Patent GB-311237-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for sorting perforated statistical code cards
Filed: 1929-05-06
Abstract: 311,237. Siemens &. Halske Akt.-Ges. May 7, 1928, [Convention date]. Sorting cards.-In a machine for sorting code cards-the four code holes in each column corresponding to the values 1, 2, 4, and 8-the total value of the holes in the card column read is transmitted by electro-magnetically operated clutches to rotate a toothed shaft a differential amount; this rotation being used to close, at the appropriate times, the magnets controlling the sorting flaps to the compartments. The cards are fed from a magazine 45 by a card feed magnet 42 and the column used is read by four feelers 44 co-acting with four pairs of contacts 2 - - 5 (shown for convenience at both the top left hand, and bottom right hand, corners of Fig. 1). The feelers 44 and contacts 2 - - 5 may be adjusted across the card to read the card column desired. Contacts 2 - - 5 energize magnets 6 - - 9, which throw clutch members 11 - - 14 into engagement with a constantly rotating shaft 10 for one revolution only, to transmit a rotation to a toothed shaft 15 engaging a gear wheel of each clutch 11 - - 14. These gear wheels of the clutches 11 - - 14 have 1, 2, 4, and 8 teeth respectively, the teeth engaging the shaft 15 in succession so that shaft 15 is rotated a number of teeth equal to the total value of the holes in the card column. The toothed spindle 15 carries twelve clutches each consisting of a loosely mounted member 17 and a member 16 which always rotates when shaft 15 rotates and which is movable axially under the control of a magnet 20. The wheel 17 is in mesh with a wheel 22 loose on a continuouslyrotating shaft 21 and attached by sleeve 23 to a disc 24, Figs. 1 and 3, co-acting with a stationary part 27 and having a. cam pin 25 adapted to close contacts 26. The wheel 22 also carries, Figs. 1 and 6, a pawl 32 which coacts with a wheel 29 which (together with a sleeve 30 and cam disc 31) is rigid with the shaft 21. The pawl 32 has a lug 52 by which it is normally held up by a right-angled stop 53. The cam discs 31 are so arranged on the shaft 21 that their cams act in succession on their respective contacts 33, which are in circuit with the magnets 20. The contacts 26 are in circuit with switch arms 34, Figs. 1 and 4, which move over contacts 35, the latter being wired to the magnets 37 operating the flaps 39 of the sorting boxes 36. A special cam 40 closes contacts 41 for the card feed magnet 42. The arms 34 move in succession so that each one reaches its first contact 35 synchronously with the action of the clutches 11 - - 14. Continuously-rotating spindles 43 (carrying arms 34) and 21 rotate at the same speed, which is considerably slower than the speed of the shaft 10. When a card is read by the feelers 44 the corresponding magnets 6 - - 9 and clutches 11 - - 14 are operated to rotate shaft 15 a number of teeth equal to the number represented in the card column. Synchronously with this action the cams 30 close the contacts 33 to energize magnets 20 in succession. The relatively fast movement of spindle 15 is transmitted, therefore, to a gear wheel 22 corresponding to the magnets 20 energized at the moment. Directly this wheel 22 moves, its pawl 32 drops off the stop 53 and engages the wheel 29. The wheel 22 is, therefore, moved in advance of its wheel 29 (shaft 10 moving much quicker than shaft 21) by an amount equal to the number represented in the card column, after which the wheel 22 is moved on by pawl 32 and wheel 29; so that wheel 22 completes its revolution and the corresponding cam 25 rigid with it, closes its contacts 26 at the moment when the corresponding contact arm 34 is connected to the contact 35 and magnet 37 of the correct sorting box. In this manner the box is opened to receive the card at the moment the latter arrives from the reading position. The device is adaptable to a code embracing five holes in the card column. In a modification of the switching devices 43, 34, 35, switch arms corresponding to arms 34 move over contacts synchronously with the actuation of secondary switch arms by ratchet and pawl mechanism controlled by magnets in parallel with the magnets 20, these secondary switches being used to close the control circuits during an appropriate portion of the machine cycle.