US1370022A - Combined typewriting and computing machine - Google Patents

Description

H. E. KBURG. COMBINED TYPEWRITING AND COMPUTING MACHINE.l

APPLICATION FILED OCT. I2, I9I8. 1,370,022. Patented Mar. 1, 1921.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l- H. E. KBURG. COMBINED TYPEWRITING AND COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT-.12.1918- Pimm Mar. I, 1921.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2- momma/ M242 H. E. KBURG. COMBINED TYPEWRITING AND COMPUTING MACHINE.

K APPLICATION'FILED OCT. I2, 19I8.

Patented Mm. l, i921,

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- 4UNITED STATES GFIC.

HOWARD n. KBURG, or MOUNTAIN LAKES, NEW JERSEY, AssreNon ro uNnnnwooD COMPUTING` MACHINE COMPANY, or NEW Yoan, N. Y., A CORPORATION or New YORK.

COMBINED TYPEWRITING AND COMPUTING MACHINE.

To all wzomc't'ma'j concern:

Be it known that I, HOWARD E. KBURG, a citizen of the United States, residing in Mountain Lakes, in the county of Morris and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Typewriting and Computing Machines, of which the following isa specification.

This invention relates to computing machines and is herein described as applied to a bookkeeping machine of the Underwoodi Hanson type, and more especially as applied to what is known as the credit balance model of that machine. One form of this model 'is disclosed in the application of Adolph G. Kupetz, Serial No. 14A-323, filed January 25, 1917.

Where machines are used for doing bookkeeping, especially wherethe bookkeeping involves a ledger having more than one kind of an account in separate columns on a single page, or work sheet, the simplification of the bookkeeping makes what errors occur likely to be far reaching and usually diiiicult to trace. For example, an error caused by the insertion of an item into the wrong column is a kind of mistake `which is not only most likely to occur, but is often most difficult to locate and disentangle, since each account may show a perfect balance despite the error.

In using work-sheets'rof this character, it is customary for the typist in laying out a days work to first select all the ledger-sheets in which entries of debit character are made, then make such entries, and after having made them, to select all the ledger-sheets on which credit entries are made for that day, thus vendeavoring to reduce the number of errors by reducing the number of adjustments of the subtraction, etc., mechanism whichhave to be made. Even with such precautions, it has been found that the similarity of the various columns on the ledgersheet sometimes leads to errors, especially one resulting from the picking-up of'a balance from the wrong column in entering and adding thereto the items made up from daily statements or memorandum invoices turned in by the various agents.

One object of the present invention is to render it possible to trace out such errors easily, or to enable such an error to be automatically detected by the blocking of the v Speccaton of Letters Patent.

Application ined october 1e, 1918.

Patented Mar. 1, 1921.

serial No. 257,877.

mechanism before the entry is complete. It has been found possible to Obtain such a result by utilizing the usual denominationselecting mechanism of machines of the type referred to above, with very slight modification, and to utilize a wheel like the computing wheels already commonly found in such mechanism.

ln the form of the invention herein disclosed, special types are provided, which are adapted to be employed in connection with computing in certain columns, to enable the typist to indicate graphically on the worksheet a separate symbol for each of the columns in which the writing and computlng are being done. These special types are shown as connected to a dummy wheel, analogous to the computing wheels, in such a way that by turning said dummy wheel, the types cause said wheel to play the part of a lock in controlling the star-printing key, which is commonly used for the clearance sign.

If copying the symbols, associated with the different columns, is done incorrectly, the star-key will be blocked, so that it cannot print, thereby automatically indicating such incorrect copying and compelling its correction. If the copying is done correctly but in a wrong column, the copying of the symbols leaves a permanent discordant imprint on the work-sheet, which indicates the error on even rapid inspection of the worksheets. Thus, in both cases, the writing or printing itself forms a check on the entries.

rl`he invention is herein disclosed as applied to a centralized system of bookkeeping, which brings Atogether the accounts of several different insurance companies, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is of an equal utility in many other forms of bookkeeping. It has, for example, been found extremely useful in ledgers which show both stock and moneycolumns on the same sheet.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure l is a sectional side view, largely diagrammatic, of an Underwood bookkeeping machine, showing the present' invention as applied thereto,-many of the parts of the mechanism being omitted or only indicated.

Fig. 2 is a plan view, with many parts omitted, showing such a machine with a work-sheet upon which entries have been made, still in place around the platen.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of the special types employed in the machine o'tl the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a skeleton perspective, showing only enough of the mechanism to illustrate the novel connections and their relative position.

ln the Underwood boel-:keeping machine, numeral k ys 1 and alphabet keys 2, meunted on the front ends of key-levers 3, swing` type-bars 4 by means of sub-levers 5 upwardly and rearwardly against a platen 6, revolubly mounted by means of an axle 7 in a shift frame 8, which terms part or" a. carriage 9. As the type-bars 4 approach the platen, upper or lower-case type 10 or 11 thereon print'through the usual bichrome ribbon 12, and concomitantly actuate a universal trame 13 by means oi heels 14 on the type-bars 4, which strike against a vibrating segment 15, forming part or the trame 13, and cause dogs 16 and 17 to alternately engage the escapement wneel 18, thus permitting the carriage 9 to be drawn along a step at a time. To draw along the carriage, there is provided the usual spring barrel, not shown, and the carriage is held against the tension of said barrel by means of al pivoted rack-bar 19, engaging the pinion 20, connected to the escapement wheel 18.

The usual tabulating keys 21 may free the carriage from the pinion 2O in the usual manner, and lift the denominational stops 22 into the path of column-stops 23, settable on the usual rack-bar 24 on the typewriter carriage. In order to vary the color of printing from the black stripe 25 oi the ribbon 12 to its red stripe 26, the ribboncarrier 27 may vbe given a variable throw by the vibrator 28, which is )ivoted as usual at 29 on the shift frame, anc comprises two pins 30 and 31, adapted to be engaged with one or the other side of a shiftable housing 32, said housing beingadapt-ed to be shitted by the usual rock-shaft 33.

The computing mechanism includes the usual rack-bars 34, carrying indexing pins 35, to be set by pin-setting bars 3G, cont-rolled by the numeral keys 1. The normal position of said rack-bars is such as to position the pins out of cooperative relation with said pin-setting bars.

In order to bring pins 35 within range of the pin-setting bars 36, there is provided on the typewriter carriage a. settable denomination-selecting device in the form of a cam or dog 37, which, as the typewriter carriage travels along lifts scrz'atz'm the front ends of jacks 38` (suitably spaced at 3c for pointing off). Each jack is connected to one ot the rack bars with the result that whenever a jack 38 is raised, the

rack bar 34 belonging to that jack is shifted slightly forward, thus bringing its pins 35 in register with the pin-setting bars 3G. The connections for effecting this usually include a series o1 rods 39 at the rear ends or' the jacks, behind the pivot 40 on which the jacks are journaled, and each rod 39 is connected to its rack bar by means of a bellcrank lever 41 which is effective through a transposition device 42 to rock a bell crank 43, to shift its rack bar sui'liciently forward to make its pins aline with t-he pin-setting bars, each rack bar 34 having a rack 34a to engage a pinion 44 on a computing wheel yl`he key -operated pin-setting connections usually include a pendant 4G on each numeral key 1 to rotate a rock shaft 47 comprising an arm 48, so that said arm will rock a linkage 49, comprising the pin-setting bar 36 belonging thereto, and depress the pinsetting bar to cause the pin on the displaced rack-bar 34 beneath it to be depressed or set. After several pins 35 have been thus set, one on each rack-bar to correspond with the digits typed, the computing wheels are operated, each to an extent determined by the pin 35 which has been set on its rackbar. ToV effect this, the typist draws on a handle 50, which, by means of the usual connections 51, drives forwardly a general operator 52, thus driving the rack bars and registering or accumulating the number in the computing wheels. On the return movement or" the handle, the general operator returns to its normal position, and, at the same time, by means ot the usual connections restores the rack bars idly to their normal pc 'if and actuates the usual pin-restoring mechanism 53.

The mechanism so far described may be ot the usual TJnderwood bookkeeping machine type, r of any desired type. The usual shift-key54, when depressed, is adapted to raise the platen G from the normal pesit-ion, in which the lower-case types print thereon, into the upper position in which the upper-case types print thereon. The conneet-ions for accomplishing this may include the usual arm adapted to be efective on the 'usual bell-crank frame 56, which includes the rail 57 on which the carriage runs and by which it is raised.

T he mechanism also includes a subtraction key 58, which, when depressed, is adapted to rock the usual rock-shaft 59, thus freeing a subtraction-setting bar 60 from the dog 61 which normally holds it. This subtracttion-setting bar alters the connections between the numeral keys and the. pin-setting bars, so that complementary subtraction may be effected, and, at the same time, sets all the 9 pins 35 by means of connections oi the usual type, which may be substantially like those shown in the patent to lflans Hanson, hl 1,278,812, dated Sept. 10,

419,18. Inaddition to the above functions of the subtraction-setting bar, other settings are eilectedthereby to enable subtraction to be automatically performed through the operation ofthe dials in the same direction as 'for addition, this being more fully disclosed in said Hanson patent. Among other things, `the general operator may restore the mechanism .automatically to addition. ln order that it may accomplish this end, the subtractionssetting bar 60 is .provided with lister are cleared, viz., stand at a lug 61at'o be engaged by the general operator 52 at the end of its forward stroke, and through whichit may be restored to its normal position.

lnv additionV to the features described above,the presentmechanism is shown as including one form oi' the well-known starprinting device, adapted to bevopera'ted to indicate that the numeral wheels in any reg- Ofl Said star-printing device includes key 63, which, when depressed against the tension of the spring 64C which normally holds it upward, rocks a bell crank 65, so as to free a pin 66 normally restrained by the upper end 67 of the bell crank, with the result that a spring 68 isreleased to operate a star-print ing type-bar 69. The connections for accomplishing this include a pendant 70connected to the lever 71 which operates the star type-bar 69, the said pendant being guided at itslower end by a pivoted link 72,

so that a second pendant 73 pivotally mounted on said link will have the pin 66 thereon drawn down against the arm 67 by the spring 68 which is anchored in the pro jecting end' of the link 72. lifter the star key 63has been operated, the spring 68 is retensioned by acam 74 fast to the usual carry-over drive shaft 75, which is actuated bythe return-of the general operator.

- "ln order thatthe star key 63 may only be operated when all the wheels of its register stand at O the star key-bar 76 includcs a lug 77 which stands above a locking bail7 8, said bail being normally under `tension of a spring 79, tending to turn it from locking position. The bail is, however, normally held in locking position by means of any ione oi a series of detents 80,

which lare adapted to coperate with the usual computing-wheel driving-teeth 81 oiE the`carryover mechanism. TWhen any detent is seated between any ordinary teeth 181, its head 82 projects far enough 0utwardly to Vswing the bail78 beneath the lug 77. TWhen, however, any4 computing wheel '.shows its 0 at the sight opening 83, the

engage cut-away portions 84,' and, therefore, permit their bail 78 to stand clear of the lug 77 and allow the star key 63 to be operated. 'l`he details of this mechanism are more fully set forth in the patent to Richard l?. Hoyt, llo. 1,256,309, dated February 12, 1918.

So far the machine has been described for the most part as if it only comprised a single set ot computing wheels 45. In the present disclosure,` however, there are iour sets of computing wheels 45 forming registers which, for convenience, may be numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4, and each wheel in each register has its own rack-bar 311, and its own rack 3451, and its own jack 38. rlfhe various registers in the present disclosure are adapted to'be selectively operated by the denomination-selectors 37, ot which there are several, and, for this reason, the front ends 86 of the jacks 38 standfin dilicrent pla-iies,one plane :tor each register. @ne form or' this structure is more iully set vforth and described in the patent to E. G. Griffith, No. 1,263,881, dated April 23, 1918. The denominationselectors 37 are sct in planes corresponding to the jacks it is desired to have them opcrate.

` As herein illustrated, the selectors are so set that they are adapted to enable bookkeeping entries to be made on a ledger-sheet 87 having threercolumns 88, 89 and 90 of original entry for diilerent accounts columns 91, 92, and 93 of individual balances for said accounts and a proof column 94, which is common to all the accounts. ln addition to the above-named columns which are for computing, the ledger-sheet 87 also includes a date column 95, an item-number column 96, an explanation column 97, and an indennumber column 98.

This particular type of ledger-sheet may be used where different kinds of accounts are kept by a centralizedv system of bookkeeping, the particular instance herein shown being that of a groupof insurance companies having a single set of books kept at a single oilice, 87 representing a 'ledger sheet kept up to date in such central oiiice. n

rlheV business represented on this sheet are the Johnk Doe Life lnsurance Co., which has its account kept, so tar as items are concerned, in column 88, and, so 'far as the current balance is concerned, in column 91; the Doe Casualty t Surety Co., whichhas its account kept, so far as items are concerned, in column 89, and yits current balance in column 92; and the Doe Auto lnsurance Co., which has its account kept, so lar as items are concerned, in column 90, and its current balance in column 93. The proof column 911 is similar to the old balance column, now employed in anumber of well-known systems of bookkeeping using printing computing machines, whereby the statements cross-reference number in column 98.

are kept constantly up to date by daily entries. The sheet 87 is the ledger-sheet for Jane Doe, agent, who is supposed to act as agent for all these companies, and necessarily must have a separate account with each company.

Although the invention has been disclosed as applied t-o a machine having four registers, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, it is in no manner restricted to use in connection with such a machine, since, as will hereinafter appear, all of the computations necessary to make up a ledger-sheet 87, as hereinafter more specifically described, may be effected by use of a single register, such as that numbered 4. For example, the various items and totals indicated on sheet 87 (see Fig. Q) relate to the account of the agent Jane oe with the various insurance companies, indicated at the head of columns 88 to 93, inclusive. There would ordinarily be a large number of different agents having similar accounts with the same companies. lVhen the additional registers numbered 1, 2 and 3 are employed, each register may be assigned to one of the three companies mentioned, in which case, the items relating to accounts of each company with all of the various agents may be accumulated and registered in its respective totalizer. In this manner, the net totals of credits and debits for each of the respective companies relating to accounts with all of the different agents employed will be accumulated and may, at any time, be read from its respective register, whereas the net totals of debits and credits of any particular agent with the various companies will be found upon the respective sheet 87, on which that agents account is recorded.

In making the entries on t-he ledger-sheet 87, the typist enters the date and the policy number in columns 95 and 96, together with any memorandum in column 97, and enters a Then the items are entered up in the appropriate column 88, 89 or 90.

On the work-sheet 87, the first two entries in column 88, under date of 6/6, and their total, 51.40L*, in column 91, involve the opening of an account of Jane Doe, for the John Doe Life Ins. Co., and since open ing an account is not one of the ordinary daily routine operations of bookkeeping, the description will be directed first to the third entry, viz., the one under date of 6/10. Before beginning to make the third entry, the typist brings the typewriter carriage to the point where the printing point will be in the proof column 94. To prove that register 4 is clear at this time, the typist prints the star 99. The typist then proceeds to write the old balance $51.40L shown in column 91. This will be added in only one register, namely, register .4; the denomination-selector 100 being effective at this position of the typewriter carriage to cause the digits written by the typewriter keys to be computed in said register 4. In typing the L after the $51.40, a controlling mechanism is brought into play, to control the operation of the star-key 63. There is provided a special L type 101 in the upper-case of the type-bar which is operated by the 1 numeral key, so that if the shiftkey 54 is depressed and the 1 key is then actuated, the special L will be printed. This is printed immediately following the printing of a digit in the units place. An extra jack 102 for the fourth register is operated by the denomination-selector 100 at this time, to cause said 1 numeral key to effect the setting of L pin 103 on a special rack-bar 104, the latter being adapted (when the general operator is subsequently put into action) to turn a special blank or dummy computing wheel 105. This dummy wheel is provided with teeth 81 and a cutaway portion 84, like the computing wheels 45 in register 4. Since this diunmy wheel 105 is provided with a detent 80 identical with the detents for the computing wheels, it will block the operation of the starkey whenever it is turned away from its normal position. It will presently be shown 55 that when any number is subtracted ont of totalizer or register 4, by typing such number elsewhere on the ledger-page, it will be necessary to type the special L also, so that the dummy wheel may be turned to normal position and ermit the clearance sign to be printed. It 1s the enforced printing of this 'special L after the number that enables the reader to see whether or not the number was entered in the proper account.

The keys having been operated as just explained, the typist proceeds to actuate the general operator. thereby causing digits 5, 1,

4, 0, and the letter L to be registered on the computing and dummy wheels, respectively, in register 4. It will be observed that this entry in column 94 is an exact copy of the entry in column 91, except for the fact that the star is printed before the number in column 94, to indicate that the register 4 was clear when beginning to write in that column. It will also be observed that this writing in the proof column has entered in register 4 the old balance. This old bal- 120 ance is to be added to any new items that are to be entered in column 88, in order to obtain a new balance. This addition is to take place in said register 4; although the new balance (when ascertained) will be placed in a different column from 94.

Having entered the old balance on register 4 together with the L, as just explained, the typist now writes on the next line, beginning with the date 6/ 10 in column 180 95, continuing 'with the policy number JA13568 incoluinn 96. ln column 98 the folio number 2678-is inserted, which may be the number of. the agents invoice or report.. The typist then enters in Vcolumn 88 the single item $39.25, forming the only item chargedfor. that day under column 88. 1n

Vorderto elfect a computation in register 1 vided a.,denomination-selector 107, which forms part of -the means for causing the computing ofthe litem $39.25 iii register 4, wherein-.it is added to the old balance of $51.40 which Was alreadyentered in said register .4, as above explained. Thus it comes about that the SIS-39.25A written incolumn 88 is vcomputated simultaneously in Vregisters land 4. Said register 4 now shows the new balance of 90.65 (51.40 plus 39.25).

This item of 39.25 iis the sole item to be writtenin vcolum 88 for this day; and for the purpose of recording the new balance,

the typist now brings fthe carriageA of the typewriterto the point where writing will be done in balance column 91. This brings to eifective position a ldenomination-selector 108, for the purpose of causing a number :Written in column 91to affec t register 4. Since it is desired to remove the new bali ancej from the-balancing register 4 and leave it at 0, the typist (unless the machine is provided with an automatic subtractionstop, of which one form is shown in the aforesaid application of Adolph Kupetz) depresses the subtraction-key 58, to cause the writing of said new balance in balancingcolumn 91, to occasion the subtraction of that balance out of the balancing or balanceyfinding register 4.

After copying the last ligure of the new balancef$90-65 in said balance-column 91, the typist depresses the shift-key 54, and writes the L inthe upper case of key 1.

thus setting asubtraction L pin 109.

has been correctly copied out of the balancendin'glregister 4into saidcolumn. lt will be obseryed-that every balance in column 91 has L printed. with it, and that all corresponding balances kthat are written in proofcolumn 94 are to have the L written with them, thus making the L a characteristic mark or symbol associated with the balances which belong to the account whose daily balances are shown in column 91.

As will be fully explained later, a different symbol and a different locking combination are provided for the other accounts, that is, for columns 92 and 93, thus rendering any transposition of balances to the wrong columns instantly obvious and providing an individual locking star-key device for each column. l

Before describing other columns however, attention is called to the fact that in opening an account, such as is illustrated under the date 6/6 in column 95, the procedure varies, in that while typing the special L, the non-add lrey 111 is employed, as it is not desired to block the star-printing device by means of the dummy wheel when opening the account. This is illustrated as follows. After writing the 4date 6/6 in opening the account, and writing the policy number JA13568 and the folio number 16578, the typist writes in the item 9,539.25; then coming back tocolumns 95, 96, 97 and 98, .again writes in date, policy number, explanation,

and folio, and then invcolumn 88 writes in the item $12.15, theitems $39.25`and $12.15 being added to any standing balance for the John Doe lLife lns. Co., which may have been previously accumulated in register 1, as a result of entries made on the ledger-sheets of other agents for the same company. In fact, during the writing of these items, the denomination-selectors 106 and 10T are effective and the items are hence duly computed in registers i and 4. There being'no further itein to be registered at this time in column 88, the typist subtractsl out of register 4 by copying into balance-column 91 the total $51.40 shown` in balance-finding register 4. Then the typist depresses the nonadd hey 111 and prints the L The reason for actuating the non-add key at this time is to prevent the setting of an L7 pin and consequent turning of the dummy wheel 105, since such turning would prevent the operation of the star-key 63. rlhen the typist depresses the clearance-key 63 to print the star, shown at 109.

^ rlhe non-add key 111 may be of the usual type in which it operates a horizontal rod 112 to swing rearwardly the long lower end 1l3'of a bell-crank 114, which carries at its outer end 115 a follower coperatng with the cam 116, the connections beingsuch that the rearward pushing ef the rod 112 causes the follower 115 to lift the cam 116 and rock the silencing rolls 117 rearwardly to a position in which they no longer support the denomination-selectors 37.

For computing in register 2 the numbers written in column 89, there is provided a denomination-selector 118, which is adapted to cooperate with the computing device of register 2. In the example shown herein, there are tWo items in column 89 under date 6/ 15 computed in registers 2 and 4, precisely as the items in column 88 Were computed in registers 1 and 4, except that denominationselectors 118 and 119 are now effective. The total 216.29 ot' these items is then copied into column 92 from register During this latter operation, the total is subtracted from register 4 by a denomination-selector 122, precisely as items in column 91 Were subtracted from that register by denomination-selector 108. It will he noted that the balance 216.29 in column 92, instead of having aY letter L associated therewith, has a letter C associated therewith, the utility of which Will be described below. (At this time the letter C was printed while the non-add key Was effective, inasmuch as this opened the account with the first balance in column 92.) lt is further pointed out that the letter C is in the upper case 120 of the numeral type 2, With the result that the actuation ot the numeral key 2, when the special rack-bar 104 is made effective by the selector' 119, normally causes the setting of a C pin 121 on the rack-bar 104 and in consequence the dummy Wheel is duly turned tivo steps, and therefore can only be restored to normal position through a second printing of the special C, as Will be understood from the foregoing explanation of the special L Under date of 6/25 in column 89, is shown a Credit in red. To make the proper entries in suoli a case, the typist first copies the old balance 216.29 from balance column 92 into proof column 94. This old balance is at the same time carried into register 4 with the aid ot the denomination-selector 100; and this operation includes the registration of the C pin 121. Since the. 10.00 is to be entered in red, and is to be subtracted from register 2, the typist, after copying the 216.290, aforesaid, sets the machine so that in column 89 the 10.00 is written and subtracted, both from No. 2 register, and No. 4 register, leaving register 4 reading 206.29. The typist then copies in column 92 the 206.29 from register 4, subtracting it out to bring said register to 0 and then C 7 Writes the C in the upper case of key 2, and then actuates the general operator. This restores register 4 to 0 and restores the dummy Wheel to normal position, thus making it possible to operate the stai key G3 to print the star 123 in column 92. Tt should be noted that in Writing the l in column 92 subtractively, the pin set on rack-bar 104 is the pin 124 complementary to the pin 121 set additively.

As was pointed out earlier in this specification ivhen describing this Work-sheet, the

typist usually enters all the debt items at one time, and all the credit items at another, so that in the normal operation of the inachine, the item 10.00 would be inserted at the same time With credit items on many other accounts, and to enable this to be done With a minimum likelihood of error, the typist usually sets an automatic subtractiondog, of the kind shown in application 144,323, for each column 88, 89 and 90, so that the items to be Written subtractively in said columns will be automatically subtracted from. their' respective registers 1, 2 and 3. lVhether the typist employs such a stop, or changes the mechanism to subtraction by actuation of the subtraction-key is immaterial for this particular kind of entry.

In the above description, the entries under 6/ 19 were omitted, these being in columns 90 and 93. The items in column 90 are Written and computed precisely as the items in column 88, except that those in column 90 are added by means of denomination-selectors 125 and 126 in registers 3 and 4, respectively. Their total 255.53 then appears in register 4 and is copied out of said register into column 93 with denomination-selector 127 effective, and the machine set at subtraction. This subtracts the number 255.53 out of register 4, leaving said register standing at (l. In this column, there is printed next the units digit, a letter A by the upper-case type 128 of the numeral type 3 as a. symbol of the column. This symbol plays precisely the same part for this column that the symbols L and C play for columns 91 and 92, respectively, and the printing of this symbol A in the proper place will, in the normal operation of things, set an A pin 129 in addition, and a complementary A pin 130 in subtraction. These pins are adapted to turn the dummy wheel 105, precisely as did the C and L pins, except that the A pins turn the Wheel to a different extent and thus are effective to lock the star-printing key 63 at other positions of the dummy Wheel 105. In other Words, the L, C and A pins play the part of a selective locking device for the star key 63, being effective through the dummy Wheel 105. It should be noted, however, that the balance actually shown in column 93 was Written with the non-add key effective at the moment of Writing the A, in order to avoid the setting up of an A pin in opening the account in columns 90 and 93, for the same reason that the setting up of a C pin was avoided in columns 89 and 92, and the settingup of an L pin was avoided in opening an account in columns 88 and 91.

Since the pin 109, which is set during the printing of an L with the machine set for subtraction, is the complement of the pin 103, set during the printing of an L with Lampes' the machine set for addition, the two movements of the dummy wheel which result from the printing of an L with the machine set for addition followed by the printingv of the same character with the machine set for subtraction will together equal one complete rotation. As the machine is clear before the printing in addition, the dummy wheel will stand in its clear position after the two printings have been effected. The pins 124 and 130 being complemental to the pins 121 and 129, respectively, the same will be true lwhenprinting either a C or an .A. Starting with the machine clear, the printing of either of these characters with the machine setY for addition followed by a printing of the same character with the machine set for subtraction will leave the dummy wheel in its normal clear position.

In addition tothe above-described method of entering new accounts, the machine may be used in a different manner, in which the use of the non-add key, when printing a special zone-indicating character, will be unnecessary. This alternate method of using the machine may be illustrated in connection with the entering of the new account between Jane Doe and the John Doe Life insurance Company, under date of 6/6, as illustrated at Fig. 4.

The rst step, when opening a new account in accordance with this alternate method, would be to position the typewriter carriage so as to print the clearance character 99 in the proof-column 94 to indicate that the machine is clear. This might be printed either in the line in which the first entry is to be made, or in the immediately preceding line.A Following the printingof this clearance character, the special zone-indicating character, corresponding to the Zone in which the new entry is to be made','should be printed. Since in starting a new account there would be nol old balance to be recorded, there would be no numbers registered between the clearance-printing character and the zone-indicating character as printed in the proof-column. riihe printing of the zone-indicating character (L in the present instance) serves as a check to prevent the improper entry of the new account in a zone other than that represented by said character. The typewriter carriage should next be positioned for entering the items 39.25 and 12.15 in column 88, which, as in the previously described mode of operation, will be added to any total previously accumulated in register 1, and the total of these two numbers will, at the same time, be registered in totalizer No. 4. The carriage will then be positioned for writing the last-mentioned total in the balance-column 91.

1n order that the machine may be cleared during the writing of the balance total, it will, as before, be set for subtraction, after which, on depressing the proper keys, the total 51.40 may be typewritten in said balance-'column 91, and, at the same time, the number wheels of the No. 4 register will be returned to 0. Should an attempt be made at this time to print a clearance character, it will be found that the clearance-key for the No. 4 register is locked by the special dummy wheel, which was` advanced to locking position on printing the character L in the prooi` zone 94. 1n order to clear the machine, the operative will, therefore, print an L after the total 51.40 in the balancecolumn 91, and since the machine is set for subtraction, this will restore the special dummy wheel to its normal position, after which the clearance-character 109a may be printed to show that the machine is clear. When using the machine in this manner, the appearanceofthe clearance-character and the special `Zone-indicating character' in the proof-column, without any numbers being printed therein, would signify the opening of a new account.

1t will be observed that the dummy wheel 105 may be in many respects treated precisely the same as if it were a computing wheel of the ordinary sort, thus making it unnecessary to introduce extensive changesv into existing machines. For example, in carrying over in complementary subtraction, the dummy wheel may play the part of the units dial wheel, so far as that wheel is advanced by the automatic unit-adding mechanism. 1t, therefore, operates: a carry-over wheel 132 of the usual type and its pin-bar is provided not only with the L, C and A pins 103, 121 vand 129, but with their complementary pins 109, '124 and 130, and with a 9 pin 131, which is adapted to be set with the other 9 pins in complementary subtraction, to give the necessary revolution to the dummy wheel 105 incase said wheel is to be turned a full revolution in subtraction. kSince a standard rack-bar of the type of 34 is used for the vrack-bar 104, the openings 133 may have their pins removed to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent driving of the rack-bar 104.

The handling of negative numbers is eX- plained in some detail in the application 144,323, referred to above, and is omitted from the present disclosure in order to avoid a confusing multiplicity of parts. 1n systems of bookkeeping where such numbers are likely to occur, the machine shown in the present disclosure would be further provided with a credit-balance key and certain other devices shown in said application.

1t will be noted in Fig. 2 that there is a star key provided for each register 1, 2 and 3,' as well as for register 4.k r1`hese star keys are not likely to confuse the typist since they are normally locked because each ofthe registers 1, 2 and 3 usually contains the total accumulated items for the branch of the business which it represents. The star keys are included with registers 1, 2 and 3 because they may be used to indicate on the sheet thatthose registers are individually balanced, as would be the case in taking off a profit and loss trial balance. Moreover, they may be used where the machine is used for other work in addition to the speciiic kind of bookkeeping described above.

To simplify the description, the machine has been described as hand-operated, but, in practice, the machine is usually built :tor power operation, as shown in application 144,323, this form conducing to the speed of operation, and, since the power drives the general operator automatically at certain positions of the typewriter carriage, power operation tends to reduce the possibility of certain kinds of errors. IVhere power-operated and provided with automatic subtraction-dogs, as mentioned above, the mechanism will absolutely, automatically and successively cause additive and subtractive operation of the dummy wheel 105, since the machine will be automatically set for addition when writing the old balance in the proof-column 94 and then automatically set for subtraction when writing the new balance in one of the columns 91, 92 0r 93.

The dummy wheel 105 may be so positioned that its periphery is concealed, as shown at Fig. 2. For convenience in setting up and adjusting the mechanism, this wheel may have symbols In C and A marked on its periphery, as shown in Fig. 4. For convenience in reading the wheels 45, they may be spaced off by markers 135 corresponding to the pointing-olf spaces between the jacks 3S.

Inasmuch as the register 4 is used for entering balances pertaining to accounts with but one agent at a time, the number of wheels needed in it is not so great as the number of wheels needed in registers 1. 2 and 3, in which are accumulated the balances pertaining to accounts with all agents. In building machines, advantage is taken of this fact which enables the employment of standard parts, such as standard transposition mechanisms 42 and standard casings 136 for the jacks 38. In utilizing these standard parts, the connections may be so arranged that the jack 102 and the rack-bar 104, which would otherwise be used for the units computing wheel, may be utilized for the dummy wheel 105; the jack ra ck-bar, and computing wheel which would otherwise be used in computing tens may be used in computing units, and so on throughout the various orders, the capacity of the register being thus reduced to the extent of one denominational order. To enable this to be done without entailing the reconstruction of the No. 4 housing 136, and the No. 4

transposition device 42, the denominationselector 119 is offset one letter-space to the right, as will be seen by comparing the selectors 125 and 119. The other No. 4 selectors, numbers 107, 122, 126 and 127, are similarly oii'set. To enable this oifsetting to be done in a substantially automatic manner by the typist in setting up the mechanism, according to the usual typewriterscale 140, the notch 137, which is customarily used in positioning the denomination-selectors for the No. 4 register, is offset to the right one letter-space from the corresponding position of the corresponding notches 138 for the number 1, 2 and 3 registers. This enables the typist to set up the machine just as if all parts were of the standard type hitherto used, the only point to be remembered being that the No. 3 selector 125 is positioned by the notch 13S for the No. 3 register, and that the mounting 139 of the selectors 119, 125, is not the usual mounting for a 3-4 double selector, but has one selector-dog offset.

Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention, and portions ot the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers in which items are adapted to be entered selectively as written, of a third register adapted in writing to accumulate items accumulated in either register ot said pair. a locking device associated with said third register adapted to be selectively set when entering items in a register of. said pair, and means whereby copying an entry` out ot said third register will involve the printing of an identifying symbol to release the locking device.

2. In a computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers in which items are adapted to be selectively entered, of a third register, a clearance-proving key associated with said third register, a lock for said proving key adapted to be selectively set waen entering an item in one register ot said pair` printing types forentering said items and copying entries out of said third register. and means actuated by said types when correctly operated for making said lock inel'l'ective.

3, In a computing` machine, the combination with key-controlled printing types, of a pair of registers in which numbers are adapted to be selectively registered when printed by said types, a third register in which the same numbers are adapted to be simultaneously registered with the registration in either of the iirst-named registers, a clearance-proving printing device associated with said third register. means tor selectively locking said proving device by operatienA ot said` keys'. when registering items taken from either register of said pair, and connections whereby said keys, in copying in a selected column thenumber registered in said third register, may bring` said register to 0 and selectively release said locking means.

4;. In a computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers adapted to receive footings of columns, oi3 key-controlled printing typesadapted to register numbers selectively in said registers, a third register adapted to temporarily show balances and normally standing at 0, clearance-proving printing device for each of the three registers, connections whereby numbers printed by said keys are selectively registered in either register of said pair and said third register, a'lock for the proving device of the third register adapted to be selectively set toremain eilective irrespective of whether the wheels are at O or not, connections whereby .entering an item in one register of said pair may so selectively set said lock, and connections whereby copying an item out of said third register in the proper column may release said lock.

5. In a computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers in which items are adapted to be selectively registered, of printing keys adapted to cause a registration selectively in said registers oi' the items printed, a third register in which items are adapted to be v registered simultaneously with their registration in either of the other registers, a denomination-selector for each register adapted to be selectively made eifective for eilecting ysuch registrations, com- ,puting wheels for each register for computing the'items, a locking device associated y with said third register adapted to be made etl'ective through its denomination-selector when leaving the last computing wheel therein, special printing keys adapted to selectively set said locking device, and con- `nectionswhereby a second operation of a special printing key may release said locking device.

6. Inl a computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers in which items are adapted to be selectively registered, oi printing keys adapted to cause a selective registration in said registers of the items printed in various columns, a third registerin ywhich items, lwhen printed, are adapted to be registered simultaneously with their registration in either of the other registers, denomination-selecting means for each register adapted to be adjusted to determine in what registers items printed in a given column shall be registered, a locking device associated with said third register, means for lselectively printing non-digit symbols by certainof said keys, and connections whereby 'said locking device is adapted to be made successively effective and ineiective, according to the column in which the key printing the symbol is actuated.

7. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers, each comprising computing wheels in which items are adapted to be selectively registered, printing keys for registering items in said registers, a third register, denomination-selecting means for determining in what registers the items printed shall be registered, driving means associated with each register for turning the computing wheels an amount determined by the numeral keys operated, a locking device associated with said third register, means operated by said printing keys for selectively setting said locking device, and connections whereby the driving means for the third register controls said locking device according to said setting.

8. ln a combined typewriting and computing machine., the combination with typewriter numeral keys aiid a plurality of registers, of a balance register, a clearanceproving key for each ot' said registers, the clearance keys for said plurality of registers being normally locked by their registers, noncomputing symbols adapted to be printed by certain ot said numeral keys, means for selectively locking the clearanceproving key orf the balance register by the printing of one of said symbols in one column, and means for unlocking it by the printing oi the same symbol in another column.

9. ln a computing machine, the combination with a pair of registers in which items are adapted to be selectively registered, of printing keys adapted to cause a selective registration in said registers of the items printed in various columns, a third register in which items, when printed, are adapted to be registered simultaneously with their registration in either of the other registers, denomination-selecting means for each register adapted to be adjusted to determine in what registers items printed in a1 given column shall be registered, a locking device associated with said third register, means for selectively printing non-digit symbols by certain ot said keys, and connections whereby said locking device is adapted to be mace effective by printing a symbol in one column, and to be made ineffective by the printing ot the same symbol in another column.

lO. ln a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination with computing wheels adapted to add or subtract, of a clearance-proving key adapted to be locked by said wheels, printing numeral keys, a subtraction-setting member adapted to determine whether said keys shall anse said wheels to be turned additively or subtractively, connections for printing 'a nonsnumeral symbol, connections whereby the printing of said symbol locks the clearance-hey, and connections whereby the latter printing of the same symbol in a subtraction operation unlocks said clearance-key.

1l. In a computing machine, the com-4 bination with a register comprising computing Wheels, ci means` for turning` said Wheels, a clearance-proving lrey controiled by said Wheels, a dummy Wheel, and meansy for controlling said clearance-key by said dummy Wheel.

l2. In a computing macl'iine, the combination With a register comprising puting Wheels, of numeral keys for turning said computing Wheels, means for turning said Wheels as determined by the lieys operated, a clearance-proving hey controlled by said Wheels, a dummy ivhecl, means for controlling` said clearrnce-ley by said dummy Wheel, and printin means for controlling said dummy Wl eel.

13. In a computing machine, the combination with a register including computing Wheels, of a dummy Wheel adjacent said computing Wheels, a denominationselector adapted to select all or" said Wheels, including the dummy Wheel, carini/im, type- Writer .numeral lreys Jfor printing numerals and computing them in the Wheels selected by Said selector, printing means for selectively printing a symbol to control said dummy Wheel When selected by said serector, and a clearance-proving key selectively controlled by said dummy Wheel.

14. In a combined typeivriting and comput-ing machine, the combination with a register comprising computing Wheels, or" a pin-bar for each Wheel comprising pins for driving it, a. dummy Wheel, a pin-bar for said dummy Wheel, means common all of said pin-bars for setting said pins, and a -printing device controlled b y said computing Wheels and said dummy Wheel.

l5. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination with a. register comprising computing Wheels, or a pin-bar for each Wheel comprising pins for driving it, dunrny Wheel, a pin-bar for said dummy Wheel, means common to all or" said pin-bars for s in Y said pins, a printing device, a lock rer said printing device controlled by the dummy Wheel, and connections whereby `d means may set one pin on the pin-bar of said dummy Wheel through which the loclr may be made eiliective, and may set another pin on said bar through which the lock may be made ineective.

16. In a computing machine, the combination with computing Wheels forming a register, ot a bail under the control of said Wheels, a printing device adapted to be locked by said bail, a non-computing wheel eiective on said bail, and a printingT device for turning said non-computing Wheel.

17. In a computing machine, the comination with computing Wheels forming a register, of a non-computing Wheel adjacent said computing Wheels, a separate rack-bar Jfor each of said Wheels, including said noncomputing Wheel, key-operated numeral types, pins on the computing rack-bars adapted to be set corresponding to the numeral types operated, non-numeral types, pins adapted to be set on the non-computing rack-bar corresponding to the non-numeral types, and a locking device under the control or" all of said Wheels.

18. In a computing machine, the combination with computing Wheels forming a register, of a nonscomputing Wheel, a rackbar for each of said Wheels, pins on said computing Wheel rack-bars, numeral types for setting said pins, pins on said non-computing rack-bar, non-numeral types for setting said latter pins, means for driving said non-computing rack-bar to turn the noncomputing Wheel, and other non-numeral pins settable on said non-computing rackbar adapted to return the non-computing Wheel to the place from Which it was turned by said first-named non-numeral pins.

I9. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination with al plurality of registers adapted to compute in a plurality of columns, of types adapted to print in columns corresponding` to the registers, a balance register, denominationselectors for causing the types to compute in the proper registers of the plurality when Writing in various columns, a clearanceproving device associated with said balance register', a special Wheel for controlling said clearance-proving device, and offset denomination-selectors for said balance register tor selecting the Wheels, one after another'.

20. In a. combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination with a plurality or registers adapted to compute in a plurality o' columns, of types adapted to print in columns corresponding to the registers, a balance register, denomination-selectors for causing the types to compute in the i proper registers of the plurality When Writing in various columns, a clearance-proving device associated with said balance register, a device adapted to selectively lock said clearanceproving device when copying from any one of the plurality of columns and simultaneously printing a symbol, and connections whereby printing the same symbol when copying the numbers from the balance register in another column Will release said locking device.

21. The combination with a register comprising readable computing Wheels, of a non-readable non-computing Wheel, a locking device, and a bail universal to all of said Wheels for controlling said locking device.

22. The combination With a register comprising readable computing Wheels and a non-readable non-computing Wheel, of a series of printing keys, some of said keys universal to said Wheels, a clearance-key controlled by all of said Wheels, and a denomination-selecting device common to all the Wheels.

23. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With numberprinting and computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for printing numbers on a Work-sheet and for either adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for printing a special character, a lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said special character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lock-controlling means including means through Which it will be rendered effective on said lock by an operation of said computing mechanism, concomitantly With the printing of said special character with said state-setting mechanism set for addition.

24:. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With numberprinting and computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for printing numbers on a Work-sheet and for either adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of

' means for printing a special character, a

lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said special character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lock-controlling means including means through which it Will be rendered effective on said lock by an operation of said computing mechanism, concomitantly with the printing of said special character with said state-setting mechanism set for addition, said lock-controlling means also including means through which it Will bev rendered ineffective on said lock by a secondoperation of said computing mechanism concomitantly Witha second printing of said character With said state-setting mechanism set for subtraction.

25. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, with means forr printing numbers in different zones on a Work-sheet and computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for printing a special character in any of said zones, a lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said special characterprinting means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lock-controlling means including means through Which it will be rendered effective on said locl: after the printing of said special character, concomitantly with the printingof a number in one of said Zones. with said state-setting mechanism set for addition and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to add said number.

26. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With means for printing numbers in different zones on a Work-sheet and computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for printing a special character in any of said zones, a lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said special characterprinting means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lock-controlling means including means through Which it will be rendered effective on said lock after the printing of said special character, concomitantly With the printing of a number in one of said zones With said state-setting mechanism set for addition, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to add said number, said lock-controlling means also including means through which it will be rendered ineffective on saidlock after a second printing of said character, concomitantly With the printing of a number in another of said zones With said state-setting mechanism set for subtraction, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to subtract said number.

27. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With means for printing numbers in different Zones on a Work-sheet and computing mechanism, including number-Wheels and state-setting mechanism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means lfor printing a special character in any of said Zones, means for printing a clearance character, a lock for said clearance character-printing means, means controlled by said computing mechanism for rendering and maintaining said lock effective When any of said number- Wheels is in any position other than its zero position, and means, controlled by said special character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, through `Which said lock will be rendered effective independently of the position of said number-Wheels after the printing 0f said character, concomitantly with the printing of a number in one of said zones with said state-setting mechanism set for addition, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to add said number.

28. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, with means for printing numbers in diderent Zones on a Work-sheet and computing mchanism, in-

cluding number-Wheels and state-setting meel anism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for printing a special character in any of said zones, means tor printingl a clearance character, a locl; for said clearance character-printing means, means controlled by said computing mechanism for rendering and maintaining said lock effective when any of said number-Wheels is in any position other than its zero position, and means, controlled by said special character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, through Which said lock Will be rendered effective independently of the position of said number-Wheels after the printing of said character, concomitantly with the printing of a number in one of said zones with said state-setting mechanism set for addition and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to add said number, said lock-controlling means also including means through which said lock Will be rendered ineffective, s0 as to permit a clearance character to be printed a'tter a second printing of said special character, concomitantly with the printing of a number in another of said zones with said state-se ting mechanism set for subtraction, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to subtract said number, provided the number- Wheels of said computing mechanism have all been returned to Zero.

29. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination, With number-printing and computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for printing numbers on a Work-sheet and for either adding or subtractingthe numbers printed, of means for selectively printing any one of a number of differentiated special characters, a lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said special character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lockcontrolling means including means through which it will be rendered effective on said lock by an operation of said computing mechanism concomitantly with the printing of any one of said special characters with said state-setting mechanism set for addition.

30, 1n a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination, with mimbcr-printing and computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for printin iumbers on Work-sheet and for either adding or subtr cting the numbers printed, of means for selectively printing any one et' a. number et differentiated sjoecial characters, lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said special character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said locl-rcontrolling means including means through hermosaV which it will be selectively rendered effective on said lool; by an operation of said computing mechanism concomitantly with the printing ct any one of said special characters with said state-setting mechanism setfor addition, said lock-controlling means also including means through which it Will be rendered ineffective on said lock by a second operation of said computing mechanism concomitantly with a second printing of the same character With said state-setting mechanism set for subtraction, said lock-controlling means being incapable ot' being rendered ineffective on said lock through the intermediary of the means for printing any other of said characters,

31. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With means for printing numbers in different zones on a Work-sheet ano computing mechanism, including state-setting mechanism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for concomitantly printing any one of a number of different zone-designating characters, a lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said :conedesignating charaeter-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lock-controlling means including means through which it Will be rendered eii'ective on said lock as a. result of the printing of any one of said Zone-designating characters, concomitantly with the printing or" a number in one of said Zones with Vsaid state-setting mechanism set for addition, and the concomitant operation of said computing machine to add said number.

32. in a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With means for printing numbers in different Zones on a W rit-sheet and computing mechanism, includingstate-setting mechanism, for adding' or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for conccmitantly printing any one oi a number o' different Zone-designating characters, a lock, and a lock-controlling means controlled by said zone-designating character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, said lock-controlling means including means through which it will be selectively rendered effective on said lock as a result of the printing of any one of said Zone-designating characters, concomitantly with the printing of a number in one of said zones with said state-setting mechanism set for addition, and the concomitant operation of said computing machine to add said number, said lock-controlling means also including means through which it will be rendered ineffective on said lock as a result of the second printing of the same Zone-designating character, eoncomitantlj-,f' With the printing of a number in the zone designated by edd char- CID klu

acter with said state-setting mechanism set for subtraction, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to subtract said number, said lock-controlling means being incapable of being thus rendered ineiective on said loclr through the intermediary of the means for printing any other of said characters.

38. ln a a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, with means for printing numbers in diierent zones on a Work-sheet and computing mechanism, including number-Wheels and statesetting mechanism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, oi means for concomitantly printing any one of a number of differentiated zone-designating characters, means for printing a clearance-character, a lock forsaid clearance-character-printing means, means controlled by said computing mechanism for rendering and maintaining said lock eective When any of said number Wheels is in any position other than at zero position, and means controlled by said zone-designating character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, through which said lock Will be rendered e'lective independently of the position of said numbervvheels as a result of the printing of any one of said zone-designating characters, concomitantly With the printing oie a number in one of said Zones with said statesetting mechanism set Jfor addition, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to add said number.

34. In a combined printing and computing machine, the combination, With means for printing numbers in different zones on a Work-sheet and computing mechanism, including number-Wheels and state-setting mechanism, for adding or subtracting the numbers printed, of means for concomitantly printing any one of a number or" differentiated zone-designating characters7 means for printing a clearance-character, a

lock for said clearance-character-printing means, means controlled by said computing mechanism for rendering and maintaining said lock eective when any of said number- Wheels is in any position other than at zero position, and means controlled by said zone-designating-character-printing means in a manner dependent on the setting of said state-setting mechanism, through Which said lock Will be selectively rendered eective independently of the position of said number-Wheels as a result of the printing of any one of said zone-designating characters, concomitantly With the printing of a number in one of said zones With said statesetting mechanism set for addition, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to add said number, said lockcontrolling means also including means Jthrough which said lock will be rendered inei'lective, so as to permit a clearancecharacter to be printed as a result of a second printing of the same Zone-designating character, concomitantly With the printing of a number in the zone designated by said character With said state-setting mechanism set for subtraction, and the concomitant operation of said computing mechanism to subtract said number, provided the number-Wheels of said computing mecha- .nism have all been returned to zero, said lock-controlling means being incapable of thus rendering said lock ineective through the intermediary of thel means for printing any other of said characters.

HOWARD E. KBURG.

Witnesses BURNHAM C. STICKNEY, EDITH B. LIBBEY.

Images