PROGRAMMABLE PLATEN COMPRESSION ROLLS
United States Patent 3812946
Individually programmable compression rolls for an accounting machine having a rotatable platen which is split into first and second parts, with the rolls being spaced along the platen. Each roll is rotatably mounted on a roll arm which is pivotally mounted on a supporting shaft having a spring thereon to resiliently urge the associated roll against the platen. Each roll arm has first and second actuating arms associated therewith, with the first arm being fixed to rotate with a first actuating shaft but being axially slidable thereon between first and second positions, and with the second arm being fixed to rotate with a second actuating shaft but being axially slidable thereon between first and second positions. In the first position, each actuating arm is out of contact with its associated roll arm, and when selectively axially moved to the second position, the actuating arm is aligned with the associated roll arm enabling the associated actuating shaft (when rotated) to pivot the roll arm and move the associated compression roll away from the platen. Separate actuating linkage is provided for the first and second actuating shafts.
US Patent References:
/1158408.html
Stickney - October 1915 - 1158408
Typewriting machine
Hart - October 1933 - 1931382
LISTER ATTACHMENT FOR HIGH SPEED WEB PRINTERS
Pitt - January 1969 - 3421612
Paper bail structure for typewriters and the like
Toeppen - September 1967 - 3339696
MODE SELECTION FOR THE CONTROL OF A PLURALITY OF WORK SHEETS IN A BILLING MACHINE
Kinney et al. - May 1969 - 3444977
/1158408.html
Stickney - October 1915 - 1158408
Typewriting machine
Hart - October 1933 - 1931382
LISTER ATTACHMENT FOR HIGH SPEED WEB PRINTERS
Pitt - January 1969 - 3421612
Paper bail structure for typewriters and the like
Toeppen - September 1967 - 3339696
MODE SELECTION FOR THE CONTROL OF A PLURALITY OF WORK SHEETS IN A BILLING MACHINE
Kinney et al. - May 1969 - 3444977
Inventors:
Terbay, Joseph J. (Dayton, OH)
Taylor, Richard P. (Xenia, OH)
Taylor, Richard P. (Xenia, OH)
Application Number:
05/325844
Publication Date:
05/28/1974
Filing Date:
01/22/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
The National Cash Register Company (Dayton, OH)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
400/70, 400/619, 400/637
International Classes:
B41J11/53; B41J13/036; B41J11/48; B41J15/18
Field of Search:
197/114,127,129,133,138,132 221/34,92 271/26
Primary Examiner:
Pulfrey, Robert E.
Assistant Examiner:
Rader R. T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Cavender Jr., Sessler Albert Wargo Elmer J. T. L.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. In a business machine having a rotatable platen which is split into first and second parts, the improvement comprising:
2. The improvement as claimed in claim 1 in which said first lever means includes a first shaft pivotally mounted in a frame means of said machine, and in which each said first actuating arm is fixed to rotate with said first shaft but is axially moveable thereon between said first and second positions; and in which said second lever means includes a second shaft pivotally mounted on said frame means with each said second actuating arm being fixed to rotate with said second shaft but being axially moveable thereon between said first and second positions.
3. The improvement as claimed in claim 1 in which said supporting shaft means includes a plurality of spaced parallel plates, with each said compression roll means being located between two adjacent plates;
4. In an accounting machine having a rotatable platen which is split into first and second parts, the improvement comprising:
5. The improvement as claimed in claim 4 in which said supporting shaft means includes a plurality of spaced parallel plates, with each said compression roll means being located between two adjacent plates;
6. The improvement as claimed in claim 4 in which the lever means of each said compression roll means includes a pair of spaced, parallel levers, with one of said compression rolls being rotatably mounted between the first ends of said pair of levers;
1. In a business machine having a rotatable platen which is split into first and second parts, the improvement comprising:
2. The improvement as claimed in claim 1 in which said first lever means includes a first shaft pivotally mounted in a frame means of said machine, and in which each said first actuating arm is fixed to rotate with said first shaft but is axially moveable thereon between said first and second positions; and in which said second lever means includes a second shaft pivotally mounted on said frame means with each said second actuating arm being fixed to rotate with said second shaft but being axially moveable thereon between said first and second positions.
3. The improvement as claimed in claim 1 in which said supporting shaft means includes a plurality of spaced parallel plates, with each said compression roll means being located between two adjacent plates;
4. In an accounting machine having a rotatable platen which is split into first and second parts, the improvement comprising:
5. The improvement as claimed in claim 4 in which said supporting shaft means includes a plurality of spaced parallel plates, with each said compression roll means being located between two adjacent plates;
6. The improvement as claimed in claim 4 in which the lever means of each said compression roll means includes a pair of spaced, parallel levers, with one of said compression rolls being rotatably mounted between the first ends of said pair of levers;
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to individually programmable compression rolls which are used in conjunction with a split platen of a business machine.
In certain business machines, like an accounting machine, it is necessary to print upon two different kinds of documents which are inserted in the machine. For example, it may be necessary to print upon a continuous invoice form and a ledger or journal form. The printing is accomplished by providing a platen which is split into first and second parts. In the example given, the continuous invoice form may be mounted on one of the parts of the split platen, and the ledger form is mounted on the remaining part. Each part of the platen would have its own compression rolls associated therewith to separately grip and feed the associated form as the associated part of the platen is indexed to thereby provide separate indexing and line spacing for each form. Generally, both parts of the platen may also be selectively coupled together to provide for simultaneous indexing thereof. One such prior art business machine having a split platen for feeding two different kinds of forms is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,444,977 which issued on May 20, 1969 on the application of M. E. Kinney, et al.
The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive construction by which each compression roll is selectively programmed to be controlled by any one of two separate actuating means or by both.
The simplified construction of this invention provides for a cost saving when manufacturing a business machine utilizing this invention because all such machines may be manufactured with a standard split platen construction therein. At a final stage in the assembly of the machine, the standard split platen may be easily replaced, if necessary, with a split platen having non-standard first and second parts which are dimensioned to meet a specific customer's design requirements without the necessity of tearing down the machine to provide matching compression rolls therefor.
Another feature of this invention is that it provides for overlapping control of the compression rolls. Normally, when a platen is split into first and second parts, all the rolls which are aligned with the first part of the platen operate together as a unit; however, with this invention, some of the compression rolls which are aligned with the second part of the platen can be programmed to operate with the rolls which are aligned with the first part of the platen, and vice versa, thereby increasing the versatility of a business machine incorporating this invention.
Because each compression roll is separately programmable, any one of the compression rolls may be selectively placed in a "lock out" position in which it is kept out of engagement with the platen.
All these features of this invention are especially desirable for providing adaptability and flexibility for a business machine which must be tailored to meet a variety of customers' demands in a market in which the customers generally rent the business machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to individually programmable compression rolls which are used in conjunction with a split platen of a business machine. The platen is split into first and second parts, and means are provided for rotating or indexing each part of said platen independently or together with the other part. A supporting shaft is provided, and a plurality of compression roll means is pivotally mounted thereon and spaced along the length of the platen. Each of the compression roll means has a compression roll thereon, and spring means are used to resiliently urge the associated roll against the platen. A first lever means including a first actuating arm is provided for each compression roll means, with each actuating arm being selectively moveable between a first position out of engagement with its associated compression roll means, and a second position in which the arm is aligned for engagement therewith. This invention also comprises a second lever means including a second actuating arm for each compression roll means, with each second arm also being selectively moveable between a first position out of engagement with its associated compression roll means, and a second position in which the second arm is aligned for engagement therewith. Actuating means are also included for selectively actuating the first and second lever means so as to enable those first and second actuating arms respectively, which are in said second positions, to pivot their associated compression roll means against the bias of the spring means and thereby move the associated compression rolls away from the platen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a portion of a business machine having this invention incorporated therein, showing a split platen, as viewed by an operator sitting at the machine, and a plurality of compression roll means spaced along the length of the platen.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, to show additional details of the compression roll means, and first lever means for actuating the compression roll means to move the compression rolls out of engagement with the platen against the bias of associated spring means.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second lever means for actuating the compression roll means to move the compression rolls out of engagement with the platen.
FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation, taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1 to show a portion of an actuating means for actuating the first and second lever means, and the placement of business forms on the platen.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view, in perspective, of a pin which is used to "lock out" individual compression roll means.
FIG. 6 is a general view, in perspective, of a compression roll means and actuating means therefor.
FIGS. 7a and 7b taken together show a cross-sectional, plan view of the split platen and a means for coupling the first and second parts of the platen together.
FIG. 8 is a side view, in elevation, of a means for indexing the platen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a portion of a business machine having this invention incorporated therein, showing a platen designated generally as 10, as generally viewed by an operator sitting at the machine. The platen 10 is split, as at 12, to form a first part 14 and a second part 16. These two parts 14 and 16 may be conventionally coupled to enable them to be driven together or separately.
FIG. 1 also shows a plurality of programmable compression roll means of this invention, which roll means are spaced along the length of the platen 10; the means for supporting the roll means, and the two lever means for actuating them are also shown.
Each compression roll means designated generally as 18 (FIG. 1) includes a pair spaced, parallel levers 20 and 22, having first and second ends and being pivotally mounted between said ends on a supporting shaft means including a supporting shaft 24. A compression roll 26 is pivotally mounted on a shaft supported between the first ends of the levers 20, 22, and a bracket 28 secured to the second ends of the levers is used to secure them together and to maintain them in spaced parallel relationship. The supporting shaft 24 is supported by a plurality of plates 30, with each compression roller means 18 being supported between two adjacent plates as shown. The plates 30 have suitable apertures therein to enable them to be mounted on supporting rods 32 and 34 which are conventionally supported in the side frames 36 and 38 of a business machine in which this invention is incorporated. Suitable, identically-dimensioned, tubular spacers 40, mounted on the rods 32 and 34, are used to maintain the plates 30 in spaced, parallel relationship, and suitable springs 42, mounted on these rods between the outermost plates 30 and the side frames 36 and 38, are used to resiliently compress the plates 30 and spacers 40 together. Suitable, identically-dimensioned, tubular spacers 44 are mounted on the supporting shaft 24 between adjacent plates 30 and the associated compression roll means 18 to maintain the compression roll means in a centered position between the adjacent plates and to permit the roll means 18 to be freely pivoted on the supporting shaft 24. Suitable"C" type washers 46, placed in complementary annular grooves on the extremities of the shaft 24, prevent axial movement of the shaft within the plates 30.
Each compression roll means 18 has a first lever means and a second lever means for pivotally moving the associated compression roll 26 out of engagement with the platen 10.
The first lever means includes a first actuating arm 48 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is provided for each compression roll means 18. Each arm 48 has a "D" shaped aperture on one end thereof to enable the arm to be rotated by a first actuating shaft 50 (FIG. 2) which is pivotally mounted in suitable, aligned apertures in the plates 30. The shaft 50 has a flat area 52 thereon to match the cross-sectional shape of the aperture in the arm 48 to enable it to be rotated by the shaft 50. The remaining end 54 of the arm 48 is generally "L"-shaped to enable it to engage a suitable opening 56 in the bracket 28 of the associated compression roll means 18. Each actuating arm 48 is manually, axially moveable between first and second positions on the shaft 50. In the first position, the actuating arm 48 is positioned next to one of its associated plates 30, and to get it to the second position, the arm is manually moved, axially, along the shaft to a location in which the end 54 is aligned with the opening 56 in the bracket 28 for the associated compression roll means 18. When the first actuating shaft 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) by an actuating means to be later described, the end 54 of the arm 48 advances into the opening 56 and pivots the associated compression roll means 18 in a counter clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) against the bias of a spring 58, to move the compression roll 26 out of engagement with the platen 10. There is one spring 58 provided for each compression roll means 18, and each one is mounted on shaft 50 (as shown in FIG. 2) with one end thereof abutting against the bracket 28 and the other end abutting against a spacer 40 to resiliently urge the associated compression roll means 18 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) to thereby urge the compression roll 26 into engagement with the platen 10.
The second lever means, alluded to earlier, includes a second actuating arm 60 (FIGS. 1 and 3) which is provided for each compression roll means 18. This arm 60 is identical to the first actuating arm 48 except that the arm is rotated by a second actuating shaft 62 which is pivotally mounted in suitable, aligned apertures in plates 30. Shaft 62 also has a flat area 64 thereon to receive the "D"-shaped aperture located in one end of the arm 60 to enable the arm to be axially moved on the shaft between first and second positions thereon while enabling the arm to be rotated or pivoted by the shaft 62. The remaining end 66 is generally "L"-shaped to enable it to engage a suitable opening 68 (FIG. 1) in the bracket 28 of the associated compression roll means 18. When the second actuating arm 60 is in the first position, it is positioned next to one of the plates 30, and to get it to the second position, the arm is manually moved, axially, along the shaft 62 to a location in which the end 66 is aligned with the opening 68 in the bracket 28 for the associated compression roll means 18. When the second actuating shaft 62 is rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3) by an actuating means to be later described, the end 66 of the arm 60 enters the opening 68 to pivot the associated compression roll means 18 in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3) against the bias of the spring 58 to thereby move the associated compression roll 26 out of engagement with the platen 10. The longitudinal axes of the rods 32 and 34, the supporting shaft 24, the compression rolls 26, and the first and second actuating shafts 50 and 62, respectively, are all parallel to one another and to the rotating axis of the platen 10.
As stated earlier in this application, each compression roll means 18 is individually programmable to work with either the first or second part of the platen 10 or both parts. In normal operation, those compression roll means 18 which are aligned with the first part 14 of the platen are operated upon by the first actuating shaft 50. For example, the first five compression roll means 18, when proceeding from left to right in FIG. 1, are aligned with the first part 14 of the platen 10. The first actuating arms 48 for these first five roll means 18 would be moved to the second position in which the arms 48 are aligned with the respective openings 56. When the actuating shaft 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as previously explained, the rolls 26 for the first five compression roll means 18 would be moved away from the first part 14 of the platen to permit the insertion or removal forms to be printed upon. Notice that in FIG. 1, the sixth compression roll means 18 (when counting from left to right) also has a first actuating arm 48 aligned with its associated opening 56 to enable this compression roll means 18 to also be actuated by the first actuating shaft 50 even though this roll means 18 is aligned with the second part 16 of the split platen 10. This is a feature of the invention which enables some "overlapping" of control of the compression roll means 18 and is useful, for example, when a form placed on the first part 14 of the platen extends onto the second part 16.
The remaining compression roll means 18, i.e., the seventh through the twelfth (when counting from left to right in FIG. 1), are associated with the second part 16 of the split platen 10, and accordingly, their second actuating arms 60 are aligned with their associated openings 68 in the brackets 28. The first actuating arms 48 for these remaining compression roll means 18 are moved to the first position, and accordingly, when the second actuating shaft 62 (FIG. 3) is rotated in a clockwise direction as previously explained, the compression rolls 26 for these remaining compression roll means 18 will be moved away from the second part 16 of the platen. If it is necessary or desirable to also have the sixth compression roll means 18 (when counting from left to right in FIG. 1) also operate with the second actuating shaft 62, its associated second actuating arm 60 may also be aligned with the opening 68. When so aligned the sixth compression roll means 18 may be operated by either the first actuating shaft 50 or the second actuating shaft 62.
Each compression roll means 18 may be programmed to operate with either the first actuating shaft 50 or the second actuating shaft 62 by moving the first and second actuating arms 48 and 60, respectively, into alignment with the associated openings 56 and 68 (FIG. 1) on the compression roll means 18. Suitable access holes 70 and 72 in the plates 30 (FIG. 2) permit the entry of an "L"-shaped rod (not shown) to axially push the actuating arms 48 and 60, respectively, away from the plates 30 when the arms are in the first or inoperative positions.
Each compression roll means 18 may be additionally programmed to put it into a "lock-out" position in which the associated compression roll 26 is always out of engagement with the platen 10. This is accomplished by providing a pair of aligned holes 74 (FIG. 2) in the adjacent plates 30 supporting the associated compression roll means 18 and by using a pin 76, having an annular groove 78 formed near the ends thereof, as shown in FIG. 5. Any compression roll means 18 to be placed in the lock-out position is simply, manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 2, and the pin 76 is thereafter placed into the holes 74. After the pin 76 is inserted in the holes 74, and the grooves 78 of the pin are aligned with the associated adjacent plates 30, the compression roll means 18 is released, permitting the spring 58 to slightly rotate the roll means 18 in a clockwise direction until the bracket 28 abuts against the pin 76 to thereby maintain the associated compression roll 26 away from the platen 10. The holes 74 may be offset somewhat in the plates 30 to permit adjacent compression roll means 18 to be placed in the lock-out position.
Having this individual lock-out capability available for each compression roll means 18 is a feature which is especially useful when business forms, such as ledger cards having magnetic stripes thereon, are used. When a ledger card is installed on the platen, its associated magnetic stripe is positioned, generally, in a vertical direction. Because it is generally desirable to avoid having a compression roll force the ledger card against the platen in the area of the magnetic stripe, the present invention may be used to "lock out" the affected one or several compression roll means 18 to avoid compression of the magnetic stripe.
The actuating means, alluded to earlier, for rotating the first and second actuating shafts 50 and 62 respectively, is shown in FIG. 6. The actuating means, designated generally as 80, includes a crank lever 82 having one end fixed to the shaft 50 by a suitable pin 84, and the other end of lever 82 is pivotally joined to one end of a link 86 by a pin 88. The remaining end of link 86 is pivotally joined to one end of a lever 90 by a pin 92. The lever 90 is generally "S"-shaped in configuration and is pivotally mounted between its ends on a shaft 94 which is supported in the frame means of the machine in which this invention is utilized. The remaining free end of lever 90 has one end of a tension spring 96 secured thereto to resiliently pivot lever 90 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 6) about shaft 94 so as to maintain a roller 98 (rotatably mounted on lever 90) in engagement with a cam member 100.
The cam member 100 is fixed to rotate with one disc 102 (FIG. 6) of a conventional rotating clutch which also has a second disc 104. The disc 104 is fixed to a driving shaft 106 to rotate therewith. Shaft 106 is suitably rotatably supported in bearings (not shown), and is rotated at a constant velocity in the direction of arrow 108 by a motor 110. The disc 104 has a ratchet gear (not shown) fixed thereto to rotate therewith, and the gear is located on the side of the disc 104 facing the disc 102. The disc 102 has a pawl member (not shown) carried on the side of the disc facing disc 104. The pawl member has two interconnected abutment members 112 and 114, associated therewith, and carried on the disc 102 to rotate therewith. The cam member 100 and disc 102 while fixed to each other, are rotatably mounted on the shaft 106.
In order to actuate the rotating clutch shown in FIG. 6, a lever 116 is used. The lever 116 has a general "S"-shape configuration, and is pivotally mounted on a stationary shaft 118. A spring 120, attached to one end of lever 116 resiliently urges the lever in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 6) against a stop 122. The operating end of lever 116 is positioned between the discs 102 and 104 and abuts against the abutment member 112 or 114 when the clutch is disengaged. When disengaged, the disc 104 and shaft 106 are continuously rotated by the motor 110, but the disc 102 does not rotate because the lever 116, abutting against the abutment member 112, for example, keeps the associated pawl member out of engagement with the driving gear on disc 104. In order to engage the clutch, the lever 116 is mementarily rotated about shaft 118 (in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6) by a link 124 having one end pivotally joined to lever 116 and the remaining end thereof pivotally joined to the operating arm 126 of a solenoid 128. When the solenoid 128 is energized momentarily, and the lever 116 is rotated clockwise, momentarily, its operating end is moved out of engagement with the abutment 112 permitting its associated pawl member on disc 102 to engage the driving gear on disc 104, which is always rotating, and thereby cause disc 102 and cam member 100 to also be rotated in the direction of arrow 108 by the driving gear. Because the solenoid 128 is only momentarily energized, the spring 120 will rotate lever 116 in a counterclockwise direction to enable its operating end to enter into the rotating path of the second abutment member 114 causing the member 114 to abut thereagainst to thereby disconnect the associated pawl member from the driving gear, causing the disc 102 to come to rest. The abutment members 112 and 114 are spaced 180 degrees apart to permit the cam member 100 to be rotated between two positions which are also 180 degrees apart. When the abutment member 112 abuts against the operating end of lever 116, a low point 130 on cam member 100 contacts the roller 98 on lever 90, and when the abutment member 114 abuts against the lever 116, a high point 132 on the cam member 100 contacts the roller 98.
When the cam member 100 is in the position shown in FIG. 6, the compression rolls 26 of the compression roll means 18, associated with the first actuating shaft 50, are in engagement with the platen 10. When the solenoid 128 is momentarily energized, the cam member 100 is rotated 180 degrees (as previously described) to bring the high point 132 thereof into engagement with the roller 98, which rotation forces the lever 90 to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction and thereby rotate lever 82 in a clockwise direction. Any first actuating arms 54 which are aligned with the openings 56 of the compression roll means 18 will rotate the associated compression roll means 18 in a counterclockwise direction to move the associated compression rolls 26 away from the platen 10 where the rolls will remain until the solenoid 128 is again actuated.
The actuating means for actuating the second actuating shaft 62 is identical to the actuating means 80 already described, and it is shown only as a block 134. The discs (not shown, but like 102 and 104) associated with the second actuating means 134 are also mounted on the shaft 106 as previously described, and when the associated solenoid (not shown) is momentarily energized, the second actuating shaft 62 will be rotated by a crank lever 136 in the same manner as crank lever 82 was rotated. As shown in FIG. 6, the second actuating shaft 62 is rotated clockwise to enable a second actuating arm 60 to pivot the compression roll means 18 and move the associated compression roll 26 away from the platen 10.
As mentioned earlier, this invention is especially useful in a machine having a split platen including means for indexing each part of the platen. Any conventional split platen and indexing means may be used; however, to illustrate a split platen arrangement, FIGS. 7a and 7b are included for this purpose.
The platen 10 (FIGS. 7a and 7b) is composed of the first and second parts 14 and 16 as shown. The second part 16 is supported on a tubular member 138 which is clamped to the lower half of a split bushing 140 by an upper clamp 142. A tubular driving shaft 144 (for indexing the second part 16) is also clamped to the bushing 140 by an upper clamp 146. The first part 14 is similarly supported on a tubular member 148 which is clamped to the lower half of a split bushing 150 by an upper clamp 152. A tubular driving shaft 154 (for indexing the first part 14) is also clamped to the bushing 150 by an upper clamp 156. The driving shaft 154 has a driving gear 158 fixed thereto as shown, and the gear 158 is conventionally driven by an indexing means to be later described herein.
The first and second parts 14 and 16 of the platen are shown in a coupled position in FIGS. 7a and 7b so as to enable both parts to be driven as a unit. The means for coupling both parts of the platen includes a cylindrical member 160 having a short shaft 162 extending therefrom, and which shaft is rotatably mounted within the tubular member 138 as shown. The left side of the platen 10 (as viewed in FIG. 7a) includes a cylindrical member 164 which has a short shaft 166 extending therefrom, and which shaft is rotatably mounted in the tubular member 148 as shown. The cylindrical member 164 is suitably dimensioned so as to be slidably mounted within a tubular sleeve 167 as shown. An abutment member 168 fixed within the tubular sleeve 167 enables a spring 170 located thereagainst to resiliently urge the member 164 to move in an axial direction out of the tubular sleeve 167, and a screw 172, passing through the abutment member 168, is used to limit the movement of member 164 out of tubular sleeve 167. The tubular member 160 has conically shaped, radially aligned teeth 174 thereon which mate with complementary internal teeth on the tubular member 138 so as to couple these two members to be driven together. The cylindrical member 164 has teeth 176 (identical to teeth 174) thereon, which teeth mate with complementary internal teeth 178 on the tubular member 148. The cylindrical members 160 and 164 are identical, and each is keyed to the tubular sleeve 167 by a key 180 and 182, respectively. When coupled as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, both parts 14 and 16 of the platen 10 can be driven together as a unit by indexing either the driving shaft 154 or the driving shaft 144.
In order to drive separately the first and second parts 14 and 16 of the platen 10, all that is necessary is to push the exposed end 184 of a shifter rod 186 axially to the right (as viewed in FIG. 7a). Pushing rod 186 to the right, also pushes shaft 166 and cylindrical member 164 to the right against the bias of spring 170 to disengage teeth 176 from teeth 178 thereby disconnecting the member 164 from the tubular member 167 and the tubular member 148 which drives the first part 14 of the platen. The tubular sleeve 167 has an appropriate slot therein to enable the key 182 to also be moved axially. When the second part 16 of the platen is indexed by the tubular member 138, the shaft 166 will merely rotate within the tubular member 148, and the first part 14 of the platen will remain stationary. With the shifter rod 186 moved to the right or the uncoupled position, the first part 14 of the platen may be independently indexed by rotating the tubular shaft 154 to which the tubular member 148 and the first part 14 of the platen are connected. The shifter rod 186 is retained in the shifted-to-the-right position by a ball and detent coupling 188.
When it is desired to couple together the first and second parts 14 and 16 of the platen, the end 184 of the shifter rod 186 is merely pulled to the left, as viewed in FIG. 7a, to the detented position shown therein, and the spring 170 will push the cylindrical member 164 away from the abutment member 168 to enable the teeth 176 on the member 164 to be coupled to the teeth 178 on the tubular member 148. The cylindrical member 164 performs the function of a clutch to couple or uncouple the first and second parts of the platen 10. When coupled together, the platen 10 may be indexed by rotating either shaft 154 or shaft 144. Shaft 154 has its own conventional line spacing control 190 and variable line spacing control 192 associated therewith, and the same controls (not shown) are available for tubular shaft 144.
Any conventional means for indexing the platen may be used, and one such means is shown in FIG. 8, and is designated generally as 194. The indexing means 194 includes the driving gear 158 (FIG. 7a) which drives the tubular driving shaft 154. The gear 158 has two kinds of teeth thereon, with the first kind of teeth 196 being designed to be unidirectionally driven by a complementary pawl member 198 which is pivotally joined to the operating arm 200 of a solenoid 202. When the solenoid 202 is momentarily energized, the arm 200 is drawn towards the solenoid, and the pawl member 198 engages the teeth 196 to thereby index the driving shaft 154 and the first part 14 of the platen 10 (FIG. 7a). A spring 204 returns the pawl member 198 to the position shown. The second kind of teeth 206 on the driving gear 158 are conventional detenting teeth which are engaged by a tooth 201 on a detenting arm 208 which has one end pivotally mounted on a s stationary pin 210 and the remaining end secured to a tension spring 212 which resiliently maintains the tooth 201 in engagement with the detenting teeth 206. An indexing means (not shown but similar to that shown in FIG. 8) is also provided for indexing the driving shaft 144 and second part 166 of the platen.
FIG. 4 shows primarily how the various business forms are mounted on the platen 10. A journal roll 214 feeds a strip 216 of continuous forms paper around the platen as shown. A ledger card 218, having its lower end abutting against a stop 22, is also shown positioned on the platen 10. A front line guide 222 is used to align the forms on the platen in preparation for printing by a serial type print head 224.
This invention relates to individually programmable compression rolls which are used in conjunction with a split platen of a business machine.
In certain business machines, like an accounting machine, it is necessary to print upon two different kinds of documents which are inserted in the machine. For example, it may be necessary to print upon a continuous invoice form and a ledger or journal form. The printing is accomplished by providing a platen which is split into first and second parts. In the example given, the continuous invoice form may be mounted on one of the parts of the split platen, and the ledger form is mounted on the remaining part. Each part of the platen would have its own compression rolls associated therewith to separately grip and feed the associated form as the associated part of the platen is indexed to thereby provide separate indexing and line spacing for each form. Generally, both parts of the platen may also be selectively coupled together to provide for simultaneous indexing thereof. One such prior art business machine having a split platen for feeding two different kinds of forms is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,444,977 which issued on May 20, 1969 on the application of M. E. Kinney, et al.
The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive construction by which each compression roll is selectively programmed to be controlled by any one of two separate actuating means or by both.
The simplified construction of this invention provides for a cost saving when manufacturing a business machine utilizing this invention because all such machines may be manufactured with a standard split platen construction therein. At a final stage in the assembly of the machine, the standard split platen may be easily replaced, if necessary, with a split platen having non-standard first and second parts which are dimensioned to meet a specific customer's design requirements without the necessity of tearing down the machine to provide matching compression rolls therefor.
Another feature of this invention is that it provides for overlapping control of the compression rolls. Normally, when a platen is split into first and second parts, all the rolls which are aligned with the first part of the platen operate together as a unit; however, with this invention, some of the compression rolls which are aligned with the second part of the platen can be programmed to operate with the rolls which are aligned with the first part of the platen, and vice versa, thereby increasing the versatility of a business machine incorporating this invention.
Because each compression roll is separately programmable, any one of the compression rolls may be selectively placed in a "lock out" position in which it is kept out of engagement with the platen.
All these features of this invention are especially desirable for providing adaptability and flexibility for a business machine which must be tailored to meet a variety of customers' demands in a market in which the customers generally rent the business machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to individually programmable compression rolls which are used in conjunction with a split platen of a business machine. The platen is split into first and second parts, and means are provided for rotating or indexing each part of said platen independently or together with the other part. A supporting shaft is provided, and a plurality of compression roll means is pivotally mounted thereon and spaced along the length of the platen. Each of the compression roll means has a compression roll thereon, and spring means are used to resiliently urge the associated roll against the platen. A first lever means including a first actuating arm is provided for each compression roll means, with each actuating arm being selectively moveable between a first position out of engagement with its associated compression roll means, and a second position in which the arm is aligned for engagement therewith. This invention also comprises a second lever means including a second actuating arm for each compression roll means, with each second arm also being selectively moveable between a first position out of engagement with its associated compression roll means, and a second position in which the second arm is aligned for engagement therewith. Actuating means are also included for selectively actuating the first and second lever means so as to enable those first and second actuating arms respectively, which are in said second positions, to pivot their associated compression roll means against the bias of the spring means and thereby move the associated compression rolls away from the platen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a portion of a business machine having this invention incorporated therein, showing a split platen, as viewed by an operator sitting at the machine, and a plurality of compression roll means spaced along the length of the platen.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, to show additional details of the compression roll means, and first lever means for actuating the compression roll means to move the compression rolls out of engagement with the platen against the bias of associated spring means.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second lever means for actuating the compression roll means to move the compression rolls out of engagement with the platen.
FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation, taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1 to show a portion of an actuating means for actuating the first and second lever means, and the placement of business forms on the platen.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view, in perspective, of a pin which is used to "lock out" individual compression roll means.
FIG. 6 is a general view, in perspective, of a compression roll means and actuating means therefor.
FIGS. 7a and 7b taken together show a cross-sectional, plan view of the split platen and a means for coupling the first and second parts of the platen together.
FIG. 8 is a side view, in elevation, of a means for indexing the platen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a portion of a business machine having this invention incorporated therein, showing a platen designated generally as 10, as generally viewed by an operator sitting at the machine. The platen 10 is split, as at 12, to form a first part 14 and a second part 16. These two parts 14 and 16 may be conventionally coupled to enable them to be driven together or separately.
FIG. 1 also shows a plurality of programmable compression roll means of this invention, which roll means are spaced along the length of the platen 10; the means for supporting the roll means, and the two lever means for actuating them are also shown.
Each compression roll means designated generally as 18 (FIG. 1) includes a pair spaced, parallel levers 20 and 22, having first and second ends and being pivotally mounted between said ends on a supporting shaft means including a supporting shaft 24. A compression roll 26 is pivotally mounted on a shaft supported between the first ends of the levers 20, 22, and a bracket 28 secured to the second ends of the levers is used to secure them together and to maintain them in spaced parallel relationship. The supporting shaft 24 is supported by a plurality of plates 30, with each compression roller means 18 being supported between two adjacent plates as shown. The plates 30 have suitable apertures therein to enable them to be mounted on supporting rods 32 and 34 which are conventionally supported in the side frames 36 and 38 of a business machine in which this invention is incorporated. Suitable, identically-dimensioned, tubular spacers 40, mounted on the rods 32 and 34, are used to maintain the plates 30 in spaced, parallel relationship, and suitable springs 42, mounted on these rods between the outermost plates 30 and the side frames 36 and 38, are used to resiliently compress the plates 30 and spacers 40 together. Suitable, identically-dimensioned, tubular spacers 44 are mounted on the supporting shaft 24 between adjacent plates 30 and the associated compression roll means 18 to maintain the compression roll means in a centered position between the adjacent plates and to permit the roll means 18 to be freely pivoted on the supporting shaft 24. Suitable"C" type washers 46, placed in complementary annular grooves on the extremities of the shaft 24, prevent axial movement of the shaft within the plates 30.
Each compression roll means 18 has a first lever means and a second lever means for pivotally moving the associated compression roll 26 out of engagement with the platen 10.
The first lever means includes a first actuating arm 48 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is provided for each compression roll means 18. Each arm 48 has a "D" shaped aperture on one end thereof to enable the arm to be rotated by a first actuating shaft 50 (FIG. 2) which is pivotally mounted in suitable, aligned apertures in the plates 30. The shaft 50 has a flat area 52 thereon to match the cross-sectional shape of the aperture in the arm 48 to enable it to be rotated by the shaft 50. The remaining end 54 of the arm 48 is generally "L"-shaped to enable it to engage a suitable opening 56 in the bracket 28 of the associated compression roll means 18. Each actuating arm 48 is manually, axially moveable between first and second positions on the shaft 50. In the first position, the actuating arm 48 is positioned next to one of its associated plates 30, and to get it to the second position, the arm is manually moved, axially, along the shaft to a location in which the end 54 is aligned with the opening 56 in the bracket 28 for the associated compression roll means 18. When the first actuating shaft 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) by an actuating means to be later described, the end 54 of the arm 48 advances into the opening 56 and pivots the associated compression roll means 18 in a counter clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) against the bias of a spring 58, to move the compression roll 26 out of engagement with the platen 10. There is one spring 58 provided for each compression roll means 18, and each one is mounted on shaft 50 (as shown in FIG. 2) with one end thereof abutting against the bracket 28 and the other end abutting against a spacer 40 to resiliently urge the associated compression roll means 18 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) to thereby urge the compression roll 26 into engagement with the platen 10.
The second lever means, alluded to earlier, includes a second actuating arm 60 (FIGS. 1 and 3) which is provided for each compression roll means 18. This arm 60 is identical to the first actuating arm 48 except that the arm is rotated by a second actuating shaft 62 which is pivotally mounted in suitable, aligned apertures in plates 30. Shaft 62 also has a flat area 64 thereon to receive the "D"-shaped aperture located in one end of the arm 60 to enable the arm to be axially moved on the shaft between first and second positions thereon while enabling the arm to be rotated or pivoted by the shaft 62. The remaining end 66 is generally "L"-shaped to enable it to engage a suitable opening 68 (FIG. 1) in the bracket 28 of the associated compression roll means 18. When the second actuating arm 60 is in the first position, it is positioned next to one of the plates 30, and to get it to the second position, the arm is manually moved, axially, along the shaft 62 to a location in which the end 66 is aligned with the opening 68 in the bracket 28 for the associated compression roll means 18. When the second actuating shaft 62 is rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3) by an actuating means to be later described, the end 66 of the arm 60 enters the opening 68 to pivot the associated compression roll means 18 in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3) against the bias of the spring 58 to thereby move the associated compression roll 26 out of engagement with the platen 10. The longitudinal axes of the rods 32 and 34, the supporting shaft 24, the compression rolls 26, and the first and second actuating shafts 50 and 62, respectively, are all parallel to one another and to the rotating axis of the platen 10.
As stated earlier in this application, each compression roll means 18 is individually programmable to work with either the first or second part of the platen 10 or both parts. In normal operation, those compression roll means 18 which are aligned with the first part 14 of the platen are operated upon by the first actuating shaft 50. For example, the first five compression roll means 18, when proceeding from left to right in FIG. 1, are aligned with the first part 14 of the platen 10. The first actuating arms 48 for these first five roll means 18 would be moved to the second position in which the arms 48 are aligned with the respective openings 56. When the actuating shaft 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as previously explained, the rolls 26 for the first five compression roll means 18 would be moved away from the first part 14 of the platen to permit the insertion or removal forms to be printed upon. Notice that in FIG. 1, the sixth compression roll means 18 (when counting from left to right) also has a first actuating arm 48 aligned with its associated opening 56 to enable this compression roll means 18 to also be actuated by the first actuating shaft 50 even though this roll means 18 is aligned with the second part 16 of the split platen 10. This is a feature of the invention which enables some "overlapping" of control of the compression roll means 18 and is useful, for example, when a form placed on the first part 14 of the platen extends onto the second part 16.
The remaining compression roll means 18, i.e., the seventh through the twelfth (when counting from left to right in FIG. 1), are associated with the second part 16 of the split platen 10, and accordingly, their second actuating arms 60 are aligned with their associated openings 68 in the brackets 28. The first actuating arms 48 for these remaining compression roll means 18 are moved to the first position, and accordingly, when the second actuating shaft 62 (FIG. 3) is rotated in a clockwise direction as previously explained, the compression rolls 26 for these remaining compression roll means 18 will be moved away from the second part 16 of the platen. If it is necessary or desirable to also have the sixth compression roll means 18 (when counting from left to right in FIG. 1) also operate with the second actuating shaft 62, its associated second actuating arm 60 may also be aligned with the opening 68. When so aligned the sixth compression roll means 18 may be operated by either the first actuating shaft 50 or the second actuating shaft 62.
Each compression roll means 18 may be programmed to operate with either the first actuating shaft 50 or the second actuating shaft 62 by moving the first and second actuating arms 48 and 60, respectively, into alignment with the associated openings 56 and 68 (FIG. 1) on the compression roll means 18. Suitable access holes 70 and 72 in the plates 30 (FIG. 2) permit the entry of an "L"-shaped rod (not shown) to axially push the actuating arms 48 and 60, respectively, away from the plates 30 when the arms are in the first or inoperative positions.
Each compression roll means 18 may be additionally programmed to put it into a "lock-out" position in which the associated compression roll 26 is always out of engagement with the platen 10. This is accomplished by providing a pair of aligned holes 74 (FIG. 2) in the adjacent plates 30 supporting the associated compression roll means 18 and by using a pin 76, having an annular groove 78 formed near the ends thereof, as shown in FIG. 5. Any compression roll means 18 to be placed in the lock-out position is simply, manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 2, and the pin 76 is thereafter placed into the holes 74. After the pin 76 is inserted in the holes 74, and the grooves 78 of the pin are aligned with the associated adjacent plates 30, the compression roll means 18 is released, permitting the spring 58 to slightly rotate the roll means 18 in a clockwise direction until the bracket 28 abuts against the pin 76 to thereby maintain the associated compression roll 26 away from the platen 10. The holes 74 may be offset somewhat in the plates 30 to permit adjacent compression roll means 18 to be placed in the lock-out position.
Having this individual lock-out capability available for each compression roll means 18 is a feature which is especially useful when business forms, such as ledger cards having magnetic stripes thereon, are used. When a ledger card is installed on the platen, its associated magnetic stripe is positioned, generally, in a vertical direction. Because it is generally desirable to avoid having a compression roll force the ledger card against the platen in the area of the magnetic stripe, the present invention may be used to "lock out" the affected one or several compression roll means 18 to avoid compression of the magnetic stripe.
The actuating means, alluded to earlier, for rotating the first and second actuating shafts 50 and 62 respectively, is shown in FIG. 6. The actuating means, designated generally as 80, includes a crank lever 82 having one end fixed to the shaft 50 by a suitable pin 84, and the other end of lever 82 is pivotally joined to one end of a link 86 by a pin 88. The remaining end of link 86 is pivotally joined to one end of a lever 90 by a pin 92. The lever 90 is generally "S"-shaped in configuration and is pivotally mounted between its ends on a shaft 94 which is supported in the frame means of the machine in which this invention is utilized. The remaining free end of lever 90 has one end of a tension spring 96 secured thereto to resiliently pivot lever 90 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 6) about shaft 94 so as to maintain a roller 98 (rotatably mounted on lever 90) in engagement with a cam member 100.
The cam member 100 is fixed to rotate with one disc 102 (FIG. 6) of a conventional rotating clutch which also has a second disc 104. The disc 104 is fixed to a driving shaft 106 to rotate therewith. Shaft 106 is suitably rotatably supported in bearings (not shown), and is rotated at a constant velocity in the direction of arrow 108 by a motor 110. The disc 104 has a ratchet gear (not shown) fixed thereto to rotate therewith, and the gear is located on the side of the disc 104 facing the disc 102. The disc 102 has a pawl member (not shown) carried on the side of the disc facing disc 104. The pawl member has two interconnected abutment members 112 and 114, associated therewith, and carried on the disc 102 to rotate therewith. The cam member 100 and disc 102 while fixed to each other, are rotatably mounted on the shaft 106.
In order to actuate the rotating clutch shown in FIG. 6, a lever 116 is used. The lever 116 has a general "S"-shape configuration, and is pivotally mounted on a stationary shaft 118. A spring 120, attached to one end of lever 116 resiliently urges the lever in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 6) against a stop 122. The operating end of lever 116 is positioned between the discs 102 and 104 and abuts against the abutment member 112 or 114 when the clutch is disengaged. When disengaged, the disc 104 and shaft 106 are continuously rotated by the motor 110, but the disc 102 does not rotate because the lever 116, abutting against the abutment member 112, for example, keeps the associated pawl member out of engagement with the driving gear on disc 104. In order to engage the clutch, the lever 116 is mementarily rotated about shaft 118 (in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6) by a link 124 having one end pivotally joined to lever 116 and the remaining end thereof pivotally joined to the operating arm 126 of a solenoid 128. When the solenoid 128 is energized momentarily, and the lever 116 is rotated clockwise, momentarily, its operating end is moved out of engagement with the abutment 112 permitting its associated pawl member on disc 102 to engage the driving gear on disc 104, which is always rotating, and thereby cause disc 102 and cam member 100 to also be rotated in the direction of arrow 108 by the driving gear. Because the solenoid 128 is only momentarily energized, the spring 120 will rotate lever 116 in a counterclockwise direction to enable its operating end to enter into the rotating path of the second abutment member 114 causing the member 114 to abut thereagainst to thereby disconnect the associated pawl member from the driving gear, causing the disc 102 to come to rest. The abutment members 112 and 114 are spaced 180 degrees apart to permit the cam member 100 to be rotated between two positions which are also 180 degrees apart. When the abutment member 112 abuts against the operating end of lever 116, a low point 130 on cam member 100 contacts the roller 98 on lever 90, and when the abutment member 114 abuts against the lever 116, a high point 132 on the cam member 100 contacts the roller 98.
When the cam member 100 is in the position shown in FIG. 6, the compression rolls 26 of the compression roll means 18, associated with the first actuating shaft 50, are in engagement with the platen 10. When the solenoid 128 is momentarily energized, the cam member 100 is rotated 180 degrees (as previously described) to bring the high point 132 thereof into engagement with the roller 98, which rotation forces the lever 90 to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction and thereby rotate lever 82 in a clockwise direction. Any first actuating arms 54 which are aligned with the openings 56 of the compression roll means 18 will rotate the associated compression roll means 18 in a counterclockwise direction to move the associated compression rolls 26 away from the platen 10 where the rolls will remain until the solenoid 128 is again actuated.
The actuating means for actuating the second actuating shaft 62 is identical to the actuating means 80 already described, and it is shown only as a block 134. The discs (not shown, but like 102 and 104) associated with the second actuating means 134 are also mounted on the shaft 106 as previously described, and when the associated solenoid (not shown) is momentarily energized, the second actuating shaft 62 will be rotated by a crank lever 136 in the same manner as crank lever 82 was rotated. As shown in FIG. 6, the second actuating shaft 62 is rotated clockwise to enable a second actuating arm 60 to pivot the compression roll means 18 and move the associated compression roll 26 away from the platen 10.
As mentioned earlier, this invention is especially useful in a machine having a split platen including means for indexing each part of the platen. Any conventional split platen and indexing means may be used; however, to illustrate a split platen arrangement, FIGS. 7a and 7b are included for this purpose.
The platen 10 (FIGS. 7a and 7b) is composed of the first and second parts 14 and 16 as shown. The second part 16 is supported on a tubular member 138 which is clamped to the lower half of a split bushing 140 by an upper clamp 142. A tubular driving shaft 144 (for indexing the second part 16) is also clamped to the bushing 140 by an upper clamp 146. The first part 14 is similarly supported on a tubular member 148 which is clamped to the lower half of a split bushing 150 by an upper clamp 152. A tubular driving shaft 154 (for indexing the first part 14) is also clamped to the bushing 150 by an upper clamp 156. The driving shaft 154 has a driving gear 158 fixed thereto as shown, and the gear 158 is conventionally driven by an indexing means to be later described herein.
The first and second parts 14 and 16 of the platen are shown in a coupled position in FIGS. 7a and 7b so as to enable both parts to be driven as a unit. The means for coupling both parts of the platen includes a cylindrical member 160 having a short shaft 162 extending therefrom, and which shaft is rotatably mounted within the tubular member 138 as shown. The left side of the platen 10 (as viewed in FIG. 7a) includes a cylindrical member 164 which has a short shaft 166 extending therefrom, and which shaft is rotatably mounted in the tubular member 148 as shown. The cylindrical member 164 is suitably dimensioned so as to be slidably mounted within a tubular sleeve 167 as shown. An abutment member 168 fixed within the tubular sleeve 167 enables a spring 170 located thereagainst to resiliently urge the member 164 to move in an axial direction out of the tubular sleeve 167, and a screw 172, passing through the abutment member 168, is used to limit the movement of member 164 out of tubular sleeve 167. The tubular member 160 has conically shaped, radially aligned teeth 174 thereon which mate with complementary internal teeth on the tubular member 138 so as to couple these two members to be driven together. The cylindrical member 164 has teeth 176 (identical to teeth 174) thereon, which teeth mate with complementary internal teeth 178 on the tubular member 148. The cylindrical members 160 and 164 are identical, and each is keyed to the tubular sleeve 167 by a key 180 and 182, respectively. When coupled as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, both parts 14 and 16 of the platen 10 can be driven together as a unit by indexing either the driving shaft 154 or the driving shaft 144.
In order to drive separately the first and second parts 14 and 16 of the platen 10, all that is necessary is to push the exposed end 184 of a shifter rod 186 axially to the right (as viewed in FIG. 7a). Pushing rod 186 to the right, also pushes shaft 166 and cylindrical member 164 to the right against the bias of spring 170 to disengage teeth 176 from teeth 178 thereby disconnecting the member 164 from the tubular member 167 and the tubular member 148 which drives the first part 14 of the platen. The tubular sleeve 167 has an appropriate slot therein to enable the key 182 to also be moved axially. When the second part 16 of the platen is indexed by the tubular member 138, the shaft 166 will merely rotate within the tubular member 148, and the first part 14 of the platen will remain stationary. With the shifter rod 186 moved to the right or the uncoupled position, the first part 14 of the platen may be independently indexed by rotating the tubular shaft 154 to which the tubular member 148 and the first part 14 of the platen are connected. The shifter rod 186 is retained in the shifted-to-the-right position by a ball and detent coupling 188.
When it is desired to couple together the first and second parts 14 and 16 of the platen, the end 184 of the shifter rod 186 is merely pulled to the left, as viewed in FIG. 7a, to the detented position shown therein, and the spring 170 will push the cylindrical member 164 away from the abutment member 168 to enable the teeth 176 on the member 164 to be coupled to the teeth 178 on the tubular member 148. The cylindrical member 164 performs the function of a clutch to couple or uncouple the first and second parts of the platen 10. When coupled together, the platen 10 may be indexed by rotating either shaft 154 or shaft 144. Shaft 154 has its own conventional line spacing control 190 and variable line spacing control 192 associated therewith, and the same controls (not shown) are available for tubular shaft 144.
Any conventional means for indexing the platen may be used, and one such means is shown in FIG. 8, and is designated generally as 194. The indexing means 194 includes the driving gear 158 (FIG. 7a) which drives the tubular driving shaft 154. The gear 158 has two kinds of teeth thereon, with the first kind of teeth 196 being designed to be unidirectionally driven by a complementary pawl member 198 which is pivotally joined to the operating arm 200 of a solenoid 202. When the solenoid 202 is momentarily energized, the arm 200 is drawn towards the solenoid, and the pawl member 198 engages the teeth 196 to thereby index the driving shaft 154 and the first part 14 of the platen 10 (FIG. 7a). A spring 204 returns the pawl member 198 to the position shown. The second kind of teeth 206 on the driving gear 158 are conventional detenting teeth which are engaged by a tooth 201 on a detenting arm 208 which has one end pivotally mounted on a s stationary pin 210 and the remaining end secured to a tension spring 212 which resiliently maintains the tooth 201 in engagement with the detenting teeth 206. An indexing means (not shown but similar to that shown in FIG. 8) is also provided for indexing the driving shaft 144 and second part 166 of the platen.
FIG. 4 shows primarily how the various business forms are mounted on the platen 10. A journal roll 214 feeds a strip 216 of continuous forms paper around the platen as shown. A ledger card 218, having its lower end abutting against a stop 22, is also shown positioned on the platen 10. A front line guide 222 is used to align the forms on the platen in preparation for printing by a serial type print head 224.