Question

What is the moving part of the typewriter that holds and positions the paper called?

• A. Cylinder
• B. Carriage
• C. Platen knob
• D. Thumb wheel

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Carriage

Carriage in a Typewriter

Functionality and Components

• The Carriage is the essential moving part of a traditional typewriter that is responsible for holding and advancing the paper during the typing process.

• It typically consists of a roller (or platen) around which the paper is wrapped and a mechanism that allows it to move horizontally across the typing line.

• As each character is typed, the carriage shifts a specific distance (usually one character space) to the left, positioning the paper for the next character.

• The carriage return lever is a prominent feature used to move the carriage back to the right margin, simultaneously advancing the paper to the next line.

Types of Carriages

• Standard Carriages: Suitable for most general typing tasks.

• Wide Carriages: Designed to accommodate larger paper sizes, such as legal documents or spreadsheets.