one or more key* elements. In most manual type-writers, the number of type-bars corresponds to the number of keys provided, and the type-bars are pivoted to a type-bar-segment* so that the various type-faces are all impressed at approximately the same print-point*, but many variations of the construction are to be found. The type-bars may be pivoted to individual linkages, or may be slidable to print position. In some typewriters a single key may actuate a plurality of type-bars; in others, a plurality
of keys may be depressed simultaneously to actuate a single type-bar; and in others (e.g., stenos:graphic typewriters), there may be a plurality of character* symbols simultaneously imprinted.
TYPE-BAR-SEGMENT
A type-bar-segment is an arcuate member that serves to support all the type-bar* members for pivotal motion so that each of the type-member* elements carried by the type-bar members will be impressed onto the record-medium* at approximately the same print-point*. In some manual typewriters the type-bar-segment is moved to effect case-shift*. (This occurs because the type-member (i.e., type-face* or type-die*) that is at the print-point has been moved as a result of moving the type-bar-segment, so that an upper-case* or a lower-case* form of character* symbol is imprinted on the record-medium according to the choice of the typist.) The difference between a type-bar-segment and a type-face-carrier* (which also permits a type-bar to move relative thereto) is that a type-face-carrier moves both for selection of a character and for choice of upper-case of lower-case, whereas a type-bar-segment moves only for choice of upper-case or lower-case.
TYPE-DIE An element that is impressed against a record-medium* to deform or pierce the surface of the record-medium into a representation of a character*. It is that portion of a type-member* that projects from the body of the type-member and contacts the surface of the record-medium to raise or lower the contacted surface relative to the uncontracted surface into a line representing a character, or to form one or more perforations in the contacted surface, which perforations taken together represent a character.
TYPE-FACE
An element that is impressed against a record-medium* to imprint a line representing a character*. It is that portion of a type-member* that projects from the body of the type-member, and contacts the surface of the record-medium to form the character by ink* applied to the type-face and transferred to the record-medium, or by ink applied via an ink ribbon* or similar transfer material that lies between the type-face and the surface of the record-medium.
TYPE-FACE-CARRIER
A type-face-carrier is a mechanism on which is mounted a plurality of type-member* elements (i.e., type-face* or type-die*) for movement of any one type-member relative to the remainder of the type-members mounted thereon. Usually a group of type-faces comprising a type-set-assemblage* is mounted on a type-face-carrier, face-carrier, and the type-face-carrier is capable of various kinds of movement. A
typist will select one key* element from among the many key elements available, causing the type-face-carrier to move to a position at which the selected type-face will impact against a record-medium* to imprint the selected character* symbol (e.g., a particular letter, or a particular number, etc.) on the record-medium. A typist may choose to effect case-shift* or not effect case-shift, thereby to choose from the character symbols available on one key element the one symbol (e.g., the upper-case* or the lower-case* form of the same letter, etc.) thereby causing the type-face-carrier to move to a position at which the chosen type-face will imprint the chosen symbol. The mechanism also causes or enables relative movement between the type-face and the record-medium (e.g., movement of the type-face toward the print-point*) to imprint the selected or the chosen character or symbol on the record-medium. (See this Glossary, section III, under the definitions of the terms type-bar-segment* and type-head-carrier* for the differences between those mechanisms and a type-face-carrier).
TYPE-HEAD
A type-head is an element comprising one or more type-member* elements integral one with the other(s). In most manually powered type-writers a type-set-assemblage* is distributed among a plurality of type-heads, each of which as two type-face* elements. Some of these type-heads include a type-face for imprinting a particular letter in lower-case* and a type-face for imprinting the same letter in upper-case*, the choice being made by a case-shift* mechanism. Other type-heads in these manually powered type-writers include a type-face for imprinting a number and a type-face for imprinting a symbol (see the definition of character* in this Glossary for examples of a symbol), the choice of which is to be imprinted also being made by the case-shift mechanism. In some electrically powered typewriters a single type-head includes a complete type-set-assemblage, and said type-head is mounted on a type-head-carrier*. In such typewriters the single type-head is moved for selection of the type-face to be imprinted, or for the choice of the case to be used. In the definitions of the subclasses that follow, the term "type-head" has usually been reserved for the element that includes a type-set-assemblage on an electrically powered typewriter, and the element on the type end of a type-bar* has usually been referred to as a type-face.
TYPE-HEAD-CARRIER
A type-head-carrier is a mechanism on which is mounted at least one type-head* that includes a type-set-assemblage* (e.g., a group of type-face* elements) thereon for movement of the type-head relative to the type-head-carrier. Usually a type-head-carrier and the type-head mounted thereon are capable of various kinds of movement. A typist will select one key* element from among the many key elements available, causing the type-head to move (e.g., by oscillating and/or
tilting) to a position at which the selected type-face will impact against a record-medium* to imprint the selected character* symbol (e.g., a particular letter, or a particular number, etc.) on the record-medium. A typist may choose to effect case-shift* or not effect case-shift, thereby to choose from the character symbols available on one key element the one symbol (e.g., the upper-case* or the lower-case* form of the same letter, etc.) that is to be imprinted, thereby causing the type-head to move to a position at which the chosen type-face will imprint the chosen symbol. The mechanism also causes or enables movement of the type-head (i.e., by movement of the type-head-carrier) between the type-face and the record-medium (e.g., movement of the type-face toward the print-point*) to imprint the selected or the chosen character or symbol on the record-medium. The difference between a type-head-carrier and a type-face-carrier* (which also carries a type-set-assemblage that moves both for selection of a character and for choice of upper-case or lower-case) is that a type-face-carrier supports individually movable type-face elements, whereas a type-head-carrier supports a type-head wherein all the type-face elements are integral therewith.
In some typewriters that use a type-head-carrier a single type-head includes a complete type-set-assemblage, and this type-head may be removed from its carrier and be replaced with a different type-head having a different font* (e.g., the style, character size, alphabet, or symbols that the typewriter can produce). In some typewriters that use a type-head-carrier plural type-heads may be provided, each including a complete type-set-assemblage (e.g., in different fonts, etc.) or each including only part of a complete type-set-assemblage (e.g., one-half of an assemblage on one type-head and the other half of that assemblage on the other type-head). TYPE-MEMBER
An element having on a surface thereof a type-die* or a type-face* which is impressed against a record-medium* to imprint a character* in or on the surface of the record-medium. In most typewriters there is only one type-member corresponding to each character* that is to be typed, and the user of the typewriter selects from the assortment of type-members provided in the apparatus one type-member at a time to be imprinted, and serially imprints the selected type-members to form the characters representing the text to be typed.
TYPE-SET-ASSEMBLAGE
A group of type-face* elements including a multiplicity of type-faces for imprinting the different character* symbols that a typewriter is capable of imprinting in the same font* of type. In many typewriters a type-set-assemblage is carried on a plurality of type-bar* members that include all the type-faces that the typewriter can imprint, either in
upper-case* or in lower-case*, or in the various character symbols. In other typewriters a single type-head* includes all type-faces that the typewriter can imprint in the same font, and that type-head can be removed from the typewriter to be replaced by a type-head for another type-set-assemblage of a different font. In still other typewriters two or more type-heads are provided to comprise one type-set-assemblage, or to comprise two or more type-set-assemblages in different fonts.
TYPEWRITER-ACTUATED-CONTROL
Typewriter-actuated-control is intended to refer to a mechanism wherein a first part of a typewriter moves to accomplish its intended first-part function, and during said movement the first part engages a second part to move the second part, thereby accomplishing a second function as the second part is moved. A simple example of a typewriter-actuated-control exists in the instance of a typewriter wherein the ribbon* vibrator has means for opening the guide means of the vibrator for the purpose of facilitating insertion of a new ribbon. When the vibrator is next lifted or raised to enable the ribbon to cover the print-point* to imprint the next character*, the upward movement of the vibrator for typing causes engagement of elements that "automatically" causes closing of the vibrator guide to its normal position without special intervention of the typist to accomplish the guide-closing function.
UNIVERSAL-BAR
A member that is part of a drive train of a typewriter, which member is driven by any of a multiplicity of elements and which member serves to drive any of a different multiplicity of elements. A universal-bar may be driven, for example, by a space-bar*, or by a character* key* element that causes imprint of a character and also drives the universal-bar either directly or via a type-bar* member or associated linkage. The universal-bar may then serve to drive a carriage-feed mechanism or a ribbon-feed mechanism or a character-counter mechanism or all these exemplary mechanisms concurrently.
UPPER-CASE
A capital letter, similar in appearance to this text, as opposed to lower-case*. The derivation of the terms upper-case* and lower-case is discussed in the definition of lower-case in this Glossary. See the definitions of character* and case-shift* in this Glossary for the forms of symbols that are imprinted when the case-shift mechanism is in the upper-case mode.
VIBRATOR Vibrator is the typewriter industry term for an element or an assemblage of elements that (a) guides a ribbon* or
constrains the ribbon for movement along its elongated dimension, and (b) is located on the typewriter adjacent to the print-point*, and (c) moves at least a portion of the ribbon that is so guided transversely to its elongated dimension from a first position adjacent to but not covering the print-point to a second position covering the print-point. The first position is a normal, or "rest" position that permits the print-line* to be seen by a typist, and the second position places the ribbon over the print-point so that a type-face* will be impressed against the ribbon to imprint a character* on a record-medium*. The vibrator movement may be controlled so as to move different zones of the ribbon to the print-point, each of which zones extends longitudinally and is spaced transversely to the others, whereby different colored characters may be imprinted.
WORD
For purposes of this class, a word is one or more imprinted character* symbols that are grouped together and separated from other groups of characters to convey intelligence or information to a reader. Usually a word consists of one or more letter characters that taken together as a group may also be spoken by people of a national or ethnic folk, but especially for purposes of this class, a word may consist of more number characters as well as letter characters, the words then conveying information in a cryptos:graphic "language".
WORD-SPACE
The distance that separates the last character* of one word* of imprinted text from the first character of a subsequent word of the same text on the same line of text.