The History and Future Prospect on Typewriters - Term Paper Example

Design Project and Communications Type Module: Design and Practice EUC_4_005 Lecture Group: Lecturers Number: 1 Name: (If you are working in a group, add further names below, or delete as necessary. This red text is non-printing text) Student 2 Number: Student 2 Name: Student 3 Number: Student 3 Name: Student 4 Number: Student 4 Name: November, 27,2014 London South Bank University School of the Built Environment and Architecture School of Engineering 103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA www.lsbu.ac.uk Table of Contents 1.0 Abstract 3 9.0 References 11 1.0 Abstract One of the greatest and the most practiced piece of technology is the written type of communication. Written documents can be stored for long periods allowing for retrieval in times of need. The typewriter is one useful machine that was invented in the 1870s. The structure and efficiency of the machine have been improved over time. However, the used machine has been overtaken by technological advancement due to its inability to be flexible and meet several demands. The typewriters are still being used today in different places for typing addresses on envelopes and government documents. 2.0 Introduction Creativity and innovation that leads to technological advancement started a long time ago. The form of communication among people and especially leaders in the 1500s was through writing. The quest to achieve more efficiency in writing led to the invention typewriters in 1860s. A typewriter is a machine that can be mechanical or electromechanical used in creating characters on a piece of paper. The technology on a typewriter involves transfer of ink or carbon impression on a set piece of paper by striking characters on a key-board. Keys are attached to type bars that are in a circular basket under the platen. Striking hard the keys transfers a marking on the molded head of the type bar. The paper used in the process is wrapped around a cylinder that mounted on a carriage. The carriage moves after striking a type bar to allow the specific spacing of words and letters. The keyboard is organized in a manner to make it easier for the operator to type the characters. After the invention, the machine become popular and was used in different areas such as homes, by writers, and offices to create writing on paper for different purposes. The increased use of the typewriters came to a halt in the early 1980s when word processor in a computer became popular due to its efficiency compared to a typewriter. However, the typewriters have not been completely wiped out. Different places of the world such as India and certain parts of Africa are still using the machine. 3.0 Stages of development 3.1 Remingtons Machine The machine has undergone a series of changes all with the aim of improving it proficiency in serving the intended purpose. Earlier innovations and trials had been made regarding the creation of a printing device, but the first successful typewriter was made by Sholes and Glidden in 1870. It was known as the Remingtons typing machine. The intended purpose of the machine was to ensure legal documents produced were neat, legible, and of a standard format. Creativity in this machine was immense with the inclusion of a foot pedal that allowed one to step on when typing creating the movement required (GORMAN 2007). Therefore, machine did not need electricity to function making it efficient and flexible since it could be used in a region where there was no electricity. The patent created by Sholes and Glidden led to changes on the machines with the removal of the footpad and made the machine smaller and standardized. 3.2 Smith and Corona Typewriter The other useful invention regarding typewriters was created in 1886 by four Smith brothers. Hurlburt, Monroe, Wilbert, and Lyman Smith are the names of the four brothers. The machine created had the ability to type in both upper case and the lower case which is an aspect that gave it significant popularity. The special feature of being able to type in both and lower case was made possible by the application of double keyboard technology. In actual sense, the Smith brothers owned a gun factory and therefore had the ability to finance the manufacture of a typewriter after a creative invention by a worker named Alexander T. Brown. Just like any other company, the Smith brothers employed creativity and innovation in the quest to improve the quality of the machine and compete favorably on the available market. By the year 1914, success if the corona model of the typewriter led to the renaming of the company to Corona Typewriter Company. Later on, Smith Typewriter and Corona Company merged as specialization was the main thin in the merger. Smith manufactured office typewriters while Corona Company manufactured portable typewriters machines (Trolley 1951). Several changes have taken place regarding the quality of the machine. The first machine made was manual that was later improved to through the addition of motor and presto. In the 1955, the company introduced a version of the electric motor which was later followed by a modification to make it portable electric machine. Stiff competition was provided by the IBM typewriters, but the SCM typewriters later became the Americas favorite. Several critical improvements were made on the Smith and Corona typewriter which include the introduction of the removable cartridge ribbon. The introduction of the ribbon happened in 1973. The diversity involved with the machine with the efficiency system of the company has helped in establishing a stable market not only in the US but also in other parts of the world. 3.3 Selectric Typewriter by IBM The next change of the machine came in 1961. It was a change brought by International Business Machines (IBM) making what was known as selectric typewriter. The main difference with the earlier typewriter is that the selectric typewriter used type-balls instead of the type bars used in Remingtons typewriter. The type ball on a selectric typewriter had the ability to turn, tilt and roll typing the letters on a piece of paper without necessarily using the type bars. An advantage of efficiency came with this as speed typing was no longer an issue was the typewriters that use type-bars. The Remingtons typewriter had an issue of the bars interlocking when an individual type at a higher speed were making one to stop to make the machine. The interlocking was also a disadvantage as it reduced the lifespan of the elements of the machine and therefore replaced after a short period. Another advantage associated with the selectric typewriter was versatility of the document produced by a typewriter. The ability to change the balls and thus change the color and font size made it more efficient in various departments especially in the production of legal documents. Despite the fact that the selectric typewriter was large and heavy to move around, it was gained popularity at a fast rate. Production of this type of typewriter happened until early 1980s with three advancement models being made on the same. 3.4 Todays Use and Production of the Machine The significant changes on the technology used in a typewriter led to the creation of keyboards and computers. The greatness associated with the selectric typewriters has made some people to use the machines till today. Despite the efficiency of the computers and the formulated keyboards, different people around the world are still using the machines for different purposes. The companies making the machines are still producing with the only changing factor being the scale of production and the target market. The use of typewriters in the recent times has become more of a novelty than a necessity. However, the continued use especially on government offices in the production of legal documents sustain the companies that make the machines. 4.0 Uses of the machine The ideas of making a typewriter started earlier than the typewriter created by Sholes and Glidden typewriter in 1870s. Earlier attempt had been made by an Italian named Pellegrino Turri in the year 1808 where his motivation was to help his blind friend. Little information about the machine is known, but there is a document produced by the machine. The machine allowed for the transcription of letters on paper that could allow a blind person to feel through touch and understand the writings. The real commercial typewriter was the Sholes and Glidden typewriter which was built to ensure that standardized document could be produced for several purposes. The government used it to produce legal documents and communication letters between the government officials. Forgery could not be possible thus ensuring safety (CUBAN 2001). Though scarcely used, typewriters are still used around as seen in the earlier discussion. Unlike computers that have to be connected to the electronic printers, typewriters print as one type the required information. It is an important aspect as it is used in typing addresses on envelopes. Also, portability and it being mechanical without the need for electricity to function makes it useful in regions where electricity is a problem. Information from known novelists such as Kevin McGowin indicates that some people have a special connection to the typewriters. Esthetics that come along with the use of typewriters still attract some people towards the use of this vintage machine. 5.0 Materials used Various materials are used in the different parts of a typewriter with the main material being steel. The case used for carrying the machine can be made of plastic, steel or wood. While functioning, the typewriter has several moving parts thus making the use of cold-rolled still a critical aspect in the design of the machine. The part of the machine known as the platen is made of steel that is then covered with a layer of the rubber sleeve. The sleeve is made of rubber ‘buna-N family. The attachment of the rubber to the platen is done by the use of glue. In the past, the keys were molded from a two-shot injection molding technique that allows different colors between the characters and the surrounding surface of a key. The use of this technique ensures that the characters could not be rubbed off after a long-term use of the machine (MACINTYRE 2010). Also, the technique ensured that the characters could project on top of the other surface level of a particular key enabling the blind to touch and note the different characters. Advancement after the 1970s enabled the use of pad-printing process that allows for the use of ink in the marking of the characters. The durability of the applied ink was increased by the application of what is known as a clear ‘coat finish. Another use of the material on the machines is on the manufacture of Mylar (BARRON 2008). Mylar refers to plastic ribbons with that contain on one side that is transferred to the typeface. Further use of plastic is seen on the making of cartridges that are disposable. Other materials are also used in the making of the machine to achieve a certain goal. Acetic acid is applied for the purpose of protection on some parts of the machine. Paint is used to prevent rusting. Plating is also another aspect on the manufacture of the for the purpose of protecting some areas against rust and also wear and tear (FULLMER 2009). 6.0 Typewriter and the environment 6.1 Aspect of saving of the environment The use of a typewriter comes with it benefits and disadvantages altogether. One if the most impact of the typewriter is it effect on the environment as it is being used. Manual typewriters do not need electricity to function. The operation of the machine is completely based on levers on pressing the keys that also results to the movement of the platen to ensure the letters are well spaced. The mechanical operation of the machine saves on energy whose production leads to environmental degradation in different. Consideration of this aspect one can see that the use of a manual typewriter is environment-friendly. Another important aspect of the typewriter when it comes to environmental production is the durability. The factor of durability is considered in comparison with the commonly used computers. Manual typewriters are not complex and last longer compared to the computers and the printer machines. Spoilt computers need disposal that is an aspect that pollutes the environment since some of the materials used to make different parts of the computers are non-biodegradable. The use of typewriters is cheap and efficient. Production of a document by the use of a typewriter does not need printers unlike computers that should be connected to printers that require materials to make (TILSTONE 2006). These materials are manufactured using natural resources and processes that lead to environmental degradation. The consideration of this aspect leads to the conclusion that typewriters are more friendly environmental compared to the commonly used computers. 6.2 Adverse effects on the environment On the contrary, some aspects about typewriter lead to environmental pollution. The first aspect is about efficiency and ability to correct mistakes. The typewriter prints as one punches the characters on the keyboard. Once the information has been printed deleting cannot be done which will require disposal of the paper and use of another. Use of computers allows for document editing before printing thus minimizing the chances of an individual printing work that has errors. The disposed papers come from the falling down of trees that are hazardous to the environment. Another aspect of environmental pollution caused by typewriters is the aspect of noise (STROM 2009). Typewriters operate by punching keys that mechanically transfer that energy to the type-bars then to the paper to mark characters. The process produces some noise in consideration of a place where many typewriters are being used, and the noise pollution becomes a nuisance. 7.0 Future prospect on typewriters The number of people using the typewriters world is limited. Technological advancement is rendering the typewriter technology obsolete with the consideration of the versatility associated with the computer. Much information nowadays is found on the internet and the typewriters do not have this ability as compared to computers. Education sector in general is taking a new turn and easier way of learning and communicating which involves the use of computers is being applied. Moreover, research on other things such as 3D printing through running software on computers and printing real objects is an anticipated technology that is gradually materializing. The uses of a typewriter are limited thus limiting its chances of survival in the todays world (LINOFF 2011). 8.0 Conclusion The invention and use of the typewriter have come a long way. The ancient piece of technology has been a mother to the QWERTY keyboard majority of the people enjoying around the world today. The improvements and changes associated with typewriters have saved the world a great deal during its peak time. However, the fact remains that the piece of technology is outdated, and its use limited considering the requirement in the world today. The values and sentimental value held by some people should not be considered irrelevant as is gold and can prove important in times of crisis. 9.0 References BARRON, H. W. (2008). Type right for typewriter and computer keyboarding. Santa Barbara, Barron. CORONA TYPEWRITER COMPANY. (2011). The Corona typewriter, third model of the standard folding, and some of its uses. Groton, N.Y., Corona Typewriter Co. CUBAN, L. (2001). Oversold and underused: computers in the classroom. Cambridge, Mass, Harvard University Press. FULLMER, S. (2009). Building the assembly line: the rhetoric of composition pedagogy and typewriter technology, 1891-1934. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2001. GORMAN, R. F. (2007). Great events from history. Pasadena, Calif, Salem Press. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk &AN=220572. LINOFF, V. M. (2011). The typewriter: an illustrated history : typewriter topics. Mineola, N.Y., Dover Publications. MACINTYRE, P. (2010). The development of elementary keyboarding skills using typewriters and computers. Regina, Sask, Research Centre, Saskatchewan School Trustees Association. NEW YORK (N.Y.), & ISRAEL, B. L. (1968). Responsive Environment Program, Brooklyn, N.Y.: report of the first full year of operation, September 1968 : the talking typewriter. [Brooklyn, N.Y.], Board of Education, City of New York. STROM, S. H. (2009). Beyond the typewriter: gender, class, and the origins of modern American office work, 1900-1930. Urbana, University of Illinois Press. TILSTONE, W. J., SAVAGE, K. A., & CLARK, L. A. (2006). Forensic science an encyclopedia of history, methods, and techniques. Santa Barbara, Calif, ABC-CLIO. http://ebooks.abc-clio.com/?isbn=9781576075920. ZELLERS, J. A. (2010). The typewriter: a short history, on its 75th anniversary, 1873-1948. New York, Newcomen Society, American Branch. Trolley, W. (1951). Smith - Corona typewriters and H.W. Smith. New York: Newcomen Society in North America. Smith Corona, (1873). From Typewriters to Labels - Smith Coronas Journey. [online] Available at: http://www.smithcorona.com/history/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2014]. Smithcoronatypewriter.com, (2014). Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbons and Correction Tape. [online] Available at: http://www.smithcoronatypewriter.com/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2014]. Read More