Flexowriter

Flexowriter. The Flexowriter was an electromechanical teleprinter and punched tape-controlled typewriter, manufactured primarily by Friden, Inc.. It evolved from earlier Teletype Corporation models and became a crucial peripheral device in early computing, data processing, and office automation. Its ability to read, write, and duplicate punched paper tape made it instrumental for programming, data entry, and communications well into the 1960s.

History and development

The Flexowriter's origins trace to the Teletype Model 15, a widely used teleprinter developed by the Teletype Corporation in the 1930s. Friden, Inc., a company known for its calculating machines, acquired manufacturing rights and began refining the design into a more versatile office machine. Key development occurred during World War II, where such devices were adapted for military communications and logistics. Post-war, Friden, Inc. introduced the commercial Flexowriter, integrating features like a built-in paper tape reader and punch, which positioned it perfectly for the nascent computer industry. The machine's development paralleled the work of contemporaries like IBM and Remington Rand in automating business functions.

Technical specifications and operation

Operationally, the Flexowriter functioned as an electric typewriter coupled with a punched tape system. It utilized an ASCII-like 6-bit code, later an 8-bit code, to represent characters on the tape. The machine contained separate mechanisms for reading and punching paper tape, allowing it to act as both an input and output device. As an input unit, it could read pre-punched tapes to automatically type documents or transmit data; as an output device, it could create a new tape as an operator typed. Its electromechanical design included a complex system of relays, solenoids, and cams to control the typing element and tape mechanisms. This design influenced later word processing systems and computer terminals.

Applications and impact

The Flexowriter found extensive application in early computer systems, serving as a primary input/output device for machines like the Bendix G-15, the LGP-30, and various systems from Digital Equipment Corporation. It was vital for creating and editing software programs, which were often stored on paper tape. Beyond computing, it was used for automated letter-writing in businesses, telegraphy, and typesetting preparation for the publishing industry. Its impact was significant in fields such as aerospace engineering, where companies like NASA and Lockheed Corporation used it for documentation and data logging. The device effectively bridged the gap between traditional office equipment and the new era of digital information processing.

Variants and models

Several notable variants of the Flexowriter were produced. The Friden Flexowriter Model 1 and Model 2 were common office models. The "Computer Flexowriter" or "Tape Flexowriter" was a specialized model designed explicitly for connection to mainframe computers. Friden, Inc. also produced the Friden Computyper, which combined Flexowriter mechanisms with an integrated calculating machine for automated billing and accounting. Other manufacturers, such as Commercial Controls Corporation, produced similar devices under license. The basic design was also adapted by the U.S. Military in specialized configurations for field use.

Legacy and historical significance

The Flexowriter holds a notable place in the history of information technology. It was a direct precursor to modern word processors and an essential tool during the transition from electromechanical to electronic computing. Its use of punched tape for storage and program input influenced early software development methodologies. The device was eventually superseded by more advanced technologies like the IBM Selectric typewriter (used with IBM 2741 terminals), video display terminals such as the VT52, and later personal computers. However, its principles of offline text preparation and storage directly presaged later office automation systems. Examples of the Flexowriter are preserved in institutions like the Computer History Museum and the National Museum of American History.

Category:Computer peripherals Category:Teleprinters Category:Obsolete computer technology Category:Friden