Patent GB-275251-A (GB)
Title: A machine for the numerical compilation of data from perforated cards
IPC: G06F7/46
Filed: 1927-07-28
Abstract: 275,251. Tauschek, G. Aug. 2, 1926, Convention date]. Statistical machines.-A statistical machine is combined with a device for effecting, by electromagnetic means, multiplication of the factors represented by successive perforations or definitely located perforations in rows on the cards. In the form shown the card 1 has two groups of perforations representing the multiplicand and multiplier respectively. The card is fed over an electrically conducting surface 2 and when in position thereon is held stationary by an arrangement adapted to arrest the feeding device. At the same time the operating mechanism couples up a feeler group 3 for the multiplier and reciprocates the group along a rail 5. The feelers are connected by conducting wires to contact studs 6 in reverse denominational order as shown and the studs co-operate with a single contact stud 7 on a laterally movable bar 8. The bar 8 also carries a series of studs 10 that co-operates with another set of studs 6 in electrical connection with a feeler group 4 for the multiplicand. The studs 10 are electrically connected to the denominational magnets of the counting mechanism (not shown). Springs 11, 12 are provided to press the feelers against the card during the forward movement. In the normal position of the parts a stop 17 on a ratchet wheel 18 presses a spring 16 to close the contact 15 on a ratchet wheel 14 so as to render the reciprocating means for the feeler group 4 inoperative. When the feeler group 3 begins its movement the units row of perforations sends impulses to a magnet 9 to rotate the ratchet wheel 14 correspondingly. Initial movement of the wheel 14 opens contact 15 and puts the reciprocating means for the feeler group 4 into operation, while that of the feeler group 3 is arrested at the end of a complete stroke. Each complete stroke causes impulses to be sent to the counting mechanism in accordance with the number of multiplicand perforations. As each stroke is completed a contact 19 is closed to energize an electromagnet 20 so as to advance the ratchet wheel 18 one step. The wheel 18 is rotated until the stop 17 again presses the spring 16 to close contact 15, thus arresting the feeler group 4 after effecting multiplication by the units figure of the multiplier. At the same time a magnet 22 is energized and a pawl 23 carried by the armature thereof is operated to displace the bar 8 to the extent of one denomination, whereupon the process is repeated for the tens figure of the multiplier, and so on. The bar 8 is held in its adjusted position by a detent pawl 24 and at the end of a complete multiplication operation a contact 25 is closed to energize an electromagnet 26 whereby the pawls 23, 24 are released to permit the bar 8 to return to normal position. If cards are used in which the data are represented by single perforations in definite positions the feeler groups and associated ratchet wheels and the counting mechanism are) synchronously operated in known manner and adapted to be arrested at instants depending on the location of the perforations.