US1978952A - Device for tabulating machines - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 30, 1934. R LORANT DEVICE FOR TABULATING MACHINES Filed April 25. 1951 IN'VENTOR '3 Sheets-Sheet 1 r Oct. 30, 1934. R. LORANT DEVICE FOR TABULATING MACHINES Filed April 25. 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR ATLI'ORNEY Patented Oct. 30, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DEVICE FOR. TABULATING rmommssv poration of New York Application April 25, 1931, Serial No. 532,895

18 Claims.

This invention relates to a group control sys tem for tabulators and accounting machines and particularly such a system in which the control usually exerted between groups may be automatically suppressed.

The type of machine in which the present invention is embodied is-the form of tabulating and accounting machine designed to operate under control of successive records and accumulate and print items represented on records by differentially located perforations. The records are in the form of cards on each of which one item,

is entered, each figure of an item being entered in a separate card column. Certain card columns bear classification or designation data perforations which do not normally control accumulating operations but merely serve to identify the items and control machine operation to accumulate the items of each classification separately. Prior to the tabulating or accumulating run the cards are sorted into groups of like classification and on passing through the machine the classification perforations control machine operation so that data from successive cards are accumulated as long as the classification data do not change. In the usual form of group control a change in the classification data causes interruption of the accumulating operation and the machine may thereupon perform a total taking operation to permit printing of the totals of the accumulated data.

The invention is illustrated in connection with a machine having a group control system somewhat similar to that disclosed in the application of James W. Bryce, Serial No. 227,127, filed October 19, 1927, in which. the control data on the cards may be split into a number of sections. For

example, a main section, hereinafter referred to as the major group control, may include data e gnating a post ofllce number or a date. An-

other section, hereinafter referred toas the minor group control, may include data designating the number or amount of a money order.

The invention is not limited to a system in Q which such a relationship between the several sections exists. In fact, the sections may be entirely independent of any logical interrelationship but as ord narily requirements of accounting systems make it imperative that any control system adopted be at least capable of operating with such interrelations between the several control sections, the invention will be explained in connection with such a system.

A change in the classification data in the minor control section causes the machine to stop and take a reset operation and start again. During this time the record paper is fed a number of spaces, leaving an open space on the record sheet between the items diflering in classification. If desired, the total printing and resetting devices may be suppressed so that the total will not be printed and the amount standing on the accumulators will not be cleared out. A change in the data in the major control section stops the machine thus indicating that a total printing operation may be taken to record the amount standing on all the accumulator Since the minor classifications may be the same for successive major groups and since it is usually desirable to group all totals of each major group separately, at the end of each major group both the major and minor totals are taken.

Electrically operated machines of this type are provided with a total print shaft which is called into operation'at the end of each card group to make one or more revolutions fixed in number during which it drives the printing mechanism to permit total taking and reset the accumulating elements to zero. A paper feeding operation accompanies the total printing and resetting operation. In the present invention the paper feeding operation is not disturbed but the printing and resetting controls are suppressed as far as their eifect on the mechanism of the machine'is concerned.

' The, machines of the type used are arranged so that the controlling cards feed first to one set of analyzing devices and a machine cycle later to another set so that successive cards may be compared as to classification to determine whether the machine should continue tabulating or'go into a resetting total printing cycle. Also since the accumulators should ordinarily be cleared before starting a tabulating run, the machines have been arranged so that tabulating can be initiated only after a preliminary-reset cycle, this being effected by a relay having connections in the tabulating control circuits and a coil in the reset control circuits, the contacts being closed only after a reset operation and opened when the card groups change. In order to bring the first card from the magazine into cooperation with the adding control analyzing mechanism, the control contacts of the tabulating circuit are normally closed and adapted to' beopened at the end of a card group through the operation of the automatic control circuits. -When the cars are first placed in the magazine the machine may be started into complete automatic operation. by closing the usual tabulating start key. The first cycle of operation feeds the first card from the magazine to the first analyzing mechanism and provisions are made for automatically instituting a reset cycle at this time at the end of which another card feeding cycle is automatically instituted feeding the first card to the second set of analyzing mechanisms whereupon the machine remains in automatic operation.

While the invention for the purposes of illustration will be explained in connection with the two section control and paired record cards, it is obvious that the same principles apply to other systems in which any number of control systems may be provided and a different number of cards may be grouped together to exercise the novel type of group control described herein.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a new and improved form of automatic group control device for tabulating machines.

An object of the invention is to provide devices for suppressing the control exerted at the end of and between groups of records in group controlled accounting and tabulating machines.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for preventing total printing and resetting operations from being initiated by control deices between groups of records passing through an accounting and tabulating machine provided with group control devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic control system for accounting machines which comprises a major group control and a minor group control and in which the minor control is prevented from functioning due to changes of minor classification between groups, but allowed to function when changes of classification occur within a group; while the major control is effective at all times to stop the machine for total printing and resetting when a change in the major classification takes place.

Another object of the present invention is to provide devices for suppressing the operation of a group control means at the end of agroup of records and between groups of records passing through a tabulating machine, while retaining said control over the records within each group.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for operating paper feeding devices in order to provide visible indication of a disagreement between classifications or amounts of records within a group.

Another object of the present invention is to provide devices for suppressing a group control system on alternate cycles of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide control devices for comparing the classifications and/or the amounts ofsuccessive record cards as they pass through an accounting machine in groups without comparing the record cards of different groups.

Another object of the invention is to provide control devices for comparing pairs of successively fed record cards without comparing cards of different pairs.

Another object of the invention is to provide devices for producing a printed record with an indication of difference in classification and/or amount between record cards in a group which is supposed to be made up of cards agreeing in classification and amount.

Another object of the-invention is to provide a means under control of the first record card of each group being fed through a tabulating machine for rendering a group control device effective.

Another object of the invention is to provide means under control of the first record card of each group passing through an analyzing device for selecting an accumulator, a particular section of printing mechanism, and rendering effective a normally suppressed group control device.

The invention is illustrated by a problem in post omce work involving money order payment verification. An amount is paid in a certain post ofiice which issues a money order entitling the party to whom the order is directed to draw the amount from some other post ofiice. The other post office cashes the order slip and returns a record to the office of issuance for comparison and verification of the amount of the order. It is then advisable to compare the amount paid out with the amount paid in. In order to check up on the transaction a perforated record card is made for each money order issued by the post ofiice receiving payment for the money order and a card is also made for each money order cashed or paid out in other post ofilces. It is obvious that each money order transaction will be recorded on a pair of associated record cards, the amount and identification perforations of which should coincide. The cards may be colored differently to distinguish the paid in cards from the paid out cards.

The cards are next sorted to bring a related pair together with one of the pair on top of the other so that one .of the cards leads the pair in going through the tabulating machine. Thev cards could be compared by hand but this would be a long and tedious task. The next operation after sorting is to accumulate and tabulate the data on the cards and also compare the cards to determine whether they were sorted correctly and if the amounts on both cards of the pair are the same. This operation is performed in a tabulating machine. The machine used is one having minor and major control, the functioning of which is outlined in the early part of this specification. The perforations relating to post ofiice designation or date of payment may be H used to govern the major control. The perforations representing amounts and money order number or identification may be used to govern the minor group control devices in the tabulator.

The first record card of each pair when fed through the tabulating machine acts to render effective the means previously disabled to prevent the comparison of the minor classifications on the said card with the last card of the previous pair. This is accomplished by a special perforation in the first card of each pair which closes circuits to energize devices to break a short circuit placed across the minor group control contacts to prevent a resetting and total printing operation as the result of comparing cards in different pairs. On the next operation of the machine the other card of the pair is fed into the machine and placed in a position adapting it to be compared with the first card of the pair. The circuit previously set up by the first card through the special hole is broken at the end of this operation and then minor group control devices are again ineffective to compare the next card of another pair with the last cardv of the pair compared. Should the cards of a pair diner in the minor classification such as in amount or money order number the minor control devices function to stop the machineand motor into operation.

This motor usually operates devices for printing a total of the amount accumulated and other devices for resetting the accumulator wheels. In the present use of the minor control function the total printing and accumulator resetting devices are prevented from functioning. Only the paper feeding devicesare permitted to actuate to indicate by wide spacing on the record sheet that successive cards of a pair disagree in classification or amount. The machine is automatically started again after the reset operation.

The operation of the machine continues until a change in major classification occurs. The machine is then stopped and conditioned for the taking of a total of all the amounts accumulated.

The foregoing objects and other incidental objects which will appear hereinafter will be clear from the following detailed description which should be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a control circuit diagram of a tabulator equipped with the automatic control device of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows an example of the printed record produced under control of the novel devices of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows another sample record with selective accumulation and separate listing of amount paid in and amount paid out.

. Fig. 4 is a detail view showing a portion of a record card which is provided with a special perstart a reset foration.

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation view through the printer and main operating mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the paper feed operating devices.

The devices of the present invention are shown connected to the circuit in Fig. l by wires represented on the diagram by heavy lines. The circuit diagram in its general features is similar to that shown in the patent to Daly and Page, No. 1,762,145, June 10, 1930. The broad features of the circuit operation and the detailed operation of the machine parts are fully explainedin that application and will be very briefly covered in the present case. However, the new features and the changes necessary to secure the novel control desired will be explained in detail.

The machine circuits are energized from a source of energy, indicated at B, through a double-pole switch SW which when closed energizes the main lines 10 and 11. The accumulating and card feeding mechanisms are driven by the tabulating motor TM through a one revolution clutch controlled by the card feed clutch magnet 13 which is in series with the .tabulating motor. The motor control relay contacts 14 are normally closed andare arranged to .be opened by the motor control relay'15 on a change of record classification as will be hereinafter explained.

Disregarding the preliminary card feeding operation and assuming cardsto be under the lower analyzing brushes LB and the upper analyzing brushes UB, tabulating may be started by closing the start key contacts ST whereupon a circuit will be established from main line 10 through the tabulator motor TM, card feed clutch magnet -13, start key contacts ST, to the motor control relay contacts 14, normally closed, and thence through vstop key contacts S, cam contacts-P3,

. main line 11.

closed during tabulating, to the other main line 11. As long as the motor control relay contacts remain closed, which will be as long as the card designations do not change, the tabulating motor TM remains energized and card feed clutch magnet 13 is energized at the proper time in each cycle to continue the card feed so that data may be picked up from the successive cards by the lower brushes LB and entered into the usual accumulating mechanismirepresented by magnets 16 and the ordinary printing devices represented by magnets 127.

As a result of the change in the card group perforations in the major or minor control sections,

the motor control relay magnet 15 will be energized as hereinafter explained to open contacts 14 thus deenergizing the tabulating motor TM and card feed clutch magnet 13 to stop the accumulating mechanism and interrupt card feeding. The disengagement of the card feed clutch as usual, closes contacts 17 to prepare the circuit of the reset motor RM.

If the automatic reset switch 18 is closed at this time, a circuit is established through the reset motor from main line 10, through the reset motor RM, reset clutch magnet 19, contacts 17, thence through contactsLl closed toward the end of each tabulating cycle, then through automatic reset switch 18 and stop key contacts S to the other The energization of the reset clutch magnet 19 clutches the total printing shaft to the reset motor which thereupon drives it to operate the printing mechanism for total printing and to reset the accumulating mechanism. Energization of the reset clutch magnet 19 also effects closure of contacts 20 closing a stick circuit about the contacts 17, cam contacts L1, and

stop key S for the manual reset key R, if the latter is used. A second shunt is also provided extending from the reset motor RM to the cam contacts P1 which close shortly after the reset motor starts and opens again toward the end of the reset cycle, and reset control relay contacts 25 which are normally closed but opened by the energization of the reset control magnet 26 which is in series with the motor control relay 15. If these contacts 25 are closed during the first reset cycle, closure of cam contacts P1 short circuits the reset clutch magnet 19 to effect deenergization of this magnet to permit unclutching of the reset clutch and the circuit of the reset motor RM is interrupted at the end of the cycle by the opening of the contacts P1 at the end of the cycle.

Total printing is effected through circuits including 'so-called zero button contacts 2'1, a set of which is provided for each individual bank of counter elements 16. These contacts when closed connect the main line 10 to a bar 28 to which the usual total print contacts 29 are connected. If the zero button contacts are closed then during the total printing cycle closure of the contacts 29 under control of the counter elements will energize the printing magnets 127 to call the proper type for total printing in the wellknown manner.

The operation of the paper feeding devices may beunderstood by reference to Figs. 5 and -6. Link 336 at its upper end connects to a ratchet and pawl paper feed device 200 of the usual type on platen shaft 201, and at its lower end the link connects to a lever 334 which is pivotaly mounted at 60l on a fixed bracket plate 335. Secured to 334 are two L-shaped members 333 and 337 rigidly connected at their-right hand ends 'on 334 at points 601 and 605, their other ends adjustably secured to part 334. Parts 334, 333 and 337 after being once adjusted always operate as a single unit. This unit is actuated either by rocking of shaft 305 or movement of lever 330. Shaft 305 always operates the paper feeding mechanism when it must feed the paper on the up stroke of the type bars, as for every revolution of cam 311 (Fig. 5) when listing is being performed, and also for one revolution during the first card cycle when tabulating operations are being performed. As will be explained later, lever 330 actuates lever 334 on the down stroke of the type bars to draw down on link 336 only during the latter part of a total printing and reset cycle when the machine has been previously set for listing.

,When the machine is set for listing the operation of the paper feeding mechanism is as follows: As shaft 317 is turned manually to listing position, a block 603 attached thereto makes contact with a projection 604 of latch 3371) which is pivotally mounted at 606, and holds latch 3371) in such position that it cannot engage block 337a fixed to member 337. Therefore parts 337a and 337D are inoperative while the machine is set for listing and are used only for tabulating as will be later explained. While listing, shaft 305 rocks first in a clockwise and then in a counter-clockwise direction for each revolution of cam 311. At the end of shaft 305 is an arin 338 having at its upper end a pin 600. As shaft 305 is rocked in a clockwise direction, this pin 600 contacts against a shoulder on member 337, rocking the unit comprising parts 334, 333 and 337 about its pivot 601 and drawing down link 336, thus feeding the paper one line space. This occurs while the type bars are being raised. It will be seen that during listing operation the paper is fed one line space for each cycle of operation of the machine or each revolution of cam 311. On the down stroke of the type bars, shaft 305 is rocked in a counterclockwise direction and allows lever 334 to resume its former position.

At the end of a group of cards which has been listed, a total is taken if the group control devices are effective for control. When the machine takes a total, cam 311 comes to a stop and shaft 315 on which are mounted cam 301 and gear 328 makes a complete counterclockwise revolution. Cam 301 rocks shaft 305 through the same arc as described above for cam 311, so that the paper is fed the usual one space before printing a total. Early in the second half of the total printing cycle, shaft 305 completes its rocking cycle and link 336 rises to normal position as parts 334, 333 and 337 return to position shown in Fig. 6.

After a total is printed it is desirable to leave a blank space on the paper before listing the first item of the next group. The paper is fed this extra space during the last part of the total printing cycle in the following manner: A pin 329 on gear 328 contacts with lever 330 which is pivoted loosely on shaft 305, rocking 330 in a clockwise direction. Lever 330 has an upwardly extending arm 330a to which is connected a slotted link 602. As lever 330 is rocked by pin 329, the lost motion in link 602 is taken up, stretching spring 608, and link 602 then acts on a pin fixed in part 333 of the unit consisting of parts 334, 333 and 337. This rocks the unit in a counterclockwise direction thus drawing down link 336 a second time during the total printing and reset cycle to feed the paper an extra space after total printing. The slot in link 602 and'the spring, 608 above mentioned are necessary to hold lever 330 normally in a counterclockwise position to provide clearance while parts 337a, 3371: and 604 are operative as will be described hereinafter.

If it is desired to perform tabulating (as distinguished from listing) operations on the machine it is necessary to shift block 603 to tabulating position. As already pointed out, when the machine is set for tabulating, the listing cam 311 will turn one revolution (during the first card cycle) starting from the position shown in Fig. 5, and being stopped by the arm 508 after the completion of one revolution. During this revolution the shaft 305 will be rocked and the paper fed one line space, as above described. But as the shifting of shaft 317 to tabulating position has moved block 603 out of contact with projection 604, block 337a becomes locked in operated position by latch 337b actuated by spring 607. The spacing of the paper takes place during the early part of this cycle. During the same cycle after the spacing has taken place the printing is effected. In the present instance, that is, during tabulating operations, this printing from the first card will be of the group designation number only. As the listing cam 311 is locked against operation at the end of the first card cycle there will be no further printing during the continued operation of the machine until a total is taken. In the meantime, as the operation of the paper feed mechanism has been suppressed by the latching of block 337a by latch 337b, the line on which the group number is printed remains in printing position so that when the total is eventually printed it is on the same line with the group number. When the total is printed, shaft 305 is again rocked in a clockwise direction, this time by cam 301, but no movement of 334 or 336 takes place on this up stroke of the type bars due to lever 337 being held by block 337a and latch 337b. The result is that paper is not fed at this time and the total is printed on the same line as was the indication number during the first tubulating cycle. Near the end of the revolution of shaft 315, after shaft 305 has returned to its normal position, pin 329 on gear 328 makes contact with lever 330 and causes it to rock about pivot 305 in a clockwise direction, the slot in link 602 attached to its upper end allowing it to move freely. As lever 330 nears the end of its clockwise rocking movement its upward projection 330a, acts against projection 604 of latch 337b, releasing block 337a and allowing 337 and attached members, including link 336, to resume normal position, with the shoul- 1 der of 337 against pin 600. As soon as pin 329 has passed the end of lever 330, spring 608 draws lever 330 to its normal position. It will be observed from the above that lever 330 has two entirely different functions to perform, depending upon whether the machine is set for tabulating or listing.

In the present machine it is noted that a group change is allowed to be effective only on changes in classification within a group. Then a totaling operation is effected and the paper feeding devices are operated to feed an extra space.

The automatic control system comprises the usual automatic control magnets 50 (Fig. 1) of which ten are provided in the present case, and one of which should be connected in series between the upper and lower brushes of each card column from which control is desired. Each magnet is provided with the usual series cona reset cycle.

tacts 51 which serve to interrupt its circuit as soon as the magnet is energized to prevent sparking at the analyzing brushes and each magnet controls a pair-of automatic control contacts 52 which are normally open but close when the corresponding control magnet is energized and when so closed, remain closed until the end of the cycle when they automatically re-open. The contacts 52 which are designated by the numbers 1 to 10 are connected in series with each other and a socket 53 is provided between each pair to permit any number of the contacts to be used in series for any section of the control.

Major and minor control relays are provided as indicated at 54 and 56 which have back contacts 57 and 59 respectively and front contacts 60 and 62. The back contacts 5''! and 59 are arranged in parallel with each otherand in series with the motor relay control magnet 15 and the reset control magnet 26 so that ifeither relay 54 or 56 is deenergized permitting its back circuit contacts to close the relays 15 and 26 will be energized interrupting tabulating and forcing The minor control relay 56 is connected to the first control contact 52 and the major relay 54 is connected to a socket 64 wired to the contact 52 associated with the ninth bank of control wires. Manually operated switches 65 and 67 are provided to selectively bridge the contacts 52 and thus prevent operation of any or both of the relays as automatic control elements. In the drawings the wiring is illustrated as conditioning the control devices to utilize control contacts 9 and 10 for major control and contacts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, '7, and 8 for minor control.

The switch 65 should be in the position shown and the switch 67 should be in the dotted line position in order to condition the devices for automatic control.

A cam contact C1 is connected between the lower control contact 52 and the socket 64 so as to always be in parallel with the contacts 52 which are chosen for minor automatic control. Cam contact L3 is similarly connected to always be in parallel with the contacts 52 which are chosen for major'control. These cam contacts are normally closed but open instantaneously toward the end'oi each tabulating cycle after the contacts 52 have been set up.

The circuit of the minor control relay when it is energized extends from the main line 11, through the cam contacts L3 and C1 or alternatively through wire -70 to plug 71 which may be plugged to any of the sockets 53 thence through the major and minor contacts 52 in series 'to minor control relay 56 and through the front contact 62 of the same to the main line 10. It will thus be seen that through failure of either the major or minor contacts 52 to make during any cycle causes the deenergization of the minor control relay at the time contacts C1 open thus closing its back contacts 59 and energizing motor control relay 15 and reset control magnet 26. The circuit of the major control relay 54 when energized extends from the main line 11 through the cam contact L3 or alternatively through wire 70 and the upper card lever relay '73 to socket 71, thence through major group control contacts 52 to sock et 64 and through major control relay 54 and its front contact 60 to the other main line 10. It is thus obvious that failure ofeither the major or minor control contacts 52 to make will deenergize the minor relay 56 and failure of the major control contacts 52 to make will deenergize the any control relay 54 or 56 is deenergized the circuit of the motor control relay 15 and the reset control relay 26 will be energized through one or the other of the back contacts 57 and 59 of the control relays.

Assuming then that/the cards under the upper and lower brushes fail to agree in their major group classification, at least one of the control contacts 9 or 10 will fail to make and both of the control relays 54 and 56 will be deenergized closing their back circuits to energize motor control relay l5 interrupting, tabulating and energizing reset control magnet 26 to initiate a reset cycle. Toward the end of each reset cycle contacts LPB and LP! close instantaneously in the order named, each contact closing and opening again before the next in order closes. These contacts are for the purpose of setting up the control relays 54 and 56 respectively. The contact LP! is connected directly to the main line and the minor control relay 56, the circuit extending to the main line tacts 62 of the minor relay control 56 so that the major control relay 54 can only be set up if the minor relay control 56 has previously been set up.

It may be assumed that the counter marked X is plugged to print total amounts of one kind and the counter bank marked Y" is plugged to print other total amounts, both being under minor control. However, in the present invention the total printing operation isnot ordinarily performed under minor group changes because only the paper spacing operation is desired to indicate minor group changes. The total printing operations are left to be performed only under control of changes in major group classifications.

Therefore, the counters accumulating amounts 1 relating to minor controlled sections on the card are placed under control of the major group control devices for total printing. As previously explained, totals from any counter can be printedwhen the zero button contacts 27 are closed. The zero buttons of counters X and Y may b magnetically controlled by magnets 38 and 80 respectively. The magnets in turn are controlled by a relay 81 in series with the minor group con- 1 trol relay 56, a pair of contacts 82 of relay 81 being in circuit with the magnets 38 and 80.

The means for feeding the first card in the stack in the magazine under the lower brushes is as follows: a relay 100 is provided in series with 1 the upper card lever contact 72 so that this relay will be energized whenever cards are under the upper brushes. The contacts 101 of this relay are in parallel with the 'cam contacts C1 and short circuit. them when the relay is deenergized. 1 Lower card lever relay 103 is in series with the lower card lever contacts 104 so that it will be energized whenever cards are under the lower brushes. The contacts 106 of this relay short circuit the cam contacts L3- whenever the relay 1 is deenergized. Y

Assuming now that the cards have be en placed in the magazine, the contacts 101 and 106 are closed, energizing the major and minor control relays 54 and 56. If now the start key contacts 1 ST are closed, the first card feeds beneath the upper brushes closing the upper card lever contacts 72 energizing upper card lever relay 100 and opening contacts 101 thereby removing the short circuit about the minor group control section. The minor control contacts 52 being open, the opening of contacts 101 deenergizes the minor group control relay 56 allowing its back contacts 59 to close energizing the motor control relay 15 to interrupt card feed and force a reset cycle. As the major and minor relay group controls 54 and 56 are energized through contacts 106 a single reset cycle insures setting up the minor group control relay 56, the machine thereupon performs another card feeding cycle which feeds the first card under the lower brushes, and the next card under the upper brushes, whereupon all upper and lower card lever relays are energized opening the shunts about contacts C1 and L3 and conditioning the major and minor group controls for operation. The card feed continues to operate until the card classification changes. When the last card is fed from the magazine and leaves the upper brushes, upper card lever contacts 73 which are in series with the group control contacts 52 open, thereby opening the circuits of the major and minor group control relays 54 and 56 to provide for total taking on both classifications after this last card has passed the lower brushes.

The above section of the description covers generally the control devices standing in the tabulating machine before the devices of the present invention are inserted. The following portion of the description will describe the automatic control devices and their wiring to the controls of the tabulating machine already mentioned.

The breaking of the minor control circuit through'contacts 52 is adapted to be prevented between groups of cards under minor control by devices including a shunt circuit across the minor control switch 65. The ends of this circuit are connected at points '76 and '77 that are also adapted to be connected by the closure of the switch when minor control is manually suppressed. In the circuit there is wired a switch 78 closed for automatic minor control and a pair of contacts b one blade of which is connected to the armature a of a relay 84 in another circuit. The relay 84 is energized by plug connection 85 to the upper brush in line with the column on the card containing the special perforation in the 12th position, see Fig. 4. A pair of contacts L7, in series with the plug connection 85 to relay 84, close during the passage of the 12th position on the card under the upper brushes. When the relay 84 is energized, a holding circuit is established by a circuit from the line 10 through wire 86, contacts L8, contacts a, relay 84, and wire 8'7 to the line 11. The holding circuit is broken on each operation of the machine by the opening of contacts L8 a moment before the 12th position on the card reaches the upper brushes. Contacts L8 are closed before the 12th position passes under the brushes in order to maintain the energization of relay 84 if contacts a are closed. The contacts C1 are opened to test the minor control circuits through contacts b and contacts 52 before the contacts L8 open. Before the 12th position on the card is reached, contacts C1 are closed again. Contacts T5 which are adapted to energize the circuits through the upper brushes are closed until the 12th position on the card passes beneath the upper brushes.

The connection between contacts 11 and armature a is so constructedthat when relay 84 is energized and contacts a are closed, contacts b are opened, while when the relay is deenergized,

contacts I) are closed. Thus it is clear thai energization of relay 84 by the first card of a pair will open contacts b and permit the minor group control devices to compare the associated cards of a pair during the next cycle of operation. Since the second card of a pair .does not contain a special perforation, relay 84 will remain deenergized after the opening of contacts L8, and contacts b will close to suppress the minor control devices on the next operation of the machine while the last card of a pair passes the lower brushes and the first card of the next pair passes under the upper brushes.

To suppress the printing and accumulator resetting devices usually operated by the reset motor driven mechanism under minor control when merely a paper spacing operation is de sired to show minor changes, a few adjustments are made. The zero reset switches 90 and 91 may be opened to prevent automatic clutching of the counter reset devices to the reset shaft and printing of the amount standing on the accumulator wheels may be prevented by opening the printing circuits through the contacts 27. If the machine is without the automatic zero button devices, the counters are merely de-clutched from the reset shaft and total printing is disabled by opening switch 92. When the machine stops on change of major classification, printing and resetting may be performed by closing the total printing circuit and clutching the counters to the reset shaft. In order to automatically secure a totaling and resetting operation on a. change of major classification, the zero button circuit could be placed under control of the major I control circuit.

The result of the exercise of the minor control devices is evident by the spacing of the items on the sample sheet illustrated in sheet 2. In the examples given it is noted that between the fifth and sixth lines of print that the cards were not sorted properly and the money order- numbers 607 and 608 of a pair do not agree so that under control of the minor control devices the resetting operation serves to actuate the paper feeding devices so as to provide an extra space of paper between the items. Lower on the record sheet between the ninth and tenth lines of printed matter it is noted that the records are paired correctly, both records relating to money order number 634, but the amounts on the pair of money orders do not agree, the one indicating $810.00 while the other indicates only $180.00. Here again the minor control devices function to space the items to thus indicate to the operator of the machine that the data on the paired cards is not in perfect agreement. Another difference in money order comparison is noted as existing between the eleventh and twelfth items on the record sheet. This difference is indicated in the same fashion as the one associated with money order 634. The totals accumulated and printed at the bottom of the sheet illustrated in Fig. 2 when divided by two give the figure which should be equal to the total expense or charge for the a listed money orders and also the total amount of all the money orders.

The machine could be set for tabulating instead of listing. When so conditioned only the data on the first card of each pair that differ would be printed. Us'ng the same information as recorded in Fig. 2, only lines 5, 9, 11 and 15 would be printed one line directly beneath the other.

As shown in Fig. 3 the amounts of the different cards of a pair may be directed to different accumulat'ors and printed in diiferent columns.- This is made possible by class selection devices such as those shown in the patent application of J. W. Bryce, Serial No. 119,803, filed July 1, 1926.

The special perforation in the first record card of each pair then controls both the class selection and minor control devices. with the items so printed and accumulated it is possible to compare the amounts paid in for money orders with the amounts paid out. At the end of a period of accumulation the totals of the amounts in the nection with one novel form of embodiment but it will be understood that many modifications and re-arrangements will readily occur to those skilled in the art which are well within the scope of the present invention. I intend to be limited therefore only as indicated by the scope of the following claims:

I claim:

1. In a machine of the class described, means for accumulating and printing data presented by successive records, group control devices for controlling said means under control of groups of records, and means for suppressing the control exercised by said devices between groups of records, and means under control of records with special perforations for releasing said suppressing means to cause exercising of control over two or more records within a group.

2. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of records arranged in classified groups and fed through the machine successively, means for listing the record data on record material, means for feeding the record material, means for feeding the record material an extra amount when a change in record classification occurs, and means for suppressing the last mentioned means during operation of the machine between groups of records.

3. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of records arranged in groups and successively presented to the machine, means for listing the record data on record material, means for feeding the record material, means for feeding the record material an extra amount when a change in classification occurs, means for suppressing the last mentioned means during operation of the machine between groups of records, and means for initiating and maintaining the material feeding control over records within the groups.

4. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of record'cards arrangd in groups, means for feeding the cards, accumulators for accumulating the data on the cards, means for listing the data from the cards on record paper, group control devices for resetting the accumulators, printing a total and feeding the record paper when.

changes in card groups occur, and means under control of special data on the record cards for preventing operation of said devices during operation of the machine between card groups.

5. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of record cards arranged in groups, means for feeding the cards, accumulators for accumulating the data on the cards, means for listing the data from the cards on record paper; group control devices for resetting-the accumulators, printing a total and-feedingahe recordgipapegwhen changes in record data on successive cards occur, means for c suppressing operation of said devices between card groups, and means for retaining the paper feed control effective for actuation on occurrence of changes of data within a group of records.

6. In a tabulating machine, record cards perforated with amount and classification data arranged in classification groups, means for listing the data on the cards on record material, group control devices for spacing the record material when a change in classification occurs, and means under control of special perforations in the record cards for suppressing said devices between groups of records.

'7. In a tabulating machine, record cards per-- forated with amount and classification data arranged in classification groups, means for listing the data on the cards on record material, group control devices for spacing the record material when a change in classification occurs, means for suppressing said devices when the machine operates between groups of records, and means un- ,der control of cards with special perforations for maintaining the control of said devices during operation of the machine under control of records within the groups.

8. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of record cards arranged in groups, each provided with group designating perforations, the first record card of each group having a special perforation,group control devices for controlling the machine operation when the card groups change, and means under control of said special perforation for suppressing said devices.

9. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of record cards arranged in groups, each provided with group designating perforations, the first record card of each group having a special perforation, group control devices for controlling the machine operation when the card groups 115 change, means for suppressing said devices, and

additional means under control of said special perforation for suppressing the last mentioned means to enable said devices. K

10. In a tabulating machine, a plurality of record cards arranged in pairs, each provided with designating perforations, the first record card of each pair having a special perforation, group control devices for controlling machine operation when card classification changes, means for suppressing said devices, and additional means under control of said special perforation to enable said devices to function when comparing cards of a pair.

11. A tabulating machine having a controlling unit controlled by the control designating perforations of recordcards, means for splitting said unit to eflect a plurality of separate controlling operations of the machine which operations are distinctive and correspond with changes in different control numbers upon record cards,- and means for suppressing the control of one section of said unit during operation of the machine.

12. A tabulating machine having a controlling unit controlled by the control designating perforations of record cards, means for splitting said unit to effect a plurality of separate controlling operations of the machine which operations are distinctive and correspond with changes in different control numbers upon record cards, l-id and means for suppressing the control exerted by one section of said unit upon' changes of designation between groups of record cards.

13. A tabulating machine having a controlling unit controlled by the control designating per- 13f forations of record cards, means for splitting said unit to effect a plurality of separate controlling operations of the machine which operations are distinctive and correspond with changes in different control numbers upon record cards, and means for suppressing one section of said control unit from functioning due to group changes of cards, while maintaining said control so that it will function when changes of designation occur on cards within the groups.

14. In a tabulating machine, a device controlled by separate control members upon per-' forated record cards and actuated when control numbers change, a plurality of counters into which amounts derived from the perforated records may be accumulated, means controlled by said control devices for stopping the machine, clearing the counters, printing the total therefrom, feeding a record sheet, and restarting the machine, means for suppressing said control devices when control numbers change due to change of card group, and means for suppressing the clearing and total printing functions of said device while maintaining the other functions of said device when control numbers change due to differences between record cards within a group.

15. Ina tabulating machine, a plurality of perforated record cards arranged in groups and having a plurality of sets of classification perforations, major group control devices under control of one set of classification perforations, minor group control devices under control of another set of classification perforations, and means for suppressing said minor control devices during operation of the machine when a change in classification occurs due to different groups of record cards being presented to the machine.

16. In a tabulating machine, automatic control devices for modifying the operation of the machine upon occurrence of group changes in group numbers on the record cards, an electric circuit for energizing said devices, a shunt circuit for deenergizing said devices, contacts in said shunt circuit, and means under control of the first record card in each group for opening said contacts.

17. In a tabulating machine controlled by perforated record cards arranged in classified groups, group control devices for spacing a record sheet upon changes in group classification, means for suppressing said devices, means for selectively printing the amount of each record in one or the other of a plurality of columns on the record sheet, and means under control of the first card of each group for rendering said suppressing means ineffective and said selective means efiective 18. In a tabulating machine controlled by pertorated record cards arranged in classified groups, group control devices for spacing a record sheet upon changes in group classification, means for suppressing said devices, means for selectively printing the amount of each record in one or the other of a plurality of columns on the record sheet, means for accumulating the amounts printed in each column, means for recording the totals of the amounts accumulated in each column, and means under control of the first card of each group for rendering said suppressing means ineflective and said selective means effective.

RUDOLF LORANT.

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