Title:
REVISION TYPEWRITER SYSTEM
United States Patent 3763985
Abstract:
A tape reader and perforator electrically communicate with an electric typewriter through control and logic circuits. A plurality of magnetic actuators are provided for transferring typewriter data to the tape reader and perforator and for transferring tape data to the typewriter. Each magnetic actuator includes a magnet mounted to selected typewriter control members and a plurality of reed switches connected to the control and logic circuits. When the control member is activated by either depression of a typewriter key or actuation of a triggering device, the magnet associated therewith is moved in proximity to a selected reed switch whereby the reed switch is energized. The control and logic circuits include a memory responsive to a correction code signal for storing data representing the number of character spaces to be corrected and for selectively advancing a paper tape a distance specified by the data stored in the memory.
US Patent References:
RECORDING ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPING AND PUNCHING THE SAME INFORMATION
Ritzerfeld - September 1971 - 3604548
CODE CONVERSION SYSTEM
Bungard et al. - March 1970 - 3501747
Automatic magnetic recording and playback control system for a keyboard actuated business machine
Murdoch et al. - November 1968 - 3413624
DATA PROCESSING AND PRINTING APPARATUS
Ross - January 1970 - 3490004
Data editing and revision system with margin control
Lorber et al. - June 1968 - 3386552
RECORDING ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPING AND PUNCHING THE SAME INFORMATION
Ritzerfeld - September 1971 - 3604548
CODE CONVERSION SYSTEM
Bungard et al. - March 1970 - 3501747
Automatic magnetic recording and playback control system for a keyboard actuated business machine
Murdoch et al. - November 1968 - 3413624
DATA PROCESSING AND PRINTING APPARATUS
Ross - January 1970 - 3490004
Data editing and revision system with margin control
Lorber et al. - June 1968 - 3386552
Inventors:
Strauss, Albert B. (Ridgewood, NJ)
Mutter, William H. (Chatham, NJ)
Mutter, William H. (Chatham, NJ)
Application Number:
05/060291
Publication Date:
10/09/1973
Filing Date:
08/03/1970
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
QuinData, Inc. (Springfield, NJ)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
346/25, 400/479.200, 400/80, 400/64
International Classes:
B41J3/50; B41J5/38; B41J3/44; B41J5/31; B41J5/36
Field of Search:
197/20,12 340/172.5 346/25
US Patent References:
| 3380568 | One-two dimension converter control circuit for error correcting typewriter | April 1968 | Adams et al. | |
| 2859851 | Shift functions circuits | November 1958 | Tholstrup et al. | |
| 3283871 | Writing system having ordinate and abscissa reader means | November 1966 | Becking et al. | |
| 3466604 | APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC JUSTIFICATION OF LINE-CASTING MATRICES ASSEMBLED BY A CODED TAPE | September 1969 | Sinnott | |
| 3470539 | SHIFT REGISTER CONTROL FOR TYPESETTING MACHINES | September 1969 | Proud, Jr. et al. | |
| 3562493 | PERFORATED TAPE READER | February 1971 | Malkowski et al. |
Other References:
U S. Ser. No. 227767, Becking et al. "Punch Means & Associated Circuitry For Writing System," FIGS. 1-2, 4-8, 31-41 and pp. 15-19 & 37-41. Cited in Specification Column 26 of Previously Cited U.S. Pat. No. 3501747..
Primary Examiner:
Pulfrey, Robert E.
Assistant Examiner:
Eickholt, Eugene H.
Claims:
what is claimed is
1. A revision typewriter system for reproducing and revising data on a recording stratum, said system comprising:
2. A revision typewriter system comprising:
3. back tape switch means electrically communicating with said control and logic means;
4. The revision typewriter system as claimed in claim 2 wherein each said magnetically responsive switch means is a reed switch.
5. A revision typewriter system for reproducing and revising data on a recording stratum, said system comprising:
1. A revision typewriter system for reproducing and revising data on a recording stratum, said system comprising:
2. A revision typewriter system comprising:
3. back tape switch means electrically communicating with said control and logic means;
4. The revision typewriter system as claimed in claim 2 wherein each said magnetically responsive switch means is a reed switch.
5. A revision typewriter system for reproducing and revising data on a recording stratum, said system comprising:
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to electric typewriters and more particularly to revision typewriter systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of revision typewriter systems have been proposed for reproducing and revising data recorded on paper tape. Generally, mechanical actuators are used for transferring data between a typewriter and a tape reader and perforator. Since mechanical actuators require physical engagement and disengagement of contacts, the reliability of such typewriter systems has suffered.
An object of the invention is to provide a revision typewriter system which includes magnetic actuators for transferring typewriter data to a tape reader and perforator and for transferring tape data to the typewriter. The magnetic actuators are characterized by magnets mounted to typewriter control members and reed switches connected to control and logic circuits. Each of the magnets is associated with a correlative reed switch and in proximate distance thereto. When selected control levers are activated by either typewriter keys or triggering devices, the correlative reed switches are energized by their associated magnets. The combination of typewriter, tape reader and perforator, and magnetic actuators is such as to provide an efficient and reliable revision typewriter system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a memory electrically communicating with typewriter control circuits for storing data representing a number of character spaces to be corrected and for advancing a storage medium a distance specified by the stored data.
The invention accordingly comprises the revision typewriter system possessing the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that are exemplified in the following detailed description, the scope of which will be indicated in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a revision typewriter system embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block and schematic diagram of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective illustrating the magnetic actuators;
FIG. 4 is a block and schematic diagram of a system embodying the invention;
FIG. 5 is a detail block and schematic diagram of the system embodying the invention; and
FIG. 6 is a detail schematic diagram illustrating the correction circuits of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
It is well known in the art that selected symbols may be printed by a typewriter having a rotatable and tiltable typeball. In such typewriters, each of the keys are identified by a binary coded signal and are distinguished from one another by a binary coded digit. As each key is depressed, the binary coded digit associated therewith selectively actuates a particular combination of control levers which govern the rotation and tilt of the typeball. The present invention does not concern itself with the generation of a binary coded digit as each key is depressed. Accordingly, so far as the present invention is concerned, any means available to those skilled in the art for generating binary coded digits in response to key depression may be employed and no detailed explanation of such means follows.
Generally, as shown in FIG. 4, the revision typewriter system is comprised of an electric typewriter 10, a reader and recorder 12, control and logic circuits 14, and a storage medium 15. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, storage medium 15 is a paper tape, and reader and recorder 12 is a paper tape reader and perforator. Typewriter 10 includes keyboard and control switches 16; typewriter control circuits 18; magnetic actuators 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30; control members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42; a typeball control 44; and a typeball 46. Each key and selected switches of keyboard and control switches 16 are mechanically coupled to typewriter control circuits 18 and other switches of keyboard and control switches 16 are electrically connected to typewriter control circuits 18 and control and logic circuits 14. Tape reader and perforator 12 and typewriter control circuits 18 are electrically connected to control and logic circuits 14. In the illustrated embodiment, dashed lines and solid lines denote mechanical and electrical connections, respectively.
As best shown in FIG. 3, magnetic actuator 20 includes a triggering device 48, an actuator 50, and a switch 52. by way of example, triggering device 48 is a solenoid having a body 54 and a plunger 56 receiprocatingly mounted to body 54. Plunger 56 is formed with a slot 58 and a bore 60. Slot 58 is adapted for reception of a fastener 62 and bore 60 is adapted for reception of a bent threaded rod 64. Plunger 56 and rod 64 are held in fixed engagement by fastener 62 which is threaded onto rod 64 at one end thereof. The other end of rod 64 is threaded into one side of a connector 66. The other side of connector 66 is formed with a U-shaped opening 68 which is adapted for reception of a flexible line 70. One end of line 70 is looped by a fastener 72, the loop being secured in opening 68 by a pin 74. The other end of line 70 is attached to control member 32, line 70 defining a curved path about a pulley 76.
Actuator 50, for example a magnet, is mounted to control member 32 and switch 52, for example a reed switch, is mounted to a plate 78, magnet 50 and reed switch 52 being in spaced relation to each other. Control member 32 is connected to a casing 80 of typewriter 10 via a resilient element 82, for example a spring.
In operation, when a voltage is applied to solenoid 48 via leads 84, 86, plunger 56 is retracted into body 54 whereby the control member 32 is moved. Movement of control member 32 brings magnet 50 in proximate distance to reed switch 52, in consequence the contacts of reed switch 52 close.
Again referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that each of actuators 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 is comprised of like elements. Accordingly, similar elements are denoted by like reference characters and distinguished by suffix letters. for example, the magnet associated with actuator 22 is denoted 50A, the magnet associated with actuator 24 is denoted 50B, and so on. Each of control members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42 is mechanically connected to each of actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98, respectively. Each control member is mechanically connected to type-ball control 44 and each actuator 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 is electrically connected via lines 99 to typewriter control circuits 18. Type-ball control 44 is mechanically connected to typeball 46 and controls the rotation and tilt of typeball 46. Each of actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 is adapted to move each of control members 32, 44, 36, 38, 40, and 42, respectively, in response to signals generated by typewriter control circuits 18. That is, movement of control member 34 causes reed switch 52A to close, movement of control member 36 causes reed switch 52B to close, etc. It will be readily appreciated that closure of each of the reed switches 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E is achieved when either correlative triggering devices 48, 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, or corresponding actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 is energized. Each of triggering devices 48, 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, and 48E is energized by signals generated by tape reader and perforator 12 and applied thereto via control and logic circuits 14. Each of actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 is energized by signals generated by depression of keys in keyboard and control switches 16 and applied thereto via typewriter control circuits 18. Accordingly, the orientation of typeball 46, which is specified by movement of one or a combination of control members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42, is governed by signals generated from either keyboard and control switches 16 or tape reader and perforator 12.
As previously stated, reed switches 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E are closed each time control members 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E, respectively are moved. Therefore, for each movement of the control members in response to signals generated from tape reader and perforator 12, signals are transmitted from the correlative reed switches to keyboard and control switches 16 via control and logic circuits 14 and typewriter control circuits 18. Also, for each movement of the control members in response to signals generated from keyboard and control switches 16, signals are transmitted from the correlative reed switches to tape reader and perforator 12 via control and logic circuits 14. The detailed layout of keyboard and control switches 16 is shown in FIG. 5.
Generally, keyboard and control switches 16 is comprised of a standard keyboard 100 and control switches 102. Keyboard 100 includes a plurality of character keys 103, tab key 105, space bar 107, backspace key 109, and carriage return 111. In the illustrated embodiment, control switches 102 include a plurality of function code switches 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132, and an edit mode switch 133. Preferably, each of the function code switches is of the push button type and the edit mode switch is of the slider type. Edit mode switch 133 is a five position switch, each position representing a particular edit mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 5, the positions of edit mode switch 133 are AUTO autO (Automatic), PARA (paragraph), SENT (sentence), LINE, and Word. Each of the function code switches represents the mode of operation given in the following table;
REFERENCE MODE OF CHARACTER OPERATION 104 PUNCH-ON 106 PUNCH-OFF 108 AUTO LINE FINDER 110 TRANSFER 112 STOP 114 X-CORRECT 116 CORRECT 118 BACK TAPE 120 PUNCH CONTROL 122 BLANK KEY 124 MARGIN ADJUST 126 CHARACTER 128 SKIP 130 STOP 132 START
READING OF TAPE
When start switch 132 is depressed, a start/stop flip-flop 134 is set by the signal at the output of switch 132. The signal at the output of flip-flop 134 and pulse from a reader sync. generator 137 are applied to a reader control 136 whereby a binary coded signal is transmitted to reader contacts 138 fron control 136. Simultaneously, a `busy` signal at the output reader control 136 is applied to a busy/read flip-flop 140 in consequence another cycle is prevented from being initiated until the present cycle is completed. The pulse as at the output of reader control circuitry 132 is applied also to a buffer reset flip-flop 142 and a reader forward feed flip-flop 146 whereby character select buffers 144 are enabled and a forward feed solenoid 147 is energized, respectively. Forward feed solenoid 147 initiates a forward tape feed. In consequence, a tape code is read through reader contacts 138 and stored in the character select buffers 144. The signal at the output of character select buffers 144 energize character select solenoids 154 via drivers 148 and `print` solenoids 156 via drivers 150.
If the code is a function rather than a character, it is decoded by a function decoder 152. In consequence, solenoids 156 are inhibited and solenoids 154 are not energized and selected function soleniods 158 are energized. It is to be understood that actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96 and 98 are solenoids 154 and triggering devices 48, 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D and 48E are function solenoids 158.
During the operating cycle of the typewriter, the reed switch associated with the character or function being processed closes whereby buffer reset flip-flop 142 is reset. in consequence, character select buffers 144 are reset and the selected function or character solenoids are deenergized. At the completion of the cycle, the closed switch opens whereby busy/ready flip-flop 140 is placed in the ready state and the next cycle is allowed to take place.
Shift changes, i.e. shift to unshift or unshift to shift are governed by shift change circuitry 160. When a shift code switch 162 is depressed, a signal is transmitted to one input of a shift comparator 163. The binary coded signal as at the output of control 136, for example the seventh bit, is applied to the other input of comparator 163. The signal as at the output of comparator 163 is transmitted to a shift solenoid 165 via shift buffers 167 for establishing the selected typewriter shift code. The signal at the output of comparator 163 is applied also to flip-flops 142 and 146 whereby reader circuits 161 are not advanced to the next code and a character is not processed. After the selected typewriter shift code is established, the binary coded signal as at the other input of comparator 163 is in another state and the signal as at the output of comparator 163 is in another state whereby busy/ready flip-flop 140 is set to the `ready` state and the code is read again to process the character.
When reader circuits 161 detect either blank tape or a CORRECT (delete) code, busy/ready flip-flop 140 and buffer reset flip-flop 142 are reset whereby reader circuits 161 advances to the next code. This permits these codes to be processed at a much faster rate and also produces a `clean` tape. Identical operation take places when SKIP button 128 is depressed. If the reader senses a STOP code, start/stop flip-flop 134 is reset halting operation. When the reader senses a TRANSFER code, operation is transferred to an auxiliary reader (not shown) and the operation continues as described above.
PUNCHING OF TAPE
Initially, the perforated tape is produced by manual typing. When a character key is depressed, the appropriate control members are activated and a character is typed. When a character strobe switch 164 closes, a signal is sent via a strobe flip-flop 166 to a punch buffer reset flip-flop 168 whereby the reset is removed from punch buffers 170. Character select reed switches 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E sense the identity of the character and transmit a signal which is stored in tape reader and perforator 12. Opening of the character switches signals punch control circuitry 172 that information is stored and a punch cycle is to be initiated. A signal from punch control circuitry 172 energizes a forward feed punch solenoid 174. In consequence, a punch 173 is advanced while punch buffers 170 select the code bit solenoids (bits 1-6). Shift information (bit 1) is received by sensing the state of shift function switch 162. A SHIFT code is not punched as a separate code but along with succeeding character and function codes.
When a function key is depressed the switches associated with that function close whereby a signal is sent to a function encoder 176 which converts it to a binary code and sends it to punch select buffers 170. The switch also signals the punch to initiate a cycle.
Control codes; STOP, TRANSFER, PUNCH ON, PUNCH OFF, AUTO LINE FINDER, are punched by depressing the correlative switches located at the side of the keyboard. These codes are processed through a punch encoder 177 in the same manenr as function codes are processed through function encoder 176.
If the information is received when the typewriter is being operated under reader control instead of being manually typed, operation is the same.
CORRECTING TAPE
If the operator detects errors immediately after typing, such errors are corrected in the following manner. Back tape switch 118 is depressed for each character to be deleted, whereby both the tape being punched and the typewriter carrier are backed up to the error. Correct switch 116 or X-Correct switch 114 is then depressed. The tape automatically moves forward the number of spaces that were previously backed up, cancelling the codes previously punched. in the CORRECT mode, the typewriter carrier (not shown) remains in the position it was backed up to. in the X-Correct mode typeball 46 moves forward over-typing X's in response to command signals generated by x correct switch 114 and applied to character select buffers 144 via an encoder 188.
When back tape switch 118 is depressed, a back tape flip-flop 210 is enabled. in consequence, the signal as at the output of back tape flip-flop 210 is applied to a reverse feed punch solenoid 179 via reverse feed circuitry 178 backing up the tape one space and is applied to the typewriter back space solenoid (not shown) backing up typeball 46 one space. In addition, the signal at the output of back tape flip-flop 210 is applied to a memory, for example an up/down counter 180. the signal as at the output of flip-flop 210 enables counter 180 in the up count mode and a count signal is registered therein. For each subsequent depression of back tape switch 118, one count pulse is applied to up/down counter 180 and typeball 46 and the perforated tape are backed up one space.
depressing correct switch 116 sets a correct flip-flop 182 and start/stop flip-flop 134 via a diode 183. the setting of start/stop flip-flop 134 initiates read pulses. Correct flip-flop 182 remains set until the correct cycle is completed and inhibits the tape in the reader from being read and stepped.
as best shown in FIG. 6, the output of correct flip-flop 182 is strobed by a nand gate 214. the delete code signals as at the output of NAND gate 214 are applied to punch select buffers 170 via a plurality of diodes 216, punch encoder 177 and punch forward feed control 184. In addition, the signals at the output of NAND gate 214 are applied to up/down counter 180, in consequence the counter counts down. this operation continues until the counter reaches zero. when the counter reaches zero as detected by a ZERO detector 212, a pulse from ZERO detector resets start/stop flip-flop 134 and operation is halted. in the illustrated embodiment, counter 180 has a maximum capacity of sixteen. if the number of back tapes exceeds sixteen, the counter stores the remainder and correct switch 116 must be depressed twice. That is, eighteen back tapes equals two deletes codes in the first cycle and sixteen deletes codes in he second cycle.
Referring now to the detail schematic diagram of FIG. 6, it will be seen that up count and down count signals are applied to the input terminals of NAND gate 220 via differentiating networks 222 and 224, respectively. The signal at the output of NAND gate 220 is applied to the clock input of each of JK flip-flops 226, 228, 230 and 232. The Q and Q terminals of flip-flop 226 are connected to one input of each of NAND gates 234 and 236, respectively. The signal as at the output of back tape flip-flop is applied to the other input of gate 234 and the up count signal is applied to the other input of gate 236. The signal at the output of each of gates 234 and 236 is applied to the input terminals of a NAND gate 238. The signal at the output of gate 238 is applied to the J and K terminals of flip-flop 228 and the input of each of NAND gates 240 and 242. The Q and Q terminals of flip-flop 238 are connected to other inputs of gates 240 and 242, respectively. The signal as at the output of flip-flop 210 is applied to another input of gate 240 and the up count signal is applied to another input of gate 242. the signal as at the output of each of gates 240 and 242 is applied to correlative input terminals of a NAND gate 244. The signal at the output of gate 244 is applied to the J and K terminals of flip-flop 230 and an input of each of NAND gates 246 and 248. The Q and Q terminals of flip-flop 230 are connected to other inputs of gates 244 and 246, respectively. The signal at the output of flip-flop 210 is applied to another input of gate 246 and the up count signal is applied to another input of gate 248. The signal as at the output of each of gates 246 and 248 is applied to the input terminals of a NAND gate 250. The signal as at the output of gate 250 is applied to the J and K terminals of flip-flop 232. The Q terminals of each of flip-flops 230 and 232 are applied to control terminals of ZERO detector 212 via diodes 252 and 254, respectively. The Q terminals of each of flip-flops 226 and 228 are connected to the input terminals of zero detector 212.
EDIT MODES
The operator can select one of five modes in which to limit the amount of material that the reader will process. These are Character, Word, Line, Sentence, and Paragraph. Upon depression of START switch 132, the reader prints the amount of tape selected and stops. The operator can also depress SKIP switch 128, whereby the tape is advanced in the reader the amount indicated, but not re-punched or typed.
When Start switch 132 is depressed a normal read operation is initiated. when Edit mode conditions are sensed by the edit mode circuitry 189, a stop signal is generated which resets start/stop flip-flop 134 and operation is halted.
If SKIP switch 128 is depressed, a signal from SKIP flip-flop 190 resets busy/ready flip-flop 140 and buffer reset flip-flop 142 for each read cycle that is initiated. This inhibits processing but allows the reader to continue stepping through the tape. Operation is halted when Edit mode conditions are sensed.
The edit mode circuitry responds to the following codes:
Character --single cycle
Word --Space
Line --Carrier Return
Sentence --2 Spaces or Space-Carrier Return, Paragraph mode conditions.
Paragraph --2 Carrier Returns, Carrier Return-Tab
MARGIN ADJUST
The purpose of this mode is to permit the operator to adjust the right hand margin after deletions or insertions have been made. In this mode a switch 191 located on the typewriter and positioned by the margin set lever, indicates when the carrier is within ten spaces of the right hand margin stop. Depressing MARGIN ADJUST switch 124 enables Margin Adjust control circuitry 192. this circuitry senses the codes of interest i.e. hyphen, carrier return, space; stores; and recognizes certain sequences of codes and performs all the necessary operations.
if the Carrier Return is not within the margin zone, single Carrier Return codes are converted to spaces except when preceeded by a hyphen. in that case, the Carrier Return is dropped. All hyphens are dropped except those that have been validated, a hyphen being validated by typing hyphen-back space-hyphen. Multiple Carrier Returns are considered to be `end of paragraph` and are processed as such. in the margin zone, Carrier Returns and hyphens are processed and a Carrier Return is added.
Tab codes are not processed either in or outside the margin zone and cause the reader to stop.
TAPE DUPLICATION
The tape to be duplicated is placed in reader and perforator 12, a DUPLICATE switch 193 is depressed, in consequence a new tape is punched at high speed, for example 50 characters/second. Operation stops when the reader senses an end of the tape signal from a tape switch 194 or when STOP switch 130 is depressed.
The DUPLICATE switch sets a duplicate flip-flop 196 and the start/stop flip-flop 134. The outputs of character buffers 144 are gated directly into Punch Buffers 170 via gating circuitry 198. as soon as the information has been set into punch buffers 170, character select buffers 144 are reset and the typewriter is inhibited from responding. when the tape runs out, out-of-tape switch 194 opens, resetting the start/stop and duplicate flip-flops 134 and 196, respectively.
PUNCH CONTROL
Depressing PUNCH CONTROl switch 120 places the punch circuitry into the Punch Control mode; i.e. the punch can be turned on and off by means of tape codes.
When not in the Punch Control mode, punch control flip-flop 168 is held in the ON state by PUNCH CONTROL switch 120 and punch Control codes are ignored. Depressing the switch operates to release punch control flip-flop 168. When PUNCH OFF switch 106 is depressed, a Punch Off code is read by PUNCH encoder 177, whereby Punch Control flip-flop 168 goes into the OFF state and prevents punch signals from energizing the punch until a Punch ON code is received or the Punch Control switch is released.
AUTOMATIC LINE FINDER
Automatic line finder, an optional feature, is used to run continuous forms through the typewriter to minimize handling of repetative letters. When an auto. line finger flip-flop 202 receives a line finder code from switch 108 via a decoder 204, the Carrier Return Solenoid (not shown) continuously indexes the typewriter platen until the form has moved the proper amount. at that time, a switch 205 closes, whereby flip-flop 202 is reset and the normal read operation resumes.
Since certain changes may be made in the foregoing disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and depicted in the accompanying drawings be construed in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to electric typewriters and more particularly to revision typewriter systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of revision typewriter systems have been proposed for reproducing and revising data recorded on paper tape. Generally, mechanical actuators are used for transferring data between a typewriter and a tape reader and perforator. Since mechanical actuators require physical engagement and disengagement of contacts, the reliability of such typewriter systems has suffered.
An object of the invention is to provide a revision typewriter system which includes magnetic actuators for transferring typewriter data to a tape reader and perforator and for transferring tape data to the typewriter. The magnetic actuators are characterized by magnets mounted to typewriter control members and reed switches connected to control and logic circuits. Each of the magnets is associated with a correlative reed switch and in proximate distance thereto. When selected control levers are activated by either typewriter keys or triggering devices, the correlative reed switches are energized by their associated magnets. The combination of typewriter, tape reader and perforator, and magnetic actuators is such as to provide an efficient and reliable revision typewriter system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a memory electrically communicating with typewriter control circuits for storing data representing a number of character spaces to be corrected and for advancing a storage medium a distance specified by the stored data.
The invention accordingly comprises the revision typewriter system possessing the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that are exemplified in the following detailed description, the scope of which will be indicated in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a revision typewriter system embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block and schematic diagram of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective illustrating the magnetic actuators;
FIG. 4 is a block and schematic diagram of a system embodying the invention;
FIG. 5 is a detail block and schematic diagram of the system embodying the invention; and
FIG. 6 is a detail schematic diagram illustrating the correction circuits of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
It is well known in the art that selected symbols may be printed by a typewriter having a rotatable and tiltable typeball. In such typewriters, each of the keys are identified by a binary coded signal and are distinguished from one another by a binary coded digit. As each key is depressed, the binary coded digit associated therewith selectively actuates a particular combination of control levers which govern the rotation and tilt of the typeball. The present invention does not concern itself with the generation of a binary coded digit as each key is depressed. Accordingly, so far as the present invention is concerned, any means available to those skilled in the art for generating binary coded digits in response to key depression may be employed and no detailed explanation of such means follows.
Generally, as shown in FIG. 4, the revision typewriter system is comprised of an electric typewriter 10, a reader and recorder 12, control and logic circuits 14, and a storage medium 15. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, storage medium 15 is a paper tape, and reader and recorder 12 is a paper tape reader and perforator. Typewriter 10 includes keyboard and control switches 16; typewriter control circuits 18; magnetic actuators 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30; control members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42; a typeball control 44; and a typeball 46. Each key and selected switches of keyboard and control switches 16 are mechanically coupled to typewriter control circuits 18 and other switches of keyboard and control switches 16 are electrically connected to typewriter control circuits 18 and control and logic circuits 14. Tape reader and perforator 12 and typewriter control circuits 18 are electrically connected to control and logic circuits 14. In the illustrated embodiment, dashed lines and solid lines denote mechanical and electrical connections, respectively.
As best shown in FIG. 3, magnetic actuator 20 includes a triggering device 48, an actuator 50, and a switch 52. by way of example, triggering device 48 is a solenoid having a body 54 and a plunger 56 receiprocatingly mounted to body 54. Plunger 56 is formed with a slot 58 and a bore 60. Slot 58 is adapted for reception of a fastener 62 and bore 60 is adapted for reception of a bent threaded rod 64. Plunger 56 and rod 64 are held in fixed engagement by fastener 62 which is threaded onto rod 64 at one end thereof. The other end of rod 64 is threaded into one side of a connector 66. The other side of connector 66 is formed with a U-shaped opening 68 which is adapted for reception of a flexible line 70. One end of line 70 is looped by a fastener 72, the loop being secured in opening 68 by a pin 74. The other end of line 70 is attached to control member 32, line 70 defining a curved path about a pulley 76.
Actuator 50, for example a magnet, is mounted to control member 32 and switch 52, for example a reed switch, is mounted to a plate 78, magnet 50 and reed switch 52 being in spaced relation to each other. Control member 32 is connected to a casing 80 of typewriter 10 via a resilient element 82, for example a spring.
In operation, when a voltage is applied to solenoid 48 via leads 84, 86, plunger 56 is retracted into body 54 whereby the control member 32 is moved. Movement of control member 32 brings magnet 50 in proximate distance to reed switch 52, in consequence the contacts of reed switch 52 close.
Again referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that each of actuators 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 is comprised of like elements. Accordingly, similar elements are denoted by like reference characters and distinguished by suffix letters. for example, the magnet associated with actuator 22 is denoted 50A, the magnet associated with actuator 24 is denoted 50B, and so on. Each of control members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42 is mechanically connected to each of actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98, respectively. Each control member is mechanically connected to type-ball control 44 and each actuator 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 is electrically connected via lines 99 to typewriter control circuits 18. Type-ball control 44 is mechanically connected to typeball 46 and controls the rotation and tilt of typeball 46. Each of actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 is adapted to move each of control members 32, 44, 36, 38, 40, and 42, respectively, in response to signals generated by typewriter control circuits 18. That is, movement of control member 34 causes reed switch 52A to close, movement of control member 36 causes reed switch 52B to close, etc. It will be readily appreciated that closure of each of the reed switches 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E is achieved when either correlative triggering devices 48, 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, or corresponding actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 is energized. Each of triggering devices 48, 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, and 48E is energized by signals generated by tape reader and perforator 12 and applied thereto via control and logic circuits 14. Each of actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 is energized by signals generated by depression of keys in keyboard and control switches 16 and applied thereto via typewriter control circuits 18. Accordingly, the orientation of typeball 46, which is specified by movement of one or a combination of control members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42, is governed by signals generated from either keyboard and control switches 16 or tape reader and perforator 12.
As previously stated, reed switches 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E are closed each time control members 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E, respectively are moved. Therefore, for each movement of the control members in response to signals generated from tape reader and perforator 12, signals are transmitted from the correlative reed switches to keyboard and control switches 16 via control and logic circuits 14 and typewriter control circuits 18. Also, for each movement of the control members in response to signals generated from keyboard and control switches 16, signals are transmitted from the correlative reed switches to tape reader and perforator 12 via control and logic circuits 14. The detailed layout of keyboard and control switches 16 is shown in FIG. 5.
Generally, keyboard and control switches 16 is comprised of a standard keyboard 100 and control switches 102. Keyboard 100 includes a plurality of character keys 103, tab key 105, space bar 107, backspace key 109, and carriage return 111. In the illustrated embodiment, control switches 102 include a plurality of function code switches 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132, and an edit mode switch 133. Preferably, each of the function code switches is of the push button type and the edit mode switch is of the slider type. Edit mode switch 133 is a five position switch, each position representing a particular edit mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 5, the positions of edit mode switch 133 are AUTO autO (Automatic), PARA (paragraph), SENT (sentence), LINE, and Word. Each of the function code switches represents the mode of operation given in the following table;
REFERENCE MODE OF CHARACTER OPERATION 104 PUNCH-ON 106 PUNCH-OFF 108 AUTO LINE FINDER 110 TRANSFER 112 STOP 114 X-CORRECT 116 CORRECT 118 BACK TAPE 120 PUNCH CONTROL 122 BLANK KEY 124 MARGIN ADJUST 126 CHARACTER 128 SKIP 130 STOP 132 START
READING OF TAPE
When start switch 132 is depressed, a start/stop flip-flop 134 is set by the signal at the output of switch 132. The signal at the output of flip-flop 134 and pulse from a reader sync. generator 137 are applied to a reader control 136 whereby a binary coded signal is transmitted to reader contacts 138 fron control 136. Simultaneously, a `busy` signal at the output reader control 136 is applied to a busy/read flip-flop 140 in consequence another cycle is prevented from being initiated until the present cycle is completed. The pulse as at the output of reader control circuitry 132 is applied also to a buffer reset flip-flop 142 and a reader forward feed flip-flop 146 whereby character select buffers 144 are enabled and a forward feed solenoid 147 is energized, respectively. Forward feed solenoid 147 initiates a forward tape feed. In consequence, a tape code is read through reader contacts 138 and stored in the character select buffers 144. The signal at the output of character select buffers 144 energize character select solenoids 154 via drivers 148 and `print` solenoids 156 via drivers 150.
If the code is a function rather than a character, it is decoded by a function decoder 152. In consequence, solenoids 156 are inhibited and solenoids 154 are not energized and selected function soleniods 158 are energized. It is to be understood that actuators 88, 90, 92, 94, 96 and 98 are solenoids 154 and triggering devices 48, 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D and 48E are function solenoids 158.
During the operating cycle of the typewriter, the reed switch associated with the character or function being processed closes whereby buffer reset flip-flop 142 is reset. in consequence, character select buffers 144 are reset and the selected function or character solenoids are deenergized. At the completion of the cycle, the closed switch opens whereby busy/ready flip-flop 140 is placed in the ready state and the next cycle is allowed to take place.
Shift changes, i.e. shift to unshift or unshift to shift are governed by shift change circuitry 160. When a shift code switch 162 is depressed, a signal is transmitted to one input of a shift comparator 163. The binary coded signal as at the output of control 136, for example the seventh bit, is applied to the other input of comparator 163. The signal as at the output of comparator 163 is transmitted to a shift solenoid 165 via shift buffers 167 for establishing the selected typewriter shift code. The signal at the output of comparator 163 is applied also to flip-flops 142 and 146 whereby reader circuits 161 are not advanced to the next code and a character is not processed. After the selected typewriter shift code is established, the binary coded signal as at the other input of comparator 163 is in another state and the signal as at the output of comparator 163 is in another state whereby busy/ready flip-flop 140 is set to the `ready` state and the code is read again to process the character.
When reader circuits 161 detect either blank tape or a CORRECT (delete) code, busy/ready flip-flop 140 and buffer reset flip-flop 142 are reset whereby reader circuits 161 advances to the next code. This permits these codes to be processed at a much faster rate and also produces a `clean` tape. Identical operation take places when SKIP button 128 is depressed. If the reader senses a STOP code, start/stop flip-flop 134 is reset halting operation. When the reader senses a TRANSFER code, operation is transferred to an auxiliary reader (not shown) and the operation continues as described above.
PUNCHING OF TAPE
Initially, the perforated tape is produced by manual typing. When a character key is depressed, the appropriate control members are activated and a character is typed. When a character strobe switch 164 closes, a signal is sent via a strobe flip-flop 166 to a punch buffer reset flip-flop 168 whereby the reset is removed from punch buffers 170. Character select reed switches 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E sense the identity of the character and transmit a signal which is stored in tape reader and perforator 12. Opening of the character switches signals punch control circuitry 172 that information is stored and a punch cycle is to be initiated. A signal from punch control circuitry 172 energizes a forward feed punch solenoid 174. In consequence, a punch 173 is advanced while punch buffers 170 select the code bit solenoids (bits 1-6). Shift information (bit 1) is received by sensing the state of shift function switch 162. A SHIFT code is not punched as a separate code but along with succeeding character and function codes.
When a function key is depressed the switches associated with that function close whereby a signal is sent to a function encoder 176 which converts it to a binary code and sends it to punch select buffers 170. The switch also signals the punch to initiate a cycle.
Control codes; STOP, TRANSFER, PUNCH ON, PUNCH OFF, AUTO LINE FINDER, are punched by depressing the correlative switches located at the side of the keyboard. These codes are processed through a punch encoder 177 in the same manenr as function codes are processed through function encoder 176.
If the information is received when the typewriter is being operated under reader control instead of being manually typed, operation is the same.
CORRECTING TAPE
If the operator detects errors immediately after typing, such errors are corrected in the following manner. Back tape switch 118 is depressed for each character to be deleted, whereby both the tape being punched and the typewriter carrier are backed up to the error. Correct switch 116 or X-Correct switch 114 is then depressed. The tape automatically moves forward the number of spaces that were previously backed up, cancelling the codes previously punched. in the CORRECT mode, the typewriter carrier (not shown) remains in the position it was backed up to. in the X-Correct mode typeball 46 moves forward over-typing X's in response to command signals generated by x correct switch 114 and applied to character select buffers 144 via an encoder 188.
When back tape switch 118 is depressed, a back tape flip-flop 210 is enabled. in consequence, the signal as at the output of back tape flip-flop 210 is applied to a reverse feed punch solenoid 179 via reverse feed circuitry 178 backing up the tape one space and is applied to the typewriter back space solenoid (not shown) backing up typeball 46 one space. In addition, the signal at the output of back tape flip-flop 210 is applied to a memory, for example an up/down counter 180. the signal as at the output of flip-flop 210 enables counter 180 in the up count mode and a count signal is registered therein. For each subsequent depression of back tape switch 118, one count pulse is applied to up/down counter 180 and typeball 46 and the perforated tape are backed up one space.
depressing correct switch 116 sets a correct flip-flop 182 and start/stop flip-flop 134 via a diode 183. the setting of start/stop flip-flop 134 initiates read pulses. Correct flip-flop 182 remains set until the correct cycle is completed and inhibits the tape in the reader from being read and stepped.
as best shown in FIG. 6, the output of correct flip-flop 182 is strobed by a nand gate 214. the delete code signals as at the output of NAND gate 214 are applied to punch select buffers 170 via a plurality of diodes 216, punch encoder 177 and punch forward feed control 184. In addition, the signals at the output of NAND gate 214 are applied to up/down counter 180, in consequence the counter counts down. this operation continues until the counter reaches zero. when the counter reaches zero as detected by a ZERO detector 212, a pulse from ZERO detector resets start/stop flip-flop 134 and operation is halted. in the illustrated embodiment, counter 180 has a maximum capacity of sixteen. if the number of back tapes exceeds sixteen, the counter stores the remainder and correct switch 116 must be depressed twice. That is, eighteen back tapes equals two deletes codes in the first cycle and sixteen deletes codes in he second cycle.
Referring now to the detail schematic diagram of FIG. 6, it will be seen that up count and down count signals are applied to the input terminals of NAND gate 220 via differentiating networks 222 and 224, respectively. The signal at the output of NAND gate 220 is applied to the clock input of each of JK flip-flops 226, 228, 230 and 232. The Q and Q terminals of flip-flop 226 are connected to one input of each of NAND gates 234 and 236, respectively. The signal as at the output of back tape flip-flop is applied to the other input of gate 234 and the up count signal is applied to the other input of gate 236. The signal at the output of each of gates 234 and 236 is applied to the input terminals of a NAND gate 238. The signal at the output of gate 238 is applied to the J and K terminals of flip-flop 228 and the input of each of NAND gates 240 and 242. The Q and Q terminals of flip-flop 238 are connected to other inputs of gates 240 and 242, respectively. The signal as at the output of flip-flop 210 is applied to another input of gate 240 and the up count signal is applied to another input of gate 242. the signal as at the output of each of gates 240 and 242 is applied to correlative input terminals of a NAND gate 244. The signal at the output of gate 244 is applied to the J and K terminals of flip-flop 230 and an input of each of NAND gates 246 and 248. The Q and Q terminals of flip-flop 230 are connected to other inputs of gates 244 and 246, respectively. The signal at the output of flip-flop 210 is applied to another input of gate 246 and the up count signal is applied to another input of gate 248. The signal as at the output of each of gates 246 and 248 is applied to the input terminals of a NAND gate 250. The signal as at the output of gate 250 is applied to the J and K terminals of flip-flop 232. The Q terminals of each of flip-flops 230 and 232 are applied to control terminals of ZERO detector 212 via diodes 252 and 254, respectively. The Q terminals of each of flip-flops 226 and 228 are connected to the input terminals of zero detector 212.
EDIT MODES
The operator can select one of five modes in which to limit the amount of material that the reader will process. These are Character, Word, Line, Sentence, and Paragraph. Upon depression of START switch 132, the reader prints the amount of tape selected and stops. The operator can also depress SKIP switch 128, whereby the tape is advanced in the reader the amount indicated, but not re-punched or typed.
When Start switch 132 is depressed a normal read operation is initiated. when Edit mode conditions are sensed by the edit mode circuitry 189, a stop signal is generated which resets start/stop flip-flop 134 and operation is halted.
If SKIP switch 128 is depressed, a signal from SKIP flip-flop 190 resets busy/ready flip-flop 140 and buffer reset flip-flop 142 for each read cycle that is initiated. This inhibits processing but allows the reader to continue stepping through the tape. Operation is halted when Edit mode conditions are sensed.
The edit mode circuitry responds to the following codes:
Character --single cycle
Word --Space
Line --Carrier Return
Sentence --2 Spaces or Space-Carrier Return, Paragraph mode conditions.
Paragraph --2 Carrier Returns, Carrier Return-Tab
MARGIN ADJUST
The purpose of this mode is to permit the operator to adjust the right hand margin after deletions or insertions have been made. In this mode a switch 191 located on the typewriter and positioned by the margin set lever, indicates when the carrier is within ten spaces of the right hand margin stop. Depressing MARGIN ADJUST switch 124 enables Margin Adjust control circuitry 192. this circuitry senses the codes of interest i.e. hyphen, carrier return, space; stores; and recognizes certain sequences of codes and performs all the necessary operations.
if the Carrier Return is not within the margin zone, single Carrier Return codes are converted to spaces except when preceeded by a hyphen. in that case, the Carrier Return is dropped. All hyphens are dropped except those that have been validated, a hyphen being validated by typing hyphen-back space-hyphen. Multiple Carrier Returns are considered to be `end of paragraph` and are processed as such. in the margin zone, Carrier Returns and hyphens are processed and a Carrier Return is added.
Tab codes are not processed either in or outside the margin zone and cause the reader to stop.
TAPE DUPLICATION
The tape to be duplicated is placed in reader and perforator 12, a DUPLICATE switch 193 is depressed, in consequence a new tape is punched at high speed, for example 50 characters/second. Operation stops when the reader senses an end of the tape signal from a tape switch 194 or when STOP switch 130 is depressed.
The DUPLICATE switch sets a duplicate flip-flop 196 and the start/stop flip-flop 134. The outputs of character buffers 144 are gated directly into Punch Buffers 170 via gating circuitry 198. as soon as the information has been set into punch buffers 170, character select buffers 144 are reset and the typewriter is inhibited from responding. when the tape runs out, out-of-tape switch 194 opens, resetting the start/stop and duplicate flip-flops 134 and 196, respectively.
PUNCH CONTROL
Depressing PUNCH CONTROl switch 120 places the punch circuitry into the Punch Control mode; i.e. the punch can be turned on and off by means of tape codes.
When not in the Punch Control mode, punch control flip-flop 168 is held in the ON state by PUNCH CONTROL switch 120 and punch Control codes are ignored. Depressing the switch operates to release punch control flip-flop 168. When PUNCH OFF switch 106 is depressed, a Punch Off code is read by PUNCH encoder 177, whereby Punch Control flip-flop 168 goes into the OFF state and prevents punch signals from energizing the punch until a Punch ON code is received or the Punch Control switch is released.
AUTOMATIC LINE FINDER
Automatic line finder, an optional feature, is used to run continuous forms through the typewriter to minimize handling of repetative letters. When an auto. line finger flip-flop 202 receives a line finder code from switch 108 via a decoder 204, the Carrier Return Solenoid (not shown) continuously indexes the typewriter platen until the form has moved the proper amount. at that time, a switch 205 closes, whereby flip-flop 202 is reset and the normal read operation resumes.
Since certain changes may be made in the foregoing disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and depicted in the accompanying drawings be construed in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.