Patent GB-369307-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to methods of and machines for comparing statistical record cards
Filed: 1931-11-08
Abstract: 369,307. Statistical machines. THOMAS, A., 11, Sandy Lane South, Wallington, Surrey. Jan. 8, 1931, No. 747. [Class 106 (i).] A method of comparing two supposedly similar sets of statistical cards &c. consists in applying simultaneously to each pair of cards sensing mechanism and utilizing any relative movement between the sensing mechanisms to record or signal disagreement. Upper and lower sensing pin boxes are connected by a rod 3 and are reciprocated through crank and link mechanism 6, 7 from a main shaft. Below and in alignment with the upper sensing pins 1 is a set of testing pins 8 the lower parts 10 of which articulate about points 9. Similarly a set of testing pins 11 is disposed above the lower box of sensing pins 2. Cards are fed from a lower magazine 13 between pin plates 12 by means of a picker 14 and feed rollers 15. In similar fashion cards are fed from an upper magazine 19 between pin plates 18 the driving mechanism being arranged so that upper and lower pickers feed a card simultaneously. Each of the lower ends of the parts 10 is provided with a lug 23 normally in register with a slot 24 in the upper end of the corresponding lower testing pin 11. If the upper card agrees with the lower card corresponding sensing pins 1, 2 will pass through holes in the cards and move down together the lug 23 being still in register with the slot 24. A testing bar 25 is provided for each column which has comb teeth 26 engaging with the portions 10. This bar is adapted to be reciprocated transversely of the pins once for each cycle of the pin boxes at the moment when both boxes are fully in sensing position. As the bar moves, the lugs 23 will pass through the slots 24. If there is lack of agreement, the bar 25 will be held up in its movement and this is used either to stop the machine or to operate means to reject the non-agreeing pair of cards. Each testing bar is connected to the pin box frame by a spring 27 which initiates the testing movement the bars 25 being positively returned. The returning mechanism comprises a lug 32 which engages a lug 33 on the bar and is formed on a pivoted lever 30 which is reciprocated by cam gear from the shaft 22. Each bar 25 is provided with a notch 34 at one end, one wall of the notch being formed by a pivoted latch 35 connected to the bar by a spring 37. Disposed beneath each bar is a testing lever 38 formed with an upturned projection 39. All levers 38 are secured on the spindle 40 so that they swing with the spindle but may slide an amount permitted by slots 38a. The spindle 40 is oscillated by linkwork comprising a lever 42 mounted on the end of the pivot 5 of the rod 7. At a point 43 the lever is pivoted to a link 44 the other end of which is pivoted to the frame. The free end of the lever 42 is connected by a link 46 to an arm 47 free on the shaft 40 and connected by a spring 48 to an arm 49 fixed to the shaft 40, the arm 47 carrying a pin 50 bearing against the arm 49. As the pin boxes descend the arm 47 is rocked anticlockwise and also the arm 49 which causes the shaft 40 to rock raising the ends 39 of the levers 38. If agreement exists between the cards, the slots 34 will be in position to allow the ends 39 to enter when the levers 38 are raised. If any bar 25 is held by disagreement of the cards, then the corresponding lug 39 engages under the latch 35 and arm 49 and shaft 40 will be unable to follow the movement, the spring 48 becoming tensioned. The free end of arm 49 is connected by a link 51 to a lever 52 pivoted to the lever 53 the other end of which is supported on the shaft 40. Thus the right-hand end of lever 53 reciprocates with the pin boxes and moves the switch control lever 52 up and down. This lever has a lug 54 by which it can engage a pin 55 on the lever 56 connected by a link 57 with the motor switch. Normally the pin 58 is engaged by the left-hand of the slot and the lever 52 is pushed clear of pin 54. When lever 52 is down and the arm 49 is held by disagreement, the spring 60 pulls the lever to its left and on the up stroke the lug 54 engages the pin 55 and the switch is operated to stop the motor. In a modification the link mechanism is arranged to control the flaps of compartment where when the test bar is held one compartment is open to receive the cards and when the bar is permitted to move another compartment receives the cards. Any of the levers 38 may be pulled out to the full extent of the slot 38a so that only part of the card may be explored.