Abstract: An electronic typewriter includes: a carriage mounting a printing unit; a control unit for controlling the movement of the carriage; a first setting unit for setting a print start position at a preset position, a second setting unit for setting a decimal point tab position so as to align decimal point positions while printing; and a decision unit for deciding whether the control unit is to control the carriage on the basis of the decimal point position set by the second setting unit. The carriage is stopped at the decimal tab position if it is necessary, while the carriage is not stopped at the decimal tab position if it is not necessary. Thus, the operator can perform the tab operations without paying attention to the decimal tab position. Alternatively, instead of the decimal tab position, such control may apply to the tab position.

Abstract: A decimal tab mechanism for a typewriter of the type having a printing element carried by a carriage comprises a tab bar 1 capable of being displaced longitudinally and comprising a series of tab blades 2 which may be separately selected. A stop 19 of bar 1 is capable of cooperating with a decimal tab stop 67 placed in active position from an assembly of decimal tab stops 67.Said mechanism further comprises an apparatus 28, 35-41 for driving bar 1 longitudinally ahead in the direction of typing, a cam 28 for the placing in active position of the selected tab blades 2 before longitudinal displacement of tab bar 1, and connection means 50-62 between a drive shaft 29 and the assembly of decimal tab stops 67 comprising devices 51, 53, 54 for assuring that a selected decimal tab stop 67 is placed in active position only after longitudinal displacement of tab bar 1.