Patent GB-1026699-A (GB)
Title: Sorting and reading machines for perforated information carriers
Inventor: MAUL MICHAEL
Filed: 1964-09-04
Abstract: 1,026,699. Statistical apparatus. SIEMENS & HALSKE A.G. Sept. 4, 1964, No. 36251/64. Heading G4M. In a machine for processing lengths of perforated tape, called card strips, the strips are fed sideways through a first sensing station whereby all columns of the strip are examined simultaneously to detect preselected sorting criteria, and the strips are then fed lengthwise to a second sensing station, which, if the sorting criteria have been satisfied, is rendered operative to sense the strips column-by-column and to feed the information sensed to a recording device. Strip feeding.-In one embodiment, Figs. 12, 13 (not shown), for processing batches of strips of uniform length, the length being variable from batch to batch, the strips are stacked face upwards and are fed sideways by rollers direct to the first sensing station. In another embodiment, Figs. 4, 9, 11 (not shown), each batch may contain strips of different lengths, and the strips are stacked on a long edge, face against a plate 117, Fig. 4b. The strips are fed one at a time by picker knives 99, Fig. 4a, to rollers 93 which pass the strips through guide plates 128 turning the strips through 90 degrees into the horizontal plane. Rollers 84, co-operating with spring blades 57a forward each strip lengthwise until the leading short edge abuts against stop wall 129, Fig. 4b, and a contact kq, Figs. 4b, 11b, is closed to energize magnets MQ1, MQ2. These magnets operate flaps to push the strip sideways until it is gripped by pairs of rollers 132 which then feed it past 240 sensing brushes 200 (one for each possible column) constituting the first sensing station. The strip then drops on to a track 140, its rear short edge is engaged .by a projection on a belt 72, Fig. 9a, and the strip is pushed lengthwise until it is gripped between rollers 141, Fig. 9b. These rollers forward the strip round curved guide plates 142 and past five sensing brushes 210 constituting the second sensing station. Rollers 56 co-operating with springs 57 feed the strip until its front short edge abuts wall 146, Fig. 9a, and the strip is then pushed sideways by projections 147 on belts 38 into one or other of two receiving pockets. Circuit diagram, Figs. 11a, 11b.-In a first mode of operation, all cards are sorted at a fast speed according to criteria set up on keyboard switches T1-T5, there being no read-out from the second sensing station. Six columns may be selected by plug connections 201 to brushes 200, or movable brushes may be used. The six banks of switches T1-T5 are set according to the desired sorting criteria. A commutator S1 pulses brushes 200 as the rows of the strip pass through the first sensing station, and at the same time, a commutator S2 pulses the rows of switches T1-T5. Pairs of resistors R1, R2 and diodes D1-D4 form bridge circuits acting as comparators for the 5-bit code signals derived from the six selected columns, relay PR being energized if any of the sorting criteria are not satisfied. When a strip having the desired sorting criteria is detected, contact pr3 remains closed and a magnet FM is energized on closure of a contact i1 to operate a deflector and direct the strip to a " wanted " receiving pocket. In this mode of operation, a fast drive magnet MKS is energized continuously until the input stack is exhausted (contact ef opening) or a pocket becomes full (contact af opening). In a second mode of operation, switch AL is closed, the selected strips are read slowly at the second sensing station and are subsequently sorted. When a strip having the desired sorting criteria arrives at the second sensing station, a contact kl is closed, and, contact pr4 being closed, a relay HR is energized to switch over to the slow drive magnet MKL. The deflector magnet FM is energized as in the first mode. The second sensing station may be connected to a teleprinter or to calculating apparatus. In a third mode of operation, the selected strips are read slowly at the second sensing station, but no sorting occurs. Switches AKS, AL are operated so that change-over to the slow speed occurs as in the second mode, but energization of the sorting magnet FM is prevented. In a fourth mode of operation, all cards are read slowly, switch L being closed to energize relay HR. Sorting of the strips into the " wanted " and " reject " pockets is optional.