GB1408205A - Data handling apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1408205 Measuring the width of lines of typewritten print KARA-KOUNT Inc 26 Sept 1972 [28 Sept 1971] 44305/72 Heading G4H Apparatus 10 for measuring the width of a line of typewritten print comprises pulse sources 42-52 which provide coded signals representing each character selected from keys 16, a group of memories 68, a timing circuit 60 and a counter 86. The apparatus is used with a conventional electric typewriter 12 and includes twelve type style selection switches 20 as well as twelve type height selection switches 22. When a character key 16 is depressed a signal generator 66 supplies a signal to the timing circuit 60 which enables a selected one of six read-only memory stores in the group 68, each memory storing the character width data for a different one of six type styles. The memory store selected is determined by manual actuation of two of the switches 20 and at the end of a period of time determined by the circuit 60 the selected memory supplies a six bit output signal representing the selected character width on a line 146 to the counter 86. Clock pulses from a source 174 are fed via a divider 210 and a gating circuit 120 to the counter, the division ratio of the pulses being determined by the selected one of the type height switches 22. When the number of pulses supplied to the counter 86 corresponds to the signal supplied on the line 146, the counter provides a stop signal on a line 150 to the gating circuit. Clock pulses are also fed to a counter 122 simultaneously with the supply to the counter 86 so that the number of pulses fed to the counter 122 is a selected multiple of the pulses received by the counter 86. A numerical display 18 provides a digital indication of the total width of a line of print. The counter 122 and the display 18 are reset to zero at the end of each line by a carriage return pulse generator 62. Function switches 26 are provided including OFF, ADD, HOLD and SUBTRACT switches to enable respectively operation of the typewriter without operation of the apparatus 10, the addition of each character width in the line, holding of the existing total width despite further character key actuation, and subtraction of the width of an incorrect character. In the event of the selection of a character that is not suitable for the selected type style, the memory group 68 provides a signal on a lead 124 to an alarm circuit 100. Switches 34, 36, 38, 40 enable respectively a flashing light alarm, a low, medium or high audible alarm or a combination of these effects to be selected.