Patent GB-876288-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to data recording apparatus
Inventor: NOBLE ERNEST CYRIL
IPC: G06K17/00
Filed: 1957-05-09
Abstract: 876,288. Selective punching machines. INTERNATIONAL COMPUTERS & TABULATORS Ltd. May 2, 1958 [May 9, 1957], No. 14773/57. Class 31 (2). [Also in Groups XVI and XIX] A data recording apparatus which records data character by character, comprises one or two recorders such as a punch 6 and/or a typewriter 7 which record data from two or more intermittently and independently operable sources 2, 3, 4 and 5, and a control 1 responsive to control signals generated by the recorder 6 or 7 to connect it, or them, to the different sources sequentially according to a predetermined programme. Alternatively, the control 1 may be responsive to control signals generated by one of the data sources. One data source is a punched card-reader 4 which senses columns of a record card in succession, each column containing information for one character. Other data sources comprise a manual input 2, an automatic input 5 which may be a weighing machine having photo-electric scanning means to indicate movements, and a preset data store 3 which can supply fixed information such as the date. Operation.-On depressing a start key a first card is fed from a hopper to the card-reader 4 and a blank card is fed to the Recorder No. 1, shown as a punch 6; this results in the release of the carriage in both the punch 6 and the card-reader 4 and they operate contacts in the control 1. An interlock ensures that the cards are in position in the punch 6 and the cardreader 4 and that the typewriter carriage is in its home position. An item to be weighed is now put on to a weighing machine or automatic input 5 and a relay (R27, not shown) is operated and allows sensing of the first column of the first card now in the card-reader 4. Operation of sensing relays effect operation of electromagnets in the typewriter which automatically prints characters, letter spaces and line-spaces as required. When a column card indicator (23-25, not shown) reaches a column containing data to be recorded by the punch 6 as well as the typewriter 7, plug connections associated with the indicator (23-25, not shown) make appropriate interconnections, after which the indicator sets up circuits so that a card in the reader 4 is ejected as a second card is positioned for sensing. The serial number of the second card is read and the data is applied to the punch 6 and the typewriter 7. A series of blank columns on the second card now follow which correspond to a series of columns in the card in the punch 6 wherein preset data 3, e.g. the date, is to be recorded. Appropriate segments of the column indicator in the card-reader 4 are accordingly connected through plug cords direct to sensing magnets so that they are appropriately operated as the card-reader advances from column to column. The card-reader 4 next senses e.g. the tare weight recorded on the second card and this is entered on the punch and typewriter. The gross weight of the item is next recorded in the typewriter, but not in the punch, from two uniselectors (52, 53, not shown) of a weighing machine or automatic input 5. During the printing of the gross weight the punch follows its own independent programme controlled by plugable connections associated with a punch column indicator (7-9, not shown). As described, this includes a series of blank spacings and then the recording of the gross weight by perforations and finally permitting the entry of other data from a manual input 2. An interlock enables the manual input data to be printed on the typewriter after which the cards in the card-reader 4 and the punch 6 are ejected, the item being weighed as the automatic input 5 is removed, and the carriage of the typewriter automatically returned. Specifications 362,529 and 426,405 are referred to.