Question

What controls the movement of the carriage of a typewriter?

• A. Draw cord
• B. Line space lever
• C. Carriage rack
• D. Thumb wheel

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Draw cord

Control of Carriage Movement

• The movement of the typewriter carriage, which holds the paper and moves from right to left as you type, is primarily controlled by the draw cord (also known as the carriage cord or pull cord).

• This cord is typically attached to the carriage and runs over a pulley system connected to a spring-loaded roller or a weight.

• When the carriage is released or when the typist reaches the end of a line, the tension in the draw cord, regulated by the spring or weight, pulls the carriage back to the right side of the machine, preparing it for the next line.

• The line space lever, usually located on the left side of the carriage, interacts with the carriage return mechanism. Pushing the carriage to the right after completing a line also engages the line spacing mechanism.

• Early typewriters often used a weight, while later models predominantly used a spring mechanism for smoother and more consistent operation