GB409100A - Electro-mechanical setting mechanism for use with calculating machines and cash registers - Google Patents

Abstract

409,100. Calculating-apparatus; keyboard switches. GERHOLD, G., 381, Linzerstrasse, Bundesbahnen, Vienna. Jan. 27, 1933, No. 2679. Convention date, Feb. 15, 1932. [Class 106 (i).] In setting mechanism for use with calculating machines and cash registers comprising switches connected to electromagnets which operate the machine keys, the connections being such that the closure of one switch causes the depression of all the digital keys necessary to set a complete item corresponding to the switch closed, leads connected to the switches are disposed on one side of each of a number of insulating plates whilst a second set of leads are disposed on the other sides of the plates, adjustable connections between the two sets of leads being made through the plates. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the switches are arranged in a block having ten longitudinal rows, each relating to a different capital amount of money, and twelve columns relating to the twelve months, the switches in each column setting up, when depressed, the interest on the particular capital amount for the corresponding number of months. Thus, if the 9th key from the top of the 11th column is depressed, magnets are energized which set up 2576 on a cash register, this item representing the interest on 90 schillings for 11 months. Each switch comprises a head 4, Fig. 4, depressed by a stylus against the action of a spring 5 to move four blades 6 into contact with leads 14. These leads pass through insulating plates 7, 8, down the outer sides of the plates, and through the plates again to the appropriate ones of four series of leads 10, 11, 12, 13 disposed longitudinally on the insides of the plates and connected to the key-controlling electromagnets. The connections between the leads 14 and the leads 10-13 may be effected by removable screws &c. so that these connections may be altered. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 describes also the key - controlling means shown in Figs. 6 (Cancelled), 7 (Cancelled) and 8 (Cancelled). The electromagnets 29 are arranged in a block which can be removably arranged over the keys of a cash register or calculating machine. The energization of an electromagnet rocks its armature 30 and releases a plunger 23 to descend under the action of a spring 26 and depress a key 22. The plungers 23 are restored by sectors 32 engaging a rack 33 driven from the lowest sector which is itself secured to a shaft 35 operated by hand or motor. In a modification, Fig. 8 (Cancelled), the keys 22 are actuated pneumatically. The electromagnet 41 attracts a plunger 38 to allow compressed air from a pipe 46 to depress a piston 36 bearing on the key 22. In another modification, one connection only for each denomination is made from the setting device to the calculating machine. The closure of a switch 4 causes a number of impulses to pass along this line and a line-selector energizes the corresponding electromagnet. In a further modification, the electromagnets control devices acting directly on the differential mechanism of the calculating machine without the intermediary of keys. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.