Patent GB-933329-A (GB)
Title: A contract issuing machine
IPC: G07F17/40
Filed: 1962-01-16
Abstract: 933,329. Issuing insurance policies &c. R. J. N. WEINGART. Jan. 16, 1962, No. 1601/62. Class 106 (3). A machine for issuing a document (e.g. insurance policy) in exchange for paper tender (e.g. currency, cheque, &c.) comprises means delimiting a write-in area, means for guiding into alignment with this area in superposed relationship (a) a sheet to form a record; (b) a sheet to form a document; and (c) the paper tender which is located beneath at least one of the other sheets, means for reproducing matter written on one of the sheets within the area on the other sheet, means for moving both the record-forming sheet and the paper tender from the write-in area to positions closed against unauthorized access, and means for presenting the sheet forming the document for removal by a machine user. The record sheet is formed by a paper strip E, Fig. 10, folded longitudinally to provide upper and lower folds H and J, and is provided with holes M which are engaged by pins 142, Fig. 3, on a feed drum 140. Fold H is narrower than fold J and is guided through a slot 148 so as to be spaced apart from the latter for the reception of currency N inserted through a slot 151. The document sheet formed by a paper strip A is fed transversely and beneath the record sheet E by a feed roller 130 having pins 132, Fig. 2, engaging holes B in the sheet. An idler drum 144 guides strip A from the supply and a guideway 133 brings it past a cutting edge 166 co-operating with a machineoperated knife 154 which severs the document to fall into a receptacle 256, Fig. 9, accessible to the machine user. To operate the machine after a currency note has been inserted, a pushbutton 214 (see also Fig. 11) is depressed. This rocks a lever raising a switch 220 and bringing up a feeler 224 to detect the presence of the currency note, whereupon switch contacts 210, 220 close to energize a solenoid 170 which pulls and latches closed the switch contacts 202 of the energizing circuit of the driving motor 8, Fig. 2, which drives a shaft 14 through chain gearing 10. The depression of push button 214 also closes contacts 232 to energize a solenoid 50 which operates a one-revolution clutch 16 to drive, through 1: 2 gearing 68, 70, a link 76 through a forward stroke, a rock shaft 80 (see also Fig. 3) operating through arms 84 and links 86 to move a shutter 90, Fig. 9, to uncover a write-in space. At the same time a roller 122 passes over the top of the folded sheet to effect printing of serial number, date, time (from clock-driven type members), machine number, &c. from type wheels 114. At the end of the stroke the type assembly is lowered slightly and the serial number counter is stepped on. The customer now fills in the exposed area of the top fold E with desired data such as names and addresses of insured and beneficiary, amount of currency inserted, particulars of journey &c. and this is reproduced on the sheet A and, in invisible fluorescent form (which could be developed subsequently if necessary) on the currency note. The transaction is completed by depressing a second button 216 which closes contacts 212 causing the solenoid 50 to be energized again and to initiate a further revolution of shaft 14 and restoration of link 76 and its associated mechanisms and the shutter 90 to their initial positions. Also a solenoid 52 is energized to operate a clutch 20 which causes the paper strips A and E to be fed along bringing new portions into the operative position, the currency note being carried along between the folds of strip E towards the storage P. Finally, completion of a rotation of the clutch 20 causes closure of a switch 65 to energize a solenoid 48 which operates a clutch 18 to drive the mechanism cutting off the policy to fall into a receptacle 256 for removal by the customer. To avoid misuse of the machine a coin-freed mechanism may be included in addition to the provision for paper currency. The machine could be used to issue betting slips, or for bank deposits.