Patent GB-867718-A (GB)
Title: A calculating machine with a remote transmission device for numerical and functional values
IPC: G06F3/09
Filed: 1958-04-30
Abstract: 867,718. Calculating-machines. OLYMPIA WERKE A.G. April 30, 1958 [July 10, 1957], No. 13740/58. Class 106 (1). A calculating-machine has for the purposes of electrical data-transmission from and into the machine, a set of differentially movable slides for storing the several digits of a number and arranged to be set by, and to control the setting of, the differential actuators of the machine. Data is transmitted by means of a carriage which carries contact sets and is moved transversely across the slides so that projections on the latter actuate the contact sets to transmit the digits in sequence, and data is received by means of a set of ten setting bars arranged across the slides and common to them all and one of which is moved to an effective position for each digit to be received so as to arrest a released one of the slides. The slides 14, Fig. 1, co-operate with bars 13 coupled to the actuators 11 which are se@table under the control of a pin-carriage 10. Coding.-The contact sets, each of which corresponds to one of the digits 0-9 or to a sign or function, transmit corresponding combinations of signals on five lines, Figs. 3 and 6 (not shown). The contact sets may be readily interchangeable to provide for different codes. Transmitting data.-After the actuators 11 have been set, a pawl 17 common to the slides 14 is rocked by an electromagnet 19 and springs 18 move the slides into abutment against the levers 13. Each slide has a projection 14a. A carriage 21 is then moved across the slides (preferably stepwise) by cams, Fig. 15 (not shown), and one of the contact sets, e.g. that shown in Fig. 4, for the digit "1," is actuated by the projection of each slide. An additional slide 114 is positioned according to the type of operation and the sign of the number involved and this slide has projections 114b and 114c by which corresponding signals may be transmitted. The slide 114, which is sensed last of all, may be cranked so that the sign is transmitted by the projection 114b before the function is transmitted by the projection 114c. Alternatively, this slide may be branched and one branch may pass right under the other slides so that the function signal may be transmitted before the digit signals and the sign signal afterwards. The function slide may, in certain positions, transmit a space signal for the ultimate control of a teleprinter. The slides are restored at the end of each operation by a camoperated bar 16. A contact pair controlled by the contact carriage may control a relay circuit to prevent the initiation of a further cycle of the machine until the carriage has been restored. For use in the control of a teleprinter, carriage return and line-space signals may be transmitted under the control of manually adjustable slides. Controlling the transmission of zeros.-The slides may each have a long projection arranged to actuate a special contact on the contact carriage when the slide is in a position corresponding to any one of the digits 1-9. This contact is connected in a relay circuit, Figs. 10 or 11 (not shown), which renders the " 0 " contact set effective only after the special contact has been operated. A switch may modify this circuit to cause the transmission of " space " signals prior to the transmission of the highest significant digit. Receiving data.-The slides 14, Fig. 13, may be set in accordance with signals received in sequence, each being released in turn for movement until a projection 14g engages a set one of ten transverse bars 51. For this purpose, the pawl 17 may be movable transversely and have a notch 17a so as to free the slides sequentially and then retain them again in set positions. When all the slides have been set, the actuators 11 are freed for movement into corresponding positions. The bars 51 may each be supported by parallel links which are rocked by an electromagnet on receipt of a corresponding digit signal. The signals are applied also to an electromagnet 53 which actuates an escapement mechanism, e.g. 54, for the transverse movement of the pawl 17. When the latter reaches its end position, contacts k3 are closed and initiate the cycle of operation. The pawl is restored to its initial position by cam means. Two sets of slides, e.g. 414, 514, Fig. 21, for input and output purposes respectively, may be provided. Punching.-The slides may be adapted to select punches mechanically, or the contact sets may be provided with additional contacts for the electrical selection of punches.