History of the Typewriter

— 147 — “ During the time the typewheel is revolving, the spindle upon which it rests is gradually falling, until at last it meets the paper. “ In the course of the movement, however, two other things happen. Just below the typewheel will be observed a cogged wheel. When the type is almost at its destination, the teeth on this wheel engage in a little arm which will be observed pointing upward. This arm effectually locks the wheel during the act of printing, and keeps each letter in its exact place. “ At the back of the typewheel will be observed a pro- jecting bracket, having a swinging arm on which, by means of a pin passing through its fork-like end, is carried a small inking roller. As the typewheel, which has already revolved so as to bring the desired letter opposite the printing point descends, it strikes this roller, which imparts to the required letter just sufficient ink to produce a good impression, and the roller is then pushed back out of the way. “ Simultaneously with the release of the key, the type- wheel resumes its proper position, and the carriage moves along one tooth of the saw-like rack, and everything is in readiness to print another letter.” The machine provides for margin stops (after a fashion of its own) has the usual warning bell and so on. The No. 7 Blick was brought to this country in 1897. Although following, so far as the general mechanism goes, the plan of the No. 5 it contains a number of very important additions. The typewheel, inking device, and keyboard remain the same. The space bar extends the whole width of the machine. The bell trip is improved, and a large handle at the right greatly facilitates the return of the carriage. An elevated scale “ pointed ” with the top of the typewheel shaft adds considerably to the facility for executing tabular work. The marginal arrangements are improved. In the No. 5 there are three projections in different positions on the base plate of the machine, and a pin is fixed in corresponding holes in the carriage, in order to engage with the desired stop. In the No. 7 however a latch slides along a screw rod and can be fixed in any place, whilst to insert marginal notes, it is only necessary to throw the latch back to permit the carriage to pass. The line space can be regulated to any desired width, and an automatic pointer assists in finding the writing line and the spot at which the next letter will strike. In all the Blickensderfer machines, the typewheels are readily removed, and new ink pads are easily affixed.