Patent GB-747812-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for recording data
Inventor: BIHALY LAJOS
IPC: G06K1/22
Filed: 1951-02-28
Abstract: 747,812. Punching-machines. INDUSTRIAL ACCOUNTANCY PARTNERSHIP, Ltd: May 28, 1952 [Feb. 28, 1951], No. 4872/51. Class 31 (2). [Also in Group XVI] A data-recording apparatus, more particularly for the recording of meter readings, records all the necessary data by punching a continuous record tape 29 and at the same time printing the relevant reading on a record card. The apparatus comprises a set of fifteen vertically adjustable type bars, Fig. 4, each of which carries at its upper end a series of vertically-spaced type elements 17 at the top and at a lower point a single paper punch 18, Figs. 7 and 8. The first five type-bars record the meter number and the next four the date and are set in position by inserting keys 20, 19, Fig. 8, each having steps at the base to move the bars appropriately; the remaining six type-bars are set individually by levers 21-26, the first of these bars having two positions one only of which is used if the previous entry is to be cancelled, while the other bars are set for the meter reading. The bars are guided for vertical movement by slots 101, Figs. 7 and 8, sliding over rods 164. The correct setting of the type members 17 and positioning of the punches 18 in respect of the record tape 29 result from the operation of the corresponding keys 19, 20 or levers 21-26, as the case may be; the keys 19, 20 engage levers 103, Fig. 8, engaging recesses 102 in the type-bars while the levers 21-26 have toothed discs 106, Fig. 7, engaging rack teeth 105 on the type-bars to position them, step-by-step movement being ensured by a spring-loaded lever 107 engaging the teeth of the discs. The type elements 17 are struck rearwardly against springs to effect printing by hammers 173 (see Group XVI). The punches 18 are accommodated in bores 111 in the type bars and act across a slot 109 formed in the type bars for the passage of the record tape 29 ; each punch is attached to a cross pin 180 passing through a slot 183 in one of a series of plates 181 which are arranged in parallel relation in a frame adapted to be moved rearwards for the punching operation by the action of a cam 187, Fig. 13, fixed on a shaft 300, upon arms 185 attached to the frame. The shaft 300 is operated by a handle 30, Fig. 4, and has geared to it the other operating shafts. Locking devices are provided to prevent the rotation of the shaft 300, except when the keys 19, 20 are correctly inserted and the keys are partially ejected after each cycle of the shaft which is then again locked against rotation. The paper tape 29 is fed from a reel 281 to a reel 282, Fig. 18, by a sprocket wheel 283 driven from the shaft 300 and engaging perforations in the longitudinal margins of the tape, the perforations in the two margins being differently spaced and arranged so that the tape can only be inserted in the apparatus in one direction. Before passing through the type-bars, the tape passes across the machine through a channel 323 which has a fault-detecting device 32 comprising a plate 325 and fingers 327 controlled by springs 326, 328 so that the tips 329 of the fingers normally slide over the surface of the tape; upon a fault being found by any feeler, the latter swings and acts through a bar 330 to lock the shaft 300. The cycle being operated can be completed before the shaft 300 becomes locked. Additional punches 190 provided on the punchoperating frame act at the same time as the punches 18 for removing a portion of the record card which will therefore on its next insertion into the apparatus occupy a position for printing on the next line. Specification 747,850, [Group XVI], is referred to.