Improvements in Calculating, Recording, and Checking Apparatus.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Sept., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 23rd June, 1891-Accepted, 8th Aug., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Calculating, Recording, and Checking Apparatus.
I, JOHN GUTHRIE, of Carlton House Rodney Street, Pentonville, in the
County of London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in calculating, recording and checking
apparatus; and its object is to provide for the addition of separate numbers,
amounts of money, quantities expressed in weight, measure, or any other term,
being performed by a simple manual and mechanical operation as distinguished
from a purely mental one.
It is, therefore, especially useful for purposes of counting, i.e., checking deliveries,
such as bales from the hold of a ship, bars of iron from a railway truck, and for
analogous purposes generally.
In carrying my invention into effect, I provide a suitable frame, slotted or
grooved, to receive and exhibit a corresponding number of strips, or endless bands.
The number of slots or grooves and bands is according to the number of columns
of figures to be dealt with, and each slot is marked with the denomination of value
to which it is appropriated, as well as with a scale of figures from unity up to the
highest single figure (9) used in that denomination. It is not necessary to mark
zero, but this may be done.
The strip or band is punched with a series of ten holes positioned to correspond
with the figures on the scale; and a second series of holes, in linear continuation
of the former, is also punched in it. A sight-hole is formed in the frame over
each strip; and a second scale, from zero up to one above the highest number
(ie., 19 10) in the denomination, is set out against it, the scale being so
positioned that its zero shews through the sight-hole when the second hole, or that
appropriated to unity in the first mentioned series, is opposite unity in the first
mentioned scale.
==
All the holes and scale figures are equidistant.
A peg is provided for the purpose of moving the strips or bands.
If strips are used, the two series of holes are distinguished from each other by
differences in colour-say red for the first, and black for the second, series.
The following is a description of my invention in its simplest form, that is as
arranged for the addition of common numbers, for instance, of numbers the total
of which will not exceed ten thousand. There will, therefore, be four strips (not
five, because the highest number on the fourth strip is ten), and the same number
of strips and slots. Each strip is set to shew zero through its respective sight-
hole; and, commencing with the unit-strip, the peg is inserted in the hole opposite
the first unit in the numbers to be added, and the strip moved till the said hole is
opposite zero (or, which is the same thing, has passed unity by one space) in the
scale of numbers on the frame. A convenient stop is provided to arrest the motion
of the peg.
At this point, the number on the scale against the second series of
holes in the strip, corresponding with the value of the hole in which the peg was
inserted, appears at the sight-hole.
The like process is gone through with the three other strips appropriated, respec-
tively, to tens, hundreds, and thousands; the totals regularly appearing at the sight-
holes as the strips are moved.
When the addition of a given fresh number-say 8-to that already appearing
at the sight-hole-say 3-is to be recorded, then the strip is moved in the reverse
direction. This will have the effect of exhibiting 1 at the sight-hole, and the strip

page_text: of the next higher denomination is to be moved one space. This is the way in
which the operation of "carrying forward" is effected.
Whenever carrying forward" has to be effected, the hole in the lower denomi-
nation strip to receive the peg will be in the black series.
When my invention is to be used for working compound additions; e.g., sums of
money; the lower, or pence, scale go up to eleven; the next, or shilling, scales to
nineteen and the third, or £, scale as high as the size of the frame will allow; or
it may be duplicated or triplicated to deal with units, tens, and thousands of that
denomination, substantially in the way described with reference to the addition of
common numbers, and so on.
The peculiarities in the respect of the relationships of other values are treated on
the same principle.
If endless bands are used instead of tapes, the numbers (of which latter there
may be more than one set, according to the length of the band) are marked on
them equidistantly, so that the highest and zero are contiguous. A line is drawn
across the band between them to point out when 1 is to be carried forward; but
the band is not reversed.
I do not confine myself to the peg-device for marking the strips or bands; as any
other equivalent and suitable one may be adopted, but I prefer the one described
on the ground of its simplicity.
Apparatus can be made according to my invention to register any amount, and
the operation of pegging the strips or bands along can be continued until the
capacity of the apparatus is exhausted, when it is again set to zero.
Dated this 23rd day of September 1890.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Calculating, Recording, and Checking Apparatus.
I, JOHN GUTHRIE, late of Carlton House, Rodney Street, Pentonville, in the
County of London, but now of No. 50, McCulloch Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow,
in the County of Lanark, Scotland, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in calculating, recording, and checking
apparatus; and its object is to provide for the addition of separate numbers,
amounts of money, quantities expressed in weight, measure, or any other term,
being performed by a simple manual and mechanical operation as distinguished from
a purely mental one.
It is, therefore, especially useful for purposes of counting (equivalent to adding
up), i.e., checking deliveries, such as boxes from the hold of a ship, bars of iron
from a railway truck, and for analogous purposes generally.
It also exhibits a true record at any time, should the work be interrupted from
any cause, such as men leaving work, by showing the total up to the time of such
interruption, thereby enabling the counting or checking to be continued on
resumption of work.
In carrying my invention into effect, I provide a suitable frame, slotted or grooved
to receive and exhibit a corresponding number of strips or endless bands. The
number of slots or grooves and bands is according to the number of columns of
figures to be dealt with, and each slot is marked with the denomination or value to
which it is appropriated, as well as with a scale of figures from unity up to the
highest figure used in that denomination. It is not necessary to mark zero, but
this may be done.
The strip or band is punched with a series of holes positioned to correspond with
the figures on the scale, and a second series of holes, in linear continuation of the

page_text: former, is also punched in it. A sight-hole is formed in the frame over each strip,
and a second scale is set out against it; the scale being so positioned that its zero
shews through the sight-hole when the second hole, or that appropriated to
unity in the first mentioned series, is opposite unity in the first mentioned scale.
All the holes and scale figures are equidistant.
A peg
If strips are used, the two series of holes are distinguished from each other by
differences in colour-say red for the first, and black for the second series.
is provided for the purpose of moving the strips or bands.
The following is a description of my invention in its simplest form, that is as
arranged for the addition of common numbers, for instance, of numbers the total of
which will not exceed ten thousand. There will, therefore, be four strips (not five,
because the highest number on the fourth strip is ten) and the same number of
scales and slots. Each strip is set to shew zero through its respective sight-hole,
and, commencing with the unit-strip, the peg is inserted in the hole opposite the
first unit in the numbers to be added, and the strip moved till the said hole is
opposite zero or, (which is the same thing) has passed unity by one space in the
scale of numbers in the frame.
A convenient stop is provided to arrest the motion of the peg. At this point,
the number on the scale against the second series of holes in the strip, corre-
sponding with the value of the hole in which the peg was inserted, appears at the
sight-hole.
The like process is gone through with the three other strips appropriated,
respectively, to tens, hundreds, and thousands, the totals regularly appearing at the
sight-holes as the strips are moved.
When the addition of a given fresh number-say 8-to that already appearing
at the sight-hole-say 3-is to be recorded, then the strip is moved in the reverse
direction. This will have the effect of exhibiting 1 at the sight-hole, and the strip
of the next higher denomination is to be moved one space. This is the way in
which the operation of "carrying forward" is effected. Whenever carrying
forward" has to be effected, the hole in the lower denomination strip to receive the
peg will be in the black, or second, series.
When my invention is to be used for working compound additions, e.., sums of
money; the lower, or pence, scales go up to eleven; the next, or shilling, scales
to nineteen; and the third, or £, scale as high as the size of the frame will allow;
or it may be duplicated or triplicated to deal with units, tens, and thousands of that
denomination, substantially in the way described with reference to the addition of
common numbers and so on.
The peculiarities in respect of the relationships of other values are treated on
the same principle.
If endless bands are used instead of strips, the numbers (of which latter there
may be more than one set according to the length of the band) are marked on them
equidistantly, so that the highest and zero are contiguous. A line is drawn across
the band between them to point out when 1 is to be carried forward; or, by a
simple mechanical device, a small bell can be made to ring, thereby calling the
attention of the operator when "carrying forward" is necessary. The band is not
reversed in this case, but is always moved in one direction.
I do not confine myself to the peg-device for moving the strips or bands, as any
other equivalent and suitable one may be adopted, but I prefer the one described
on the ground of its simplicity.
Apparatus can be made according to my invention to register any amount, and
the operation of pegging the strips or bands along can be continued until the
capacity of the apparatus is exhausted, when it is again set to zero.
In order that my invention and the means by which the same is to be carried
into practical effect may be better understood, I will now describe them in detail,
referring in so doing to the accompanying figures which are to be taken as
illustrating the nature and operation of the invention.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the use of an apparatus constructed

page_text: ug to my mention for deaning with the addition of common numbers up to
a total of 10999.
Fig. 2 is a plan of any of the three lower denomination strips.
Fig. 3 is a plan of an apparatus constructed according to my invention for the
addition of sums of money in the currency of this country up to a total of
£59. 19. 11.
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section taken on the line A-B of Fig. 3.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, c is the frame of the apparatus.
d, e, f and g are the respective grooves in which slide the slides, and above these
are the respective slots in the face of the frame through which access is had to the
said slides (described further on) for the purpose of moving them backwards or
forwards as the nature of the calculation in hand may require.
h, are the indications of the denomination or value appropriated to each
slot d, e, f, g¹, and d², e², f², g², are, respectively, the bottom and top ends of the
slots, and serve as stops to the motion of the pin mentioned further on.
d³, e, f³ and g³ are the scales of figures appropriated to the respective slots and
marked on the frame parallel therewith. They extend from unity up to the highest
single figure used in the respective denomination. As the apparatus now under
specification is restricted to dealing with common numbers, each scale stops at 9.
There are spaces for zero beneath unity in each scale opposite the bottom holes in
the respective slides, which spaces make the stops d¹, e', f¹ and g' to stand one space
from unity, so as to permit of the slides being moved.
d, e, f and g are the respective slides, all capable of sliding freely in either
direction in their respective grooves in the frame. i, i are stops on both ends of
each slide, and are provided for the purpose of limiting its motion at its maximum
in either direction, as well as of preventing the said slip being accidentally pushed
out of its groove. j is a peg by means of which the slides can be moved in the manner
described further on.
ds, e, f and gs are the respective series of holes on the lower halves of the slides.
Each series has ten holes, 10 being the lowest common number consisting of two
figures. They are set at equal distances, the top one standing opposite 9 on the
respective scale on the frame, and the bottom one opposite zero and consequently
close up to the bottom stop.
de, e, f and g are the respective second series of holes in linear continuation of
those last described. The holes of these second series are duplicates, in respect
both of number and distance apart, of those of the first described series; the
distance separating any two series being the same as that between two holes of any
one series.
The
d', e, f and g' are the respective scales on the slides, and are appropriated to
the second series of holes. It is to be noticed that zero is opposite the third hole
from the bottom in the slide, consequently the 8s. and 9s. stand above the top holes.
This is determined solely from the position of the sight-holes in the frame. The
series 9 terminates in 10 inasmuch as it is more convenient to place this number-
the highest terminal one-upon the last slide, rather than provide a fifth slide to
receive it. The last slide is therefore a space longer than the others.
number of slides is only limited by the number of denominations to be dealt with.
The spaces on the slides on which the series d, e, f are formed, are of a different
colour from the rest of the slides, for a purpose which will be explained further on.
This differentiation in point of colour is clearly indicated in Figs. 1 and 2. I prefer
that the face of the frame should be of the same colour as the major portions of the
slides, so that the said series shall be readily distinguishable, inasmuch as their common
but distinctive colour indicates a function equally distinctive, and common to them
all. Any other means may be adopted of visibly indicating the distinction between
the two series of holes, but I prefer that it should be one of colour..
6
ds, e, f and ga are the four sight-holes. They are formed in the face of the
frame, across which they are aligned in the paths of the respective scales on the
slides. They may be merged in one transverse slot, but I prefer separate holes.

page_text: The slide and its addenda on the right hand are marked with the reference
letter and its higher powers, e.g., d', d², etc. They, like the right hand column
in an addition sum, are appropriated to the units. The next slide and its addenda <
are appropriated to tens; the third f, to the hundreds, and the fourth, y, to the
thousands.
I propose to describe the use and action of my invention, constructed as described
with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, by working the following sum in simple addition.
The lines are dealt with, each in turn, commencing with the top one, instead of
dealing with the columns each in turn, and beginning with the units.
The slides are pushed up till the zeroes of the scales on them shew through the
respective sight-holes. Insert the peg in the hole in the series d', now standing
against 3 in the scale ³, and pull the slide d' down till the peg is stopped by the
stop d. 3 on the scale d' will appear at the sight-hole d³. Next, insert the peg in
the hole in the series e now standing against 5 in the scale e³, and pull the slide e*
down till the peg is stopped by the stop e'. 5 on the scale e' will appear at the
sight-hole e. The next figure is a 0, therefore the slide f is not moved. Next,
insert the peg in the hole in the series go now standing against 1 in the scale 93, and
pull the slide down till the peg is stopped by the stop g¹. 1 on the scale g' will
appear at the sight-hole 98, the four sight-holes reading 1053.
The next line 1031 is added as follows-beginning with the unit.
Place the peg in the hole in the series do now standing opposite 1 in the scale ³,
and pull the slide down till the peg is stopped by the stop d². 4 (the sum of 3
and 1) on the scale d' will appear at the sight-hole d. Deal with the remaining
numbers 3, 0, 1 of the second line in the same way. The sight-holes will then give
the reading 2084. The present position of the various parts of the apparatus is
illustrated in Fig. 1.
The unit 2 of the third line 3692 is added by pulling the slide down as already
described. But dealing with the next figure 9 involves carrying forward, inasmuch
as 98 = 17. That a carrying forward is involved at this stage is indicated by
the apparatus itself, for the hole opposite the number 9 in the scale e belongs to
the scale which is on a differently coloured part of the slide e. Therefore after
inserting the peg in the said hole, push the slide up, or in the opposite direction,
till the peg is stopped by the stop e, when 7 will appear at the sight-hole-e". Add
the 1 to be carried to the next number to be dealt with, viz. 6, thereby producing 7;
and, inserting the peg in the hole opposite 7 in the scale f³, pull the slide down, as
already explained. Whenever the hole in the slide in which the peg is to be
inserted for the purpose of moving a slide, is in a top, or differently colored, series,
then "carrying forward" has to be done; and the slide is to be pushed up, or in the
opposite direction, instead of being pulled down.
The addition of third line to 2084 will give 5776. For the fourth line, there is
only one slide to be moved, viz. g. Insert the peg in the hole in the series y
opposite 5 in the scale y³, and pull the slide down till the peg is stopped by the
stop g 10 will appear at the sight-hole 98. It will be noticed that the top series 98
to which the 5 belongs is not on a differently coloured portion of the slide. The
reason of this is that as the slide 9' is appropriated to the highest denomination
it has no differently coloured portion, but it has a 10 which none of the others
have.
The addition of the fourth line is effected by inserting the peg in turn in the

page_text: holes in the slides d², e^, ^, now standing respectively against the holes 3, 2, 2 in
the respective scales d³, e³, f³, and pulling the said slides down until the peg is
stopped.
The foregoing is equally applicable to money, weights, measures, &c., provided
that the scales are arranged to suit them.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 which illustrate the application of my invention to
dealing with compound or mixed quantities, the slides of the former construction
with their linear motion in either of two directions are replaced by endless bands
which are moved only in one and the same direction.
These bands travel through slots in the frame c, and this latter is fitted into
the top of a box c² which serves as a guard for those portions of the bands behind
the frame.
7 is the pence band. Its entire length is pierced with equidistant holes which
are divided into series of twelves by easily distinguishable marks 12. By the side
of the holes stand scales 13 ranging from 0 to 11. All the scales are counterparts
of each other and run, as to those on the top half of the band, from the bottom of
the box upwards. The reason why a series consists of twelve is because this is the
number of the denomination now being dealt with which is equal to unity in the
next higher one. If the apparatus were made for tons, cwts., qrs., and lbs., there
would be twenty eight in a series on the band.
1 is the pence slot in the face of the frame. In point of length it is equal to
one series of holes on the band. 1 is the stop provided by the bottom end of the
slot. 1 is the scale by the side of the slot. It is a counterpart of a scale on the
band. is the sight-hole over the path of the band l.
The exact position on the band of the marks 12 is variable according to the
relative positions of the sight-hole and the band. Their exact position is a matter
of indifference provided that the purpose for which they are used is satisfied.
The shillings band m and its addenda are set out on the same principles as the
pence mechanism just described, the series of holes and the scales of both
extending from zero upwards and stopping short by one of the number of the
denomination in question which is equal to unity in the next higher one.
The pounds band is shewn as set out up to 59 which figures are separated from zero
by a mark n². There is only one series of holes and one scale on the band. This
limit of 59 may be exceeded of course, and is done so preferably by introducing
further bands on the left hand. All these pound bands would be worked by carrying
the excess from the band in use to the one on the left thereof.
An apparatus constructed as described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 being
thereby adapted for use in dealing with mixed quantities, is used as follows. I will
suppose that the several sums to be added are as follows
a. Set zero at each sight-hole by inserting the peg in the hole standing in each 50
band immediately above the marks 12, m2, and 12, respectively, and pulling
the bands down as far as the respective stops.
b. Pull down bands l, m, n, as in simple addition when there is nothing to
carry.

page_text: c. The 4, or pence, hole of the second line is seen to stand above the mark ľ
on the band.
66
This standing above the band means that a carrying forward" has to be
done. Either pull the band m down one space, or add 1 to the 9 and insert
the peg in the 10 hole in the last mentioned band, and so on until the
operation is completed.
The endless band arrangement may be also adapted to the decimal or metric
systems by alteration of scales.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is,
1. The combination of frame, scales thereon from zero up to one short of the
maximum of the respective denomination which equals unity in the one next higher,
slides set out with scales as those on the frame and two series of holes, slots in the
frame through which the respective series of holes are visible, and sight-holes at
which one number of each scale on the slides is visible at a time, as set forth.
2. The combination of frame, scales thereon from zero up to one short of the
maximum of the respective denomination which equals unity in the one next higher,
slides set out with scales as those on the frame and two series of holes (each series
being rendered visibly distinct from the other of them on the same slide), slots in
the frame through which the respective series of holes are visible, and sight-holes
at which one number of each scale on the slides is visible at a time, as set forth.
3. The combination of frame, endless bands having series of holes and respective
scales thereon each scale set out from zero up to one short of the maximum of the
respective denomination which equals unity in the one next higher, slots in the
frame through which the respective band is visible, scales corresponding with one
of those on the respective band by the side of the said slots, sight-holes through
which one number on the respective scales is visible, and means for moving the bands
at will.
4. The combination with any of the constructions claimed in the foregoing claims,
of a device consisting of differentiation in colour, or the use of marks, for indicating
when a "carrying forward" has to be effected.
Dated this 23rd day of June 1891
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.