GB685652A - Apparatus for preparing record members or the like for use in record-member controlled machines - Google Patents

Abstract

685,652. Statistical apparatus. NATIONAL CASH REGISTER CO. June 28, 1950 [July 2, 1949], No. 16112/50. Class 106 (i). Apparatus for preparing a record member for effecting the control of statistical machines in accordance with recorded marks comprises a printing mechanism for applying the marks to a base record member, including an impression member for each of a plurality of index positions on the record member, a frame located beneath the impression members and supporting material carrying a marking fluid which includes a substance normally ineffective to influence an energy detecting device but which is activable to a higher energy level, sufficient to influence the detecting device, a platen located beneath the material for supporting the base record member, a selector member for selecting the impression member to be operated, and an operating device for causing the member to be operated, and an operating device for causing the member to depress the selected impression member and thereby apply the marking substance to the record base member at the desired index position. The marks representing data may be made with magnetic material such as iron oxide contained in an ink or a suitable binder, or a substance which may be made luminescent, for example a fluorescent or phosphorescent material such as willemite or anthracene contained in an ink or binder, and which once activated by exposure to light has an after-glow period, sufficient to enable the record card to be passed through the detecting apparatus. Fig. 2 shows a platen 20, two ribbons 22 and 23 which may be shifted to bring either type of ink into use and a plurality of impression printing members 24 one for each index point position in the card column. A selector member 28 is supported in a guide member 29 for movement, either manually or by some suitable apparatus above the members 24 and carries a spring-pressed plunger 34 which can be positioned over any desired one of the printing members 24. A depressing plate 30 is mounted between the free ends of the toggles 31 and 32 which are coupled to a push-rod 33. Movement of the push-rod 33 to the left will cause the toggles to be straightened to depress the plate 30 on to the plunger 34 which, in turn, depresses the selected member 24. The latter impresses the selected ribbon 22 or 23 on to the record card. When the records are to be read, the marks are first rendered active by means of a magnetic field or a suitable light source.