Typbars

Typbars are a type of printing mechanism used in some early typewriters and teletype machines. Instead of having individual keys strike a ribbon directly, a typbar is a metal arm that swings up and strikes the paper. Each typbar is associated with a specific character. When a key is pressed, it actuates a lever system that causes the corresponding typbar to swing upwards. At the end of the typbar is a raised character, which is inked and then strikes the paper, leaving an impression of the character.

The typbar mechanism is distinct from type slugs used in machines like the Linotype, where a whole line of type is cast at once. In typbar machines, each character is struck individually. This system allowed for relatively simple and robust construction, making it suitable for early mechanical printing devices. However, typbar machines could sometimes suffer from jams if multiple typbars swung up at the same time and collided, particularly with faster typing. The movement of the typbars was a visible and tangible part of the typing process in these machines.