Improvements in Tills and in Means for Checking Cash Receipts.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd June, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 18th Nov., 1897--Accepted, 19th Feb., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tills and in Means for Checking Cash Receipts.
.I.
I, FRANK SEPTIMUS DEVONTEAUX Scorr, residing at 25, Upper Bedford Place,
in the County of London, England, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to money-tills and consists of certain improvenients in the
same and also in means therewith for checking cash receipts.
The class of till to which my 'invention is most applicable is furnished with two
assorters one arranged higher than the other. These assorters consist of inclined
chutes in connection with which are diverting strips for-causing coins or discs as
they roll down the said chutes to be turned off according to size at suitable points.
In the present invention the lower assorter is used for the coins received, in order
to distribute them according to their denomination in the change-drawer receivers
or cavities, from which they can be obtained by manipulating suitable coin ejecting
mechanism.
In order to prevent this assorter from getting blocked should a greater number of
coins be passed through the same than the receivers will hold, the upper portion of
the said receivers are suitably cut away or formed in such a manner that at each
one, a chute is made leading to a tray or other suitable receptacle. A plate is
projected partly over the said receivers in such a position that when the receivers
are full the next coin entering either of the full cavities will be unable to fall flat
into the same but will be in an inclined position resting between the edge of the
cavity and the aforesaid plate until a coin below it is abstracted, in which case the top
coin will immediately fall flat in position. Should however no coins be abstracted
from the full cavities the coins subsequently assorted will be directed by means of
the inclined coin into the tray aforesaid.
The upper assorter is designed to distribute certain disc checks of different sizes,
each marked with a figure corresponding to the amount of a purchase. Any suitable
number of these checks may be used, the largest of which may be marked with
say and they decrease in diameter according to the increased amount named
thereon until the figure is sufficiently high for the class of business in which the
till is intended for use.
1
The discs or checks are stacked according to their size in tubes arranged in the
most convenient position within the apparatus, and they are forced upward by suit-
able springs or gear in the said tubes so that the top discs in the tubes will be
at a level with the apparatus case, and can be easily abstracted. In addition to
the figures on said dises representing their value, the amount on the discs in
each of the tubes are added consecutively, and each denomination of discs can be of
a different color to the others. The discs as aforesaid are assorted according to
their size by the upper assorter, after which they pass into compartments having
glass windows of a corresponding size, and when released from said compartments
they fall into glass or other suitable tubes in the apparatus. The discs are. used

page_text: to record the actual amount of the purchase, the total of which can be easily ascer-
tained by adding together the amounts named on the top discs in the last named
tubes; this total should correspond with the amount of cash in the apparatus.
Dated the 15th day of October 1897.
W: D. ROWLINGSON,
7, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tills, and in Means for Checking Cash Receipts.
1, FRANK SEPTIMUS DEVONTEAUX SCOTT, residing at 25, Upper Bedford Place,
in the County of London, England, 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:-
This invention relates to money tills and consists of certain improvements in the
same and also in means therewith for checking cash receipts.
In order that the invention may be clearly understood reference is made to the
accompanying sheets of drawing in which
Figure 1, shews a perspective view of the apparatus.
Figure 2, is a transverse section of the same.
Figure 3, is a view of the check assorter looking from the opposite side of the
apparatus to that shewn in Figure 1.
Figure 4, is a view of the coin assorter looking from the same side as Figure 1.
Figure 5, is a plan of the apparatus partly in section and having a portion of the
cover plate removed.
1
Figure 6, is a plan of the coin assorter shewing the angle at which the diverting
strips are placed for turning the coins off the inclined rail.
Figure 7, is an enlarged sectional view shewing.c
one set of the coin ejecting
mechanism and also the means for regulating the amount of coins in the cavities or
receivers.
Figure 8, is an enlarged sectional view through one of the check holders, shewing
also the catch for retaining the spring seat in its lowest position while the holder is
being filled.
Figure 9, is a perspective view of the trough for receiving the coins ejected from
the apparatus.
Figure 10, is a view of the bar for adjusting the size of the coin slots, and
Figure 11, is the locking bar.
In constructing an apparatus according to my present invention I form a suit-
ably shaped case (A) of wood, metal or other suitable material, and in the upper
part of the said case I secure an assorter (B) as shewn in Figures 2 and 3 for dis-
tributing a number of different size disc checks hereinafter explained. The: said
assorter consists essentially of a chute (B¹) inclined downward in the direction of its
length for causing the discs to travel along it, and inclined slightly backward in a
transverse direction to its length for causing the discs as they run to take a cant
which prevents their swerving off the narrow path on which they travel until
diverted therefrom by the strips (B2). These strips are arranged according to the
sizes of the discs which they severally select so as to turn them off the said path
in descending order according to size at suitable points thereof.
The said discs are dropped through a slot (C) in the top of the casing, on to the
chute (B¹) and after being assorted, they fall into glass panelled compartments (D)
and are visible from both sides of the: apparatus. Each denomination or size of
disc has its respective compartment. In the lower portion of these compartments
is a sliding shutter (E) which forms the bottom of the said compartments and which

page_text: is capable of being drawn back by suitable mechanism hereinafter explained to
allow the discs to pass into the passage ways (F) leading to glass or other suitable
tubes (G) hereinafter described.
The disc checks beforementioned may be of brass or other suitable material and
they are made in series of different size sets, each set forming part of the series
being marked with a figure corresponding to the amount of a purchase. Any
suitable number of these sets may be used, and any suitable number
of checks may constitute a set. The set having the largest size discs
may be marked with say or other suitable figure and they decrease in size
according to the increased amount named thereon, until the figure is high enough
for the class of business in which the till is intended for use, or if desired the
greatest amount may be marked on the largest discs.
The said checks are stacked according to size in tubular holders such as (H)
Figures 2 and 8. These holders correspond in number to the series of discs used
and they are arranged in the most convenient position within the apparatus. Each
of the said holders is provided with a spring seat (H¹) for forcing the discs upward
so that the top disc will bind against the projecting ledge (H2) of the plate (H³) (in
the manner of a sovereign purse for example) in order that the said top disc will be
at a level with the apparatus case, and may be easily abstracted from the holder
when required.
To fill the said holders with discs, a suitable crank handle is fitted on to the
square end (H) Figure 1, of the rod which carries the drum (H), and by turning
this handle a suitable distance, chains similar to (H6) Figure 8, connected with the
seats (H¹), are wound upon the drum (H) so as to cause the said seats to be drawn
down as far as possible, and when in this position a catch (H7) engages a tooth on
the drum to prevent the said drum from moving until released. The plate (H³) at
the top of the holders is then raised and the discs are inserted in the said holders
according to size and in their proper order. The plate (H³) is now closed upon the
holders and fastened by a suitable lock, and the catch (H7) beforementioned is dis-
engaged from the drum by raising the knob (HS) which is attached to the said catch
and which is movable in the slot formed in the side of the case. The chains (H³)
are thus left slack.
In addition to the figures on the said checks representing the amount of a pur-
chase, there is also on each of the checks in each set or denomination, excepting the
top one, the total amount of the check or checks above it when stacked in its
proper order in its holder (H), that is to say, as an example take the 1º set, the top
check is simply marked 1° the check under it is marked 2 being the total of the
two checks, the next is 3º and so on, so that as the checks are withdrawn from
the holders and passed into the glass tubes (G), the top check in each tube will
represent the total of the checks below it, and the total of the amounts on these top
checks should correspond with the cash receipts. Each set of checks may be
colored different to the others in order that they can be easily distinguished.
In the lower portion of the apparatus is another assorter (I) which is used for
coins. This assorter is very similar to the one previously described but has a
double chute, one being for the silver and copper and the other for gold coins. At
the sides of the said assorter and communicating therewith are indicator compart-
ments (J) and (J¹) into which the coins are dropped through the slots (J³) and (J³).
These compartments are provided with glass windows so that the coins placed
therein are visible to the purchaser.
The simultaneous release of the coins in the indicator compartments and also the
disc checks in the compartments (D) is caused by manipulating a small press
knob (K) which is connected with a turnable rod (K) on which are secured the
pulley wheels (K³), (K³) and (K). To the pulley (K') is fastened a cord on
chain (K) which is connected with a pulley (I) mounted on a suitable rod (K7)
upon which are also secured the bent arms similar to (L) arranged at both ends of
the apparatus to communicate with the interior of the indicator compartments.in

page_text: order to prevent the coins rolling into the assorter until the mechanism is oper-
ated. A suitable spring (L¹) is arranged at the back of each bent arm (L) to keep
it in position. The pulleys (K2) and (K³) aforesaid, have cords or chains (M)
and (M) attached to them, and these connect with the shutter (E) beforementioned,
so that when the press knob (K) is actuated, the said shutter will be drawn back
clear of the compartments (D) to allow the checks to fall through, into the passage
ways leading to the glass tubes (G). The said shutter is immediately returned to
its original position, when the knob (K) is released, by means of the springs (M¹)
attached to the rail (M²).
Beneath the assorter (I) is fitted a drawer (N) in the front portion of which is a
series of cavities or receivers corresponding in number to the variety of coins to be
separated so that each denomination of coin has its particular cavity. One of these
cavities is shewn in Figures 2 and 7 and lettered (O). They are each arranged just
between the divisional blocks (0¹) of the assorter (I) and are slightly larger in
diameter than the coins they are intended to receive.
In order to prevent the assorter (I) from getting blocked should a greater number
of coins be passed through the same than the cavities will hold, the upper portion of
the said cavities or receivers are cut away or formed similar to (P) Fig. 7, and a
suitably formed plate (P1) attached to the apparatus case projects partly over the
said receivers in such a position that when the receivers are full, the next coin
entering either of the full cavities will be unable to fall flat into the same, but will
be in an inclined position, resting between the edge of the cavity and the aforesaid
plate (as shewn by dotted lines in Figure 7) until a coin below it is abstracted, in
which case the top coin will immediately fall flat in position. Should however no
coins be abstracted from the full cavities, the coins subsequently assorted will be
diverted, by means of the inclined coin, into the tray (12) of the drawer. The
lower portion of the plate on the assorter (I) is bent similar to (P³) to direct the
coins on to the projected portion of the plate (P¹) so that they will be guided either
into the receivers or into the tray as above described.
Slots similar to (Q) are formed in the front portion of the said drawer and com-
municate with the bottom of the cavities or receivers (0) so as to allow the bottom
coin in each cavity to be ejected. A metallic strip (R) is arranged above the
slots (Q) to regulate the width of the said slots so that only one coin can pass
through, each time its respective ejector is operated, but should a bent coin be in
one of the cavities and unable to pass through the limited opening the metallic strip
can be raised by a suitable cam and lever device (R¹), so as to increase the size of
the opening and allow the coin to be easily ejected, after which the strip is re-
adjusted to its normal position.
Each of the cavities or receivers is provided with a separate coin ejector which
consists of a sliding bar (S) arranged in suitable guides opposite the slot through which
the coin is ejected, and level with the bottom of the cavity so that when the sliding
bar is brought forward it pushes the bottom coin in the cavity through the said slot.
A stud (S¹) is projected from the said bar and connects with one end of a cord or
chain (S2), the other end of which is fastened to a wheel (S³). This wheel is loosely
mounted upon a spindle and is connected with another wheel (S*) of a smaller
diameter hereinafter mentioned. The coin ejectors are operated by means of the
vertical press knobs (T) the stems of which are supported in suitable guides (1) on
the front of the drawer. A pin (T) on each stem projects through an aperture (T3)
in the lower portion of the drawer and is connected with a chain or cord (1) which
passes over the roller (T5) and also connects with the wheel ($4) beforementioned, so
that by simply pressing down one of the knobs say five eighths of an inch or there
abouts, the wheel (S) is caused to revolve or turn a corresponding distance while
the larger wheel ($3) which is connected with the sliding bar (S) is of such a cir-
cumference that this movement is sufficient to draw the sliding bar forward the re-
quired distance. When the knob is released a spiral spring (U) which connects
with the sliding bar (S) causes the said bar to return to its original position ready to
be operated again.
The tubes (G) beforementioned for receiving the checks, Figures 2, 3, and 8, are

page_text: arranged according to size in suitable supports at the back of the drawer (N)), and
are slightly larger than the discs which they are intended to receive.
A trough (V) as shewn in Figures 2 and 9 is attached to the front of the drawer
and is for the purpose of receiving the coins which are ejected from the cavities. It
is furnished with a hinged flap (V) which is retained in the closed position by a
suitable spring. A lip or hook (V2) is formed at the free end of this flap so that the
operator can with one hand lower the said flap and obtain the coins.
A locking bar (W) Figure 11 having notches (W) is arranged at the back of the
drawer plate, and is capable of engaging the pins (T2) on the lower end of the stems.
The said bar is also furnished with the studs (W) which project through suitable
apertures, into the coin slots (Q). When it is desired to lock the machine the said
bar is moved forward by means of the knob (W³) or other suitable device and there
fastened, in which case the notches will engage the pins aforesaid on the knob
stems at the same time the studs (W2) are moved across the slots (Q) to prevent the
abstraction of any coins from the cavities.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
In the first place it must be assumed that the till is charged with checks and also
a sufficient sum for giving change when necessary.
As an example a purchase is made for a shilling (1/-) article and a half crown (2/6)
tendered by the purchaser.
The operator first obtains from the proper holder a check corresponding to the
amount of a purchase namely 1/-; this check is placed in the slot (C) to be assorted,
after which it will appear in its proper compartment (D).
The coin tendered is
then dropped into the indicator compartment (J) through the slot (J2). The change
namely one shilling and sixpence is now obtained from the till by pressing down
the knob (T) for the shilling coin and also the one for the sixpenny coin. These
coins are ejected into the trough and by lowering the spring flap (V) they slide into
the hand and are given to the purchaser. The check representing the amount of
the purchase and also the coin tendered are both on view in the apparatus and can
be compared with the change. The purchase is now complete and the check and
also the coin are caused to simultaneously disappear by pressing down the knob (K).
The check after being released from its compartment (D) passes through the
passage way (F) into the glass tube (G), while the coin passes into the assorter (I)
and is diverted into its proper receiver (0) in the drawer. Say for instance
that the drawer (N) is now taken out to examine the contents, it will be seen that
the purchase according to the check in the tube amounted to one shilling, then
there must be a corresponding sum in cash, in addition to the amount placed in the
apparatus at starting. Supposing that a number of purchases have been made,
the total amount in the till can be easily ascertained by adding together the totals
on the top checks in the glass tubes (G); this should correspond with the cash
receipts.
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:-
Firstly. In money tills with or without a coin assorter and change ejecting device,
the means for checking cash receipts substantially as herein set forth."
Secondly. In money tills with or without a coin assorter and change ejecting
device, the means by which the total of the cash receipts can be ascertained, sub-
stantially as herein set forth.
Thirdly. In money tills with a coin assorter and change ejecting device, the
means for causing the coins to be directed into the tray (P³) or other suitable
receptacle when the cavities or receivers (0) are full, substantially as herein set
means for checking
Fourthly. In money tills the combination of the
cash receipts; the change ejecting device; the means for causing the simul-
taneous release of the coins in the indicator compartments (J) and (J¹) and the
forth.

page_text: checks in the compartments (D) by the manipulation of a knob (K); the means for
calculating the total amount of the receipts, and the means for simultaneously lock-
ing the press knobs (T) and also blocking the coin slots (Q), substantially as herein
set forth.
Dated the 17th day of November 1897.
W. D. ROWLINGSON,
7, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.