Improvements in Files and Indexes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 13th June; 1893-Accepted, 15th July, 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Files and Indexes.
I, ALEXANDER JOSEPH RUDOLPH, of 1221, Filbert Street, San Francisco,
California, in the United States of America, Librarian, 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 the continuous file or index, for which
Letters Patent were granted to me dated 27 September 1892, No. 17243, such file or
index comprising a series of cards, the faces of which are adapted to receive slips
containing the subject matter of the index, the said cards being hinged or linked
together at their edges to form a flexible belt; pins projecting from the ends of
certain cards in the series; and a support upon which these pins are carried so that
the cards hang in folds of any desired length upon the support.
The present
improvements consist in means for changing or adjusting the pins so that any even
number of slip-holders may be introduced at any desired points without altering
the hanging of the cards, and in certain other details of construction which will
be hereafter explained by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a file or index embodying my improvements,
part of the case being removed to shew the interior arrangement.
Figure 2 is a detached perspective view of one of the drums over which pass the
series of cards.
Figure 3 is a similar view of two of the said cards hinged or linked together.
Figures 4 and 5 are similar views of part of one of the said cards illustrating
some improvements hereinafter described, and,
Figure 6 is an elevation of a wire loop forming part of the hinges or links of
the cards.
Similar letters in all the figures indicate similar parts.
The projecting pins or rods by which the cards are suspended are so situated as
to contain any even number of the cards or slip-holders between them, such for
example as 10, 14, or 20.
In case any slip-holder becomes filled and a new one has to be introduced, it is
necessary to introduce two, otherwise the cards will not hang in folds side by side,
but the bottom card will stand transversely, making with the two next adjacent
above it, a triangular open space which would cause a detrimental wear of the
cards, besides causing them to occupy too much space, by reason of their not
hanging in parallel lines.
It is not always desirable, however, to introduce two slip-holders at one point,
and in order to enable me to introduce the second one at some point where it will
soon be needed, I have constructed the slip-holders A with adjustable rods B
which are fitted to slide in tubular channels formed upon the edges of the slip-
holders.
These tubular channels are formed by properly bending the aluminium or other
metal plates, of which the slip-holders may be entirely composed, or which serve
to bind and strengthen the edges of cards or other material which may be used in
place of the metal.
These tubular channels extend from the ends of each side of the slip-holder to a
point near the middle where they are cut away, as shown at C, leaving an open
space at this point.
The rods are made sufficiently long to extend from the ends of the slip-holders
to the middle, there being two rods upon each side of the slip-holder, and they
are headed or enlarged at each end so as to prevent their being withdrawn from
the tubes.

page_text: The central space allows convenient access to the inner ends of the rods so that
they can be easily pushed outward.
When the two rods are pushed in so that their inner ends meet in the open
middle space, the outer ends will be just flush with the ends of the slip-holders,
and in this position they do not interfere with the folding of the cards when they
are suspended upon the supporting curved segments D below the drums E, E¹ by
which they are moved.
When it has been determined how many of the cards A³ shall hang in each fold
below the segment, the rods B of the supporting cards A are drawn outward so
that as the cards are moved by the dium, the rods which are drawn out will fall
onto the supports and slide down toward the centre, as shown, while the remaining
cards in which the rods are pressed in closely to the ends will depend in folds from
the ones by which they are suspended.
When it is found that a slip-holder is to be introduced at any point in the chain
of cards, it is only necessary to disengage the hinges by which the cards are joined
together at that point, and introduce the new leaf.
The second leaf may be then introduced at any other point where it is most
likely to be needed, and the chain will thus be completed.
The suspending rods B are then adjusted to suit the new arrangement of the
chain of cards, so that with this new arrangement the cards will continue to hang
in symmetrical and parallel folds from the supporting segments.
The two polygonal drums E and E' one of which is provided with a crank F at
the end of its shaft by which it can be turned, have grooves formed in them as
shown at G, and around these drums are placed endless flexible belts H of any
suitable material.
Between the drums one or more friction rollers I are mounted over which
these belts pass, and by which they and the chain of cards are supported as
they pass between the drums to prevent an uneven or sagging motion by reason
of the weight of the cards.
This is necessary to prevent any strain upon the cards and their connecting
hinges which would soon separate them and make the distance between them too
great for them to fit accurately about the drums and the projecting spurs thereon
with which they engage, and this stretching would prevent their perfect adjustment
on the drums which is absolutely necessary.
Flanges or aims e projecting around the peripheries of the drums, serve to retain
the chain of cards on the drums, and direct them, should the drums not be journalled
exactly parallel.
Upon the shafts of the drums, at one or both ends, are fixed the sprocket
wheels J around which pass chains K, so that the drums are both rotated by means
of the crank which turns one of the drums, and they are both thus caused to move
at an equal speed, and without strain upon the chain of cards which would otherwise
take place.
In order to keep a proper tension upon the chain, I have shown a tightening
pulley L mounted upon a suitably fulcrummed lever arin M, and the outer end of
this lever is adjusted by an eccentric roller N which allows the end of the lever
arm to be raised or depressed, and thus correspondingly increase or decrease
the pressure of the roller L upon the chain and the consequent tension of the
latter.
It will be obvious that in place of the chain or flexible belt connection, gear
wheels may be used to produce the same result, but I prefer the chain or belt as
being more simple and noiseless.
In order to conveniently connect and disconnect the cards, I employ hinge pins
consisting of twisted elastic wires ( extending from one of the hinge lugs to the
other.
At the ends, these wires are separated to form forks, P, the prongs of each of
which are wide enough apart to engage the hinge loops Q of two adjacent cards.
These cards may be made of metal, or of paste-board or other suitable material

page_text: having metallic strips fixed upon the edges and bent over so as to form grooves
or channels upon each side for the reception of the slips which are introduced
transversely across the cards until the cards are filled from end to end.
The ends of the grooves or channels are closed or made narrower so as to
prevent the slips from being displaced or removed, and when the cards are only
partially filled with slips, I employ elastic stop pieces or checks R which fit
sufficiently close within the grooves or channels to prevent the slips from moving.
Across the, back of each of the cards or slip-holders is fitted a strip of metal S
which is bent into a hook form at each end, and its length is such that when it is
slipped over the card any transverse strain or tension will be brought directly
upon these metal strips.
Through the bend or bight, where the hook portion is formed, a hole is made of
sufficient size to receive the eye or loop T which forms the hinge.
This eye or loop is formed of a wire bent as shown, and having the ends T¹ in a
line with each other.
Holes corresponding with those in the strips are made through thẹ bent metal
edges of the slip-holders, and of sufficient diameter to allow the eye or loop T to
be passed through the hole, and the straight portions T¹ of the wire to be pushed
in so that they lie along the inner edge or bottom of the grooves or channels
formed by the folds of the metal plates on the edges of the cards.
The loop is then twisted to stand at right angles with its former position, and in
line with the edges of the cards so as to receive the hinge pins or prongs P.
As these metal strips are bent short enough to allow all strain by reason of the
weight or pull upon the cards, to be brought upon these strips, the cards are thus
relieved from it and prevented from being torn, pulled apart, or stretched in the
direction of their width, and the chain from being thereby lengthened and
the cards from adjusting themselves perfectly as they pass around the polygonal
drums.
The wires Owhich extend between the hinges are sufficiently flexible to allow
of them being curved at points between the hinges so as to be sufficiently shortened
to withdraw the ends P, and thus allow the cards to be separated for the intro-
duction of others, or for any other purpose and when the ends P are introduced
into the hinged loops of two adjacent cards and the wire allowed to straighten out
between them, these ends will be pushed through the loops far enough to hold the
cards together and form the hinges about which they move.
It will be obvious that these hinge-wires may be formed in various other ways,
the object being to provide a sufficiently elastic wire or connection having the
forked ends to serve as hinge pins.
The central portion is ornamental and serves to partially fill the space between
the adjacent cards, and to cover such portions of the interior drums as would be
visible through these spaces.
In the Specification of my said former Patent I showed pins or spurs projecting
from the flat sides of the drum near each end, and corresponding holes in the
ends of the slip-holders to fit these pins. This construction rendered it necessary.
to make the holes very exactly in order to cause the cards to be accurately placed
as they passed over the drums, and it was also objectionable because the holes
occupied a certain amount of space that could otherwise be utilized for the
reception of slips.
I now make these projecting pins or spurs U upon the angles at the ends of
the polygonal drums, and they then project between the adjacent edges of the
cards and outside the hinged strips, thus causing the cards to come accurately into
position and saving the expense of making holes in the cards. It also allows
the full length of each slip-holder for the introduction of slips which in a long
series and for large catalogues is very important.
•
In order to prevent the chain of cards from knocking against the sides of the
case within which they are contained by reason of the centrifugal force and swing
produced by the revolution of the drums, I place on opposite sides of the case.

page_text: '
two or more strips V of leather, rubber, or other flexible material, which are
supported in such a manner as to leave a little space between the strips V and the
wall of the case.
These strips thus receive the shock of the cards if they have any swinging
motion and prevent their striking against the sides of the case, and such strips
being of soft material prevent any injury to the holders or to the slips contained
in them.
In connection with this device I use a series of movable catch letters or numbers
printed in heavy bold type, which are introduced at intervals between the slips
in the slip-holders, and by their appearance arrest the attention, and assist in
rapidly locating the place of entry or entries which it is desired to examine.
In connection with this I may also use movable subdivisions or headings marked
in colors. The importance of this will be recognized when it is understood that
for each State of the United States, and each other country, there are about
140 subdivisions. The subdivisions for cities amount to 10. The subdivisions
for the Bible amount to about 300, aud in addition to these are the subdivisions
for astronomy, chemistry, engineering, architecture, arts, sciences, theology,
philosophy, etc., in the printed catalogues, as, for instance, in the Peabody catalogue
all these subdivisions are printed in italics. By means of movable colored sub-
divisions they are made to stand out so that any work is easily located without
spending much time to find it.
The cost of printing the Peabody catalogue in the one color is about $25,000.
If printed in two colors the same catalogue would cost about $50,000, while by the
use of these colored subdivision indicators I am enabled to keep my catalogues up
with no more expense than the cost of introducing any of the slips into the slip-
holders.
The drums are retained centrally and prevented from shifting endwise by means
of collars fastened, to the drums, and adjusted by set screws so as to allow the
drums to revolve freely and at the same time within the proper limits.
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. A file or index consisting of a series of cards or holders linked together at
their edges to form a flexible endless belt, rods or hangers projecting from the
ends of the cards at certain intervals, the said rods being adapted to slide in
guides upon the edges of the cards whereby they may be drawn out or retracted
to change the points of suspension of the cards, and lugs adapted to receive
these rods and suspend the cards in successive sheets substantially as herein
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. A file or index consisting of a series of cards or holders having channels
formed upon their opposite edges to receive the ends of transversely placed slips,
tubular channels formed in the edges of the cards, the said channels being cut away
at the central portion of the card as shown, rods fitting the said channels and
adapted to slide therein so as to be projected beyond the ends of the cards or closed
up flush with the ends, yokes adapted to receive these rods and suspend the cards
in sheets with folds of a length which is determined by the distance between the
projected rods, substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accom-
panying drawings.
3. A file or index consisting of a series of cards having channels formed upon
their edges to receive transversely located slips, independent metal strips extending
across the cards near each end and bent over the edges of the cards so as to clasp
them, wire loops passed through holes in the turned over edges of the channels, and
the overlapping metal strips and projecting outside the said strips so as to form
hinge-loops, the inner portions of the wire extending along the bottoms of the
channels parallel with the sides of the cards, substantially as herein described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
ر

page_text: 4. A file or index consisting of a series of cards having grooves or channels
formed upon their opposite edges for the reception of transversely located and
movable slips, transverse metal strips extending across the cards, near each end,
and bent over the opposite edges. thereof, wire hinge-loops extending through
openings in the grooves or channels and corresponding holes in the metal strips
whereby the transverse tension is received by the metallic strips, hinge pins by
which the adjacent edges of cards are flexibly connected together, the said pins
consisting of elastic rods having forked ends adapted to fit the hinge-loops at
opposite ends of two adjacent cards and connect them together, substantially as
herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
5. A file or index consisting of a series of cards or holders having grooved
channels upon their opposite edges for the reception of movable transverse slips,
hinges by which the adjacent edges of the cards are flexibly connected together,
and adjustable rods or hangers projecting from the ends of the cards at certain
intervals, yokes so fixed as to receive the rods or hangers and suspend the cards
therefiom in folded sheets, polygonal drums, the faces of which correspond in
width with the cards, the said drums being journalled in the case and having con-
necting flexible bands, intermediate supporting rollers over which the bands and
cards pass from one drum to the other, sprocket-wheels upon the drum shafts with
chains connecting them whereby the drums are rotated in unison and the strain and
tension removed from the cards and their connecting hinges, substantially as herein
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
6. A file or index consisting of a series of cards or holders having their edges
flexibly linked together to form a series or endless belt, rods or hangers adjustable
in the ends of the cards, and yokes upon which the said hangers are received,
polygonal drums mounted parallel with each other in the containing case having
their faces of corresponding width with the cards, connecting belts and chains
whereby the cards are supported between the drums and the drums are caused
to rotate in unison, spurs projecting from the angles of the drums at each end,
and adapted to enter the spaces between the cards in line with their hinge
connections whereby the cards are caused to be placed accurately upon the drum
faces as they move over them, substantially as herein described and illustrated in
the accompanying drawings.
7. A file or index consisting of a series of cards or holders linked together at
their edges to form a flexible endless belt, projecting rods and hangers by which
the cards are caused to hang in a series of folds, polygonal drums journalled parallel
with each other over which the cards are caused to pass by the rotation of the
drums, endless connecting bands and supporting rollers between the drums over
which the cards pass, sprocket-wheels upon the drum shafts, and endless chains
passing around the said sprocket-wheels whereby the drums are rotated in unison
without tension upon the cards, a fulcrummed lever having a roller journalled in
one end and adapted to press upon the chain, and an eccentric or cam adjustable
with relation to the opposite end of the lever whereby the tension of the chain and
the power required to rotate the drums is regulated, substantially as herein described
and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
8. A file or index consisting of a series of cards or holders linked together at
their edges to form a flexible endless belt, drums journalled parallel with each other
in the upper part of a case and connected together so as to be rotated in unison,
said drums having polygonal faces corresponding in width with the cards and
connecting endless belt and supporting rollers whereby the uppermost cards are
supported and exposed beneath a transparent top of the case for inspection, rods
projecting from the ends of the cards at certain intervals, and yokes fixed beneath
the drums adapted to receive these projecting rods and suspend the intervening
cards in parallel hanging sheets, and elastic strips fixed upon the sides of the case
opposite the lines of cards whereby the latter are prevented from swinging
outwardly and striking the case, substantially as herein described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 9. The improved file or index, herein before described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated the 13th day of June 1893.
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.