Patent GB-690852-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to a record-controlled perforating machine
Filed: 1951-07-06
Abstract: 690,852. Selective punching-machines. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. July 6, 1951. [July 13, 1950] No. 16078/51. Class 31 (ii). A record - controlled perforating machine which normally perforates data representations in the columns of a record card under the control of code designations recorded in a source record e.g. perforated tape, and which also is adapted to perform other functions varying the normal card perforating action of the machine comprises function-controlling devices each effective when operated to perform one of the said functions, column emitter means having terminals which are activated in sequence as the columns of the card are perforated, analysing means responsive to the source record and having a plurality of terminals which are respectively activated when predetermined code designations are encountered in the source record, and detachable connecting devices for selectively connecting the function-controlling devices to the column emitter terminals and to the analysing means terminals to produce a desired programme of machine functions interspersed with the normal card perforating operations of the machine. The machine comprises a card punch unit 40, Fig. 1, which is controlled by a tape reader unit 41 for perforating record cards in accordance with code designations contained in a perforated record tape 42. The blank cards are supplied from a hopper 90 and the perforated cards are ejected into a stacker 156. The column emitter terminals and analysing means terminals appear as exit hubs on a control panel 44, Fig. 14, on which there are entry hubs respectively connected to all the functioncontrolling devices whereby all the functional operations of the machine are effected through the medium of plug wires among the various exit and entry hubs on the control panel. For example, certain of the entry hubs are effective respectively, when activated, to initiate and terminate the punching of the record card or the reading of the source record, or to cause a field of the record card to be automatically skipped, in response to predetermined code designations in the source record or in response to the columnar position of the record card. A special code designation in the source record at the end of each message thereon initiates a control impulse which is routed alternatively through plugwires to a release device or to a non-check device depending upon whether or not the record card reaches a predetermined columnar position in step with the reading of the special code designation in the source record. Colume code means are provided for selectively activating certain exit hubs on the control panel in accordance with the hole or holes perforated in any selected column of the record card whereby a predetermined punching in a selected card column can be utilised to effective a functional operation of the machine. The record card may be perforated under the alternate control of a source record e.g. a tape and another source record e.g. a master card, certain of the entry hubs being effective respectively, when activated, to initiate and terminate the duplication of information from the master card into a record card in response to a reading of a predetermined code designation in the source record or in response to the columnar position of the record card. Means are provided normally causing the record card to be spaced automatically for each blank column encountered in the master card, and means responsive to the columnar position of the record card for suspending the automatic spacing in a selected field of the record card, as determined bv the control panel connections. The manner in which the control panel is wired to prepare the machine for a particular programme of operations is illustrated in Fig. 15. Referring to Fig. 16, it is assumed that the first 10 columns of each card are to be automatically skipped. Colums 11 to 16 (plant name) are to be duplicated from the corresponding columns in the master card. The product description is perforated in columns 17 to 32 of the card. This description is of variable length and after the last character has been perforated, the balance of the columns through column 32 should be skipped. This skipping operation is controlled by a 'Figure G' code in the tape i.e. a figure-shift code preceding a 'G' code. Columns 33 to 43 are perforated under tape control. Columns 44 to 71 are to be skipped automatically. The card should reach its column 72 position simultaneously with the reading of a carriage return 'CR' symbol in the tape and if this condition is fulfilled, the card should be released ; otherwise, the machine should be stopped since the card and the tape are out of step. In the tape reader, Fig. 5, a rotary pin wheel 50 for feeding the tape is controlled by a cam 75, and a cam 56 controls the sensing of the tape. A magnet 60 is energised each time a code designation is to be sensed in the tape and contacts 68 are closed in accordance with the code perforations in the tape. As each card is fed from the hopper, it passes beneath a card lever 94, Figs. 9 and 10, and a first column lever 95, these levers respectively controlling contacts 159, 160. A carriage in the form of a rack 91 advances the card column by column through the punching position and after the card is completely punched and ejected, the carriage returns to receive a new card. A motor bar 99 common to all the punches 98, which are mounted in a stripper 97, is connected by a linkage to the armature of a punch magnet 100, the armature having contacts 135. Each punch is associated with an interposer magnet 102. The escapement mechanism includes a dog 105, Fig. 13, normally engaging the rack 91 and a dog 110 normally disengaged from the rack, the dog 105 being adapted to operate an escapement contact 136. When the rack is to be advanced one column position, a rocker 109 is first actuated clockwise. For causing the card carriage to skip more than a column at a time, it is provided with a skip lifter 115 operatively connected to the armature of a skip magnet 123, the armature being associated with contacts 138, 139, Fig. 9. The master card (if one is used) is mounted on a carriage 130, Fig. 10, connected to the rack 91. As the card which is being perforated moves through the punching position, the master card is advanced through a reading device 131. Mounted on the carriage 130 is an emitter brush unit 132 which co-operates with column-representing contacts on an emitter panel 134. The brush unit co-operates successively with the various contacts in step with the advance of the card through the punching position. This activates in sequence the various card column hubs illustrated in Fig. 14. A column cut-out contact 140, Fig. 11, is manually operated by a thumb lever 142 for any position of the card carriage. This contact is used to stop the tape reader or to interrupt the duplication of information from the master card in order that information can be punched in the card under control of a manual keyboard 43. The general wiring diagram of the machine is described with reference to Figs. 17a to 17j (not shown). Circuits utilised to perform certain specified functions of the machine are described with reference to Figs 18 to 30 (not shown). Specification 566,594 is referred to.