Ancient history

What does a typewriter look like?

Parts of a Typewriter

* Keyboard: The main part of the typewriter, the keyboard contains all the keys that are used to type letters and numbers.

* **Typebars:* Each letter key on a typewriter is connected to a typebar, which holds a raised letter (or other character) at one end. When a key is pressed, the corresponding typebar swings up, strikes a ribbon of ink ribbon against the paper, and leaving an impression of the character on the paper.

* Ink Ribbon: The ink ribbon is a thin, fabric strip that is coated with ink. When a typebar strikes the ribbon, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a letter.

* Paper Roller: The paper roller holds the paper in place as it is typed on. The roller is turned by a knob or lever, and it can be adjusted to control the spacing between lines of type.

* Print Spool: The purpose of the print spool is to hold and collect typed pages as they come out of the typewriter. On an electronic typewriter, the print spool is typically used to store multiple copies of a document to be printed at once.

* Platen: The platen is a cylindrical rubber roller which is located behind the ribbon. As a key is pressed, the typebar strikes the platen and forces it against the ribbon causing it to hit the paper.

* Case Shift Key: The case shift key is used to change the case of the letters that are typed. When the shift key is pressed, the typewriter will type uppercase letters instead of lowercase letters.

* Tab Key: The tab key is used to move the cursor to a specific tab stop on the page. The tab stops can be set by the user, and they can be used to align text in columns.

* Return Lever: The return lever is used to move the carriage back to the left margin of the page and advance the paper to the next line.

* Line Space Lever: The line space lever is used to advance the paper to the next line without returning the carriage to the left margin.

* Margin Release: The margin release is used to temporarily disengage the margin stops, allowing the carriage to move beyond the left or right margin.