Abstract: The computer terminal controller makes it possible to operate a relatively large number of input-output terminals with a single mainframe computer. The controller has a basic configuration enabling it to control up to sixteen terminals. However, the user easily can increase its capacity by adding one or more expansion modules, each module consisting of a cable connector panel and a printed circuit card. Precise locating pins and support structure and hand-operable fasteners are used to mount the panel so that no tools or special skills are needed. Each circuit card preferably contains sufficient circuitry to handle a specific number of additional input/output terminals, and the panel has the same number of cable connectors. The card and the panel are connected to one another by simply plugging them together. The card is guided accurately into engagement with the panel by card guides.

Abstract: A case shift and lock input mechanism comprising a pair of independently depressable shift keylevers and a depressable shift lock keylever are assembled in a keyboard for actuating a single shift control switch used to condition a printer for printing upper case characters when the switch is actuated. A pivotal bail member is interposed between the switch and each shift keylever for engageably actuating the switch in response to depression of either shift keylever. The shift lock keylever directly actuates the switch when it is depressed to a lock position. A latch device comprising a latch member pivotally mounted on the switch operates to releasably hold the shift lock keylever in the lock position to keep the switch closed for continual typing of upper case characters. The shift lock keylever is released from the lock position through the bail member by subsequent depression of either shift keylever. Each shift keylever actuates the switch independent of the shift lock keylever.

Abstract: An acoustic member mounting means for use in typewriters and similar machines wherein the mounting means includes first and second vibration insulating means which prevents undesired sound waves from being generated in the acoustic member.

Abstract: A typewriter space bar touch control apparatus comprises a bell crank member, mounted on a support frame, which supports the space bar and a lever member which engages the bell crank when the space bar is depressed more than a small initial displacement. The motion of the bell crank is resisted by a helical tension spring and the engagement of the bell crank by the lever causes an operator to sense a sudden increase in resistance to displacement. Position transducers are provided on the support frame to sense the position of the lever member and the initial small displacement of the space bar corresponds to single space operation and larger displacement corresponds to repeat space operation.

Abstract: An adjustable paper guide for a typewriter having a paper chute defined by a paper table and an erasure table spaced therefrom. The paper guide includes a sleeve member and a yieldable guide member. The sleeve member includes a guiding surface that extends upward from the top surface of the erasure table and the yieldable guide member includes a guiding surface that extends from the erasure table to engage the paper table. The guiding surfaces guide an edge of a sheet of paper during paper insertion and during paper realignment. The paper table includes a plurality of gripping rollers for feeding paper whereby releasing the contact of the gripping rollers on the paper also releases the paper table. The erasure table is pivotally supported for movement from a closed position to an open position. The yieldable guide member remains engaged with the paper table irrespective of the positions of the paper table and/or erasure table.