Improvements in Cash Registers or Check Tills.
Year: 1896

page_text: Improvements in Cash Registers or Check Tills.
I, JOHN ROBERT WARD of The Chestnuts, The Gore, Darenth, Kent,
Mechanical Expert, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to that class of cash register used in shops, bars, and like
places for checking the amount of money received.
The object of this invention is to provide certain new and useful improvements.
whereby the efficiency of the apparatus is greatly increased, whereas, the
mechanism being greatly simplified, reduces the liability of its getting out of
order to a minimum.
Inasmuch as part of the mechanism contained in my improved cash register has
been previously protected by Letters Patent, I shall only herein refer to so much
of said mechanism as will serve to make the description of my present improvements
capable of being readily understood.
An essential feature of my cash registers consists of a rotatable coin receptacle
which temporarily retains the several coins during their passage to the inoney
drawer from the slot or slots in which it is inserted.
Now by this my present invention I cause the aforesaid rotary receptacle to be
rotated, in either direction, as may be determined, at four, six, or eight or any
number of intermittent stages by the mechanism as follows:-
The rotary receptacle is carried by a spindle, or the like journalled in the side
frames of the apparatus, and to this spindle or the like I attach a plate or nut
having four, six, or eight, flat surfaces on its periphery corresponding in number to
the spaces between the divisions of the rotary receptacle and the number of
intermittent stages in which it is to be rotated. These flat surfaces engage a
spring-pressed pawl, depending from the side frame, and serve to complete any
one stage of the rotation should it not be effected by the mechanism provided for
that purpose. A suitable number of pins project from the face of the plate or nut
and are engaged by the upper and preferably concave-shaped end of a vertically
reciprocating lever suitably and slidingly attached to the side frame of the
apparatus and deriving its motion from a lever forming a part of the mechanism
of the apparatus.
A further improvement relates to the registering mechanism which comprises a
series of endless bands inscribed with numbers and caused to travel intermittently
over rollers working in combination with a series of wheels having numbers on the
periphery of each. The numbers on the bands represent "units" whereas the
numbers ou the wheels represent "hundreds"; the "hundreds" wheels moving one
stage for each complete revolution of the bands.
My present improvements relate more especially to better means for returning
all the wheels and bands into alignment so as to indicate "zero." This is effected
by the following mechanism :-
A rod extends across the apparatus from one side frame to the other and has two
parallel flat bars extending radially from it in such manner that, when in their
normal position, they are horizontal, but when the rod is rotated a fourth of a
revolution they are vertical. When in this position one bar is brought bencath

page_text: the series of depressible levers (forming an essential feature of the cash registers)
and locks them whilst the other bar is brought into contact with the endless bands,
and prevents further movement thereof when a nut or projection on each comes
into contact therewith. The rotation of the wheels and bands to bring them to
"zero" is effected by means of a key applied to one of the shafts. Suitable
ratchets and pawls affixed to shafts carrying the rollers and wheels prevent the
shafts from turning unless operated by the key. When however it is desired to
use the key an enlargement thereon lifts the pawls out of engagement with the
ratchets. The enlargement of the key also serves to throw out a rod which
engages the teeth of all the ratchets on the band rollers and permits free movement
thereof.
A further improvement consists in the method of combining an auxiliary
checking device with the register and in the construction thereof.
This checking device consists of two rollers one of which is carried by a spindle
which projects into the side of the cash register and is attached to the rocking
shaft carrying the depressible levers aforementioned. By means of ratchets and
pawls and the rocking shaft, one of these rollers is intermittently rotated and winds
a strip of paper or the like from the adjacent roller. A slit in the cover and a
projecting piece of flat metal beneath the strip of paper enables the amount taken
to be written on the slip, which by the next operation of the register carries the
written figures beneath the cover.
One, two, or more endless bands having transverse ridges, forming receptacles,
may be provided and arranged to travel over the rollers aforementioned or other
rollers adjacent thereto and are adapted to carry coin, which is dropped onto said
bands through a slot, into a till beneath. Inasmuch as the cover is made of glass,
the last few takings can be seen and compared with the amount written on the
band before the money falls into the till.
A further improvement consists in placing a device over the money slot or slots
whereby the successive takings may be seen before entering the till.
The device comprises a circular receptacle having a central spindle and a slot in
its bottom which coincides with the money slot of the register till. A sleeve
passes over the spindle and has radial arms which serve to carry all coins contained
in the receptacle into the money slot of the till in successive stages as it is operated
by the cash register. The motion is preferably communicated thereto by a
bevel-wheel meshing with a rack or similar wheel beneath the device and carried
by a spindle operated by the mechanism of the cash register.
Various small modifications may be made in the construction and operation
of the aforedescribed device without departing from the nature or object of the
invention.
Dated this 11th day of 1900
JOHN R. WARD,
By Percy R. J. Willis,
Agent.
1, JOHN ROBERT WARD, of The Chestnuts, The Gore, Darenth, Kent,
Mechanical Expert, 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 that class of cash registers or check tills used in shops,
bars and like places for checking the amount of money received.

page_text: The object of this invention is to provide certain new and useful improvements
whereby the efficiency of the apparatus is greatly increased and the mechanism,
being greatly simplified, the liability of its getting out of order is greatly reduced.
Inasmuch as a great part of the mechanism which my improved cash register or
check till comprises has been previously protected by Letters Patent, I shall herein
only refer to so much thereof as will serve to make the description of my present
improvements capable of being readily understood.
Reference being had to the drawings hereunto attacbed :-
Figure 1 illustrates in sile elevation, so much of a cash register or check till as
will serve to shew my invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates in side sectional elevation, the view being taken in the direction
indicated by the arrow heads represented in Fig. 3, an apparatus combined with
and working in conjunction with the register to further add to the checking
efficiency of the register.
Fig. 3 shews a sectional plan taken on the line ab of Fig. 2.
Figs. 4, 5 and 6 shew details of parts illustrated in Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 is a similar view to that shewn in Fig. 2 but illustrating an alternative
form of band to be used instead of or in conjunction with that shewn in Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 shews a top view of Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 shews a top view of the band and rollers illustrated in Fig. 7.
Figs. 10, 11, 12 shew respectively, front view, side view and plan of checking
device to be used in conjunction with and to be operated by the cash register
mechanism.
Fig. 13 shews an alternative form of mechanism shewn in Figs. 1 and 10.
Fig. 14 shews, in section, a part of a key used in connection with my cash
register.
Fig. 15 shews details of parts illustrated in Fig. 1.
A cash register or check till embodying my improvements, comprises a rotatable
coin receptacle 1 which is capable of being rotated in either direction as may be
determined, in four, six, eight or any number of intermittent stages. My present
improvements comprise the mechanism for effecting the aforementioned rotation
and it consists of a plate 2 secured to one end of the shaft 3 which extends between
the side frames of the register and is journalled therein. The plate 2 has four, six,
eight or any determined number of flat surfaces on its periphery, corresponding in
number to spaces between the divisions of the rotary receptacle and the number of
intermittent stages in which it is to be rotated. These flat surfaces are engaged
by a spring-pressed pawl 4 pivoted to the side frames 5 and serve not only to
retain the shaft from further movement, but also to complete any one stage of the
rotation should it not be effected by the mechanism provided for the purpose.
A series of pins 6 project from the face of the plate and are engaged by a pawl 7,
pivoted to the upper end of the vertically reciprocating lever 8, and retained
normally in horizontal position ready to engage the next successive pin by the
spring 9 which tends to hold the pawl against the stop-pin 10. When, however,
the pawl has raised the pin to the proper height the pin immediately below that
raised, lifts the pawl to enable it to clear said pin in its descent with the lever 8.
A further improvement relates to the registering mechanism which, in cash
registers of this class, comprises series of endless bands 11 caused to travel.
intermittently over rollers 12, 13, working in combination with a series of wheels 14
having numbers on their peripheral surfaces.
My present improvements relate generally to the greater exactitude and efficiency
in the working of the bands and wheels, and more especially to better means for
returning all bands and wheels into alignment so as to indicate "zero," and to
attain these objects I employ the following mechanism.
A rod 15 extends between the side frames of the register and has a parallel
flat bar 16 extending radially from it in such manner that when in its normal
position, as when the register is working, it is horizontal. When however, the
rod is rotated a fourth of a revolution, by means of a suitable key, the bar assumes

page_text: the vertical position shewn. In this position, the bar 16 is brought beneath the
series of depressible levers 18 (which form an essential feature of cash registers to
which my present improvements relate) and locks them whilst its lower edge is
brought adjacent to and operates in conjunction with the band in the manner and
for the purpose hereinafter described.
The metal bands 11 are caused to travel in successive intermittent stages over
the rollers 12, 13 by the pawl levers 17 forming part of the register mechanism-
which however forms no part of my present invention-and have a linen or like
band or covering in contact with their outer surface upon which numerals representing
"units" are inscribed.
The meeting ends of the bands are secured by a small bolt, rivet, or the like
which projects upwardly in the form of a pin 19. A similar projection 20 extends
upwardly to one side of the band. A series of wheels 14, mounted upon a shaft 22,
arranged parallel to the roller shaft 23, are inscribed with numbers on their
circumferential surfaces and have ratchet wheels 27 at one side.
A stop bar 24, of substantially V-shaped section, extends between the side
frames and is capable of being turned so that one of its webs 25 rests normally in
engagement with the ratchet wheels 27, whilst its other web 26 is capable of being
brought into contact with the circumferential surfaces of the wheels 14 where,
when required, it engages a pin 28 projecting from said surfaces.
Pawls or the like 29, 30, connected by a rod 31 and held normally in contact
with the shafts 22, 32 by a spring 33, are pivoted adjacent to the end of the series
of rollers 13, and wheels 14.
The roller shaft 32 is held from rotation by means of three or more ratchet-
wheels 34 which are engaged by pawls 35. The teeth of the ratchet wheels 34 are
preferably small and arranged out of alignment, so that in whatever position the
shaft 32 may be, one at least or more of the pawls 35 are sure to enter into
engagement and prevent the slightest further movement of the shaft. I may
however arrange several pawls to operate on one wheel, the action being the same.
The rollers 13 rotate independently upon the shaft 32 with a certain amount of
friction thereon which is imparted by means of mechanism forming part of a
separate patent.
When the register is in operation, the bar 16 on rod 15 is in its horizontal
position, so that the bands can travel freely. After having made a complete
revolution, the projection 20 engages a tooth of a ratchet wheel 27 and rotates the
numeral wheel one stage thereby adding 10 or 100 as may be arranged; the
web 25 of the stop bar 24 serving to prevent movement thereof in the opposite
direction.
When it is required to return all the bands and wheels into alignment so that
they all register "zero" the rod 15 is turned by a suitable key into a vertical
position thereby bringing the lower edge of the bar 16 adjacent to the bands.
The bar 16 has openings 36 in its edge. A key 37, having an enlarged part 38, a
tapering extremity 39, a bore 40 slotted as shewn at 41, is applied to the shaft 32
in such manner that the slots 41 engage the projecting ends of a pin 42 in the
shaft 32. The tapered surface 39 of the key coming into contact with the curved
part 43 of the pawl 30 raises it, and the projecting pin 44 on the side of the
pawl 30, coming into contact with the under side of the pawls 35, they are raised
so that the shaft 32 can rotate until all the bands are brought into alignment by
the pins 19 coming into contact with the bar 16.
The key is then applied to the shaft 22 which moves the stop-bar 24 in such
manner that the web 25 disengages the teeth 27, and the web 26 is brought into
contact with the circumferential surface of the wheels 14, in position to arrest their
motion when the pins 28 thereon engage therewith. The shaft 22 is then rotated
until all the wheels indicate "zero.' It will be understood that the projections 20
pass through the openings 36 whereas the stops 19 make contact with the web 16
and prevent further movement of the bands. When the key is removed, the
spring 33 returns the pawls 29, 30 into their normal position.

page_text: In those cash registers or check tills to which these present improvements are
applicable and in which the usual cash shewing device is dispensed with, I employ
an auxiliary checking apparatus, detachably combined therewith in such manner as
to form a part thereof when required.
The checking apparatus comprises a casing 50 preferably having a sloping
top 51 which is glazed as shewn at 52. A slot. 53 extends across the glass
immediately above the bracket 88 projecting from and secured to the side of the
cash register casing 58. The casing 50 is secured to the side 58 of the cash
register casing by metal projections 55, 56 which are entered through openings 57
where they are conveniently retained in position by sliding bolts 59, 60 which enter
the slots 61. Although I have described the above effective method of attachment,
yet other methods may be employed without departing from the nature of my
invention.
A roller 62 is mounted upon a shaft 63 which may be coupled to the rock
shaft 64, forming a part of the cash-register, by a pin 65 or other like coupling
means. A ratchet wheel 67 is secured to the shaft 63 and isengaged by a spring-
pressed pawl 68 pivoted to the end flange 69 of the roller, and which end 69 also
constitutes a fine ratchet wheel having teeth 70, engaged by a pawl 71 pivoted to
the side of the register 58.
A paper ribbon 72 has its one end entered into a slot 73 terminating in a circular
aperture 74.
A pin 75, having a suitable handle 76, enters the aperture 74 and
binds the ribbon therein. The ribbon winds onto the roller 62 from off the spool 77
mounted upon the shaft 78 projecting from the side of the register casing 58. The
spool is retained upon the shaft by the nut 79 and prevented from moving too
freely by the coiled spring 80 which exerts pressure and consequently friction.
The spool comprises two parts, each consisting of a disc 81 formed with a
barrel 82, 83 respectively, the former fitting accurately the interior of the latter.
The barrel 83 has an incision 84 which enables the tongue 85, having an upturned
pointed extremity, to be formed. This tongue lies normally below the outer
surface of the barrel 83 as shewn at 86; but when the barrel 82 is inserted the
pointed extremity of the tongue is projected outwardly into the roll of paper as
shewn at 87.
When the shaft 64 (Figs. 1 and 3) and consequently the shaft 63 is rocked by
the operation of one or more of the key levers 18, the ratchet wheel 67 engaged
by the pawl 68, rotates the flange wheel 69 a limited distance, movement thereof
in the opposite direction being prevented by the pawl 71 which engages the
teeth 70.
When a sale is effected, the amount of money, and, if desired, the nature of the
purchase is written on the ribbon 72, resting on the bracket 8s, through the slot 53.
A further operation of the key-levers 18 causes the inscribed matter upon the
ribbon to be carried beneath the glass where access cannot be had to alter it.
In an alternative forin of this checking device 1 extend the shafts 63, 78 and
thus adapt them to carry additional rollers 90, 91 which may have pins 92 arranged
equi-distantly around their circumferential surfaces. These pins are adapted to
engage apertures in an endless and preferably elastic or other flexible band 93
having two side flanges 94 and two intermediate divisions 95 enclosing spaces 96, 97,
and 98. These spaces are subdivided by divisions 99 adapted to receive and retain
coins dropped therein through the slots 100 in the glass 52. The spaces 96, 97, 98
contain respectively the pounds, shillings and pence. The money is placed in the
respective slots 100 simultaneously with the inscription of the amount received
upon the ribbon 72. It will therefore be understood that the last and a limited
number of the preceding "takings" being in view enables the correctness of the
amounts written upon the ribbon to be compared and checked. When by the
successive movements of the band 93 the coins pass over the roller 91 they are
precipitated into a chute 101 leading to a till 102, which may be arranged in
the lower part of the casing 50.
I may employ the ribbon checking device and the coin receiving device either in

page_text: -combination or separately as desired, and if the latter, the roiler 91 is adapted to
be operated in the manner described with reference to the roller 62.
Another form of checking device to be used in combination with my cash
registers comprises a circular casing 110 (Figs. 10, 11, 12) having a glazed top 111
having a slot. 112 for the insertion of coins. This casing is adapted to be screwed
to a suitable part of the casing 103 of the cash register so that the opening 113 is
over the aperture 114 leading to the register till. A stud 115 is journalled to the
bottom of the casing 110 and that part projecting into the casing carries a
sleeve 116 having radial divisions 117 united at their extremities by a band 118.
The lower part of the stud 115 carries a bevel wheel 119 which meshes with a
similar wheel 120 mounted upon a shaft 121 mounted in a depending bracket 122.
The shaft 121 carries a plate or nut 123 having projecting pins 124 engaged by the
spring-controlled pawl 125 on the lever 126 guided by the extended part 127 of the
bracket 122, and operated by the lever 128 (Fig. 1) or any other convenient
reciprocating part of the cash register mechanism. One surface of the hexagon il
or polygonal nut 123 is engaged by the paw! 129 controlled by the spring 130.
In an alternative form of this device (Fig. 13) the disc 131 is provided with any
suitable number of pins 132 projecting from its face, which are engaged by the
pawl 133. In this form, however, the pawl 133 rests upon the two uppermost
pins 132 as shewn.
The operation of this mechanism is precisely the same as described with
reference to the similar device for rotating the drum 1 (Fig. 1).
The motion is communicated by the wheels 119 and 120 to the vanes or
divisions 116 which carry the coins placed between them, around the casing 110, in
successive stages, until coming over the openings 113, 114, they are precipitated
into the register till.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the saine is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a cash register having a rotatable coin receptacle journalled in the side
frames, a plate secured adjacent to the end of said rotatable receptacle and having
six, eight or any desired number of peripheral flat surfaces, a spring-controlled
pawl engaging said surfaces and pivoted to the side frame, pins projecting from
the face of the plate, a vertically reciprocating rod provided with a preferably
spring pressed pawl adapted to engage the pins aforesaid, all substantially as and
for the purposes hereinbefore set forth and illustrated in the drawings hereunto
annexed.
2. In a cash-register, having a rotatable coiu receptacle journalled in the side
frames, a disc or plate secured adjacent to the receptacle and adapted to rotate
therewith, pins projecting from the face of the disc, a vertically reciprocating
lever provided with a pawl adapted to engage said pins, a spring-controlled pawl
normally resting upon said pins, all substantially as and for the purposes herein-
before set forth.
3. In a cash-register having two series of rollers carrying endless bands, a pin
projecting midway the width of said bauds, and adapted to operate in conjunction
with a stop bar substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
4. In a cash register having two series of rollers and endless bands operating in
combination with a series of numeral wheels and shafts carrying said rollers and
wheels, the pawls journalled in and pivoted to the register frame and overlapping
the shafts aforesaid, ratchet-wheels secured to one of said shafts, pawls engaging
said ratchet-wheels, a pin projecting from one of the first named pawls and
engaging and adapted to operate the last named pawls, a rod connecting the two
first named pawls, and one of said pawls connected to and adapted to operate a
stop-bar in combination with a series of numeral wheels and ratchets, all sub-
stantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth and illustrated in the
drawings hereunto annexed.

page_text: 5. In a cash register of that class hereinbefore referred to, the combination
therewith of the auxiliary checking device substantially as and for the purposes
hereinbefore set forth and illustrated in the drawings hereunto annexed with
reference to Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings hereunto annexed.
6. In a cash register of that class herein before referred to in combination with
an auxiliary checking device, said device consisting of a bracket securel to an
projecting from the cash register casing, a stud or shaft likewise projecting from.
said casing, a spring and a spool on the stud, the spool working in frictional contact
with said spring, a nut on the extremity of the stud, a roll of paper or like ribbon.
carried by said spool, a coupling rod projecting from and through the cash register
casing and connected to a rock shaft of said register, a roller carried by said.
coupling rod, a toothed flange on said roller, a pawl engaging said flange, a ratchet
secured to and adapted to rock with said rock-shaft, a pawl engaging said ratchet
and secured to the toothed flange, the ribbon attached to the roller, the whole.
enclosed in a casing having a glazed and apertured top and detachably applied to
the cash register to be operated thereby, all substantially as and for the purposes.
herein before set forth.
7. In an auxiliary checking device hereinbefore referred to and comprising the
mechanism described and claimed, the combination therewith of the coin shewing
device, consisting of two rollers, pins projecting from the circumference of said
rollers, an endless elastic band carried by said rollers, apertures in the band engaging-
the pins, and flanges and divisions dividing said band into spaces, means for
rotating one of said rollers, a casing encompassing said rollers and band, apertures
in a glazed top of said casing for the insertion of cins, all substantially as
and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth and illustrated in the drawings hereunto.
annexed.
8. In a cash register of that class hereinbefore described, the combination
therewith of an auxiliary checking device, said device consisting of a circular
receptacle having a glazed top, a slot in said top, an aperture in the bottom of said
receptacle, a stud vertically and centrally journalled in said receptacle, a sleeve on.
Baid stud, radial vanes projecting from said sleeve, an annular band connecting the
extremities of said vanes, and means for connecting the device with the register in.
such manner as to be thereby operated in conjunction therewith, all substantially
as and for the purposes herein before set forth and illustrated in the drawings.
hereunto annexed.
9. In a cash register of that class hereinbefore referred to in combination with
an auxiliary checking device as set forth in Claim 9, means for operating said
device, said means consisting of a bracket attached to the cash register casing, a
pin horizontally journalled in said bracket, a bevel-wheel secured to said pin and
meshing with a like wheel secured to the vertically disposed stud of the checking.
device, a plate carried by the horizontal pin and having flat peripheral surfaces,.
pins projecting from its face, a bar connected with a vertically reciprocating part
of the cash register, a pawl on said bar engaging the pius and a spring-controlled
pawl resting upon the flat surfaces of the plate, all combined and adapted to
operate, substantially as and for the purposes herein before set forth and illustrated.
in the drawings hereunto annexed.
DL 1514
1607
PERCY R. J. WILLIS,.
Agent for Applicant.