Abstract: A ribbon cartridge handling apparatus has a pair of pivotal couplings for three position handling of a ribbon cartridge in a typewriter. The apparatus includes a cartridge receiving receptacle pivotally supported on a first pivot coupling on a rocker. A second pivot coupling on a frame support structure in the typewriter pivotally supports the rocker. A first operative position of the apparatus locates the receptacle in an open position for allowing insertion of the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter. A second operative position of the apparatus locates the receptacle together with the ribbon cartridge in a non-printing position located near a print station in the typewriter. The receptacle is operatively pivoted about the first pivot coupling between the first and second operative positions. A third operative position of the apparatus locates the rocker together with the receptacle carrying the ribbon cartridge in a print position at the print station in the typewriter.

Abstract: A linespacing apparatus includes a slip clutch assembly which is driven by an electric motor. The slip clutch assembly includes a face cam which drives a linkage which, in turn, indexes a platen in order to linespace the platen. The face cam includes an abutment portion which abruptly halts the motion of the linkage and the slip clutch assembly prevents bounce or recoil of the linkage thereby promoting smooth operation of the apparatus. The linkage may be adjusted by an operator to vary the amount of rotation of the platen during each operating stroke of the linkage.

Abstract: A ribbon feed mechanism for a typewriter has a linkage for incrementally feeding a ribbon, a power roll rotated by a motor and a control member actuated by a printing mechanism for connecting the power roll to the linkage to incrementally feed the ribbon. The control member is also actuated by a carriage shift mechanism when shifting a carriage from an upper case position to a lower case position for connecting the power roll to the linkage to incrementally feed the ribbon.

Abstract: An interposer in a typing machine key action is supported by an arcuate spring and a shelf. When a key lever bears against the arcuate spring to release the interposer from the shelf, the arcuate spring snaps the interposer against a pawl that engages a power roll to initiate a typing operation. Potential energy is restored to the arcuate spring as the key lever lifts the interposer back to rest position. The arcuate spring serves as a support and frictionless pivot for the interposer and biases the interposer against the shelf while providing energy to impel the interposer against the pawl.

Abstract: A gap is provided between two teeth on a power roll in a typing machine repeat key action, and a cam follower surface is provided on a repeat interposer. A repeat typing operation can be initiated only when the cam follower surface engages the gap. When the key action is not in a repeat position, a latch and a forked lever cooperate to hold the repeat interposer away from the power roll; when the key action is in the repeat position, the forked lever holds a single-action interposer out of the way. The gap prevents skipped and uneven repeat typing operations during high-speed operation by giving the actuator and the typebar enough time to settle into rest position.

Abstract: A typebar support for low cost typewriters includes an arcuate segment supported on a frame where a plurality of typebars are pivotally mounted. The free ends of the typebars are supported by an arcuate support. The support is rockably suspended on the frame by a pair of arms extending from the ends of the support to the frame. The arms are biased upward by a pair of springs and limited in its upward movement by an abutment mounted on the segment. As a typebar returns to rest after a print cycle has been completed, the energy accumulated in the typebar during flight is partially dissipated when it impacts on a yieldable pad on the typebar receiving edge of the support. The remaining energy is absorbed by the rocking motion of the support. The energy dissipation by the yieldable pad combined with the energy absorption by the rockable support results in a typebar support that effectively reduces typebar rebound and the accompanying problems.

Abstract: A keylever touch control mechanism for typewriters includes keylevers mounted on a common pivot which spans the distance between the spaced side frames of the typewriter. The keylevers are supported in their rest position by a plurality of underlying leaf springs. Keylever touch is controlled by the amount of force exerted on the underside of the keylevers by the leaf springs. A spring loaded pivotal bail having rigid extensions underlying the leaf springs pivots into abutment with the springs to vary the tension of the springs. A detented control mechanism is coupled to the bail to pivot the bail extensions into and out of abutment with the leaf springs. When the bail extensions are pivoted into abutment with the leaf springs and a keylever is depressed, the force required to overcome the biasing force of the spring loaded bail extensions to depress a keylever is increased and the keylever touch is correspondingly increased.