History of the Typewriter

— 162 — Fig. 126.—Section of the Ennis Electric Typewriter. the keyboard, having dependent therefrom a pin, just out of contact with a shoulder on a roller. On depression of a key, the roller turns until it is held in check by the pin. The revolution of the roller serves to rotate the type- wheel until contact of pin and shoulder brings both the roller and the type-wheel to a standstill. A second circuit from a pair of electro magnets at the rear of the roller is then closed, and the type-wheel brought down to the platen with sufficient force to cause the imprint. Inking is effected by small ink rolls which press against the face of the wheel as it revolves. The release of the key breaks the circuit, and a spring causes all parts to resume their normal position. Several variations and improvements on the original patents have been made, and the sectional view herewith shows one of the latest forms which the machine has assumed. Blickensderfer-Electric. This is the only electrical machine which has, so far, reached the English market. It is the invention of Mr. G. C. Blickensderfer, whose earlier instruments it in no way displaces, and which have already been exhibited (see p. 145)- The Blick-electric was only placed on the market after the most elaborate tests, and represents almost the last word in power driven machines of the type-wheel class. Briefly speaking, the theory upon which the Electric Blick is constructed is this. There is attached to the machine, a small electric motor, of about one-fortieth horse power. This motor is operated by connection with