Improvements in and relating to Electric Vote Indicator and Recorder for Legislative Bodies.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Feb., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 17th Nov., 1890-Accepted, 20th Dec., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Electric Vote Indicator and
Recorder for Legislative Bodies.
I WILLIAM HENRY ROBINSON, residing at Number 566, Lake Avenue, in the City
of Rochester, County of Monroe and State of New York, one of the United States
of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRIC VOTE INDICATOR AND RECORDER FOR
LEGISLATIVE BODIES, to be as follows:-
My invention comprises a system by which the votes of members of legislative or
other parliamentary bodies may be instantly indicated and recorded; and by which
the result may be noted at a glance from any part of the parliamentary chamber;
and by which each member's vote is telegraphed back to his desk and is there verified
as to its character, whether "aye
or nay; "it is also designed that the votes
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shall be automatically counted by electrical action.
The members may all vote contemporaneously or otherwise, thus saving a large
amount of valuable time which is lost under the system of calling the roll now in
vogue, and avoiding the confusion incident to such a procedure.
By my system each individual vote is indicated with unquestionable certainty and
a verification thereof is displayed at the member's desk, the entire vote being visible
in a tabular frame in a conspicuous part of the chamber. The advantages of such a
system are manifold. No recapitulation of the entire vote is needed on the part of
the clerk of the assembly, as each voter has a reliable monitor under lock and key at
his own desk to inform him whether his vote was properly received, displayed and
recorded. The rapidity with which a whole vote may be casi, and the lack of bustle
and confusion in the proceeding are features highly advantageous in all deliberative
assemblages composed of a large number of members.
In carrying out the invention a frame will be mounted in a conspicuous part of
the chamber in which the names of the members entitled to vote will be arranged in
columns, and opposite each member's name will be placed rocking or revoluble
shutters or tablets on each of which is printed or otherwise indicated
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" aye" or
"
nay or other words indicating affirmation and negation. These shutters will be
mounted in such relation to holes or openings in the frame that they will in both
positions of rest completely fill the openings so as to present at all times an unbroken
surface to view from the front. These tablets may be controlled in a number of
different ways, the ruling principle in all being that they shall shift their position
when a vote is being made. There will be two tablets for each member and a
suitable circuit closing device at each member's desk by which he can cause either
the negative or the affirmative shutter to operate. The circuits will be so arranged
that when either shutter corresponding to any member's name is operated it will close
or vary an electric circuit so as to operate an indicator or verification tablet at the
corresponding desk, and this indicator will show whether the affirmative or the
negative shutter has been operated and will moreover preserve its position until it is
eset by the member.
The tabular frame in the front of the chamber where all of the votes are displayed
s provided with devices by which the shutters may be restored to their normal
condition after having been operated.
The whole apparatus is put under the control of the presiding officer of the
ssembly by means of a switch under his control by which the indicator circuit may
be made operative or rendered incapable of operation.
The rocking indicating tablets are provided with one face plain and the other
urface printed with the " ave or “nay” indications, so that when no votes bavo
"3

page_text: been cast the tabular frame presents simply the rows of the members' names with an
unbroken surface over the remainder of its area.
The "aye" and " nay "votes being in parallel columns their relative number may
be noted at a glance, since the vote of every member must be in one or the other
column.
"
In the recorder which 1 use to leave a permanent record of the vote I use a type
having a roughened or serrated edge which bears upon a chemically prepared paper
so that the type will make a sharp outline of the word "aye or "nay" opposite
the printed name of the voting member; the types are suitably placed in the press
so that when the sheet of paper previously rendered sensitive by a suitable electro-
lyzable solution in the places where the vote is to be indicated is placed in the press
the roughened or serrated edges will leave a mark or outline on' the paper when a
current passes. The record sheet having the printed members' names and sensitized
spots where the character of the vote is to be indicated also constitutes a feature of
importance in my system.
Dated this 11th day of February 1890
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Electric Vote Indicator and
Recorder for Legislative Bodies.
1, WILLIAM HENRY ROBINSON, residing at Number 566 Lake Avenue, in the City
of Rochester, County of Monroe and State of New York, one of the United States
of America, Gentleman, 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 :-
This invention relates to a system by which the votes of members of legislative or
other parliamentary bodies may be instantly indicated and recorded; and to means
by which the result may be noted at a glance from any part of the parliamentary
chamber; and by which each member's vote is telegraphed back to his desk and is
there verified as to its character, whether "aye" or "
Hay.”
The object of the invention is to enable all of the members to vote contempo-
raneously or otherwise, thus saving a large amount of valuable time which is lost
under the system of calling the roll, now in vogue; and avoiding the confusion and
mental diversion necessarily incident to such a procedure.
A further object is to indicate with unquestionable certainty the character of
each individual vote, verifying the result at each voter's desk as well as exhibiting
the total result on an indicator visible from all parts of the chamber.
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"
The advantages of such a system as will meet these requirements are manifold.
No recapitulation of the entire vote is needed on the part of the clerk, as each
voter has reliable monitor under lock and key at his own desk to inform him
whether his vote was recorded "aye" or nay. The rapidity with which a whole
vote may be cast, and the lack of bustle or confusion in the proceeding are features
highly advantageous in all deliberative assemblages composed of a large number of
members. It has been heretofore proposed to accomplish the ends noted above in
some respects, but in all systems with which I am familiar, deficiency in reliability
of action or a tendency of the parts to get out of order has prevented their
adoption.
To these ends my invention consists in an improved system and details of structure
to guard against error or confusion, which will be hereinafter fully set forth in the
description and definitely pointed out in the claims.
In the drawings which illustrate the invention―
Figure 1, is á view in perspective of a legislative chamber, showing the tabular
frame in which are placed the names of the members, and the indicating tablets;

page_text: Figure 2, is a view in perspective of the back of this tabular frame or indicator,
showing the means for restoring the tablets after having been changed by the
rendering of a vote, the electro-magnetic releasing devices for the tablets being
omitted;
Figures 2 and 2b, are details in perspective of the electro-chemical press and the
frame carrying the sensitized paper for making a permanent record of the vote;
Figure 3, shows one form of indicating tablet and the electro-magnetic mechanism
by which it is displayed ;
Figures 4, 5 and 6, are several forms of indicating tablets and controlling
devices;
Figure 7, shows a member's desk and its equipment for transmitting a vote ;
Figure 8, shows in perspective one of the types used in the recorder;
Figure 9, shows diagrammatically the circuit connections from a single desk.
In the front of the chamber is mounted a frame such as shown in Figure 2, in
which a column as at, 1, is provided for the members' names, and columns, 2, 2, 2, 2,
are provided for the tablets or indicator-drops which are to represent the character of
the vote. These indicating tablets may operate in any of the ways shown in the
figures illustrating them, the ruling principle in all being that the tablet shall shift"
when a vote is being indicated so as to completely fill the space given to it in both
positions of rest, that is to say, whether it is indicating a vote by exposing a surface
carrying a suitable symbol or is merely exposing a plain surface. I regard this
feature of great importance for the reason that the entire surface of the indicator
should at all times be unbroken so that the eve of an observer will read it as a large
printed page, and the distinctness of the indications will not be marred by irregular
outlines, the votes at all times being in direct line with the names and the blank
spaces being likewise in line with their respective names, so that a single glance will
suffice to determine whether a given member has voted, and if so, whether his vote
was aye or nay.”
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In Figures 3 and 4, the indicating tablet is in the form of a rocking shutter
pivotally secured in the spaces, 2, 2, 2, 2. The pintle, 3, carries a pinion which
co-operates with a rack, 4, carried by the armature, 5, of an electro-magnet, 6.
In Figure 3, the shutter is shifted by the direct pull of the magnet on the
armature, the parts being restored to their normal position by the rod, 7, carrying
pins, 8, one for each shutter, which pins lift the armatures and their racks and
restore the shutters to a position in which the blank face is exposed..
In Figure 4, the shutter is rocked by a spring, 9, which is compressed by the
rod, 10, and held compressed by a catch or dog. 11, co-operating with an extension
on the rack-bar. Opposite this catch is located an electro-magnet by which the dog
is withdrawn from the rack-bar extension, the catch being of magnetic material or
having a suitable armature attached to it.
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Figures 5 and 6, show gravity forms of drops. In these figures the tablet is
substantially triangular in cross-section and is pivoted on the hypotenuse face.
suitable weight, 12, is secured somewhere along the square edge, and a magnetically
controlled catch, 11, co-operates with the acute edge. A rock-shaft, 13, carries a
spring-arm, 14, which in the abnormal condition of the indicator engages the
bypotenuse face of said indicator so that when the bar is rocked by the handle the
indicator will be raised and restored to its normal position, exposing a blank
surface.
In Figure 5, the indicator is shown in its normal position. A normally open
circuit-closer, 16, lies within the sweep of each tablet so that when it turns to its
abnormal position a circuit to the member's desk is closed, and by means of an
indicator at that point the character of the vote is verified, as will presently be
fully explained. The indicator is provided with suitable means for restoring the
ablets after they have been operated, that shown in Figure 2, being a vertical
od, 17, having a rack on its lower extremity co-operating with a wheel, 18; lateral
extensions, 19, 19, on the top of the rod carry a number of vertical rods, 20, 20, for

page_text: each column of tablets. These vertical rods have pins, 21, which engage the tablet-
restoring mechanism.
"
"
"
"
aye circuit-
It will of course be understood that the "aye" and "nay" characters are inscribed
on different tablets, any given tablet displaying or obscuring one of them in its two
positions. As there are two tablets in line with each member's name, "aye-blank,
"blank-nay," or "blank-blank," will be displayed accordingly as the "
closer, the
nay" circuit-closer or either of them is operated at the member's desk.
In the same circuit with the tablet-controlling magnets is an electro-chemical
recorder for producing a permanent record of the entire vote. This is shown in
Figures 2, and, 2b. In a suitable stand, 35, are placed insulated metallic types, 36,
corresponding to the letters of " aye or nay ; or a single type may have the
entire word in relief thereon. These types are preferably formed with a saw-face, as
shown in Figure 8, so that the points will make a good electrical contact with the
sheet of sensitized paper when the latter is laid upon them and the press-plate, 25,
is brought down upon the paper. The sheet of paper has the names of the members
printed on it in the full lines illustrated in Figure 2. The paper may be moistened
with any liquid which will discolour the paper when electrolytically decomposed, as
for example, iodide of potassium and starch water. The circuits lead into their
respective types at the lower ends, pass through the moist paper to the press-plate,
and proceed thence by a common connection to the source of electrical energy.
The vote is thus recorded by the same electric impulse which operates the indicator.
On each member's desk is a box provided with a lid which can be locked. This
box contains an *
*:
aye' and a nay circuit-closer and an "aye" and a
nay
verifying tablet. The tablets are shown at, 26, Figure 7, and the circuit-closers
at, 27.
When either circuit-closer is operated the indicating face of a tablet on
the large central indicator is exposed, said tablet being in a line with the name of the
member on whose desk is located said circuit-closer. A spur on the tablet closes the
verifying circuit when it strikes the circuit-closer, 16, and exposes to the member's
personal view in the box on his desk the character of his vote.
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The battery or electric generator to supply the necessary energy to conduct, my
system may be located in any part of the building. In the diagram Figure 9,
28, 29, represent the circuit-closers at a member's desk one contact being connected with
a battery, 30, and the other with a tablet controlling magnet. Suppose a circuit-
closer, 28, he operated, the current will flow in the direction indicated by the arrows
passing through the type "nay" into the recorder corresponding to the operating
member's desk. If the other circuit-closer be operated, the "aye" vote would be
recorded. The depression of, 28, releases, 31, and closes a branch circuit at, 32, thus
operating the nay verifying tablet. The verifying tablets may be arranged
similarly to the tablets in the indicator and will form a permanent index until reset of
the last vote made by their operating members. The circuit wires are conducted
from the desks through a suitable conduit shown at, 33, to the floor, thence to the
various translating devices to be operated.
On the Speaker's desk is located a switch, shown diagrammatically in Figure 9, at, 34,
by which the circuit may be changed so as to put it beyond the power of a member
to vote except when the Speaker so desires, as when the Speaker's switch is open no
current can flow over the indicating circuits whether the inember's circuit changers
are manipulated or not.
my said
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
1 claim is..~
1. An electric indicator consisting of a suitable tabular frame provided with a
series of name spaces and a series of indicating spaces corresponding thereto, the
name spaces being in consecutive order in a column, and the indicating spaces being
in a similar order in a parallel column, each name space carrying a fixed name and
each indicating space being provided with a movable indicating shutter, and an

page_text: electro-magnet, provided with circuit connections for controlling the movement of the
shutter whereby each indication may be noted at a glance substantially as aud for
the purpose specified.
2. An indicator consisting of a suitable tabular frame provided with a series of
name spaces and a series of indicating spaces corresponding thereto, the name spaces
being in consecutive order in a column and the indicating spaces being in a similar
order in a parallel column, each name space carrying a fixed name and each
indicating space being provided with a rocking indicating tablet having a plain face
and a character face, the plain face being normally exposed, and an electro-magnet
provided with circuit connections for controlling the movement of the tablet,
whereby each indication may be noted at a glance, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
3. The combination of a centrally pivoted indicating tablet having its alternate
sides of different signification, a frame provided with openings in which the tablet is
supported, the face of the frame being in the same plane with the exposed face of
the tablet and closely surrounding the same, whereby in either position of the tablet
the opening is completely filled and a smooth indicating surface is exposed, and an
electro-magnet and circuit connections for rocking the tablet, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
4. The combination of a centrally pivoted indicating tablet having alternate
indicating faces, a frame provided with openings in which said tablet is pivoted the
face of the frame being in the same plane with the exposed face of the tablet and
closely surrounding the same, a weight secured to the tablet to cause it to gravitate
when released, a detent supporting the tablet, and an electro-magnet and circuit
connections for withdrawing said detent, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
5. In an electro-chemical recorder, the combination of the recording press,
metallic types having a serrated recording face, and circuit connections whereby an
electric current may be passed through the types and press substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
a series of names
6. A record sheet for an electro-chemical recorder having
printed thereon and provided with spaces opposite said names, said spaces being
saturated with a material which will discolour under electric transmission, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
7. In an electric indicator, the combination of an indicating circuit, an electro-
magnet in said circuit, an indicating tablet controlled by said electro-magnet, a
verifying circuit, a verifying tablet in said circuit located at the operator's station,
said tablet being adapted to remain fixed in eitber of its extreme positions, and a
circuit-changer controlled by the drop of the indicating tablet so as to instantly
transmit a signal to the operator, whereby a signal may be verified and the verification
continue until the verifying tablet is reset, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
8. In a legislative vote indicating system, the combination of an indicating circuit,
indicating tablets and electro-magnets for controlling the same in branches of said
circuit, a series of members' circuit-changers corresponding to the tablets distributed
throughout the legislative chamber, verifying circuits, verifying tablets in said
circuits, said tablets being normally held by detents and provided with electro-
magnets in the verifying circuits, a circuit-changer in each verifying circuit controlled
by the indicating tablet, and a switch in the indicating circuit under control of
the presiding officer to place the indicators in or out of circuit with the members'
circuit-changers, said switch controlling only the indicator-circuit, whereby the
entire vote can be taken and verified, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
9. In a legislative vote indicating system, the combination of an indicating
circuit, indicating tablets and electro-magnets for controlling the same in branches of
said circuits, a series of members' circuit-changers corresponding to the tablets
distributed throughout the legislative chamber, a recorder in circuit for leaving a
permanent record of the vote, verifying circuits, verifying tablets in said circuits at

page_text: the members' desks, each tablet being normally held by a detent and provided with a
controlling electro-magnet in the verifying circuit, and a circuit changer in each
verifying circuit controlled by its indicating tablet, whereby every vote is recorded,
indicated and verified, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
10. The combination of the recording press, metallic". aye" and "nay" types
therein, circuit connections of said types with the members' desks, a series of
members' circuit-changers corresponding to said types, a record sheet having a series
of names printed thereon and provided with spaces opposite said names, said spaces
being saturated with a material which will discolour under electric transmission, and
a switch under control of the presiding officer to place said members' circuit-changers
in or out of circuit, whereby a complete record of the individual vote may be
obtained, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Dated the 17th day of November 1890.
JENSEN & SON,
Agents.