Patent GB-189914945-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Adding Machines.
Inventor: HOCH ADAM
Filed: 1899-07-20
Granted: 1899-09-23
Abstract: 14,945. Hoch, A. July 20. Type-writers and like machines.- Relates to apparatus for adding columns of figures and printing such columns and the result. The number keys e, Fig. 3, are connected by links 20 to a series of levers b having slots x at the bottom inclined at different angles and engaging a cross-bar 16 on a pivoted frame j. When a key is struck, the frame is thrown up a distance proportional to the amount marked on the key, carrying with it the link 18 and crossbar 19. A type-bar a, which can slide across the machine on the cross - bar 19, according to the denomination, units, tens, hundreds, &c. of the figure to be printed, is thus thrown up to bring the proper type opposite the paper c, and its rack 14 actuates the adding-wheel 15. The typebar a is slotted to receive a guide g, which rocks on the cross-bar 13 and slides upon it across the machine. A swinging-frame, consisting of end bars f and cross-bars f<1>, 25, is pivoted on the bar 24, and is connected by links 23 to cranks 22 carrying a bar 21 on which the bar a slides. When any key is depressed, the segment d is turned, by a link 35 on a cross-bar 36 with which the end of the key engages, until the recess 29 comes opposite the bar 25, when the spring 38 draws forward the frame f and rocks the bar a against the paper c and the rack 14 out of engagement with the wheel 15. A rack 40 on the frame j, engaging a spring pawl 41, holds the bar a in position during the printing. A cam-shaped sector, somewhat similar to d, and an arrangement of pawls and stops, guide the bar a downwards between the paper and the wheels 15, so that it re-engages the latter only when returned to its lowest position, while further operation of the machine is prevented until the parts are in the normal condition. The travel of the bar a across the machine is effected by the arrangement shown in Fig. 11. A pin 57 on the guide g is engaged by the forked end 56 of a lever s, which carries a rack 61 normally engaged by a pawl 60 on the lever f. A lever t is connected by a link 73 with a rocking frame u, which is depressed more or less according to which of the shifting-keys 55 is struck. The lever t is thus swung more or less in the direction of the arrow, an incline 65 lifting the pawl 60 from the rack 61, and carries with it the lever s, by means of the pin 74, so as to move the printing-bar into any desired starting position. The frame u also engages with the cross-bar f<1>, and slightly rocks the frame f and printing-bar so as to disengage its rack from the adding-wheels during the movement. On the release of the shifting-key, the pawl 60 re-engages with one of the teeth of the rack 61, and, at each depression of a number key to add and print, the rocking of the frame f feeds the lever s, and so the bar, step by step towards its initial position. The exact position of the printing-bar is determined by rods 90 thrust forward by the shifting-keys engaging a notched bar 93 moved by the lever s. The printing-bar is guided into engagement with the wheels 15 by notches in the bar ; when it comes to its final position, there is no notch, so that the parts remain locked until a shifting key is again depressed for starting a new line ; the depression of a shifting-key also actuates the feed-mechanism of the paper strip, so that the next line is printed below the one just finished. The "carrying mechanism" of the wheels 15 consists of a series of Spring bolts, one of which, whenever a wheel passes through zero, is released by a projection on the wheel slightly rocking a pawl-carrying lever. The bolt then springs forward, fully actuating the pawl and entering between the teeth of the next wheel to prevent it from being over-driven. The bolts are all returned when a shifting-key is actuated. The counting-wheels are mounted loose on a shaft which has spring bolts let into it, capable of engaging with recesses in the wheels. When the shaft is rotated in the same direction as the normal movement of the wheels, the bolts spring into the recesses, when they reach them, and the wheels then turn with the shaft until all the zeros are aligned. The shaft is first turned backwards by a milled head, winding up a spring which ultimately, when the milled head is released, turns the shaft forward, picks up the various wheels, and brings all the aligned ciphers into proper position. The total-printing wheels are mounted in a separate frame and gear normally with the wheels 15. When a total is to be printed, a special key is depressed which lifts the frame and then rocks it forward against the paper c, the forward movement also causing the required feed of the paper strip. A locking-device, freed by the lever s, in its extreme position, prevents a total from being taken before a row of figures is completed ; there is also a locking-device to prevent the adding-wheels from being zeroized under the same circumstances. Suitable inking-rollers are spring-mounted in the path of the printing-bar and total-printing wheels.