Patent GB-689983-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to photographic recording apparatus
IPC: G06K15/12
Filed: 1950-08-14
Abstract: 689,983. Photographic data recording apparatus. BRITISH TABULATING MACHINE CO., Ltd. Aug. 14, 1950 [Aug. 13, 1949], No. 20127/50. Class 98 (i). The apparatus comprises a plurality of character representations which may be selectively transilluminated, means for focusing an image of the transilluminated character representations on to a photographic film, means for sequentially feeding and sensing record cards, means for moving the film subsequent to the sensing of each record card, means for controlling the transillumination of one group of said character representations in accordance with the sensed data, and manually settable means for selecting a second group of said character representations for transillumination. As shown, an opaque drum 62 bearing columns of transparent numerals 0-9, one for each column of a punched record card, is rotated in synchronism with the feed of punched cards through a reading unit whose main shaft is driven through a one revolution clutch initially energized by a manual key closed subsequently by contacts 44 sensing the cards in the reading unit. The drum is illuminated by neon tubes 58 energized in accordance with the card perforations so that a photographic record is made on a film 100 which is intermittently fed one line space at the end of each card recording by an electromagnet energized by means of a cam on the shaft driving the reading unit, as described in Specification 543,513, which shaft also carries commutators CD1, CD2, CD3 and cams closing contacts CF2, CF5, CF6, CF7. When a card enters the reading unit it closes contacts 44 energizing a relay N closing contacts N1, N3, N4, N7, a hold-on circuit for the relay being made through contact N1 and cam CF2. A card perforation sensing brush B2, a relay E, and an illuminating circuit including a neon tube 58 are provided for each column of data. A parallel bank of condensers K is charged from a low voltage D.C. supply through a momentarily closed commutator CD1, subsequent closing of cam contacts CF6 energizing relays R, S which open contacts R2, S2 and close contacts R1, S1 to connect the condensers in series, whilst simultaneous closing of cam contacts CF7 completes a line to the brushes B2. With sockets 252, 254 linked, brushes B2 on engaging card perforations energize relays E which by closing contacts E1 permit lighting of the tubes 58 by condenser discharge through commutator CD2 which makes momentarily each time a row of card perforations is due to be presented to the brushes, and thus the appropriate data for each card is recorded in a single film line. Contacts CF6 then open de-energizing relays R, S so that the condensers K are again in parallel but isolated from the D.C. supply. When contacts CF5 close, if the tube has not been fired the residual charge on the condensers K energize relay D, which closes contacts D2 and so forming a hold-on circuit through pilot lamp 282 which remains alight, and also closes another contact, breaking the circuit to the card feed controlling one-revolution clutch magnet and preventing further card feed. The operator having remedied the defect presses the key 280 to de-energize the relay D and restarts operations by means of a manually operable key energizing the card feed clutch. To record additional fixed data on the film, there may be used manually settable selector units 246 (Fig. 7), which are plugconnected to the relays E controlling the columns in which the fixed data are to be recorded and which effect energization of the relays at a time determined by a commutator CD3. In an alternative arrangement, Fig. 2, slides 162-one per record column-are provided in the roof of photographing unit and bear transparent numerals 160 which may be set by spring detent 212 in line with an aperture 168 in front of a tubular lamp 150 energized by a commutator on the card feed shaft after the recording of the card controlled data. The setting of each slide moves by means of levers 190, 174 and link 188 a mirror 172 to block the beam from the tube 58 and to reflect the illuminated slide numeral 160 on to the film. Specification 549,535 and U.S.A. Specification 2,346,251 also are referred to.