History of the Typewriter

— 100 — The Bar-Lock typewriter takes its name from a series of phosphor-bronze pins which are mounted close to the printing point, and between two of which, every type-bar must pass before it can reach the paper. These pins are so placed that they allow room for the bar to enter, and no more. If two keys are struck simultaneously, then each of the corresponding bars would be forced a little out of its true direction, and the pins would refuse to let either pass. The type-bars are very light, but to gain rigidity they are swedged, that is, a rib is embossed in one side, which prevents any bending or twisting, and this advantage is assisted by means of the resilient nature of the steel from which the bars are made.