Manual typewriter with means for error correction

Claim 1

In an error correcting typewriter comprising character printing mechanism including printing control keys operatively connected to type bars, paper support mechanism, spacing means including an escapement arch operatively engageable by said type bars for stepwise moving said paper support mechanism in a forward direction to accomplish printing a line of characters, a ribbon providing a printing field and a print obliterating field, a pivotally mounted ribbon vibrator having a depending arm and actuated by the printing control keys to guide said ribbon to bring a ribbon field momentarily in impressing position, inhibiting means comprising a slidable member disposed in the path of travel of said arm to limit the movement of said ribbon vibrator, back space drive means for stepwise moving said paper support mechanism in a backward direction in letter width increments, the improvement which comprises a manually operable key connected to a special type bar carrying a universal obliterating type font, said special type bar being free of any engagement with said escapement arch whereby upon actuation of said manual key the paper support mechanism is not moved, a link operatively connected to said manual key for moving said slidable member out of the path of travel of said arm whereby upon actuation of said manual key the ribbon vibrator is caused to elevate the print obliterating field into impressing position to be impinged upon by said type font to obliterate a character imprinted in error.