US1650058A

US1650058A - Selective unit indication for filing and other purposes

Info

Publication number: US1650058A
Application number: US351079A
Authority: US
Inventors: Whetstone Irene
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1920-01-12
Filing date: 1920-01-12
Publication date: 1927-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 1944-11-22

Description

l. wHE-rsvroNE" Filed Jan. 12. 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet l l 1 l l l Tlllll l ...l

NOV'. 22, 1927.

sEpEcTIvE m''r I'NDlcATIoNl Foa FILING AND OTHER PURPOSES l* Nov. 22, 1927. 1,650,058, l. WHETSTONE SELECTIVE UNIT INDICATION Foa FILING AND OTHER PURPOSES Filed Jan. 12. 192'0 6-Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 422, 1927.

l. WHE TSTONE SELECTIVE UNIT INDICATION FOR FILING AND OTHER PURPOSES 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed an. 12, 192.0

Nov. Z2, 19275 v l l. WHETSTONE sELEcTxvE-Uym .1ND1CAT1QN Foa muy; AND olrmn runrosss S Sheets-Sheet' 4 Filed Jan. l2. 19-20 I'. wHE'rs'roNE SLECTIVE'NIT INDICATION FOR FILING AND OTHER PURPOSES Y Filed Jan. 12. 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Q f I V 4 i f TlL W LT L 24 3 -L 34 :l/ ;L;

40 F- I 22 E g5 I F ff*- I .Jnlllllll [MU- l Nov. 22, 1927.

1. WHETSTONE sELEoi'TIvE UNIT INDICATION FOR FILING AND OTHER lPuRPosss Filed Jan. 12. 192,0

Patented Nov. 22, 1927.

UNITED; srArje-s man wnamsronaor ccaeo, :rn-Liners@ SELECTIV UNIT INDICATION FOB FILING VA11' D OTHB PURPOSES.

Application led January 125 19M):y fSeriialfro-i 351,079.k

rlfhe invention has general reference tothe indication or designation of an one of a plurality of units selectively, t rough the medium of manuallyoperable control 'means such as a keyboard and mechanism acting4 in response to; suclinianual control to effect the selection of the desired-unit. A l t In its preferred embodiment the invention is described in relation to a Ysystem of' distribution adaptedfor-use in such instancesvv as in 'thevfiling of cards, letters and other papers which it is desired to preserve for ready reference -;v and one object'of the invention isto produce a distributing system in` Work `has been very great and evenwviththe; exercise of great care by an expertlile clerlxv many errors are unavoidably committed. Obviously@therefore, the cost ofmaintaining suoli .tile 'departments has been very high, and the system as heretofore employed quite unsatisfactory. One aim of the present ini vention is to reduce to a minimum the amount of time necessarily expended not onlylin the selection of the proper place in thel drawer or other file container inwhich a given paper belongs, but in the preliminary Work ofjwairanging the material which is to beflled;

also `to eliminate substantially the commission of errorsin carrying onthe Work` i o, An important objection to the methods of tiling as heretofore commonly practicedk 1s that 4tlie'tilingV clerk has made the selection .of the desired folders or units Wholly by sight, the eye being depended upon as itruns over the multiplicity of guides to make the proper selection. Owing, how-ever, tothe confusion naturally resulting from the 'presLV cure of a greatinany tile units Similarly designated, coupled with the everprsent aim Vto accomplish fthe filing with the eiid penditiire of as little time as possible, many errors occ-un vTo overcome to alargelextent this tendencyontlie part of the file clei'kkt commit errors andv atf'the same time sutstantially lessen theamount of Work required in making the selection .ofa given tile unit, use lis -made,v in c carrying out 'the invention, of the principle which has become Well recogarts, that the fingers of the operator can be trained with reference to akeyboard to attain a high de ree of accuracy 'at a relatively great speed Without the aid ofthe eye. The invention in this embodiment, therefore, contemplates the selection of the 'file 5 units through the'` operation' of a keyboard v.With

which is associated n suitable electro-inagneticV means togethe'r yvitli suitablemeehanism for operating selecting devices which are movnized, in the art of typewriting and inzother able intocengageinent `with the file units y suc cessively, ina filing drawer or'other container,the` 4depre'ssion of the proper keys and the'subjsequent actuation of the v,operating mechanism being arranged tojeiect the 's electinv of the desired vtile unit` in whichv the material to be filed is placed or from which it is t be Withdrawn.

Moreover, where thefmatterto be filed is voluminous, previous methods have required the sorting'and hencejthehandlin of the material afnumber of times before it 1s finally distributed kto theproper places in the' file drawer. Forl example, the subdivisions of the' letter ,C in the naine Crete may reuire sorting', and handling three jconsecutive times; first, Vunder C, then under' r, and

nextunder e. Forthis purpose sorting l vtrays with identifying -guides are sometimes employedand as the material to be filed is.

sorted, a card bearing the filingfdesignation Crete is'distributed with other matter first according` toV the first subdivision, then re- -1 sorted according to the second subdivision,

andfmally resorteda'ccording to the third subdivision.V When the material tobe filed has thus been sufficiently subdivided, it is finally placed in the proper place in the filing drawer.l Sueh preliminary sorting is obv'i-r ously objectionable f because of th ylargel amount of time required, and theopportunityv offer-editor error; and itis an important aim of `the present invention to Aprovide 'a system which will overcome this objection byjeliminating the preliminary sorting.

Ar more specific objectof the vinvention is to provide' an apparatus which may be con-A structed at a.l comparatively low,` cost4 and which is very rapid land otherwise streifen.: in eperetemf A u vView ofthe `folder when folded.

terial to be tiled, which eliminates the use of the customary guide and also reduces to a.

minimum the number of units required and hence the cost of the tiling equipment, and which, furthermore, consumes aminiinuni amount of space in the tiling drawer.

The objects of the invention thus generally' stated, together with other and ancillary advantages which will be apparent as the description proceeds, vareattained by the construction `and 'arrangement illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming part hereof. i l

It,v will be understoodhowever, that the apparatus as iilustrated constitutes an illusA trative embodiment only of the invention, and that it is not intended that in the'interpretation of the appended claims they shall be limited to the particular means herein disclosed norte the particular use selected for purposesof illustration.

In the drawingsfFigure 1 is a fragmentary top plan v-iew`of an apparatus embodying'the invention. Fig. l1n is a detail view showing some'v of the electrical contacts em` 'ployed Figs. 2 and 8 are transverse vertica l sections through different portions of the apparatus, theV drawer' of the iiling' cabinet being in Fig. 2 shown supported inoperative position in the supporting casing. Fig is a detail view of one ofthe keys and its stem. Fig. 4l is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section through the apparatus showing a portion'of the Voperating:mechanism. Fig. 5 is a similar viewshowing the operating 'mechanism in twodiferent verti# cal planes through the apparatus;A Fig. 6` is a fragmentary horizontal section taken'on theline"6-6 of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a r fragnfientary horizontal section taken substantially in the plane of line 7*'7 of Fig. Fig. Sis a. fragmentary horizontal section showing particularly the means for holding the' oper-y ating keys depressed, and the releasing means therefor. Fig. 9 is a plan -view of the combined iile receptacle and guide. Fig. 39 is a similar View of the same partially folded. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary top plan view of a file drawer equipped according to the in-y vention. Fig. 10n is a fragmentary bottom Fig. 11 is a. detached view of a sheetof insulation suoli as is used between the several tile units. F

12 'is a diagrammatic plan of the invention' showing particularly the electrical connections of the selective mechanism' forming part of the invention. Brief description, of invention.

Briefly, the apparatus comprises a casing 13 divided longitudinally thereof by means `Vcle containing a plurality of guides or units 15 to be 4operated upon, and the other com partment enclosing the greater portion of theoporating mechanism of theuapparatus. Mounted transversely of the casing Yfor in'ovement longitudinally thereof, are av plurality of selector kbars 16 (Figs. 1 and 12)` cach carrying a plurality of contact devices, and an operating rod'rlT extending longitudinallyfof the casing withinthe compart ment 13b is adapted to operate the selector bars 16j' when connected therewith'by means of suitable locking mechanism 18 ihis locking inchanism is operable by the depression of certain of the keys of a keyboard 19 which are operatively lassociatedy with mechanism within 4they `compartment "13" suited for this purpose. lThe depression of certain other lreys is adaptedA to establish with a predetermined tiling unit in the filing' drawer a normally open electriccircuit, and this-circuit is arranged toy be closed by the Contact device of the proper selector bar 16 corresponding to' said-unit, vas theV bar is moved bythe operating rod 17 and upontlie closing of such circuit, o'neof a set of electromagnc'ts 2O in said circuit acts to release the locking mechanism and vthus disconnect the selector' bai' from the operating rod. In'the continued movement of the rod by the opera tor, the selector bar thus remains positioned over the file in which the tiling material `is `V to be placed'or from which it is Yto be with drawn. Upon the operating` rod 17 are Lfixed a plurality of abutments 21 adapted in the movement of the rod to its initial position to also carry thelselector bars to their `respectiveinitial positions, and also/carried bys'aid lrod is a fixed abutment suchas a col lar 22 adapted when the rod is nioved'tothe limit of its oiierating stroke to actua-te 'mech anisinl to restore the keys to their initial op erativewposition and thereby break the elec triccircuitr established by the selector bai'.

Y "In the present embodiment of the invention, there `is shown, by way of example, a tiling system `in which the consecutive. tile units are designated numerically, butV it will v115y be understood that any preferred designating characters maybe employed.. Thus, referring to4 Figs. 10 and ,12, the apparatus Vis shown as adapted for use withililc drawers in whiclrthe h`le units are arranged in divisioiis,each-providing one hundred separatoi-soi' filing `Areceptacles, the tirst'hundrcd being designated generally A, the second i3, the thirdl @,vand so on.l A selector bar 16 .is provided' for each division (Fig. 1), each bar being'provided with a plurality ofcoutact "members arranged to eoact with the respective guides which are arranged inset-s of ten. Upon thedepression of the proper keys of a. partition 1e (Figs. 2 and 3) into sepafor the selection of a certain le or guide, a

Cie

normally open electric circuit is formed which may be closed by theselector bar in its movement by thev operating rod, whereuponl the electro-magnet in the circuitacts to release the selector bar in the 'desired position( The ii/ventana n detail.

A Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the compartment 13Zyl of the casing is' open at its forward end whereby to perin'it of the insertion of a filing drawer 26 (Fig. 2). For receiving said drawer, the

. compartment is provided in its lower portion upon opposite sides thereof, with a pair ofy angular supporting rails 27 which are pivotally mounted upon links 28 and at their rear ends-shaped to provide stops 29 for limiting the rearward movement of the drawer relative thereto. rlhe links are inclined forwardly slightlyA so that as the draweris moved to therearward limit of its movement relative to its supports 27, the continued movement thereof will cause the said members to swing upwardlyupon,theirl links 28 from the position shown in Fig. 3 to that .shown inv Fig. 2, in which the linksengage stops 28a (Fig. 6). Carried by said supporting rails 27 are a plurality of upright members 30 having at their upper ends'cam portions 31 adapted to actuate means for engaging the lile units in the drawer for the purpose of making electrical contact thcrewitl'i, as will be presently described. f

It is understood, of course, that each drawer ofthe filing system isl especially equipped so that when it is placed in operative position within the Veasing compartment 8 it formswith the mechanism of the casing the complete apparatus. Referring now ,Y to Figs. 2, t), 9 10'and lOfbparticularly, a

special form of file unit which isy adaptedy to consume aslittle space as possiblefis preferably en'iployed, and moreover is especially constructed forthe purposer of enabling the formation'of the electro-i'i'iagnetic circuits in which said units are placed ink the fop'eiation of the keys. Said units are consecutively arranged rin a predetermined" order as V f roin'l to 100 in each division, andthe division in turn'is subdivided into setsof units of'a'given number as,"for example, 101 and each unit` bears a designation, as, lfor eX- ample, a numeral.

Referring now lto Fig. is preferably formed from a single v.sheet of inaterialadapted to be folded along aleen-V tral score and ldivided alongrelatively.

9 each set of unitsk staggered lines 33 to forma plurality of flaps 34, The flaps on each side of the score 32 are alternately numbered and the set is formed by folding the vflaps successively into engagement with each other. Thus, with the blank lying flat upon a surface, the '10 Hap' is first swung upwardly and then downwardly over the 11 flap, the 11 vflap together with the 10 flap are swung downwardly and forwardly'until the rear' side of the v11 flap engages with the 12 flap; the 12 flap, together with the precedingrflaps are vthen swung upwardly and rearwardly into! env c gageinent with the 13 flap, and so on, fornii'ng between adjacent flaps when folded guides or receptacles for receiving material to be filed. Herein the blank from vwhich eachzset of units is formed is made of Ymetal so as to constitute a conductor for electric c-urrent, andto insulate the several sets from each other, .sheets of insulation 15 (Fig. 10)Y may be employed. It will be understood., however, that other materials for the units may be adopted and suitable connections for conducting the current to the respective units employed. Upon opposite sides of the drawer, and also upon the bottom, sheets 15b and 15C of insulating material are employed (Figs. 2, 10vand 11). Separate sheets are provided foreach division and preferably the side sheets are corrugated or rougliened as shown in Fig. 11 to receive theopposite edges of the insulated sheets 15a, whereby to maintain the sets in upright position.v As shown clearly in Fig. 9, each of the iaps is provided with a tab for receiving a designating character. As shown in Fig. 2,' the upper portionsyof the file units project ashort distance above the upper edge of the drawer 26,l and abovev the opposite walls of -tlie drawer adjacent the opposite sides, of said. sets of file units is mounted a pair of bars 36 each supporting a conduit 37 carrying wires 38 one for each of the sets of units in a division, and .arranged to be connected. therewith to form electro-magnetic circuits which vare arranged `to be set up to accomplish the selectionA of a given unit. HereinA each` ofthe bars 36 carries a plurality of ribs 39. each adapted to be engaged by a finger 40-on one of the sets of file units, the lingers Ll-O being so arranged relative to each other andthe ribs A39 that an'electrical connectionis `made between each set and its .proper rib; Said ribs are respectively connected to the wires 38 in the conduit 37..

lll() Referring to 12,? the wires'38 are i shown diagramm atically` as having a connection each with a certain one of the sets of units in each division, so Ithat the several corresponding setsv of Aall of the divisions may be controlled by a single key as will appear more fully hereinafter.

-fVInorde-r that effective electric contact be` tween the ribs 3.9 and` fingers l0 shall be Vthe diagrammatic view in made, the bars 36 carrying the ribs 39 are mounted 4for movementJ into engagement with the tile sets when the drawer is moved into its operative position in the apparatus. For this purpose, the bars 36 are carried by rods-111 mounted on the walls oi the compartment 13, with tension springs i2 tending to draw the bars at all times toward said walls. The cam portions 31 on the upper ends of the bars 30 which are carried by the supporting bars 2T, are arranged to engage with blocks carried by the bars 36 so as to force the latter inwardly into engagement with the sets of tile units.

The selector bars 16 are mounted tor movement longitudinally of the casing 13, being for this purpose guided by a longitudinal guideway @A provided on one wall of the casing and a guideway L145 formed by means ot slot in the partition 1d in the casing. Each bar 16 carries a plurality ot switch members or contact devices 16 (sec particularly Fig. which are arranged to engage with the tabs of the units and thereby complete an electric ccuit. in the diagrammatic view (Fig. 12) said contact devices d6 are indicated by arrows, and it will be seen that they are arranged so that in the longitudinal movement of the bar in the casing, each device will engage successively with the 4corresponding units of the s-everal sets conta-ined in each division. Each of said contact devices is connected by means of suitable wiringita (Figs. t and 5) with a contact member or clip i7 on the upper right hand portion of the selector bar (Figs. 2 and 5) the latter being arranged to slidably engage with bus-bars 48 upon the under side of the top wall 24; of the casing. in Fig. 12, the clips i7 are indicated by arrows and the bus-bars 118 by parallel lines.

Within the `rearward portion of the compartment v13b is provided a batteryA 19 (shown diagrammatically only, Fig. 12), and the

wires

36 and 18 are arranged to be connected in circuit with said battery by means oi the keys 19 1). For this purpose each of the wires S8 is connected to a contact member'O (Figs. 3 and 6) with the exception ot' the one (399) which is connected with the first set ot each division,

which is in circuitwith` the battery when the keys are in their normal or inoperative position tor a purpose which will hereinafter4 be described.v A continuous contact Vmember 51 (Fig. 6) is'connected at all times in circuit with the batteryl) (Fig. 12) and the contact members are arranged to be connected with said member 51 by means ot switch members 52 carried by the stems 25 ofi the tens keys 19". Similarly, the busbars 18 are connected respectively with contact members 53, and a continuous contactA member 54C, which is at all times in circuit with the battery 4:9, is' arranged tov be con-v nected with said members by means oi' switch members carried by the stems ot the units keys 19. Here also, however, one wire d6", which is connected with the iirst or unit of each division, is at all times in the battery circuit when the keys 19a' are in inoperative position. This connection ofthe zero wires 38a and 48a in circuit withivthe battery when the 'keys are notrdepressed is provided so that when it is desired to select the iirst unit ot each division, as for example the Zero unit' of division A or the 10,0 unit oi division B, such unit will bein circuit.` The means for forming such circuits with the Zero units of the several divisions when the keys are in inoperative -position may comprise sets of staggered contact Amembers 56 and 57 (Figs.- 1a and S) upon .the un` der side ot the topV wall 21ojt the casing .13,

which are arranged. to kbeclosed by

switch members

58 and 59 carried by the stems ofthe keys 19aand 19b respectively. Normally the keys are held' in tlieiruppermost or springs 60 bearing key stems and the bottom'of the housing 62 through which the key stems pass. At their lower ends the key stems pass through a plate 63 supported a short distance above the bottom et the casing. Said yplate also serves asa support for the

Contact members

50, 51, 53 and 54. Y f

It willv be seen that by 'depressing any .one oi the tens keys'19b, a desired set 15ineach division may be placed in circuit with the battery 49, and by depressing a vunits key 19a, the proper contact member for aV given'unit of such set may also be placed in said circuit. The circuit, however, remains open until closed by a contact device 16 upon one of the selector bars 16 in the movements of the latter, and such closing'of the circuit energizes the electro-magnets 20 and the proper one acts to edect arelease of the selector bar` is a pair of'spaced `ears orl plates 65 aper-v inoperative position by compression between collars 61 on they Y extending at its `forward end through the forward wall of the casingtured to receive the rod 17. and carried by:

said plates is one member 66 of tbelatch mechanism 18 which is operable-by the depression o one of the keys 19 to selectively" connect. ,ene/,of the bars 16 `withthe rod 1'?. p

To this end the latch mechanism comprisesa latch member 66 'pivota-lly mounted betweenV the plates on a p ivot-ta'and slidable ylongitu dinall y of a f rod 67 formingp'art of 5 a swingable cradle operatively associated with the -lreys 19% A cradle-is'provided foreach of theselector barsand .comprisesiin combi;- nation with' the rod 67 a. sleeve -68 mounted upon a vshaft 69 suitably 'mounted fin the casing, said sleeve having arms 70va11d76 ixed thereto at opposite-ends, which carryat their tree ends the ro'd67. v AThe connections: between'said cradles 4and their respective keys 19 may comprise Vkey bars'Tl one for each otsaid keys,l '19t-pand connected therewithby means ofcrank arms 72, rock shafts'Qa and arms -73' (Figs. 3, and 6). Thelatter are pivoted on' 'the shafts 72a which` extend' between the partition V14 and an upright longitudinali plate 74. Eachot vsaid key 'bars 7l is arranged "to'swling la finger 75 iixe'dl upon a rockshaft/foi1 (Figsi and 7) also `carried by the Apartition andplate 74'v and havingV rigid therewith an arm 75h pivoted to the keybar 71. The freefendof l iinger' engageswiththe unjdersideof the ,arm` 76 (Fig. 2)' vwhich is-rigid With :thev sleeve 66 of the cradle, so `that in thezdepres-I sion of one ot the keysfjlQZ/thecorresponding linger is caused .to `swing upwardly carrying with it the arm 76 and thereby im# parting to the rod 67'o1i3the' corifespondii'ig cradle a swinging n'iovemeiit.-j Y In such move-V ment the latch member 66i`s swting'into en= gagement with 'the rod. 17, and the latter, inr order to permit oithe lockingotithe' lrod against longitudinal movement relative-to the latch members, and hence tothe selector bar, is provided With a plurality Voi` notches will be seenth'at by reason ofthe sliding con--y casing tends to draw the arm downward'lyfA and thus hold the pin 79 in engagement with the latch member. By this mecih'a'nism,it will be seen that upon the depression otanyv one oi' the keys 19c itscorresponding latch member 66 Willbe moved into locking en#vv gagement ivit-h the rod 17 and held in suchengagement by a latch member TS'engaging with an arm ti. Accordingly, uponthe op`- y eration of the operatingrod '17 the/selectorv bars 16 when connectedVV thereto are `moved forwardly and their Contact members i6 moved successively into engagement v'With the corresponding` units oi" the several--setsof their divisions. in order that such comico-- f such unit, th'elatc'h membersff 8 are arranged Y to'. be-actuated' by the electro-magnets 20,

These latter (Figi 12)are arranged in par# f allel in the' battery circuit, and by reason lof the ciosingot;thezcircuit effectedrby a contact.-membentengaging With a given unit, p

lall* oftheelectromagnets are actuatedtoV release Whichever llatch member f 78 has been en gaged "Withian'11211176l To this end thel'atch -menrbeiis 'pivoted upon a stationary bracket Sl'carriedbyrthe electro-magnet, und. is rigid v with ake'epe'r bar 82-which is normally'held in inoperative 'positionby meanso'f aspiring 83. r:The operationlof the' kmagnet"1i-pon the closing ,ofthe circuit thus causes .y the latch' member 78 to* become disengaged. from :the

pin-.7 9 of'the arm 76,. whereupon spring s-vvings the armand thereby :thecradle to,k cause 'fthe'llatch member 66 .tol swing out' of engagement with itsA notch 77 inthe operatingerodlfv e 'n 1 VIn lorder Vthat the.V selector kbar 16, which travels-i' overthe `first division A, will` bey Y moved .in/theoperation of the operating rod lwvhennone ot the keys 19 are depressed (the latter being 'primarily adapted to select fthe-.proper bar' forv the, divisions other than the-Frst) as special latch mechanism /lSfis provided Whiclrnormall connects the operating rodY tol y thefiirst rse ector bar -16, andV this latch mechanism isarrangedto be operated vupon the depression ofv any one of!thefkeysllQc so as to-'releas'e said con-4 nectiio'n.v The means -for' accomplishing this result comprises ((seeFigsand 4) a finger 84 rigid With va" transversesliaft 85 carried ybetween :the partition 114 and' Athe' plate' 74,"

a'iid thel'lattergvhas fixed thereon a plurality ofF'arms 861'each carrying la `pivot stud 87V operatively."engaging in the forward endV of an'arcuate slot 288 in onefofjthe key* The'slots'88 are provided toperbars 71. l Y mitjof relative movement between the 'key bars. Thel free end of the finger 84 passesthrough an opening (Fig. 3) inan arm"76f carried by the sleeve 68 ofthe cradle-for the selectorjbar of division A. A latch mem'Y ber'66aV slidable' relative'to Athe rodA 67- of said cradle normally' engages with the Op# erating-'rod 17, being held in such position by means 'otra coiled tension spring 80a interposedtbet-Ween the arm 76a and an extension 62a of the 'housing' 62, through which the stems/25 lof the l''eys 19c pass. Upon thefdovvnv-'ard mm'fementv of the arm 86 inthe operation of the finger84 by the depression ofany one or' Vthe keysl9c, lthe latch member 66 is moved out of enga ement'withk the operating rod 17. By t "S, ari-angemei-n, itvvill be seen'tha't When none of the keys 19c`are depressed the movement oit the operating rod 17 will carry the first selector bar 16 into engagement with the units of its division; and when-any -one of the keys 19c is depressed so as to effect a connection between the operating rod and Vone of the other selector bars, the connection Vbetween the irst selector bar and the operating rod is released.

For the ,purpose of locking the keys 19a Vand 19b in their depressed position untilv especially released, means is provided (Figs. 3 and 8,) comprisinga latch member 89 for each of said keys, the stems Vof the latter being providedk with notches 90 in their edges (Fig. 3s) to receive said latch members when forced by means of leaf springs 91. Said springs are carried 'by the latch members and their free ends engage in notches 92 formed in a longitudinallyslidable plate 93 v mounted upon thefunder side of the hous- Said ing 62 within the compartment 13b.

yplate Ihas a laterallyextending arm 94 which projects into the path oi? movement of the collar 22 on the operating rod 17, and the parts are so arranged that as the rod approaches the eXtreme end ofthe forward stroke, the collar engages with the arm 94 ltovcause the'plate 93 to vmoveforwardly The operation.

Referringto Fig. 1, a filing drawer con? vtaining a plurality oi' file units arranged in y sets'and the latter grouped to Aform divisions asA, B, C, etc. with permanent partitions 97 therebetween, (Figs. 10 and 12), is inserted into the compartment 13a of the casing of the apparatus through the open forward end thereof, upon the supporting jrailsf27. As the drawer is moved into engagement Vwith the stops 29 at the rear ends of said rails, the latter are swung upwardly.

upon-.their links 28 yto'elevate the drawer into the position shown in Fig. 2. In this upward movement of the drawer, the cam members 31 carried by the supporting railsv 27 engage with the longitudinal bars 36 so as to move them and vthe ribs 39 carried thereby vinwardly whereby to cause the ribs to make electrical contact with the fingers 40 carried by the several sets 15 of file units.y The bars 36 with ribs 39 and the fingers 40 are for convenience divided and arranged on opposite sides ot the drawer.

Should it be desired to select unit 123, for

example, the operator depressestheA 100 key of the-keys 19C; the`2() key of the keys 19";

and the 3 key of the keys 19a. In this operation the secondy or division B selector bar 16 is `connected to thel operating rod .17,

and the associated latch `mechanism 18.

Moreover,the set 15 of iile units containing the unit 123 is placed in circuit with the battery 49 by aswitch member 52 which is cai'f Y ried by the stem ot the 20 key, said set of units being connected by a wire'38 to the contact v50 which isV arrangedto be con? nected by the switch. member,V 52 with the contact memberl 51 connected to the! battery. The depression of the-3l keyV places the fourth contactdevice'46 of thefdevision lik selector :bar `in circuit withgthe battery through the vmedium oi the switch member and

contact members

53 and 54 the vmember 53 being connected by means of the particular ,bus 48,which makes .contact with the proper contact device Von .theselectoi' bar, and the member 54 being connectedv with the battery with the set oielectro-magnets 20 interposed in the circuit. Y' 7 The divisionB selector bar 16 having been connected to the operating rod 17 the i forwardv movemento the latter carries the contact devices thereof intov engagement with the units of theV several sets of the division until the proper contact device engages with the unit 123. Immediately upon such engagement, an electrofmagnetic circuit is closed and an electro-magnet 20 acts to re-f with the arm 76 which has been swung upwardlyV by the-depressmnl of the key.. Such release of the arm 76 permitsrothe movementthereof, and lconsequently of the rod 67, by the spring 80, whereby to cause' the latch member/66 to become disengaged from its notch 77 inthe rod 17. The result is that as soon as the selector bar becomes lease the latch member 7 8 from engagement positionedoyer iile unit 123, its connection Y with the operating rod is rendered ineffectiveso that stoppage of the bar immediately v The engagement of the con Should it be desired` to select a unit of the i first division, as for example, unit 13, no del pression of any of the keys 19c becomes Anecessary since the first selector bar 16 is atall times connected with the 'operating rod through the medium of the latch mechanism A18, (Fig. 3) such connection being rendered ineii'ective when the keys 19c vare' operated for the selection of any of t-he other bars.y

In case it is desired to `select the firstunit of any division as, tor example, unit 100, this may be accomplished without depressing the keys '19lq or 19 sincethe circuits controlled by such units and tens keys is normally closed throughl thevmediuml of the contact members 58 andv59 connecting respectively pairs o'i

contact members

56 and 57, the contact members being connected respectively with thecontact device oi the selectorv bar 16 for the 100 unit, and with the battery: and the contact men'ibers 57 being respectively connected Witlithe set 15 containing the 100 unit, and with the battery.

After the particular unit which it is desired. to select has Vbeen indicated by the proper selector bar, the operator ceases-t actuatethe krod 17 until the desired tiling operation .has beenr completed.` Thereupon, the rod i7' is moved to the A.forward limit ot' its stroke `which causes the collar 22 .to engage key releasing mechanism. `Uponsuch release off theY keys, Athe circuits `estal'ilislied thereby arebroken..` Thereupon, the rod is moved to its rearmost position and in this movement, the abutments 3l thereon engage with the plates 65.depending.;l from tlie'f'selector bars and restore any bars which have been moved,-to rtheii' initialpositions for another opera-tion.

It will be seen'that the invention provides in general-a` system whereby the selective designation oit `certain ot' the yunits oli a group or series may be eiiected quickly and easily. Thus it provides a distributing sys-4 tem which is capable of Vgreatly facilitating the operation oililing letters, .cards7 or the like, vorin distributing any other` matter according to,l a predetermined order. The pi'eliminaryv sorting ofthe matter to'bek led is -eliminated,`and at' the same time thel speed' and accuracy with which `the distributioir may be accomplished is relatively great.`

It` is desired particularly to point outthatthe invention is not intended-to be limited tothe particular means hereindisclosed for designating the paiticularunit which. itis desiredV to select since other means may readily be devised without departing from vthe spirit and scope of the invention.

l claim as my invention: l i f u I 1.1. Jin Vapparatus otI the character'` described comprising, the combination with a filing drawer :havin-0f a pluralityof tiling" units therein arranged in definite order, of.

a plurality of bars movable relative to said units and adapted to engage therewith, vkeycontrolled electro-magnetic circuits adapted to be closed inthe movements ofisaid bars by contact With said filing units, and mechanism operable upon the closing of said circuits to cause said bars t-o designate certain of the ling umts asdetermined by the inai iiipulation of the keys. f

An apparatus ot the character described, comprising, the combination with a luralit of units arranged in a definite orith the arm 94 off the der and adaptedto be'supported in'uprightposition, of a plurality ot ldevices/'movable relative ,to saidk units and adapted to engage circuit andinovable simultaneously into engagement lwith all of the Vfile units so as to forin- 'key-controlled' electrical' connections therewith, means movable into'` 'engagement with Y'the/successive tile units andl vadapted to complete said electro-magnetic circuits, and

mechanism operablerupon the engagement of said meansfwith `a predetermined ,file unit -whereby to designate such predetermined unit. ,I y l 4. 'An 'apparatus of the character describedV comprising,l the combination with a plurality ot units ai'ji'angedin a definite order, of mean'sarranged to forin'with each ot said'units a' key-controlled electro-magnetic circuit'normally open, and means for clo the circuit containing apartioular. u. selectedfby the operation of a key- An lapparatus of the character' 'described comprising, in combination, a plurality ofgseparating units, means forsupporting said units, meansi-ncluding devices movable int-o engagement -with said ,units Asuccessively adapted to provide anele'ctro-magnetic circuit with each' of said units, keys for controlling each of said'circuits, and mechatherewith,- key-controlled electro-magnetic i no nismoperable upon the engagement of a device with the unit in the circuit select-ed by the depression of one or more of said keys whereby to actuate the electro-magnet in said circuit and cause such 'device to designate said unit. u i

6. An apparatus of the character described comprisingythe combination with a groupfof file units varranged in a definite order, of means adapted to designatea predetermined one of said units including an inf dicating device,'means for actuating said devicepand means` automatically operable in the movement of Asaid vdevice to'cause it to designate the predetermined unit.:

7. An apparatus rof'the character described coii'iprising'in combination with a plurality of separatorv units of means for supporting said units 'in a predetermined order', means for establishing with each 0i saidunits an electric key-controlled circuit,l including an operating member, a plurality of switch devices i'orsaid circuit, means carrying said switch devices, and latch mechanism adapted to connect said operating member with saigd switch-carrying means whereby the switch devices may be moved into engagement with the units successively, and electro-magnetic means operable upon the engagen'ient by one of said devices With a predetermined unit to operate said latch mechanism and thereby'ielea-se the switchcarrying means from further movement by the operating menibei.

8. ln an apparatus .of the character de scribed, the combinati-on With a plurality of separator units arranged in a definite orderv and divided into divisions with the divisions subdivided into sets, of means for forming with each set a portion of an electric circuit, means adaptedto form With each of said units another port-ion of an electric circuit, includingmeans operable to close each of said circuits by contact` With said units,a series .of keys in each of said portions of the circuit, and mechanisml operable upon the depression of one or more oit' saidkeys to effect a designation ot a corresponding unit or units.

9. In` anv apparatus olirtlie character de.- scribed, the combination ot' a pluralityV of separator units, means adapted to 'form With each ot said units an electriccircuit,

v controlling means for said'circuits whereby aparticular circuit maybe selected, and means operable upon such selection of a circuit to designate theparticular unit included in that circuit. L

`10. In anapparatus oi the character described, the combination with a plurality of separator' units, of means for designating a. given one of said units including an electro-magnetic circuit, and key-operated means for controlling the circuit. l

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a plurality of separator units, ot means for designating a given one of said units including an electric circuit, an electroanagnet in said circuit, .an indicator device operatively associated with said magnet,rand manually operable means for controlling said circuit.

l2. In an apparatus of the character dcscribed, the combination with a plurality of separator units, of means for designating a given one o't' said units including an electric circuit, an electro-magnet inl said circuit, an operating` member, an indicator device adapted to be operatively connected with said operating member and operatively associated with said magnet whereby the latter is adapted to release the connection between said device and member. and means for controlling the circuit.

13. In an apparatus ot the character described, the combination ot a plurality of separator units, means tor dividing the units into divisions, and means for designating certain of said units including an .electric circuit having an electro-magnet therein for each division, an indicator device for each division, an operating member, means controlled by said magnet for connecting any one of said devices to said member, key-V operated means -lior controlling said con-L necting means Wlierebyto select the device for theV division to be koperated upon and containing the unit to be selected, and keyoperated means for controlling said'electric circuit to select the desired unit of such division. f

lil. Invan apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality yof into divisions, and means for designating certain of said umts including an electric circuit having a plurality of electromagnets Vseparator units, means for dividing the units p therein, a plurality of indicator devicesan operating member, means controlled by saidv scribed, the combination of a plurality ofV separator units, means for dividing the .units into divisions,and means Vfor designating a desired unit including an indicator 'device for each division, a plurality'ot electric cir- -Y cuits having lcontrolling keys whereby any desired unit in the several divisionsmay be selected ior designation, keycontrolled mechanism for selecting the indicatorV device ofV the `division in Which the desired one of said units is found, and ymechanism under the control of said electric. circuits vfor n operatively associating' the indicator device selected by the operation of one of said 'lastmentioned keys With the desired unit in such division whereby Ato effect a designation thereof. Y

16. In an apparatus ofthe character described, the combination of a plurality ofv separator units, means for dividing the units linto divisions, andmeans for designating a desired unit including an indicator device foreach division, a-plurality of 'electric circuits having controlling keys whereby any desired unit in the several divisions may be selected tor designation, key-controlledM mechanism ior selecting the indicator device o't the division in which thev desired one of said units is found, means for moving'the indicator device .selected by the operation of one of said last-mentioned keys into engage- Leemans of the several divisions, keys for controlling f said circuits, key-controlled mechanism for selecting the indicator device `of the division containing the desired unit, and mechanism under the control of said electric circuits for operatively associating the selected indicator device with the desired unit in its division whereby tov effect the designation thereof.

L18. In an apparatus of the character-,de-

f scribed,.the combination of a. plurality of file units, a drawer for containing said units arranged in sets with the units of each set;

electrically connected together, and `means adapted to form with any desired unit of a given setk a key-controlled electric circuit having an electromagnet therein, and mechanism operatively associated with said magnet-V whereby to eifect a designation of one of said units as determined by the,V depression of a.`

I9.y The combination set forth in` claim 18 wherein the sets of units are each formed from a single piece of metal divided kand folded to form a plurality of units.

20. In an apparatus of the character de.

scribed, the combination of a plurality of file units formed from a single piece of material divided to form` flaps which are each swingable from flat or extended relation through an arc of one hundred and eighty degrees with reference to the adjacent flap whereby to provideseparate divisions for the i'cceprtionof material tobe filed.

2l. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination .ofan electric cir cuit .including a unit to be selected` and a movable contact. means for moving the contact and an electro-magnet in` suoli circuit operable upon the engagementYofl said contact with the unit to effect the stoppage of the` contact. Y

22. In an apparatusofthe character de.-

scribed, the combination of an electric ci1-V cuit including a unit to be selected, a contact member, a carrier bar for said member, and. electro-magnetically controlled means for movingsaid bar until said ,Contact member engages such unit. p Y

23. In a device ofthe class describedI- the combination of a unit to beselected, of elec tromagnetically controlled means for selecting such unit, including anv electro-siagne t 'a `contact in circuit with said magneuand @rating member.

kmeansfor moving sad contact intoV engagement with the unit.

24.-.-In aldevicefofthe class described, the.

combination of .a unit to be .'selected, of electrically controlled means for 'selecting such unit including a controlling device having a out of engagement with saidunit, a second controlhng device also shaving a normallyy normally broken electrical connectionL with' the unit, a contact member movable into and v openelectrical connectionwith saidcont-act member, and means for moving said Contact member. fr v I e. Y v 2t. In .,anY apparatus ofthe character flescribed the combination with a plurality .of

units arranged in a definite order,'.of.electro 'magnetically controlled means for selecti a predetermined one of y saidunits, sai

means including key-controlled means pro viding a continuous electrical connection V`be..

tween an .one of said units `and one pola of-:

means providing an Aelectrical,connection be;

.source o electric. energy, .and key-.controlled .e

tween the other pole of ,said source ofen-` i vergy and said unit.

26. In anv apparatus ofthe character described the combination with a plurality of -units arranged'in a definite order, o'electromagnetically controlledmeans for selecting a predetermined one of said units, said means including a source of .electric energy,

keys'controlled means providing a ,continuous electric connection between' one 'pole of l said source of energy and a kgiven one of the? unitsz a plurality of contact members mov able into engagement withgsaidvunits auccas-v sively, and key-controlled means providing a continuous electrical connection between a giveno'ne of said contact devices and the Other pole of saidsource ofen'erg'y. e Character de. Y

27. In an apparatus yof th scribed the combination with a pluralityV of units arranged in a. definite order, ofvmeans p for automatically selecting a predetermined one of said units, said means including lan indicatordevice movable into. Contact with' said unitssuccessively, and mechanism operating yto causesaid device ini ysuch movementV to designate said predetermined unit.`

28. In an apparatus of the'character def scribed the combination 'with a plurality `of units arranged in a definite order` of means for selecting apredeterminedyone of saidv units, said means,includinganindicator device movable into contact with said units successively, and meansvfor moving said device: comprising an operatin member and means vunder the control of t e operator for lcon-` necting said indicating device with said op,-`

'29.`In an apparatusy of the characterde-i. scribed the combination with a plurality of units, said means including afiindicating Vunits.arranged in a definite order, of means. for selecting a predetermlned one of said device, an operating member, an electromagnet, and mechanical means operatively associated with said magnet for effecting a connection between said device and said perating member.

30. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a plurality of units arrangedin a definite order, of means for selecting a predetermined one of said units, said means including a member movable with respect to said units, an operating member, an electro-magnet, and a latch device operatively associated with said mag-- netand adapted to effect a connection between said operating member and said movable member.

A31. In an apparatus of' the character described, the combination with a plurality of units arranged in a definite order, of means Vfor selecting a predetermined one of said units, said means including an indicating device and an operating member therefor, and key-actuated means for effecting a connection between said operating member and said indicating device.

32. In an apparatus of the character described the combination of a plurality of units arranged in a ldefinite order, of means for selecting a predetermined one of said units, said means including an indicating device, an operatingmember, a latch device adapted to connect said operating member and said indicating device, and manually operable means for actuating said latch device. y

33. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a `plurality of units, of means for selecting a predetermined `one of said units, said means including an indicating device, an operating member, a

latch device adapted to connect said operating member and said indicating device, manually operable means for actuating said latch device in one direction, spring-actuated means operable to hold said latch device in its operative position, and means including an electroemagnet adapted to render said holding means ineffective.

34C. yIn an apparatus of the character de-l scribedthe combination with a plurality of units, of means for selecting` a predetermined one of said units, said means including an operating member, apart to be connected with said member for movement thereby,

key-actuated means operable to effect suchY connections, means for retaining saidmechanism in its connected relation, and means operable automatically in the movement of said operating member to release said retaining means whereby to disconnect said part from theoperating member.

, 85. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a plurality of units arranged in Aa definite order, of means for selecting' a predetermined one of said units, said means including a part adapted for movement with respect to said units, operating means, mechanism adapted to effect a connection between said part and said operating means, and means operable automatically in the movement of said part to effect the. release thereof from said operat ing means by said mechanism. f

36. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a plurality of units, means dividing the units into divisions and the units of each division into sets, and

means operableto effect the designation of' a predetermined one of said units, saidV means including asource of electric energy, means providing a normallyclosed electrical connection between vthe units of one set of each division and the source of electric energy, means providing normally open connections between the remaining sets of each division and such source'o'f electric energy,

and key-actuated switch devices each operv able to break the first or closed connectionv and then to close one of the second or openr means operable to effect'the designation closed connection between said unit and the source of electric energy when said device is in contact with said unit, and means pro-` viding a normally closed connection between the other pole of said source yof electric energy and the set including the desired unit.

38,. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a plurality of file units arranged in a definite Order, of means for selecting a predetermined one of' said units, said means including Y devices movable into electrical contact withV anyone l of said units, a source of electric energy,

key-controlled means for effecting an electri cal connection betweensaid units and one pole of said source of electric energy, keycontrolled means for effecting a connection" between any one of' said devices and the other pole of said sourcel of electric energy. and means operable upon the completion of a circuit with any one of said units to effect. the stoppage of the corresponding device.

at). ln an apparatus of thecharacter deA scribed the combination with a plurality of file uni-ts, of means for selecting a predetermined one of said units, said means in cluding devices movable into electrical contactwith said units, a source of electric en?" ergy, manually-controlled means for effect'- ing an electrical connection bet-Ween said .gli

units and one pole oit' said. source of electric energy, manually-controlled means for effecting a connection between any one of. said contact devices and the other pole of said source of electric energy, and means operable upon the completion of a circuit to indicate the particular unit therein.

40. In an apparatus of the character described in combination with a plurality of units arranged in a deiinite order, of means for designating a predetermined one of such units including means adapted to provide an electrical connection between any one of said units and a source of electric energy, va yplurality of movable contact devices adapted to engage successively with said units, means for effecting an electrical connection between the opposite pole of said source of electric energy and the one of said devices which is adapted to contact such predetermined unit, and meansoperable upon the completion of the circuit by such contact to effect the designation of such unit.

4l. A system of distribution comprising, in combination with a plurality of Vfiling units, a receptacle containing said filing units arranged in a definite order, of a .plurality of selector devices, means for moving said devices relative to said tiling units, electro-magnetic means adapted to be electrically connected with said devices, and a keyboard operatively associated with and adapted to control said means whereby upon themovement of a. selector device longitudinally with reference to said drawer the designation of a desired tiling unit may be eifected.

42. The method of distribution which consists in moving a selector device relative to a tiling drawer or other receptacle and across the tile units contained therein, and stopping the selector device, by means of key-controlled electro-magnetic means, in position oi'fe'r a givenv file unit.

43. The method of distribution which consists in placing each of a series ot iile units in an electric circuit, and controlling said circuits by means of keys whereby to operate electrically indicating means for designating the particular unit desired.

44. The method ot' distribution' which consists in arranging` a plurality oi' units in a delinite order, groupingvthe units into sets, placing the set of units containing the unit to be selected into a normally open electro-inagnetic circuit by 4depressing a key, placing in said circuit one of a plurality of switch memi 7 of mechanism set in operation by the closing of said circuit by moving the'several switch members into engagement with their corresponding units in the several sets whereby the circuit controlled by the depressed keys becomes closed when the switch member in said circuit. comesin contact with its unit of the set in said circuit.

45.'The method of tiling which Vconsists in arranging a'plurality of tiling units in a definite order, placing the unit which is to be selected in a normallyopen electro-magnetic circuit by depressing one or more keys, and moving a switch member into engagement with successive units including the unit in said circuit to close the latter and set in operation means for'. designating the desired unit.

47. An apparatus of the character demsv scribed comprising,in combinationv with a source of electric energy, a unit to be indicated, an electrically controlled indicatorv therefor, a plurality of sets of key-switches, andelectrical connectionsbetween said source `and said vkey-switches and between said keyswitches and said indicator, said connections rbeing adapted to closethe electrical circuit tosaid indicator upon closing otra predetermined combination Vof said key-Switches.

48. The combination with ay plurality of units to be designated selectively, of a source of electric energy, means for electricallycon- .necting each of said units to opposite sides of said source of energy and said means constituting normally open circuits, one for each Vof said units, and two sets Vof switches conmy hand. y f v IRENE VVHETSTONE.

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