US2063475A - Card punch - Google Patents

Description

. 8, 1936. c. o. wl-:LLMAN CARD PUNCH Filed Nov. 29, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

ATTORNEYS.I

. 8, 1936. c. o. wELLMAN CARD PUNCH Filed Nov. 29,' 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.A3.

Dec.l8, 1936. c. o. wELLMAN. 2,063,475

CARD PUNCH Filed Nov. 29, 1935 6 sheets-sheet s OOOOOOOQOOOOOOOOO @opp @www im @E HQI L A A TTORNEYS.

. 8, 1936. c. o. WELLMAN CARD PUNCH Filed NOV. 29, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

A TTORNEYS.

.mlll

l l i ////1// Y muuu-'inn Dec. 8, 1936.- l C; Q WELLMAN 4 2,063,475

CARD PUNCH Filed Nov. 29, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 7;

4 INVENTOR. 74M @f/ww ATTORNEYS.

Dec.r s, 1936. c. Q. WELLMAN 2,063,475

CARD PUNCH v Filed Nov. 29, 1955 "6 sheets-sheet e Pleno.

2 7 23' coyrAcr/Poa 3 2a All. #Zaan/v6 CAM v 'v ILX012J4-TF789 H28 Puvcu MAGNETS n LILI QE; .5f

ULI

` 10/ WA TToRNEYs.

Patented Dec. 8, 1936 UNITED STATES CARD PUNCH Charles 0. Wellman, Binghamton, N. Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application November 29, 1935, Serial No. 51,990

19 Claims. (Cl. 164-115) '.l'his case relates to card punching machines, particularly `to the perforating unit of the automatic, mechanical accounting system, in which record or tabulating cards are perforated in different columns to represent information to be,

tabulated.

'Ihe record card has parallel columns of index point or perforation-receiving positions, in which holes are punched to designate data according to a selected code. For instance, in the Hollerith, single hole code, each character is represented by a single perforation in one index point of a card column. Thus, numbers l, 2, 3-10, 1l, 12 are represented by perforating the corresponding index point positions 1, 2, 3-10, 11, 12 of a card column. These index point positions are progressively distant from a datum line in the order of their magnitude, thereby forming a. differential system.

In the type of perforating machine with which this invention is concerned, the card is fed column by column to a single column of punches, which perforate the card columns one after another. The selection of the punches may be made by manual operation of keys or under automatic control of a master or pattern card. The punch selection by the pattern card is for the purpose of duplicating information contained on the pattern card in a plurality of other cards, which, for convenience, may be termed the work cards.

In addition to the information duplicated in the work card, the latter may be punched with additional data, which may be termed individual (card) data. According to the former system of preparing a work card, it is first routed through the machine for an automatic duplicating run, then removed, and subsequently rerouted through a perforating machine for an individual data, run.

During the latter run, the card columns not filled in with duplicate data are perforated through manual operation of the keys.

During the duplicating run, the card columns of the work card which are assigned to individual data are usually fed past the punches without accompanying punching operations. 'I'his is called the skipping operation and is effected by skipping mechanism.

'I'he skipping mechanism is set in operation under control of a special perforation, usually the X perforation, contained in the pattern card. Ordinarily, the X perforation in the pattern card not only initiates skipping operation but also causes an X hole to be punched in the work card as a preliminary to the skipping operation. In some cases, the X hole lin the work card is desirable, as in controlling class selection in tabulating machines, in the manner disclosed in Patent No. 1,976,617. In other cases, it is not desirable to punch the X hole in a card column, as when the latter is to be used for straight tabulation, without class selection.

Further, if the card with an X hole'in a co1- umn is used as a pattern card in ordinary duplicating punching machines, then the presence of the X hole will initiate a skipping operation, whereas it may be desired to avoid the skipping in order to duplicate all the dataY on the pattern card.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide for selectively perforating or not perforating the first of a series of individual data columns in a work card with a special skip control perforation under control of the pattern card.

A correlative of the latter object is to set the skipping means in operation under an automatic control Without reproducing the special perforation in the Work card.

Another object is to duplicate a special per- A foration in the work card, under master card control, without setting the skipping mechanism in operation.

A correlative object is to prevent the special perforation on the pattern card from either initiating skipping operation or being duplicated in the work card.

By attainment of the latter two objects, the card feed may be arrested and the operator may ll in the individual data in the work card through manual operation of the keys. When the individual data has been filled in, the master card may resume its control of the punching and feeding of the work card.

'I'he invention also contemplates the reproducing of the special perforation in a column of the work card together with reproduction of a second, value, perforation in the same column, and to accomplish this result with or without accompanying skipping operation, as may be desired.

Further, the invention contemplates arrest of the card feed under pattern card control and the manually controlled punching of a hole in the work card automatically followed by afskipping operation.

All of above objects, and such others as may appear in the further parts of the specification or be apparent from the drawings, may be considered as embraced in the general object of increasing the flexibility of operation of card perforating machines.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the left half of the machine.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan View, partly sectional of the intermediate part of the machine, with the upper portions of the machine removed.

Fig. 4. is a section along lines 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the floating cam control and the c'ontacts controlled thereby.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the rear ends of some of the punch interposers, and their interlocks.

Fig. 'I is a section along lines 1-1 o f Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a section along lines 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a section along lines 9-9 of Fig. 2. and

Fig. 10 is a' circuit diagram.

For purposes of illustration, the invention has been applied to a perforating machine o f the type disclosed in Patent No.1,976,618. Only such parts of the machine will |be explained herein as are necessary to an understanding of the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, the pattern card P is moved in the direction of its length along the flat surface of a frame I6 by a pair of gripping and pushing fingers Il and I2. Finger I2 engages the right hand, lagging edge, of the card to push the card to the left (Figs. 1 and 4) through its active or control stroke while nger II engages the left, leading edge of the card to push the card to the right through its inactive, return stroke. v

During its movement along surface III, the pattern card is held down by a pair of cover plates I3 and I4. Plate I3 is fixed in position, while plate I4 is hinged to the frame, at its right end, on pin I5. The left or forward end of plate I4 is latched beneath the nose of a latch I6 urged to the right (Fig. 4) by a-spring I1.

Near itsrear end, plate I4 journals common contact roll 22 coacting with a column of twelve brushes 23 to analyze the perforations of the pattern card. Brushes 23 are spaced correspondingly to the spacing of the twelve index point or perforation positions of a card. To one side of brushes 23, there is an additional, common brush 23'. Card P is fed one step at a time to the left to successively locate the card columns at the analyzing station. When a card column is at analyzing station, a brush 23 reaches through a perforation in the column to engage contact roller 22, and thereby close the following circuit (see F18. 10):

Duplicating circuit A.-From the side of the line, through normally closed contacts 24, line 25, normally closed contacts 26, floating cam contacts 21 (now closed), common brush 23' of the analyzing station, common contact roller 22, the brush 23 engaging roller 22 through the perforation in card P, the connected duplicating magnet 28, and to the side of the line.

To disable the pattern card from controlling punching operation, cover plate I4 is raised to separate contact roller 22 from brushes 23, so that duplicating circuits cannot be formed.

'Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, work card T rests on a ilat surface of frame III; its rear, lagging, edge is engaged by a pivoted pusher 29; and its front, leading, edge, is engaged by an abutment 30. Blank cards T are fed one at a time from a magazine 3l into position between elements 29 and 36. Pusher element 29 moves card T to the left to place the card columns in .succession at the punching station. The punching station has a column of twelve punches 32 spaced correspondingly to the spacing of the index point positions of a card column, and dies 33 for the punches. When the last column of card T has been punched, the card is removed from the machine.

The rear pusher l2 of pattern card P and rear pusher 29 of work card T are carried, respectively, .by transversely extending brackets 34 and 35 ilxed to opposite sides of an escapement rack 38 (ses Figs. 1, 2, and 3). 'Ihe iront abutments I I and 30 of cards P and T, respectively, are commonly carried by a bracket 31 secured to the left' end of rack 36 (see Figs. 1,2, 4, and 8). Thus, both cards P and T are compelled to move-in lmison with rack 36, and brushes 23 and punches 32 are so positioned that like-numbered or corresponding columns of the two cards will be located simultaneously at their respective analyzing and punching stations.

Rigidly secured to but insulated from bracket 34 is aspring metal plate 38, formed with three joined contact fingers or brushes 38, .33', and 38a (see Fig. 1). 'Ihese lingers being connected to rack 36 through bracket 34, move in unison with cards P and T. Fingers 39 and 39' ride along two rows of contact spots 46 of a stationary column commutator C.

The successive contact spots 40, considering both rows, are spaced apart the width of a' card column, and each corresponds to a d'iii'erent numbered card column. The upper row of contacts 40 corresponds to the even numbered card columns and the lower row of .contacts 45 to the odd numbered columns. Brush 39 engages the even numbered contacts 40 and brush 38' engages the odd numbered contacts 40. Either brush will be engaging a contact 46 at each column step of advance of rack 33. Brush 33a rides on common contact strip 4I of the commutator. Plug sockets 42, one wired to each contact stud 40 (see Fig. 10, the circuit diagram) are provided in the commutator, so that any column of the commutator may be pluggedto a space magnet 45 or a skip magnet 46 (Figs. 3, 7, and 10) wound on opposite poles of a common core 41. The functions of these magnets will be explained later.

Punches 32 maybe manually selected for `operation by manual depression of value selecting keys 58. In addition to keys 50, the usual space key 50' is provided (see Fig. l) which, when depressed, effects a step of advance of rack 33 and the cards, without an accompanying punching operation, in a marmer known to the art.

Keys 50 may also be automatically depressed under control of magnets 28 energized by previously described duplicating circuits A. 'I'he armature lever 52 'of each magnet 28 is swiveled to the stem of a separate key 50. When a magnet 28 is energized, it swings its armature lever counterclockwise (Fig. 2) to depress the connected key 50.

Swiveled to the stem of each key 59 is one arm of a bell crank 53, the other arm of which is pivoted toan' interposer bar 54. Also connected to each bell crank Is a spring 5l. When a key 50 is depressed, manually or automatically, it rocks the connected bell crank 53 against nesistance of spring 55 to advance the associated interposer bar 54. Each interposer 54 rests at its front end on a diierent punch 32, and isA notched intermediately to provide a verticah` shoulder 56 engaged witha common bail 51 fixed end of link 50 is formed with a hook 62 vunder- 75 54, except the X the type disclosed in witch 64. In a manner brought out in detail in Patent No. 1,878,930, when any interposer 54 is advanced, its shoulder 56 rocks bail link 68, the hook 62 of which thereupon moves blade-63 upwardly to close switch 64.

-Closure of switch 64 completes the following circuit (see Fig. 10):

Punch Circuit 8.-Frm the --lside of the line, through contacts 24, switch 64, punch magnet 65, and to the side of the line.

Energlzation of magnet 65 operates linkage 66 to depress a hammer plate 61 (Fig. 2). The left, forward end of each interposer 54 has a notch 64' to freely receive the hammer tip 61' when the interposer is in its rear position.

When an interposer is advanced, ythe upper edge of the interposer is located beneath hammer tip 61 so that depression of the latter strikes the advanced interposer and depresses it. As a result, the punch 32 beneath the interposer is pushed down by the interposer through card T and into its die 33 to perforate the card in an index point position corresponding to the key 58 which has been operated.

Switch 64 is opened by operation of linkage 66 to deenergize magnet 65, and hammer 51 and the depressed punch 32 are restored in a manner fully explained in aforementioned Patent No. 1,878,930. When key 58 rises, the advanced interposer 54 returns to the right and its shoulder 56 releases bail 61 which is thereupon restored by a spring 69 (Fig. 2).

Following the punching of a hole in a column of card T, the card is fed one step to place the next column in punching position. Feeding of card T is effected by movement of rack 36, with which pattern card P and feelers 39, 39 and 39a of column commutator C are also movable. For convenience, the rack 36 and the card pushers 1l,l2, 29, and 38 connected thereto, may be termed a card carriage. The feeding movement is controlled by escapement This escapement mechanism is of Patent No. 1,426,223, and will be briefly described in order to aid in understanding the present invention.

Below all the mounted on a shaft 13 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The top of the bail is engaged by all the interposers or "11 position interposer Thus, depression of any in- X interposer, will rock bail V12 about its shaft 13. Referring to Figs. 3 and-5, is provided with a screw 14 bearing on top oi one arm of a lever 15 rotatably mounted on 15 has a pin 16 extending loosely through a hole 1.1 in escapement pawl 18. The pawl is loosely mounted by means of an elongated slot 18" on shaft 13, in a manner to permit movement of the pawl longitudinally of rack 36. A spring 19 acting on lever. 15 holds the latter and ball 12 in counterclockwise position (Fig. Pawl 19 is maintained in engagement with rack 36 by a spring 88 connected to the pawl.

Lever 15 has a screw 8l bearing on part of a member 82 rotatably carried by shaft 13 and urged clockwise (Fig. 5) by a spring 83. Member 82 has a pin and slot connection 84 with 'a holding dog 85. When in normal, upper, position, bail 12 and lever 15 permit pawl 18 to engage rack 36 and prevent member 82 from moving dog 85 into engagement with the rack.

When punching anyv value, except the X value,

mechanism.

54--z (see Fig. '1). terposer, exceptv the interposers 54 is a bail 12` the advanced interposer 64 is depressed and rocks bail 12 clockwise (Fig. 5). Lever 15 is thereby rocked in the same direction and member 82 follows. As a result, pin 16 raises pawl 16 out of engagement with rack 36 and member 82 lowers dog 85 into engagement with the rack before the rack can advance to the right (Fig. 5). When pawl 18 is raised, its spring 88 moves it to the left to position its nose above the next rack tooth.

After the. punching operation, the interposer rises, and bail 12 and lever 15 are returned, counterclockwlse (Fig. 5) by spring 18. Pawl 18 is thereupon rocked counterclockwise by spring 88 into the rack tooth above which it had been positioned, while dog 85 is raised by member 82 to release the rack for movement to the right by the usual spring motor (not shown). As the rack moves to the, right, it actuates the engaged pawl 18 in the same direction until the pawl is arrested by engagement of the left side of its slot 1,8' .with shaft 13. This limits movement of rack 36 to one step for each reciprocation of bail 12. The step of movement of the rack advances cards P and T and brushes 39, 38', and 38a a distance equal to the width of a card column.

To prevent sparking between brushes 23 and contact roller 22 when the pattern card advances, and to time the making of duplicating circuit A, means such as disclosed in Patent No. 1,976,618 are provided for timing the make and break of contacts 21, which are in circuit A. A description of this means follows:

Referring to Figs. 5 and 9; shaft 58, to which bail 51 is xed, rigidly carries at one end a T- shaped member 81. A floating cam member 88 is rotatably mounted on shaft 58 adjacent member 81. Between the two members is a spring 89 tending to force cam 89 clockwise (Fig. 5). Normally, the side of a finger 88 of 4cam 88 abuts the side of 'a transversely extending lug 98 of a pivoted element 9| freely pivoted on shaft 13.

Element 9| has a stud 92 at its free end beneath an insulating block 83 secured to a leaf spring blade 94 which carries one of the points of switch 21 (Fig. 5). Thepressure of spring blade 94 is sufficient to hold element 9| depressed with a transversely bent part 96 thereof engaged with the top of escapement pawl 18. In depressed position of element 9 I, its lug 98 is in front of finger 88 of cam 88 to prevent clockwise rocking of the latter by spring 89.

When a. duplicating circuit A is formed, it energizes a magnet 28 to cause advance of an interposer 54, which thereupon rocks bail 51 counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 2, and clockwise, viewed in Fig. 5. Since bail 51 is fast to shaft 58, the latter and the member 81 carried thereby are also rocked clockwise (Fig. 5). As a result, the tension of spring 89 is increased to tend to turn cam 88 more forcibly clockwise, but the cam cannot rock clockwise while its finger 88 still engages tab 98 of element 9i. The parts are then in the positions shown in Fig. 5.

Due to the rocking of bail 51, contacts 64 are closed to establish punch circuit B, magnet 65 is energized, and hammer 61 is depressed to effect the punching operation. During the punching operation, bail 12 is rocked clockwise (Fig. 5), resulting in the raising of pawl 18 above and clear of rack 36. When the pawl rises, through its engagement with part 96 of element 9|, it elevates the latter so that stud 92 raises spring at a time to receive the conical tip of .depression of blade 84 to open switch 21. This the selected punch 32.

When element 9i is lifted by pawl 18,'lug"90 of the element moves above finger 88 of cam occurs during 21 open after it had been opened by the rise of escapement pawl 18.

abutting finger 91 of member 88.

Element 9i remains in its raised position and switch 21, therefore, remains open until pawl 18 moves down to reengage circuit B is broken by the opening of switch 64, hammer carriage has :finished its feeding step, then nger 88 rides 01T lug 90 permitting member 9| to drop and close switch 21.

Thus, switch 21 is held open until both the last- 'I'he present invention provides for the X perforation in the be described under the following heading:

X punching without skipping Fixed to top plate |00 of the machine'is an oblong block lill (see Figs. 1, 2 and 7). Block I 0| carries a pivot |02 for a cruciform lever |03 zontally spaced apertures |06 and |06', either one |01 (Fig. 2) slidably mounted in block urged towards lever l 08 by a spring |08 within the block.

The lower vertical arm of lever ID3 is provided at its free end with a pin i 09 which passes through a slot H0 in an ear IH of bail 51 (see Fig. 9). As explained previously, bail 51 is xed to its shaft A the individual for perforating the X position of the first column of the individual data field of card T.

It has been stated before that all the interposers 54 indicated in Fig. 7, H4 below nterposer 5l depression The condition now is that the first column oi advance one step,

field and of the respective operating stations.

The machine is also capable of punching an additional value in the X-punched card column. Wh P was analyzed, the

y mained closed, and consequently the X-duplicat- 2,063,475 y v v ing circuit A remained in force to hold the X interposer in advanced position. Ordinarily, only one interposer at a time can be advanced /due to the usual pivoted interlocks ||5 at the rear ends of the interposers (see Fig. 6).

To permit an additional hole to be punched in the X-punched column, the X interlock element IIE is removed, so that any other interposer may be advanced although the X interposer is still in advanced position.

Thus, when the card feed has been stopped as an incident to an X punching operation, the operator may depress a key 50 for selecting a value other than X to be punched in the X- punched column. The punching of the additional, selected, value is followed by the usual escapement operation to feed the card carriage one column step. 1

If the skip field of card P is blank except for the X perforation in the first of its columns, then there will be no duplicating circuits formed while the columns of the skip field following the first column are passing through the analyzing stay tion. Accordingly, the operator, without interference from the duplicating section, may punch the second, third, et seq., columns of the individ- 1 ual data field under manual control by depressing the desired character keys 50. Each time, a key 50 is operated, the selected value will be punched in an individual data column, and the cards fed one step. Thus, the individual data field will be perforated column by column with data selected by manual operation of keys 50. When the last of the individual data columns has been punched, the accompanying feed step will locate the first column of card P following the skip field at the analyzing station. The perforation in this duplicating column will be analyzed, forming a duplicating circuit to cause punching in the first column of card T following the individual data field. Thus, the duplicating operations under pattern, card control may be resumed automatically after the individual data field has been punched under manual control.

If the skip iield of card P instead of being blank in the columns following the rst one, has perforations in these columns, and it is not desired to duplicate these perforations in card T, then while the card carriage is at rest following punching of the X hole in card T, the operator raises cover plate I4.

This removes common contact roller 22 of the analyzing means from cooperating relation with brushes 23, so that the analyzing mechanism is disabled to prevent formation of duplicating circuits. The individual data may then be perforated without interference from the pattern card mechanism. After punching the last individual data column, the operator may replace cover plate I4 in operative position, and automatic duplicating and feeding operations under control of card P will be resumed.

If the skip field of card P has perforations in thecolumns following the first one, and it is desired to duplicate these perforations in the individual data field of card T, then when the card' feed is interrupted following the punching of the X hole in card T, the operator depresses space key 50. This brings the second column of the skip field to analyzing station, and automatic duplication underA control of card P is continued.

If in the case just described, it is desired to perforate the first individual data column with another value in addition to the X hole, then instead of depressing the space key, the necessary value key is operated, after which automatic duplication of the perforations in the rest of the skip field follows.

If the first column of the skip field of card P has, in addition to the X perforation, still another perforation, then the X hole and the other hole will both be duplicated in the work card. The duplication of the X hole will not cause skipping or feeding vof the card, but the simultaneous duplication of the other perforation will cause the card carriage to advance one column step.

., Suppression of X duplication Referring to Fig. 9, when it is desired to suppress X duplication, the operator depresses key I 05. This rocks lever |03 clockwise, placing aperture 06' in front of plunger |01 which thereupon locks the lever in its clockwise position. When lever |03 is rocked clockwise, its pin |09 coacts with slot IIO of bail 51 to move the bail to the y left, thereby alining notch ||3 with interposer 54-- and edge 56 of this interposer. Now, when an X duplicating circuit is formed, the X interposer advances and passes freely through notch ||3 of bail 51. 'Consequently, bail 51 is not disturbed, link 60 is not lifted, switch 64 is not closed, punch circuit B is not established, and punch magnet 65 is not energized. Thus, the X hole is not punched although the X interposer has been advanced. Further, the card feeding mechanism has not operated, and the cards, therefore, remainin the same column positions.

With this condition, manual depression of space key 50 or of a value key 50 would cause formation of a punch circuit B, which would cause depression of hammer 61. Since the X-duplicating circuit A is still in force and consequently the X- interposer 54 still in advanced position, depression of hammer B1 would depress not only the advanced space key interposer or the advanced Value key interposer, but would also necessarily depress the advanced X interposer, thus causing an X punching in card T, which would defeat the object of suppressing X duplication. Accordingly, before depressing the space key or a value key 50 (other than the X key), the X-duplicating circuit A must be broken to cause retraction of the X interposer. Circuits A have, in common, switch 26, and it is by opening this switch that the duplicating circuits may be opened at will.

The means for opening switch 26 now be explained.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, at the left end of the machine, there is a thumb piece |20 (see also Fig. 8), which is part of a horizontal lever |2|, pivotally mounted, by a stud |22, on bracket 31 which is fixed to rack 36 and carries pushers II and 30 of cards P and T, respectively. The end of lever |2| opposite the thumb piece |20 is formed with a rearwardly and then downwardly bent tail |23 whichengages the cross bar |24 of a bail carried by a shaft journaled in the frame. The rod |24 extends lengthwise of the machine (see Fig. 3) so as to be engaged by tail at Will Will |23 in any column position of the card carriage.l

(as viewed in Fis. 1) until the front of the lever abuts pin |21. As lever I2| rocks counterclockwise, its depending tail |23 presses on rod |24 to rock shaft |25 clockwise (Fig. 8). Extending downwardly from shaft |25 is a rigid arm |60, the lower end of which is in front of a spring blade A |3| carrying one of the points of switch 26, the

companion point of which is on a blade |36. Switch 26 is normally closed. When shaft |25 is rocked clockwise, its arm 00 engages spring blade |3| and displaces it to theleit (Fig. 8), thereby separating the points of switch 26 to open the X-duplicating circuit A. As a result, the X magnet is deenergized, and the X interposer 54 is retracted.

Now, while pressing on thumb piece |20 to maintain it in its counterclockwise position (Fig. 1), so that switch 26, and thereby, the X-duplieating circuit, remains open, the operator, at the same time, depresses either space key 50' or a value key 50. If the space key is depressed, the

card carriage merely is advanced one column step,I

whereas if the value key is depressed, the punching of the manually selected value precedes the column advance of the card carriage. 'Ihe operator may then continue to perforate the successive columns of the individual data eld with the manually selected values.

In' above manner, the presence of an X hole in the pattern card P, when bail 51 has its notch ||3 in line with interposer 54-:c causes arrest of the card feed, while at the same time, the X duplication is suppressed. Thus, the individual ileld of card T may be perforated in all its columns with the manually selected individual data, unaccompanied by an X duplication in the ilrst individual data column.

Skipping without X punching It has formerly been necessary to punch an X hole in order to initiate skipping operation. If the punching operation was proceeding under pattern card control, then it was necessary to have an X hole in the iirst column of the skip ileld of the pattern card to initiate skipping operation. The present invention provides for means to skip any desired field of a card without requiring X punching or control by an X duplicating circuit.

The instant skipping mechanism also makes use of the ordinary skip bar |40 (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7) removably attached to rack I6, and having depressions |4| in its upper edge to provide high and low portions. The spacing of these portions and the length of each portion is dependent on the particular requirements of the punching job. If it is desired, for example, to permit skipping of the twenty-iifth to thirty-sixth card columns. then the skip bar is provided with a high portion of corresponding length and arranged along a corresponding part of the travel of rack 36. This skip bar construction and its purpose are disclosed vin detail in Patent No. 1,426,223.

As in the previous machines, skip bar |40 coacts with a skip lifter |42. This skip lifter extends transversely of the skip bar, is constrained to move transversely of the skip bar, and is normally in retracted position with its reduced right end |42 (as viewed in Fig. 7) located directly above the skip bar and underneath escapement pawl 16 (see also Fig. 5). The skip lifter is mounted at its rear end on a pin |43 (see Fig. 3) which also provides a. pivotal connection between a pair of toggle elements |44 and |45. Element |44 is pivoted to the frame on a stud |46, and element |46 is connectedto a leaf spring |41. .These two elements constitute-a toggle, held to either side 'of dead center or neutral position by a spring |41.

Pivoted element |44 is formed with oppositely and laterally extending ears |40 and |46. Ear |46 is in front of and normally at a distance from a vertical, depending projection |50 of bail 12.

'I'hus far, the old parts of the present skip mechanism have been described. 'I'henew parts of the skip mechanism. peculiar to the present invention will now be described.

Engaged with the front of ear |46 of element l |44 is a pin |52 extending upwardly from the forward end of arm |53a of a bell crank lever |53 journalled on the lower end of a vertically extending, iixed, pivot |54. The other arm |56b of bell crank lever l|53 extends in front of previously mentioned skip magnet 46. Journaled on the upper end of pivot |54 is an arm |56 parallel to arm |5311. The two arms |5317 and |56 are rigidly joined to each other by a vertically disposed armature plate |51.

Magnet 46, when energized, attracts armature plate |51 to rock bell crank lever |53 clockwise (Fig. 3). As lever |53 rocks clockwise, its pin |52 presses against ear |48 of element |44 to rock the latter counterclockwise. This movement of element |44 actuates skip lifter |42 forwardly, (to Ythe right, as viewed in Fig. 7), and the skip lifter is thereafter held in this position due to the shifting of the toggle, comprising elements |44 and |45, to the opposite side of neutral from that shown in Fig. 3.

When skip lifter |42 is moved forwardly, the

inclined shoulder |42a (Fig. '1), between the narrowed end |42' and the body of the lifter, rides up onto the top of skip bar |40 until the part of the lifter behind the shoulder |42'a is resting on top of the skip bar. 'I'he skip lifter is thus elevated by the skip bar. If the skip lifter rode up on a high portion of the skip bar, then the narrowed end |42' of the skip lifter was raised sulllciently high to engage escapement pawl 16 and lift the pawl clear of rack 36.

If the skip lifter rode up on a low portion |4| of the skip bar, it was not raised high enough to release pawl 16 from rack 36.

When the skip lifter rides up on a high portion of the skip bar, pawl 10 is released from rack 36 and the card carriage is released for continuous feeding operation, during which the selected card columns of vcards P and T skip past their respective operating stations.

The skipping operation is initiated by energization of skip magnet 46. When it is desired to skip the individual data ileld of card T and the corresponding skip field of card P, magnet 46 should be energized when the first columns of these ilelds arrive at their operating stations. For this purpose, the operator runs a plug wire |60 from plug socket 6| in circuit with magnet 46 (see Fig. 10), to that plug socket 42 of commutator C (see also Fig. 1) which corresponds to the iirst column of the fields to be skipped. Thus, if the twenty-fifth card column is the ilrst column to be skipped, then wire |60 is plugged to the socket 42 connected to the twenty-fifth contact spot 40 from the right, as viewed in Fig. l. Plug wire |60 connects the selected socket 42 to plug socket |6| which is at the end of line |62 running through skip magnet 46.

It will be recalled that brushes 36, I9 and Ila are attached, through bracket 34, to rack 36 to move in unison with the cards, that brush Il wipes the upper row of contacts 40 which correspond to even numbered columns, and that brush 39' wipes the second row of contacts 40 which correspond to odd numbered columns. When any card column is at its operating station, then the brushes 39, 39', and 99a are in corresponding column position along commutator C.

Thus, ii.' the twenty-fifth card column is `at operating station, then brush 39 is engaging the twenty-mth contact 40 of the commutator. Now if the latter contact 40 is Wired to skip magnet 46, the following circuit will form (see Fig. 10):

Skip circuit C.From the side of the line, through normally closed contacts 24, line 25, contacts 26, floating cam contacts 21, line '|62, skip magnet 46, plug socket |6I. plug wire |60, plug socket 42, the twenty-fifth column contact stud 40, brush 39', brush 39a, common strip 4|, and to the side of the line.

Energi'zation oi.' magnet 46 initiates operation of the skipping mechanism, as explained above, resulting in continuous feeding of selected columns of cards P and T past their respective analyzing and punching stations.

Ihe number of columns skipped is determined by the length of the .high portion of skip bar |40 onto which the skip lifter |42 has been elevated by the action of magnet 46. When the skip lifter was elevated, it raised pawl 18 to release rack 36. As long as the skip lifter remains on a high part of the skip bar, it continues to hold pawl 18 in rack release position. When a depression |4| of the skip bar reaches the skip lifter, the latter drops, permitting pawl 18 to move down and reengage rack 36, thus stopping the skip feed.

When pawl 18 Was raised by skip lifter |42 to edect the skippingv operation, the pawl rocked member 9| clockwise (see Fig. 5). As a result, pin 92 of member 9| lifted spring blade 94 to open floating cam contacts 21 which are common to duplicating circuits A. Accordingly, during the skip feed, switch 21 is continuously open to prevent making of the duplicating circuits under control of any perforations which may be present in the skip field of the pattern card.

The first skip column of card P usually has an X perforation. When this column reaches analyzing station, a duplicating circuit is formed through the X magnet 28. If, as has been premised here, the contact stud 40 corresponding to the first columns of the skip and individual data elds has been plugged to magnet 46, then, at the same time as a brush 23 engages common contact roller 22 to form the X duplicating circuit, brush 39 or 39' has engaged a contact 40 to form circuit C for energizing the skip magnet 46. Thus, the circuit through the skip magnet is completed at the same time as the circuit through the X magnet 28. The skipping mechanism, accordingly, is placed in operation by energization of magnet 46 while the X interposer is being advanced by X magnet 28. Before advance of the X interposed can proceed far enough to cause a punching operation (by rocking bail 51 to close switch 64), the skip lifter has been moved onto the high portion of skip bar 40. The skip lifter has thereby been elevated to lift escapement pawl 16 which in turn, through member 9|, opened switch 21 to break the X duplieating circuit A. Consequently, X magnet 28 is deenergized and the X interposer stops advancing and is retracted. Thus, when the duplicating and skipping circuits are simultaneously formed, switch 21 is opened before the interposer advanced by the duplicating circuit can cause punch circuit B to make. This result is made even, more certain by reason of skip magnet ,46 being designed to act more quickly than magnet 28.

Circuit C of magnet 461s also through switch 21 which, as described above, is opened by operation of the skipping mechanism. Hence, circuit C is broken at the same time as the circuit A through thevduplicating magnet 28. But due to the toggle action of elements |44, |45, and |41, the skip lifter remains in advanced position after circuit C has opened to deenergize magnet 46.

`As explained before, `the skip feed continues until a low portion 4| of the skip bar arrives beneath the skip lifter. As a result,` the latter drops, pawl 18 reengages rack 36, and switch 21 closes. At this time, the first columns of cards P and T following the skipped fields lare at operating positions. The duplicating operations are then resumed in the manner already described. The first of the latter duplicating operations causes energization of a magnet 28 to advance the connected interposer 54. When the latter advances, it rocks bail 12 counterclockwise (Fig, 2) causing the depending linger |50 thereon (see Figs. 3 and '1) to press against ear |49 of toggle element |44 for returning the toggle to its initial position, shown in Fig. 3. This results in the retraction of the skip lifter. Thus, the iirst numerical punching following the skip feed completes restoration of the skipping mechanism.

When punching a card solely through manual depression of keys 50, the duplicating parts being rendered inoperative by lifting of cover plate I4 or being omitted altogether, the same skipping mechanism may be used to effect skipping Without punching an X hole in the first skip column.

Further, if desired, this may be done independently of control by the column commutator or skip magnet 46. For this purpose, a finger button |65 (see Figs. 1, 3, and '1) is fastened to armature plate |51 of magnet 46. By pressing on button |65, the operator rocks lever |53 clockwise (Fig. 3) to initiate skipping operation in the same manner as though magnet 46 where energized.

Automatic spacing with X punching In prior art machines, the X perforation in the pattern card initiates skipping operation. If card T being punched in the instant machine is to be subsequently used as a pattern card in a machine of prior type, then it must now be punched with an X hole in the first of the columns to be skipped. The X hole in a column is also employed in tabulating machines to control class selection, as disclosed in Patent No. 1,976,- 61'1. For these reasons, it may be desired to skip columns of card T accompanied by the usual X punching in the ilrst of the columns to be skipped. The present invention accordingly provides means to eiect skipping with an accompanyingX punching.

To punch an X hole in the Work card, and automatically feed the card one column step, bail 51 is first adjusted to its right hand position, shown in Fig. 9, in which notch ||3 is out of line with the X interposer. When the column of card P containing the X hole comes to analyzing position, the X interposer is advanced and rocks bail 51, causing link 60 to rise, close switch 64, and form punch circuit B to energize punch magnet 65. The punch magnet then operates linkage 66 to cause hammer plate 61 to effect an X punching.

.As explained previously, the X interposer, when depressed by the punching operation, does not rock escapement control bail 12, and therefore.

the card feed is ordinarily interrupted following one end of line |66 is a switch |66 which. when in full line position (Fig. l) places magnet 45 in series with a pair of normally open contacts |10. The latter contacts are closed when punch-operating linkage 66 is actuated to depress hammer plate 61 (see also Fig. 2). Under the prescribed conditions, commutator contact 40 corresponding to the first column of the skip field of card P and to the first column of the individual data field of card T has been plugged to space magnet 45. Now, at the same time as the latter card columns reach their respective operating stations, the contact 40 corresponding to thesecolumns is engaged by a brush 36 or 66. The first result is that a duplicating circuit A is formed under control of the X hole in the first column of the skip field of card P. This circuit A energizes X magnet 26 to advance the X interposer. Since bail 5.1 has been placed, as premised, with its notch ||3 out of line with the X interposer, the advance of the latter rocks the bail to cause link 60 to close switch 64, thereby forming punch circuit B. The latter circuit energizes magnet 65 to operate linkage 66 for depressing hammer 61 to cause the X punch 32 to perforate the X position of the first individual data column of card T. y

When linkage 66 depresses hammer 61 to effect X punching, the linkage also closes contacts |10. As a result, the following circuit is formed (see Fig. 10):

Space circuit D.-From the side of the line, through contacts 10, switch |66, line |66, space magnet 45, a plug socket |61, a plug wire |66, a plug socket 42, the connected contact 40 which corresponds to the X-punched card column, brush 36 or 36 one of which is now engaging the latter contact 40, brush 36a, strip 4|, and to the side of the line.

The above circuit energizes magnet 45 to attract its armature |12.

Armature |12 of space magnet 45 (see Figs. 3 and '7) is rigid with a bell crank lever |13 journaled on a fixed, vertical pivot |14. Arm'i13a of lever |13 extends in front of bail 12, and'its free end passes through a notch |15 in a member 16 rotatably carried by shaft 13 of the bail (see Figs. 2, 3, and '1). Member |16 lies within a plane passing between a pair of interposers 54, and is narrow enough not to be disturbed by depression of these interposers. The upper part of member |16 abuts the cross bar of bail 12.

When magnet 45 is energized, it rocks lever |13 counterclockwise (Fig. 3) and arm |13a moves to the left (Fig. 2) thereby actuating member 16 counterclockwise. Member |16, in turn, rocks bail 12 in the same direction. The latter thereupon causes pawl 16 to release rack 36 and dog 65 to engage the rack. This is the same action as when any advanced interposer 54, except the X interposer, is depressed by hammer 61.

During the punching operation, switch 64 is opened to deenergize the punch magnet and linkage 66 is restored; consequently, contacts |16 open. Opening of contacts |10 breaks circuit D, of space magnet 45; bail 12 rises, restoring lever |13, raising dog 65, and lowering pawl 16 into engagement with rack 36. The card carriage thereupon feeds one column step, advancing cards P and T and brushes 36, 36', and 36a the distance of one column width, in the manner previously explained. Thus, the X hole has been punched, and the cards have been fed one column sttep to place their next columns at operating posi ions.

Automatic spacing without x-puncnmg It may be desired to space the cards along, column-by-column, without causing an X duplication. Further, it may be desired to space the cards along, step-by-step, independently of any punching operation.

As explained previously, to suppress X-punching,'key |05 (Fig. 9) is depressed to move bail 51 to the left, where its notch ||3 is in line with the X interposer. In addition to placing the bail" .poser is advanced, but due to its registering with notch ||3 of bail 51, the latter is not disturbed, and switch 64 of punch circuit B remains open. Consequently, no punching operation occurs.

At the same time as duplicating circuit A is formed, contact 40 corresponding to the first skip column is engaged by a brush 36 or 36', as a result of which the following circuit is formed:

Space circuit D.-From the side of the line, through contacts 24. switch 26, oating cam contacts 21, switch |66 (now in dotted line position), line |56, space magnet 45, plug wire |66, contact 40, brush 36 or 36', brush 36a, strip 4|, and to the side of the line.

Circuit D energizes magnet 45, which through the previously described, mechanism effects a column advance of' the card carriage, during which, incidentally, escapement pawl 16 rises to open switch 21 of the X duplicating circuit A.

In the absence of a pattern card P or when the pattern card is rendered ineffective, the same circuit D may be formed under control of commutator C to cause an automatic column advance of the card carriage.

It may be desired to space the entire skip field and individual fields of cards P and T, respectively, past their operating stations, not only without an X duplication, but further, without regard to skipping mechanism or to the skip bar |46. The spacing mechanism is adapted to feed several columns of the card T or cards T and P past the operating stations, independently of punching or duplicating operations, and without using the skip mechanism. For this purpose, the successive column commutator contacts 40 which correspond to the columns to be spaced past the operating station are each individually plugged to space magnet 45.

Since the X hole in the first skip column is not to be duplicated, bail 51 is adjusted to its left hand position (Fig. 9) and the circuit of the 75 the manner already described, and space magnet is energized to cause rocking of bail 12 for effecting a step of advance of the cards and of brushes Il, 10', and 36a. Brush 39 or I0' thereupon engages the next vcontact 40 plugged to magnet 45 and the'latter repeats its operation. Thus. the cards may be fed step by step without accompanying punching and without regard to the absence or presence of a skip bar |40 and to the contour ofthe latter.

/lu'nchina with skipping' It may be desired to' punch an X position in the first of the individual data columns ora card 'T and to skip the remaining individual data columns. It has already been explained that lthe space magnet 45 may be energized by circuit D under `control of commutator C and through punch armature contacts |10 to automatically effect a single column spacing of the card car-y riage as an incident to an X-punching operation.

When it is desired to punch an X hole in a column of card T and then rapidly skip a succeed ing number of card columns past the operating station, the contact 40 corresponding to the column to be X-punched is plugged to space magnet 45. I'he next column contact 40 is plugged to skip magnet 46. In addition, bail 51 is placed with notchl ||3 out of register with'the X interposer, and switch |69 is set in full line position (Fis. 10).

Now, when the iirst skip column of card P, containing an X hole, reaches the analyzing station. circuit A forms, advancing the X interposer which rocks bail 51 to cause contacts 64 to close and form punch circuit B. Linkage 66 thereupon operates to depress hammer 61 for effecting X punching in the first individual data column. Linkage 66 also closes contacts |10 of space circuit D and since the contact 40 corresponding to the iirst skip column has been plugged into circuit D, the latter circuit is completed duringthe X duplicating operation. As a result, space magnet 45 is energized to operate the escapement mechanism for causing a column advance of the card carriage, incidentally opening switch 21 to A break the X duplicating circuit, all as previously described. The second columns of the skip and individual data columns are now in operating positions and either brush 39 or 39' is now engaging the corresponding contact 40 which has been plugged to the skip magnet 46. As soon as brush 39 or 39 engages the latter contact 40, skip circuit C forms causing energization of magnet 46 to advance skip lifter |42 and under control of skip bar |40 to effect rapid skipping operation, in the manner previously described.

Thus, the ilrst individual data column may be punched with a'n X hole under control of pattern card P (or by manual depression Vof a key 50) andby plugging successive contacts 40 to the space and skip magnets 45 and 46, in thatorder, a desired number of following card columns may be skipped past the operating station.

Summary Assume a pattern card P to have a skip held containing columns 7 to 15, of which column 'I has an X hole and of which columns 8 to 15 are blank. Further, assume column 16 of card P to have a perforation.

aosacvs lh'stsuppose that it is desired to duplicate the X hole in column 'I of a work card T and arrest card feed.

Bail 51 is iirst adjusted tothe position shown in F' 9 where notch ||3 and X interposer 54:|: are out of line.

When column 'l of card P reaches brushes 22 and contact roller 22, a 'circuit A is formed to energize X magnet 26 which causes the X interposer to advance. During this advance, the X interposer -rocks bail 51 to lift link 60 whichcloses contacts 64. Closure of contacts 64 forms punch circuit B which energizes magnet 65 to operate linkage for depressing hammer plate 61. Tip 61 of the hammer plate strikes the advanced X interposer'to effect punching by the X punch l2 of an X hole in column 7 of card T.

The X interposer during its depression by ham- -mer 61 moves into recess ||4 of escapement operating bail 12. The latter therefore remains at rest and escapement pawl 16 continues to main tain the card carriage in column 'l position.

Now the operator may-depress space key 50 v to move columns 8 of cards P and T to their op-y Here card P contains a perforation and duplicat' ing operations automatically resume.

The above briefly summarizes X punching without skipping. v

Second-Suppose it is desired to X punch column 'I and skip columns 8 to4 l5. Column 7 contact spot 40 of commutator C is plugged to space magnet 45 and column 8 contact spot 40 is plugged toskip magnet46. Further, switch |69 (Fig. 10) is placed in full line position to route the circuit of the space magnet through punch armature contacts |10. Bail 51 is left in the position shown invFig. 9.

As before, when column 'l of card P reaches analyzing station, X magnet 28 is energized to cause X punching in column '1 of card T. During the X punching, linkage 66 closes contacts |10. Since the card carriage is in column 'I position, brush I0' is engaging the contact spot 40 plugged to space magnet 45, and when contacts |10 close, circuit D forms to energize the space magnet. Energization of the latter operates arm |13a (Fig. 2) to the left to rock bail 12 downwardlyto effect an escapement step. 'I'he card carriage is then in column 8 position where brush 39 engages the contact 40 plugged to skip magnet 46. Thisforms circuit C to energize magnet 46. Magnet 46 thereupon advances skip lifter |42. Skip bar |40 has a high portion extending from column positions 8 through 15 and when skip lifter |42 rides up on this high portion, the card carriage is released for rapid, continuous travel to column 16 position. Here, skip bar |40 has a depression. I4 and skip lifter |42 drops to terminate skipping operation.

In above manner, X punching and skipping may be effected.

Third.-If it is desired merely to duplicate the X hole in column 'I 'of card T and space to column 8, then as in the second case, column 7 contact spot 40 is plugged to space magnet 45 and the latter connected through switch |69 to contacts |16 which are closed by punch operation, Un-

' like the second case, the contact spot 4I corresponding to column 8 is not plugged to skip magnet 48. Hence, the card feed will be arrested after the card carriage is moved to column 8 position under control of space magnet 4I. Manually selected punching operations mayv then be effected in columns 8 to 15 of card T.

Fourth-If it is desired to suppress duplication of the X hole and arrest card feed, bail 51 is moved to the left to register its notch ill with the X interposer. When column 7 of card P is analyzed, X magnet 2l is 'again energized to advance the X interponer. 'Ihe latter moves through notch ill without actuating bail Il so that link Il is not raised to close contacts 84 of punch circuit B. Then by pressing on button i", contacts 25 in the circuit of X magnet 28 are opened, the magnet is deenergized and the X interposer retracted. While pressing on button III, the space key 5l' or a value key (other than the X key) will be operated to advance the cards to column 8 position. Columns 8 through 15 may then be punched under manual control.

Fifth- If it is desired to skip columns 7 to 15 by a rapid, continuous feeding movement, without any punching operations, column 7 contact spot 40 is plugged to skip magnet It. When the card carriage reaches column 'I position, circuit C of the skip magnet will be completed and skippin'g operation will be eifected under control of a high part of skip bar Ill extending from column 7 position through column 15 position.

Sixth- If it is desired to skip columns "I through 15, without punching operations, by a less rapid, step-by-step or tintermittent feeding movement, and without regard to a skipvbar, the contact spots lll corresponding to columns 7 through 15 are each plugged to space magnet I5. Further, switch |59 is placed in dotted line position (Fig. 10). Now, when the 'card carriage reaches column 'I position, circuit D' will form to energize magnet 45 which will cause the card carriage to move to column 8 position. There, circuit D will again form, and a second column advance will occur. Thus, the card carriage will be stepped along column by column through column positions 'I to 15.

It is understood that there may be variations and combinations of the six cases explained above.

Further, it is understood that variations, modiflcations, and changes in the form of the illustrated embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. I therefore ,wish to be limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a machine for punching a card having columns of index point positions; the combination of punches for punching one card column at a time, selecting mechanism for causing the punches to perforate selected index point positions of the card columns, means for automatically following the punching operation by a card feeding operation, and means effective upon the punching of a special perforation in a card column under control of the selecting mechanism for automatically interrupting card feeding operation to thereby arrest the latter card column in punching position for receiving an additional perforation.

2. In a machine for punching a card having columns of index point positions; the combination of punches for punching one card column at s, time, automatic selecting mechanism for causing the punches toperforate index point positions of thecard columns, means for automaticaily following the punching operation of a' card column by a-column step feeding operation, and means effective upon thed in a card column of a special perforation selected by the automatic selecting mechanism for automatically interrupting card feeding operation to thereby arrest the latter column in punching position to receive an additional perforation.

3. In a machine for punching columns of a work card: the combination of punches for perforating the card columns one at a time, automatic selecting mechanism for selecting the punches vfor operation, means for automatically following selection and operation of a punch by a card feeding operation, and means controlled by the automatic selecting mechanism when it selects a predetermined punch for a certain card column for automatically interrupting card feeding operation to arrest the latter card column in punching position.

4. In a machine for punching columns of a work card under control of perforations in a pattern card; the combination of punches for perforating the work card-column by column, mechanism controlled by the pattern card for selecting the punches for operation, means for automatically following selection and operation of a punch by a card feeding operation. and means controlled by a speciall perforation of the pattern card for automatically interrupting the card feeding operation.

5. In a machine for punching columns of a work card under control of perforations in a pattern card; the combination of punches for punching the work card column by column, mechanism controlled by the pattern card for selecting the punches for operation, means for automatically feeding the work card one column step following selection and operation of a punch, and means eil'ective upon the operation of a punch under control of a special pattern card perforation for interrupting card feeding operation.

6. In a machine for punching work card columns under control of perforations in a pattern card; the combination of punches for perforating the work card one column at a time, mechanism controlled by the pattern card for selecting the punches for operation, means for automatically feeding the `worlr card one column step after each punching operation, means effective upon the selection of a special punch by the pattern card for interrupting card feeding operation, and means thereupon operable to cancel the selection of the special punch.

7. In a machine for punching work card columns under control of perforations in a pattern card; the combination of punches for perforating the work card one column at a time, mechanism controlled by the pattern card for selecting the punches for operation, means for automatically following a punching operation by a work card feeding operation, means effective upon the selection of a special punch by the selecting mechanism for interrupting card feeding operation, and means also capable, upon the selection of the special punch, of suppressing operation of the latter punch.

8. In a machine for punching columns of a record card ;y the combination of punches for perforating the card columns, mechanism for selecting the punches for operation, means following a punch selection for effecting punching operation by a selected punch, and a device having alternative positions, in one of which it suppresses the operation of a selected punch by aforesaid means and in the other of which it renders the aforesaid means effective to operate the selected punch.

9. In a machine for punching columns of a record card; the combination of punches for perforating the card columns, mechanism for selecting the punches for operation, means operation of which is initiated by the punch selecting operation for causing the selected punch to perforate the card, and a device adjustable to a position for suppressing initiation of operation of aforesaid means by the punch selecting operation.

10. In a machine for punching columns of a record card; the combination of punches for perforating the card columns, mechanism for selecting the punches for operation, means for operating the selected punches to perforate the card, a device operated by the punch selecting mechanism for initiating operation of aforesaid means, and means for rendering said device ineffective for operation by the punch selecting mechanism whereby operation of the punch operating means is suppressed.

11. In a, machine for punching columns of a record card; the combination of punches for perforating the card columns, punch selecting mechanism including an element actuated to effect punch selection, a device moved by the element upon actuation of the latter, means rendered ef fective by the device upon movement of the latter by said element for operating the selected punch to perforate the card, and means for disabling the device from movement by said element to thereby prevent the device from causing the punch operating means to operate the punch selected by said element.

12. In a machine for punching columns of a record card; the combination of punches for perforating the card columns, punch selecting mechanism including an interposer advanced to effect selection of a punch, a device in the path of advance of the interposer to be moved by the latter, means rendered effective by movement of the device by said interposer to operate thev selected punch for perforating the card, and means for displacing the device from the path oi' advance of said interposer to prevent the latter from moving the device whereby the punch operating means fails to operate the punch selected by said interposer.

13. In a machine for punching a card; the combination of punches, punch operating means to cause the punches to perforate the card, punch selecting means including an interposer advanced to effect a punch selecting operation, a pivoted bail actuated by the advance of the interposer for initiating operation of the punchoperating means, and means for shifting the bail in the direction of its pivotal axis, the bail having a notch brought into register with the interposer upon the aforesaid shifting of ithe bail and through which the interposer freely advances without actuating the bail whereby the bail may be rendered ineffective to initiate operation of the punch operating means to operate the punch selected by said interposer.

14. The machine as defined in claim 13, said bail shifting means including a pair of finger keys, one of which is operable to position the bail with its notch in register with the advancing interposer and the vother of which is operable to set the' bail with its notch displaced from the path of advance of the interposer to cause advance of the latter to actuate the bail.

15. In a machine for punching columns of a record sheet; the combination of punches for perforating the sheet one column at a time, means for selecting the punches for operation, punch operating means for causing operation of the selected punches. means for feeding the sheet past the punches, a magnet, a circuit controlled by the punch operating means for energizing the magnet as an incident to a punching operation, and means operated by energization of the magnet for causing the feeding means to feed the sheet a single column step.

16. In a machine for punching columns of a record sheet; the combination of punches for perforating the sheet column after column, means for selecting the punches for operation, punch operating means for causing the selected punches to perforate the sheet, mechanism for feeding the sheet past the punches, and means apart from and independent of the punch selecting means for causing the feeding mechanism to continuously feed a plurality of selected columns of the sheet past the punches Without accompanying punching operation.

17. In a machine for punching columns of a record sheet; the combination of punches for perforating the sheet column after column, means for selecting the punches for operation, punch operating means for causing the selected punches to perforate the sheet, mechanism for feeding the sheet past the punches, skipping mechanism for causing the feeding mechanism to continuously feed a plurality of columns of the sheet past the punches, and a device apart from and independent of the punch selecting or operating means for initiating operation of the skipping mechanism when a selected column of the sheet reaches the punches.

18. In a machine for punching columns of a record sheet; the combination of punches for perforating the sheet column by column, means for selecting the punches for operation, punch operating means for causing the selected punches to perforate the sheet, mechanism for feeding the sheet past the punches, skipping mechanism including a skip bar, a skip lifter coacting with sald skip bar to release the feeding mechanism for continuous operation, and a device apart from and independent of the punch selecting means for causing the skip lifter to coact with the bar for effecting release of the feeding mechanism when a predetermined column of the sheet reaches the punches.

19. In a machine for punching columns of index point positions of a card; the combination, of punches including a special punch for perforating a special index point of the card, means for selecting the punches for operation, mechanism for feeding the card, punch operating means for causing the selected punches to perforate the card, a device actuated under control of the selecting means for causing the feeding mechanism to feed the card one column step after operation of any of said punches except the special punch, and means apart from the punch selecting means capable of automatically operating said device to caus'e the feeding mechanism to automatically feed the card one column step following opertion of the special punch.

CHARLES O. WEILMAN.

Images