CH383040A - Accounting facility - Google Patents

Description

Accounting installation The subject of the invention is an accounting installation comprising an accounting machine having a keyboard and devices controlled so as to represent the respective values of the lowered keys, an electric calculator arranged to carry out the multiplication normally. an amount between a first part of the keyboard by an amount between a second part of the keyboard and several electrical connection members.

According to the invention, this installation is characterized by a set of printed circuit boards, each representing, by the configuration of electrically conductive paths which door, individual values among a certain number of values of predetermined factors, these cards which can be introduced into said connection members and be easily removed therefrom, electrical switching circuits which can be actuated to select any connection member so that said computer carries out the multiplication with the amount between On said first part of the keyboard, the value of the factor represented by the card introduced into said selected connection member, said second part of the keyboard not being, in this case, not used.

A device capable of being incorporated in this installation is, for example, a known multiplier device and designated in the present memory by multiplier Sterling ?>. This apparatus can be used for the multiplication of a decimal factor, serving as a multiplicand factor, and a multiplying factor expressed in complex base notation, for example in sterling monetary units.

The Sterling multiplier arrangement represents an eminently practical and advantageous solution to a problem which hitherto had been practically insoluble. Indeed this apparatus can be used for the rapid multiplication of decimal numbers and values in English currency, and this at speeds commensurate with the normal operation of mechanical clock.

An advantageous type of counting machine which can be used in conjunction with the Sterling multiplier apparatus is fully described in British Patent No. 680992 of May 2, 1949. However, for the purposes of the embodiment of the installation according to the invention described below, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, this accounting procedure is modified in certain respects which will be indicated successively.

In the drawings fig. 1 is a general view of the front of an accounting machine; fig. 2 is an assembly plan of FIGS. 2A to 213 which represent circuits; fig. 3 shows the circuit of the stepping switches; fig. 4 is the partial representation of a multiplicand or multiplier switching group; the figs. 5 and 5A show a printed circuit board for factors with predetermined values and a multiple plug receiving the board; fig. 6 schematically represents a reading stepper switch, and FIG. 7 represents a general diagram of assembly of certain principal elements of the multiplier device.

As seen in FIG. 1, the keyboard 1 of the accounting machine comprises keys of numerical amounts 2, the columns of keys 2a located on the left serving during the general multiplication operations as keys for entering data of the decimal multiplicand, or factor A, while the Layer 2b columns are used for the input of the multiplier or factor B.

In addition to the amount keys <I>2a, 2b,</I> the keyboard 1 has comma keys 3, a multiplicand factor key 4, a multiplier factor key 5 and preset multiplicand factors 6. The purpose and function of all these keys are described below.

The keyboard 1 also comprises a group of driving bars comprising the main driving bar 7 and various function control layers comprising totalizer selection and totalizer function control keys 8, as well as trolley and feed of the Paper 9. Apart from the main driving bar 7, none of the above Layers are essential for the present description, and they are indicated only for general purposes.

A mobile carriage mechanism, not shown, carries a paper holder roller 10 and a front tabulation strip 11 provided with function control stop indexes 12 which can be placed selectively according to need, each provided with control plates. - control in selected positions of several possible control plate positions.

Behind the paper roller 10, the carriage has a second tab ruler or rear tab ruler (not shown) which carries function control indexes which can be selectively placed to automatically control the operation of the apparatus. electrical auxiliary of the accounting machine. In particular, for calculation sequences comprising the automatic multiplication of factors entered in their respective Parts <I>2a, 2b</I> of the keyboard 1, the rear tabulation ruler is provided with a pair of function in column alignment with the Function Control Stop Indexes 12a and 12b of the front tab ruler 11 and a third Product Function Control Index in the Column Position corresponding to the Function Control Stop 12th of the tab ruler before 11.

As will be indicated later when, during a progress of accounting calculations, the mobile carriage of the machine performs a tabulation such that the function control stop index 12a is stopped in a function control position. and tab stop indicated generally at 13 of the machine frame, a Back Tab Ruler Function Control Index controls the positioning of the multiplicand switching group in the Sterling multiplier according to the amount entered on keyboard 1 multiplicand 2a key columns During a cycle of the RTI ID="0002.0271" WI="13" HE="4" LX="516" LY="2495"> A. Similarly, when during this rotation the function command index 12b is stopped at the tab stop position 13, a function command wafer of the corresponding function command index of the slider The back tab switch controls the setting of the multiplier switching group during a machine cycle for the multiplier or factor B, according to the amount entered on the 2b key columns of the keyboard 1.

In many cases it is not appropriate, or not practicable, to use the Function Command Indexes in column positions corresponding to those occupied by the Function Command Indexes 12a and 1213. As will be seen later, in the absence of such rear Function Control Indexes, the Positioning of the switching groups can be controlled by the appropriate manual depression of Function Control Layers 4 and 5 of the factors A and B.

In addition to a control board for positioning the Sterling multiplier multiplicand switching group, the function control index 12a of factor A, i.e. multiplicand, may be provided with a or more control pads which, during the A factor cycle of the machine, serve to control the setting of the Sterling multiplier decimal step switches in accordance with the Position to be assigned to the decimal point in the 1st factor mul - tiplicande enters the 1st keyboard.

When no rear A-factor control index is placed, or when the rear A-factor control index is provided only with a control plate to control the positioning of the multiplicand switching row, the comma step switches can be controlled by depressing the appropriate comma key 3 on keyboard 1. In the example embodiment described, one of Layers 3, when depressed, acts During 1st cycle factor A of the machine to control the Sterling multiplier decimal step switches to make switching connections from the Pulses to the Sterling multiplier electronic digital totalizers suitable for the multiplication operation including an integer multiplicand factor. The other four of the five decimal layers 3 correspond respectively to the multiplicand factors having two, three, four and five digits after the decimal point.

For multiplications involving constantly repeated multiplicand factors, the selection of the appropriate circuit among several fixed multiplicand switching circuits, independently of the RTI ID="0002.0538" WI="11" HE="4" LX="1143" LY ="2332"> multiplicand switching group, can take place either automatically by the Function Control Indexes placed on the rear B-Factor Function Control device, or manually by pressing the key 6 of the appropriate factor 6 is preselected on the keyboard. As will be seen, the selection of any one of the eight preselected multiplicand factor circuits is provided. Without going into the details of the construction and operation of this known machine, one can note that each column of upright keys <I>2a, 2b</I> of the keyboard 1 is associated with a control rack which are associated in a corresponding number of digital totalizer wheels, one for each totalizer. During a calculation run, the tabbing of the machine carriage is controlled so that the Function Control Indexes 12 are stopped at the Tab Stop Position 13 in a predetermined order. While a Function Control Index 12 is in the Parret Tab Stop Position, the totalizers may be automatically selected to operate depending on the composition of the Function Control Pads. totalizer, sofft manually by pressing the appropriate key in Totalizer selection and totalizer function control layers 8 of keypad 1.

When an accounting operation is to take place automatically, the selection of any particular totalizer is determined by the mere presence of a control wafer in a corresponding Control Wafer Position of the acting Function Control Index. The character of the accounting operation is, however, terminated by the shape, in particular by the length of the totalizer selection control plate.

When a Function Control Index 12 is stopped at Tab Stop Position 13, the operation of the machine, to perform calculation operations in accordance with the configuration of the control board, takes place during a 3600 cycle of the shaft. main cam of the machine, this cycle being started, is automatically sofft by an element having this function on the control index 12 in .aotion, sofft manually by depression of a driving beam, for example the main driving bar 7.

The control racks of the machine are connected by individual springs working in tension to a common transverse stirrup-shaped element, the drive stirrup, which at about 8% of the cycle is pulled towards the rear of the machine. The racks, returned by the spring, move towards the rear following Petrier. At approximately 2400 of the cam cycle, the driver's caliper is pushed forward and, coming into contact with the rear ends of the racks, brings them back to their initial position, in alignment.

Prior to the operation of the racks, several feeler levers 15 are moved to determine which of the possible positions of the control pads of the function control index 12 in action has a control pad. In particular, those RTI levers ID="0003.0270" WI="13" HE="4" LX="940" LY="2558"> feelers 15 which encounter a control wafer in a totalizing control wafer position. - tor control the engagement and disengagement times of several totalizer fingers and of a strip coming into contact with these fingers.

During the cam cycle, the finger contact strip cycles back and forth intermittently with four steps. Based on the length of the corresponding control wafer, each of the selected totalizer fingers is brought into the Path of the finger contact strip during an appropriate Phase of its outward and return cycle, such engagement acting through a link mechanism to tilt the shaft carrying the totalizing wheels of the totalizer so that the latter engages on the control racks.

During the next phase of the finger engagement cycle, each selected totalizer finger is again brought into the path of the finger contact strip which, through the link mechanism, swings the corresponding totalizer shafts. correspondents to release the totalizers from the racks.

The times of successive contact of any selected finger with the bar determine the character of the counting operation performed in connection with the corresponding totalizer during its engagement with the control racks.

In particular, for a totaling operation, a selected totalizer engages the control racks prior to their rearward movement. In this case, the racks are placed differentially according to the contents of their respective totalizing wheels. The totalizing wheels are respectively brought back to the zero position by the rearward movement of the racks. An additional rotation of the wheels Having been prevented by their coming into contact with a shoulder formed on one of the teeth of the totalizer wheel with a stop, the racks are forced to assume positions representing, by their respective displacement with respect to the Initial Position aligned, the contents of the totalizer.

The movement of the control racks according to the contents of the totalizer is used to put in position the corresponding printing sectors 16 of a printing mechanism 17 which, before the return to rest movement of the racks, is actuated to ensure printing. As for the totaling operations, the selected totalizer is emptied of its previous content, the totalizing wheels are disengaged from the control racks before the racks return to rest.

Subtotaling operations are distinguished from totaling operations in that, since the initial and final contents of the selected totalizer must be the same, the totalizer does not come out of the tally racks. command until these have been returned to their Initial Aligned Position. Unlike what takes place for the operations of establishment of total or subtotal, in the case of operations of addition and subtraction, and in order to put in position the rows of commutation of the Sterling multiplier, the control racks are set in position differentially according to the values of the keys 2 pressed on the keyboard 1. When the positioning of the racks is controlled by the keyboard, the development of the movement of each control rack is limited by the contact taking place between the bosses of the depressed keys with the stepped or stepped parts of the racks. In the case of addition, the selected totalizer tilts to come into engagement with the control racks when the positioning of the racks is finished, whereas in the case of subtraction, the coming into engagement takes place before the movement of the racks.

fig. 4 schematically represents the mechanism used for the positioning of the individual switches which together constitute a switching group of the Sterling multiplier, positioning effected in accordance with the keys of the uprights pressed on the corresponding part 2a or 2b of the keyboard 1.

In the figure, the factor switching group A comprises a group of arcuate ten-position switches, corresponding to the type represented by the switch 18, which are arranged on a switching group support not shown. next to each other. Contact pushers 32 are located on each of the contact positions of each switch. In the figure the pushers are shown in the rest position and subsequently all the contacts are open.

Each ten-position switch 18 of the factor A switching group is associated with a control lever 19 controlled via a link 20 to its corresponding digital gear 21 of the accounting machine. The control levers 19 of the tappets pivot on a common shaft 22 carried by a first crank 23 of a crank shaft 24. A second crank 25 of the shaft 24 is articulated to a control rod 26 articulated to its other end at 27 to the crank 28 of the rotor 30 of the A-factor SFA rotary selector magnet. .

During the operation of a cycle of the machine, corresponding to the setting of the switching group of the factor A according to the keys in operationRTI ID="0004.0274" WI="5" HE="4" LX= "415" LY="2416"> on part 2a of the keyboard, the rearward linear movement of the corresponding racks causes the control levers of the push-buttons, such as 19, to rotate via the connecting rods 20, for the bring switch arcs in front of the contacts which correspond to the keys pressed. When the differential positioning of the racks is completed, the excitation of the rotary switching electromagnet SFA causes the rotation, via the crank 28, of the connecting rod 26 and of the crank 25 , 1 crank shaft 24 clockwise. Rotation of the crankshaft 24 drives the pushrod control lever 19 whose button 34 displaces the select pushbutton 32 to close a contact through which the pulses generated by the Sterling multiplier are then transmitted. The common spring 33 recalls the levers 19 corresponding to all the racks when the SFA electromagnet, which represents a real clutch, releases the connecting rod 26 so that the spring brings the levers 19 back in order to engage them. selected pushers 32. When the racks have returned to their initial aligned positions in the manner explained above, the pusher control levers are brought back into alignment with the contact positions z & o of the switches expectations.

In order to return all the contacts of the factor A switching group to the open circuit position before the arcing of the individual switches by the selection electromagnet SFA, the switching row includes a reset mechanism. rest represented in fig. 4 and which comprises a return lever 35 carrying two buttons 36 sliding in grooves of the switching group support. The return lever 35 has at one end an arcuate return bar 37 and, between the two buttons 36, a third button 38 engaged in a fork crank 39 of the crank shaft 40. The end fork of a second crank 41 carried by the shaft 40 engages with the lever 42 fixed to the rotor 43 of the rotary return electromagnet RFA of factor A.

As will be seen later, the rotary return solenoid RFA is energized before the switching group selection solenoid SFA of factor A is energized. recall RFA rotates fork crank 39 against the action of spring 45 fixed to RTI ID="0004.0546" WI="12" HE="4" LX="1261" LY="2111"> switching. The rotation of the crank 39 causes the return movement of the return lever 35 and the return bar 37 thereby pushes back any plunger 32 located in the contact closure position towards the rest or open contact position. . Similar select and recall mechanisms are provided for the factor B switching group. 4, takes place by the excitation of a rotary selector electromagnet SFB, while the return of each switch and the return of the contacts to the open position takes place under the action of an electromagnet. - RFB rotating return magnet.

As can be seen in fig. 7, a cyclically operable pulse generator PG has nine outputs 1 to 9 which, during each pulse cycle of the generator PG, transmit the different pulse trains, the number of pulses of each train, for each exit, being indicated by the identification number of the corresponding exit.

Moreover, the different trains of pulses developed during each cycle end at the same time during their simultaneous flow on the respective outputs. Thus, during one cycle, and in the way represented, the output 9 of the generator PG transmits nine pulses, while five pulses appearing cyclically on the output 5 flow at the same time as the fifth to the ninth pulse of the output 9. Likewise, the train of output 1 of the pulse generator, not shown in the figure, is formed of a single pulse Passing in synchronism with the ninth pulse of output 9. Corresponding sequences apply. to others go out.

Outputs 1 to 9 of the generator are connected to the corresponding inputs of the multiplicand switching bank FA which, as seen in the figure, comprise six digital outputs 100 to 105. These latter outputs are connected to a cir - circuit of totalizer input bridges which comprises, for example, a diode switching matrix whose outputs are connected to digital totalizer groups comprising, for example, recycling counters of the binary-decimal type or tubes known as name Decatron (registered trademark).

Positioning the switching groups of the multiplicand FA, for example by depressing the keys of a keyboard, establishes the interconnection of the circuits so that the trains of pulses representing the values assigned to the individual digital digits of the multiplicand s flow on digital outputs 101 to 105 of row FA. Therefore, during each pulse cycle, the pulse trains appearing on the outputs <B>100</B> through 105 are passed through the circuit of the Totalizer Input Gates, to the totalizers themselves.

The proper digital shifting of the multiplication of the multiplicand FA by a multi-digit multiplier FB takes place under the control of circuitry which includes a cycle counter CC, a multiplier factor switching circuit FB, input gates M-string and a Fixed Program or M-string sequence control device.

The M chain, which may include a number of cold cathode tubes interconnected in such a way that at any time RTI ID="0005.0271" WI="4" HE="4" LX="672" LY="2557"> a Beul tube is lit, includes outputs connected to the circuit of gates of entry of the totalizers of the fa@on represented. The selection of the totalizers for the reception of the Pulses During each cycle of pulses is terminated by the state of the chain M at the beginning of the corresponding cycle. Specifically, the appearance of a Signal on a given output of the M chain acts to pass the pulse trains through the appropriate totalisers by means of a pre-determined part of the input Gates circuit.

The number of pulse cycles during which the pulse trains appearing on the outputs 10 to 105 are flowed towards particular digital totalizers, depends of course on the duration of excitation of the corresponding outputs of the chain M. This excitation In turn depends on the values assigned to the corresponding numerical digits of the multiplying factor.

The cycle counter CC is used to receive and record, in the manner indicated, the end of cycle control pulses supplied by the pulse generator PG. Each End of Cycle Command Pulse is sent by the generator when each cycle is completed and before the start of the immediately following cycle, and serves to trigger the cycle counter CC so as to sequentially energize them. of the counter until the moment when a reset signal generated by the chain M causes the reset of the cycle counter CC to the initial state of rest.

It will be seen later that the outputs of the cycle counter are connected to the corresponding inputs of the row of switches of the multiplier factor FB, the latter being able to be put in Position, for example from the keyboard of the compu- ter machine. - table.

Of course, the number of outputs from counter CC is determined by the maximum value that can be assigned to the digits of the individual numerical values of the multiplier. For a work in decimal system, or in complex numeration, for example in English currency, in which the multipliers have numerical values expressed in decimal way, ten output suffices in the way represented, because the digits Individuals used to represent the multiplier are never represented by cycles with more than nine Pulses.

The outgoing signals appearing in sequence at the outputs of the cycle counter are applied to the corresponding inputs of each of the digital switches which together constitute the multiplier switching group FB. The RTI ID="0005.0541" WI="6" HE="4" LX="1839" LY="2268"> output, as seen on the representation of each of the digital switches of the switching group FB are connected to the inputs of the front gates of chain M.

These latter Gates are controlled by the outgoing signals from the outputs of the chain M. of the cycle counter is sent to an Entrance Gate of the chain M. However, since the Entrance Gates of the chain M are controlled by appropriate outgoing signals from the chain M itself, a pulse to trigger the chain M for its ignition by its immediately following outgoing signal, is developed On a common output of the Entrance gates of the chain M, only when the desired digital output of the group FB is excited.

In other words, although a signal may appear on any of the outputs of the group FB at any time. the output of the Entrance Gates of the chain M and consequently no triggering of the chain M can take place unless a Signal appropriate to the representation of the multiplier considered at this moment appears On the output of the switches digital group FB.

However, when this trigger occurs a pulse supplied by the M chain sets the cycle counter CC to rest, in preparation for the next step of the Program. Pulse trains are sent to a different (but overlappable) selection of totalizers in accordance with the particular Part of the Totalizer Input Gate circuit controlled by the new signal. of the M string. The number of pulse cycles during which the newly selected totalizers receive pulse trains depends, as indicated above, on the value of the .

The description made with respect to FIG. 7 is necessarily abbreviated, and the complete operation of the apparatus thus used is as indicated at the beginning. The purpose of the description made with respect to FIG. 7 is to indicate the use and function of the switching groups FA and FB, which in the advantageous embodiment described are mounted on the counting machine, with respect to the multiplier apparatus itself.

The control circuits providing asynchronous control between the counting machine and the Sterling multiplier are described below.

A power supply group, not shown but of conventional construction, supplies the various high and low voltages required for the multiplier apparatus as well as the +50V and -50V potentials for the circuits shown in FIGS. 2A to 217.

During the description the direct current voltages will be designated as above 50 V and - 50 V and the RTI voltages ID="0006.0273" WI="22" HE="3" LX="845" LY ="2494"> AC power supply by the value followed by Va, for example 6.3 Va.

The multiplier designated by the name of Sterling multiplier being well known as it has been said above, the reference to the aforementioned supply voltages will be made only when this is necessary for the understanding of the operation of the control circuits. .

Figs. 2A to 2F show that the control circuits are made for the most part with relays, their electromagnets and their contacts. The convention adopted in the present description with respect to these elements consists in distinguishing the relays from the electromagnets, and more precisely their control coils, by one or more capital letters such as A, B, BJ, and to distinguish the individual contacts of each particular relay or coil by the appropriate capital letter or letters together with one or more lower case letters and numbers. For example, the combination Bal indicates that the First contact of relay B is closed when the relay is energized. Similarly, the combination BJbl indicates that the first contact of the BJ relay is open when the relay is energized, and finally the letter combinations such as Racl and Rbcl refer to switch contacts:> with respect to the rest position of relay R.

When the energy source is put into service by pressing the heating button 43 (FIG. 1), a heating period is established during which the supply voltages reach the desired values. Depression of the heat key closes a circuit through a thermal delay relay not shown which operates at or shortly after the Stabilization voltage and which by its operation closes the thermal delay contact TDC shown in FIG. 2A.

Closing the TDC contact establishes a circuit between the -!- 50V supply conductor 101 and the <B>-50V</B> supply conductor 102 through the coil of relay B. When the relay is energized, it closes its contact Bat which closes the circuit from +50 V to - 50 V through the coil of relay C, while the closure of contact Bal establishes a circuit for maintaining the excitation of relay B.

The switching of the switching contacts Cael and Cbcl (fig. 2F) to the passage to work of the relay C serves to transfer a 6.3 Va power supply from a heating lamp of the multiplier serving to illuminate the heating button 43 (fig. 1) at a Lamp 44 step of the multiplier. Closing the Cal contact (fig. 2F) RTI ID="0006.0544" WI="12" HE="4" LX="1627" LY="2246"> prepares a charging circuit of a starting capacitor which Will then be completed by the operation of the relay G, this circuit going from -1- 50 V, through the contact Cal, and a resistance to one cW of the contact Gac4 and on the other side of this contact to 1 the armature of the multiplication start capacitor is connected to the other armature which is grounded. Other contacts, not shown & , are used to connect the various circuits of the Sterling multiplier to their respective power supplies in the power supply group. Circuits <I>of</I> control <I>of</I> general multiplication As can be seen in fig. 1, the tabulation of the carriage of the counting machine, such that the multiplicand or factor A command index 12a and the corresponding factor A function command index on the rear tabulation ruler are stopped in the off position of tabulation 13, has the effect of closing the first SC test contact included in I circuit of an SS test electromagnet (fig. 2C). When this electromagnet is energized, it actuates a group of rear feeler levers of the function control (not shown), which, during their test movements, close the contacts of a group of contacts in accordance with the contact plates. control of the rear factor A function control index. A special control plate, permanently mounted on the rear factor A function control index, closes the rear stop contact RS 1 (Fig. 2A). The other control pads which can be placed on the rear factor A function control index ensure the closing of the corresponding rear stop contacts RS4 to RS6 (FIG. 2C). As will be seen later, the selective closing of one or more rear stop contacts RS4 to RS6, under the control of the rear A-factor function control index, establishes a connection of the conductor. Csupply 101 -',- 50 V to the corresponding comma conductor DL1 to DL5 (FIG. 2D), these conductors being respectively connected to five consecutive contacts 1 to 5 of the first switch I of a set of switches not ä no comma interconnects I to V shown in fig. 3.

As will be seen, when no decimal control chip is on the factor A function control index, a selected contact of the decimal step switch 1 can also receive a marking potential + 50 V by closing the comma switch DPS5 (fig. 2D) on pressing an appropriate comma key 3 on the keyboard 1.

On closing of the A-factor rear stop contact RS 1, a circuit is completed from the supply conductor <B>101</B> to the return conductor 102 through the coil of the time-delayed relay D. Closing of the contact Da3 (fig. 2B) completes a circuit going from the conductor 101 to the conductor 102 through the closed contact at rest Fbl and the coil of a blocking electromagnet LO of the counting machine. The operation of the blocking electromagnet L0 prevents the starting of a cycle of the machine by depressing the drive bar 7 of the keyboard until the comma step switches shown in FIG. 3 have moved and arrived at the corresponding contact positions with the particular comma rear stop contact or contact RS4 to RS6, closed by the index finger or in accordance with the particular comma key pressed on the keyboard.

The excitation of relay D also closes contacts Da2 and Da4 (fig. 2A). Closing of contact Da2 prepares a circuit from conductor 101 to return conductor 102 which will be completed during a phase of the beginning of the first cycle or factor A cycle of the machine by the operation of the return to rest cam microswitch RCS. , so as to energize the return to rest electromagnet of the switching group RFA of factor A. machine by operation of the selector cam microswitch SCS, to energize the factor A selector solenoid SFA.

* As indicated with respect to fig. 4, the excitation of the selection electromagnet SFA is used to position the factor A switching group, and the excitation of the electromagnet RFA is used to bring your contact push-button back to rest. switching group that may be actuated to restore the open circuit.

Finally, with regard to relay D, unless one or more rear comma stop contacts have been closed at the time of detection by the rear index of function of factor A, the excitation of relay D, by the closure of contact Dal, transfers the +50 V supply from supply conductor 101 to one side of comma switches DPS1 to DPS5, through contacts Pbc2 and Hbc1 of FIG. 2A and the contacts Rbcl, Sbcl, Tbcl and Ubcl of FIG. 2D.

Assuming provisionally that no comma control chip is on the trailing factor A function index, no further action takes place until one of the comma 3 keys the keyboard is pressed. When such a key is pressed, the corresponding point switch DPS1 to DPS5 is closed and the 50V supply is transferred to the corresponding point driver DPL1 to DPL5.

The DPL1 to DPLS conductors are themselves connected to five corresponding contacts of a rotor of the RTI ID="0007.0547" WI="20" HE="4" LX="1184" LY="2052"> stepper switch. the set of comma switches shown in fig. 3.

When a comma switch DPS1 to DPS5 is actuated by pressing a comma key 3 on the keyboard of the accounting machine, the voltage +50V is transferred to the corresponding contact of the first stepper switch 1. As a result the stepper switch rotor 1908, which is a conductive disc of known construction, is driven clockwise by its ratchet and pawl mechanism, the forward and reverse movements of the pawl being caused by the energizing and breaking of the coil 1910 through the first switch contact 1910'. At each progression step of the rotor 1908, the notch 1908' is located in front of a contact of the rotor. When the notch is in front of the contact marked by the voltage transferred to it as described above, no excitation circuit exists for the coil 1910 and the progression stops.

The stepping switches following the first differ from this one in that, in addition to a rotor and a control circuit similar to those of the first stepping switch I, they have a second rotor connected to the conductor 101 -I- <B>50V</B> via a broom. As can be seen in the figure, the progression of the first stepper switch I is transmitted to the second rotor of the stepper switch II which transfers the voltage -f- 50 V of the conductor 101 to the successive contacts at each step of progress. As for the first stepper switch, the lower rotor of the second stepper switch finally comes to be placed in front of a contact corresponding to the marked contact of the first stepper switch. The rotary movement is transmitted to the set of stepping switches.

Step-by-step switches, by their progression, serve to ensure the switching of certain digital electronic totalizers according to the significance of the data to be stored therein, this switching being determined by the position of the decimal point in the multiplicand. This switching takes place according to a known process.

Referring again to FIG. 3, it can be seen that a delayed operation relay 1921 and a resistor 1922 are connected in series between the conductor 101 -i- 50 V and the brush 1923 of the last stepper switch, this switch being, in the example shown, switch V. The value of resistor <B>1922</B> is chosen so that relay 1921 remains at rest until the rotor of switch V has reached the position corresponding to the marked contact of switch I. However, when the parallel circuit of relatively low resistance through stepping switch V is finally opened, relay 1921 is energized and by its operation closes contact 1924, open at rest, in the circuit of relay F (Fig. 2A).

When the factor A function control rear index is fitted with decimal point control plates, the closing of one or more rear decimal point stop contacts RS4 to RS6 results in the excitation of the corresponding relays S ; T and U and V. The operation of the relays S, T and U re carries the supply -i- 50V to the predetermined corresponding comma conductor DPL1 to DPL5 and to the desired contact of the stepper switch I of FIG. 3 to: through the combination contacts of the relays S, T, U, as seen in FIG. 2D.

In all cases, the possible excitation of the reset F has the effect of releasing the blocking electromagnet LO by the opening of the contact closed at rest Fbl (fig. 2B), and at this moment the cycle of factor A of the machine can begin by depressing the main driving bar 7 of the keyboard.

During the cycle of the machine following depression of the drive bar, the factor A switching group is brought into position corresponding to the upright keys 2a depressed.

Between approximately 25.1 and 70 of cam rotation, the RCS return-to-rest cam mieroswitch is closed to complete the A-factor RFA return-to-rest solenoid energizing circuit described above. . As indicated, all the contacts of the factor A switching group are then open.

Between approximately 165- and 210 of cam rotation, the SCS selector cam microswitch completes the A-factor SFA selector solenoid excitation circuit between conductors 101 and 102. When the selector solenoid SFA is excited, the racks of the accounting machine have brought the control levers of the various switches into position in accordance with the factor A keys pressed. The desired contacts of the factor A switching group are finally closed by the operation of the selection solenoid SFA.

Towards the end of the machine cycle, i.e. after the racks have made their move into position, any comma 3 key depressed is released by the operation of a key release mechanism. not shown, of a type known for the keyboards of usual machines.

When the machine's A-factor cycle is complete, the carriage moves to the B-factor storytelling position, and relay D drops out. When leaving the factor A position, the contact SC is open, and due to the breaking of the electromagnet SS, the rear stop contact RS1 as well as the rear comma stop contacts RS4 to RS6 closed are or green, so that the -f- 50V supply is removed on any comma conductor DPLl to DPL5 supplied by the closure of the combination contacts of the relays S, T, U. In addition, the relay F is cut off at this time by the opening of contact 1925.

When the B-factor stop index 12b is at the tab stop position 13, the rear function control contact RS2 (Fig. 2A) is closed as a result of detection by the rear test levers. of function control of the desired control plates, which are on the rear index of function of factor B, the detection taking place by operation of the electromagnet SS at the closing of the detector contact SC.

The closing of the rear stop contact RS2 completes the circuit for energizing relays E and EE. Analogous to that used for the factor A operating sequence described above, energizing relay E prepares two circuits which will be completed during a second machine cycle or factor B cycle to energize the the electromagnet RFB for resetting factor B and the electromagnet SFB for selecting factor B. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the first of these circuits is prepared by closing contact Ea1 which is in series with the return to rest cam microswitch RCS, and the second of these circuits is prepared by closing contact Ea3 which is in series with the SCS selection cam microswitch. Closing a fourth contact Ea2 of relay E prepares a circuit which will be completed by closing the multiplication cam microswitch MCS between 205o and 250o of the factor B cycle.

If, at this moment, the drive bar 7 of the keyboard is pressed, the rearward movement of the control racks causes the control levers of the pushers of the switching groups by factor B or multiplier factor to turn to bring them into alignment. corresponding buttons of the corresponding factor B digital switches. As in the case of the factor A switching group, between about 25a and 70o of cam rotation the return to rest cam switch RCS is closed and therefore the factor B reset electromagnet is actuated through the circuit indicated above so as to return any contact which may be closed to the open position, in preparation for the selection action of the factor B selection solenoid SFB. As in the In the case of the factor A cycle, this selection takes place when the factor B electromagnet is energized by the closing of the selection cam microswitch SCS which takes place between 165o and 210o.

Whereas during the factor A cycle, the contact Ea2 was open, during the factor B cycle the closing of the MCS multiplication cam microswitch (fig. 2A) between 2050 and 2500 has the effect of establishing a circuit for energizing relay G through this contact Ea2. The operation of relay G completes between lines 101 and 102 a circuit through contacts Pbc2 and Gal and the coil of relay H. This latter relay is blocked immediately through the holding circuit established by its contact Hac1. The opening of the Hbcl contact removes the -I- 50 V supply from the combination of the contacts of the relays R, S, T, U, V shown in fig. 2D.

As seen in fig. 2F, the closing of the contact Gal completes a circuit to bring back to rest a chain of program control tubes, the chain M, the first tube M1 of this chain remaining conductive. The chain M and the program control ensured by this chain take place in a manner known for the multiplier Sterling considered in the example. Contact Gai establishes a circuit to ensure that all digital electronic totalisers in the Sterling multiplier are in the zero position before the start of multiplication. Energizing relay G also completes the circuit shown previously for charging the multiplication start capacitor.

Relay H is energized practically at the same time as relay G and also remains energized for the rest of the sequence of operations. In addition to closing its blocking contact Hacl, the operation of relay H closes contact Ha2 which completes between conductors 101 and 102 a circuit passing through contacts Nbcl and Ha2 and blocking electromagnet LO . As before, the attraction of the electromagnet LO prevents the start of the cycle of the machine by depression of the driving bar 7 of the keyboard. The closing of contact Ha3 (fig. 2F) performs a final preparatory operation before the discharge of the start capacitor which takes place when contact Gbc4 is closed by energizing relay G immediately following the opening of the cam microswitch. MCS mul tiplication at approximately 2500 cam rotations. Closing a fourth contact Ha4 of relay H prepares a circuit from the -h 50 V supply to one side of the Mat contact and on the other side of this contact, through the Ha4 and Nb2 contacts and the electro - LS line magnet (fig. 2B) to supply line 102 - 50 V.

At the end of these operations, the carriage of the counting machine moves to a third position or product stop position of the front tabulation ruler. Due to the much higher operating speed of the Sterling multiplier than the mechanical counting machine, during movement of the carriage being tabulated to bring the product function command index 12c to a stop on tab position 13, the multiplication has had time to take place in the Sterling multiplier.

When the last tube of the chain M of the Sterling multiplier is switched on, indicating that the multiplication of the two factors has taken place according to the respective positions of the switching groups, a signal is transmitted by the Sterling multiplier to energize the relay M shown in fig. 2 F.

Excitation of relay M closes contact Mat which is interposed in the circuit for energizing electromagnet LS for controlling the locking bar (FIG. 2B). As a result, the LS solenoid disengages the totalizer wheel lock bar of the particular totalizer used to receive the data transferred from the Sterling multiplier electronic totalizers.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 2B, it can be seen that when the locking bar LB is disengaged, the contact of the locking microswitch LM is closed. As seen in Figs. 2B and 2F, the locking microswitch connects the 50 V supply -h- to one side of a row of contacts AAb2 to AHb2 and AJb2 to AMb2.

fig. 6 schematically indicates a typical read stepper switch operating with the corresponding totalizer wheel of a preselected totalizer. The totalizer wheel 161 meshes with an idler pinion 162 which in turn meshes with a pinion 163 having the same number of teeth as the totalizer wheel 161. The pinion 163 is fixed on a shaft on which the rotor 164 is also fixed. a ten position switch 165. The ten contacts associated with the rotor 164 are connected to the corresponding outputs of the corresponding digital electronic totalizer of the Sterling multiplier.

The brush <B>166</B> bearing on the rotor 164 is connected through the coil of a relay AA which is also shown in FIG. 2F, then to the series contacts Mal and Ca4 and to the supply conductor 102 - 50 V.

According to the combination considered as an example, one output of each digital totalizer of the Sterling multiplier is at the ground potential at the end of the multiplication, while the other nine outputs of each accumulator are at the -50 potential. V. When the M relay is energized, the Mal contact is closed. Contact Ca4 has been closed by energizing relay C at the start of the relay operation key sequence.

While the boss 167 of the rotor is on a contact connected to the potential - 50 V, the relay AA remains at rest and the control circuit of the stepper switch causes it to progress following a rotary movement by establishing and the successive breaking of the switch contact IC. When the boss 167 arrives at the marked position, that is to say at ground potential, the relay AA is actuated and stops the step-by-step progression by opening the contact AAb2 interposed in the step-by-step control circuit of the switch.

The coils of the relays AB to AH and AJ to AM act in a similar way when they are connected to their marked contacts so as to stop their associated stepping switches by opening the contacts ABb2 to AHb2 and AJb2 to AMb2 respectively. Although the Mal and Ca4 contacts are shown in fig. 6 as being only in the circuit of relay AA alone, it can be seen in FIG. 2B that the coils of all the relays AA to AM are actually connected in common through the Mal and Ca4 contacts to the -50 V supply.

The relays of the stepping switches also close the corresponding contacts open at rest AAal to AHa1 and AJal to AMal. As seen in fig. 2B, these latter contacts are all connected in series to the coil of relay N. When all the relays AA to AM are actuated, relay N is actuated in turn and the locking electromagnet LS is cut by the breaking of contact Nb2. When the electromagnet LS falls, the locking bar LB engages again on the idler gears 162, as can be seen in FIG. 6.

Then the amount entered in the totalizer must be printed on the recorder document located on the machine carriage. The printing is carried out during a subtotal operation at the end of which the totalizer is released from the racks and meshes again in the idler gears 162.

It should be noted that unless the stepper switches are locked against rotation after the totalizer is released, the totalizer wheels may not return to a position that matches the rotors of the stepper switches and that consequently any subsequent multiplication gives an erroneous product, insofar as it concerns the accounting machine.

Then the blocking electromagnet LO which has been energized by the operation of relay H, drops due to the opening of contact Nbcl due to the closing of the relay contact chain of the circuit of relay N.

When the rear stop contact RS3 is closed at the product position of the rear tabulation bar, a cycle of the machine can be caused, either manually by depression of the driving bar 7, or automatically by the index 12c located on the front tab ruler.

The PCS contact (fig. 2C) is closed by a cam from 5 to 205 of the machine cycle and by its closing it excites the product electromagnet PS which causes a subtotal operation by which the totalizer , in which the product of the multiplication is stored, is engaged with the racks and the product is printed, for example on an accounting sheet introduced into the machine. The closing of the PCS contact also actuates the P relay. The opening of the Pbc2 contact of this relay cuts the H relay, which drops out, and the establishment of the Pac2 contact actuates the KRS electromagnet for releasing the keys, which is used in connection with preselected factor multiplicand operations, described later, so that any preselected factor key that may have been pressed for a previous factor operation is released and returns to rest.

The sequence of operations thus described was controlled by the function command indexes placed on the rear tabulation ruler of the accounting machine. However, one can see in Fig. 2A that in the absence of such indexes, a succession of somewhat similar operations can take place by the manual closing <B>of</B> contact CFA followed by the closing of contact CFB after the start of the factor cycle A by closing the CFA contact.

Keys 4 and 5 provided on the keyboard of the accounting machine have the function of closing these CFA and CFB contacts. A classic mechanism for mutual locking of the keys, not shown, prevents the simultaneous depression of these last keys.

Closing contact CFA using key 4 causes a series of operations similar to that commanded by rear contact RS1. Pressing button 5 releases button 4, which opens contact CFA, and closes contact CFB. Closing contact CFB completes, between conductors -I- 50 V and - 50 V, a circuit crossing contact AYbc2 for energizing relay AY. The establishment of contact AYac2 closes a blocking circuit of the relay through contact Pbc2.

Contact AYacl closes the circuit for energizing relays E and EE, and pressing drive bar 7 causes a factor B cycle in the same way as that described for a multiplication controlled by the rear control indexes of function.

It should be noted that with this mode of operation an A-factor function command index located on the rear tabulation ruler can be used, when appropriate, only to command the positioning of the comma stepper switches. <I>Multiplication</I> of a <I>pre-selected factor A</I> In the case where the multiplicand, i.e. the factor A, must have one of the pre-determined values of a relatively small number of values, the multiplicand part 2a of the keyboard is not used and the A-factor function command index 12a and corresponding function command rear index are not used.

All information regarding the multiplication is carried by the B-factor function command index of the back tab ruler. When the tabulation of the carriage takes place so that the factor function command index B, for example the command index 12b of FIG. 1, or stopped in the tabulation stop position 13, one of the circuits of a certain number of fixed switching circuits is automatically selected according to the conformation of the control plates carried by the index B-factor rear function control button.

More precisely, when the factor B command index 12b is in the stop position 13, the detection electromagnet SS (FIG. 2C) is energized by the closing of the detection contact SC, and, by the attraction of the SS electromagnet, the feeler levers of the rear feeler mechanism come into contact with the control pads when they are present on the rear control index of factor B.

One of the control pads closes the factor B rear stop contact RS2 as before (FIG. 2A). Another control board causes the closing of the preselected multiplicand factor rear stop contact RS7 and, when provided, other contacts ensure the closing of the preselected factor rear stop contacts RS4 to RS6. Each of the contacts RS4 to RS7 is shown in fig. 2C.

fig. 5 shows the typical arrangement of a fixed multiplicand factor pulse switching circuit. As can be seen in this figure, the pulse switching circuits are formed of a plate 201 of insulating material, for example of thermosetting phenolic resin carrying an interconnection circuit 202, obtained by a conventional printed circuit technique. . When this plate is plugged into a corresponding connection plug, it connects the input and output circuits connected to the various pins of the plug according to the multiplication operation commands to be performed.

The wafer 201 has a slot 203, approximately halfway its upper side as shown, with which a pin cooperates when the wafer is placed in the plug to facilitate its installation and to maintain it in the position. work as described below.

On the wafer 201 is riveted a tablet 204 on which is indicated the value of the wafer, for example the percentage of the preselected multiplicand factor to which the wafer relates. The printed circuit represented by way of example on the plate of FIG. 5A represents the preselected factor 000.025 ie 21/2<B>% --</B> FIG. 5 schematically shows the following way in which the selected factor plates are placed in position in the accounting machine. The key panel of the keyboard of the accounting machine is summarily represented in broken lines at 205 and the mounts which hold the plugs in which the fixed factor boards are plugged are placed below the key panel on the far right. of the machine where the keys 6 are represented in fig. 1. The sets of plugs are formed of metal plates 206 having a folded tab 207 at one of their corners so as to be parallel to the plate 206, leaving a free space. At the adjacent corner of the plate is another tab 208 folded at right angles to the plate and comprising a fixing hole. A similar securing means 209 is formed at the other end.

One end of a lever 211 comprising a notch 212 is pivotally fixed, by means of a pin 210, to the plate 206, in the housing provided between the plate and the folded lug 207. The lever can thus be swung out clockwise on the turntable, in the position shown in dashed lines. This lever has a pin 213 projecting from one side.

On the bottom of the plate 206 is fixed a guide block 214 comprising a guide groove 215 intended to receive and guide the factor plates to make them match the plug, the guide block comprising a semi-circular groove 216 on a part of its base and leading to a hole matching the hole of the fixing lug 209. The inner face of the block 214 com carries a clear rectangular part having approximately the same width and the same thickness as the lever 211 so to provide a space of similar dimensions between the block 214 and the plate 206, the lever 211 taking place in this housing, as shown in solid lines. This cleared part or notch of the block is not visible on the drawing.

The plug 217 comprises a box-shaped body with an open top side and having fixing tabs 218 at each end. These lugs 218 have holes which come into alignment with the holes of the lugs 208 and 209 of the plate 206 when the body is in position. The interior of the lower wall limiting the cavity of the housing comprises longitudinal parallel slots in which are placed individual contact pieces 219, the contacts passing through the rear wall of the housing to form wiring outlets.

The various sets of plugs are fixed following an inclination of approximately 45°, as shown. Only one of these sets of multi-contact plugs is shown in full in the figure, other sets being schematically indicated in position by dash-and-dash lines. Of course, the number of sets corresponds to the number of fixed factors that must be able to be used with the machine. The embodiment given by way of example is equipped with eight of these assemblies.

The key panel 205 of the comp table machine includes a window 222 for each set of fixed factors, the position of these windows being such that the tablets 204 bearing the indications of the factor plate can be easily read.

To place a factor plate in the multiple file, the lever 211 is returned clockwise to the position shown in dashed lines. The end of the lower edge of the factor plate is placed in the guide groove 215 of the block 214 and the pin 213 is engaged in the slot 203 of the plate in the way shown in dashed lines. The lever 211 is then pushed back in an anti-clockwise direction to push the plate back into the multiple plug in the way shown in phantom so that the connections printed on the plate are connected to the contacts of the plug. multiple to establish the various interconnections between these contacts. To remove a wafer, the lever 211 is pulled clockwise and the pin 213 engaged in the slot 203 drives the wafer into a position where it is accessible.

In fig. 5 are also indicated the keys 6 with manual control, also shown in FIG. 1 and which are each associated with a factor platelet. As will be explained later, the depression of a key 6 selects the printed circuit of the adjacent board for a fixed factor operation in cases where the automatic control according to the positions of the carriage is not possible. not climb.

fig. 2E schematically shows the circuit connections of a cross connection bridge 77 and a printed circuit board 78, by way of example. As seen in the figure the transverse bridge sal 77 comprises eight rows and eight columns of contacts respectively designated RI. to R8 and Cl to C8. One side of the contacts of each row R1 to R8 is connected to a common connection<B>01</B> to<B>08.</B> The other sides of the contacts of the first row of contacts R1 are connected in common by a common connection to one side of the Wal contact, re presented on the fi-. 2D. In the case of the example of plate 78 represented, it can be seen that this plate comprises a connection by printed circuit between a position i2 and an output position o, -,, a second connection between the input position i; and output position o4 (doubled to avoid unwanted crossing of the printed connections) and a third connection between input position i5 and output position o3.

The board 78 also includes a printed connection between a terminal -i- 50 V and the point output terminal d3 of a group of five point terminals d1 to d5. Decimal outputs, read from right to left, correspond to a preselected integer factor A and preselected factors of 2, 3, 4, and 5 decimal digits to the right of the decimal point. In the printed circuit example of FIG. 2E, it will be seen that the comma connection indicates that the preselected factor A has the value 000.275, as explained below.

We see in fig. 2E that output positions 0., through o8 of the circuit board are connected to one side of the first contacts of the lower six rows of cross bridge 77 and that comma output positions d1 through d5 are fed back to the stepping switches of comma of fig. 3.

As indicated above, the sets of multiple cards, located below the keyboard of the accounting machine, allow the selection of any one of the eight cards of pre-selected printed circuit factors. While the output positions o., to o8 of the wafer represented by way of example in FIG. 2E are connected by the intermediary of the multiple plug corresponding to the six lower contacts of the first column Cl of the contacts of the transverse bridge 77, the following plates are connected successively in an analogous manner to the columns C2 to C8, through their respective multiple plugs . As can be seen in the figure, the common outputs 0;3 to <B>08</B> of the cross bridge correspond respectively to the values 100 to 105. As indicated, the connections between the output positions o3 to o8 of each plate and the corresponding contacts of the bridge are established via the individual multiple sheets of the assembly. In addition, the input positions 11 to 19 of each plate are connected via the corresponding contacts of the multiple plugs to the pulse generator circuit of the Sterling multiplier. When the main pulse generator of the Sterling multiplier is triggered by the discharge of the multiplier start capacitor shown in fig. 2F, trains of pulses are sent to the inputs i1 to i9 of each printed circuit board, the number of pulses of each train sent to each particular input terminal being indicated by the index identifying the terminal.

From the foregoing it emerges that the brief description given with respect to FIG. 7 is also suitable for the general multiplication process and operations with a preselected multiplicand factor.

Therefore, it can be seen that when the Sterling multiplier operates, one or more pulse trains each comprising two pulses pass from the input i2 through the output o,; at the common output O i, of value 102, for the example of plate of FIG. 2E. Similarly, one or more trains of pulses each comprising seven pulses appear on the common output 04 with a value of 101 and trains of five pulses appear on the common output O.- with a value<B>100.</B>

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the operation of the rear contact RS2 by the factor B rear function command index activates the relays E and EE, as for the general multiplication operations. The action of relay E contacts has been described above.

The EE relay includes the EEal contact shown in fig. 2E. Closing this contact brings the -I- 50 V supply from line 10.1 to the common output 02 of bridge 77. The other side of each of the contacts of row R2 is connected to the corresponding terminal - i- 50V of the printed circuit board in the manner shown for the board 78 given as an example.

For the automatic operation of the pre-selected factor A function, at least the rear contact RS7 is closed for the factor B stop position, as indicated above. Closing of the RS7 rear contact establishes the R relay energization circuit. Respondents RS4 to RS6 are also closed to establish the excitation circuits of the respective S, T and V relays.

As seen in fig. 2D, the operation of the R relay disconnects the chain of comma contacts by breaking the RbcI contact and establishes the potential -I- 50 V on the combination of contacts of the preselected factor A relays, through the Racl contact. The total effect produced by closing the Racl contact, either alone or in combination with other contacts of the preselected factor contact combination, is to establish an excitation circuit, in accordance with the rear stop contacts of preselected factor closed in the B factor stop position to actuate one of the eight predetermined electromagnets BA to BH actuating the magnetic crossbar fingers. As a result of the selective energization of one of the electromagnets BA to BH, the associated magnetic finger is moved into the operating path of a main crossbar control electromagnet BJ.

Another circuit is completed by closing the Rac2 contact of the R relay. This circuit extends from the -f- 50 V supply through the Rac2 contact, a PSS microswitch closed only when all the printed circuit boards are correctly placed in their respective multiple plugs, the contact BJbc2 and the coil of the delayed operation relay W, the other output of which is connected to the -50 V supply conductor 102.

Closing of contact Wal completes the circuit for energizing main control electromagnet BJ. When the armature of the electromagnet BJ is attracted it comes into contact with any my magnetic finger actuated by the electromagnets BA to BH. The selected magnetic finger, driven in this way by the armature of the electromagnet BJ, simultaneously closes all the contacts of the corresponding column of contacts of the crossbar bridge.

The first row of contacts R1 is connected, as has been indicated, to the common conductor Ol, on one of the sides of the contacts. The other sides of the contacts of row 1 are connected in common through contact Mb3 at a point lying between relay BJ and the series of contacts Wal.

Closing a contact of a row R1 of the crossbar bridge establishes a hold circuit for the main electromagnet BJ. As the relay W is slow to operate, the holding circuit of the electromagnet BJ which is energized is completed before the opening of the contact Wal due to the drop of the relay W following the opening of the contact BJbc2 .

As can be seen, due to the closure of a row R2 contact in columns C1 through Cs of crossbar bridge 77, the voltage -a- 50V is carried across the selected printed circuit board on the comma switches of fig. 3. The particular contact of the first comma stepper switch selected is determined by the comma connection made by the circuit board. As can be seen on the plate 78 given as an example in FIG. 2E, when a magnetic finger BA electromagnet is energized, the comma connection transfers the voltage -I- 50V to the third contact of the stepper switch.

At the same time, the closing of the six lower contacts of the column Cl establishes connections between the output terminals o3, o4 and o5 and common outputs O., 04 and O. of the crossbar bridge sales.

The operation of the relay W described above also closes the contact Wa2 shown in FIG. 2A. The closure of contact Wa2 completes a circuit for energizing the A-factor reset solenoid RFA associated with the Sterling multiplier A-factor switching group, as shown in fig. 4.

Resetting any actuated plunger to the unactuated position ensures that all contacts in the A-factor switching group are open circuit. Note that this action must take place before multiplication operations using a pre-selected factor A printed circuit board, unless the factor A switching group is open circuit, no contact made by a pushbutton n This establishes alternate pulse switching paths for the pulse trains generated by the Sterling multiplier. Contact Wa3 of relay W completes a circuit for energizing blocking electromagnet LO until operation of main control electromagnet BJ.

When, as a result of the selective closure of a contact column of crossbar bridge 77, the Sterling multiplier comma step switches advanced to the position of the contacts marked in accordance with the wafer comma connection circuit board selected, relay F is activated. From this point the sequence of the operations of the relays, of the totalisers and of the other operations of the accounting machine are the same as those described with respect to the general multiplication.

As an alternative to the preselected factor A operation under control of the accounting machine's B factor control back index, a printed circuit board may be selected by depressing the appropriate 6 key on the keyboard. When a printed circuit board must be so manually selected, the tabulation of the carriage in the B-factor stop position of the forward tabulator ensures the closing of the rear stop contact RS4 for the excitation of the relay S. thereby, a circuit is established through the relay combination of fig. 2D so as to energize the KUS electromagnet for unlocking the pre-selected factor keys and the series of preselected factor A keys 1 to 8 of FIG. 2E and relay X. Relay X is activated until one of the keys 1 to 8 with a preselected factor A is pressed. The contacts Xal and Sa3 (FIG. 2B) establish an excitation circuit for the blocking electromagnet LO.

The opening of contact Xb2, closed at rest, enables relay W to remain at rest until a button 6 with a preselected factor A is pressed and contact Xa3 closes the lamp circuit with a preselected factor A. When a key 6 of factor A on the keyboard is pressed, the relay X drops out and the corresponding magnetic finger electromagnet BA to BH is energized through the following circuit -!- 50 V of the conductor 101, the contacts Pbc2 and Hbcl of fi-. 2A, contact Rbcl, contact Sacl, contact Tbc2, contact Ubc3, contact AYbc4, of FIG. 2D, the selected factor A switch (fig. 2E) closed by pressing key 6, the corresponding magnetic finger electromagnet BA to BH and - 50 V on conductor 102. In addition, the drop-out of relay X closes contact Xb2 to activate relay W and contact Xa3 is open to switch off the pre-selected factor A lamp.

As indicated above, operation of relay W energizes main control electromagnet BJ and relay W drops out. When, due to the operation of the electromagnet BJ, the comma stepping switches have progressed, the continuation of the operations takes place in the same way as for the general multiplication and reading processes.

Claims (2)

CLAIM Accounting installation comprising an accounting machine having a keyboard and devices controlled so as to represent the respective values of the lowered keys, an electric calculator arranged to normally carry out the multiplication of an amount entered on a first part of the keyboard by a amount entered on a second part of the keyboard and several electrical connection devices, characterized by a set of printed circuit boards (201), each representing, by the configuration of electrically conductive paths (202) that it carries, individual values among a certain number of values of predetermined factors, these cards being able to be introduced into said connection members (206-219) and easily removed therefrom, electrical switching circuits (03 08; il-i9; dl- d5) which can be actuated to select any connection device, so that said computer carries out the multiplication, with the amount entered on said first part of the keyboard, of the value of the factor represented by the card (201) inserted in said selected connection member, said second part of the keyboard not being used in this case. 1. Accounting installation according to claim, characterized in that the switching circuits can be actuated to select any one of the individual connection members by lowering a corresponding key (6) among several keys of selection of said connecting members. 2. Accounting installation according to claim and sub-claim 1, characterized in that the accounting machine comprises a mobile carriage (10) and a program control device (12) and that the switching circuits can be operated under the controlling the program controller by tabbing the accounting machine to a predetermined position to select a desired circuit board.