Patent GB-190327802-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Cash Registers
Filed: 1903-12-18
Granted: 1904-09-15
Abstract: 27,802. National Cash Register Co., [National Cash Register Co.]. Dec. 18. Receipts, checking and recording.- In cash registers, more particularly of the throw-out counter type described in Specification No. 20,280, A.D. 1898, devices are provided whereby the counting-mechanism is automatically disconnected from the operating- mechanism when the machine is operated for certain transactions. Fig. 1 shows the machine in top plan view, while Fig. 2 shows it in transverse vertical section. The operations of the amount keys 2, the key coupler 11, the key standards, the regular amount indicators 6, the counters 5, and the printer 8 are substantially those of the machine described in Specification No. 20,280, A.D. 1898. The left-hand counter is for charge transactions, while the right-hand counter is for cash transactions, and is thrown out of operation whenever one of the special keys 3 or the charge button 10 is operated. The plunger 16 of the right-hand counteris bevelled, and is engaged by the segmental arm 25<1> of a lever fast upon the transverse rock shaft 26. The operation of the different special keys 3 rocks the shaft 26 more or less, and when one key moves its operating- plate 27 the other plates 27 are moved and held so as to lock the special keys. The movement of the shaft 26 by a special key or by the no sale key is utilized to set the special printing-segment 9. The rendering of the right-hand counter inoperative is effected by rendering a pivoted throwing-lever for the counter frame ineffective, the lever being operated upon each movement of the machine by suitable cams carried by the shaft 21. To lock the machine after the movement of a special key, the depression of a key rocks the shaft 26 forward, and causes the extending arm 46, Fig. 6, to pass in front of the nose 47<1> of the cam 47. Each key has a laterallyprojecting pin 37 in proximity to the radial pin 38 projecting from the rock shaft 39 through suitable slots in the key shaft 40. The key movement thus rocks the shaft 39 and enables the machine to be operated by the amount keys. Locking-plates 50 fast to the rock shaft 51, which passes through slots 52 in the plates 27, are also provided. The shaft 51 and the plates carried by it are returned to the normal positions by a coil spring. Each key 3 is formed in two sections 3<a>, 3<b>, the sections 3<a> having pendent arms 65 carrying curved rods 66. When the forward section of the key is depressed, the spring 68 causes the rear section to follow the coupler when it is elevated, and the first downward movement causes the hook 83 to drop in front of the lug 82, and further movement causes the lug 82 to come into alignment with the notch 90 and permit the lever 88 to descend and latch the key section. The key sections are coupled together by the pawl 102. Each rear section 3<b> has a slide 94 and co-operates with a vertically-movable tablet stem. To lock all the special keys when an amount key is operated without a special key, a pivoted lever is provided' to hook over the key coupler flange. The special indicator 7 indicates which counter is being employed. Manipulation of the machine by the twisting of the key coupler is prevented, as both ends of the coupler must rise an equal distance, or the machine becomes locked at the end of the down-stroke.