GB1298378A - Selector for edge notch coded sheet-type items - Google Patents

Abstract

1298378 Selecting cards IMAGE SYSTEMS Inc 24 Nov 1970 [5 Dec 1969] 55770/70 Heading G4M Edge-notched cards 75, Fig. 2, are selected by complementary pairs of selector plates 17, 18, each pair of plates 17, 18 has an associated pinion 25 meshing with racks formed on the plates and spring-biased plungers engage the plates 18 to urge them towards the advanced position shown in Fig. 2 while simultaneously urging plates 17 towards the retracted position by means of the rack and pinion coupling. Solenoids 36, when energized, retract the associated plates 18 and thus advance the corresponding plates 17. The plates 17, 18 are retained in the selected positions by a spring-biased locking bar 49, Fig. 1, which engages hooks 46, 47 at the forward edge of plates 17, 18 and which is releasable by a solenoid 54. The front edges of plates 17, 18 are curved to conform with the periphery of a rotatable drum 41 in which the cards are stored. As the cards 75 rotate past the selector plates 17, 18, magnetic elements 76 are attracted by a magnet 65 which rotates as the cards pass by, and a card bearing the selected combination of notches partially moves out of the drum 41 to actuate a switch 79, for slowing down or stopping rotation of the drum, before its T-shaped notch 78, Fig. 2, is engaged on a retainer bar 82. On further rotation of drum 41, the selected card leaves retainer bar 82 so that its notch 78 may be subsequently engaged by an extractor mechanism. The magnetic elements 76 on the cards may be U-shaped clips.