Patent GB-665838-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in key controlled machines with record punching and printing means
Filed: 1948-07-02
Abstract: 665,838. Receipts, checking. BRITISH TABULATING MACHINE CO., Ltd. July 2, 1948 [July 22, 1947], No. 17847/48. Class 106 (i). [Also in Group VIII] A record-punching machine (see Group VIII) comprises a plurality of members each differentially adjustable to positions corresponding to 1 to 9 units and each carrying a plurality of punch interposers which can be co-ordinated in various combinations with a plurality of punch-operating projections of a reciprocable punch hammer to effect combinational hole punching, together with a single punch pin for each denominational order which can be shifted step-by-step for co-ordination with said interposers at index point positions at which a record is to be punched. The machine is keyboard-controlled and (a) provides a punched and printed record, in the form of tape, of successive transactions ; (b) issues a printed check or prints upon a sales slip data concerning the transaction; and (c) prints on and perforates a separate record card which may be used in subsequent tabulating and statistical operations. As shown in Fig. 1 the keyboard of the machine comprises thirteen banks of keys consisting of a bank of two cashiers' keys 12 and 13, five banks 14 for recording the type of merchandise, five banks 15 for recording the amount of sale, a bank 16 for recording the type of transaction and a bank of two keys 17 and 18 for indicating " tax " or " no tax." A starting bar 10 is operated for each item of a multiple item sale and a motor bar 11 is operated, after the individual items have been entered, to punch a total of the items on a record card and on a record tape and to print the total on either an inserted slip or an issued check. The bar 11 is also used when the transaction consists of a single item. Four date-setting wheels 452 are provided and facilities are also provided for recording the number of the department, indicated at 86, the number of the clerk, indicated at 82, the number of the machine, the serial number of the transaction and a progressive or " accumulator " total. Details of transaction are set up on banks of keys of which one bank is shown in Fig. 2. Operation of a bar 10 or 11 causes a slide 111 for each bank to move to the left, as seen in Fig. 2, until it is stopped by the lower portion of a depressed key-stem 29 which abuts against a corresponding step on the slide. The movement of the slide actuates, through cross-over mechanisms including gears 143 and 146, a slide 144, Fig. 3, which is moved to the right a corresponding amount and positions interposers 170, 171, beneath projections of a reciprocating punch-hammer 178. The punch 179, which together with die-plate 197 is carried by a frame 180, 181, is then moved by steps to the left relative to slide 144, reciprocating hammer 178 and record tape (not shown), the tape thus being punched at those locations where an interposer abuts against a projection 177. Printing mechanism. The printing mechanism includes a reciprocable frame 382, Fig. 3, carrying a shaft on which are mounted a group of type gear-wheels 380 which are rotated by the slides 144. The slides turn the wheels 380 clockwise and simultaneously the frame 382 is shifted to the right so as to turn the wheels one complete revolution and bring the typewheels over a platen 383 which is then actuated to print on the tape and inserted card. Frame 382 then returns to the left, rolling the wheels 380 a complete revolution so that they are over a platen 384 which is then actuated to print on the lower part of the inserted slip. Frame 382 is then shifted further to the left until the wheels are over a platen 385 which is actuated to print a line of data at the mid-portion of the inserted sales slip or check. Frame 382 then returns to its normal position as shown in Fig. 3 and on the return of slides 144 the wheels 380 also return to normal. The sales slip is inserted into the machine on a carriage 565, Fig. 33, having apertures which align with the platens 384 and 385. The record card is inserted on a carriage 600, Fig. 1, so as to overlie the tape, as shown in Fig. 15. For issuing a printed check, paper is drawn from a roll 525, Fig. 3, over platen 385, Fig. 33, and through a rotary printing couple 528, 529, to a guillotine 551 from whence the printed and severed check is delivered to an outlet 550. Interlock mechanism. A mechanical interlock system is provided to prevent the operation of bars 10 or 11 until a cashier's key, keys 14, 15 and 16 and either key 17 or key 18 are depressed. Operation of bar 11 can only take place when a solenoid 248, Fig. 31, is energized, the circuit to the solenoid being controlled by contacts 610 closed by operation of a key 16, contacts 579 closed when the sales slip carriage 565 is inserted in the machine and contacts 90, 91, 96, 97, which are closed by the insertion in the machine of plugs indicating the " clerk " and " department " numbers, which latter numbers also appear on the printed and punched records. Accumulator. Five of the gears 143 which are rotated under control of the five banks of amount keys 15 actuate an accumulator mechanism which is caused to enter the totals of multiple transactions and the item of a single transaction so that the totals of all sales over a period are available. The accumulator enters only those transactions involving the operation of the " total " bar 11. Specifications 277,323 and 315,881, [both in Class 106 (i)], are referred to.