GB610227A - Improvements in or relating to automatically set apparatus for storing data, derived from record cards - Google Patents

Abstract

610,227. Statistical apparatus. BRITISH TABULATING MACHINE CO., Ltd., and KEEN, H. H. April 1, 1946, No. 10104. [Class 106 (i)] Apparatus for storing data derived from a record card controlled machine in a two-point code, comprises a settable digit point member and a settable zone point member for each denomination, means controlled by the machine for setting the two members to a digit point and a zone point respectively, and means operable in any cycle of the machine, sub. equent to the setting cycle, for reading out the datum represented by the twc set members, while retaining their setting. The energization of a solenoid 45, Fig. 3, operates a known type of one-revolution clutch 46 which couples a constantly rotating gear-wheel 44 with a gear-wheel 42 for one rotation. This motion is transmitted through a gear 41 and a shaft 40 to turn through 180 degrees a cam disc 39 which rocks a sector 35 in one direction, thus driving a gear 34 on a shaft 3. A bar 7, Fig. 2, fixed to the shaft 3 by collars 8 at either end, carries a series of forked members 9, Fig. 2 and 3, frictionally engaging with flanged collars 6 which are mounted in pairs and carry a digit sector 4, Fig. 2 and 6, and a zone sector 5, respectively. Thus, as the shaft 3 rotates, the sectors 4, 5 rotate also be virtue of the frictional coupling 9 and the teeth 10 and 11 pass under pawls 12 and 13 respectively. The sensing of a perforation in one of the positions 9 to 1 of a card transmits an impulse to the magnet 19 for that card column, and the latching armature 18, Fig. 6, together with a latch 21 which is engaged by a lug 22, is lifted to free spring-urged pawls 12, 13. The pawl 12 thus engages the tooth 10 corresponding to the perforation sensed, and the sector 4 is prevented from further rotation. The pawl 13, however, is prevented from movement by a raised portion 24 of its sector 5 and is relatched until a second impulse arrives at the O, X, or Y position, when the pawl 13 engages the corresponding tooth 11 and the sector 5 is stopped. Each sector 4, 5, carries a plunger 30 spring- urged into contact with a series of conducting bars 31, Fig. 3. Thus, the data represented by the settings of the sectors may be read out by passing current through terminals 33, connecting bars 31, plungers 30, Fig. 2, conducting strips 25, insulated from the sectors 4, 5, brushes 27, and so to appropriate magnets for printing, punching, comparing mechanism, &c. The data is cleared when a second energization of the magnet 45 causes a further 180 degree movement of the cam disc 39 which returns the sector 35 and so reverses the movement of the shaft 3 thus restoring the parts to their initial positions. In a modification, the drive between the shaft 3 and the sectors 4, 5 may be by springs instead of frictional devices. Also, the means for preventing operation of the zone pawl 13 at the first impulse received by magnet 19 may comprise a double latch 18, Fig. 8, which, at the first impulse, is held by a lug 74 engaging an edge 73 on the modified pawl 13.