Patent GB-117834-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the Method of and Means for Compiling Tabular and Statistical Data.
Inventor: SOPER HERBERT EDWARD
IPC: G06K21/04
Filed: 1917-07-28
Abstract: 117,834. Soper, H. E. July 28, 1917. Indexing or cataloguing.-Relates to a method of and means for indexing, such as classifying the subject-matter of books &c., for compiling statistical and other data, and for sorting and ascertaining the number of cases having similar classifications. The device comprises a series of superposed cards b, c, Fig. 1, covered by a metal plate a perforated with a number of holes a<1>, a<2>, a<3>, a<4> each of which is alloted for example to an individual the data concerning whom are to be recorded. In making a record holes are first of all drilled through the series of cards corresponding to the holes in the plate a, these positions being termed the null positions. The cards are then moved the requisite number of steps to the right and other holes drilled. In the example shown in Fig. 1 the cards b, c represent occupational and health classes divided into five grades, the cards being moved successively through five steps to the right as the records are made. If it be desired to count all individuals having a certain set of characteristics, the cards are displaced the necessary distances from the null positions and a light placed behind the series. The numbers of cards bearing the entries required will be seen bv the illuminated holes which may easily be counted. When used to record mathematical tables such as tables of logarithms, the successive values of the argument, viz. the numerals 2, 3, 4 are placed against the holes a<1>, a<2>, &c. and the logarithms of the numbers to the base ten expressed in the binary scale are recorded in the cards b, c, d, &c., the ciphers being recorded in the null position and the units by moving the cards one step to the right before perforation. Preferably in all cases the cards are given one step only on each side of the null position and the holes are slotted back thereto as shown in Fig. 4, all numerical data being expressed in the binary scale. The sorting of the record cards is facilitated by this arrangement, a style being inserted through the required hole in a plate a and the individual sheets being moved to the right or left. An arrangement for moving any particular card to the right or left is shown in Fig. 7 where the plate a is provided with a series of slots 1, 2, 3, corresponding slots being formed in the cards b, c, d with the. exception that the first card has a central hole in place of the first slot, the second a hole in place of the second slot, &c. By inserting a style into any slot in the top plate the card corresponding thereto can be mcved. Figs. 5 and 6 show a device for producing records of the kind shown in Fig. 4 and giving the record sheets, which may be of thin metal, the necessary movement. The sheets are provided with marginal slots and holes at each end as shown in Fig. 7 and are contained between two flanged plates f, g which are clamped together by bolts and are provided with slots l, m corresponding to these in the sheets. Passing through all the slots are pins n, o welded to thin metal strips p guided by pins q, r which slide in holes in the flanges of the plate g and serve to move the record sheets, a detent u engaging notches v determining the amount of movement. Continuous lengths of record strip may be employed where large numhers of entries are dealt with.