GB816817A - Improvements in or relating to devices for compiling and displaying histograms - Google Patents

Abstract

816,817. Recording-apparatus. STANDARD TELEPHONES & CABLES Ltd. Oct. 1, 1957, No. 30639/57. Class 106 (4). Apparatus for automatically compiling and displaying a histogram from a series of observed values comprises an escapement latch 6 for releasing a small steel ball 5 from a magazine 4 for each observed value, a plurality of parallel equally spaced compartments 7 each representing a different observed value and each adapted to retain a single column of balls 5 visibly therein, and channels 8 in independent slides 2 directing each released ball into a different compartment 7 for each different combination of slide positions according to the corresponding observed value. As shown in Fig. 1, the magazine 4 is a recess in an inclined plate 1, the channels 8 are grooves in five slides 2, each spring urged to the right, but movable to the left by an associated solenoid so that each groove 8 in one slide can register with one of two grooves in the next slide, the lowest cooperating with the compartments 7, which are grooves in a plate 3, slightly less inclined to the horizontal. As each value is observed, it is converted to binary code and appropriate contacts are made to energize the slide solenoids and when the slides are appropriately positioned the escapement solenoid is momentarily operated to release a ball. When the histogram is complete a permanent record may be made by placing carbon paper over the balls and pressing plain paper thereagainst. The balls are then returned to the magazine by tilting the plate 3 about pivot 22 so that they roll down a plate 23 into a container 19, which is then raised by operating a handle 18, an arcuate shield 21 preventing ,the escape of the balls until the container is in line with the magazine 4. In another embodiment the grooved slides are arranged according to a decimal-binary code.