Improvements in and connected with Calculating Apparatus.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Sept., 1897-Accepted, 3rd Sept., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Calculating Apparatus.
I, ABRAHAM SCHABADT, of Minsk, in the Empire of Russia, Merchant, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to calculating-apparatus as used for commercial and
general purposes, my improvements being adapted to a machine or apparatus
for the addition and subtraction, and occasional multiplication and division of
columns of figures representing for instance English coinage or weights, Russian
weights, the decimal money system, and in which systems the figures can vary
between units and thousands or even higher numbers, a characteristic feature of
my improvements being, the automatic appearing of a slide or the like as a signal
or indicator for the purpose of acquainting the operator where the carrying of
the tens and the like is to be performed.
My apparatus is simple in construction and is adapted for the various above
mentioned systems of calculation by arranging such systems upon movable bands
or the like, the members attached to, or forming part of such endless bands corre-
sponding of course as regards their number and arrangement of figures, to the
system of calculation which it is desired to use.
In order to make my invention clear I refer to the accompanying drawings in
which
Fig. 1 is a plan of an apparatus constructed according to my invention, the
dotted lines indicating the transfer mechanism,
Fig. 2 shows the apparatus with removed cover,
Fig. 3 is a cross-section,
Fig. 4 a longitudinal section showing the method in which the members
bearing the numbers revolve upon an endless band or bands.
Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section showing the operation of the mechanism for
actuating the signal slides.
Figs. 6 & 7 show modifications in which, chain is employed to actuate the slides
in place of levers or rods.
Fig. 8 illustrates the method of arranging the front plate of my apparatus,
when the three right-hand rows of figures or endless bands are arranged for
English money and the 5 lefthand rows or series for the decimal system, also
for the further calculation of pounds sterling beyond 10 or for general calculations.
Furthermore when employing the arrangement which adapts my improved
apparatus for the calculation of English money as shown in the righthand side
of Fig. 8 the first row of figures C, (or in other words the first endless band C),
possesses (as shown in said Fig. 8), 11 visible numbers representing pence.
If in the calculation these pence figures are moved beyond 11. a slide or signal
automatically appears on the next endless hand to the band C, namely on the
row A.
This row A possesses, as shown. "nine" visible members representing shillings.
The signal or slide which as above stated automatically appeared on the shil-
lings band or row (when 11 pence had been exceeded), is now returned to its
D

page_text: position under the slide cover, but with the return of the slide, the finger tip
or pencil (employed for moving the figure-members of the endless band) is
caused to move the shillings row, one number or figure further on.
The next row B has only two visible members, representing half-sovereigns.
On the same principle as above mentioned, when the calculation with the
apparatus on the shillings-row has exceeded nine shillings, a slide or signal
appears on the said row B, (the third row on the lefthand side of Fig. 8). The
slide on the said row B is now returned to its place under the said cover and with
the return of the said slide, the endless band or row B is moved one number or
figure further on.
In the same manner when the calculation upon the half-sovereign row B has
exceeded "two," a slide or signal appears upon the succeeding or next following
row A representing sovereigns. Again in the same manner as previously des
cribed, when the slide or signal is. brought back under the slide cover, the
sovereign or pounds sterling row A is simultaneously moved one figure further on.
The remaining rows A on the lefthand side of Fig. 8 represent also pounds
sterling, namely in hundreds, thousands &c., the operation of 'the mechanism
for each of the said endless bands or figure rows being the same as previously
described.
The endless bands on the lefthand side of Fig. 8 are as above indicated, suitable
for calculation upon the decimal system as each row A has nine visible figures
and means to automatically effect the transfer to the succeeding row.
It should be here also stated that in the case of addition the "lower" slide
would be actuated (or would automatically appear), whilst when using the appara-
tus for subtraction of numbers, the upper slide would be actuated so, that in
the first instance, as is clear, the returning of the slide would move the endless
band "forwards" and in the second instance, with the return of the upper slides,
viz., for subtraction, the endless band would be moved one number backwards,
the said slides or signals being automatically caused to appear on each succeeding
row, as soon as the limit of calculation on the previous row, (that is to say the
row in use), has been reached.
Fig. 9 shows from A-G a variety of arrangements by means of which my
improved apparatus can be adapted for various systems of calculation, this view
showing in each case the numbering or more precisely the method of numbering
the endless bands.
For instance band A Fig. 9 can be provided with thirty members (i.e. ten
numbers three times repeated, viz. the numbers from 0-9) and 3 transfer pins,
to transfer to the next higher row with each 10th figure, or in other words to
transfer each series of tens.
Band B could have 30 members, numbered from 0-1 with 15 transfer pins,
the transfer in this case, to the higher row, taking place as is apparent with every
second figure.
Band C could have 36 members or figures, numbered from 0-11 and 3 transfer
pins so that in this case the transfer to the next row or to the next endless band
would take place after every 11th figure. The arrangement of the remaining
bands are similar to those already described.
In an apparatus constructed according to my invention (as arranged for the
above mentioned example viz., for English coinage), the first endless band or
figures of the apparatus would correspond to band C Fig. 9 that is to say would
have a transfer pin after every 11th figure; the second row of the apparatus being
according to band A with a transfer pin after every 9th figure (this row represent-
ing of course shillings); and the third row of the apparatus according to a
band B, (Figure 9), that is to say with a transfer pin after every second figure
for transfering half-sovereigns to pounds sterling, and all further rows according
to band A Fig. 9, (said band representing as is clear, series of tens).
In a calculating apparatus according to my invention arranged for Russian
coinage, the first row of figures or endless band should correspond to band C

page_text: Fig. 9 that is to say should have 36 members numbered from 1-11 and with
a transfer pin after every 11th member; row 2 for Russian coinage should be
according to band E; row 3 according to band A; row 4 according to D, and
row 5 and all the others according to band A.
In a calculating apparatus according to my invention for English weights, it
is clear that I need only to arrange the members or numbers upon each endless
band in correspondence to this system of calculation so that for instance the
first band or row of figures G would have 28 members numbered from 0-6 and
4 transfer pins, this band representing pounds avoirdupois. The second endless
band (upon an apparatus for calculating English weights), could be arranged
according to band D representing hundredweights Fig. 9, having 32 members
numbered from 0-3 and 8 transfer pins. The following rows could be arranged
according to band C, having 30 members numbered from 0-9 and 3 transfer
pins, serving to transfer hundredweights to tons, the principle of the transfer
being the same in each case, so that I think I may abstain from repetition.
I do not of course bind myself to the arrangements of the numbers and the
members of the endless band in the order in which they are above mentioned.
For instance I may in the apparatus for calculating English weights, interpolate
an endless band upon which the English stone weight may be calculated or I
may number the members of the endless bands of any other system in a different
manner to the method hereinbefore stated for the reason that the numbering or
more precisely the method of numbering the bands, does not of itself form a
feature of my invention.
Proceeding to describe the drawings I remark Firstly: that the casing
cover d is provided with longitudinal aperture or opening through which the
members of the endless band, (rotated underneath the same), are visible, such
movement being facilitated by the said members being provided with the projec-
tions c, though it is clear, I may substitute recesses for said projections c¹.
For the sake of clearness it is again here stated that when the apparatus is
employed for the addition of figures the movement of the endless band takes
place in the direction from top to bottom and in the opposite direction (namely
from bottom to top), when subtractions are to be made.
""
To render the figures upon the endless band visible and at the same time to
indicate the result to the operator a further aperture or opening "o" is provided
in the casing cover, the said aperture being located at the point where the
number "5" in the plus row 1-9 of the fixed numbers upon the apparatus casing
would consecutively follow.
Each endless band may be enclosed in a separate frame in the interior of the
main apparatus casing. Rollers to aid the rotation of the endless band can, if
desired, be omitted by conducting such endless band over and around suitable
guides extending from the interior frame of each separate endless band.
The said endless bands are in a normal position when through the aperture "o"
the cipher 0 is visible. It will of course be understood, that each endless band
is provided with apertures "o," the same as the first band, for the purpose of
rendering one figure upon such movable band always in sight, as in view of the
fact that the numbers on the endless band are printed at the side of the members
of the endless band, it is clear that, in a properly constructed apparatus, only the
figure or number can be seen which become visible through the opening "o."
Furthermore in each adjacent endless band or rows of figures the normal position
of each band (or the position, in which each band must be brought, before the
commencement of calculations), is when the cipher 0 becomes visible in the
respective aperture "o" of each row.
The mechanism for operating the slides or the like, serving as signal or indicator
as mentioned in the preamble of the specification is as follows:
A double armed lever f (Figure 2) engages with a pin 7 (Fig. 3) located on
the inner side of the endless band and at a point immediately below the member
or part of the band marked with the cipher "O." The said lever f engages with

page_text: two rods h h located either above or below the main casing, said rods h h¹ being
attached to the slides e e¹ (Figures 1 & 5) in any suitable manner. These rods h h¹
can be substituted by a chain as shown in Figure 7 or by a single rod and a toothed
wheel, (not claimed and therefore not shown), adapted to engage both with a pin
upon the "O" cipher of the endless band and with a suitable rack attached to
the slides. Further to be remarked is that the slide cases or covers k k in which
the slides e e¹ are guided can either have the form shown in the drawing, or,
the said signal slides may be arranged in one" slide-casing extending crosswise
over all the rows or over the whole of the apparatus without any immediate space
or break.
66
To illustrate the manner in which calculations may be carried out upon my
improved apparatus I will mention the following example:
To add say 9 to 9: The rows of figures or endless bands must be first brought
in the before mentioned normal position i.e. the position in which the cipher 0
is visible at the aperture "o" of each endless band, the finger-tip, pencil or the
like is then inserted in the space c³ of the endless band at the point where the
figure 9 on the casing in the plus row of the fixed (or outside) figures are located.
The units-endless band is then moved downwards until the finger or pencil strikes
against the lowermost portion ¹ of the longitudinal aperture d¹ (Figures 1 & 4).
This movement changes of course the figure or number visible in the slot or
opening " of the units-row, and in this example, the number "9" would then
come in sight. The same movement is subsequently "repeated" by again insert-
ing the finger or pencil opposite the fixed number 9 in the plus index (on the
case), and moving the endless band downwards as far as possible. This second
movement brings the number "8" in the aperture 0 " of the units.
<<
During the said second movement however of the endless band, the pin g
(Figure 4) has actuated the lever f and with said lever also the rods h h¹ connected
to the slide e located on the adjacent endless band or above the tens-row said
slide having been pressed forward from the guide k¹ of the tens row, immediately
the addition of the units yielded a total beyond 9.
To complete the example, the finger or pencil is pressed against the projection
of the endless band located under to the slide e¹ (viz., on the tens row) in such
manner, that by returning the slide to its former position the endless band or
rows of figures, over which the slide is situated, (ie., the tens band) is moved
one number further on. In this case as the tens band had first been set to show
the cipher "0" as above mentioned, the movement of the endless band one
number further on would therefore bring the Figure "1" to view in the aperture
or slot of the tens, and as the Figure 8 has been obtained in the units-result-
aperture "o," the complete result "18" is thus brought to view upon the apparatus.
When subtracting numbers, the manipulation of the apparatus is effected
exactly on the same principle, but in a direction from "bottom to top instead
of from "top to bottom," as in the previous addition example.
"
The endless band being thus for subtraction rotated upwards, the plus index
on the lefthand side of the longitudinal slot of the casing is disregarded, and
for said subtraction the endless band is now moved in accordance with the minus
row of fixed figures, which as shown in the drawing, runs in an opposite direction
to the plus index, the minus index being located on the righthand side of the
longitudinal slot of the casing.
As long as the transfer or carrying over from the lower to the higher series
has not been effected by the replacing of the slide, the said slide or indicator will
be a continual reminder that such carrying over must yet be done, or in other
words that the automatically expelled slides must be returned to their normal
position beneath the slide casing and simultaneously with the return of the slide,
the endless band over which the slide is expelled, must be moved one number
further on.
It is not always necessary to replace the slides immediately they are automatic-
ally expelled.

page_text: In the case of calculating machines, possessing a number of adjacent endless
bands or rows of figures, the said slides can be replaced as soon as all the figures
or columns of figures to be calculated have been passed on to the machine. The
returning of the slides to their normal position within the slide cases or guides k k¹
would thus automatically to a degree tend to check the previously visible incom-
plete result.
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It may also be mentioned that when a sum of numbers having several
figures in a row are to be added, such as "thousands and higher numbers, the
procedure is the same as in ordinary addition, namely the units in each row
would first be added together by rotating the endless band of the units each time
to an extent corresponding to the number of units in each row, then the tens would
be added (on the tens band), then the hundreds (on the adjacent hundreds-band)
and so forth, so that the lever f of each endless band, always as is apparent
actuates the slide signal of the adjacent band only.
In conclusion it may be remarked that it is not necessary to have a special
apparatus for each separate system of calculation, but only reserve-bands suitably
arranged according to the system of calculation in use, said bands being inter-
changeable in my improved apparatus, somewhat similar to the discs or rollers
of automatic musical instruments.
Having now particularly described and ascertained my said invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. A calculating-machine or apparatus, characterised by the arrangement in
a casing, of a number of endless bands (c), provided with projections (c¹), each
of these bands being arranged to move between two fixed rows of figures upon
the casing, the said index rows of figures upon the casing being in an opposite
direction to each other; the endless bands, having on their underside a pin (9),
which by means of the lever (f) and rods (h h¹), effect the expulsion of a slide
or signal on the adjacent endless band, whereby the said slide or signal is caused
to come against one of the projections (c¹) of the said adjacent band, the movement
of this projection (c), simultaneously with the return of the slide to its normal
position beneath the slide guide, causing the said adjacent endless band to be
rotated one number forwards or backwards, in accordance as to whether the
"
upper or the "lower" slide or signal has been actuated, substantially as
64
described.
2. A modification of the calculating machine or apparatus, described in
Claim 1, characterised by the arrangement in a casing, of a number of endless
bands (c), provided with projections (c¹), each of these bands being arranged to
move between two fixed rows of figures upon the casing, the said index rows of
figures upon the casing, being in an opposite direction to each other; the endless
bands having on their underside a pin (g), which by means of the lever (f) and
chains (h h), effect the expulsion of a slide or signal on the adjacent endless band,
whereby the said slide or signal is caused to come against one of the projec-
tions (c)of the said adjacent band the movement of this projection (c¹), simul-
taneously with the return of the slide to its normal position beneath the slide
guide, causing the said adjacent endless band to be rotated one number forwards
or backwards, in accordance as to whether the upper or the lower slide or signal
has been actuated, substantially as described.
ABRAHAM SCHABADT.
Geo. Thos. Hyde,
No. 1, Broad Street Buildings, Liverpool Street, E.C.,
Agent for Applicant.