US1318641A - A corpora - Google Patents

Description

C. BIRTH.

CALCULATING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 3|. 191a.

Patented Oct. 14, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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. CHARLES BIRTH, OF KINGSTON BOROUGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 WALES ADDING MACHINECOMPANY, OF WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORA- TION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

CALCULATING-MACHINE.

Application filed July 31, 1918.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, CHARLES BIRTH, a citizen of the United-States, residing in the borough of Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Calculating-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention is particularly directed to that type'of transfer or carrying mechanisms for calculating machines, comprising carrying members operable independently of the usual adding racks or drive members, and normally held in set or cocked position by counter-controlled, spring-pressed detents, which, when tripped, release the carrying members to the action of drive springs. The drive springs actuate the members in one direction to effect the transfer. Carryresetting means restores the discharged carrying members to normal position, whereupon, the detents again become effective to lock the carrying members in set or cocked position.

The carrying members shift in their carrying and resetting operations, relatively to their. detents, which are displaced by cams on the counters as the latter turn from their 9 to their 0 positions (in the decimal system), the detents being journaled, or pivotally supported to swing into and out of effective position.

It is apparent that, should a detent fail to become effective because of sticking in dis placed position, or for any other reason, the corresponding carrying member would not be locked in reset position, and upon the withdrawal of the resetting means the carry ing member would immediately advance to add an undesired 1 to its corresponding counter and render the computation inaccurate.

One object of this invention is to insure the positive return of the detent to locking position relatively to its carrying member as the latter is reset.

This, I effect by contriving to limit the displacement of which the detent is capable, and arranging self-contained means to forcibly overcome any opposition to its return to locking position.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 14, 191.9.

Serial No. 247,576.

As a result, I have improved the operation of the machine and materially reduced the liability of improper accumulation.

To these ends, the invention includes certain novel features and combinations of parts, all of which will be more fully set forth hereinafter and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a sectional view of the well known Wales calculating machine, equipped with one embodiment of my invention, parts being omitted and broken away;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view;

Fig. 3 is a detail side view of the ac-- cumulating mechanism showing the countors in normal idle position, the machine being at rest;

Fig. 4 is a similar view, showing the positions assumed by the parts at the end of the forward stroke of the main drive shaft,

Fig. 5 is a detail side view of the transfer mechanism at a period near the end of the return stroke, but prior to the disengagement of the counters and their drive mem-' bers, showing the carrying detent tripped, and its carrying member partially advanced to prevent restoration of the detent to effective position;

Fig. 6 is a similar View, showing the carry completed; and

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective View of one of the detents for the carrying members.

A base 968 (Fig. 1) supports side frames 969, one only of which is shown in Fig. 2, between which are mounted the keyboard or indexing section, and the counter or accumulating section, with its operating connections.

The numeral keys 117 of the keyboard are arranged in denominational rows, the respective keys in each row adapted to individually control by means of levers 116, the separate stops 115, arranged in corresponding denominational files.

Depression of any of the keys 117 shifts the corresponding stops into the paths of denominational positioning bars 310, there being a positioning bar for each file of stops.

Front arms 312 journaled on a cross shaft ed in the side frames 969 300, and rear arms 311 journaled on a cross rod 301, support the individual positioning bars 310, to enable the latter to advance and retire relatively to the stops 115.

Restoring links 512 depending from offsets 312 of the front supporting arms 312, are forked at their lower ends to embrace and rest upon a restraining and restoring also operating to prevent lateral displacement of the links.

Rolls 310 carried on swinging arms 323 journaled on the cross shaft 300 extending between the side frames, or on a tube 300 surrounding the shaft, enter cam slots 220 formed in the rocking levers 220 to operate the latter.

A trip rod 303 connects the swinging arms 323, to form therewith an oscillatory frame swung by links 214 which eonnectthe frame with cranks 212 on the main drive shaft 200.

A main restoring spring 285 connected to the main drive shaft 200, returns the shaft and connected parts to, and holds them in, their normal positions of rest.

Turning the main drive shaft forwardly against the tension of the restoring spring 285 swings the arms 323 forwardly to cause their rolls 310 to traverse the cam slots 220 in the levers 220, and rock the latterdownwardly. The levers 220, in turn, withdraw the restraining and restoring bar 294 from the lower ends of the restoring links 312 and further tension the springs 383 to cause the links 812 to follow the bar 29 1 and swing the front supporting arms 312 forwardly to advance the positioning bars 310.

The positioning bars advance until arrested either by one or another of the keyset stops 115 previously projected into the paths of the positioning bars by the de ression of the numeral keys 117, or by rac detents 221 journaled on a cross rod 202 mount- The key-set stops 115, when projected, displace the rack detents 221 from the paths of the positioning bars.

A series of denominational, arc-uate, toothed adding racks or drive members 410, whose stocks 4110 are journaled on a cross rod 401 mounted in the side frames, are connected at 4:50 to their respective denominational positioning bars 310 and partake of their travel.

An axle 400 mounted in arms 414 journaled on a cross rod 401 and extending over the drive members 410, supports for independent rotation, a series of denominational counters 490*, located adjacent their respective denominational drive members 410.

Two sets of counters 190 and H190, and their eoacting mechanisms, are shown, and are substantial duplicates. Hence, a description of one will suffice for both.

Pinions 435 (Figs. 2-6) fastened to the respective counters 490", are adapted to mesh with and be turned by the toothed racks or drive members 410.

The pinions 435 are interposed between the series of drive members 410 and a series of combined carrying and counter locking bars or members 610 slidably supported for endwise travel on parallel front and rear cross rods 600,-and provided with teeth 610 (Figs. 3-6) with which the pinions 435 normally mesh. Detents 612 journaled on the rear cross rod 600 engage the respective carrying and locking bars 610 to normally hold them against shifting.

\Vhen the drive shaft 200 is in its position of rest, at the end of its return stroke, the pinions 435 are engaged with the carrying members 610 and disengaged from their drive members 410 (Fig. 3). Countersupporting means, including vertically shiftable plates 324 sides of the mac inc, and on which the opposite ends of axle 100 rest, maintain the pinions 135 in engagement with their combined carrying and locking members 610.

The means for shifting the supporting plates 32% is not especially pertinent to the present invention, and is omitted from this specification, a full description thereof being contained in the copending application of Pentecost at al., filed July 17, 1918, Serial N0.245,273.

Suffice it to say that in adding operations, the counter pinions 4:90 are maintained in engagement with their control members (310 and held disengaged from their control members 410 during the forward stroke of the main drive shaft 200, whereby to enable the positioning bars 310 and racks or control members 410 to advance freely until errested by the key-set stops 115, or the rack detents 221, as above explained.

As the main drive shaft approaches the end of its forward stroke, it trips the counter-supporting mechanism (not shown) to effect the disengagement of the counter pinions 435 from their locking members (310 and the engagement of the pinions with the drive members 410 (Fig. 1).

At the end of the forward stroke, the

Fig. 2) located at opposite main drive shaft is released to the action of the restoring spring 285 which returns the shaft to its home position.

The main drive shaft, on its return stroke, forces the swinging arms 323 rearwardly, to

'cause the rolls 346 to .retrace their paths along the cam slots 2'20", thereby rocking levers 220 and the restraining and restoring bar 291 upwardly to their home positions.

The restraining and restoring bar presses the restoring links 312 upwardly to retire the arms 312, 311 and the positioning bars 310 and racks 410.

The advanced racks or drive members 410, as they retire, turn the counters 190 to register thereon an amount correspond ing to that represented by the key-set stops 115.

As the main drive shaft 200 approaches the end of its return stroke, and immediately subsequent to the complete retirement of the drive members, it restores the displaced counter-supporting mechanism (not shown) to disconnect the pinions 435 and counters 490 from their drive members 410 and reengage the pinions with their toothed carrying and locking members 610. The pinions are maintained in such position until, in adding operations, the main drive shaft again approaches the end of its forward stroke.

As the capacity of a counter of lower denomination is exceeded, the excess digit is transferred to the counter of next higher denomination, and in machines of the type herein shown, such transfers must be initiated while the counters are engaged with their drive members, although the actual transfer does not occur until the counters are disengaged from their drive members r10 and engaged with their combined carrying and locking members 610.

The transfer mechanism (Figs. 243) embodies several independently ope able groups of carrying devices, each of which includes a combined carrying and locking member (310, driven by a spring 680; a detent 612 to releasably retain the carrying member in set or cocked position; and a cam or trip member 411 controlled by the counter of lower denomination, to displace the detent, when the capacity of the lower counter is exceeded.

In addition, a carry-resetting bar 613 is provided, which not only restores the discharged carrying members 610 to set or cocked position, but also controls their discharge.

The action of the respective groups of devices forming the transferring mechanism may continue successivel across the machine from right to le t in a carrying wave, after the disengagement of the counters and drive members is completed,

and until the counters are disengaged from the combined carrying and locking members (310 at the end of the succeeding forward stroke of the main drive shaft.

This is effected because each carrying group may control the group of next higher order, depending upon the amount registered on the counters.

Since the counters 490*, in their rotation, control the transferring mechanism, it is obvious that such mechanism must be arranged to respond at varying times or periods in the operation of the machine, as determined by the amount already registered on the counters and the amount which is being added thereto in any one operation of the machine.

The detents 612 journaled on the rear cross rod (300 adjacent the respective carrying members (310, have lugs 612 extending over and resting upon the bottom edges of slots (310 formed in the carrying members, the lugs lying in the paths of shoulders 612 in the bottom edges of the slots of the carrying members, to retain the members in cocked or set position against the tension of the springs 680 attached to the front ends of the bars 610, and to an anchor plate 923 extending between the side frames. Lateral ears 612 on the several detents extend oppositely to the lugs 612', into the paths of cams 111 fixed to turn with the respective counters 190. Springs 81 maintain the detents effective.

Detents (312", similar to detents 612, are journaled on the front cross rod 600 to cooperate with the carrying bars 610" of the front series of counters 490, in like manner.

Fig. 3 shows the front and rear sets of counters 490, 490 engaged with their respective combined carrying and counterlocking members 610, (310 which is the position of rest of the parts prior to the forward stroke.

The full line positions of the tripping cams 5111 indicate that both sets of counters are cleared or registering zeros.

The dotted line position of the cam 411 of the rear set of counters 490", indicates the position assumed when the counter registers 9 Fig. -1 shows the positions of the parts at the end of the-forward stroke, during an adding operation, the rack 410 having advanced until arrested by the key-set stop 11:"), in position to accumulate 9 on the rear counter 490", which has just dropped illito mesh with its rack, such counter being c ear.

Assuming that the counters 490 already register 39 and 29 is to be added thereto, the proper keys 117 are depressed and the main drive shaft turned forwardly. The two positioning bars 310 of lowest denomination advance on the forward stroke of the main drive shaft, independently of the counters, until arrested by contact with the key-set stops representing the number The positioning bars corresponding with the remaining counters of higher denomina tion advance until arrested by the usual detents 2:21. The active positioning bars, on their advance, draw with them the drive members 110, the positioning bar and drive member 4:10 associated with the counter of lowest denomination advancing much farther to represent 9 than does the positioning bar and drive member of next higher order which advances only sufficiently to represent 2.

After the counters 490 engage the advanced drive members, and during the return stroke of the main drive shaft, the advanced drive members are retired, during which retirement the two drive members of lowest denomination turn the counters to add the amount 29 to the amount already registered.

The drive member 'which has advanced the farthest to represent the higher digit is the first to begin its retirement; in this example, the drive member of lowest denomination. Thus, the counter of lowest denomination will commence to turn before the counter of next higher denomination.

Obviously, since its counter already registers 9 the drive member will only have to move one step in such retirement, to turn the counter to O The counter 490 of lowest denomination as it turns from its 9 to its 0 position, wipes its cam 411 against the correspomling ear 61:2 of the detent (312 which locks the carrying member 610 associated with the counter of next higher denomination, to swing the detent upwardly against the ten sion of its retaining spring 681, thereby displacing the lug 612 from in front of the shoulder 612 on said carrying member to free the carrying bar which cooperates with the counter pinion 135 of next higher order, to the action of its spring 680.

Obviously, if the carrying member 610 was permitted to complete its operation at this time (while the pinion is engaged with its drive member 410 and disengaged from the carrying bar and detent 610) such operation would be futile, that is to say, it would advance without turning the counter, and the carry would be lost. On the other hand, if the carrying bar, when tripped, was held against any advance, the cam 411, which passes out of contact with the lug 612 as the counter reaches its 0 position, would allow the detent 612 to snap back into its former effective position, and again lock the carrying bar against operation. Therefore, the carrying bar 610 is permitted a slight displacement, when tripped, relatively to its detent 612, sufficiently to locate its shoulder 612 beneath the lug 612 of the detent (see the left hand carry, Fig. 5) to prevent the detent from resuming its etfective position, after which the released carrying bar 610 is arrested before it has completed its effective throw. The arresting means also operates to release the bar for complete operation subsequently to the disengagement of the counters 490 and their drive members 110, and their engagement with the carrying bars, and to restore the bar to normal set position in readiness to perform another carrying operation subsequently to the engagement of the counters with their drive members near the end of the succeeding forward stroke, and their consequent disengagement from the carrying bars.

In following the sequence of operations of the machine, it will be necessary to first explain the method of resetting the carry. which operation occurs prior to the carrydelaying operation, before explaining the carrying operation.

Arms (311 (Figs. 1, 3 and 4) journaled on the cross shaft 101 near its opposite ends. support a cross rail (390 on which is mounted a carry-delaying and resetting bar (313. one edge of which projects rea'rwardly beyond the ail (390, in front of the forward ends of the carrying bars (310 and 610, and is preferably flanged to afford a wide contact face to cooperate with the forward ends of the carrying bars.

Normally, the arms G11 rest against pro jecting studs 652 mounted in the free arms of hell cranks 611 pivoted to the respective side frames at 652, to support the carry delaying and resetting bar 613 in its retracted position, shown in full lines in Fig. 3, at which time it is farthest removed from the carrying bars 610 and 610.

The levers 220, heretofore referred to. which control the advance and retirement of the drive members 410, and rock downwardly and. then upwardly during the operation of the machine, carry pins 250 (Figs. 8 and 4) entered in slots 611 formed in the lower ends of links (311 connected to the remaining arms of the bell cranks (311.

During the major portion of the forward stroke, the pins 250 idly traverse the slots 611 to afford time for the advance of the drive members 410, and the disengagement of the pinions 435 from the carrying members 610 and their engagement with the drive members. Just prior to the end of the forward stroke, and immediately subsequent to the engagement of the counters 490 or 490 with their drive racks 410, and their consequent disengagement from the carrying bars (310 or (310, the pins 250 contact the lower end walls of the slots 611 to draw the links (311 downwardly and rock the bell cranks 611, the free arms of which, carrying the studs 652 ,.force the latter against the arms 611 to swing the delaying and resetting bar 613 rearwardly to the opposite end of its travel and tension the resetting bar restoring springs 685. This position is shown in Fig. 1. The bar 613, during such operation, strikes the forward ends of such of the carrying bars (310 or (310 as have been discharged during the previous operation of the machine, to restore the carrying bars against the tension of the carrying springs 680, while the counters are disengaged therefrom.

The resetting bar 613 presses the carrying members 610, 5.10 rearwardly past their normal locked positions to insure that the shoulders 612 shall retreat past the lugs 612" on the detents 612, to permit springs (381 to snap the detents back to effective po sition with their lugs 612 m front of the shoulders 612 Hence, during its final travel, the resetting bar contacts the forward ends of all of said carrying members of one set or the other, even those which are in cocked position, to force them back slightly. At the end of the forward stroke, all the carrying springs 680 of one set of carrying members 610, as well as the reset ting bar restoring springs 685 tend to return the resetting bar to normal position.

The counters 190 or 490* at this point in the operation of the machine are now controlled by drive racks 410, and at the beginning of the return stroke the pins 250 withdraw from the lower ends of the slots 611", to enable the restoring springs 685, aided by the tensioned carrying springs 680, to return the resetting bar 613 toward its normal retracted position.

The carry-resetting bar 613 is arrested intermediate the ends of its return stroke, in

position to delay the carrying members 610 in tripped position, as follows:

The trip rod" 303 (Fig. 3) normally lies in front of and in contact with projections ($11 carried by locking members 611 slotted to accommodate and travel back and forth transversely of their supporting studs 963 and 96" extending inwardly from the opposite side frames 969 The trip rod thus restrains the locking members G11 against the action of springs 685.

The forward ends of the locking members (311 are each formed with stepped shoulders (3(31". (311. and (311, and. as the trip rod 303 advances during the forward stroke, the springs (385 project the locking members (311 until. at the end of the forward stroke, the lower innermost shoulders (S11 strike lugs 611" on the links (311, (see Fig. 4), which lugs have entered the paths of the shoulders (511" as the links were drawn downwardly by the studs 250 and levers 220. At the end of the forward stroke, the lugs (311" lie below and apart from the overhanging shoulders 611.

The withdrawal of the studs 250 from the lower ends of the slots (311 of the links (511", frees the links and the resetting bar (513 to the action of the tensioned restoring springs (585 aided by the carrying springs (380, which rock the resetting bar forwardly toward its idle position. and the latter rocks the bell crank levers (311 to lift the links 611".

The overhanging shoulders 611 however, still lie in the paths of return of the lugs G11 to arrest the links (311 and the carry-resetting bar before the latter has completed its return to idle position, as shown in dotted lines in Fig.

This partial restoration of the links (311" and carry-resetting bar 613 occurs ust prior to the actuation of the drive members r10 by the restraining and restoring bar 291 on its return (Fig. 1), and is sufiicient to shift the resetting bar 13 from its active resetting position, shown in Fig. 1 to the intermediate position, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, and in full lines in Fig. 5, wherein it permits the slight advance of such of the carrying bars (310 as may thereafter be released by the tripping cams r11 and detents 612 during the retirement of the drive members 110 to normal position.

Fig. 5 shows the position to which the rack 110 has turned a counter of lower denomination after having added 1 to such counter, which previously registered 9.

The counter, in rotating from its 5? to its 0 position, has caused its cam 111 to trip the detent 612 pertaining to the carrying bar 610 associated with the counter of next higher denomination. to release the carrying member 610, which has advanced through its preliminary travel until arrested by the carry-delaying bar 613, which occupies its intermediate position.

Such slight advance of the tripped carrying member 610 takes place immediately upon the displacement of the detent ($12, and is suflicient to bring the shoulder (31-2 of the member 613 under the lug 612" of the displaced detent to prevent the return of the latter, after the cam 411 wipes past the detent.

The locking members 611 maintain the carry-delaying and resetting bar 613 in its intermediate position during the retirement of the drive members 410, which latter arrive at their home positions. prior to the completion of the return stroke of the main drive shaft 200, further movement of which then has no effect on the members 410, owing to the shape of the rear ends of the cam slots 220". The counters are disengaged from their drive members and engaged with the racks 610", on the carrying members (510, during the final return travel of the main drive shaft, after which the trip rod 303, as it completes its return stroke, contacts the projections 11 to restore the locking members 611 to normal position, shown in full lines in Fig. 3, thereby freeing the links (311 to enable the restoring springs (385 to return the resetting bar to normal retracted position and in so doing lift the linksuntil the lugs ($11" thereon strike the overhanging shoulders 611 to arrest the resetting bar in retracted position.

Such of the carrying members 10 as have been tripped by the numeral wheel cams 411, of lower order, will follow the resetting bar on its withdrawal, due to the tension of carrying springs (380, as shown in Fig. (5. thereby turning their respective counters of higher order one step to effect the carry, the bars (310 being prevented from turning the counters farther. by contact of the rear ends of their slots 610 with the front cross rod 600, which serves as an over-rotation preventer for the carrying mechanism.

Fig. 6 shows the position of the tripping am 1'11 on the counter 190 of higher orden. after the carrying member 610 has added 1" to the counter, which previously stood at zero, the parts being shown in their positions at the end of the return stroke.

The tripped carrying bars remain in discharged position until restored by the resetting bar (313 near the end of the succeeding forward stroke, as heretofore explained. It will be observed, therefore, that cross carrying operations can be initiated at the end of a return stroke and continue until near the end of the next forward stroke, thus per-' mitting ample time for the completion of the operation when the machine is stroked at high speeds.

Thus, assume that the amount already registered on the counters is 999939 and it is desired to add (39 thereto.

The operation of the machine will be exactly as heretofore explained with reference to the first example given, until after the transfer of 1 from the counter of lowest denomination to the counter of next-higher denomination, at which time, it will be remembered, the main drive shaft has practically returned to its home position in the usual operation of the machine.

The drive member 410 of lowest denomination positively turns its correspomling counter 490 to cause its trip member 111 to positively displace the detent (312 and release the carrying member 610 associated with the counter of next higher denomination. for operation. after which, in the par ticnlar example given, the transmission of power from the drive members 410 to the carrying detents 612 ceases. 'lhereafter, the counters 4:90 of two lowest denominations are turned by their drive members M0 to complete the addition thereto of the amount 69.

Upon the disengagement of the counters 490* from their drive members 110, and their engagement with the carrying members (510, the tripped carrying member 610 operates as above set forth, under the influence of its tensioned drive spring (380, to turn the counter of the second denomination one step.

But such rotation of the counter of the second denomination turns the latter from 9" to O and. in the example given, imme diately starts a continued or cross-carrying operation.

Atthis period, owing to the complete retraction of the carry-resetting bar 613. the carrying members 610 are free to advance throughout their full travel under the tension of their drive springs 680, and hence,

as the counter 190 in the second denomination rotates from its 9" to its 0" position, its tripping cam or member 411 in turn displaces the detent 612 controlling the carry ing member 610 coacting with the counter, 490- of the third denomination. to free such carrying member and effect the transfer of the excess 1 from the counter of the second denomination to the counter of the third denomination by the rotation of the latter counter.

As. in the example given, the counter of the third denomination already registers its capacity. its rotation will turn it one step to register 0" and its tripping cam 411 will displace the detent (312 associated with the carrying member 610 appropriated to the counter stQO of next higher or fourth denomination, and a further transferring operation is effected.

This successive or cross carrying operation will continue across the machine on counters of successively higher denominations until it reaches a counter which does not register its capacity prior to the transfer thereto of 1 from the counter of next lower denomination.

From the foregoing example, it will be noted that. in cross ca rrying. the adding racks or drive members llt) have exerted no influence whatever on any of the groups of carrying mechanisms after the first. or that associated with the counter of the second denomination.

Therefore. cross carrying presents a different condition than where the carr \'ing dc tents ($12. (312 are positively and forcibly tripped by the drive members. It is necessary to depend upon the strength of the drive springs 80 of the carrying members 610 of lower order to not only turn the respective counters of next higher order in transferring operations, but also to wipe the tripping cams or members of such counters of next higher order against the detents 612, G12 of the carrying members 111 of successively higher order, to displace such detents against the tensions of their restoring springs 681 and of their carrying member drive springs 680, which latter press the shoulders 612 firmly against the lugs 612 of the detents.

Furthermore, in transferring operations directly effected through the drive members, the tripped carrying members are detained in their partially operated position until the counters engage the carrying members, whereas, in cross carrying operations the carrying members operate instantaneously as soon as their detents are tripped.

For a more complete understanding of the foregoing construction, attention is directed to U. S. patents to lVales 797,032, August 15, 1903; and to McFarland and Vales 880,157, February 25, 1908; and more particularly to the copending application of Pentecost at al. above referred to.

It is apparent that each element of a group of carrying mechanisms is important. and none more so than the detents 612, (312 which lock the carrying members (310, 610 in set positions. If such detents should not become effective, the carrying members would operate inopportunely to transfer ones and render the accumulation inaccurate.

The parts composing each group of carrying mechanism are reduced to the smallest size compatible with efficiency both in manufacture and operation, to render the transferring mechanism as a whole, more compact, and also to restrict the operating movements of the parts to a small compass.

To absolutely insure the restoration of the detents to effective position at the proper time, I have contrived a means which will accomplish this result without increasing the number of elements composing the carrying mechanism.

In other words, such positive detentrestoring means is self-contained within the carrying group.

To these ends. I provide each combined carrying and counter-locking member 610 with a closed cam slot (310 of irregular shape, as illustrated in Figs. 343, entered by the lug 612' of the corresponding detent 612.

The shoulder ($12 with which the detent 12 coacts, is formed by cutting away or reducing the bottom edge of the slot 610 intermediate its ends. The upper edge of the slot is inclined. as at BIO to a point 610 in advance of the shoulder (312 and substantially in the same horizontal plane therewith, the upper cammed edge of the slot terminating at its forward end in the cutaway or reduced clearance extension (310, in front of the shoulder 612.

The rear vertical face of the lug 612' of the detent abuts the squared shoulder (312", the-front end of the lug being beveled. as at (512 (Fig. 7) to insure its escape past the point (310 where the cam 10 merges into the clearance extension (310'. i

In Fig. 3, the detent (312 is shown in contact with the shoulder (S12 to retain the carrying member 610 in cocked or set position against the tension of its drive spring (380.

As the trip member or cam +11 moves in a clockwise direction from its dotted line position (shown at the left in Fig. 3) to its full line position. while the pinion 435 is in mesh with its drive member r10, it wipes against the car (312" of the detent 612 which holds the carrying member ($10 of the counter of next higher denomination. in cocked position. This action rocks the detent upwardly against the tension of its restoring spring 681 until the lug 612' cscapes the shoulder (i112 of the carrying member 610, whereupon the latter advances. under the influence of its drive spring (330, until arrested by the carry-resetting and delaying bar 613, as above explained. The lug 612'. however. is confined within the closed slot 610" to limit the displacement of the detent, and the shoulder (310 then lies beneath the lug, as shown at the left in Fig. 5. p

After the disengagement of the pinions 435 from their drive members 410 and their engagement with the. combined counterlocking and carrying members (310. the carry-resetting bar (113 is withdrawn to free the tripped carrying members (310. which thereupon advance to complete the transfer. and at that time occupy the positions shown at the left in Fig. (1. The carrying bars 610 have thus shifted forwardly relatively to the lugs 612' of the detents which now lie near the rear ends of the slots (310, as shown.

The discharged carrying bars (310 maintain this position relatively to their detents 61:2 until the main drive shaftapprmlches the end of its succeeding forward stroke. whereupon. after the counter pinions 435') have disengaged the carrying member 610 and engaged their drive members .10. the carryreset-ting bar 613 is actuated. as hm'einbefore explained. to reset the discharged carrying and counter-locking members ($10. in which operation. the carrying members are returned to a point slightly behind their normal cocked positions to insure the clearance between the shoulders 612 and the lugs 612*. as shown in Fig. 4.

It is during this operation that my invention performs its most important function.

As the carrying members are restored, the

inclined or cam edges 610 of the slots 610 wipe along the lugs 612 of such of the detcnts 612 as may stick in elevated position, to press the detents down, the lugs following the contour of the cam edges and being p0sitively led thereby to a point in front of the shoulders (312 on the carrying members 610.

When the carrying members 610 are fully retracted (as shown at the left in Fig. a) the cammcd edges of the closed slots 610' have forced the lugs 612" down to the level of the extensions 10 which then fit over the lugs to maintain them in line with, and insure the contact of the shoulders 612 therewith when the carry-resetting member is withdrawn to its intermediate position.

The bevel or chamfered portion 612 of the lug (SlQ on the detent, enables the lug to clear the point (310" at the juncture of the cam (310 and the extension 610 of the slot.

This beveled portion also prevents the lug (512 from engaging the point 610 in such manner as to prevent the displacement of the detent when tripped by the cam member lll.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that a cycle of operation of the machine comprises the forward and return strokes of the main drive shaft, and that whereas the carrying members 610, 610 may be tripped at varying periods during the return and succeeding forward strokes of the main drive shaft, depending upon the amount already registered on any one of the counters and the amount being registered thereon, the carry-resetting member always operates at a certain, predetermined and constant time in the forward stroke of the main drive shaft to reset the carrying members, and hence I have taken advantage of this established operation to positively effect the res toration of the detents to effective position at such constant predetermined time notwithstanding the varying periods at which the detents may be tripped.

Changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the several parts described without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

lV hat I claim as new, is

1. In a calculating machine, the cembination with a series of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of a transfer mechanism for the counters comprising several carrying groups, each group including a carrying member, a releasable detent supported independently of the carrying member, to lock the member in set position, a spring to hold the detent effective, and a trip member to displace the detent; and means to reset the carrying member; each grou; also including self-contained means supplementary to the spring, to positively wisest enforce the restoration of the detent to effective position, in case of failure of the spring.

2. In a transferring mechanism for calculating machines, the combination with a carrying member shiftable to effect a carry; resetting means to cock the carrying member; a detent supported independently of the carrying member, to lock the carrying member in cocked position; a counter controlled by the carryin member; countercontrolled means to trip the detent; a spring to return the detent to, and yieldingl hold it in, effective position; and means supplemental to the spring, to positively enforce the complete restoration of the detent to locking position, in case of failure of the sprin n a calculating machine, the combination with a series of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of a trans fer mechanism, including a carrying member to effect the transfer; means to reset the carrying member; a detent controlled by a counter of lower denomination, to lock the carrying member in reset position, and relatively to which the carrying member shifts when effecting a transfer, and when reset a spring to yieldingly retain the detent effec tlve; said carrying member being equipped with self-contained means to positively en-- force the restoration of the detent to effective position independently of the spring.

r. In a transferring mechanism, the combination with a pair of denoininational counters; and a drive member for the counter of lower denomination; of a carrying member shiftable in one direction relatively to the counter of higher denomination to turn the latter; means to reset, the carrying member to cocked position; a detent supported on a stationary pivot and having its free end resting on the carrying member, to engage a shoulder thereon and lock the member in cocked position; a spring to yieldingly maintain the detent effective; and a counter-controlled trip to displace the detent; the carrying member provided with. means to confine the detent against unnecessary displacement and to guide it back to etfective position as the carrying member is reset, independently of the spring.

5. In a calculating machine. the combination with a plurality of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of transfer inechauisn'i, including a normally cocked carrying member; means to actuate the carrying member to effect the transfer from a counter of lower denomination to one of next higher denomination; a detent mounted on a stationary pivot, to maintain the carrying member in cocked position, and adapted to be displaced by the counter of lower denomination; a spring; yicldingly retain the detent elfective, the carrying member adapted to shift relatively to the detent; and a carry-resetting element to restore the carrying member to cocked position, said carrying member having means supplemental to and operable independently of the spring to positively enforce the com plete restoration of the detent to effective position as the carrying member is reset.

6. In a calculating machine, the combination with a plurality of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of transfer mechanism, including a normally cocked carrying member; means to actuate the carrying member to effect the transfer from a counter of lower denomination to one of next higher denomination; a detent to maintain the carrying member in cocked position, and adapted to be displaced by the counter of lower denomination; a carryresettin'g element to restore the carrying member to cocked position; and a cam slot on the carrying member to positively enforce the restoration of the detent to effective position as the carrying member is reset.-

7. In a calculating machine, the combination with a plurality of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of transfer mechanism, including a normally cocked carrying member; means to actuate the carrying member to effect the transfer from a counter of lower denomination to one of nexthigher denomination; a detent to maintain the carrying member in cocked position, and adapted to be displaced by the counter of lower denomination; and a carryresetting element to restore .the carrying member to cocked position, said carrying member having a closed cam slot adapted to limit the displacement of the detent, as well as to positively enforce the restoration of the detent to effective position as the carrying member is reset. I

8. In a calculating machine, the combination with a plurality of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of transfer mechanism, including a carrying member; means to actuate the carrying member in one direction to effect a transfer from a counter of lower denomination to the counter of next higher denomination; a

carry-resetting element to shift the carrying member to set or cooked position; said carrying' member having a closed slot whereby to limit the displacement of the detent, and to positively guide and enforce its restoration toeffective position as the carrying member is reset.

9. In a calculating .machine, the combination with a plurality of denominational counters, and drive members therefor; of transfer mechanism, including a carrying member; means to actuate the carrying member in one direction to effect a transfer from a counter of lower denomination to the counter of next higher denomination; a carry-resetting element to shift the carrying member to set or cooked position, said carrying member having a closed slot formed therein, one wall of which is cut away to form a shoulder, a detent having a lug entered in the slot and adapted to contact the shoulder, to retain the carrying member in set position; counter-controlled means to displace the detent and release the carrying member for operation; another wall of the slot having a cam edge leading to an extension slot in advance of the shoulder to positively guide and enforce the restoration of the detent to effective position.

1 0.- In a calculatin machine, the combination with a pair 0 denominationally arranged counters; and a carrying member for the counter of higher denomination; of a detent controlledby the counter of lowerdenomination to lock the carryingmember in potentially effective osition, said detent being adapted for disp acement at varying times during the cycle of operation of the machine; a spring to return the detent to, and retain it in, effective ,position; and

means to supplement the spring, to positively eflect the return of the detent to effective position at a predetermined and constant period in the cycle ofope'ration of the. machine independently of the spring.

11. In a transferring mechanism, the combination with a pair of denominational counters; of a carrying member shiftable to effect a carry onto the counter of higher denomination; a drive member for the counter of lower denomination; a spring-restored detent supported independently of the carrying member for movement relatively thereto, to lock the carrying member in cocked position; means on the counter of lower denomination, to trip the detent; and means to reset the carrying member, the

carrying member equipped with means to limit the travel of the detent relatively thereto, and to positively insureand enforce the complete restoration of the detent to effective position.

12. In a transferring mec'hanism,the combination with a pair of denominational counters; of a carrying member shiftable to effect a carry onto the counter of higher denomination; a drive member for the counter of lowerv denomination; a springrestored detent supported independently of the carrying member for movement relatively thereto, to lock the carrying member in cocked position; means on the counter of lower denomination to trip the detent; and means to reset the carrying member, the carrying member equipped with means to restrict the displacement of the detent relatively thereto, and of such contour as to 10 positively lead the detent directly to its efi'ective locking position as the carrying member is reset, in case of failure of the spring to restore the detent.

CHARLES BIRTH. Witnesses R. H. MACLEAN, COREY F. LAMOREAUX,

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