US3987885A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic single and repeat function mechanism for typewriters
Assignee: SCM Corp
•
Filing: 1975-06-23
•
Granted: 1976-10-26
•
Expires: 1995-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A method and mechanism for automatic actuation of single and repeat typewriter functions such as backspacing upon the insertion and removal of a ribbon cartridge. The ribbon cartridge, carrying a bidirectional camming abutment having a pair of converging cam surfaces is inserted into the typewriter, whereupon a first cam surface engages a backspace coupled cam lever within the typewriter, thereby actuating a typewriter backspace function. The cam lever includes a pair of convergingly directed cam surfaces joined by a dwell surface. As the cartridge camming abutment contacts the dwell surface, it actuates a repeat backspace function until the camming abutment passes beyond the dwell surface of the cam lever. The camming abutment includes a second cam surface that engages a second cam surface disposed on the cam lever to actuate a backspace function upon removal of the ribbon cartridge. Particularly adaptable to correcting typing errors, the present invention will minimize the manipulations now necessary to perform an error correcting operation. Therefore, an automatic single or repeat typewriter backspace function is actuated simply by inserting and removing a ribbon cartridge during an error correcting operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Herrick R. Diamond
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:15
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J29/00; B41J29/26; B41J29/36; B41J31/00; B41J31/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
In a typewriter which includes operational means for said typewriter to perform at least one typewriter function for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point and having a platform for receiving a cartridge comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating said operational means upon a single insertion of the cartridge into the typewriter to thereby perform at least a selected one of said functions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
In a typewriter which includes operational means for said typewriter to perform at least one typewriter function for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point and having a platform for receiving a cartridge comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating said operational means upon a single insertion of the cartridge into the typewriter to thereby perform at least a selected one of said functions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 1 wherein said receiving platform is fixed in the typewriter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes means responsive to contact with said cartridge for singly or repeatedly actuating the typewriter function when the cartridge is being inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 3 wherein said responsive means includes a lever pivotally carried by said typewriter in the path of travel of the cartridge when the cartridge is being inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 2 wherein said typewriter further includes a function mechanism and said actuating means includes means on said receiving platform responsive to said cartridge for singly or repeatedly actuating said function mechanism when the cartridge is being inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 5 wherein said responsive means includes a lever pivotally disposed on a wall of the ribbon cartridge platform and in the path of travel of the cartridge for engaging the cartridge upon insertion into the typewriter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 6 wherein said responsive means further includes linkage means operatively connected to said function mechanism for transmitting motion from said lever to said function mechanism.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 2 wherein said actuating means further includes means on said receiving platform responsive to contact with another surface for singly or repeatedly actuating a function mechanism upon the insertion of a cartridge which cartridge is provided with a surface that will contact said responsive means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 2 wherein said actuating means further includes dwell means on said receiving platform responsive to said cartridge for repeatedly actuating the operational means of the typewriter to thereby perform a typewriter function.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The typewriter according to claim 9 wherein said means on said platform is a lever carried thereby.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a typewriter having operational means to perform at least one typewriter function for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point and having a platform for receiving a cartridge comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon a single removal of the cartridge from the typewriter to thereby perform the typewriter function.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
74 words
In a typewriter having operational means to perform at least one typewriter function for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point and having a platform for receiving a cartridge comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon a single removal of the cartridge from the typewriter to thereby perform the typewriter function.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 11 wherein the receiving platform is fixed in the typewriter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 11 wherein said actuating means includes means responsive to contact with the cartridge for singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means when the cartridge is being removed from the typewriter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 13 wherein said responsive means includes a lever pivotally carried by the typewriter and disposed in the path of travel of the cartridge upon removal of the cartridge from the typewriter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 12 wherein the typewriter includes a function mechanism and said actuating means includes means on the receiving platform responsive to said cartridge for singly or repeatedly actuating the function mechanism upon removal of the cartridge from the typewriter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 15 wherein said responsive means includes a lever pivotally disposed on a wall of the ribbon cartridge platform and in the path of travel of the cartridge for engaging the cartridge upon insertion into the typewriter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 16 wherein said responsive means further includes linkage means operatively connected to the function mechanism for transmitting motion from said lever to the function mechanism.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 12 wherein said actuating means further includes means on said receiving platform responsive to contact with another surface for singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon the insertion of a cartridge which cartridge is provided with a surface that will contact said responsive means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 12 wherein said actuating means further includes dwell means on said receiving platform responsive to the cartridge for repeatedly actuating the function mechanism of the typewriter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The typewriter according to claim 19 wherein said dwell means on said platform is an abutment carried thereby.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a typewriter having operational means to perform a carriage backspacing function and a platform for receiving a ribbon cartridge, comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon a single insertion of the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter to thereby perform the backspacing function.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a typewriter having operational means to perform a carriage backspacing function and a platform for receiving a ribbon cartridge, comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon a single insertion of the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter to thereby perform the backspacing function.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 21 wherein the receiving platform is fixed in the typewriter.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
55 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 21 wherein said actuating means includes an abutment disposed on a wall of the ribbon cartridge and further includes means on the receiving platform responsive to contact with said abutment for singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means when the ribbon cartridge is being inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 23 wherein said responsive means includes a lever pivotally disposed on a wall of the ribbon cartridge platform and is disposed in the path of travel of the ribbon cartridge for engaging said abutment when the ribbon cartridge is being inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 24 wherein said responsive means further includes linkage means operatively connected to the operational means for transmitting motion from said lever to the operational means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 21 wherein said actuating means further includes dwell means on the receiving platform responsive to the ribbon cartridge for repeatedly actuating the operational means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a typewriter having operational means to perform a carriage backspacing function and a platform for receiving a ribbon cartridge comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon a single removal of the ribbon cartridge from the typewriter to thereby perform the the backspacing function.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a typewriter having operational means to perform a carriage backspacing function and a platform for receiving a ribbon cartridge comprising: means disposed in the typewriter and engageable by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon a single removal of the ribbon cartridge from the typewriter to thereby perform the the backspacing function.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 27 wherein the receiving platform is fixed in the typewriter.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
54 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 27 wherein said actuating means includes an abutment disposed on a wall of the ribbon cartridge and further includes means on the receiving platform responsive to contact with said abutment for singly or repeatedly actuating the operational means upon removal of the ribbon cartridge from the typewriter.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
49 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 29 wherein said responsive means includes a lever pivotally disposed on a wall of the ribbon cartridge platform and in the path of travel of the ribbon cartridge for engaging said abutment when the ribbon cartridge is being removed from the typewriter.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 30 wherein said responsive means further includes linkage means operatively connected to the operational means for transmitting motion from said lever to the operational means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 28 wherein said actuating means further includes dwell means on the receiving platform responsive to the ribbon cartridge for repeatedly actuating the operational means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a typewriter of the type which receives an insertable and removable ribbon cartridge and is provided with a backspacing mechanism, the improvement comprising: means carried by the typewriter for operationally activating the backspace mechanism; and co-acting means carried by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating said activating means of the typewriter to initiate the backspace mechanism upon a single insertion of the ribbon cartridge.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a typewriter of the type which receives an insertable and removable ribbon cartridge and is provided with a backspacing mechanism, the improvement comprising: means carried by the typewriter for operationally activating the backspace mechanism; and co-acting means carried by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating said activating means of the typewriter to initiate the backspace mechanism upon a single insertion of the ribbon cartridge.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
49 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 33 wherein said activating means includes a lever pivotally disposed in the path of the ribbon cartridge and said co-acting means includes an abutment disposed on the ribbon cartridge for engaging said lever when the ribbon cartridge is inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 34 wherein said activating means further includes linkage means operatively connected to the backspace mechanism for transmitting motion from said lever to the backspace mechanism.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a typewriter of the type which receives an insertable and removable ribbon cartridge and is provided with a backspacing mechanism, the improvement comprising: means carried by the typewriter for operationally activating the backspace mechanism; and co-acting means carried by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating said activating means of the typewriter to initiate the backspace mechanism upon a single removal of the ribbon cartridge.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a typewriter of the type which receives an insertable and removable ribbon cartridge and is provided with a backspacing mechanism, the improvement comprising: means carried by the typewriter for operationally activating the backspace mechanism; and co-acting means carried by the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating said activating means of the typewriter to initiate the backspace mechanism upon a single removal of the ribbon cartridge.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
49 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 36 wherein said activating means includes a lever pivotally disposed in the path of the ribbon cartridge and said co-acting means includes an abutment disposed on the ribbon cartridge for engaging said lever when the ribbon cartridge is removed from the typewriter.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a typewriter as defined in claim 37 wherein said activating means further includes linkage means operatively connected to the backspace mechanism for transmitting motion from said lever to the backspace mechanism.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
173 words
A backspacing mechanism for typewriters that utilize ribbon cartridges, the typewriter having an incrementally traversable printing platen for supporting a printing medium, a plurality of typebars for impacting on the printing medium during traversing, a plurality of keys for actuating the typebars and other typewriter instrumentalities, a backspace mechanism responsive to another key for incrementally reversing the forward traverse of the printing platen, a ribbon cartridge platform fixed in the typewriter for supporting and guiding the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter to position a ribbon at a printing station in front of the printing medium whereby the key actuated typebars impact thereon to transfer character images through the ribbon of the ribbon cartridge to the printing medium, wherein the improvement comprises in combination: means on the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the backspacing mechanism; and means on the ribbon cartridge platform responsive to the ribbon cartridge actuating means for actuating the backspace mechanism in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
173 words
A backspacing mechanism for typewriters that utilize ribbon cartridges, the typewriter having an incrementally traversable printing platen for supporting a printing medium, a plurality of typebars for impacting on the printing medium during traversing, a plurality of keys for actuating the typebars and other typewriter instrumentalities, a backspace mechanism responsive to another key for incrementally reversing the forward traverse of the printing platen, a ribbon cartridge platform fixed in the typewriter for supporting and guiding the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter to position a ribbon at a printing station in front of the printing medium whereby the key actuated typebars impact thereon to transfer character images through the ribbon of the ribbon cartridge to the printing medium, wherein the improvement comprises in combination: means on the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the backspacing mechanism; and means on the ribbon cartridge platform responsive to the ribbon cartridge actuating means for actuating the backspace mechanism in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
54 words
A backspacing mechanism as defined in claim 39 wherein said actuating means includes an abutment on a wall of the ribbon cartridge and said responsive means includes a lever that is pivotally supported on a wall of the ribbon cartridge platform and engageable by said abutment for pivotal movement relative to said platform wall.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
172 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism for typewriters that utilize ribbon cartridges, the typewriter having an incrementally traversable printing platen for supporting a printing medium, a plurality of typebars for impacting on the printing medium during traversing, a plurality of keys for actuating the typebars and other typewriter instrumentalities, a backspace mechanism responsive to another key for incrementally reversing the forward traverse of the printing platen, a ribbon cartridge platform fixed in the typewriter for supporting and guiding the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter to position a ribbon at a printing station in front of the printing medium whereby the key actuated typebars impact thereon to transfer character images through the ribbon of the ribbon cartridge to the printing medium, wherein the improvement comprises: means on the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the backspacing mechanism; and means on the ribbon cartridge platform responsive to the ribbon cartridge actuating means for actuating the backspace mechanism in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially removed from the typewriter.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
172 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism for typewriters that utilize ribbon cartridges, the typewriter having an incrementally traversable printing platen for supporting a printing medium, a plurality of typebars for impacting on the printing medium during traversing, a plurality of keys for actuating the typebars and other typewriter instrumentalities, a backspace mechanism responsive to another key for incrementally reversing the forward traverse of the printing platen, a ribbon cartridge platform fixed in the typewriter for supporting and guiding the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter to position a ribbon at a printing station in front of the printing medium whereby the key actuated typebars impact thereon to transfer character images through the ribbon of the ribbon cartridge to the printing medium, wherein the improvement comprises: means on the ribbon cartridge for selectively either singly or repeatedly actuating the backspacing mechanism; and means on the ribbon cartridge platform responsive to the ribbon cartridge actuating means for actuating the backspace mechanism in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially removed from the typewriter.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
55 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism as defined in claim 41 wherein said actuating means includes an abutment on a wall of the ribbon cartridge and said responsive means includes a lever that is pivotally supported on a wall of the ribbon cartridge platform and engageable by said abutment for pivotal movement relative to said platform wall.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
64 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism for a typewriter that utilizes a ribbon cartridge comprising, in combination: a camming abutment on the ribbon cartridge; and a cam lever in the typewriter coupled to the typewriter backspace mechanism and engageable by said camming abutment to actuate the backspace mechanism selectively either in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
64 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism for a typewriter that utilizes a ribbon cartridge comprising, in combination: a camming abutment on the ribbon cartridge; and a cam lever in the typewriter coupled to the typewriter backspace mechanism and engageable by said camming abutment to actuate the backspace mechanism selectively either in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism as defined in claim 43 wherein said camming abutment includes a pair of converging cam surfaces.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
53 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism as defined in claim 44 wherein said cam lever includes a pair of converging cam surfaces joined by a dwell surface therebetween for engaging said abutment cam surfaces to actuate the backspace mechanism in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially inserted into the typewriter.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
64 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism for a typewriter that utilizes a ribbon cartridge comprising, in combination: a camming abutment on the ribbon cartridge; and a cam lever in the typewriter coupled to the typewriter backspace mechanism and engageable by said camming abutment to actuate the backspace mechanism selectively either in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially removed from the typewriter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
64 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism for a typewriter that utilizes a ribbon cartridge comprising, in combination: a camming abutment on the ribbon cartridge; and a cam lever in the typewriter coupled to the typewriter backspace mechanism and engageable by said camming abutment to actuate the backspace mechanism selectively either in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially removed from the typewriter.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism as defined in claim 46 wherein said camming abutment includes a pair of converging cam surfaces.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
53 words
An automatic backspacing mechanism as defined in claim 47 wherein said cam lever includes a pair of converging cam surfaces joined by a dwell surface therebetween for engaging said abutment cam surfaces to actuate the backspace mechanism in a single or repeat mode when the ribbon cartridge is partially removed from the typewriter.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for actuating selectively either a single or repeat functional operation for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact relative to the typewriter print point of a typewriter mechanism independent of a function key, which comprises: inserting a ribbon cartridge into a typewriter to thereby effect said single or repeat functional operation.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for actuating selectively either a single or repeat functional operation for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact relative to the typewriter print point of a typewriter mechanism independent of a function key, which comprises: inserting a ribbon cartridge into a typewriter to thereby effect said single or repeat functional operation.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for controlling the operation of a typewriter mechanism, which comprises: moving a surface on a typewriter ribbon cartridge against a structure in the typewriter for effecting selectively either a single or repeat function for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point of the typewriter mechanism independent of a function key.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for controlling the operation of a typewriter mechanism, which comprises: moving a surface on a typewriter ribbon cartridge against a structure in the typewriter for effecting selectively either a single or repeat function for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point of the typewriter mechanism independent of a function key.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
39 words
A method for automatically actuating selectively either a single or repeat backspace mechanism of a typewriter which comprises: inserting a ribbon cartridge into a typewriter; and thereby actuating a single or repeat backspace operation independent of a backspace key.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
39 words
A method for automatically actuating selectively either a single or repeat backspace mechanism of a typewriter which comprises: inserting a ribbon cartridge into a typewriter; and thereby actuating a single or repeat backspace operation independent of a backspace key.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for actuating selectively either a single or repeat functional operation for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point of a typewriter mechanism independent of a function key, which comprises: removing an insertable and removable cartridge from a typewriter to thereby effect said single or repeat functional operation.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for actuating selectively either a single or repeat functional operation for causing the alignment of a selected platen impact point relative to the typewriter print point of a typewriter mechanism independent of a function key, which comprises: removing an insertable and removable cartridge from a typewriter to thereby effect said single or repeat functional operation.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
42 words
A method for automatically actuating selectively either a single or repeat backspace mechanism of a typewriter which comprises: removing an insertable and removable ribbon cartridge from a typewriter; and thereby actuating a single or repeat backspace operation independent of a function key.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
42 words
A method for automatically actuating selectively either a single or repeat backspace mechanism of a typewriter which comprises: removing an insertable and removable ribbon cartridge from a typewriter; and thereby actuating a single or repeat backspace operation independent of a function key.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-10-26 | 1980-04-26 | 1980-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-10-26 | 1984-04-26 | 1984-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-10-26 | 1988-04-26 | 1988-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |