GB505706A - Selecting and conveying apparatus for card indexes - Google Patents

Abstract

505,706. Statistical apparatus. BECKER, O. March 21, 1938, No. 8595. [Class 106 (i)] [Also in Group XV] An apparatus for selecting a desired card from a number of groups of index cards, comprises devices whereby the groups containing the required card is caused to be fed to a device for selecting the particular card required. The groups of cards 2 are stored in a number of containers 1 having hinged bottoms 3. By depressing a key 19 corresponding to the container 1 with the required card therein, the bottom 3 thereof is moved about its pivot 4 through the medium of an electromagnet 10, levers 11, 12 and a link 13 so that the group of cards 2 stored in the container drop on to a conveyer band 20 which feeds them into the card-selecting device 21. A suitable selecting-device is one comprising mechanically Or electrically-actuated levers which scan perforated sections of the cards. The selected card passes along a guide and conveyer 26 to a delivery slot 27, and the remainder are conveyed by bands 23, 25 to a series of rollers 5 situated above the containers 1. At the same time as the bottom 3 is opened, a catch 15 on the core of the electromagnet 10 causes a guide 6 corresponding to the same compartment 1 to be moved downwardly and to be held in such position by its end 8 snapping behind a bar 9. The guide 6 deflects the cards back into the container, the selected card being returned through a slot 28. Leaf springs 31 press each returning card towards the lower side of the compartment. Depression of a key operating on a lever 17 causes a bar 16 to move upwardly and restore the guide 6 to its original position.