Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 25th June, 1688
Complete Specification Left, 25th Mar., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 4th May, 1889
I, CHARLES HENRY WEBB, of 132, Nassau Street, in the City, County and State
of New York, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the naturo
of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
A machine for facilitating addition made on the present principle is composed of
two or more distinct and independently operating adding devices or mechanisms
arranged side by side. The said devices are alike in a machine where the "curries"
are all "tens," as in the usual system of notation. There is one of these devices for
each vertical row of numerals; and, in order to be able to add up conveniently
amounts up to eight numerals (as 67,584,372), it is best to embody at least eight of
the devicos in one machine and to number them, from right to left, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
Then the third device will always be employed for adding up the third row (from the
right) of numerals in the sum; the fourth device the fourth row; the first device
the first row, and so on. It is immaterial, so long as the above rule is adhered to,
in what particular order or succession the adding is effected.
A machine embodying eight elements or adding devices may be constructed in the
following manner :-On a base or back-plate, which forms the body of the machine,
is mounted a face-plate having eight parallel, vertical slots. Along one margin of
each slot is a series of graduations numbered from 0 (at the bottom) up to 9, and
preferably continued up to 20. These are the index numerals. Between the back-
plate and the face-plate, and under the said slots, play eight tapes made of metal,
celluloid or other material capable of coiling up in the manner of a watch-spring.
Each tape has a central row of perforations arranged at the same distance apart from
one another as the index numerals along the margin of the slot; these perforations
being for the reception of the point of a stylus. The latter is passed through the
slot opposite to any particular index numeral and into one of the perforations in the
corresponding tape, which may thus be drawn down until the stylus strikes the lower
end of the slot at 0. Printed on each tape are two rows of numerals; the "
numerals and the "
carry numerals. The main or sum numerals are disposed
at the same distance apart from one another as the perforations, and run 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,
DO37
"
39
sum
"

page_text: .6
sum
"
26
"
etc., in regular order. They are so placed on the strip that, when the stylus is
inserted, say, opposite the numeral of the index, and the tapo drawn down, the
numeral 4 on the tape will appear at a sum aperture in the face-plate.
The other, or "carry" row of numerals on the tape are also placed at the same
distance apart from each other, but the denomination of the numeral changes at every
tenth; that is, there are nine "naughts" or ciphers, and then the numerals 1, 1, 1,
ele, appear. These "carries" are seen through n carry" aperture in the fire-
plate. The lower end of each tape when drawn down passes through a slit into a
dram-like chamber, where the tapes coil up in a spiral form. Each tape is provided
with an enlargement to prevent it from being wholly drawn through the said slit.
At their upper ends, the tapes also pass through slits into drum-like chambers where
ench is secured to a barrel mounted tightly on a shaft common to all and provided
with a winding crank on its outer projecting end. Thus the tapes may all be wound
sum and "
carry
up at one time the zero marks appearing at hoth the "
aperatures. In adding, however, each tape is drawn down independently of the others,
and to a greater or less extent as the case may he. A suitable device is provided
to prevent the backward rotation of the winding shaft.
??
""
Instead of drums on the winding shaft, may use sprocket or toothed wheels
adapted to engage with the perforations in the tapes. In this case also, each tapo
coils up in its chainber and need not be wound on a barrel or drum.
"
After adding up each row of numerals in the sum on its particular device, the
carries are added on the next device to the left. For example, if the "carry"
on devien No. 3 he "7," then seven should be added to the sum on device No. 1.
The tapes play in guide-grooves formed either in the face-plate or in the back-plate.
There is also a groove in the back-plate, behind the row of perforations in the tape,
for the tip of the stylus to enter and slide along.
The machine is specially advantageous where the amounts to he added contain four
or more numerals.
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C.,
Agont for the Applicant.

page_text: I, CHARLES HENRY WEBB, formerly of 132, Nassau Street, and now of 30, East
Fourteenth Street, in the City, County and State of New York, 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 :--
A machine for facilitating addition made on the present principle is composed of
two or more distinct and independently-operating adding devices or mechanisms
arranged side by side. The said devices are alike in a machine where the "carries"
are all "tens," as in the decimal system of notation. There is one of these devices for
each vertical row of numerals; and, in order to be able to add up conveniently
amounts up to eight numerals (as 67,584,372), it is best to embody at least eight of
these devices in one machine and to number them, from right to loft, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
Then the third device will always be employed for adding up the third row (from
the right) of numerals in the sum; the fourth device the fourth row; the first
device the first row, and so on. It is immaterial, so long as the above rule is
adhered to, in what particular order or succession the adding is effected.
A machine embodying eight elements or adding devices may be constructed in the
following manner :-On a base or back plate, which forms the body of the machine,
is mounted a face plate having eight parallel vertical slots. Along one margin of
each slot is a series of graduations numbered from 0 (at the bottoin) up to 9, and
preferably continued up to 20. These are the index numerals. Between the back
plate and the face plate, and under the said slots, play eight tapes made of metal,
celluloid, or other material capable of coiling up in the manner of a watch-spring.
Each tape has a central row of perforations arranged at the same distance apart from
one another as the index numerals along the margin of the slot; these perforations
being for the reception of the point of a stylus. The latter is passed through the
slot opposite to any particular index numeral and into one of the perforations in the
corresponding tape, which may thus be drawn down until the stylus strikes the lower
end of the slot at 0. Printed on each tape are two rows of numerals; the "sum"
sum "numerals are disposed at
numerals and the "carry" numerals. The main or
the saine distance apart from one another as the perforations, and run 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.,
in regular order. They are so placed on the strip that, when the stylus is inserted,
say opposite the numeral 4 of the index, and the tape drawn down, the "
numeral 4 on the tape will appear at a sum aperture in the face plate. The
other or
carry" numerals on the tape are also placed at the same distance apart
from each other, but the denomination of the numeral changes at every tenth; that
is, there are nine "naughts" or ciphers, and then the numerals 1, 1, 1, etc., appear.
These carries" are seen through a "carry" aperture in the fuce plate. The lower
end of each tape when drawn down passes through a slit into a drum-like clamber,
where the tapes coil up in a spiral form. Each tape is provided with an enlargement
"3
sum
"

page_text: to prevent it from being wholly drawn through the said slit. At their upper ends,
the tapes also pass through slits into drum-like chambers where each is secured to n
harrel mounted tightly on a shaft common to all and provided with a winding crank
on its outer projecting end. Thus the tapos may all be wound up at one time; the
zero marks appearing at both the "sum" and "carry" apertures. In adding, how-
ever, each tape is drawn down independently of the others, and to a greater or less
extent as the case may be. A suitable device is provided to prevent the backward
rotation of the winding shaft.
Instead of drums on the winding shaft, I may use sprocket or toothed wheels
adapted to engage with the perforations in the tapes. In this case also, ouch tape
coils np in its chamber and need not be wound on a barrel or drum.
After adding up each row of numerals in the sum on its particular dovicu, the
* carries
are added on the next device to the left. For examplo, if the "carry
device No. 3 be "7," than seven should be added to the sum on device No. 4.
011
The tapes play in guide-grooves formed either in the face plate or in the back
plate. There is also a groove in the back plate behind the row of perforations in the
tape for the tip of the stylus to enter and slide along.
The machine is specially advantageous where the amounts to be added contain four
or more numerals.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an adding machine
constructed according to the present invention; a part of the face plate on the left-
hand side being broken away. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the right-hand side of the
machine. Fig. 3 is a similar view with the crank and side plate removed to show the
interior. Fig. is a fragmentary view of the left-hand side of the machine; a part
of the side plate being broken away to disclose the ratchet mechanism. Fig. 5 is a
fragmentary view shewing one of the tapes or ribbons. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary
front elevation; the slotted face plate being removed and the casing broken away to
display the ribbons and ribbon-cells. Fig. 7 is a detail view hereinafter more partien-
larly described. Fig. 8 illustrates a modification of the means employed for drawing
back the ribbons after the machine has been used, and Fig. 9 represents a suitablo
form of stylus for moving the ribbons whilst using the machine.
Promising that the form and mode of construction of the casing of this munchine
may be of any appropriate kind or character, I will describe it as shewn in the
drawings annexed. It is usually constructed of suitable sheet metal, and its
extremities A and A' are cylindrical in shape and connected by a back plate A', a
front plate A and two side plates A and A'. The plate A is preferably made
removable. The extremities A A' are partitioned off to form cells for receiving the
adding ribbons or tapes. In Fig. 1, eight distinct adding mechanisms, all alike in
construction, are embodied. These will serve to add ap oight columns of figures; or,
in decimal notation, tens of millions.
On a shaft B, which is rotativoly mounted in the extremity A, are frictionally
mounted ribbon-reels or drums C, preferably made of wood, for the sake of light-
ness and economy. These are all alike, and similar to the one exposed in Fig. 3. The
shaft B is usually for the sake of lightness constructed of metal tubing. In order to
mount the drum C frictionally thereon, a leaf-spring a is fixed in a korf so cut in the
and of the drum as to intersect the hole through which the shaft passos; the spring a
pressing constantly on the shaft. On each drum is wound an adding ribbon D;
all of which ribbons may, for simplicity, be exactly alike. The peculiar features,
numbaring, etc., of these ribbons are hereinafter more particularly described. Each
ribbon D is led from its drum or reul C through a slot b (Fig. 6) formed in the wall
of the extremity A in close proximity to the front plate A Thence the ribbon is led
down over the plate A³ to and through a slot in the opposite extremity A', and
thus into the receiving cull. After the ribbon is once placed in position, the free end
thereof is prevented by an enlargement e (Figs. 3 and 5) formed thereon from passing
back through the slot 6' whilst the ribbon is being wound up on its drum. The
ribbon is preferably made of the alloy known as "nickel silver," and is perfectly
flexible though not limp. It is formed with a central longitudinal row of

page_text: perforations dd; rows of figures or numbers e and ex being respectively marked on
opposite sides thereof. In the row e, on the right-hand side, are the numbers, which
appear in the sum after the addition is made; the numbers in the row ex, on the left-
hand side, being the "carries," or tens, or whole numbers, as the case may be. The
particular arrangement of these numbers, and the manner in which they come into
play, will be hereinafter described.
:-
"
20."
The ribbons or tapes, which extend down over the front plate A³, are covered by a
face plate E screwed to the casing of the machine. The face plate stands just high
enough above the front plate A³ to leave room for the ribbons D to play freely between
the two plates; slots g., one for each ribbon, being provided in the former to expose
the row of perforations d. Along the margin of each slot g, and spaced similarly to
the perforations in the ribbon, is a row of numerals, which begins with zero at the
bottom of the slot and runs up to any desired number, in the present case
These numerals form the adding index; the length of the row being limited only by
the length of the machine. In the face plate E, over the rows of numerals e on the
ribbons, are formed designating apertures i, each large enough to exhibit one numeral.
This row of apertures exhibits the numerals forming the sum after ench adding
operation. Above the apertures i and at a distance equal to the distance separating
the numerals on the ribbon are formed other designating aportures j so placed as to
expose or exhibit the numerals in the rows ex on the ribbons. Those apertures
exhibit the "carries," and, as it sometimes happens that a number too great to be
expressed by one figure, such as 10, 11, etc., must be carried, I usually make each of
these apertures wide enough to shew two numerals. I arrange the apertures i and j
above the slots g for convenience only; they might he placed below. These apertures
merely serve to point out the proper numerals on the ribbon. Now, as the machine
herein described is designed for adding numerals according to the decimal system of
notation, the adding index h containing twenty numerals and the apertures i and j
being arranged above the slots g, I construct each adding ribbon in the following
manner leave blank the lower end of the ribbon from the enlargement c to the
aperture, where the first numeral in the row e appears, which in this case is a
cipher The numerals in this row are arranged in successive series of ton, viz., the
nine digits and the cipher; these series extending throughout its entire length. The
carry numerals in the row ex begin with "1," opposite the second 1 in the row e,
this numeral 1 being repeated up to the third 1 in the row e, where it changes to 2;
the 2 being then repeated ten times, 3 then appearing, and so on to the end of the
ribbon the space between the last numeral of the one series of the row ex and the
first of the next series being opposite the space between the 0 and the 1 of the series
in the rowe. When in the normal position, the ciphers appear at each of the
apertures. Suppose 99 is to be added to 99. The operator would then place a
pointed instrument in the perforation d in the ribbon opposite the numeral 9 in the
row h at the margin of the right-hand or unit slot g and draw down the ribbon as far
as the limit of the slot will permit. The numeral 9 would then appear at the right-
hand aperture i. The operation is then repeated, whereupon the numeral 8 takes the
place of the 9 at the aperture i and a numeral 1 appears at the right-hand "carry
aperture. Thus he sees that the sum of 9 and 9 in the machine equals 8 units and
1 ten, which latter must be carried. He then proceeds to the "tens slot 9, the
second from the right-hand side, and performs a similar operation, as there are two
nines in the tens column to be added. This causes 8 and 1 to appear at the corre-
sponding apertures i and j. He then adds the "carries" by adding one to the eight
tens already found and one hundred by means of the third ribbon from the right.
Thus he reaches the correct result, 198, which appears at the three apertures i in
Fig. 1.
"
"
"3
39
It will be observed that the numerals or digits composing the respective columns
to be added may be added in any desired succession; and that the operation of
adding consists in placing a pointed instrument of any kind in one of the perforations d
in the ribbon and then drawing the ribbon down as far as the limit of the slot will
permit. To enable the pointed instrument to enter any particular perforation in the

page_text: ribbon fairly, a groove & is formed in the front plate A' behind the ribbon; this
groove coinciding with the perforations d. The groove k is seon on the left-hand
side of Fig. 1, where the ribbon is broken away to expose it.
As the ribbons D are drawn down in adding, they coil up in the respectivo calls in
the extremity A¹ (Fig. 3); when the adding operation is completed, they are again
wound up on the drums (by means of a crank F on the projecting end of the shaft B.
Inasmuch as all the ribbons are wound up by means of one shaft and are unwound in
adding to an unequal extent, it is necessary that the drains O be capable of rotating
independently on the shaft B, so that, when one ribbon is wound up, the enlargement e
on the end thereof stops its further uiovement, and the corresponding drum C slips on
the shaft B if the rotation of the shaft be continued for the purpose of completely
winding up the other ribbons. A ratehot-device (i (Fig. 4) prevents backward
rotation of the shaft B. An inexperienced person might otherwise easily disarrange
the ribbons by turning the crank in the wrong direction. It is also essential that the
shaft B remain stationary whilst the machine is being used for adding. To effect this
the handle on the crank F is mounted on the free end of a leaf-spring m secured
to the crank; a bevelled lntch n being so arranged on the under side of the said
spring as to snap over and engage with a fixed inclined stop o on the side plate of
the casing (Figs. 1 and 7). When the ribbons are fully wound up, the operator
continues to turn the crank until the latch a engages with the fixed stop o; the
shaft B being thereby effectually held against backward rotation. To prevent the
ribbon from springing back, owing to its resiliency, after an adding operation,
the slot is so arrangol with reference to the drum (that the ribbon is sharply
hent where it is led through the slot; the movement of the ribbon therethrough
being consequently resisted by friction. Other devices may, however, be employed
for effecting the same result.
To form the cells in the extremity A', an open sheet metal ring (Fig. 3) may
first be sprung therein, the said ring being in width equal to the desired width of
the cell; then a flat dise y may be inserted to serve as a partition; then another ring
and another disc, and so on, until all the cells are formed. This design may, however,
be departed from.
I do not limit myself to the precise construction and arrangement of parts shown
herein, as variations may be made without departing from the principle of this
invention. For example, good results may he obtained by omitting the drum C and
shaft B and allowing the ribbons 1) to coil up in the cells in the cylindrical
oxtremity A in the same manner as in the extremity A. In this case, however, it
would be necessary to run back or "wind up" the ribbous by means of a pointed
instrument inserted in the perforations d. If the shaft. B and drum C be employed,
A milled button
any suitable frictional device may be substituted for the spring a.
screwed or otherwise fastened on the projecting end of the shaft B may be substituted
for the crank F. Or, a coiled spring may be used for winding up the ribbon in a
similar way to that employed in tape-measures. I may also employ other means for
preventing the recoil of the ribbon; as, for example, a detont.
In Fig. 8I have shown, in substitution for the drum C, a toothed wheel C' mounted
frictionally on the shaft B; its teuth being arranged to engage with the perforations d
in the ribbon D. The wheel C is represented in Fig. 8 as being in the cell A, but it
be within the casing below the cell.
may
Fig. 9 shows a suitable stylus G for moving the ribbons. The stylus in the
illustration is provided with a socket for the reception of a lead-pencil G. The
machine may be furnished with a clip H for receiving and holding the pencil.
I do not limit myself to the use of a strip D in the form of a ribbon, as sliding
plates may be substituted, especially in large machines, where slides may be conveniently
employed. This part may, moreover, be of any other suitable or convenient con-
struction adapted for carrying the numerals e and e*.
I prefer to arrange the apertures and above rather than below the slots g,
because, if bolow, they would be liable to be covered or obscured by the hand of the
oporator. The apertures; need not nocossarily be above the level of the apertures i;

page_text: they may be below the said apertures, but should not be on a lever on
obvious the respective arrangement of the numerals in the rows e and ex on the
ribbon, tape or strip D is governed by the respective positions of the apertures i and j.
For example, when the numeral in the rowe which is visible at the aperture is
replaced by one in another series, as 9 by 0, then the numeral in the row e* which is
visible at the aperture must likewise be replaced by one in another series, as 1 by 2
or 2 by 3. As the apertures i and jare intended merely to designate simultaneously
a certain number in each of the rows e and ex, by segregating such numbers from
the others, such designation may be effected instead in any other convenient manner.
The leading feature of noveity in this machine is the part D or its equivalent
bearing the row of numerals e, to form the sum, and also the row of numerals ex,
to designate the amount to be "carried," so that both rows of numerals move
together; and, combined with the ribbon or part D, means for designating or setting
apart certain numbers in the rows, which function is performed in the prosont case
by the apertures i and j.
Instead of indicating the numbers in the row ex on the ribbon D by two figures
or digits, as for example "10," "11," "12," etc., (as seen in the upper part of Fig. 1),
after such numbers exceed nine, "0" may be used for "10," "1" for "11." "2"
for "12," etc.; that part of the ribbon beyond "9" in the row ex being gilded or
otherwise colored, marked or tinted. This mode of constructing the ribbon is more
economical than that shewn in the drawings. A series of ciphers may, if desired, bo
added on the ribbon in the row e* opposite the first series of numerals in the row e.
The numbers inay bo stamped on or otherwise applied to the ribbon D.
When the machine is designed for adding English currency, the right-hand ribbon
is reserved for pense and the next for shillings. Then the pence ribbon has the
numerals in the row e arranged in series of 12, and the "carries" represent shillings;
the shillings ribbon having the numerals in the row e arranged in series of 20, the
"carries "representing pounds.
If the right-hand ribbon be reserved for adding up fractions, as eights, for
example, then the numerals in the row e on this particular ribbon would be arranged
in series of eight, and the "carries" would represent whole numbers.
The first ciphere at the bottom of the column or rowe on the ribbon D (Fig. 5)
is not essential hat is convenient, for it enables the operator to see that his machine
is set properly at starting. It would serve as well or better if a star or other
arbitrary sign were substituted therefor.
From the foregoing description, it will be seen that speaking generally this machine
or instrument is made up of separate, similar and independent adding mechanisms,
cach of which is an adding machine in itself and has an adding ribbon (or instead a
slide, disc, plate, wheel or other device) bearing two series or rows of nummorals e
and ex, one series to form the sum and the other to indicate the "carries."
"
وو
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. An adding machine comprising a series of nuneral-bearing, perforated and
independently-movable ribbons arranged in guide-ways and capable of moving
longitudinally and adapted to coil at either end, a slotted and perforated face plate
arranged over the said series of ribbons, and means for carrying back all the ribbons
at one operation.
2. An adding mechanism comprising a movable part marked with one row of
numerals arranged in series, as from 0 to 9, and another row of numerals, for the
"carries" placed abreast of the first in the sequence and manner described, a row
of perforations being provided for the point of a stylus to enter, and a face plate
having a slot coincident with the perforations, a column of index numerals adjacent
to the slot, and suitable designating apertures arranged over the movable part.
3. An adding machine containing two or more similar and independent adding
mechanisms for adding the units, tens, hundreds, etc., each mechanism comprising a
movable part or ribbon D, bearing two rows of numerals e and ex, and a slotted face

page_text: plate arranged over the ribbon and provided with a column of index numerals h, and
apertures and for disclosing the numorals in the rows e and e* respectively,
substantially as set forth.
"
4. An adding machine comprising a movable part (1) on which are marked a
row (e) of "sun numerals arranged in successive sories and a row (ex) of "carry)
numerals disposed in the manner described, the movable part being furnished,
moreover, with a row of perforations spaced to correspond with the numerals in the
rows, a plate bearing a row (h) of index numerals placed along-side the row of
perforations in the part (D), and designators (i and j) to point out the numerals which
are to appear in the sun and be carried respectively, substantially as set forth.
5. An adding machine comprising a casing with a ribbon-cell at each end, a front
plate over which the ribbon passes in moving from one cell to the other, a ribbon
provided with two rows of numerals and a row of perforations, as described, and a
face plato provided with a slot g, a column or row of index numerals, and apertures i
and arranged over the ribbon, substantially as set forth.
6. In an adding machine, the combination, with a front plate having cylindrical
cells at each end to receive self-coiling adding ribbons, of a face plate furnished with
slots and marked with similar columns of index numerals along the margins of the
respective slots, designators and j and resilient self-coiling adding ribbons D arranged
over the front plate and under the face plate, each of the said ribbons bearing on its
face rows e and ex of "sum" and "carry" numerals respectively and having a row of
perforations d to receive the point of an operating stylus inserted through the slotted
face plate, substantially as set forth.
7. An adding machine wherein the numerals which indicate the sum are marked
in rows on the several parts D, the numerals indicating the "carries" being marked
in rows on the same parts and parallel with the rows of 'sum" numorals, substantially
as set forth.
8. An adding machine wherein the numerals indicating the sum are marked on a
flexible, spring-like metal ribbon, either end of which when permitted coils up
automatically into the form of a volute.
9. In an adding machine, the combination, with the ribbon-receiving cells provided
with narrow slots b, of the ribbons D having enlarged fren ouds, the drums to which
the other ends of the ribbons are attached, the said drums being frictionally mounted
on a single rotary shaft furnished with a crank, and the stop for preventing the
backward rotation of the said shaft, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
10. In an adding machine, the combination, with the spring-liko self-coiling
ribbon D having an enlarged free end c, of the ribbon-receiving cell provided with a
narrow slot through which the ribbon plays, the drum C, to which the other end
of the ribbon is attached, furnished with a spring a, the shaft B carrying the said
druin and against which the spring a bears, and the stop whereby the backward
rotation of the said shaft is prevented, substantially as set forth.
11. An adding machine comprising a movable part D on which are marked a row
of numerals e, disposed in successive series, and a row of numerals ex, arranged
ahrenst of the numorala in the rowe in the mannor and sequence described, and
provided with a row of perforations d, and a face plate covering the part Dand
having a slot to expose the perforations therein, a column of index numerals h,
and designators for pointing out particular numerals in the rows eand ex, substantially
as set forth.