Improvements in Tabulating or Calculating Systems, and Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Apr., 1394-Accepted, 16th Mar., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tabulating or Calculating Systems, and Apparatus
therefor.
I, HERMAN HOLLERITH, Electrician, of 1360 E Street, Washington, District
of Columbia, United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
describe and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of one of the primary embodiments of my
system.
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the switch mechanism, the record card
being omitted.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a record card.
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating another embodiment of the
system.
Figure 5 is a top plan of an improved form of integrator mechanism, of which
Figure 6 is a front elevation Figure 7 an end elevation and Figure 8 a cross-
sectional view line - of Figure 5.
Figures 9 and are detail views of a portion of the detent mechanism.
Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the application in the system of
the improved integrator mechanism shown in Figures 5 to 9.
Figure 11 is a plan view of a properly punched record such as designed in
connection with the embodiments of the system shown in Figures
and 10.
Figure 12 is a plan view of a record card which has been insufficiently
punched.
Figure 13 is a similar view of an overpunched card.
Figure 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement or device which stops the
integrator from operating when the cards are erroneously perforated.
Figure 15 is a view of the integrator as seen from above, and
Figure 16 shows a detail of the same.
This invention relates to certain improvements in devices and apparatus for
ascertaining statistical facts by means of special record-cards, with the aid of
electricity. These improvements have the essential object of avoiding or detecting
errors, by suitable devices and arrangements in the mechanism and working of the
apparatus, adapted to secure that result. The record-cards are provided in a
well-known manner with perforations, or in any other way so characterised, that
when they are placed into a switch-mechanism and the latter is actionated they
establish particular circuits and cause corresponding registers or counters to be
actionated.
In such apparatus the following mechanism is employed :
First, a series of independent electrically controlled counters or registers and
appropriate circuit connections: Secondly, an integrator capable of producing in
each of a series of circuit connections, leading therefrom a different number of
electrical impulses or interruptions: Thirdly a switch mechanism controlling
communication between the several circuit connections leading from the integrator
and the circuit connections leading to the several counters or registers: and
Fourthly, an actuating or master circuit closed by the movement of the switch
mechanism, and controlling the starting and stopping of the integrator.

page_text: c
The switch mechanism as shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a fixed bed
plate C¹ provided with insulated contacts or terminals in the form of mercury cups
or equivalent contacts, and a movable platen, or what I prefer to call "pin box" C
carrying yielding pins or contacts c².
3
The pin box is provided with suitable guiding and supporting means, and is held
normally elevated, while a lever or other actuating device is provided for depressing
it to bring the contacts into engagement with the contacts c.
The connections to be made through the switch mechanism are regulated and
determined by a record card or strip-Figure 3-provided with perforations p
disposed according to a pre-arranged plan, interposed between the fixed and
movable sections of the switch mechanism, so that, as the movable section or pin
box is depressed, only those of the movable contacts or pins, which descend in
line with the perforations p in the record card will be permitted to pass through
the card and engage with their co-operating contacts c in the bed plate and thus
close the circuits with which they are connected, all other contacts being held
back and their circuits kept open by the bodily interposition of unperforated
portions of the record card or strip as will be readily understood.
In Figure 1 the contacts c of the bed plate C¹ (Figure 2) are indicated by small
semicircles, and their corresponding pins or studs by small vertical strong lines.
As is evident from this figure, the contacts c are electrically connected in groups 1×
to 9 inclusive, and the contacts or pins are also connected in groups numbered 4
to 24 inclusive, arranged at right angles to the groups 1*-9*, there being at least
nine contacts in each group, so arranged and disposed that one contact of each of
said groups 4-24 will be opposite one contact c of each group 1*-9*.
Each group of contacts 1*-9* is connected to one of the contacts or brushes -
of the integrator B, Figure 1, while each group of contacts 4-24 is connected to
one of the counters or registers A through the circuit connection a leading to the
magnet of said counter or register, the magnets of all the registers being connected
to a common return conductor a¹ having interposed in it a generator D and
Terminating in a contact or brush at the integrator.
Instead of forming permanent connection between groups 4-24 (the movable
contacts of the switch) and the several register circuit connections a as might be
done the former preferably terminate in pins or contacts c carried by the movable
pin box and co-operate with contacts e in the bed plate, said contacts lying outside
the record card when the latter is in position, so as to always close the circuits
whether any of the other contacts in the same group are permitted to pass the card
or not.
The movable pin box is provided with four additional or supplemental
contacts 3, 25, 27 and 28, (Figure 1) of which the first three have to do with the
proper location of the record cards on or in the switch mechanism. Contacts 3
and 25 occupy positions along one edge of the pin box, opposite the side gauge or
gauges go, and just beyond the margin of the record card when in position; while
contact 27 is located at one end just beyond the record card opposite the end
gauge gl.
As thus arranged if the record card is properly located it will not interfere with
the descent of any of the contacts but if shifted out of proper position, it will lie in
the path of one or more of the contacts, and prevent further advance on the part
of the contact thus engaged.
These three contacts 3, 25, and 27 are located in the same circuit and all three
must be in contact with the opposite electrodes or contacts 3 25 and 27 to close
the circuit, hence if any one is held back the circuit will remain open and the
apparatus inactive, inasmuch as said contacts are located in what may be termed a
master or starting circuit, which, in the present instance, includes the devices for
setting in motion the integrator through which the several operating circuits
extend.
The contact 28 is also carried by the movable pin box and co-operates with the
contact 28 on the base; it, too, is located in the master circuit and is adjusted to

page_text: effect the final closing and first opening of the circuit in which it is located, so that
all the sparking in that circuit will occur at this one point where it can be most
easily controlled and its injurious effects provided against.
The integrator B (shown diagrammatically in Figure 1) is an apparatus for
producing in each of a series of circuit connections leading to groups 1*-9* a different
series of electrical impulses of such form, duration and character as to effect the
registering devices to advance them as many steps or units as there are electrical
impulses sent over the particular circuit at the time including the particular
register. In the example given, contacts or brushes to , inclusive are the
terminals of the groups of contacts 1*9* and they are arranged to be engaged
intermittently by a series of contacts or bars 610, mounted upon a rotating cylinder
driven by a suitable motor and provided with a detent mechanism, the latter
controlled by a magnet e in the master or starting circuit. A contact or brush b
forming one terminal of the generator circuit is also arranged to engage each of the
contacts, thereby completing the circuit through the latter and each of the
contacts to 6º. The contacts or bars 60 are so arranged and disposed upon
the cylinder that during a complete movement of the latter, i.e., a complete or
partial rotation, contact or brush will be engaged by but-one of said contacts 610;
contact or brush 6, by two contacts; 6 by three, and so on throughout the series,
the last contact or brush b, being engaged by nine contacts 6,10.
The ultimate effect produced by one complete movement of the integrator is as
follows;-
The master circuit being closed, the integrator cylinder is started and the current
entering through contact or brush b, passes successively, through the contacts or
bars to contacts or brushes 61-6, and each of said last named contacts receives
a different number of electrical impulses, from 1 to 9. If now, any of the circuits
through the switch mechanism be closed through the registers or counters, the
latter will be advanced as many points as there are pulsations produced in its
circuit, and the number of pulsations will be governed by the record card in
placing any one of the contacts - in communication with that particular
register.
It will be observed that the contacts of each group of contacts 1*9* can be
placed in communication with the contacts of any one or more of the groups of
contacts 4-24 thus closing circuit connections through one or more of the register
magnets, and that each group of contacts 1x-9x, through its connections with the
integrator, receives and transmits a series of electrical pulsations corresponding to
the assigned value of the group. Assuming, for the purposes of illustration, that
the series of items embraced but the three groups of contacts 4, 5 and 6 (the
number of contacts 4-24 apportioned to any given series of calculations being a
matter of choice) and that the value to be registered or added is 562. The record
card will be perforated at the 5th division from the top in the column corresponding
to group 4, in the 6th division of group 5 and in the 2nd division of group 6. The
card having been properly located on the bed plate or platen, when the pin box is
brought down the circuit connections will be closed through the register magnets
and integrator, and five pulsations will be sent through the register magnet
belonging to group of contacts 4, six pulsations will be sent through group
two through group 6, each register being advanced the number of digits represented
by the perforations in the column of the record card belonging to that particular
register.
and
If the record card is not placed fairly in position on the bed plate so that the
contacts 3, 25 and 27 will pass the edges, one or more of said contacts will engage
the card, thereby preventing the closing of the master circuit and the starting of
the integrator, which fact will be observed by the operator who will thus be
apprised of the record card not being properly adjusted.
A check is thus provided for one source of errors, those liable to arise from the
failure to properly locate the record card so as to bring the several divisions in

page_text: register with the contacts of the pin box, and if the records made on the record
cards were absolutely accurate the system thus far described would be adequate for
most purposes.
In actual operation however it has been found that there are certain difficulties
arising mainly from carelessness or inaccuracy on the part of the operator in
preparing the record cards.
First. The clerk whose duty it is to prepare the record card may fail to punch
some of the digits representing items or values entering into the computation.
Second. Two or more holes may be punched in one column (each column
representing one of the groups of contacts 4-24) and none in another.
Third. The card may be placed in the machine crooked; or the holes be punched
out of position so that some pins which ought to go down will be held up, thus
causing a failure to register.
Fourth. Some pin or pins in the pin box may be broken or stuck, thereby
preventing the closing of one or more of the circuits designated by the holes in the
record card.
Fifth. Two holes may be punched in one column while at least one hole is
punched in every other column.
Experience has amply demonstrated that these are not imaginary, but are actual
difficulties certain to occur in practice, and are productive of serious results, so far
as accuracy is concerned.
In the first place, the omission of holes that should have been punched, the
presence of broken pins, or the sticking of the pins etc., will affect the results by
the omission of a corresponding amount, i.e., the value of the items not registered.
When however two or more holes are punched in one column a rather startling
result will be obtained. Suppose, for example, a hole is punched in every column
corresponding to the value 1. Each counter should and ordinarily would register 1.
If, however, in any column an additional hole is punched representing a higher
value so as to make two holes in one column, then each counter instead of
registering 1 will register according to the value of the additional hole of higher
value.
.
To illustrate. Suppose a hole is punched in the first and ninth divisions of the
first coluton connecting groups 9x and 4 (see Figure 1), nine impulses will be
transmitted through the register magnet and the counter will be advanced nine
points.
If, at the same time, a hole is punched in the first division of the second column
so that groups 1* and 5 will be connected, the magnet of the register belonging to
the second column or group 5 instead of receiving one impulse only, as it should,
will receive nine impulses, because the current transmitted through contact or
brush will be conducted from group 9x through group 4 to group 1x and thence to
group 5 and to the register magnet. Thus, the pulsations or impulses delivered to
group 9* from contact or brush and designed to influence only such of the
register magnets as are connected by holes in the ninth divisions of each column or
group 4-24, are diverted onto the group 1x, by the perforation in the first division,
and are transmitted to all register magnets at the time connected with a contact in
group 1 through a hole in the first division.
It will be seen that if 1 and 9 be punched in any one column, every other 1
punched in the other columns will register 9, be it units, tens, thousands or millions.
A corresponding improper registration will take place upon the forming of
multiple holes in any column of the record card, the hole of higher value always
dominating.
With a view to overcoming the defects noted and thereby eliminating those errors
due to the inaccuracy of the person who prepared the record card or strip, I have
devised and invented certain improvements in the nature of modifications and
extensions of the primary system, and especially designed first to prevent the
registration of cards not containing at least one hole in each column in order to

page_text: effect any registration whatever; and secondly, to indicate a mistake resulting from
double punching or the punching of more than one hole in any column of the card,
thereby enabling a timely correction of the error to be made.
The improvements designed to detect record cards in which each column is not
represented by at least one punched hole, or, in other words, to detect record cards
bearing incomplete records will first be described.
This feature of my invention is based upon and involves the punching of at least
one hole in every column of the record card whether the hole punched represent a
value to be registered or not, thus requiring that a hole be punched at some point
in each column in order to render the card, as a whole, operative to actuate the
registering mechanism.
In carrying this idea into practice the first step involved is the provision of an
additional series of divisions on the card (by divisions I mean pre-arranged locations
on the card apportioned among the various items or series of items designated by
the punched holes) one for each column representing say 0 (see Figures 11, 12
and 13) which additional division or 0 is designed to be punched whenever there is
no value to be recorded in the particular column. Thus if 60 is to be recorded on
the card, the sixth division in the tens column will be punched and there being
nothing in the units column to be recorded instead of skipping that column as
heretofore, the 0 therein will be punched.
Similarly also the 0 division must be punched in the column of hundreds
as well.
The next step is the provision of an additional group of contacts 0x in the pin
box (see diagrammatic view Figure 4) and the addition of one co-operating contact
to each of the series of groups of contacts 4 to 24. These represent the additions
to the switch mechanism, such additions are not designed to directly affect the
operation of the registers or counters, but merely the master circuit which controls
the starting of the integrator, as hereinafter more fully appears.
"'
The master circuit E includes a series of relay contacts (Figure 4) one for each
group of contacts 4-24 and said relay contacts are controlled by relay magnets R
connected in circuit with said series of groups of contacts, there being one such
relay magnet and relay contact for each of said groups of contacts.
To start the integrator the master circuit must be closed, and this can only occur
when all the relay contacts are closed, hence if the circuit to any one or more of
the relay magnets is not established, the master circuit will remain broken at one
or more points, and the integrator will be prevented from being started when the
pin box is depressed. The closing of the relay circuits requires that at least one
hole should be punched in each column, and the omission to so punch each column
will be at once indicated by the failure of the integrator to start when the pin box
is depressed.
It is necessary that the switch mechanism should be so connected up with the
battery that upon the descent of the pin box each group of contacts 0x to 9x will
be in condition to close the circuits through the holes in the card and the series of
groups of contacts 4 to 24, and this can conveniently be. effected by providing the
integrator with a contact or bar 6" so located and arranged that when the
integrator is at rest, at the starting point, the several contacts or brushes 6º-6°
will rest upon said bar and be in circuit with the battery through contact or
brush h.
Assuming now that a record card properly punched with a single hole in each
column, as shown in Figure 11, is properly placed upon the bed plate, and that the
pin box is brought down a pin in each of the groups of contacts 0 to 9* Figure 4,
will pass through the holes in the card and make contact with one or other of the
contacts in each of the series of groups of contacts 4 to 24, the result being the
energizing of all the relay magnets R, the closing of all the relay contacts_r,
the completion of the master circuit E, the energizing of the starting magnet B"
the withdrawal of the detent from the integrator cylinder and the advance of the
integrator cylinder under the influence of its motor or prime mover.

page_text: Should, however, a card be introduced in which there has been a failure to punch
-a hole in one or more of the columns (as illustrated by the card in Figure 12) or
should any pin opposite one of the punched holes be stuck or broken, the bringing
down of the pin box would fail to operate one or more relays, and this master
-circuit being thus left open at one or more points, the starting magnet would not be
-energized and the integrator would not be operated.
As soon as the master circuit is closed through the series of relay and other
contacts and the integrator conimences to move, the contact bar Figure 4,
through which all of the series of groups of contacts 0-9x are placed in
communication with the battery, is withdrawn from the contacts or brushes 6º-b;*
thus opening all the circuits through the switch mechanism, the continued movement
of the integrator then operating to produce the electrical impulses in the circuits
connected to contact strips b-6, the contact strip not being re-engaged till the
integrator again reaches first position.
With this arrangement, if the pin box remained depressed until the bar 6 again
engaged the contact strips and closed the circuits through the switch mechanism,
the detent would be a second time withdrawn, and the described operation of the
apparatus repeated. To prevent this re-registration by the same card, the detent
mechanism is provided with a second stop for arresting the movement of the
integrator just before the bar is brought into position to close the circuits
through the switch mechanism, and this second stop is brought into action by closing
the master circuit through a branch which is effected by a contact f' mounte i
upon the integrator cylinder or otherwise moved in unison with it and engaging two
brushes constituting the terminals of the branch circuit.
This second detent serves to hold the integrator stationary so long as the master
circuit remains short circuited through the branch fand until the pin box is
elevated, breaking the master circuit at every relay and permitting the integrator
to advance to the first detent again, when the contact or bar 6" will again engage
the contacts or brushes 0*--9* but no current will flow through the circuits owing to
the elevation of the pin box. During this movement the branch circuit f is again
opened, to be closed only after the integrator has been set in motion and has nearly
reached the limit of its movement.
It will be observed that the circuits through the switch mechanism are utilized
in controlling the starting of the integrator, the record card itself being the
principal element in determining whether or not such starting shall take place.
Provision having thus been made for starting the integrator, the registering of
the various items designated on the record card may be effected as follows:-
Interposed in the circuit connection of each of the groups of contacts 4-24 is
a second relay magnet R. Each of these relay magnets R' controls a relay
contact in a circuit including a generator a register magnet and a circuit
closing device 1.³.
For convenience, the several relay contacts and their register
magnets are arranged in multiple are with a single generator and circuit closer ³,
the arrangement being such that when the circuit closer closes the circuit and one
or more of the relay contacts is or are closed, the register magnet or magnets of
the closed relay contact or contacts will be energized and the register or registers
operated once for each closure.
Inasmuch as the relay magnets R' are arranged in the same circuits with the
relay magnets R, which latter affect the starting of the integrator, provision is
made for preventing the movements of the registering devices when the circuits
through the switch mechanism are closed for starting the integrator, and in the
present instance this is accomplished by the employment of the circuit closing
device which operates to connect the several register magnets with the generator
when their relay contacts are closed.
To this end the circuit closing device in the form of a contact strip is arranged
to move in unison with the integrator cylinder and is so located with relation to the
contact bar that when the latter is in engagement with the contacts or
brushes the circuit including generator will be open and no.current can pass

page_text: hrough the register magnets when their relay contacts are closed. After the
integrator has been started and contact bar " has been withdrawn, and before the-
integrator contacts or bars are brought into action to send electrical impulses
through the switch mechanism, the circuit closing device engages or closes the
circuit connections leading to battery and holds said circuit closed while the
integrator contacts or bars are acting, thereby placing the battery in
communication with the several register magnet circuits so that each time the
relay contacts are closed an electrical impulse will be transmitted through the
register magnet.
The circuit closer opens the circuit or disconnects the battery after the last
integrator contact or bar 610 passes beyond the contact strips 1*-9*, and before the
latter re-engage the contact or bar
The integrator having been started, as herein before explained, each relay
magnet R' closes its relay contact as many times as there are electrical impulses trans--
mitted from the integrator through the circuit closed through the switch mechanism
including the particular relay magnet; and the number of pulsations or impulses
transmitted through any one of the relay magnets. R' is determined entirely by the
location of the hole in record card through which any contact in groups 1×-9* is
connected to any contact in the groups 4-24.
It will be noted that in the first described embodiment of my invention the
electrical impulses or pulsations which directly affect the register magnets are
transmitted by the integrator through the circuits of the switch mechanism; and
in the second or later described embodiment such impulses or pulsations are likewise
transmitted through the circuits of the switch mechanism, but instead of acting
directly upon the register magnets, operate through relays to open and close a
local circuit in which the register magnets are interposed. I prefer however to
employ an integrator mechanism by which the circuits through the switch mechanism
will be held closed, and the relays will operate to close local circuits through which
a predetermined number of electrical impulses are transmitted for the purpose of
energizing the register magnets.
Such mechanism is represented in Figures 5 to 9* inclusive and diagrammatically
in Figure 10.
Upon a shaft B' is mounted a cylinder provided with a stepped or graduated
plate B of conducting material. Upon the same shaft, but insulated therefrom
aud from each other, are mounted the contact plate r, and a circuit breaking
wheel B'.
Independent insulated brush holders B are mounted upon a rod B and each of
said brush holders is provided with a limiting screw and a spring for adjusting it
in proper position. The contacts or brushes 60 to 6' are secured to this series of
brush holders, and in addition thereto two pairs of contacts or brushes and t
are provided, the brushes & representing terminals of the branch f Fig. 4 of the
master circuit, while the brushes & form terminals of the register circuit.
The circuit breaking wheel B is formed or provided with a series of nine teeth
or projections, and the conducting plate B' is formed of varying width in the
direction of the motion of said plate, so that the several contacts or brushes will
remain in contact with said plate during a longer or shorter interval; thus, the
contact.or brush & co-operates with the narrowest portion O, the contact brush /,
with the next wider portion O' and so on throughout the series except that the
brushes and b both engage the widest section 0°. The motor device preferably
employed for actuating the integrator is an electric motor B designed to run
continuously so as to furnish a constant source of power, said motor being con-
nected to the integrator shaft through a suitable train of gearing and a friction
driver represented in this instance by the gear B7 whose hub is held against a fixed
collar B on the shaft by an adjustable tension spring B' so that when the
integrator shaft is arrested the gear B' will continue to be driven by the motor,
but be always ready to rotate the shaft when the latter is released.
In order to impart steadiness to the running of the motor it is preferably

page_text: provided with a governor consisting essentially of a series of spring arms Bit
weighted at their middle, and connected at one end to a fixed head B and at the
opposite end to a head B movable upon a shaft B connected to the gear train,
said movable head carrying an insulated disc B" which, when the governing
weights are thrown outward, engages a contact arm B included in the master
circuit, and operates to break or weaken said circuit, thereby interrupting or
diminishing the power of the motor and slackening its speed until the circuit is
again established.
The detent mechanism comprises an arm or projection B
upon the shaft B',
said arm being provided with two stop pins or shoulders B18 B arranged at
different distances from the shaft and one slightly in advance of the other. An
arm B provided with a piu or shoulder B" (moved in one direction by a spring B
and in the opposite direction by the electro-magnet B2 in the master circuit)
is so arranged that its shoulder B" will alternately engage the stop pins or
shoulders B18 B that is to say when the arm B is carried to one position by the
energizing of the magnet B2 its shoulder B will stand in the path of the pin or
shoulder B18 and arrest the shaft; and when the master circuit is broken and the
magnet ceases to be energized the spring will retract the arm, removing its shoulder
from in front of pin or shoulder B18 and carrying it into the path of the more
rearward pin or shoulder B1 whereupon the shaft will be advanced slightly under
the influence of the motor until said pin B engages the shoulder on the arm,
where it will remain until the inagnet 3 is again energized by the closing of the
master circuit for starting the integrator.
I would here state that the base or forward edge o of the conducting plate B³
Figure 10 performs the functions of the conducting bar 6" of the integrator
represented in Figure 4, that is to say, it connects the battery through the contact
or brush 6, with each of the contacts or brushes to b so that each group of
contacts 0 to 9x may be placed in communication, with one of the relays R,
through the holes in the record cards for closing the master circuit and starting the
integrator. The narrowest portion of the plate B' is of such width that it will
be moved out of contact with the contact strip or brush 60 before the brushes 613 bis
are engaged by the first tooth of the circuit-breaking wheel B³ consequently the
circuit including brush is broken before the first impulse is sent through the
register circuit.
The circuits through contacts or brushes b' to remain closed so long as the
said brushes bear upon the conducting plate B2, and the circuits are broken
successively after the passage of each tooth of circuit-breaking wheel B³; that is to
say, the brush & remains in contact during the passage of the first tooth, the
brush remains in contact during the passage of two teeth, and so on throughout
the series, the brush & retaining contact until the end of the plate is reached.
It will thus be seen that the group of contacts 1× (see Figure 10) will be
connected to the battery while one impulse is being sent through the register
circuit, after which said group will be cut out and those relays which are in com-
nunication with said group of contacts through perforations in the record card
will be caused to open the local circuits, thereby preventing the passage of the
next succeeding impulse from battery through said local circuit.
Those circuits which are closed through the switch mechanism and include the
contact strip or brush will remain closed and their relays will hold the local
register circuits closed while two impulses are being sent through the register
circuit, after which the circuits including the group of contacts 2x will be cut out
and the local register circuits controlled by the relays will be broken. Thus after
the passage of each tooth of the circuit-breaking wheel B one of the groups of
contacts will be disconnected from the battery and such of the relays as are
at the time connected in circuit will be operated to open its local register circuit
and thus prevent the passage of any greater number of electrical impulses than
are assigned to the particular group 1*9* which is cut out by the passage of its
contact or brush b'-from off the conducting plate B*.

page_text: The contact plate
is arranged to engage the brushes 6" before the circuit
breaking wheel has completed its movement and it operates to energize the starting
magnet B in the master circuit to arrest the movement of the integrator shaft as
the circuit breaking wheel completes its motion thereby holding the integrator
stationary after a complete registration has been effected and until the master
circuit is broken by raising the pin box, when the integrator will be again advanced
to the second stop B" in position to be again operated and the brushes 6" will pass
off the contact. Conformably therewith, the position I, shown in Figure 94 in full
lines corresponds to the starting position of the cylinder. When all the relays rare
closed, the lever-arm B is drawn into the position II by the electro-magnet B".
The stop B liberates the stop B and the cylinder rotates. During the revolution
of the cylinder some individual relay-contacts r are interrupted, and then the
electro-magnet B liberates the lever-arm B, until, shortly before the end of the
revolution, the contact-plate again closes the current of the local battery,
the lever-arm assumes the position III Figure 9, and the stop B" encounters the
stop B18 of the lever-arm B. If then the local-current is again interrupted by
the lifting of the pin box C' the electromagnet B once more liberates the lever-
arm B allowing it to assume the position IV, Figure 9, and to catch the stop B¹º
with its stop B (position I, Figure 94).
.
I have described but a single conducting plate B³, a single contact plate › a
circuit breaking wheel having only one series of nine teeth and but a single arm B
with its two stops B18 B but it is obvious that these parts may all be arranged in
duplicate and I have so shown them in the drawings Figures 5 to 9.
Reference is made in the earlier part of this Specification to a further improve-
ment or extension of my system designed to detect the presence of a record card
bearing duplicate holes in any one column, and I will now proceed to describe at
length this feature of my invention. Such an over-punched card is shown in
Figure 13 where two holes are indicated in the first column. -
It will be observed, that each contact or brush 6° 6° either produces or controls
the production of a different series of electrical impulses in the registering circuits,
the series running from 0 to 9.
In order to be enabled to distinguish the over-punched card, for each of said
brushes a separate tell-tale register is provided upon which is registered the number
of impulses produced or controlled by that brush, whether said impulses so produced
or controlled operate the other registers of the system or not.
As also hereinbefore explained, whenever a card having two holes punched in
any one column is acted upon, the pin passing through the hole of higher value
will carry the current through the group of which it is a member to the pin passing
through the hole of lower value and thence to one of the groups of contacts 0*9*,
thereby increasing the number of pulsations produced or controlled by said group
of contacts of lower values and, to the extent of the increase augmenting the
number of points which should be registered by the register corresponding to the
hole of lower value. This defect is common to both the systems described, that is
to say, the system having the register magnets in the circuits of the switch
mechanism and the system in which the registers are arranged in local circuits with
relays in the circuits of the switch mechanism. Now, when such a false or iniproper
registration is made the fact is indicated upon the tell-tale registers I have referred
to, that is to say, the tell-tale register belonging to the group of contacts into which
the current has been diverted instead of indicating the number belonging to that
group, or a multiple thereof, will indicate an increase equal to the difference
between the number belonging to that group and the number of the group of higher
value. For example, the tell-tale register belonging to group of contacts O* will
normally make no registration; that belonging to group 1 will indicate one point
for each operation of the integrator; that belonging to group 2x will indicate two
points and so on, throughout the series the tell-tale register of group 9* indicating
nine points. If, now, two holes are punched, say, in the first and ninth divisions of
any one column, group 9x will be placed in communication with group 1* and a
B

page_text: series of nine impulses will be produced in the register circuit containing the
tell-tale register belonging to group 1 and the register will be advanced nine
points instead of one. Upon observing the fact that the tell-tale register belonging
to group 1x indicated nine points when it should have indicated but one the operator
would know at once that a card having duplicate holes in one column had been
acted upon, and that the holes were located in the first and ninth divisions of the
column, because the tell-tale register of group 1* indicated eight points more than
it should normally, and the increase (8) above the normal (1) added to the latter,
indicates the hole of higher value in the column containing the one hole.
There are numerous ways in which the tell-tale registers can be connected up to
do this work and adapted to operate with various styles of integrators and an
illustration is given of a preferred plan in Figures 4 and 10, wherein the tell-tale
registers are shown arranged for operation with the two forms of integrator
mechanism hereinbefore described.
Referring first to Figure 4, a separate branch circuit is provided for each tell-tale
register, each branch including when closed-through contacts or bars 610 611 one of
the contacts or brushes &, a generator B Fig. 4 and a relay magnet R³.
These several branch circuits being connected to contacts or brushes 6º-68, either
directly or through the groups of contacts 0* 9x as shown, each receives through
the integrator the same number of electrical impulses as its corresponding group
of contacts 0*9*, that is to say, the branch connected to contact or brush 1,0
and belonging to group of contacts 0* receives a single impulse (when in contact
with bar ); the branch connected to contact or brush and belonging to
group of contacts 1* receives two impulses; and so on throughout the series,
the branch connected to receiving ten impulses.
It is to be remembered, however, that the first impulse transmitted through
contact bar while the integrator is at rest, is not a counting but merely a
starting impulse, hence it follows that the several branch circuits will be closed
and the relay magnets R³ energized at the same time that the relay magnets R
and R' of the master and register circuits are energised, but the period during
which the counting is effected begins after the integrator has started the contact
bar withdrawn and the circuit closer has placed the register circuits in
connection with the battery or generator 3.
The magnets of the several tell-tale registers R' are placed in separate circuits
or branches, each including the contacts of one of the relay magnets R³ and the
several tell-tale circuits or branches are placed in communication with the
generator through the circuit closer after the contacts or brushes 6° 6° have
passed the contact bar ".
If the record card is properly punched, that is, has one hole in each column,
every complete movement of the integrator will occasion the advance of each
tell-tale register, with the exception of that one connected to group of contacts 0,
as many points as there are produced electrical impulses in the group of
contacts 1*9* to which it is connected, whether or not a register circuit is at the
same time closed through the contacts of said group; and the passing of a number
of record cards, say 10, through the switch mechanism will be indicated as 10 on
the tell-tale register of group 1x ; 20 on the telltale of group 2×; 30 on tell-tale
register of group 3*; and so on through the series of telltale register of group 9*
indicating 90 because during ten complete movements of the integrator 90 operative
or counting impulses have been sent into group of contacts 9* through the contacts
or bars 60 of the integrator.
Suppose the eleventh record card had two holes punched in one column, say
the 0 and 9 in the first column, and one hole in every other column; the nine
impulses sent through the group of contacts 9x would be transmitted to the branch
circuit containing the relay magnet R' of the group of contacts 0x and the tell-tale
register would indicate nine points, when it should not indicate any if the card
were properly punched.
If the record card contained holes. in say the 4th and 6th divisions of one column,

page_text: six impulses would be sent through the tell-tale register of group of contacts 4*
and said tell-tale register would show 46 points instead of 44, the two points above
the normal indicating that the duplicate holes are in the fourth and sixth divisions
of a column, the first indicated by the tell-tale register on which the irregular
number is shown, and the second, by adding the excess, two to the normal, four
showing that the irregular registration was due to the connection formed between
the fourth (4*) and sixth (6x) groups of contacts.
The described arrangement of tell-tale registers and circuits can be used in
connection with the modified and improved integrator mechanism as represented in
Figure 10, wherein the circuits of the relay magnets are closed and remain closed
a shorter or longer time according to the value or number of the digits, while the
counting impulses are produced by the circuit breaker in the register circuits. In
this case, the branch circuit containing the relay magnet of tell-tale register
belonging to group 1x will be held closed while one impulse traverses the circuit of
the tell-tale, after which said branch circuit will open and the relay contacts being
separated the register circuit will be broken so that succeeding impulses in the
register circuit will not normally affect the tell-tale register.
With a little practice one learns to distinguish, with a single glance at the
tell-tale register, whether a card with a twice-punched column exists, or whether
the cards have all been correctly perforated.
It would, however, be very easy to find an arrangement whereby a twice-punched
column should make its existence known by the fact that the integrator should
entirely fail to operate.
Such an arrangement is that shown in diagram Figure 14. This integrator
varies very slightly from that shown in Figures 5-9, and it is shown in Figure 15
as seen from above, while Figure 16 shows the modification of the arm B" of the
cylinder. The connections of the groups 4 to 24 are divided and both branches.
have relay-magnets R and electro-magnets R° for the register A.
In these branch
convections, there are further also relay-contacts m and o, whereof the relay-
magnets M and O are arranged in series, and on one hand are connected with the
brushes M and O'. The brush M' corresponds to a short block M' on the
cylinder of the integrator, but the brush O' to a longer strip O'.
*0* to 9* are connected through relay-contacts n with electro-magnets P arranged
in series so that between each pair of contacts there is an electro-magnet P. All
the electro-magnets P are connected with a current generator Q, yet there is still
one other relay-contact a¹ inserted in this connection in order that the generator Q
may only operate while the apparatus is at work. All the relay-magnets N are
arranged in series and connected on one hand with a brush N', which corresponds
to a block N' on the opposite side of M' from the integrator-cylinder as shown in
Figure 15 and on the other hand, the relay-magnets M, O, N, through their
return-connections E are included in the master circuit embracing the battery D.
Connected with this battery is the brush E¹ which rubs on the ring E. The
ring E, the strip O and the blocks M' and N of the integrator are in metallic
connection with each other, but, for the rest, they are insulated from the cylinder
itself. Similarly the contact plate or circuit-closer is separately insulated from
the integrator-cylinder.
The relay-contacts r and p of the relay-magnets R and P are arranged in series
and form a separate shunt-circuit of the master circuit.
On the cylinder furthermore there is also arranged the insulated block for the
two brushes, while the circuit breaking wheel is in the form of separate
teeth B³ projecting outside the periphery of B opposite to the brush b.
The bar or rod " lies in a straight line with the block M², while the block N'
is directly opposite to the open space between the bar and the first tooth B*.
The right hand edge of the strip 0' corresponds to the right-hand edge of the first
tooth B. For the rest, the cylinder is provided with the stepped plate B' as in
the arrangement herein before described. The arm B", besides the two stops B**

page_text: -
and D nas & untru stop D, which is just as far away from the smart D
stop Bi
In the starting position of the cylinder Figure 14, all the brushes b, bº, b¹, to b
touch the insulated bar b"; further-more, the brush E' touches the ring E' and
the brush M' the block M³, and the stop B" encounters B" as illustrated in
Fig. 16.
Then, on the depression of the piu-box C, a circuit will be formed through
the brush E', the ring E, the block M², the brush M¹, all the relay-magnets M,
and the return wire E. Consequently, all the relay-contacts m are in circuit and
all the relays R will establish circuit through r, in like manner, if all the vertical
columns or groups 4 to 24 of cards are properly perforated. If, however, a
perforation has been omitted in any column, the relay R belonging thereto remains
inoperative, and accordingly at one contact the circuit is interrupted. In the first
case, a current from the battery D is shunted over the contact ŕ to the admission
electro-magnet B", and this would, in the manner herein before described, cause the
cylinder to rotate. But in the second case the electro-maguet is not energised and
the cylinder remains motionless, indicating that one of the columns contains a card
which has not been duly perforated in the prescribed manner.
But, so soon as by the rotation of the cylinder, the stop B" of the integrator
lever-arm B has passed the stop B", the cylinder has so far advanced in its
revolution that the block M' is no longer in contact with the brush M' and the
relays M are cut out. Accordingly the contacts m are opened, the relays R cease
to be operative, the contacts rare thrown open, the electro-magnet B" ceases to be
energized and liberates the lever-arm B, and the stop B" carried by B" engages
with the stop B2 carried by the lever arm B, Figure 16. In this position of the
cylinder, the bar has quitted all the brushes b, ° °, so that the battery G
is entirely thrown out of operation. On the contrary the block N' is at this time
in contact with the brush N', and a circuit is thus formed from the battery D,
through the brush E', the ring E, the block N', the brush N¹, all the relays N,
and the return wire E. Conformably thereto, the local battery Q is put in circuit
with the relay-contacts and the relays P, all arranged in a series become operative,
in case no shuut circuit follows through the connections 0* 1* to 9*.
In this case
the circuit current is closed through p and a shunt circuit is formed through the
contact p, from the battery D, over the electro-magnet B, so that accordingly the
lever-arm B is attracted for the second time, the stop B" of the lever-arm B7 is
liberated and the cylinder is free to rotate.
If however, the card in any vertical column or group were over-punched so as to
have two perforations, then, for the battery current from there is formed at this
point, by means of the vertical column in question-say, for example, 24-and the
wires 8× 9* a supplementary shunt of such feeble resistance, that the relay in
question remains in-operative and its contact p unclosed, and accordingly no
current from the battery D can be shunted over the electromagnet B.
Consequently the lever arm B0 and the cylinder remain motionless, which is also
an indication that a card in one of the rows has been twice punched, and not
perforated in the prescribed manner.
If the cards have been duly perforated as prescribed, the rotating cylinder by
means of the stepped metal plate B, and the teeth B³, transmits current-impulses
through the electro-maguets R of the register, while the contacts o by means of
the relay O, brush O' strip 02, ring E', brush B', battery D and return wire E, is
kept in closed circuit. Towards the end of the cylinder-revolution, the contact
plate once more, by means of the brushes, closes the battery circuit D, so that
the lever arm B20 is. again attracted and the stop B18 is arrested by the stop B".
If then the circuit current be again interrupted by the lifting of the platen or
pin-box C, the lever-arm B resumes its position of rest, and the stop B
encounters B".
Should it merely be a matter of testing the record-cards, only the relays N and P

page_text: are called into operation, the contacts N' N* and E' E' may then be simply
arranged on the pin-box, and the magnet B serves, for instance, to give a signal
that the card is properly perforated in the prescribed manner.
In this case the
relays R R M and N may be entirely passed over.
The before described apparatus is also adapted for use with such record-cards as
have their fields arranged, not in columns, but in divisions of any desired number.
It only then needs that the communication between the connections 4 to 24 with the
pins or of the connections 1*--9* with the contacts of the bedplate should be
arranged in such manner as to correspond to the switch mechanism.
Furthermore, without departure from the system, the apparatus and arrangements
might be applied to record-cards in the form of endless bands.
Similarly, other devices might be employed besides the perforations, which would
be adapted to operate the contacts though, all the same, perforations are the
simplest method.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what mauner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is ;-
1. In a contact making or circuit-closing device, operated by record-cards or
endless bands a number of independent circuits in electrical communication with the
closer and including relay maguets whereof the contacts are arranged in series in a
working or master circuit in such manner that the latter shall be closed only when in
each vertical column or in each division of the record-cards there exists one field
which operates the closure of all the circuits.
2. In a contact-making or circuit-closing device such as described in Claim 1 an
integrator or addition-apparatus driven by a motor or controlled by an escapement
or detent mechanism in the master-circuit in such manner that the integrator is
thrown into operation by a pull upon an armature lever or by the displacement of a
lever arm.
3. In combination with a control-escapement or detent mechanism such as
described in Claim 2, a switch mechanism operated by the integrating device in such
manner that the latter after a certain extent of rotation is arrested by the
interruption of the master circuit but makes a small further rotation and then is
stopped anew.
4. In a device such as described in Claim 1 a contact-bar (6") which in the initial
position of the cylinder (B) enables a number of independent circuits to be put in
communication with a current-generator.
5. In a device such as described in Claim 1 relay-magnets in the independent
circuits which influence local or short circuits wherein electro-magnets of the
register are included.
6. In combination with the arrangement such as described in Claim 5 a circuit-
closing strip or plate and a number of bars of unequal length insulated from each
other or a stepped plate (B) and a circuit-breaker (B') which are arranged on the
cylinder of the integrator and enable a definite number of electric current impulses
to be transmitted through the various electro-magnets of the register.
7. In combination with the device such as described in Claim 1 further
circuits 0 to 9* containing relay-electro-magnets (R) which are intended to detect
over-punched cards.
8. In combination with the arrangement described in Claim 7 local or short
circuits with control-registers (R³, which are actuated by the electro-
magnets (R').
9. In combination with the device such as described in Claim 1 a series of relay-
electro-maguets (M) arranged in series whereof the armatures close the independent
circuits (through m) when the existence of a perforation in each column or division
is to be checked, and a second series of relay-electro-magnets (0) arranged in series
whereof the armatures close the register-circuits.
10. A device for detecting over-punched cards characterised by a series of

page_text: electro-magnets (P) arranged in series energised by a special current generator (Q)
and communicating with the group-circuits (0* to 9*) in such manner that when-
ever there occurs an over-punched card i.e. when there are two perforations in one
column or division of the record cards a shunt of weak resistance takes place so
that one or more of the electro-magnets (P) is or are de-energised.
11. In combination with the arrangement such as described in Claim 10 a series
of relay-electro-magnets (N) arranged in series whereof the armatures close the
shunt-circuits (0x to 9x) when the integrator-cylinder is in a particular position.
12. In combination with the arrangement described in Claim 10 à series of
circuit-closers (p) arranged in series in the master circuit which are actuated by the
electro-magnets P.
13. In combination with the arrangement described in Claim 12 a switch-
mechanism which operates to control or stop the integrator in such manner that the
latter is rendered inoperative whenever one or more of the circuit-closing
contacts (p) remains open and the circuit interrupted.
14. An integrating mechanism whereof the cylinder comprises and is provided
with one or more stepped plates (B³) one or more circuit-closing blocks or
contacts (r) a circuit breaker and maker (B) and one or more arms (B") with in
each case two projecting stops (B18 B10) unequally distant from the axis of the
cylinder and which project in the path of the stop (B2) of the armature-
lever (B).
15. An integrator or addition-device whereof the cylinder in addition to the
parts named in Claim 14 is also provided with contact-blocks (M' and N*) and
strips (E' and O*) and has its arm (B17) provided with a third stop (B).
Dated this 23rd day of April 1894
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.