US1286826A - Combined type-writing and computing machine. - Google Patents

Description

B. C. STlCKNEY.

COMBINED TYPE WRITiNG AND COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLlCATlON FILED IAN. 5, i915.

1,286,826. Patented 1m. 3,1918.

3 S HEETS-SHEET I.

WITNESSES INVENTOR B. C. STEGKNEY.

COMBINED TYPE wmnme AND COMPUHNG MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 5, 191b- 1,286,826e Patented Dec. 8, 1.918.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

'WHNESSES- I w? 7 2 4 B. C. STICKNEY.

COMBINED TYPE WRITING AND COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.5. 1915.

1,286,826. Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

' TED era j n nes nunnna vz c. 'S'IICKNEY, or, ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR T0 onnnnwoon COMPUTING MACH INE COMPANY, or new Yon-x, n. r, A CQRPGBATEON or NEW YORK.

COMBINED TYPE-WRITING AND COMPUTING Madman.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec, s, 191%;

Application filed January 5, 19 15. Serial No. 558.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, BURNHAM 'C. STICK- nnr, a citizen of the United States, residing in Elizabeth, in the county of Union and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Type-Writing and Computing Machines, of V the computation carried on by the computing mechanism, whereby the type of writing will be characteristic of the type of compu' tation, so that the operative, by a single glance at. the writing, can ascertain what type of computation was or is being carried on for the numbers written.

In the present embodiment the invention is shown as applied to an Underwood-Hanson combined typewri-ting and computing machine, such as that illustrated in an application of Hans Hanson, No. 626,550. filed May 11, 1911,;1nd in which more than one type of? computation can be. carried on, such as addition and subtraction. In such a form of machine, the computing zones of the computing mechanism and the denominational selections in such zones. are controlled from the typewriter carriage during the travel thereof. In some of these zones it is desirable to add, and in others itmay be desired to subtract, accordingto the particular class of work to be done.

tracted, and even, in fact, whether a numher as it is being written is being added or subtracted. It has been proposed to print the numbers subtracted in a different color. such as red, from the numbers as added which may be printed in black. It maybe desirable. however, tov reserve a distinction incolor fora distinction between items, subtot'als, and totals, and. still require a method of distinction betweendifferent types of computation. It is also desirable to distinguish between different types of computation where a machine is ad-apted to print in but a single color.

An object then of this invention is to make the printing of the numbers for difierent types of computation distinctive as to their features or outlines, irrespective of what color they may be printed in. This distinction may be one of degree, as small numbers for addition and, large numbers for subtraction. The distinction may be also of conformation, as Arabic numbers for addi-' tion, and italic numbers for subtraction. In the present instance, the change in printinx is made automatically undcrthe control oi the carriage as the latter passes from one computing zone to another, according to the, character of computation to be carried on in each computing zone.

In order to assurethat the character of computation as carried on in each zone will coincide with the character of printing in the zone, locking n'nt-chanism is provided in zones where subtraction is to be carried on, which is brought into play at -the same time that the typewriting mechanism is shifted to change the character of its printing, which locking mechanism prevents an operation of the numeral keys until the c0mputing mechanism has been set for subtrac tion, when this locking mechanism will be released, permitting the combined typewritmg and computing ot the number to be sub- 'tracted.

In carrying out the invention, the same is shown applied to the complementary form of Hanson subtraction machine. In this type of machine, for addition, a series of pins are set up according to the direct values of the numeral keys actuated, which pins determine the extent of rotation of a series of computing wheels when the latter are driven in a gang by a series of rack bars carrying the settable pins. For subtraction, the pins instead of being set up according to their direct values, are set up according to their complementary values, so thatwhile the computing wheels are rotated in the same direction as for addition, they are '0- tated amounts other thanthose, correspond ing to the direct values of the numeral keys actuated, that is, corresponding to the complementary values. This with a nine-step rotation of all computing wheels not having keys struck therefor and an added-step.

is known as a complementary subtraction.

" Inasmuch as the position of the carriage determines the different computing zoncs,

' use is made of this fact in controlling the state or character of computation carried on by the computing wheels, and also the state or character of printing carried on by the typewriting mechanism. For this purpose, the stops which determine the position of the carriage, are used in the present instance.

A subtraction stop is so formed that it will trip a locking mechanism normally primed for action, which when thus released will engage all of the numeral keys to prevent their further operation until this locking mechanism is oncemore restored to its primed ineffective position. The restoring of this locking mechanism is accomplished from the subtraction key, so that this necessitates the operation of the subtraction key to release the locking mechanism, and thus permit the numeral keys to operate. The subtraction key, of course, performs its usual. function of setting the computing mechanism to enable the same to effect a subtraction computation according to the complementary method as above explained.

In addition to tripping this locking mechanism, the subtraction tappet or stop also engages a shift bar having an exteiit of about the length of a computing zone, and this bar is connected to operate the shift frame for the platen, so that the same will be raised to its up er-case positionf The type-bars of the typewriting mechanism for the numeral keys are provided with two sets of types, each set comprising a representation of the digits from 0 to 9, but having for lower case one form or magnitude, and for-upper case another form or magnitude. That is to say, the types of the two difi'erent sets distinguish in tliciroutlines or features, so that even if they are printed in the same color, the one will stand out clearly and distinctly from the other. The shifting of the platen from lower case brings about a change in the printing from the lower-case characters to the upper-case characters. It is thus evident that when in a subtracting zone, the upper-case characters, which are distinctive with respect to the lower-case characters, may perform the printing; while inan adding zone, the lower-case characters will be perforn'iing the. anting.

or capital numbers.

assesses Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a vertical skeleton section taken from. front to rear of a combined typewriting and computing machine, with parts omitted for the sake of simplicity, the numeral-key-locking mechanism being shown in its silent position, and the caseshift frame in its lower-case-printing position.

Fig. 2 is a detail view showing a tappet or stop on the carriage passing idly by the trip for the numeral-key-locking mechanism during a return movement of the carriage. i

Fig. 3 is a face view of the numeral-key types, showing the distinction between the lower and the upper case numerals, the distinction in this case being merely one of size or degree, the lower case writing small. numbers and the upper case writing large Fig. at is a detail face view of another set of numeral types in which the distinction is one of configuration, the lower-case numerals being in normal Arabic, and the upper-case numerals being in italics. I

Fig.5 is a skeleton perspective view showing how the case-shift frame and the-numeral-key-locking mechanism are both controlled from the carriage by subtraction tappetsor stops carried thereby.

Fig. (3 is a detail view somewhat similar to Fig. 2, showing the carriage, however, traveling in the opposite direction, that is, in a step-by-step letter-feeding direction, and also showing a subtraction tal pet or stop carried by the carriage in the act of releasin the locking mechanism so that that latter, which is previously primed for action, will come into play.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1, except that it shows the mechanism in a condition after the locking mechanism for the numeral keys has been sprung into action and is in the act of being silenced by an operation of the subtraction key, which, at the same time, is setting the computing mechanism for sub traction. This view also shows the platen with its case-shift frame shifted by the subtraction tappet to its upper-case position.

Alphabet keys 1 and numeral keys 2 depress key-levers 3, to rock bell cranks a, to swing type-bars 5 up rearwardly so as to strike, through a printing ribbon 6, a worksheet carried by the platen '7. it will be noted in passing that the numeral type-bars 5 are provided with two sets of types 8 and 9, the former being for printing lower-case characters, and the latter for printing up per-case characters. These two sets of types distinguish from each other in outlines or other features, so that when writing with one set, a characteristically written number 1 tors in italics.

.. new

will be in evidence, which will be clearly distinct from the numbers afforded when writ ing with the other set. The distinction may one of magnitude, as in Fig. 3, where the lower-case characters are small and the upper-case characters are large; or the distinction may be one of conformation, as in Fig. 4, where the lower-case cha 'acters are normal Arabic and the upper-case charac- The platen 7 is mounted on a carriage 10, which travels on ways 11 under the control of an escapement mechanism 12, which may include a rack 13 pivotally mounted on the carriage and engaging a pinion 14 controlled by an escapement wheel 15, which in turn is controlled by fixed and movable dogs 15 The dogs 15 are oscillated into alternate engagement with the escapement wheel 15, by a universal frame 16 operated by heels 1? on all of the type-bars 5.

in order to enable the change in printing from the lower-case types 8 to the uppercase types 9, the platen 7 is mounted in a frame 18, which in the present instance, as is common in Underwood typewriting, machines, is vertically adjustable so as to offer a line of print of the worksheet on the platen normally to the lower-case types 8, ad on other occasions to the upper-case types 9..

To effect" the movement of the platen 7 end its frame 18, the latter is supported by a roller 19, which tavcls on a shift rail 20 supported by a shift frame 21 which is pivoted at 22. The shift frame 21 may be rocked manually to effect a change in case or character oi printing, by one or more shift keys In the present instance two are shown, one for a temporary shift and the other for a semi-permanent shift. These shift keys 23 are each provided with an upwardlyrntending arm 2%, which one back of the shift frame 21, and rocks the same to elevate the platen 7 and its frame 18.

The carriage 10, which, as stated above, obtains step-by-step advancing movement at the striking of any of the keys l or 2, under the control of the escapement mechanism 12, also may have a major or jump move- ;ment to change quickly from one zone or major column to another. For this purpose there is provided a tabulatingr mechanism, which may include decimal tabulating keys 25, which when depressed, rock key-levers 26 to thrust up plunger stops 27 into the path of carriage stops 1T8, which may be adjustably mounted at letter-space intervals along a rack 29 carried by the carriage 10. To etlect the release of the carriage at the operation of the tabulating, mechanism, a lever 30 universal to all of the plunger steps 27, I

may be rocked at the operation of any one thereof, to draw down on a link 31, so as to rock a lever 32, which bears at its forsees 39 is according to the direct values of ward end, a roller 33 underlying the rack 13, so as to lift the latter out of mesh with the controlling escapenient pinion 14.

The numeral keys 2 in addition to writi115 the digits corresponding to their values, also control the operation of a computing mechanism indicated in general at 34, which is of the well-known Hanson type more fully described in application No. 626,550 above mentioned, to which reference may be had for parts omitted in the present de scription.

' To operate this computing mechanism 3%, each numeral key 2 from 1 to 9 is provided with a thrust link 35, which when the numeral key is depressed, engages and depresses a bell, crank 36, which rocks a shaft 37. There is one of these bell cranks and shafts for each of the numeral keys from 1 to 9, and they are each provided with at least two arms 38, two in the case of the 9 key, and three in thecases ot" the l to 8 keys. The arms 38 are arranged to operate parallel linkages 39, which will depress pins 40 individually below their fellows, so as to determine the extent of movement of rack bars 41 on which they are mounted in series corresponding in value from 1 to 9. The rack bars are provided, at. their forward ends, with racks 4-2, which drive through one-way-acting connections 4.3, computing or dial wheels 44, arranged to exhibit numbers provided on their peripheries through a sight opening 45 in the computing casing 46. bars 41 are driven by engagement of a cross bar 47 of a general operator 48, with such of the pins 40 as happen to be set below their fellows.

The setting: otthc pins 40 is efiected, not solely by an actuation of the linkages 39, but through the aid of a denominational cross selection, so that only one pin may be set at the striking of any given numeral key. This denominational selection is effected from the carriage 10 by a tappet 49, which carries a cam 50 into successive engagement with a series of jacks 51, so as to rock the same, and thereby cause these jacks to depress thrust links actuate, at their lower ends, transposition linkages vwhich succe sively raise the rack bars %1, so as to bring, the pins 40 thereon within the sphere of action of the pin-setting linkages 39. The order of. bringing these rows of pins into play, however, i in reverse of the order of actuation of th jacks 51 by the tappcts 49. This is to tale care of the difference in direction of advancement of the typewriter carriage, which takes place from right to left, from the computing in the computing wheels 4%, which takes place from left to right.

The setting, of the pins i0 by the linkb 'es The rack The thrust links 52 numeral keys actuated when adding. When subtracting, however, a ire-arrangement is effected between the shafts 37 and the link ages 39, so that different ones of the arms 38 come into play, and in place of setting the pins 40 according to the direct values of the numeral keys actuated, these pins are set according to the complementary values. If the 2 key were struck, the seventh pin from the front of the series would be set, corresponding to the value of seven, and if the 3 key were struck, the sixth pin from the front of the series would be set, corresponding to the value of six. The rearrange ment of the relation of the arms 38 to the linkages 39 for a subtracting operation is effected in the manner explained in application No. (526,550 above mentioned.

To do this, the subtraction key 54 is provided with a subtraction bar 55, which rocks a frame 56 universal to all of the rack bars 41, so as to raise the same in unison, at the same time rocking a frame 57, which depresses a bail 58, to set of the 9 pins. The frame 57 is also provided with an arm 59, which engages a shift rail 60 universal to all of the shafts 37, thereby shifting them from their adding position to their subtracting position. The shift rail 60 and the shafts 37 carried thereby are held intheir subtracting position temporarily, that is, for the duration of a subtracting action, by a latch 61, which is subsequently released after the subtracting computation is complete.

It is desirable to make the printing when subt acting distinctive from when adding. For this purpose when the carriage 10 comes into a subtraction zone, one of the stops 28, or any other tappet which may or may not cooperate with the plunger stops 27, is so formed and positioned as to come into play.

Tn the present instance, a subtraction tappet or stop 28 is shown as provided with an elongated foot or extension (32, which when the tap net or stop is located for an adding zone, will be in its uppermost position, as indicated at 28 in Fig. 5, and when determining a subtracting zone, in its lowermost position, as indicated at 28 in Fig. 5.

As the carriage 10 comes to a subtracting zone, the extension (32 on the previously set subtraction tappet or stop 28 comes into engagement with a cam edge (53 of a suitably mounted subtracting-zone bar (is having an extent corresponding in the number of letter spaces to the normal extent of a subtraction computing zone. The bar 6-1 when so engaged, will be depressed and held depressed during the extent of the subtracting zone.

The depression of the bar (Si thrusts before it a link 65, which, through the intermediary of an arm 66, rocks a pivotal shaft 22 to which the shift frame 21 is secured. This action will raise the shift rail v20, so as to shift up the platen 7 to its upper-case ponasaese sition. Under such circumstances, the upper-case types 9 will cooperate with the ribbon 6 to print on the work-sheet carried by the platen 7. \Ve then have the automatic enforcement in a subtracting zone, of printing which is characteristic in outline or features to a subtracting operation.

In order to insure that the computing mechanism will perform a subtraction computation at the same time that the typewrit ing mechanism is printing in a type peculiar to a subtraction computation, the subtraction tappet 28 at the same time that it brings about a shift in .'the character of printing, also brings into play a locking mechanism, which will prevent the operation of any of the numeral keys 2 until the computing mechanism has been set for sub-traction.

To do this, the same extension (32 as it arrives in a subtraction computing zone, engages a one-way-acting pawl 67 on a trip 68, so as to rock this trip 68, and thus draw up on a link (39, which in turn swings an arm 70 against the tension of a spring 71, to rock a shaft 72. The shaft 72 is provided with a latch or detent 73, which norn'ially lies in the path of a locking frame 74, connected to one or more tension springs 75, which are ready to snap the locking frame 74: forward as soon as the detent 73 is moved out of the way. The locking frame 74 is provided with a locking rail 76, which is universal to a series of locking hooks 77 provided solely on the numeral keys 2.

It will be seen then that when the detent 7 3 is silenced or moved to its ineffective position, the locking mechanism comes into play automatically, whereby the rail 76 engages under all of the hooks 77 on the nume :11 keys 2, and prevents depression of any of them. This prevents the running up of any kind of a computation in a subtracting zone until the locking mechanism includ ing the locking frame 7 has been released. It will be noted in passing that the locking rail 76 may be distinct from the normal line lockrail indicated at 7 8, which may be universal to another-series of hooks 79 provided on all of the character keys both alphabet and numeral.

To release the locking mechanism for the numeral keys 2, the computing mechanism must be set for subtraction. Inasmuch as the subtraction bar by its operation whether from the key 5% or automatically from some other source. determines the set ting of the computing mechanism for subtraction, advantage is taken of the movement of this bar to eli'cct the releasing of the locking mechanism including the locking frame 74. t

For this purpose, the bar 55 is connected by a pin-and-slot connection, to an arm 80 secured to a rock shaft 81, so that when the bar 55 is forced rearwardly to effect a sub another, will have :aasssae W traction setting of LL1 computing mecha nism, it will rock the shaft 81, which in turnv will swing down on an arm 82 to draw on a linl; The link 83 is connected by an arm 8%, to rock a shaft- 85 on which the locking frame 7% is secured. Thus when the subtraction bar 55 is operated to set the coi'i'iputing; mechanism 3% for subtraction, the locking trams Hi will be forced back to its silent position against the tension or the spring 2'5. in the meantime, the tappet 28 having acted on the cumming pawl 67 for but a portion of a letter space, and, in fact, during the travel from one letter space to escaped the same, and permit the return of the detent ?3 to its ac tive pos tion in which it will catch the loci;- ing it i land hold it primed with the spring '25 undo tension, for another operation in a subseqent subtracting zone.

The locking tr me it is provided with a warning tab which when the carriage comes to a subtracting zone and the locking bar 'Zti can into will project through the :tront casing of the machine to exhibit a warning, sign, such as Sub, designating that the machine should be set for subtraction at that time. This tab is retrieved to a concealed position when the machine is set for subtraction and the locking mechanism silenced.

Before the device is put into operation, the tappets or stops 28 are arranged along the carriage rack bar 29 at such points Where it is desired to have computing zones. When the zone is to be an adding one, the

tappet is located with the longer arm or extension 62 uppermost, so as not to operate the trip 68 or the subtracting zone bar 6 When, however, a subtracting zone is to be determined, one of the stops 28 is placed in the manner shown at 28 (Fig. 5), so that the extension 62, when the carriage arrives at this particular subtraction Zone, will engage to operate both the trip 68 and the bar 64. The machine can then be operated with the carriage 10 starting at the right and brought successively to each computing zone in any suitable manner, as, for extra: pie, by operating the tabulating keys in an adding zone, the locking mechanism l land the casc-shitt frame 21 will be unafiected by the tappets or stops 28. When, however, a subtraction zone is reached, the numeral hays will be incited, and'the platen shifted to up er case characters, which be difi'erent from The distincthe ether adding us color an ihe particular type characteristic putation in used.

The ice -c ection with which they are projection or". the warning tab 86, notifies the operative that the machine must be set for subtraction by an operation of the subtraction key 54. lhis then insures the numeral keys when operated, setting up a subtraction computation when in a subtracting zone and when the platen is shifted to enable the Writing of subtraction characters by means of the upper-case type 9.

Variations may be resorted, to Within the scope of the invention, and portions of the in'iproven'ients may be used Without others. Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. The combinaion with typewriting mechanism including a series of numeralhey-type actions having a plurality of distinctive sets of type for the same" ligits so that'the written numbers produced by" one set of type will present a dilterent aspect from the written numbers produced by an other set of type, and a case-shift frame enabling the change in writing from one set of type to another set of type, of computingmechanism controlled by said numeral keys arranged to compute different kinds of computation, such as addition and subtraction, and also arranged to compute in difterent zones, and means operating said caseshift frame to enable said. distinctive sets or" type to print, said operating means also determining the type of computation in the various zones whereby the printing by the dis-- tinctive types conforms to the difi'erent types of computation.

2. The combination with typewriting mechanism including distinctive numeral types for printing thesame digits dilierently so that numbers Written with one set of types will be distinguished from numbers written with the other set of types, of col-i putin g mechanism cooperating with said typewriting mechanism to compute nun"- bers in different computing zones as they are Written in difierent computing zones by said typewriting mechanism, and automatic m ans for varying the numeral types in printing activity for diiierent computing zones, said automatic means having parts selectively adjustable so as to determine in advance the printing; numeral type in action at any particular computing zone which will typewriting 1 and a case-shift frame for determining which of said sets of types shall be in action at any particular time, of a computing mechanism,

said computing mechanism and said typewriting mechanism being connected so as to act in unison to compute and typewrite the same numbers at the same time, and one or more tappets carried by said carriage for operating said case-shift frame to vary the printing types in use, to print the numbers computed at any predetermined period in the a tion of said typewriting and said computing mechanisms.

5. The combination with typewriting mechanism including distinctive sets of types for writing the same digits in different ways, of a computing mechanism connected to cooperate with said typewriting mechanism to compute the numbers as typewritten, a subtraction-setting mechanism for said computing mechanism, locking means for said typewriting mechanism released from said subtraction-setting mechanism, and a single automatic means for concomitantly bringing into play said locking mechanism, and changing the printing type in action, so as to enforce with the release of said locking mechanism, a. change of said computing mechanism to subtraction, so that computing action can go on with the change of the numeral type in printing action.

6. The combination with a typewriting mechanism having distinctive sets of numeral types for printing the same numbers in different ways, and a case-shift frame for enabling the change in type in printing action, of computing mechanism cooperating with said typewriting mechanism to con-. comitantly compute the numbers typewritten, a series of. traveling tappets coming into play individually in successive computing zones, a bar ope able by certain of said tappets, a iink operable by said bar, and connections from said link to said shift frame enabling the change in type in printing action for certain typewriting and computin zones, and converting devices also controllet by certain of said tappets and controlling said computing mechanism.

7. The combination with typewriting mechanism having a carriage and distinctive sets of numeral types enabling the printing of numbers different ways, of computing mechanism controlled from said typewriting mechanism to compute the numbers as printed by said typewriting mechanism,

mechanism to enforce a change in character of computation.

8. The combination with computing mechanism for performing more than one type of computation, of printing mechanism for writing the numbers as computed by said computing mechanism, zonecontrolling means for determining computing zones, nd shifting means for altering the outline of the numbers as printed from zone to zone according to the type of computation carried on in each zone. 3"

9. The combination with a computing mechanism, of number-printing mechanism for said computing mechanism having distinctive types of printing, a letter-feeding carriage to cooperate with said niunberprinting mechanism and said computing mechanism, said computing and printing mechanisms constructed both to employ one type of printing and to perform addition in one zone, means dependent upon movement of-said carriage to a second zone for changing the character of the type of printing, and for rendering the computing mechanism incapable of performing ac "tion it said second zone and means for shifting the coinputjng mechanism to perform subtraction. in said second zone, so that the printing in. each zone will be characteristic of the computation performed therein.

10. The combination with a computing mechanism, of type-printing mechanism, shiftable means to cause the printing effected thereby to exhibit different characteristics, a traveling carriage determining the printing and computing zones, carriage connections for controlling the concomitant step-by-step printing and computing actions in a zone, and carriage-controlled connections for enforcing in a certain zone, both a variation in the type of computation, and a corresponding variation in the characteristic of the printing.

11. The combination with typewriting mechanisrfi including a carriage movable into and out of different computing zones, andalsp including distinctive sets of numeral types for printing the same digits differently, so that numbers Written with one set of types will be distinguished from numbers written with the other set of types, of computing mechanism cooperating with said I typewriting mechanism to compute numbers in different computing zones as they are written in different computing zones by said typewriting mechanism, and automatic carriage-controlled means for varying the numeral types in printing activity in passing from 'a zone of one kind of computation to a zone of another kind of computation.

12. The combination with typewriting mechanism including a platen and a series of keys, of a convertible computing mechanism controlled by said keys, shiftable means for converting'said computing mechanism, two types for each key of the same value but of different features and mounted to strike at the same printing point of the platen, and means controlled by a part of said converting means for causing the keys to bring in play types or" one feature when said computing mechanism is set for addition, and to bring in, play types ofanothcr feature when said computing mechanism is otherwise set.

13. The combination I with computing mechanism capable of either adding or subtracting, and means for converting said computing mechanism of typewriting mechanism including a carriage and having types of two different; features but of the same Values to indicate different kinds of computation means cooperating with said typewriter earriage and connected to said computing mechanism to enable said carriage to enforce a conversion of said computing mechanism, and means concomitantly controlled. by said carriage to effect a change in the features of the digits as printed by said typewriting mechanism.

BURNHAM C. STIOKNE Y.

Witnesses U, VVESTPHAL, DEL-OS G. HAYNES.

Images