Patent GB-463027-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to calculating machines
Filed: 1936-09-10
Abstract: 463,027. Calculating - apparatus. ELECTRICAL RESEARCH PRODUCTS, Inc. Sept. 10, 1936, No. 24678. Convention date, Oct. 5, 1935. [Class 106 (i)] A calculating-machine with a totalizer having its elements interconnected by a continuous gearing or creeping type of transfer mechanism, has a set of racks, one for each element, supported on a carriage movable to shift the racks into position to drive the elements and a set of latches to hold the racks inoperative and adapted to be released separately to permit the racks to return the totalizer elements to zero successively thereby to control a recording mechanism. In the form shown the recording mechanism is constituted by punching mechanism whereby the total standing on the totalizer is perforated on a record card. The totalizer is of the type disclosed in U.S.A. Specification 1,881,640 and comprises elements 13, Fig. 2, controlled by a clutch mechanism 17 and a continuously rotating shaft 20 through the energization of electromagnets 15. Associated with each element 13 is a transfer arrangement comprising a train of gears, Fig. 4, each constituted by a pinion 30, loose on a spindle 31, planetary gears 33, 34 on a stud carried by the pinion and meshing respectively with a pinion 35 on the element 13 and a gear 36 on the adjacent element 13 of the next lower denomination. In accordance with the present invention, to take a total from the totalizer the pinions 30 mesh with gears 50 loose on a spindle. 51. Arranged above each gear is a rack 52 all of which racks are slidably supported in slots in a vertically movable carriage 55, and engage idler gears 56. Each rack is controlled by a spring 57 and has connected thereto, through a link 144, a selector bar 130 with a head adapted to co-operate with any one of a series of perforating punch pins 131. When it is desired to take a total the key 100, Fig. 1, is depressed to complete the circuit of an electromagnet 77 whereby a one-revolution clutch is operative to drive a shaft 75. During one revolution of the shaft 75 cams 107, Figs. 2 and 3, operate push rods 108 which by engaging projections on arms 62 cause the arms to rock clockwise, Fig. 2, and by means of a cross-bar 61 push the racks to their extreme right-hand position where they are held by latch arms 120 entering the notches 123 on the racks. Cams 74 now become operative to lower the arms 70 secured to the carriage 55 so that the racks are moved into mesh with the gears 50. Through gearing 113, 114 the shaft 115 is rotated and the cams 116 are then operative to raise pins 118 in succession to release the latches 120 starting from the units denomination or lowest order. Each of the pins 118 is slidable in plates 124, 125 and each has a member 126 which slidably supports a spring-controlled abutment 127. When a release pin 118 is raised the rack is freed and under the action of its spring 57 returns to the left, Fig. 2, until the totalizer element is arresting by the projection 150 thereon engaging the abutment 127. After the movement of the racks is completed cams 102 then operate to rock levers 105 and thereby lower links 137 connected to a reciprocating ram 135 which forces the appropriate punch pins 131 through a record card 156 and a die plate 153. On the completion of the operation the springs and cams restore the parts to normal position.