US1414978A - Computing machine - Google Patents

Description

R; w. B U MSTEAD. COMPUTING MACHINE. APPLICATION LED AUG-23. 1917- r 1,414,978. Patfilltfid y 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET I. 3 K

Fig.1.

" lizventor R. W. BUMSTEAD.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AuG.23. I917.

1,414,978. Patented May2,192 2.

6 SHEETSSHE 2.

Inventor H. W. BUMSTEAD.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATXON FILED AUG.23|1917.

1,41 4,978. Patented May 2; 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3- Ill lllllllllllllllllll H] H 1 HR INIIII Inven tor R. W. BUMSTEAD.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

' APP 17. 1,414,978, Patented May 2, 1922.

6 SSSSSSSSS EET 4. v

Inven for R. W. BUMSTEAD.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mu) Auc.2a. l9l7.

Patented Ma 2 1922.

6 SHEETS'SHEET 5.

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lnvenlor dws a w .m wm mm H.

Mm UM R.'W. BUMSTEAD.

COMPUTING MACHINE- APPLICATION FILED AUG.23. 1917.

Patented May 2, 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

in van t or Q WW,

RALPH W. BUMSTEAD, 0F BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS.

comrc'rme amounts.

Specification of-Letters Patent.

Patented May 2, 192 2.

Application filed August 23, 1917.- Serial No. 187,765.

T 0 all whom it may concern. I

Be it known that I, RALPH W. BUMSTEAD, a citizen of the United States, residin at Brookline, county of Norfolk, State-of assachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Computing Machines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawing, is a specification, like characters on the drawing representing like parts.

This invention relates to computing machines of that type which are designed to perform operations in multiplication, and the general object of the invention is to provide a novel machine of this type which is capable of rapid operations and is accurate in its results. The complete machine includes a selective setting mechanism by which the machine. can be set to obtain the product of any two predetermined numbers, a multiplying mechanism which performs an operation corresponding to multiplying each digit of one factor by all the digits of the other factor, a totalizing mechanismrwhich totals up or adds the individual products obtained by the multiplying mechanism, and an indicating mechanism to indicate such totals and give the final result.

The multiplying mechanism is so constructed that the various operations of multiplying each digit of one of the tWo numbers or factors to be multipliedby all of the digits of the other number or factor are performed simultaneously, and as a result, the time necessary for performing the multiplying operations is the same regardless of the number of digits in either of the two factors. By this means the speed of operation may be increased as it will take no longer to set the machine to multiply large numbers together and then to operate it than it does to perform the same operations where the numbersto be multiplied together are small and have only one or two digits.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention the various operations are controlled and performed largely by electrical means which is not only conducive to high speed operation, but also to accuracy in results.

In order to give an understanding of my invention, I have illustrated in the drawings a selected embodiment thereof which will now be described, after which the novel features will be pointed out in the appended claims.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing a device for multiplying or diyiding by ten or multiples of ten.

Fig. 7 shows how the indicating magnets 48 may operate the keys of an adding machine;

Fig. 8 is a general view showing the keyboardmechanism of a device embodying my invention.

' As stated above, the complete machine includes a setting mechanism by which the machine can be set so as to multiply any two predetermined numbers together; a multiplying mechanism which operates to multiply simultaneously each digit of one numher by all the digits of the other number;

a totalizing mechanism which adds up the totals of the individual products thus obtained; and an indicating or "recording mechanism which indicates or makes a rec- 0rd of the product.

The multiplying mechanism is controlled by electrical circuits which are selectively closed by the setting mechanism, the construction being such that when the setting mechanism is actuated to set the machine for multiplying any two predetermined numbers together, the proper circuits are thereby closed to cause the multiplying mechanism to actuate properly to perform the desired multiplying operation. The setting mechanism, therefore, includes a pluralit of circuits and switches therefor which can be selectivelyactuated for closing the proper circuits,

'7 Setting mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the setting mechanism comprises two sets of switches, one set corresponding to one ofthe two factors or numbers to be with four digits.

multiplied and the other set corresponding to the other factor or number. Each set of switches comprises a plurality of groups of nine switches, each group representing the nine digits ofa particular denomination, that is, there is one group of nine switches representing the units denomination, another group of nine switches representing the tens denomination, another group of nine switches representing the hundreds denomination, another group of nine switches representing the thousands denomination, etc. Any number of such groups may be used in each set, depending on the capacity of the machine. In the drawings I have shown an arrangement whereby one set of switches contains four groups and the other set three groups which would give the machine a capacity capable of multiplying any number with three digits by any number The capacity of the machine can, however, be increased by simply adding other groups of nine switches in each set of switches.

In Fig. 1 I have indicated diagrammatically at l and 2 two sets of switches, the set of switches 1 having three groups therein and the set of switches 2 having four groups therein, The various groups of switches in the set 2 are designated a, b, 0, d, respectively, and those in the set 1 are designated e, f, g, respectively. Each group of switches a, b, 0, d, e, f, 9 represents the nine digits and the individual switches of group a are designated by the reference numerals w,.a a a a? a, 13,11 a, and those of group b are designated by the reference numerals 1), b 6 b", and those of group 0 are designated by the reference numerals 0', c 0 0, etc. The a group and the e group of the two sets of switches are the units groups; the 6 group and the j group are the tens groups; the 0 group and the g group are the hundreds groups.

The various switches of the groups can conveniently be arranged somewhat on the order of the keys in an adding or other computing machine, that is, with the switches of any group in a vertical line and with the switches of the various groups arranged in parallelism. With this arrangement the setting of the machine for multiplying any redetermined numbers together, such, for lnstance, as 346 and 1874, would involve closing the switches 9 f and e in set 1 and the switches d, 0 b and a in set 2.

The switches may be closed by any suitable means, such, for instance, as by means of keys, one for each switch, arranged so that when any key is depressed or actuated the corresponding switch will be closed.

Such an arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 7 wherein the keys for the switches are illustrated. The keys of each group, such, for instance, as the a group, or the b group, or

indicated generally at 3.

the a group, are all grounded on an insulated bar or member 404 which will be' connected to the corresponding circuit 15. Each key has a contact arm 405 which when depressed is adapted to engage a contact arm 406 connected to another bar 407 which is insulated from the bars 404 but which is connected to the corresponding Z circuit. Hence the depression of any key will close the circuits, as shown in the diagram Fig. 1.

. 11 ul tz'p lying mechanism.

The switches of each group are connected in. parallel in a circuit connection which leads to a selective magnet forming part of the multiplying mechanism, and the similar switches of all the groups of each set are also connected in parallel in a circuit connection which leads to a sunflower switch This sunflower switch is provided with a circular series h of nine contacts corresponding to the nine digits of the groups of switches in set 1, and a second series of contacts 1' which are connected to the switches of set 2. The series of contacts h comprise the nine contacts 72,, IF, it", h, h, h, if, 71- h", and the contact If is connected by a circuit connection 4 with the switches e, f 9 the contact it is connected by the circuit connection 5 with the switches e f", the contact if is connected by the circuit connection 6 with the switches e f 9 the contact h is connected by the circuit connection 6 with the switches c", f, g, and so on.

The series of contacts 2' are divided into nine groups corresponding to the nine contacts h, if, k h", and each group of contacts is sub-divided into nine other smaller contacts so that there are nine small contacts 2' opposite each of the contacts h. The nine contacts 2' of each group which correspond to any of the contacts h in turn correspond to the nine digits of each group of switches in the set'2 of switches, and the similar contacts 11 of each of the nine groups are connected by bus-bars is. There are nine of these bus-bars, and for convenience, I have indicated them by the reference numerals is, M, k is". The bus-bar In is connected to one of the contacts 2' opposite each of the contacts h and is also connected by the circuit connection Z to the switches a", b, 0 d". Similarly, the bus-bar k is connected to another contact '11 opposite each contact h and is also connected by the circuit connection Z to the switches a, 6 0 d the bus-bar la is connected to still another contact z' opposite each contact h and is also connected by the circuit connection Z' to the switches a, b, 0 (F; the bus-bar k" is connected to another contact 71 opposite each contact k and is also connected by the circuit connection 1 to the switches a, b",

The sunflower switch also in- ,and 14.

tion with a battery 11 or other source of electrical energy through a circuit connection 12, contact 120, insulated contact ring 121 and wire 122.

As stated above, all the switches of each group are connected by a circuit connectlon with a selective magnet, and with the arrangement shown, there are three selective magnets connected to the groups of switches e, f and g, respectively, in set 1, and four selective magnets connected to the groups of switches a, b, 0, d in set 2. The firstnamed selective magnets are designated 13, 13, and 13 respectivel and the other selective magnets are designated 14, 14, 14

The group of switches a is connected to the selective magnet 14 by the circuit connection 15, the group of switches b is connected'to the selective magnet 14 by the circuit connection 15"; the group of switches a is connected to the selective magnet 14 by the circuit connection 15, and the group of switches d is connected to the selective magnet 14 by the circuit connection 15. Similarly, the groups of switches e, f and g are connected to their selective magnets 13", 13, 13 by the circuit connections 15, 15, 15. The selective magnets are, all connected to the battery 11 by a return wire 16. With this arrangement and assuming that it is desired to multiply 34,6 and 1874, the switches 9 f and e of set 1 and the switches-d, 0 b and a of set 2 will be closed. The shaft 10 is then rotated through one complete revolution, during which the selective magnet 13v will be energized when the contact 8 is passing over contact h; the magnet 13 will be energized when the contact 8 is passing over the contact hf; and the magnet 13 will be energized when the contact 8 is passing over the contact h. Similarly, the magnet 14 will be energized each time that the contact 8 passes over a contact i connected to the bus-bar k; the magnet'14 will be energized each time that the contact 8 passes over each of the contacts 2' connected to the bus-bar la the magnet 14 will be energized each time that the contact 8 passes over each of the contacts a connected to the bus-bar and the magnet 14 will be energized each time that the contact 8 passes over each of the contacts 71 60 connected to the bus-bar is. As a result, each of the magnets 14, 14", 14, 14 will beenerglzed nine times during each revolution of the shaft 10.

In performing the operation of multiplying 1874 by 346, each of the digits 6, 4, 3 of the smaller number is multipled by all of the digits 4, 7, 8 and 1 of the larger number, and the products thus obtained are added up or totaled. I

The selective magnets 13 and 14 are the elements which control the multiplying operations, and the arrangement is such that when any one of the magnets 13, 13' or 13 is energized simultaneously with any of the magnets 14, 14, 14 or 14, the multiplying mechanism will be actuated to perform the operation of multiplying together the two digits represented by such magnets. Assuming that the'switches of the settingmechanism have been set as above described, then as the arm 9 rotates, the contact 8 will pass over a contact connected to the bus-bar is, while it is on each of the contacts h; but as only the the switches 1 f and e are closed, the magnets of the 13 series will only be energized when the contact 8 is passing over the contacts h It and h. Consequently, while said contact 8 is thus passing over each of the contacts h", h and h, the magnets 13, 13 and'13 respectively, will be energized. As the contact 8 is passing over each of the contacts h, h and h, it will pass over contactsi connected to each of the bus-bars. When the contact 8 passes over the contacts 4 connected to the bus-bars k, W, k and 7c at the time that said contact 8 is in engagement with the contact h, then the magnets 13 will remain energized for a period of time while each of the magnets 14, '14}, 14 and 14 is energized, and similarly wlizn the contact 8 is passing over contact kflthe magnet 13 will be energized simultaneously with each of the magnets 14, 14, 14, 14, and when the contact 8 is passing over the contact its, the magnet 13 will be energized simultaneously with each of the magnets 14, 14, 14, 14.

The circuits controlling-the multiplying mechanism are such that when the units magnet 13 is energized simultaneously with each of the magnets 14, the multiplying mechanism is actuated to multiply six by each of the digits 4, 7, 8, l, and when the tens magnet 13 is energized simultaneously with each'of the magnets 14, the multiplying mechanism will be actuated to multiply the digit 4 by each of the digits 4, 7, 8, 1; and when the hundreds magnet 13 is energized simultaneously with each of the-magnets 14, the multiplying mechanism will be actuated to iznultiply the digit 3 by each of the digits 4, 8, 1. c

Each magnet 13, 13', 13 is provided with an armature 17 which is connected to the battery by a supply wire connection 18 and which is adapted to close against four contacts 19 corresponding to the four magnets of the 14 series. Each of the magnets of the i 14 series is provided with'anarmature hav- The four contacts 19 of the units magnet 13 are connected-by circuit connections 23 with the four contacts 20; the four contacts 19 of the tens magnet 13 are connected by circuit connections 24 with the four contacts 21; and the four contacts 19 of the hundreds magnet 13 are connected by circuit connec tions 25 with the four contacts 22. The contacts 20, 21 and 22 of each of the magnets of the 14 series are adapted to engage other contacts 26, 27, 28 in circuit connections 30 leading to a plurality of actuating magnets 29 of the multiplying mechanism,

the magnets 29 being all connected to a return wire 50.

The multiplying mechanism comprises a plurality of product-representing disks 310 oosely mounted on the shaft 10 and arranged in pairs, each disk having its periphery stepped, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The two disks of each pair are rigid with 'each other and are also rigid with a ratchet wheel 32 which is situated between them. The pairs of disks are loosely mounted on the shaft 1.0 which carries the arm 9 of the sunflower switch, each pair of disks being connected to said shaft by means of a spring 33 so that if the disks are leftfree they will be rotated by the shaft through the spring. The shaft 10 is rotated at a uniform rate from any suitable source of power. I have herein shown for this purpose a motor 34 operating a motor shaft 35 which has a worm 36 thereon that is adapted to mesh with a worm gear 37 fast on the shaft 10. The actuating magnets 29 areshown as arranged in two rows situated on opposite sides of the shaft 10, and the armature of each magnet is connected to a pivotally-mounted pawl 38, said pawl 38 co-operating with the ratchets 32. In the device illustrated there are twelve actuating magnets 29, and there is one pair of product-representing disks 310 and its ratchet wheel 32 for each of the actuating magnets 29. The construction is such that when any magnet 29 is energized, its pawl 38 will be drawn down into engagement with its corresponding ratchet 32, thus locking the corresponding product-representing disks from rotation with the shaft. During the time that any pair of disks is thus locked, the spring 33 for such disks will simply be wound up by the rotation of the shaft.

From the above it will be seen that whenever one of the magnets of the 13 series .is energized simultaneously with one of the magnets of the 14 series, the result will be the closing of the circuit through one 60 in turn will result in causing the pawl of the actuating magnets 29, and this 38 for said magnet to be brought into locking engagement with its ratchet 32, thus locking one of the pairs of productrepnesenting disks from further rotation.

For the proper operation of the device it is essential that after each magnet 29 has been energized it should be maintained energized until the shaft 10 has completed its rotation. I accomplish this herein by providing a normall -open locking circuit for each magnet wliich is automatically closed when the armature for said magnet is attracted and which when closed connects said magnet to the battery 11 independently of the selective magnets 13 and 14. Each locking circuit includes an insulated contact 115 connected to the battery through a supplly wire 31 and carried b the correspon ing pawl 38 and a secon contact 116 connected to the circuit connection 30. Each pawl is normally maintained in its raised position by a spring 93, and the construction is such that when any pawl is raised",

the contact 115 carried thereby will be out v of engagement with the corresponding contact 116 so that the locking circuit is 0 en. When any magnet 29 is energized an its pawl 38 is moved downwardly into engagement with the ratchet 32, the contact 115 will be closed onto the contact 116, thus closing the locking circuit. The magnet will now be connected to the battery 11 through the locking circuit and will be maintained energized until the circuit is opened at the end of the cycle of operations, as will be presently described.

The pairs of product-representing disks 31 are so shaped and designed that each angular position of each pair of disks represents the product of some two numbers, and the position in which any pair of productrepresenting disks 310 is stopped is determined by the angular osition of the shaft 10 at the time when t e actuating magnet 29 for said disks is energized. This'in turn is dependent upon the arrangement of the contacts 2'. The peripheral shape of the product-representing disks 310 has such relation to the position of the various contacts i that whenever any actuating magnet 29 is energized by the simultaneous energizing of a magnet in'the 13 series and a mag;

net in the 14 series, the corresponding prod uct-representing disks'will be brought to rest- 29 which are thus energized to bring the corresponding four pairs of product-representing or product-determining disks 310 to rest in such positions as to indicate the prodnot of 6 4, 6 7, 6 8, and 6 1. Similarly, when the magnet l3 is energized and the magnets 14, 14, 14, 14 are also energized, the corresponding magnets 29 will be operated at such times in the rotationof the shaft as to bring the corresponding four pairs of disks to rest in position to indicate the products of 4 4, 4 7, 4 8, 4 1. During the time that the magnet 13 is energized, each of the magnets 14, 14 14, 14. will also be energized and the corresponding magnets 29 will be actuated at proper times to lock the corresponding pairs of product-determining disks 310 in positions to indicate the products of 3 4, 3 7, 3 8, 3 1. Thus in the example above cited when the shaft 10 has made one complete revolution, all of the twelve pairs of disks 310 have been brought to rest in positions corresponding to or indicating the individual products of the digits of one factor multiplied by those of another factor.

Totalizing mechanism.

After the various pairs of product-determining disks are thus positioned, the totalizing mechanism is actuated toadd up or total the products thus obtained. This totalizing mechanism comprises a plurality of vertically-extending bars 39, one for each of the disks 310, said bars being mounted for vertical movement in suitable guideways 40. The bars are normally held in elevated position and after the disks 310 are all prop- Each drum has wound thereon a cord 44 which is actuated by one or more of the bars 39. There are as many drums 41 as there are possible digits in the complete answer.

With the arrangement herein illustrated.

I the largest numbers which can bemultiplicd together are one containing three digits and one containing four digits. The greatest number of digits in any possible product will be seven, and I have accordingly shown seven drums 41. Each drum 41 is provided with a plurality of contact arms 45 which are adapted to wipe over a plurality of connected to the battery 11 through circuit connections 49, -50, 16, which also include a make-and-break device for purposes presin Fig; 1.

ently to -be described. This make-and-break device is in the form of a rotatable disk 66 of insulatingmaterial mounted on a suitable' shaft 67 and having in one face thereof a contact provided with a portion 68 of relatively short radius, a portion 69 having a larger radius, and a portion 70 which extends clear to the periphery of the disk. The circuit connection 49 is provided with a brush 71 engaging the perlphery of the disk, and the circuit connection 50 leads to a brush 72 which has continuous contact with the contact plate. At each rotation of the disk, the contact 70 will engage the brush 71, thus connecting the circuit connection 49 to the battery through the wires 50 and 16. Each drum is also connected to the feeder 31 leading from the battery through suitable circuit connections 52 so that when any drum 41 is brought to rest with any one of its arms 45 in engagement with one of the contacts 46, a circuit will be closed through the corresponding indicator magnet 48 whenever during the rotation of the disk 66 the contact 70 engages the brush 71. As stated above, there are seven drums 41 each having its set of contacts 46 representing digits of different denominations, although only one such drum is shown There are, therefore, seven sets or groups of indicator magnets 48 also representing digits of different denominations, as shown in Fig. 1, the individual magnets of each group being connected to the several contacts 46 of one of the drums 41, each group having nine magnets therein representing the nine digits.

Said drums 41are connected to the bars 39 of the totalizing mechanism so that when the bars are lowered against the productdetermining disks 310, the various drums 41 will be turned to bring the arms 45 thereof into engagement. wlth the proper contacts 46 to" cause the total product to be indicated by the magnets 48 which are thus energized. One arrangement by which the movement of the bar 39 may be made to actuate properly the drums 41 is illustrated herein. Some of the bars 39 are provided with pulleys 53 around which pass the cords 44 leading to the drums 41. Other of the bars are provided with rack teeth 56 which mesh with pinions 57 carried by the frame, said pinions in turn meshing with rack teeth on other vertically-movable bars 58 that are slidably mounted in the frame.

wardly, the corresponding cord 44 will be actuated to turn the drum 41 to which it is connected, the amount of turning movement, of course, depending upon the extent of downward movement of the bar 39. When any one of the bars 39 which is 0011- the rack-and-pinion connection is moved ownwardly, sald bar 58 will be moved upwardly, and since one of the cords 44 passes over the pulley thereon, such upward movement of the bar 58 will actuate the cord to operate one of the drums 41. The arrangement of bars 39, 58 and cords is such that when the bars 39 are all moved downwardly into the position determined by the product-determining disks 310, the combined action of the bars 39 and 58 on the cords 44 is to cause the drums 41 to be turned into a position to indicate the total product. In the arrangement herein shown the cord 44 from the first or units drum passes over a direction pulley 55, thence under a pulley 53 on the first bar 39, the end of the cord'being se-- cured to the frame at 54. The cord 44 for the second or tens drum 41 passes over a direc' tion pulley 55, thence under a pulley 53 on the second bar 39, thence over a pulle 59 on a bar 58 which is cdnnected to the t ird bar 39, thence under the pulley 53 supported on the fifth bar 39, the end of said cord being securedto the frame at 60. The pulley 54 for the hundreds drum 41 passes over the direction pulley 55, thence under a pulley 53 on the fourth bar 39, and thence over a pulley on a bar 58 which is geared to the sixth bar 39, thence under a pulley on the seventh bar 39, thence over a pulley 59 on the bar 58 which is geared to the ninth bar 39, thence under the pulley 53 carried by the eleventh bar 39, the end of said cord being fastened to the frame at 61. This cord thus passes over five different pulleys. Similarly, the cord44 for the thousands drum 41 passes over six different pulleys, said cord passing alternately over pulleys 53 and 59 and bemg fastened at its end to the frame at 62. The cord 44 for the ten thousands drum 41 also passes alternately over five different pulleys, said cord passing alternately over pulleys 53 and 59, and the end of the cord being fastened to the frame at 63. The sixth cord 44 for the hundred thousands drum passes over three pulleys, two of which are pulleys 53, and one of which is pulley 59, the .end of the cord being fastened to the frame at 64. The last cord 44 for the millions drum passes under one ulley 53 only on the last bar 39, the end of the cord being fastened to the frame at 65.

With this arrangement it will be seen that whenever all of the bars 39 are moved downwardly into engagement with the disks 310, the movement of the drums at each end will be controlled b the movement of the end bars 39 only. The extent of turning movement of each of the intermediate drums, however, depends upon the extent of movement .of two or more of the bars 39, and this arrangement permits the simultaneous adding of all the individual products obtained by multiplying each digit in one factor by each digit in the other factor because the extent of movement of some of the drums is that due to the cumulative effect of the movement of several of the bars 39.

Any suitable means for lowering the bars 39 into engagement with the product determining disks 310 at proper intervals may be employed. In the construction herein shown, the bars 39 are all pivotally connected at theirupper end to levers 73 which in turn are ivotally mounted on a rod or bar 74 carried by the frame. The free ends of the levers 73 rest on a lifting bar 75 which is connected by a connecting rod 76 with a crank 77 on a crank arm 78 that is fast on the shaft 67. When the machine is at rest the shaft 67 is in the angular'position shown in Fig. 1, in which position the lifting bar 75 is in its elevated position. In makin each computation, the shaft 67 is rotate through one revolution, during which the lifting 'bar 75 is first lowered thereby permitting the levers 73 and bars 39 to descend into positions determined by the positioned product-determining disks 310 and is then raised to return said levers 73 and bars 39 totheir normal position. This lowering movement of the bars 39 is properly timed to occur just after the product-determining disks have been positioned so that after the multiplying operation has been performed, the lifting bar 75 is lowered, thus performing the operation 0 adding the various products, as abovewl scribed.

The make-and-break device 66 is onthe shaft 67 and the contact is so positioned thereon that the circuit through the indicating magnets 48 will be established just after the lifting bar has been lowered thereby to permit the bars 39 to be properly positioned. The lowering of the bars 39 will, of course, rotate the various drums 41 so that when the brush 71 engages the contacts 70, the drums 'will be properly positioned with the arms 45 thereof resting on the appropriate contacts 46 to indicate the correct result.

In order to correctly perform the adding operations when the sum of any two numbers'exceeds ten, it is, of course, necessary to carry the ten into the next column. The adding mechanism I have herein illustrated is provided with a carrying mechanism which will now be described. Associated with each of the cords 44 except the units cord is a carrying lever 79 pivotally mounted on the bar 74 and carrying at its end a pulle 80 which is situated above the cord 44. ach lever 79 is provided with a downwardly-extending portion 81 which is adapted to engage a controlling lever 82 that is %ivotally mounted on a rod or shaft 83.

achcontrolling lever 82 is provided with a tacts 45- into engagement with the zero con-' stepped portion 84 with which the downwardly-extended portion 81 of the carrying lever co-operates. Each carrying lever is acted upon by' a spring 85 which tends to draw it downwardly, such downward movement being arrested by the extension 81 with 'the stepped portion 84. When the extension 81 rests on the highest step of the stepped portion 84, the carrying lever will be situated with its pulley 80 out of contact with the cord 44. Means are provided so that each time any drum 41 is rotated to carry its contact 45 past all nine of the contacts- 46, then the controlling lever 82 for the next adjacent drum will be pulled backwardly one step so as to allow the carrying lever for said next adjacent drum to drop one step, this operation resulting in the cord 44 for said next higher drum being bowed or bent downwardly by the pulley 80 a sufficient amount to advance said next adjacent drum one point. controlling levers 82 is controlled as to its operation by a magnet 86 which is in a circuit 87 that is connected to a zero con tact 88 associated with the drum of the next lower denomination and is also connected by the brush 89 with'the contact or collector ring on the disk 66. When, therefore, any drum 41 is moved to bring one of its contact 88, the magnet 86 associated with the next higher drum will be energized. Each magnet 86 has an armature carrying a pawl 91 which is adapted to engage ratchet teeth 92 mounted on the controlling lever so that each time a magnet 86 is momentarily enerized, the controlling lever 82 will be drawn hackwardly one step. Each drum 41 is shown as aving three contacts 45, and the contacts 88 and 46'are so arranged that as one contact 45 passes off from the nine contact 46, the next contact 45 will pass onto the zero contact 88. When, therefore,any drum is rotated to indicate a number greater than ten, one contact 45 will be carried over all the contacts 46 and the next contact 45 will be carried onto or .over the contact 88. This operation will actuate the magnet 86 and controlling lever 82 to allow the carrying lever 79 to drop one step so that the pulley 80 thereon will bend the cord 44 of the drum 41 of the next higher denomination to cause said drum to turn one step forward, thus performing the carrying operation.

It will be understood, of course, that a carrying mechanism of this nature is associated with each of the drums 41.

The brush 89 is so arranged that itwill contact only with the portion 69 of the contact carried by the disk 66, and as a result, the carrying magnets 86 can only be actu ated when the lifting bar 75 is being lowered for the purpose of positioning the bars Each of the various tact 45 will pass over the zero contact 88 before it reaches the contacts 46, and in order to revent the carrying mechanism from operatlng when the contact 45 first passes over the zero contact 88 at the beginning of the adding operation, I propose to arrange the parts so that normally each pulley 80 is situated a slight distance above its cord 44. As. a result, at the first actuation of each magnet 86, the corresponding carrying bar will be lowered one step which is just suflicient to bring its pulley 80, into engagement with the cord 44, after which at each actuation of the magnet the pulley 80 will bend the cord 44, thus performing the carrying operation.

The operation of performing a computation in multiplication involves first setting the instrument by closing the proper setting switches and then rotating the shafts 10 and 67 through one complete revolution. The means provided for thus rotating the shafts is such that the shafts are brought to rest after the rotation is completed, and at this time the circuits for all the magnets 29 are opened thereby de-energizing said magnets and allowing the pawls 88 to be restored to normal position through their springs 93. The opening of the circuits of the magnets 29 is accomplished by means of a switch 94 situated in the circuit connection 50 constituting the return circuit for the magnets 29. The switch 94 is normally closed, but as the shaft 67 completes its rotation, it is momentarily opened, thus breaking the circuit for all the magnets 29. It will be noted from Fig. 1 that when the shaft 67 is at rest the crank arm 78 is just past the v center. Thus during the final rotative movement of the shaft 67, the liftingibar 75 will be carried slightly above the position it occupies in Fig. 1. One of the levers 73 is provided with an' extension 95 which. is

ada ted to engage one of the contacts 94 just as t e crank 78 passes over the dead center and thus the circuit for the magnets 29 is 1 broken, just before the shaft 67 comes to rest.

It is intended that the motor 34 shall be rotating continl iously and I have provided herein a novel mechanism for connecting the shafts 16 and 67 to the motor at proper times and for disconnecting them therefrorrrwhen 'said shafts have made one complete revconnect the worm gear 37 to the worm, the former is moved forward sufficiently to bring its teeth into mesh with the worm 36.- This is accomplished by a starting magnet 97 which is connected to a circuit98 that may be provided with a push-button or any other form of circuit-closing device. The starting magnet 97 has an armature 99 to which is pivoted one end of a starting member 100, the other end of the member having a roll 10 1 thereon which is adapted to engage a tooth or projection 102 formedon a disk 103 that is rigid with the shaft 10. lrVhen the parts are at rest in their normal position, the roll 101 is just behind the tooth 102. When the starting magnet 97 is actuated, the starting member 100'is moved to the right, Fig. 2, which operation will cause the'roll 101 to engage the tooth 102 and thus advance the disk 103 and shaft 10 sufficiently to bring the worm and worm ar into mesh, after which the shaft 10 wi 1 be rotated through one complete revolution until the recess 96 comes into line with the worm 36 again. The shaft 67 is also rotated from the motor shaft 35 by similar mechanism, said shaft having a worm gear 104 fast thereon which meshes with a worm 105.0n the shaft 35. The worm 1104 is also provided with a recess 106 in.

which the worm 105 is received when the shaft is in its initial position.

In the'operation of the machine the shaft 67 is at rest while the shaft 10 makes its rotation and after the shaft 10 has rotated and the product-determining disks 310 are prop-.

erly positioned, then the shaft 67 is rotated to cause the bars 39 to be actuated as above described. The mechanism herein shown is such that when the shaft 10 completes its rotation, the shaft 67 is automatically started. This is accom lished by a starting member 107 which is pivoted to the starting member 100 and is provided with a roll 108 that c0- operates with'a disk 109 fast on the shaft 67. Said disk has a notch 110 therein-so situated that the roll 108 will occupy the notch when the shaft 67 is at rest with the worm 105 in a recess 106.- The disk 103 on the shaft 10 is provided with a rise 111 situated so that the roll 101 will pass over the rise just before the shaft 10 comes to rest. The action of the rise 111 on the roll 101 is to force the starting member 100 downwardly in Fig. 2, and this operation will move the starting member 107 downwardly which will give to the disk 109 and shaft 67 a turning movement sufficient to bring the worm gear 104 into mesh with the Worm 105. When the shaft 67 has completed its rotation, it will automatically be brought to rest by reason of the fact that the worm 105 will then occupy the recess 106.

I have above referred to the magnets 48 as indicating magnets, and any suitable means may be emplo' ed in connection with said magnets where y when any particular magnets are energized, the product represented thereb will be indicated. These magnets 48 may a so be in the nature of recording magnets so that when the magnets representing the product of any two factors are energized, a record of this product will be made. One way in .which this may be accomplished would be to have the magnets 48 arranged to control the computing mechanism of an adding machine, and this can be done by placing the magnets above the keys 401 of an adding machine so that when any magnet is energized, the armature or core thereof will op-, erate to depress the key, asshown in Figs. 7 and 8. Where such an arrangement is adopted, then it is possible to perform a plurality of multiplying operations and to add up or totalize the various products.

Many adding machines are so constructed that the operations involved in adding a series of numbers consist in first actuating keys or other similar mechanism that controls the computing mechanism of the adding machine and then operating another key or similar device which makes a printed rcc- 0rd. The device herein illustrated is constructed so that it can be used in connection with an adding machine of this type. The various magnets 48 are arranged to control the computing mechanism of the adding machine and in addition to these, I have illustrated another magnet 129 which will be arranged to actuate or control the printing key 402 of the adding machine. This magnet 129 is in a circuit 133 which connects with the battery and which has therein a contact 134 situated to be engaged by the contact 70 in the disk 66 just after said contact has engaged the contact 71 and closed the circuit connection 49. Hence when the machine 1s actuated to multiply any two factors together, the rotation of the shaft 67 and disk 66 will first operatethe totalizing mechanism and will then 0 erate to close the circuit 49, thus energizing the appropr ate magnets 48 to indicate the product, and 1mmediately after will 'close the circuit 133, thus energizing the actuatin magnet 129 and causing the adding machme to make a printed record of theproduct.

The machine herein shown, therefore, not only computes the product of any two factors, but also makes a printed record thereof.

Many times in making mathematical calculations, it is desirable to discard nsignificant decimals or to multiply or divide by ten or some multiple of ten. I have provided herein and have illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 6 a device by which these results may be accomplished. Said devlce is in the nature of a plurality of transposing switches situated in the'circuits 47 Leading!- to the indicating or recording magnets 48, so that b operating the switches the magnets 48 0 any denomlnation may be connected to the contacts 46 of the next hi her or the next lower denomination. have shown 'a switch device comprising nine connected bars 135,'each carrying seven insulated contacts 136. "There is one of these bars 135 for'each of the horizontal row of magnets 48, and the various contacts 136 of each bar are connected ,to the various magnets of the corresponding row. The contacts 136 normally engage other contacts 137 which are connected to the wires 47 leading to'the contacts 46. When the bars 135 are in their normal position shown in Fig. 6, the

electrical connections will be the same as illustrated in Fig. 1. tiply by ten, it is simply necessary to move the connected bars 135 to the left one step,

thus connecting the units contacts 136 with the tens contacts 137. To multiply by one hundred, the bars 135 will be'moved two steps to the left. To divide by ten the'bars 135 will be moved one step to the right, Fig. 6, and to divide by one hundred, the bars and the pawls 38 and the actuating magnets 29 will be raised. The first operation is to set the machine by closing those switches of sets 1 and 2 which indicate the digits of the two factors to be multiplied together. When the machine has been thus set the starting magnet 97 is energized by closing its circuit I v 98 thereby attracting its armature 99 and operating the starting member 100 to give the worm gear 37 an initial movement sufficient to bring it into mesh with the worm 36. The shaft 10 thus becomes coupled to the continuouslymotating motor shaft 35, and

said shaft will make one complete revolution at the end of which it is automati cally brought to rest. During this rotation the brush or contact 8 wipes over'the contacts h and 2', thus closing simultaneously selected circuits through the magnets of the 13 series and 14 series which correspondto the closed switches. The simultaneous energizing of the magnets of the 13 series with those of the 14 series establishes circuits through appropriate actuating magnets 29 at proper time intervals so that the proper product-representing disks 310 will be brought to rest to indicate the individual products of each'digit of one factor multiplied by those of. the other factor.

As soon as the shaft 10 has completed its In 1g. 6 I

If it is desired to mul-- revolution the shaft 67 is coupled to themotor shaft 5 and started in rotation, and during the rotation of the shaft 67 the lifting bar 75 is first lowered thereby to permit the various bars 39 to be lowered into contact with the product-representing disks. This downward movement of the bars 39 operates through the cords 44 to rotate the drums 41 so that the various drums 41 are brought to rest in various positions indicating the digits of the sum of the individual products obtained by multiplying each digit of one factor by all the digits of the other factor. After the bars 39 and drums 41 have thus been positioned, the contact 70 comes into engagement with the contact 71, thus closing the circuit 49 leading to the indicating or recording magnets48 whereby the appropriate magnets will be energized which correspond to the position of the drums 41 and which indicate the various digits of the total product. These magnets 48 may be used to depress the keys of an adding machine. Immediately after the magnets 48 have been energized the contact 70 passes under the contact 134, thus energizing the actuating magnet 129 which operates the printingmechanism of the adding machine thereby to print or make a'record of the product.

In the device shown in Fig. 8 I have illustrated a casing 408 in which the multiplying mechanism, the product-indicating members and the totalizing mechanism may be situated. The wires forming the various circuits leading from the switches and magnets 48 to the other mechanism may be 011- .closed in a suitable cable 409.

While I have illustrated herein a selected embodiment of my invention, yet I do not wish to be limited to the constructional features shown.

I claim? 1. Ina machine for computing the prod not of two plural digital factors, a plurality of keys adapted to receive the set up of the two factors, a plurality of productrepresenting members, a propelling mechanism common to all the product-representing members, an arresting device associated with each prpduct representing member, a plurality of selector units less in] number than the product-re resenting members but adapted to control't e latter simultaneously and independently through said arresting devices, a sin le distributor mechanism adapted in com ination with the keys and the selector units to control said arresting devices thereby to arrest the 'movement of each product-representing member when the latter in passing successively through vari-;

ous product-representing positions reaches a setting position predetermined by the actuation of the keys, and means to indicate or record the sum of the individual products obtained as'afore'said.

2. In a machine for computing the product of two plural digital factors, a plurality of setting elements which may be set to represent the digits of said two factors, a plurality of product-representing members, each constructed to represent in different selected positions the products of any two digits, means whereby said product-reprer senting members may be moved uninterruptedly from their initial to their set positions as selected by said setting elements, thereby causing said product-representing members to indicate simultaneously all the products obtained by multiplying each digit of one of said plural digital factors by all the digits of the other plural digital factor, and means to indicate by a single uninterrupted one-stage operation the total of said individual products.-

3. In a machine for computing the product of two lural digital factors, the combination wit a plurality of movable productrepresenting members, each constructed to represent in different selected ositions the products of different digits, 0 a plurality of setting elements which ma be set to represent the digits of two "pliiral digital factors to be multiplied together, means for moving said product-representing members uninterru tedly from their initial to their final pro net-representing positions, means controlled by said setting elements to arrest the uninterrupted movement of the productrepresenting members thereby to cause them to indicate simultaneously the products of each digit of one plural digital factor by all the digits of the other plural digital factor, and means to obtain the total of said individual products simultaneously and at a single operation.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination with a plurality of rotatable product-representing members, each adapted in different selected positions to represent the product of two digits, of means to rotate all of said memberssimultaneously and uninterruptedly from their initial positions .to said selected positions, a setting mechanism which may be set to indicate simultaneously all-the digits of two plural digital factors to be multiplied together, means controlled by the setting mechanism to arrest the movement of the product-representin members in said selected positions wfi ereby said product-representing members are constructed to represent simultaneously :the individual products of all the digits of one plural digital factor multipliedby each digit of the other plural digital factor, and means controlled by said arrested product-representing members to obtain the total of all such individual product at a single operation. I

5. In a device of the class described, means to effect the simultaneous multiphpluralit causing them to represent simultaneously the individual products of all the digits of one factor by all those of the other factor, a plurality of bars movable toward and from said product-representing members, means to move said bars simultaneously into positions determined by the positioned product-representing members, and means actuated by said bars to indicate by a one-stage uninterrupted operation the total of said individual products.

6. In a machine for computing the rodnet of two factors, the combination with a of product-representing members, each a apted to represent in different selected positions the product of any two digits, of means to move all said members simultaneously and uninterruptedly into said selected ositions to cause them to indicate the in ividual products obtained by multiplying each digit of one factor by all the digits of the other factor, priinary totalizing mechanism to obtain the sum of such individual products, a plurality of elements adapted to control the computing mechanism of a secondary adding machine, another element adapted to actuate the printing mechanism of said adding machine, and means controlled by said totalizing mechanism to actuate said elements.

' 7. In a machine for computing the product of two factors, the combination with a pluralit of roduct-representing members, each ad ipte to represent in different selected positions the product of any two digits, of means to move allsaid members simultaneously and uninterruptedly into said selected positions to cause them to indicate the individual products obtained by multiplying each digit of one factor by all the digits of the other factor, primary totalizing mechanism to obtain the'sum' of such individual products, a set of elements adapted to control the computing mechanism of a secondary adding machine, another element adapted to actuate the printing mechanism of said adding machine, and means controlled by said totalizing mechanism first to actuate selectively the elements of said set and then to actuate said other element.

8. In a machine for computing the prodnot of two factors, each of two or more digtain the addition of all the individual products.

9. In a system for computing the product of two plural digital factors, a set of individual product-representing members, means to effect a simultaneous and uninterrupted setting movement of said members thereby to obtain simultaneously the individual products of one plural digital factor multiplied by each of the digits of another plural digital factor, a set. of individual product-combining units, a set of indicating or recording units one for each digit of the product to be indicated or recorded, a set of carrying units adapted when adding the digits of individual prodnets in a sum greater than nine to carry over from one indicating or recording unit to the next such figures as are required for the correct indication or recording of the product of two given factors and means whereby the carrying. units operate simul* taneously with the product-combining unitsthereby to produce the correct indication at a single stage, operation.

10. In a device of the class described, a plurality of indicating or recording units, one for each place of digits of two factors and their product, a set of individual prod uct-representing members, means to effect a simultaneous and uninterrupted setting movement of said members, thereby to obtain simultaneously all the individual products of each digit of one plural digital factor multiplied by each digit of another plural digital factor, means to combine the individual products thus obtained .into one number representing the product of the two factors, and means for communicating to the indicating or recording units all of the fig ures both of the two factors themselves and of their product.

11. A set of computing units adapted to be given a simultaneous and uninterrupted setting movement under the co-operative control of two sets of selecting units, said selecting units comprising a plurality of keys or circuit-closing devices, one for each possible figure in each possible place of digits in two factors of more than one figure each, and means to indicate or record the resultant ofthe combined actuation ofallcomputing units, so as to indicate or record the product of the two factors. v

12. In a device of the class described, a plurality of figure-signifying electric circuits closeable at will in accordance with any two factors of two or more digits each of a product to be computed, a set of selecting relays controlled through said circuits, a set of computing units selectively adjustable by said relays to compute the products of each digit in one factor by each .digit in the other factor, a recording or indicating device, and an accumulating mechanism adapted to communicate to said recording or indicating device the sum of the individual products obtained as aforesaid.

13.'Ina device of the class described, a set of factorrepresenting keys, circuit switches controlled thereby, a set of selecting relays connected to said switches, a set of -simultaneo-usly operative individual product-representing units adapted to be con trolled by said selecting relays, and to be broughtuninterruptedly and simultaneously into position for representing the products of each digit of one factor by each digit of the other factor, and a final product-representing device adjustable from said individual product-representing units.

14. In a multiplying machine, a plurality of cams loosely mounted upon a shaft, an

operating mechanism adapted to rotate said cams with corresponding faces of eachcam normally in alinement, .a ratchet wheel, a magnetically-operated pawl for each pair of cams, .a plunger adapted to move against the edge of each cam, a setting, device adaptedto arrest each ratchetwheel with its pair of cams individually inany desired position the transit of the sunflower switch-brush over a pair of contacts corresponding to any two closed switches will result in actuating the magnetically-operative pawl to arrest a pair of said cams in a suitable position'to represent theproduct oftwo numbers.

15. In a multiplying machine, a set of primary circuits associated with individual key switches, a set of relays actuated thereby, a set of secondary circuits, each including a pawl-operating magnet, controlled .by' said relays, a set of simultaneously-movable product-representing units, each associated with one of said pawl-operating magnets and adapted to be arrested thereby afteruninterrupted'movement into position to represent the product of any two digits, an adding device adapted to combine in one number representation the setting of said individual product-representing units, a result-producing device comprising tertiary circuits each of which has a figure-representing significance, all adapted to transmit to an indicating or recording device the product of any two given factors. a

16. In a machine for computing the product of two factors, the combination with a plurality of product-representing members, of means to actuate all of said members simultaneously to bring them by an uninterrupted movement into position to indicate the individual products obtained by multiplying each digit of one factor by all the digits of the other factor, totalizing mechanism to obtain the sum of such individual products which is the product of the two factors, means to make a record of the individual digits of said product, and means whereby said digits may be recorded in higher or lower denominations than that in which they exist in said product. 17. In a machine for computing the product of twofactors, each of two or more digits, a set of members adapted and suflicient to represent all the individual products of each digit of one factor multiplied by each digit of the other factor, means common to all the product-representing members to effect and control a simultaneous setting movement thereof, and totalizing means adapted to obtain the addition of all digits of like order in the partial products represented by said product-representing members and simultaneously to carry into the sum- .mation of the digits of a higher order the tens figure resulting from such totalizing.

18. In a machine for computing the product of two factors, each of two or more digits, a set of members adapted and sufficient to represent all the individual products of eachvdigit of one factor multiplied by each digit of the other factor, means common to all the product-representing members to effect and control a simultaneous setting movement thereof, and totalizing means ada ted at a single operation to obtain the addltion of all digits of like order.

19'. In a machine for computing the product of two plural digital factors, a plurality of digit-keys adapted to receive the set-up of the two factors, a set of product-representing members adapted and sufficient to represent all the indivldual products of each digit of onefactor multiplied by each digit of the other factor, a setting device for said members comprising a solitary propelling mechanism common to all the members, and a set of individually controlled arresting devices, one' for each product-representing member, means common to all the arresting devics and associated with said digit-keys to effect a proper setting of said productrepresenting members, a partial-product combining mechanism associated with said. product-representing members and a complete-product indicating or recording mechanism adapted to receive in the simultaneous and uninterrupted setting of all its elements the proper controlling movements to cause an indication or record of the product of the two factors.

20. In a device of the class described, the combination with a plurality of rotatable product-representingjmembers, each adapted in different selected positions to represent the product of two digits, of a setting mechanism comprising (a) keys for each digit of two plural digital factors, (12) propelling mechanism common to all the product-representing members, (a) selecting elements common to various roups of product-representing members, (2) arresting elements individually associated with each product-rep resentin member; totalizing means ada ted at a single operation to obtain the sum of the digits of like order represented by the product-representing members; and indicatin or recording means to represent the pro uct of the two factors.

21. In a multiplying machine, a set of individual digit-keys, a set of selecting elements less in number than the number of digit-keys, a set of simultaneousl -movable partialproduct-representing mem ers, each associated with said selecting elements so as to be collectively yet individually controlled thereby, an adding device adapted to comine in one number-representation the setting of said partial-product-representing members, a result-producing device comprising digit-representing umts; all of said mechanism being adapted to obtain the prod.- uct of the two plural digital factors without the successive addition of the partial products.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification. RALPH W. BUMSTEAD.

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