Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1 TYPEWRITER CARTRIDGE AND FEED MECHANISM THEREFORE
Field of the Invention and State of the Prior Art `: :
The present invention relates to a cartridge for a typewriter and
the feed mechanism for the ribbon held thereby, and more particularly
relates to a cartridge assembly in which, for example, two ribbons such -
as a carbon or film ribbon may be employed in conjunction with an erase -. .
ribbon in separate and severable housings or cases in the assembly, and -~
which may be separately and selectively driven by the novel drive
mechanism which is shiftable automatically as to both ribbon feed rate
and ribbon lift by action of the cartridge employed. ~ ~-
In conventional typewriters, for example such as the IBM Selectric . :
typewriter, typ7ng ribbon is wound in a case or cartridge on a supply
spool, ribbon passes out an exit port and enough slack is left 7n the
ribbon so that the typist, upon mounting the cartrldge ~n the typewr7ter,
handles the ribbon plac7ng the rlbbon on the osc711at-7ng gu7des which ~.
form part of the typewriter mechanism. The tape or ribbon feeds back
into the cartridge and onto a take-up spool, the take-up spool conven- .
tionally having a portion thereof which engages drive mechanism fixedly ;mounted on the typewriter. If the ribbon is of a carbon type, a special
lift-off tape is employed such as disclosed 7n U.S. patent 3,788,442 .
7ssued on January 29, 1974 and mounted on a separate feed mechanism. The
typ7st 7n a sim71ar manner, must thread the lift-off tape through the ~.
separate guides. When the operator is typing, the ribbon is lifted by
the oscillating guides intermediate the single element typing head and .
the platen so that the typing elemer,t strikes the ribbon and prints upon
the paper held by the platen. If the ribbon is carbon, the guides lift ~ `
the ribbon to permit striking the ribbon at successive typing operations
at different elevations of the ribbon, the ribbon being incrementally fed :
by the feed mechanism so as to take full advantage of the tape width
while preventing overstrike of the single element printing element or
ball against the ribbon. Intermediate each imprinting operation, the
guides return the ribbon to a depressed poSitiQn so that the typ7st may ~ .;: : 1 , ~
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1 see the letter previously typed. Thus the mechanism takes full advan-
tage of the width of the ribbon without overstrike while permitting
the employment of a separate spool of tape for lift-off type operation.
Where it is not essential that the type be as perfect as a carbon
ribbon can make, a "strikeover" type ribbon such as the "IBM Tech III"
may be employed, the cartridge having means thereon for shifting the
mechanism to permit strike-over merely by changing the ribbon feed rate.
With this type of ribbon, the erase ribbon is conventionally of the
cover up type as opposed to a lift-off type ribbon employed convention-
ally with carbon ribbon. In each instance, the ribbons must be handled
by the typist for initial threading into the guides and then, when the
cartridge has been used, the ribbon removed from the guides, leaving
smudges at least on the operator's fingertips and many t~mes on adjacent
portions o~ the mach~ne. One of the major reasons for bringing the
ribbon externally of the cartrldge which necessitates mounting or
threading the ribbon through the oscillating guides (erase or print
ribbon) is that the mass being moved, i.e., of the ribbon, is small.~ ;
Moreover, in this type of machine, the loading of the cartridge is
always a two-handed operation.
In view of the above, it ;s a principle object to the present ;
invention to provide a novel cartridge and cartridge assembly for a
typewriter which is easily insertable by the operator; does not require
the operator to soil his/her hands in either removing or inserting the
cartridge; and does not require ribbon slack removal.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel cart-
ridge for a typewriter which is insertable within the typewriter with
one hand by the operator and which engages in locking engagement therein
in a position ready for immediate typing operations.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
cartridge for a typewriter which will permit an automatic changing of
the typewriter mechanism to accommodate the drive requirements of a
plurality of ribbon types.
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1 Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel
cartridge assembly co~prised of two sections, a first section containing
the print ribbon, and the second section containing an erase ribbon or
tape which is detachably coupled to the first case so as to form an -~
assembly. `
Still another object of the present invention is to provide easily
actuable means on the cartridge assembly for coupling the assembly to
the typewriter in locking engagement therewith and positioning the same
after such coupling occurs automatically in a print position. ~ ;
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel i ;
cartridge for a typewriter in which the drive for the ribbon is posi- ~ -
tioned externally of the cartridge whereby upon insertion of the cart-
ridge ;nto the typlng mechanism, the drive is coupled to the cartridge
for motlon therewith and yet externally of the cartr;dge.
Yet another ob~ect of the present ;nvention ;s to provide a novel
drive mechanism which cooperates with the cartridge of the present
invention to permit rotation of the cartridge in a predetermined manner
about a transverse axis of the cartridge so as to permit full usage of
the width of the cartridge ribbon depend;ng upon the type of ribbon
employed in the cartridge.
Another object of the present invention is to provide novel drive
mechanism for the cartridge whlch wlll permit a predeterm~ned elevation
of the cartridge about a transverse axis for presenting the ribbon to a
printing element, and after printing occurs depress the cartridge about
said axis to permit viewing by the operator of the previous print, and ; m~
to automatically advance the ribbon intermediate at least predetermined
print operations.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a simple
yet effective drive mechanism for the novel cartridge assembly of the
present invention which will effect both tape elevation and advance and
permit selective operation automatically of the erase ribbon when de-
sired by the operator.
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1~87586 ~
1 Other objects and a more complete understanding of the invent;on
may be had by referring to the following specification and claims taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
In the Drawings ~ :
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartlidge assembly com-
prised of cartridges constructed in accordance with the present inventian;
Fig. 2 is a schematic side elevational view of the cartridge
assembly in posit;on on a typewriter and illustrating the movement of
the cartridge assembly relative to the print head and the platen;
Fig. 3a is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the print
ribbon when the print ribbon employed is a carbon type;
Fig. 3b is an enlarged fragmentary view of another ribbon in which
strikeover ;s permitted and illustrat;ng the spacing and tracks for
elevation between letters or characters being typed by the typlng head
and cartridge illustrated ln Figs. 1 and 2; ~
Fig. 4 is a plan view of a cartridge constructed in accordance with -
the present invention, one of which is illustrated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of the cartridge illustrated in Fig. 4 with
the top cover removed;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary bottom view of the lower cartridge in the ~,
cartridge assembly illustrated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a bottom view o~ the cartridge ;llustrated in Fig. 6 but
with the bottom cover removed;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
Fig. 6; ~i
Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the mechan-
ism adapted to accommodate the cartridge of the present inventian; ~ `
.
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional side elevational view of a ~ ;
portion of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 9;
Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are fragmentary perspective schematic views
illustrating the manner in which the cartridge assembly of the present
invention may be inserted into the novel drive mechanism for the cart~
1 ridge; i~8 7586
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the apparatus
illustrated in Figs. 9-13 for providing drive for the ribbon; ,- ;~
Fig. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the rela~
tionship between certain parts of the novel drive mechanism for the
. ~ . . .
cartridge; ;
Fig. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the ;
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 14 which facilitates the feed of the
ribbon associated with the cartridge assembly,
F-ig. 17 is a cam timing diagram which illustrates both the ribbon `
feed and ribbon lift cam patterns for the cam illustrated in Fig. 15, ~-
Fig. 18 is a layout of the erase function cam for both feed and - ; ;
lift; and
Fig. 19 -is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a portion
o~ the apparatus illustrated -in Fig. 16 by wh-ich the ribbon ~s fed for
both ribbons of ~he cartrldge assembly.
Referring now to the draw-ings and especially Fig. 1 thereof, a -~
cartridge assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the present
invention is illustrated therein. The assembly 10 comprises a first
cartridge or case member 15 and a second cartridge or case member 30,
each case as shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 including a separate chamber
16, 31 and means (apertures 17 and snap pins 32) for releasably connect-
ing the two cases in super-imposed overlapping relation. As illustrated
-in Figs. 1 and 4-7, first and second pairs of spaced apart guide means -
18a, 18b, 33a, 33b are dimens-ioned to be aligned, first pair to second
pair. Separate ribbon supply and take-up spools 19, 20 and 34, 35 are
mounted in the chambers-16 and 31 respectively, the supply spools 19
and 34 having a fixed axis of rotation and the take-up spools or rollers
20 and 35 having a shiftable axis of rotation along a path 21 and 36 `~respectively. Means 22 and 37 define an opening along one edge of each
of the case members 15 and 30, the openings being aligned in the paths
21, 36 respectively with each of the cartridge or case members ~including
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1means 23, 38 to bias each of the take-up spools 20, 35 in their respec-
tive paths towards the openings 22 and 37.
The cartridge assembly 10 may be inserted into the carrier portion
71 of a single elemen-t typewriter (for example) such is illustrated in -
Figs. 2, 9 and 10, the carrier and selection mechanism for the single
typing element being substantially that which has been disclosed in U.S.
patent 3,892,304 issued on July 1, 1975, and U.S. patent 4,059,184
issued on November 22, 1977 to Redding et al.
The carrier portion 71, as described in the foregoing patents includes
selection mechanism (not shown) for a typing element 72 (sometimes
referred to as a ball) which is rotated and moved forward to strike a
ribbon and make an imprint of a selected letter against a sheet of paper
held by the platen 73. Conventionally, and as has been explained hereto-
~ore in the statement of prior art, the ribbon is held by guldes and
moved upwardly into the path intermediate the moving typing element 72
and the platen, and then depressed between each striking of a key of the
typewriter so that the operator may see where the element is striking
and thereby insure that the proper letter is being imprinted on the
paper carried by the platen. In the present instance, the cartridge
assembly 10 is locked into place in a cartridge holder 75 which ~ill be
more fully explained hereinafter, and the cartridge presents to the ~ ;
typing element the ribbon as by ~ts guides 18a and 18b (see Fig. 1), the
space between the guides 18a and 18b being sufficient to permit entry
and exit of the typing ele~ent 72 from therebetween. Suffice at this
time that upon clamping of the cartridge assembly 10 in the holder 75,
no further action need be taken by the operator to prepare the machine
for typing other than turning the switch on and providing paper etc. to
the platen.
Depending upon the type of cartridge presented and held by the ~ ;
holder, drive means operatively associated with the holder 75 effect
rotation of the assembly 10 about an axis 11 so as to present dif~ferent - ;~
portions of the ribbon 12 during each typing operation to the printing
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1C187S1~6 : ~
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1 element 72. Additionally, the drive means not only provides for eleva-
tion of the ribbon 12 but effects advancement or feed of the ribbon
between the supply and take-up spool so as to present new ribbon por-
tions to the typing element as typing commences.
As will become clear hereinafter, the motion of l;he cartridge 15 or
the cartridge assembly 10 about the axis 11 is depicted best in Fig. 2.
Depending whether the ribbon is for example, a carbon ribbon, or a ribbon
such as the IBM Tech III ribbon, will determine the coding provided by
the cartridge assembly 10 which will in turn effect shifting of the
drive means associated with the holder 75 causing the lift and feed
evidenced in Fig. 3a or the lift and feed shown in Fig. 3b. For example,
if the ribbon is a carbon ribbon 12a illustrated in Fig. 3a, where no
strike-over is permitted, the motlon of the cartridge assembly 10 will
be to elevate the ribbon to a first level 1, a charac~er is pr~nted ("A"
1n the drawlng), the cartridge is then depressed and the ribbon advanced
in the direction of the arrow a distance d, the cartridge is then
elevated to permit printing at a second level Z, and then depressed once ~ ~
again to permit the operator to view the letter or other indicia type, ~ ;
and then advancement once again a distance d. The cartridge is then
elevated to a third level 3 whereupon third indicia will be typed and
then once again lowered or depressed and the ribbon advanced another
increment d. It is evident, therefore, that the distance between
adjacent indicia in a single horizontal row on the tape will be equal to
3d. In a like manner, if the ribbon 12b being used is, for example, a
fabric ribbon wherein strike-over is permitted and useful to minimize
ribbon waste and to permit maximum usage of the ribbon, 9 imprints will
occur for each incremental advancement, for example d advancement of the
print ribbon 12b in the direction of the arrow. From the foregoing, it
is obvious that the distance incrementally advanced by the elevation of
the tape to present the same at the print point is a matter of drive
design. Moreover, it should be understood that if the difFerence in
both elevation and feed of the print ribbon is going to depend upon the
type of print ribbon utilized, if it is desired that such change be
lV8~
1 automatic, the obvious place to place the switch function or identiFying
print ribbon function is on the cartridge itself so that it automatically
compensates or shifts for the required alternation of the print ribbon
and feed of the same.
Specific Cartridge Embodiment
As has been previously explained, the cartridge assembly lQ com- ;
prises a pair of cartridges 15 and 30 respectively, the cartridge 15
being adapted to present to the printing element printing ribbon 12
while the cartridge 30 has a more limited role or use of presenting to
the printing element an erase tape or the like 13. Although the
cartridge assembly 10 may comprise a single unit, because the supply
of printing ribbon 13, it is believed desirable that the cartridges be
divisible and yet ma-table ln superimposed overlapping relatlon as
briefly described heretoFore. However, the principle cartridge 15 oF
the present invention may be utilized without the cartridge 30, while
the converse is not true.
Referring now to the drawing, and especially Figs. 1, 4 and 5
thereof, the cartridge 15 comprises a case having an upper surface 15a
and a lower surface 15b which mate with and are spaced apart as by the
external case wall 16a thereby forming the chamber 16. At the end of
the guides 18a, 1~b are respectively located the ribbon exit and
entrance ports 23a, 23b respectively which allow the print ribbon 12 to
traverse a path externally oF the case so as to be exposed to the print~
ing element 72 for a printing operation. As shown best in Fig. 4, the
supply reel 19 includes a hub 19a which is mounted in the upper and
lower cover 15a and 15b for rotation. A drag wire 24 serves to main-
tain tension on the ribbon being extracted from the supply spool 19 and
is more fully described in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 18,
No. 4, September 1975, page 1093 in an article entitled "Ribbon Drag
Wire". The ribbon exits through the exit port 23a and enters into the
entry port 23b, past a guide pin or the like 25 and then is wound on
the pickup roller 20, the roller 20 having a print ribbon advancing
7 8
1(~87586
1 surface 20a thereon which cooperates with the opening 22 for exposing
the print ribbon advancing surface 20a externally of the case 15.
In order to insure that the print ribbon advancing surface extends
externally of the case so as to permit effective engagement thereof
with the ribbon advancing means, the center 20b of the spool or roller
20 is engaged by a shaft or rod 26 forming part of the biasing means 23,
one end 26a of the rod extending downwardly through the center 20b of
the spool or roller 20 and engaging the slot 21 in the lower surface
15b of the case or cartridge 15. The opposite end 26b of the shaft 26 ~-
engages a spring 27 which is connected to the upper surface 15a of the
case 15 thereby serving to bias the rod and thus the roller 20 towards i~
the opening 22.
Additionally, the depending or terminal end 26b of the rod 26 not
only is guided ln slot 21a but also serves to llm~t leftward depression
along the axls or path 21 because of engagement of the depending portion
26b with the peripheral winding of the supply spool 19. ;~
Inasmuch as the cartridge and associated mechanism was designed to
minimize ribbon handllng by the operator when loading and unloading the
cartridge, it is necessary that the case include a laterally extending
axis of rotation, as illustrated in Fig. 1 the axis 11 which is
approximately along the center of mass of the cartridge. A trunnion 27 .
projects from the case along the axis 11 and clamping means formed in
part as hinge means or projecting ears 28 on the case are spaced from
the trunnion along the axis permitting locking engagement in the type-
writer in conjunction with the trunnion so as to allow rotation of the
cartridge about the axis 11. In a manner which will be more fully
explained herelnafter, the clamping means 28 serve as hinges and co-
operate with a portion of the holder 75 (Figs. 9 and 10) to clamp the
cartridge 15 or the cartridge assembly 10 to the carrier 71 of the
typewriter.
The cartridge or case 30, in illustrated instance loaded with
erase tape 13, is identical to the cartridge 15 except for the lack of
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1{~8758~; ~
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1 the separate clamping means 28 and trunnion 27 associated with the ~'
cartridge 15. As may be seen in Figsr 6, 7 and 8, the cartridge 30 is
similar in all other respects to the cartridge 15, and ?ncludes a top
(lower) cover 30a and l?ower bottom cover 30b, the bottom cover 30b
adapted for mating engagement with the bottom cover 15b of the cartridge
15 by way of the pins 32 and apertures 17. As may easily be seen in
Fig. 6 and 7, the cartridge 30 is slightly smaller in overall con-
figuration while the opening 37 is adapted to be mated with the opening
22 in the cartridge 15 when the cartridges are in registry in super-
imposed overlapping relation. Additionally, take-up spool or roller 35
inc1udes, like its counterpart take-up roll 20, a ribbon advancing ':~
surface 35a which is exposed to the drive means which will be described
hereinafter. Additionally, the roller 35 and thus t?ts advancing surface
35a is biased as by the bias~?ng means 38 which ~Includes sprl?ng loaded ~,
rod 39 and spring ~0, in identica'l Fashion to that incorporated in the
cartridge 15. ~;
Drive and Holder Mechanism ~
As has already been described heretofore, the holder mechanism 75 '~ ~'
(Figs. 9 and 10~ is adapted to receive the cartridge assembly 10 or at ~
least the cartridge 15 and place it into position relative to the typing ' '
element 72 on the carrier 71 to faci'l?tate typ?ng. To this end, the
holder mechanlsm 75 includes a first end 76 which cooperates w?th the
clamping means 28 associated with the cartridge 15 or cartridge assembly
10 to clamp the one end of the cartridge assembly along the laterally '
extending axis 11, and a second end 86 which cooperates with the '
trunnion 27 of the cartridge 15 to releasably capture the trunnion and ~ ~;
eFfect, when necessary, shifting of the drive mechanism depending upon
the type ribbon carried by the cartridge. The first end portion 76 of
the cartridge holder mechanism comprises a bracket 77 which is mounted
for rotation about a stud or pivot 78 mounted on a sub frame 71a of the
carrier 71. The bracket 77 includes a central portion 79 which pro-
jects inwardly of the carrier and includes depending hinge pins or
' ~ 10 ,~
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1087S8t;
1 portions 79a, 79b, outboard of the central portion 79, and dimensioned
to fit into the apertures 28a and 28b respectively associated with the ~
hinge means or ears 28 projecting from the cartridge 15 (see Fig. 4). ~,
Outboard of the central portion 79 and its associated depending hinge -
pin 79a, 79b are in turn bifurcated, spaced apart clamp legs 80 and 81
respectively, each of the legs having vertically spaced apart project~
ing finger portions 30a, 80b, 81a, 81b which serve to embrace the
projecting ears of the cover hinge portion 28 to serve as a clamp and
cam forcing the pins 79a and 79b into locking engagement with the ~ -
respective apertures 28a, 28b on the cartridge 15 upon insertion of the
cartridge into the typewriter.
The manner in which the cartridge assembly 10 is inserted into the
holder mechanism 75 and bracket 76 is clearly lllustrated in Figs. 11
through 13 wherein the cartridge in Fig. 11 is shown being inserted
press~ng the hinge ears 28 towards the bracket 77. Insertion of the
ears 28 into the bifurcated legs 80 and 81 assist in aligning the .
apertures or hinge openings 28a and 28b with the hinge pins 79a, 79b
respectively so that after entry of the cartridge, the cartridge may be
depressed as shown by the arrow in Fig. 13 permitting full engagement
of the hinge pin 79, 79b into the apertures 28a, 28b and due to the
embracing lever or cam like action of the bifurcated legs 80 and 81,
effect capturing of the cartridge 10 in the holder 75.
Obviously, while the mechanism heretofore described would be
adequate to locate and anchor one end of the cartridge relative to the
typing element 72, it is preferable that the opposite end of the
cartridge be connected also to the second end 86 of the holder 75. To
this end, and has already been described the cartridge includes a
trunnion 27 which may be latched by the second end 86 so as to effect
retention of the cartridge 15 while permitting rotation of the cartridge
assembly 10 about the lateral or longitudinally extending axis 11 which ~;
passes through the cartridge 27 intermediate the hinge pins 79a, 79b
and the associated hinge proiections on the cartridge 15. To this end,
;, ~ :
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1 and referring to Figs. 9 through 13, the second end 86 includes a fixed,upstanding post or guide 87 which is attached to a bracket 86a connected
to the carrier 71. A shiftable bracket section 88 which is pivotally
mounted as at 89 and biased to rotate about the pivot in the direction of ~
the arrow, that is counterclockwise, as by the rod 90 and slot 91 ~ -
arrangement in the bracket 88 and spring 92 which bears against the rod
tending to create the rotation of the bracket 88. The bracket 88 is
inhibited from such counterclockwise motion by a latch spring 93
adjacent the post or guide 87 and positioned slightly higher than the
opening 87a defined intermediate the edge 88a of the bracket 88 and the
post 87. Upon entry of the trunnion into the opening 87a, the latch
spring 93 is upset releasing the partial bracket 88 causing counterclock~
wise rotation of khe bracket about khe pivot 89 capturing the trunnion
wlthin the space or opening 87a. The latch 93 is adapked to engage a
depending portion 94 of the cover plate or piece 95 which serves to form
a top for the trunnion 27 effect;vely embracing the trunnion within
the space 87a upon release of the bracket 88. ~-
In order to uncover the trunnion 27 when it is within the opening
87a, a load button 96 is placed on the shiftable bracket section 88
allowing it to be depressed into the position shown in Figs. 9, 10, 11 . . :
and 12 so as to permit removal of the trunnion 27 and lifting out of
the cartridge in the reverse procedure from thak shown in Figs. 11-13.
It should also be noked, that the rod 90 includes an off-set portion
90a which rides on a bracket extension 77a. Additionally, the bracket
is biased against the rod and its extension 90a by the spring 97, best
illustrated in Figs. 14 and 16. Thus depressing the load point 96
effectively acts to cock the bracket 77 abouk the pivot 78 biasing the
spring 97. When the trunnion 27 associated with the cartridge assembly
10 engages the latch 93, the bracket 88 is released and the spring 92
effects rotation of the bracket 88 about the pivot 89 locking the
trunnion into the opening 87a.
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1 It should be noted therefore that upon release of the latch spring
93 by the striking thereof by -the trunnion 27 associated with the
cartridge 10, and release therefore of the rod 90, spring 92 and rod end
or extension 90a, the bracket 77 rotates clockwise about the pivot 75
due to the biasing action of the spring 97, effectively causing rotation
of the cartridge assembly 10 in the direct;on of the arrow 78a (Fig. 13)
about the pivot 78. This places the cartridge and its assembly in a
home or first position relative to the print element 72.
After the cartridge 15 or the cartridge assembly 10 has been
10 inserted as described above, and the cartridge tilted to its home or ~.
initial position due to release of the rod 90 which allows biasing ~:
spring 97 to take over tilting the cartridge forward, the typewrlter is
ready for operation. The means for shifting the drlve mechanism so that
the ribbon elevation or lift and the ribbon Feed are different dependin~
upon the type of rlbbon to be used in the cartridge 15, will be des-
cribed more completely hereinafter after a more thorough or complete .
understanding of the ribbon elevation and ribbon feed mechanism. :
The selection mechanism for the typewriter is substantially as
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,059,184, Filed November 22, 1977 and :
assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Suffice at this
point that a print shaft 100 causes rotation through gearing 99 of a : ~ .
second shaft 99a to cause rotat~on of barrel cams 98 whlch effect both
rotation and tilting of the printing element 72 to effect the striking
of the element 72 on paper carried by the platen. The print shaft 100 : :
is caused to rotate in a conventional manner such as disclosed in U.S.
Patent 3,892,304 also assigned to the present assignee and identified :
heretofore. Suffice that upon the striking of a letter or other in-
dicia, the print shaft 100 is caused to rotate.
In the present instance, and in order to effect both lift and
feed
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~L~3~7 St3~
1 of the ribbon to place the ribbon in-termediat2 the typiny element 72 andthe platen, and referring now to Figs. 14 and 15, a gear 101 is mounted
on the print shaft 100 and disposed in driving relation to a gear 102 ~;
mounted on a shaft 103 which is connected to the carrier 71. The gear
ratio between gears 101 and 102 is such that one rotation of the print
shaft serves to move the gear 102 1/9th of its total possible rotation.
However, it should be understood that the ratio is only by way of
example and other ra~ios may be chosen depending upon the function
desired, and in accordance with the teachings set forth herein.
Mounted on the gear 102 is a multiple cam 110 having a plurality of
cams or cam tracks thereon designated 111-114 from top to botto~ and the
layout of which are shown in Fig. 17. As will be more clearly shown
hereina~ter, cams 111 and 112 are operative to ef~ect feed of the
ribbon in the cartridge, depending upon the posltion of an associated
cam follower 115, while cams 113 and 114 are coupled through a cam
follower 150 to provide lift for the cartridge to conform to one or the
other patterns assoclated with the printing schemes illustrated in Figs.
3a and 3b. For illustration purposes, when cam follower 115 is in con-
tact with cam 111, cam follower 150 is in contact with cam 114 to
provide the feed and lift respectively for the ribbon print structure
illustrated in Fig. 3a. Moreover, when cam follower 115 is in contact
with cam 112, cam Follower 150 is in contact with cam 113 to provide,
respectively, for ribbon feed and cartridge lift for the print structure
illustrated in Fig. 3b. In summary, when cam Follower 115 is on cam
111, cam follower 150 will be riding cam 114, and when cam 115 is riding
cam 112, cam follower 150 will be riding cam 113.
Turning first to the ribbon feed mechanism, when the cam follower
115 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 15, that is riding cam 111, ~ :~and inasmuch as the ratio between the gearing 101 and 102 is 9:1, it is ~
evident that the cam 111 moves from lobe 1 to lobe 2 (as numbered in ~ '
Fig. 17 for ease of identification) during one revoltu;on of the print
shaft 100, the feed being moved wholly upon the cam rising up the slope
14
~L~)8~75 8 ~l
1 of the lobe. To this end, and as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, the
follower 115 is pivotally connected through a link 116 pivoted at 117
and connected to a push rod 118 which in turn is coupled to a ribbon
drive means, the illustrated instance, a spiked ribbon drive 120 as by
a ratchet lever 119 which effects unitary rotation to the spiked driver
120, in the present instance only upon withdrawal or movement of the
link 118 to the left (relative Fig. 16). As best shown in Figs. 16 and
19, the spiked drive means 120 is coupled for rotation to the central
portion 79 of the bracket 77 as by shaft 120a, the bracket including a
lower stablizer portion 121 which is adapted to underlie a portion of the
cartridge 15 and act, in conjunction with pins 79a, 79b and the bifurca-
ted legs 80 and 81 to insure good cooperation of the spike driver with
the ribbon advanc;ng surface 20a of the roller or take-up roll 20 through
the open;ng 22 (see Fi~. 4). Thus as the cam follower 115 follows each
of the lobes 1 through 9, the sp-iked driver increments one distance "d"
for each revolution of the pr;nt shaft 100. As will be more fully ~ ;
explained hereinafter, when the cam follower 115 is lowered to cam 112,
while the feed mechanism remains identical, there is only one incremental
motion given to the spiked driver 120 for every revolution of the cam
110 and thus only one feed increment of the ribbon for every 9 rotations
of the print shaft 100.
As has previously been explained, the mechanism for lifting the
ribbon operates off cams 113 or cam 114 depending upon which cam is
selected. As illustrated in Figs. 14, 15 and 17, the cam follower 150
is positioned on a post or the like 151 for vertical movement and for
shifting between cam 114 and 113 in a manner which will be explained
more fully hereinafter. The follower is connected to a link 152 which
is pivoted at 153 to the carrier 71. Link 152 is in turn connected
through lift l;nkage 154 pivoted at 155 and 156 to a yoke 157 having
arms 158 and 159 which underlie the guides 18a, 18b of the cartridge 15.
As the cam follower 150 follows the cam 114 (when cam follower 115 is
associated with cam 111) and as may be seen from Fig. 17, the cycle is
1 5
.. .. . ..
~V137586
1 repeated three times for every revolution of the cam llo, thus providing
for the three track levels 1, 2 and 3 shown in Fig. 3a. In a like
manner, when cam 150 follows cam track 113, the lobes are progressively
smaller as shown in Fig. 17 allowing for the different track levels (9
in all) as illustrated in Fig. 3b.
As heretofore described, ~he shifting of the mechanism so that cam -;
followers 115 and 150 respectively are either on cams 111 and 114 or 112 ~-
and 113 respectively, is preferably controlled automatically by the
cartridge, depending upon which kind of cartridge is installed in the
typewriter. As described heretofore, the type of ribbon contained in
the cartridge will depend upon which feed pattern and print pattern is
desired, such as that illustrated in Fig. 3a or Fig. 3b. To this end,
the cartridge trunnion preferably contains a lobe such as illustrated in
Flg. ~ facing either forward or rearwardly, such as designated F and R
in Fig. 4. If the cam lobe R is present, the feed and lift pattern will
be such as illustrated in Fig. 3a while if the lobe F is present, the
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feed pattern and lift pattern will be as shown in Fig. 3b.
The mechanism by which this is accomplished is best illustrated in
Figs. 9, 10, 14 and 15 wherein a cam engaging means, in the illustrated
instance a sliding yoke 160 having an opening 161 therein, is mated in
sliding engagement with the post 87 and opening ~7a, the cam engaging
means having a depending portlon 162 which is pivotally connected to the
bracket ~6a as at 162a. The yoke 160 is connected to a lever 163 which
is split into a pair of shifting forks 164 and 165 respectively which
grasp the cam followers 115 and 150. The shifting forks are pivoted to
the carrier 71 at 166 so that upon rotation or sliding movement of the ;
yoke 160 about its pivot 162a, will effect movement of the shi~ting
forks 164 and 165 about the pivot 166. Thus with the lobe R (Fig. 4) on
the cartridge, insertion of the cartridge into the holder as heretofore
described and the trunnion into the bracket will cause the mechanism
to shift to the left elevating the cam follower 115 and depressing the
cam follower 150 about the pivot 166 causing cam follower 115 to engage
16
:~8758~
1 the upper cam track 111 and the cam follower 150 to engage the lower cam
track 114. Alternately, if the cam follower F is in place on the
cartridge, and is inserted into the holder as heretofore described, the
cam engaging means 160 will tend to move to the right (Fig. 9) causing
the shifting forks 164 and 165 to effect depression of the follower 115
and elevation of the follower 150 so that the follower 115 engages cam
track 112 while the follower 150 engages cam track 113.
Erase Function
When an error has been made, it is desirable to elevate the
cartridge assembly 10 to a position wherein the ribbon or tape 13
associated with the cartridge 30 lies intermediate the typing element 72
and the platen. To this end, mounted on the print shaft 100 is a
s~mple double cam 175 hav~ng a ribbon feed cam track 176 and a ribbon
l~F-t cam track 177. These separate cams are engageable in turn by
separate mechanism and followers 178 and 179 respectively, the follower
178 tracking the feed cam 176 while the follower 179 adapted but not ;~
engageable with the lift cam 177 until desired. The tape feed cam
follower 178 is connected by linkage 180 to a ratchet mechanism
illustrated in Figs. 16 and 19. The ratchet mechanism comprises an
indexer 181 which is connected to the link 180 which is engageable for
unitary motion with spike driver 182 for feed of the tape 13. However
desp~te the fact that Follower 178 always Follows tape Feed cam 176 on
print shaft 100, link 180 is incapable of movement because of the motion
inhibiting means 185 which forms part of the erase actuator mechanism
186 associated with the erase function. The mechanism 186 may be formed ~ -
in any convenient manner but serves to disengage, when energized as by
a solenoid or the like 187, the inhibit means 185. Simultaneously,
depression of the shift fork arm 186a places cam follower 179 into co-
operation with the high lift portion of the cam 175 (i.e., the cam track
177) associated with the tape lift function. The follower 179 is con-
nected to a link 188 which in turn is coupled to the link 15~ and the
yoke 157. Upon energization of the solenoid 187, the downward movement
., ' ~ ` ,' .
1~)875~36 ~ : ~
1 (see the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15) serves -to depress through ~ :
shift fork arm 186a the link 188 causing engagement of the follower
179 in the track 177 and serving to override link 152 and increasing the
lift on yoke 157 thereby increasing the elevation of the cartridge
assembly 10 and effectively causing the erase tape 13 to be positioned ~ -
intermediate the typing element 72 and the platen. At the same time,
the inhibitor 185 is removed to permit the follower 178 to follow the
cam track 176 and allow the linkage 180, 181 and thus the feed driver
182 to move the tape through the opening 37 (Fig. 6).
It should be noted that print occurs during the dwell of ribbon
feed and ribbon lift as shown by the two sample lines labelled 201 in ; ?
Fig. 17. ~oreover during the erase function, the feed of the tape
occurs one-half before print and one-half after print.
Thus the cartrldge of the present inventlon as well as the
mechanism for drivlng the same presents a new and novel and yet simple
but effective way of manipulating and using operator control of a ~ `
typewriter without the concomitant problems normally associated with
operator's having to change tape, shift mechanism by hand, thread
ribbon and remove slack therefrom.
Although the invention has been described with a certain degree of :
particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been
made only by way of example and khat numerous changes ln the details of
construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be made
without departing.from the spirit and scope of the invention as herein~
after claimed-
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