GB791589A - Perforated member sensing mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

791,589. Statistical apparatus. SOROBAN ENGINEERING, Inc. Dec. 4, 1956, No. 37062/56. Class 106 (1). Sensing records.-A device for sensing a perforated record tape 16 comprises a plurality of conductive rods 14, one for each data indicating position in the record frame, a sheet of deformable material 8 which is also electrically conductive and hydraulic or pneumatic means for forcing the sheet 8 against the record tape so as to project through the openings therein, as shown in Fig. 3, and contact the corresponding rods 14. The sheet 8 is mounted as a diaphragm at the lower side of a tank 1, bellows 11 being connected with the interior of the tank to apply pressure and force the sheet against the record. The bellows may be operated by a solenoid connected to it by a lever 34. An electrical connection may be taken to the sheet 8 either directly or through the metal sides 2 of the tank but preferably the tank is filled with a conductive liquid which makes the necessary connection. The conductive sheet 8 may be made of a conductive natural or synthetic rubber or a conductive flexible plastic, and it may be formed with small projections registering with the rods 14. A perforated plate 4 limits inward movement of the diaphragm. The sensing voltage is not applied until the pressure is fully applied, contacts 28 being arranged on the tank to be actuated by an abutment 33 on the lever when the bellows nears the end of its working stroke. The device may be modified to sense ordinary perforated cards.