Patent GB-191129373-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Adding and Listing or like Machines.
Inventor: BOULT ALFRED JULIUS
Filed: 1911-12-30
Granted: 1912-11-28
Abstract: 29,373. Boult, A. J., [Burroughs Adding Machine Co.]. Dec. 30. Adding-apparatus with operating-means; operation and item counters; zeroizing-mechanism. -In Burroughs and like key-set lever-operated adding - machines adapted for printing in columns, an item-counter actuated either by the line-spacing (one form), or directly from the operating-mechanism (a second form), is so arranged that, whether the platen is in its printing or non-printing position, the itemcounter maintains its relation therewith, and at the conclusion of the listing of a predetermined series of items, causes an alarm to be sounded or the setting-keys to be locked against further depression. These results will also be produced if the platen, while in its rearward position, has been turned manually to allow printing to take place a,t any selected point of a column, the locking &c. taking place as soon as the listing reaches the allotted point corresponding to that determined when the itemcounter was adjusted. The locking-device may be released by actuating manually a separate lever, by depressing the total &c. key, or by continuing to operate the main lever of the machine, for line-spacing or other purposes, without regard to the locked keys. Spring-controlled resetting-means for the item-counter are provided and come into operation automatically when the separate lever or total key is actuated. The item-counter can be disabled altogether when the machine is required to print a list of indefinite length, e.g., when listing amounts on a record-strip. The item-counter comprises a graduated disk J<1>, Figs. 4 and 7, fixed in relation to a notched cam-disk I' on the same spindle I, but relatively adjustable as regards a toothed wheel H<1> by means of a dog j<5> adapted to engage the teeth of the wheel. The wheel H<1> engages with and is driven by a toothed wheel H on the spindle of the platen 17<a>. Adjustment of the disk J<1> relatively to the wheel H<1> by the withdrawal and rotation of the knob J<2> varies the relation of the notch i, Fig. 10, in the cam-disk to the projecting finger i<2>, of a pivoted spring-controlled lever I<2>, which engages the rim of the cam-disk, so that at the end of a definite number of line-spacing operations the lever I<2> will be rocked, and the slot in the lower end of a link i<4>, Fig. 4, will leave a spring F<3> free to rock a pivoted lever F<2>, F. This lever F<2>, F is connected with the rearward end of the link B, attached to the usual eliminating or non-adding key of a Burroughs machine, through a lever B<2>, D and link C, so that when, in the normal course of an operation of the machine, the key-releasing bail 202 is rocked forwards by the pivoted member 623, Fig. 1, and the latches 228 for the key detentstrips 214 disengaged, the later being moved forwards by the bail, the bail is thereupon locked in its forward position; owing to the engagement of the vertical portion of the slot b in the link B with a stud a on the lower end of the frame of the bail 202. Listing single column of items. The link B may be prevented from rising to lock the bail and the keyboard by means of a plate G, Fig. 4, actuated through a cam by a controlling- knob G<1>. Disengagement of item-counter and stop for zero position. The item-counter can be rocked rearwards and its toothed wheel H', Fig. 4, disengaged from the driving-wheel H by means of a manually - operated cam - lever H<3>. The stud h<7>, Fig. 10, co-operates with the spring- controlled detent or stop H<4>, whether the itemcounter is in its forward or rearward position, to allow forward movement of the counter to any extent, but to ensure also that rearward movement due to its spring brings the counter to rest at a fixed point. In the form described below, a spring-controlled stop 1817, Fig. 14, co-operates with a cam-disk 1818 for the same purpose. Printing totals and sub-totals. The locking of the keyboard on the termination of the listing of each column containing a predetermined number of items does not prevent the actuation of the total or sub-total keys or the movement of the operating - lever. Consequently in listing a series of items in successive columns, a blank stroke of the lever is given as soon as the keyboard is locked, the sub-total key is then depressed and the lever operated. If the total of the column is to be carried forward, a sub-total is again printed at the head of the next column and so on, a grand total being printed at the foot of the last column. In the modified construction, described below, the actuation of the total key resets the counter. Locking of keyboard with platen in rearward position. When the platen is thrown back out of printing position, the finger i<2> and lever I<2>, Fig. 10, are carried back with it; the keyboard is consequently locked so long as the platen remains in this position. In a modified construction, the item-counter is not mounted upon the paper - carriage, but is placed at the rear left-hand corner of the keyboard, Fig. 14, and its connexions are enclosed within the casing. The counter in this form comprises two graduated members 1837, 1838, Fig. 16, adjustable relatively to each other, the former of which indicates the number of operations required at any moment to complete the number at which the keyboard is to be locked, while the latter indicates the number of operations already effected. Both members are driven together direct from the operating - lever through a lever 1812, link 1811, Fig. 14, and pawl and ratchet 1815, 1819, &c. The relative setting of the two members 1837, 1838 controls the initial position of the notched disk 1822, Fig. 15. When the column of items is complete, the nose of a lever 1813 enters the notch in the disk, whereupon a notch in the lever engages the square lug 1859 on the key-resetting bail 202 at its next forward movement, locking the keyboard as before. In this form, the total-key lever 227, Fig. 15, by means of a link 1810 is able to disengage the lever 1813 from the resetting-bail and notched disk and at the same time by means of a projection on an arm 227<a> disengages a detent from the ratchet-wheel 1819, whereupon the counter is reset bv its spring. Specifications 17,126/93, 21,268/97, 23,623/07, and 712/09, are referred to.