Patent GB-867970-A (GB)
Title: An electronic denominational distributor for a calculator
IPC: G06F3/02
Filed: 1957-12-17
Abstract: 867,970. Digital electric calculating apparatus. KIENZLE APPARATE G.m.b.H. Dec. 17, 1957 [Dec. 17, 1956], No. 39178/57. Class 106 (1). An electronic denominational distributer for a calculator comprises pulse-emitters associated with a first series of decimal orders, pulsereceivers associated with a second series of decimal orders, and electronic control-means for selectively interconnecting the pulse-emitters and pulse-receivers. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, for transmitting values from a totalizer R of an electronic calculator to printing mechanism D, a manual switch assembly V<SP>1</SP> selects the printing position for the highest digit in such manner as to align correctly the result number in R about a decimal point printed in a fixed position between units D2 and D3. Lines 1 from the totalizer denominations or units are coupled to lines 2 for the printing units by a half-matrix of magnetic cores 3 which are threaded also by diagonal selecting lines 4 from the switch assembly. When a switch 1V ... 6V is actuated, a pulse on the corresponding diagonal line switches over all the associated cores from one saturation condition to the other. The totalizer is read out by applying ten count-down pulses from source 6 to each unit, e.g. a decimal counting tube, R1-R8, the unit emitting a pulse on line 1 when it passes through " zero." These differentially-timed pulses reset the cores which have been switched, thus generating corresponding pulses on lines 2 which are passed to each printing unit through an associated transistor amplifier V 0  and blocking oscillator Sp to a locking magnet M which locks a typesetting rod (not shown) in a corresponding differential position, the arrangement being similar to that described in Specification 824,187. With the switch 5V actuated, as indicated, to select line 4, 5 the decimal digits in totalizer units R3-R8 are transmitted to printing units D1-D5, respectively; the number in the totalizer is stated to be the result of a multiplication, the switch selection being determined by the operator in accordance with the positions of the decimal points in the factors to be multiplied. The switches may be operated by keys, a mechanical interlock (Fig. 5, not shown) preventing more than one key being depressed at a time. As shown in Fig. 2, the switch selection may be determined automatically. The printing-position for the decimal point is determined by a selector switch having two arms 20a which selects an associated point-printing device K (Fig. 2a, not shown), and 20b which selects a corresponding starting element of magnetic core counter or stepping circuit S (Fig. 9, not shown) which replaces the switch assembly V<SP>1</SP>, Fig. 1. For a multiplication operation, each time a digit of the first factor is entered on keyboard 12, until the decimal point key 13 is depressed, relay control unit 11 causes a stepping pulse to be applied to S. After depression of the multiply key 14, similar stepping occurs on entry of the second factor. The circuit S is thus correctly preset for printing the result. Operation of the print key 15 closes switch 15<SP>1</SP> and thus switch 21 to energize the selected diagonal line of the half-matrix, the transmission of the result digits being effected as in the arrangement of Fig. 1. If the multiplication does not involve decimal points, circuit S will be started at "blind" element S 0 . The arrangement may be adapted also to position the decimal point correctly in the result of a divisor operation, the circuit S then being arranged to count backwards during entry of the second factor (divisor). Arrangements are described also for transmitting values from one totalizer or store to another with appropriate shifts, e.g. for effecting multiplication or division; the matrix cores may control gates (Fig. 6, not shown) so as to enable a number of pulses equal to the value of each decimal digit, or its complement, to be transmitted; a full matrix may be used, controlled by the stepping circuits to permit transmission in either direction. As shown in Fig. 7, electronic totalizers R1 and R2 are coupled by a half-matrix of transistors a diagonal line of which are rendered conductive by applying a negative potential to their bases from a selected switch V 1  ... V 3 . Specification 863,814 and German Specification 1,011,465 also are referred to.