US2203707A - Totalizing mechanism for voting - Google Patents

Totalizing mechanism for voting Download PDF

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US2203707A
US2203707A US2203707DA US2203707A US 2203707 A US2203707 A US 2203707A US 2203707D A US2203707D A US 2203707DA US 2203707 A US2203707 A US 2203707A
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selector
shaft
voting
votometer
storage unit
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  • My invention relates to electrical roll-call or voting systems, such as are used by legislative and other deliberative bodies, and consists of a new type of highspeed vote totalizer, hereinafter 5 called a votometer.
  • This application is one tions disclosing a new voting system which makes use of two new principles in vote recording.
  • the first new principle is that of continuous totalization, which permits the presiding ofilcer, and the members it vote totals every few seconds while the members are voting.
  • the second new principle which makes the first principle practical and effective, is that of dividing the membership into divisions or groups for high speed recording and totalization. I call this the principle of division and storage.
  • the former principle of counting votes one at a time from a commutator has been abandoned, and the commutator, now called a selector, is divided into several divisions, corresponding with the several groups of members, and all contact wipers in the several selector divisions move together, decreasing the totalizing time to a fraction of that formerly required.
  • the several totalizing impulses simultaneously received by the votometer operate a corresponding number of devices called storage units. Each said unit pos-- sesses a gear wheel, which is moved backward one tooth by each impulse received. Then each gear wheel of a given class of votes is consecutively connected to a common pinion shaft and reset.
  • the pinion shaft moves forward a film or some 35 type of number wheel in a number of steps corresponding to the number of selector divisions and member groups. One total can be displayed by the film or wheel while another-total is bein prepared for display by thegears.
  • votometer displays its totals by means of film, but it should be understood it may be built to display its totals by a variety of other methods.
  • -Attached to, or geared to, each votometer main drive shaft, a disc, or ring, or drum,of glass or metal or other material, bearing consecutive numbers could satisfactorily replace the sprockets illustrated herein for feeding film.
  • a wheel bearing raised consecutive numbers would be geared to each votometer main drive shaft, for printing the totals.
  • the underlying mechanical principle of of a series of applica desired, to witness a-display of new operation is that of rotating a main drive shaft by storage units for a proper number of revolutions and fractions thereof to indicate the total. and the film illustrated herein is but one of the consecutively numbered devices or materials that can be driven by the drive shaft. 1
  • Fig. 1 shows a votometer classes of votes.
  • Fig. 2 indicates a side votometer, showing the lengthen the light beam and the display.
  • Fig. 3 shows a wall box mounting for my votomfor registering three sectional view of the use of a mirror to increase the size of eter in which a system of mirrors is used to obtain large magnification within a small space.
  • the projecting lens'in this case is arranged verticaliy.
  • Fig. 4 shows a wall box mounting for my vowin eter without the use of a mirror, in which a long enclosed light-horn is provided.
  • Fig. 5 shows how the votometer may be placed in or under the presiding oificers desk and display the totals to him.
  • Fig. 6 represents the front view of an indicator board equipped with the votometer.
  • Fig. 7 represents a side sectional view of same.
  • Fig. 8 represents a top sectional view of same.
  • Fig. 9 shows a side elevation of the votometer on lines 3-! of Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 10 shows the film for displaying the AYE totals.
  • Fig. 11 shows the film for displaying the NAY totals.
  • Fig. 12 shows the NOT-VOTING film.
  • Fig. 13 is a top view of the votometer unit.
  • Fig. 1. is a view on lines lli4 of Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 15 is a sectional view on lines lI-II of Fig; 13.
  • Fig. 16 is a vi w on lines li-di of Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 1'7 is a view on lines 11-11 of Fig. 13, and shows one of the severalstorage units.
  • Fig. 18 is a view of one of the storage unit operating springs, with its housing.
  • Fig. 19 shows the inner end of spring illustrated in Fig. 18.
  • Fig. 20 illustrates one of the storage unit shafts.
  • Fig. 21 is a view on lines 21-4! of Fig. 13, and shows one of the storage units drawn with the frame member indicated in Fig. omitted, allowing clear view of the holding pawl and its ratchet wheel.
  • Fig. 22 is a view on lines 22-22 of Fig. 13, and shows one of the storage units drawn with the gear and holding pawl and ratchet wheel omitted. allowing clear view of the operating pawl and ratchet wheel, and the magnet controlling them.
  • Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the mechanism on lines 2323 of Figs. 14 and 17.
  • Fig. 24 is a sectional view of the mechanism on lines 24-24 of Figs. 14 and 17.
  • Fig. 25 represents one of the two frame members' supporting each storage unit.
  • Fig. 26 is a top view of Fig. 25.
  • Fig. 27 is a view on lines 27-21 of Fig. 13, showing the bearing supporting one end of the main drive shaft, with the retractible stopping pin mechanism in evidence.
  • Fig. 28 is a view on lines 28-48 of Fig. 13, showing in sectional form the bearing block mechanism illustrated in Fig. 27.
  • Fig. 29 is a view showing in sectional form the main shaft stopping arm and retractible stopping pin, taken on lines 29-29 of Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 30 is a view of the bearing supporting the other end of the main drive shaft, and illustrates the mechanism on that end of the drive shaft.
  • Fig. 31 shows the pinion sleeve that was illustrated in Fig. 30, by itself.
  • Fig. 32 shows in a sectional manner the method of mounting the pinion sleeve of Fig. 31 on the main drive shaft.
  • Fig. 33 shows on lines 33-33 of Fig. 14, the spring and gear mechanism used for returning the main drive shaft to its normal position, and the various solenoid magnets, in sectional form, wired to a terminal block.
  • Fig. 34 discloses a wiring diagram.
  • the votometer usually consists of three units or sections, for registering the aye, not-voting and nay votes, although it may be built to contain as many sections as there are different classes of votes to be recorded.
  • Each unit or section of the votometer consists of a projecting machine, in one adaption of my invention, such as shown generally in Fig. 9, in which a continuous film such as 5., or II, or 52, or some equivalent thereof such as a glass disc or drum containing consecutive vote numbers, is rapidly moved or rotated from one position to another, to display the totals.
  • a continuous film such as 5., or II, or 52, or some equivalent thereof such as a glass disc or drum containing consecutive vote numbers
  • Fig. 1 three such units or sections are placed within a single box 53, and their vote totals are displayed on the screens 50a, 5
  • a side view in section form of this arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 2, wherein bracket 54 holds mirror I in position to reflect the beam II to its associated screen.
  • Light guard 57 protects the image from overhead light.
  • Steel wall box ll contains a system of mirrors 59, 60 and ii, for enlarging the beam within a small space, and refleeting it to screen 82 under visor 51.
  • Bracket 53a acts as a shield for separating the light beams besides supporting mirrors I9 and GI, and it will be seen that the projecting lenses are mounted vertically.
  • Projection may be secured without mirrors, as shown in Fig. 4, by attaching a front plate 83, holding light-horn 64 and screen 85, to steel box ii.
  • the assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 may be placed on the floor under the presiding oi'llcers desk, as shown in Fig. 5, if he alone is to read the results. Or by using vertical lens such as indicated at 81 of Fig. 5, the image may be projected on miniature screens on top of the presiding omcers desk N. If a miniature indicator board is used on the presiding officer's desk. which is usually made by assembling telephone lamp jack strips 69 in a steel box II under brass trim H, the brass trim may be arranged to accommodate the small screens indicated at 12, thereby combining the totaling and indicating mechanisms in a single unit. Of course the screens 12 may be mounted separately from the indicator board 59, II, II, it so desired. Furthermore screens 12 of Fig. 5 may be equipped with visor l3, and if it is desired visor 13 may be equipped with mirror 14, and screens 120 may be substituted for screens 12, thus reflecting the light-beam to the presiding officer.
  • Fig. 6 discloses a front view of a large indicator board containing votometer units.
  • the doors, such as 15, are hinged to the frame as indicated at I6, within the metallic trim 11.
  • Each door has attached to it a series of card slots 18 having flanges 19 holding cards 80.
  • Each card slot 18 is attached to the door by aye lampcap 8
  • Fig. 7 gives a side view and Fig. 8 gives a top view of the indicator board and total display mechanism shown in Fig. 6.
  • the trim 11 is fastened to steel wall box I! which contains a votometer projecting unit 99 with vertical lenses G1 behind each desired door 15.
  • each lamp In a structure such as shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, provision must be made to isolate the light of each lamp so it can shine only through its own lamp cap; and provision must likewise be made to isolate the totalizing beam arising from each projecting lens unit 81.
  • the top of each channel member I! is fitted with a mirror 90 for reflecting the beam to screen ll.
  • Bent metal light shields ii are attached by every, or every'other lamp cap such as 82.
  • Glass lamp caps such as BI and 82 may be fitted with spun metal holders, such as shown at 92, which will serve to fasten card slots ll. channel member 89 and bent metal light shields, to door 15.
  • channel member I! could be fastened to steel box 81 instead of door II, which would equally well isolate beams from projecting lens 61, but that construction would take away from door I! the desirable reinforcement strength found in channel member I.
  • the indicator board lamps 83 may be fastened either to box 81 or to channel member I! as shown.
  • FIG. 9 An aperture covered by a mirror set at forty five degrees to the frame is indicated at N, permitting light from the projecting lamp on the far side of the machine to pass through condensing lens .5 and film 50 or II or 52, and projecting lenses .1, to whatever type of screen may be used.
  • Adjustment for centering the image on the screen is provided by thumb screw ll, which holds lever 9! in any adjusted position, to frame 00.
  • thumb screw 21 By loosening thumb screw 21, handle I" of lever 2 may be moved and locked as described. causing lever roller III to move him upor down.
  • the usual sprocket wheel and rollers for actuating the film are found at I02 and Ill respectively, and the usual spring arm rollers for putting light tension on the film, are indicated on both sides of the sprocket wheel, at I and I05 respectively.
  • Shown at I" is a governor, in this case in the form of an air paddle wheel, which rapidly rotates when the film is in motion, and controls the speed of film movement.
  • the sprocket wheel "2 is capable of quickly moving the film to the desired display number, or restoring it to the zero or normal position. with the'three-storage-unit votometer illustrated. the film or equivalent is moved to the desired display number in not more than three movements, and I and moves stop pin II! attached thereto, out of.
  • the shoulder of spring housing I21 is shown projecting through frame 88, and the III are designed to receive a special tool for rotating spring housing I21 when screws I32 are removed for adiustment.
  • Fig. 13 the cover or housing for the projecting lamp is indicated at I, and in Fig. 23, which is drawn in section, the projection lamp is shown at e, the reflector at II, apertures for the beam at I31, I and I".
  • the beam then strikes i reflecting mirror and condensing lens combination 94 and 85, and passes through film II or I or $2, and projecting lens 81 to the screen used, as previously outlined.
  • Spring I25 causes stop arm I I2 to abut stop pin II! when shaft ll'l is in its normal or zero registering position; which means spring. III is wound up when totalizing shaft III is rotated for registering a total.
  • Spring I2! is capable of permitting shaft II" to rotate against its pressure for several revolutions, and then spring I2! is capable of driving totalizing shaft I01 back to "its normal or zero registering position where stop arm Ill-abuts stop pin III.
  • Stop pin III is withdrawn from the'path of stop arm 2, by nut III during the first revolution of shaft I Ill, and stop pin II! returns intothe path of stop arm II2 only after spring I2l has driven shaft I" back to a position within one revolution of its normal position.
  • shaft I" can rotate seve'ralrevolutions from its normal position, moving the film the full length of the number track, and then shaft Ill can be returned to its normal position by action the film to its zero indicating position.
  • each votometer unit consists of a number of devices called storage units, each capable of rotating shaft Il'l,
  • the votometer described uwaw three storage units, although any desired number of storage units may be used. These three storage units are indicated at all, bb, and cc,-in Figs.'13, 14, 15, 23 and 24. These three,storage units are identical mechanically and only one of them needs description.
  • FIG. 25 side view of a storage unit.
  • the storage unit is built upon two *frame-members, one of which is shown at III in Figs. 25 and 26.
  • the other frame member is similar thereto except the ear is bent in the opposite direction.
  • These two frame members are shown in Figs.23 and 24, as well 'as in Figs. 17, 21 and 22, to be pivoted on a short shaft Ill, mounted in bearing block I 42.
  • Each bearing I and nut I" The two frame members I of each storage unit, besides being pivoted at I, are joined together by a screwed on back plate I, and by a screwv and bushing best illustrated at I" and I in Fig. 24.
  • each storage unit is normally held up by springs I, which are attached to plate III, but this frame work is capable of being pulled downwards by the square headed solenoid plunger I", pivoted between the frame membe'rs I by pin I", when its respective solenoid I22 or III or of spring I28, which restores' are equipped with shanks I66, upon which are held silencing washers I66, which deaden the noise when square heads of plungers I are returned to their normal position, determined by stop plate I61.
  • each storage unit contains as its principal operating element, as best shown in Figs. 17, 21 and 22, a gear wheel I69, to either side of which is attached by screws or rivets I60, a ratchet wheel, IiI and I62.
  • This gear and double ratchet combination is keyed at I63 to shaft I64.
  • the shaft I64 also contains at each end, as shown in Fig. 20, a milled spring hook I68.
  • Two spring housings, such as illustrated at I65 in Fig. 18, each containing a clock spring I66, having its outer end pinned to its respective housing at I61, and the two inner ends held to shaft I64 by the hooks I66, are attached to frame members I40 by screws indicated at I69.
  • a plate I66a for enclosing the spring I 66 is placed under the screw heads I69 on each housing I66.
  • the two housings I66 furnish the bearings for shaft I64, in addition to containing the springs 165 that furnish the power for returningshaft I64 with the gear and ratchet wheel combination keyed thereon, back to its normal position.
  • the gear thereon 55S is in mesh with shaft I01, and advances the film.
  • the two springs I66 are, in unwinding, causing main shaft spring I26 to become wound, aided by a favorable gear ratio for this purpose.
  • pawls are provided for each storage unit, the near pawl H0 illustrated in Figs. 17 and 21, acts as a holding pawl, and is pivoted at Hi to an adjustable belt 312, attached to the back plate 145.
  • Spring I13 holds pawl I10 in contact with ratchet wheel I61.
  • Pawl I14 is pivoted at I16 to operating lever 11B, and held in contact with its respective ratchet wheel I62 by spring I11.
  • the operating lever 516 is pivoted on the same shaft "I that pivots the two frame members I40, and normally is held against adjustable stop screw H3 by spring I19.
  • Operating levers such as I16 have pinned to them at I84 solenoid plungers such as 193, and are actuated by solenoids such as NO or I8I or I82.
  • the stationary cores of all solenoids used on the votometer, including cores I81 of solenoids I80, I6I and I62 are threaded into base plate I85 and locked by a nut such as I86, which provides for adjustment.
  • each storage unit and the adjustable stop screw I16 thereof provide the necessary adjustable stops for the proper movement of operating pawl I14. These stops are adjusted so operation of solenoid I60 or Ill or I82 will move the ratchet and gear wheel combination connected therewith, against the action of the two springs I66 connected thereto, for the distance ofone gear or ratchet tooth, whereupon it is caught and held by the holding pawl I 0. Both ratchet wheels Ill and "thaw the same number of teeth, and each small tooth thereon corresponds to a gear tooth on the gear wheel I69.
  • each ratchet wheel IN and I62 possesses a long tooth, I66 and I69 respectively.
  • Each locking lever I96 is actuated by its solenoid 200 to lock and center the main shaft I01 between forward movements of the film caused by successive resetting of the storage units; and also to lock and center the main shaft I61 for display of the final total.
  • De-energization of solenoid 200 permits the film to reset by action of spring I26 revolving shaft I01 until stop arm II2 strikes stop pin II6.
  • Fig. 35 a wiring diagram is shown illustrating operation.
  • the mechanical details of the structure shown in Fig. 34 are not intended to represent an actual construction. but merely to present a general view of the operating functions in connection with the wiring diagram.
  • the votometer is controlled by a device termed a selector, covered by an application filed June 3, 1936.
  • the complete wiring of the votometer and the selector is disclosed in my application on the system itself filed May 4, 1936.
  • Fig. 34 herein. the selector and wiring, as well as the members voting units, are sumciently illustrated to describe the operation of the votometer, but the other applications may be referred to if desired.
  • Voting unit'a is in the first voting division and connected to the first contactors in division A of the selector, and division A of the selector controls the first storage units, aa, M, and M, respectively of the aye, not-voting and nay sections of the votometer.
  • Voting unit b is in the second voting division, and connected to the first 16..
  • Voting unit c is in the third votin division, and connected to the first contactors in division C. of the selector, and division C of the selector controls the third storage units, cc, cc, and cc, of the three said votometer sections.
  • the voting units a, b, and c are connected to positive battery with their respective blades resting on not-voting contactors 204, and, as drawn, will operate the storage units of the middie or not-voting section of the votometer. If blades 200 were thrown to the right, they would operate the storage units of the left or aye section of the votometer. If thrown to the left. they would operate the storage units of the right or nay section of the votometer. But in all cases operation of the votometer storage units would occur only. while-the selector wipers 205 were revolving and thereby completing the circuits to the voting units a, b, and 0, etc.
  • All selector wipers 205 are arranged to move together. Those in selector divisions A, B and C control the simultaneous storing of impulses from three groups or divisions of members. Wiper 205 in selector section E controls the storage unit reset and-film advancing solenoids I52, I and I50, and the locking and centering solenoid 200, in each section of the votometer, while the wiper 205 in selector section F controls the projection lamp e in each section of the votometer. Wiper 205 in selector section G controls operation of the selector driving motor 200 and its brake release solenoid 201.
  • switch L When a vote is to be taken switch L is closed, as drawn, whereupon current from positive conductor 200 passes through switch L to wiper 205 of selector section E, and to contactor 209 of selector section F. From selector section E current on contactor 2l0 passes over conductor 2 to the three locking and centering solenoids 200; and current from wiper 205 of selector section F passes over conductor 2I2 to the three projecting lamps e; and since lamps e and solenoids 200 are connected to negative conductor 2H, all three projecting lenses 51 display zero totals from films locked and centered in that position, as the members commence to vote.
  • the solenoids I00, III and-I02, of all three sections of the votometer receive further operating impulses from other voting units, through further rotation of wipers 205 in selector divisions A, B, and C, as said wipers pass'over other energized contactors I in their paths.
  • selector of three divisions' such as drawn, three impulses are always simultaneously stored and then three more, etc.. etc.
  • wiper 205 further adcessive contact is established with contactors 2I0, 2I9, 220, 22I, 222, 223, and 2I0, and in each case the wiper establishes the new contact before breaking the old contact, so the locking and centering levers I95 cannot release their main shafts I01 while the films are being stepped into their new positions.
  • contactors 2I0, 2I9, 220, 22I, 222, 223, and 2I0 look all main shafts I01 in the normal or zero registering position.
  • all three I52 solenoids are operated, which permits all three aa storage units to engage their respective I01 shafts and move their respective films forward sufllciently to register the votes controlled by selector division A.
  • solenoids 200 look all main shafts I01 with selector division A totals registered.
  • all three I53 solenoids are operated, which permits all three bb storage units to engage their respective shafts I01 and move their respective films forward sufllciently to register the additional votes controlled by selector division 13.
  • solenoids 200 lock all main shafts I01 with selector division A and B totals registered.
  • all three I50 solenoids are operated, which permits all three cc storage units to engage their respective shafts I01 and move their respective films forward sufficiently to register the additional votes controlled by selector division C.
  • solenoids 200 look all main shafts I01 with selector A, B and C totals, or the final totals registered; and at this time wiper 205 of selector section F establishes contact with contactor 200, lighting all three projection lamps e'to display the totals.
  • wipers 205 would continue to revolve until they completed their cycle of operation, because seiectorsection G wiper 205 would hold the selector motor and brake release solenoid circuit closed by riding on contactor 225, per- 5 mitting current from positive battery to pass through motor 200 and solenoid 201, and reach negative 2I0, through conductor 225, wiper 205, contactor 220 and conductor 221, instead of following the first path through switch 4.
  • switch L is opened, ex. tinguishlng all projection lamps e, and .de-.
  • a totalizing machine comprising, a plurality oi storage units, means for simultaneously storing motion in said storage units, a shaft member adapted to move a consecutively numbered device, means for consecutively connecting each storage unit mechanically with said shaft member, and means for releasing all the stored motion in each storage unit while so connected.
  • a totalizing machine comprising, a consecutively numbered device, relatively strong spring means for moving said device to display a total, relatively less forceful reset spring means for restoring said device to its normal position, and a governor to limit or regulate the speed of movement of said device under the difierential force of both said spring means and the direct force of said reset means.
  • a totalizing machine comprising, a consecutively numbered device, means for moving said device to show a total, a stop engaged with said means and retractable under control of said means during one revolution thereof for permitting said means to make a plurality of revolutions for actuating said numbered device, and a reset device for restoring said means to its normal position where its motion is arrested by engagement with said retractable stop, said stop being projected under control of said means.
  • a totalizing machine comprising, at least one storage unit, a combined gear and ratchet wheel on said storage unit, a magnetically operated pawl to actuate said ratchet wheel, a rocker arm supporting said pawl, and means for pivoting both said storage unit and said rocker arm at the same point.
  • a totalizing machine comprising, at least one storage unit, a combined gear and'ratchet wheel on said storage unit, a magnetically operated pawl connected with said storage unit for actuating said ratchet wheel, a consecutively numbered device, means for disengaging said pawl from said ratchet wheel for releasing energy from said storage unit, and means including said gear for moving said consecutively numbered device by the energy released from said storage unit.
  • a totalizing machine at least one storage unit, a combined gear and dual ratchet wheels on said storage unit, one long tooth on each said ratchet wheel, a magnetically operated pawl coacting with one of said ratchet wheels for moving said gear, a holding pawl coacting with the other of said ratchet wheels, and means for disengaging said pawls from the small teeth of said ratchet wheels while leaving the holdinil pawl in the path of the long tooth on the respec tive ratchet wheel.
  • a totalizing machine comprising at least one mechanical storage unit adapted to integrate intermittent movements, means for storing intermittent motion in said storage unit, a consecutively numbered device mechanically connectible with said storage unit, means for releasing the stored motion in said storage unit while said storage unit is connected with said consecutively numbered device, and means for displaying one totalization by said device while said storage unit is disconnected therefrom and storing motion in preparation for another totalization.
  • a totalizing machine comprising means for converting intermittent unit movements into an aggregate of potential energy, a consecutively numbered device calibrated with respect to said means, means for releasing said potential energy, means for operating said device by a portion of said energy, to indicate the total number of said intermittent unit movements, and means for reconverting the remainder of said energy into potential energy releasable later for restoring said device to its initial position.
  • a totalizing machine comprising at least one storage unit, means for releasing energy from said storage unit, a consecutively numbered device, means for connecting said device with said storage unit for operation upon the release of energy from said storage unit, locking means for holding the consecutively numbered device in the operated position while said storage unit is storing energy for another operation of said de vice, and reset means for said numbered device operable upon release of said locking means and prior to subsequent operation of said numbered device.
  • a totalizing machine comprising a plurality oi electromechanical storage units, separate motor driven commutator devices connected with operating means in each of said storage units and simultaneously operative for transmitting intermittent electrical impulses to the respective storage units, a consecutively numbered device, means for mechanically engaging each of said storage units with said consecutively numbered device in succession and releasing all the stored energy for moving said numbered device, means for displaying the total of the energy stored in all said storage units in terms of said consecutively numbered device, continuously operable control means for actuating said commutator device and said engaging means and said displaying means in successive cycles of operation of the ma chine, said control means being operative to maintain the displaying means eiiective during subsequent operation 01 said commutator device, and reset means for said consecutively numbered device controlled by said control means and operative intermediate the operation of said displaying means and said engaging means in successive cycles of operation of the machine.

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June 11, 1940- c. F. THOMPSON TOTALIZING IECHANISI FOR VOTING APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1936 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ira-.- 1 57 I I n U: MI 011% n 4 9%.,
I 7 INVENTOR.
6 43M! BY Many 0044 ATTORNEY C. F. THOMPSON TOTALIZING MECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS June 11, 1940.
Filed July" 31, 1956 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 IINVVENTOR. ffxwomg &
ATTORNEY J1me 1940- c. F. THOMPSON TOTALIZI ING MECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1956 10 Sheets-Sheet 5' v INVENTOR.
86414? fipMay/aom &' ATTORNEY.
mm 7 nllll wlii June 11, 1940. c THOMPSON 2,203,707
TOTALIZING IECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS I Filed July :51, 1936 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 I u E J V I INVENTOR. @g w fi gmvay ww,
June 11, 1940. c. F. THOMPSON TOTALIZING MECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1936 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 11, 1940. E THOMPSON 'roupizme MECHANISM FOR vom-me APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1936 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVEN TOR.
.rLr i a i/M ATTORNEY June 1940 c. F. THOMPSON TOTALIZING MECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS Filed July 51, 1936 VINVENTQR. 8wda4 & E y By ATTORNEY June 11, 1940. c F, THOMPSON 2,203,707
TOTALIZING MECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS Filed July 31, 1936 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 \7 IN V EN TOR.
June 11, 1940. c. F. THOMPSON TO'A.-LIZING IECflMiISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS.
1o Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed July 31, 1936 w: m A m M n m A. n; 4:: R L I 0M w 2w fi 2 m 34 a hm June 11, 1940.
C. F. THOMPSON TOTALIZING MECHANISM FOR VOTING APPARATUS 1o sheets-sheet 10 Filed July 31. 1936 UNITED STATES "PATENT OFFICE TOTALIZING' FOR VOTING APPARATUS Charles F. Thompson, Dumbarton, Va. Application July 31, 1930, Serial No. 93,684
10 Claims.
My invention relates to electrical roll-call or voting systems, such as are used by legislative and other deliberative bodies, and consists of a new type of highspeed vote totalizer, hereinafter 5 called a votometer. I
This application is one tions disclosing a new voting system which makes use of two new principles in vote recording. The first new principle is that of continuous totalization, which permits the presiding ofilcer, and the members it vote totals every few seconds while the members are voting. The second new principle, which makes the first principle practical and effective, is that of dividing the membership into divisions or groups for high speed recording and totalization. I call this the principle of division and storage.
The former principle of counting votes one at a time from a commutator has been abandoned, and the commutator, now called a selector, is divided into several divisions, corresponding with the several groups of members, and all contact wipers in the several selector divisions move together, decreasing the totalizing time to a fraction of that formerly required. The several totalizing impulses simultaneously received by the votometer operate a corresponding number of devices called storage units. Each said unit pos-- sesses a gear wheel, which is moved backward one tooth by each impulse received. Then each gear wheel of a given class of votes is consecutively connected to a common pinion shaft and reset.
The pinion shaft moves forward a film or some 35 type of number wheel in a number of steps corresponding to the number of selector divisions and member groups. One total can be displayed by the film or wheel while another-total is bein prepared for display by thegears.
40 Among the objects of this invention are therefore, to provide a vote totalizer operating upon the division and storage principle. to provide a vote totalizer designed for continuous totalization, to provide a vote totalizer designed to display one total while preparing another total for display, and to provide a vote totalizer capable of higher operating'speed than former devices of this character.
. As illustrated by votometer displays its totals by means of film, but it should be understood it may be built to display its totals by a variety of other methods. -Attached to, or geared to, each votometer main drive shaft, a disc, or ring, or drum,of glass or metal or other material, bearing consecutive numbers, could satisfactorily replace the sprockets illustrated herein for feeding film. In one desirable form, a wheel bearing raised consecutive numbers would be geared to each votometer main drive shaft, for printing the totals. The underlying mechanical principle of of a series of applica desired, to witness a-display of new operation is that of rotating a main drive shaft by storage units for a proper number of revolutions and fractions thereof to indicate the total. and the film illustrated herein is but one of the consecutively numbered devices or materials that can be driven by the drive shaft. 1
I obtain the objects above mentioned by mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 shows a votometer classes of votes.
Fig. 2 indicates a side votometer, showing the lengthen the light beam and the display.
Fig. 3 shows a wall box mounting for my votomfor registering three sectional view of the use of a mirror to increase the size of eter in which a system of mirrors is used to obtain large magnification within a small space. The projecting lens'in this case is arranged verticaliy.
Fig. 4 shows a wall box mounting for my vowin eter without the use of a mirror, in which a long enclosed light-horn is provided.
' Fig. 5 shows how the votometer may be placed in or under the presiding oificers desk and display the totals to him.
Fig. 6 represents the front view of an indicator board equipped with the votometer.
Fig. 7 represents a side sectional view of same.
Fig. 8 represents a top sectional view of same.
Fig. 9 shows a side elevation of the votometer on lines 3-! of Fig. 13.
' Fig. 10 shows the film for displaying the AYE totals.
} Fig. 11 shows the film for displaying the NAY totals. I
Fig. 12 shows the NOT-VOTING film.
Fig. 13 is a top view of the votometer unit.
Fig. 1. is a view on lines lli4 of Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 is a sectional view on lines lI-II of Fig; 13.
Fig. 16 is a vi w on lines li-di of Fig. 13.
Fig. 1'7 is a view on lines 11-11 of Fig. 13, and shows one of the severalstorage units.
Fig. 18 is a view of one of the storage unit operating springs, with its housing.
Fig. 19 shows the inner end of spring illustrated in Fig. 18.
Fig. 20 illustrates one of the storage unit shafts.
Fig. 21 is a view on lines 21-4! of Fig. 13, and shows one of the storage units drawn with the frame member indicated in Fig. omitted, allowing clear view of the holding pawl and its ratchet wheel.
Fig. 22 is a view on lines 22-22 of Fig. 13, and shows one of the storage units drawn with the gear and holding pawl and ratchet wheel omitted. allowing clear view of the operating pawl and ratchet wheel, and the magnet controlling them.
Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the mechanism on lines 2323 of Figs. 14 and 17.
Fig. 24 is a sectional view of the mechanism on lines 24-24 of Figs. 14 and 17.
Fig. 25 represents one of the two frame members' supporting each storage unit.
Fig. 26 is a top view of Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 is a view on lines 27-21 of Fig. 13, showing the bearing supporting one end of the main drive shaft, with the retractible stopping pin mechanism in evidence.
Fig. 28 is a view on lines 28-48 of Fig. 13, showing in sectional form the bearing block mechanism illustrated in Fig. 27.
Fig. 29 is a view showing in sectional form the main shaft stopping arm and retractible stopping pin, taken on lines 29-29 of Fig. 13.
Fig. 30 is a view of the bearing supporting the other end of the main drive shaft, and illustrates the mechanism on that end of the drive shaft.
Fig. 31 shows the pinion sleeve that was illustrated in Fig. 30, by itself.
Fig. 32 shows in a sectional manner the method of mounting the pinion sleeve of Fig. 31 on the main drive shaft. Fig. 33 shows on lines 33-33 of Fig. 14, the spring and gear mechanism used for returning the main drive shaft to its normal position, and the various solenoid magnets, in sectional form, wired to a terminal block.
Fig. 34 discloses a wiring diagram.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
The votometer usually consists of three units or sections, for registering the aye, not-voting and nay votes, although it may be built to contain as many sections as there are different classes of votes to be recorded.
Each unit or section of the votometer consists of a projecting machine, in one adaption of my invention, such as shown generally in Fig. 9, in which a continuous film such as 5., or II, or 52, or some equivalent thereof such as a glass disc or drum containing consecutive vote numbers, is rapidly moved or rotated from one position to another, to display the totals. In Fig. 1 three such units or sections are placed within a single box 53, and their vote totals are displayed on the screens 50a, 5| a, and 52a. A side view in section form of this arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 2, wherein bracket 54 holds mirror I in position to reflect the beam II to its associated screen. Light guard 57 protects the image from overhead light.
In Fig.3 a mounting is shown, desirable when a larger image is required. Steel wall box ll contains a system of mirrors 59, 60 and ii, for enlarging the beam within a small space, and refleeting it to screen 82 under visor 51. Bracket 53a acts as a shield for separating the light beams besides supporting mirrors I9 and GI, and it will be seen that the projecting lenses are mounted vertically.
Projection may be secured without mirrors, as shown in Fig. 4, by attaching a front plate 83, holding light-horn 64 and screen 85, to steel box ii.
The assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 may be placed on the floor under the presiding oi'llcers desk, as shown in Fig. 5, if he alone is to read the results. Or by using vertical lens such as indicated at 81 of Fig. 5, the image may be projected on miniature screens on top of the presiding omcers desk N. If a miniature indicator board is used on the presiding officer's desk. which is usually made by assembling telephone lamp jack strips 69 in a steel box II under brass trim H, the brass trim may be arranged to accommodate the small screens indicated at 12, thereby combining the totaling and indicating mechanisms in a single unit. Of course the screens 12 may be mounted separately from the indicator board 59, II, II, it so desired. Furthermore screens 12 of Fig. 5 may be equipped with visor l3, and if it is desired visor 13 may be equipped with mirror 14, and screens 120 may be substituted for screens 12, thus reflecting the light-beam to the presiding officer.
Instead of displaying the results to the members by separate totalizer units such as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the principle of displaying the totals on the indicator board as disclosed in Fig. 5, may likewise be applied to the large size indicator boards. Fig. 6 discloses a front view of a large indicator board containing votometer units. The doors, such as 15, are hinged to the frame as indicated at I6, within the metallic trim 11. Each door has attached to it a series of card slots 18 having flanges 19 holding cards 80. Each card slot 18 is attached to the door by aye lampcap 8| and nay lamp-cap .2. Somewhat matching the card slots 18, the screen holder 83 with its visor 84, and holding screen 8!, is bolted at I, to each desired door 15.
Fig. 7 gives a side view and Fig. 8 gives a top view of the indicator board and total display mechanism shown in Fig. 6. The trim 11 is fastened to steel wall box I! which contains a votometer projecting unit 99 with vertical lenses G1 behind each desired door 15.
In a structure such as shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, provision must be made to isolate the light of each lamp so it can shine only through its own lamp cap; and provision must likewise be made to isolate the totalizing beam arising from each projecting lens unit 81. This is accomplished by attaching to the rear of each door a channel member 88, which separates the rows of aye and may lamps, and isolates the totalizing beam. The top of each channel member I! is fitted with a mirror 90 for reflecting the beam to screen ll. Bent metal light shields ii are attached by every, or every'other lamp cap such as 82. Glass lamp caps such as BI and 82 may be fitted with spun metal holders, such as shown at 92, which will serve to fasten card slots ll. channel member 89 and bent metal light shields, to door 15.
Of course channel member I! could be fastened to steel box 81 instead of door II, which would equally well isolate beams from projecting lens 61, but that construction would take away from door I! the desirable reinforcement strength found in channel member I. The indicator board lamps 83 may be fastened either to box 81 or to channel member I! as shown.
Before discussing the mechanical action of the votometer let us refer to Fig. 9. An aperture covered by a mirror set at forty five degrees to the frame is indicated at N, permitting light from the projecting lamp on the far side of the machine to pass through condensing lens .5 and film 50 or II or 52, and projecting lenses .1, to whatever type of screen may be used. A film track and lens housing indicated at I, guides the film through its proper path between the lenses.
Adjustment for centering the image on the screen is provided by thumb screw ll, which holds lever 9! in any adjusted position, to frame 00. By loosening thumb screw 21, handle I" of lever 2 may be moved and locked as described. causing lever roller III to move him upor down.
The usual sprocket wheel and rollers for actuating the film are found at I02 and Ill respectively, and the usual spring arm rollers for putting light tension on the film, are indicated on both sides of the sprocket wheel, at I and I05 respectively. Shown at I" is a governor, in this case in the form of an air paddle wheel, which rapidly rotates when the film is in motion, and controls the speed of film movement.
The sprocket wheel "2 is capable of quickly moving the film to the desired display number, or restoring it to the zero or normal position. with the'three-storage-unit votometer illustrated. the film or equivalent is moved to the desired display number in not more than three movements, and I and moves stop pin II! attached thereto, out of.
a path of stop arm I I2, when shaft I I1 commences four holes indicated in Fig. 9 at to rotate to set up a total. Steadying pin II. is also attached to nut I I4 and moves-through bearing it! asstop pin I ll does, when shaft I01 rotates, but steadying pin IIl does not act as a stop.
Except for the small portion of the shaft II! that is shown threaded at Hi, all the rest of the shaft I" that lays between the bearing blocks "in and I", contains gear teeth in the nature of a pinion rod, as indicated at I2l in Figs. l5'and 24. Fastened to shaft I" is the gear wheel I". best seen in Fig. 14, which drivespinion H81 governor shaft II! that supports paddle I20. Film breakage and excessive wear is overcome bv using a governor. Gear 9. double keyway to match the end keys! on pinion sleeve I22 shown in Fig. 31. Figs. 80 and 32 show how gear wheel I I1 and pinion sleeve I22.
are both attached by pin I24 on turned shoulder of shaft I01.
A spring of the clock in Fig. 15, having its inner shaft I28, and its outer end pinned to housing I21, at I28, furnishes power to gear wheel I20, through shaft flange Ill to which .it is pinned. for restoring shaft spring type shown at I2 I32. turning the housing I21 until the desired tension is attained, and then replacing the screws I32. In Fig. 9 the shoulder of spring housing I21 is shown projecting through frame 88, and the III are designed to receive a special tool for rotating spring housing I21 when screws I32 are removed for adiustment. a
In Figs. 10, 11 and 12ft will be observed that two numbers are applied to each frame in the film. and one set of sprocket holes is used for each wheel H1 is fitted with end pinned to stub '17, 21 and 22 corresponding thereto, illustrate a III to its normal position after each display of a total. Spring housing block I42 is attached to frame plate. I" by shank wheel "2 eight teeth, and hence moves the film sixteen counts .per revolution. In Figs.
17, 21 and '22 it will be seen that the pinion toothed portion III of shaft III is equi ped with sixteen teeth. This means each time shaft I" is rotated the distance of one tooth a new numher is displayed.
In Fig. 13 the cover or housing for the projecting lamp is indicated at I, and in Fig. 23, which is drawn in section, the projection lamp is shown at e, the reflector at II, apertures for the beam at I31, I and I". The beam then strikes i reflecting mirror and condensing lens combination 94 and 85, and passes through film II or I or $2, and projecting lens 81 to the screen used, as previously outlined.
Spring I25 causes stop arm I I2 to abut stop pin II! when shaft ll'l is in its normal or zero registering position; which means spring. III is wound up when totalizing shaft III is rotated for registering a total. Spring I2! is capable of permitting shaft II" to rotate against its pressure for several revolutions, and then spring I2! is capable of driving totalizing shaft I01 back to "its normal or zero registering position where stop arm Ill-abuts stop pin III. Stop pin III is withdrawn from the'path of stop arm 2, by nut III during the first revolution of shaft I Ill, and stop pin II! returns intothe path of stop arm II2 only after spring I2l has driven shaft I" back to a position within one revolution of its normal position. Thus shaft I" can rotate seve'ralrevolutions from its normal position, moving the film the full length of the number track, and then shaft Ill can be returned to its normal position by action the film to its zero indicating position.
,. The balance of the mechanism for each votometer unit consists of a number of devices called storage units, each capable of rotating shaft Il'l,
within certain limits, against action of spring I25; and a magnetically operated locking and centering bar for holding shaft ill in the advanced or vote registering positions against action of spring I2.
In the present application the votometer described uwaw: three storage units, although any desired number of storage units may be used. These three storage units are indicated at all, bb, and cc,-in Figs.'13, 14, 15, 23 and 24. These three,storage units are identical mechanically and only one of them needs description.
In Fig. .13 section lines I'l, 2| and 22, and Figs.
side view of a storage unit. The storage unit is built upon two *frame-members, one of which is shown at III in Figs. 25 and 26. The other frame member is similar thereto except the ear is bent in the opposite direction. These two frame members are shown in Figs.23 and 24, as well 'as in Figs. 17, 21 and 22, to be pivoted on a short shaft Ill, mounted in bearing block I 42. Each bearing I and nut I". The two frame members I of each storage unit, besides being pivoted at I, are joined together by a screwed on back plate I, and by a screwv and bushing best illustrated at I" and I in Fig. 24. This frame workof each storage unit is normally held up by springs I, which are attached to plate III, but this frame work is capable of being pulled downwards by the square headed solenoid plunger I", pivoted between the frame membe'rs I by pin I", when its respective solenoid I22 or III or of spring I28, which restores' are equipped with shanks I66, upon which are held silencing washers I66, which deaden the noise when square heads of plungers I are returned to their normal position, determined by stop plate I61.
The frame work just described for each storage unit, contains as its principal operating element, as best shown in Figs. 17, 21 and 22, a gear wheel I69, to either side of which is attached by screws or rivets I60, a ratchet wheel, IiI and I62. This gear and double ratchet combination, is keyed at I63 to shaft I64. The shaft I64 also contains at each end, as shown in Fig. 20, a milled spring hook I68. Two spring housings, such as illustrated at I65 in Fig. 18, each containing a clock spring I66, having its outer end pinned to its respective housing at I61, and the two inner ends held to shaft I64 by the hooks I66, are attached to frame members I40 by screws indicated at I69. A plate I66a for enclosing the spring I 66 is placed under the screw heads I69 on each housing I66. The two housings I66 furnish the bearings for shaft I64, in addition to containing the springs 165 that furnish the power for returningshaft I64 with the gear and ratchet wheel combination keyed thereon, back to its normal position. And when storage unit shaft I64 is restored to its normal position by springs I66, the gear thereon 55S is in mesh with shaft I01, and advances the film. During advancement of the film by resetting of storage unit, the two springs I66 are, in unwinding, causing main shaft spring I26 to become wound, aided by a favorable gear ratio for this purpose.
Two pawls are provided for each storage unit, the near pawl H0 illustrated in Figs. 17 and 21, acts as a holding pawl, and is pivoted at Hi to an adjustable belt 312, attached to the back plate 145. Spring I13 holds pawl I10 in contact with ratchet wheel I61.
Directly behind the holding pawl I10 just described is the operating pawl I14, best illustrated in Fig. 22. Pawl I14 is pivoted at I16 to operating lever 11B, and held in contact with its respective ratchet wheel I62 by spring I11. The operating lever 516 is pivoted on the same shaft "I that pivots the two frame members I40, and normally is held against adjustable stop screw H3 by spring I19.' Operating levers such as I16 have pinned to them at I84 solenoid plungers such as 193, and are actuated by solenoids such as NO or I8I or I82. The stationary cores of all solenoids used on the votometer, including cores I81 of solenoids I80, I6I and I62 are threaded into base plate I85 and locked by a nut such as I86, which provides for adjustment.
The adjustable core I 61 of each storage unit and the adjustable stop screw I16 thereof, provide the necessary adjustable stops for the proper movement of operating pawl I14. These stops are adjusted so operation of solenoid I60 or Ill or I82 will move the ratchet and gear wheel combination connected therewith, against the action of the two springs I66 connected thereto, for the distance ofone gear or ratchet tooth, whereupon it is caught and held by the holding pawl I 0. Both ratchet wheels Ill and "thaw the same number of teeth, and each small tooth thereon corresponds to a gear tooth on the gear wheel I69.
It will be seen that each ratchet wheel IN and I62 possesses a long tooth, I66 and I69 respectively.
After solenoid plunger I66 of each storage unit has by its repeated operation advanced the ratchet and gear wheel combination I69, I66, I6I, I62 connected therewith, one step or tooth forward for each actuation, and after this operation has been completed in all storage units, the gear wheels I69 are consecutively brought into mesh with main shaft I01, by movement of each plunger I60, as solenoids I62, I63 and I64 are consecutively energized.
As each storage unit is pulled downward by its respective solenoid I62, I63 and I64, the pawls on it I10 and I14, strike adjustable throw-out screws I and HM, mounted upon bar I06, and by the time the gears are fully meshed, pawls I16 and I14 have been lifted clear of the small teeth on their respective ratchetwheels, which allows the gear and ratchet wheel combination to be reset or restored to its normal position wherein long tooth I 88 contacts pawl I10, by power generated through unwinding of the two springs I66. Stop screws I92 and I93, mounted on bracket I94, prevent pawls I10 and I14 from being lifted clear of the long teeth I68 and 199.
Since each gear I69 is, in its respective consecutive order, in mesh with teeth I2I on main shaft I01, at the time it is reset or restored, the
power generated through unwinding of the two springs I66, likewise rotates the main shaft I 01, and correspondingly advances the fi m.
As main shaft I01 is so moved, to so advance the film, spring tension is built up in spring I26, which would immediately restore shaft I01 to its original position, if a locking and centering lever were not provided. This lever is shown at I96 in Figs. 13, 15, 23 and 24. It is pivoted at I96, possesses a single tooth I91 engageable with toothed portion I2I of main shaft I01, and is normally held against adjustable stop screw I98 by spring I99. Solenoid 200 is capable of locking and centering main shaft I01 in any position, when movement of its plunger 20I, pinned at 202 to locking and centering lever I96, causes single tooth I91 to engage with toothed portion I2I of main shaft I01.
Each locking lever I96 is actuated by its solenoid 200 to lock and center the main shaft I01 between forward movements of the film caused by successive resetting of the storage units; and also to lock and center the main shaft I61 for display of the final total. De-energization of solenoid 200 permits the film to reset by action of spring I26 revolving shaft I01 until stop arm II2 strikes stop pin II6.
In Fig. 35 a wiring diagram is shown illustrating operation. The mechanical details of the structure shown in Fig. 34 are not intended to represent an actual construction. but merely to present a general view of the operating functions in connection with the wiring diagram.
The votometer is controlled by a device termed a selector, covered by an application filed June 3, 1936. The complete wiring of the votometer and the selector is disclosed in my application on the system itself filed May 4, 1936. In Fig. 34 herein. the selector and wiring, as well as the members voting units, are sumciently illustrated to describe the operation of the votometer, but the other applications may be referred to if desired.
Three voting units are indicated at a, b and 0. Voting unit'a is in the first voting division and connected to the first contactors in division A of the selector, and division A of the selector controls the first storage units, aa, M, and M, respectively of the aye, not-voting and nay sections of the votometer. Voting unit b is in the second voting division, and connected to the first 16..
oontactors in division B of the selector, and division B of the selector controls the second units, bb, bb, and bb, of the three said votometer sections. Voting unit c is in the third votin division, and connected to the first contactors in division C. of the selector, and division C of the selector controls the third storage units, cc, cc, and cc, of the three said votometer sections.
, The voting units a, b, and c are connected to positive battery with their respective blades resting on not-voting contactors 204, and, as drawn, will operate the storage units of the middie or not-voting section of the votometer. If blades 200 were thrown to the right, they would operate the storage units of the left or aye section of the votometer. If thrown to the left. they would operate the storage units of the right or nay section of the votometer. But in all cases operation of the votometer storage units would occur only. while-the selector wipers 205 were revolving and thereby completing the circuits to the voting units a, b, and 0, etc.
All selector wipers 205 are arranged to move together. Those in selector divisions A, B and C control the simultaneous storing of impulses from three groups or divisions of members. Wiper 205 in selector section E controls the storage unit reset and-film advancing solenoids I52, I and I50, and the locking and centering solenoid 200, in each section of the votometer, while the wiper 205 in selector section F controls the projection lamp e in each section of the votometer. Wiper 205 in selector section G controls operation of the selector driving motor 200 and its brake release solenoid 201.
When a vote is to be taken switch L is closed, as drawn, whereupon current from positive conductor 200 passes through switch L to wiper 205 of selector section E, and to contactor 209 of selector section F. From selector section E current on contactor 2l0 passes over conductor 2 to the three locking and centering solenoids 200; and current from wiper 205 of selector section F passes over conductor 2I2 to the three projecting lamps e; and since lamps e and solenoids 200 are connected to negative conductor 2H, all three projecting lenses 51 display zero totals from films locked and centered in that position, as the members commence to vote.
For continuous totalization while the members are voting, presiding ofl'lcers switch 0 is closed, which energizes brake release solenoid 201 and operates selector motor 200, so the wipers revolve continuously. As drawn, current from conductor 200, and through the three contactors 200, reaches the first contactor in the N-V or not-voting series of contactors, in each selector division A, B and C. As the wipers 205 in selector divisions A. B. and C wipe the first contaotors in their respective paths, current proceeds over conductors 2I0, 2I5 and 2I5, to simultaneously energize solenoids I00, I" and I02 in the center or not-voting section of the votometer. Thereafter the solenoids I00, III and-I02, of all three sections of the votometer, receive further operating impulses from other voting units, through further rotation of wipers 205 in selector divisions A, B, and C, as said wipers pass'over other energized contactors I in their paths. With a selector of three divisions', such as drawn, three impulses are always simultaneously stored and then three more, etc.. etc. It happens that with the three voting units a, b, and c drawn in the not-votingposition, all storing solenoids in the nototing section of the vances after allowing the films to be reset, sucwipers 205 contacted the first contacts in their paths, but if voting unit switches a, b and c had been in three diflerent positions, one storing solenoid in each of the three sections of the votometer would have been simultaneously energized. 5
When the wipers 205 have completed approximately half a cycle, those in selector sections E and F leave contactors H0 and 200. The projection lamps e are immediately extinguished, and the locking and centering solenoids 200 are released. While wiper 205 of selector section E passes through open space 2" and the solenoids 200 are tie-energized, nothing happens if the films had been registering zero totals, but if the films had been registering votes they would have been ing levers I released their respective main shafts I01.
As selector section E wiper 205 further adcessive contact is established with contactors 2I0, 2I9, 220, 22I, 222, 223, and 2I0, and in each case the wiper establishes the new contact before breaking the old contact, so the locking and centering levers I95 cannot release their main shafts I01 while the films are being stepped into their new positions. At 2 I 8 solenoids 200 look all main shafts I01 in the normal or zero registering position. At 2I0 all three I52 solenoids are operated, which permits all three aa storage units to engage their respective I01 shafts and move their respective films forward sufllciently to register the votes controlled by selector division A.
.At 220 solenoids 200 look all main shafts I01 with selector division A totals registered. At 22I all three I53 solenoids are operated, which permits all three bb storage units to engage their respective shafts I01 and move their respective films forward sufllciently to register the additional votes controlled by selector division 13. At 222 solenoids 200 lock all main shafts I01 with selector division A and B totals registered. At 225 all three I50 solenoids are operated, which permits all three cc storage units to engage their respective shafts I01 and move their respective films forward sufficiently to register the additional votes controlled by selector division C. At 2" solenoids 200 look all main shafts I01 with selector A, B and C totals, or the final totals registered; and at this time wiper 205 of selector section F establishes contact with contactor 200, lighting all three projection lamps e'to display the totals.
With continuous totaliz'ation this cycle is continuously repeated: new totals being stored while old totals are being displayed; and the old totals J being released as selector section E wiper 205 passes through space 2". Switch 4, which is closed to secure continuous totalization, could be opened in the middle of a selector cycle, but
nevertheless all wipers 205 would continue to revolve until they completed their cycle of operation, because seiectorsection G wiper 205 would hold the selector motor and brake release solenoid circuit closed by riding on contactor 225, per- 5 mitting current from positive battery to pass through motor 200 and solenoid 201, and reach negative 2I0, through conductor 225, wiper 205, contactor 220 and conductor 221, instead of following the first path through switch 4. After o the selector has stopped, and the final total has been sufficiently displayed, switch L is opened, ex. tinguishlng all projection lamps e, and .de-. energizing all solenoids 200, which resets all 15 reset to the zero position, as locking and center- 4 When only a single totalization is required, the selector wipers 205 are operated for one revolution only, by closing switch 5 temporarily. Current on conductor 226 reaches negative 2", through wiper 206, contactor 225, switch 5 and conductor 221, operating motor 206 and brake release solenoid 201. Motor 206 and solenoid 201 continue to operate, for the balance of one cycle of the wipers 205, even after switch 5 has been opened, because wiper 205 of selector section G, by riding on contactor 224, completes the circult from motor 208 and solenoid 201, through conductor 226, and conductor 221, to negative 213. When G wiper 2" leaves contactor 224 at the end of one revolution, the circuit to motor 20 and solenoid 201 is broken, because the opening of switch 5, which is preferably of the momentary contact type, left contactor 225 electrically disconnected. After the selector wipers 205 have made their revolution and stopped, and after the total has been sufiiciently displayed, switch L is opened, extinguishing all projecting lamps e, and de-energizing all solenoids 200, which resets all films or their equivalents to zero.
What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:
1. A totalizing machine comprising, a plurality oi storage units, means for simultaneously storing motion in said storage units, a shaft member adapted to move a consecutively numbered device, means for consecutively connecting each storage unit mechanically with said shaft member, and means for releasing all the stored motion in each storage unit while so connected.
2. A totalizing machine comprising, a consecutively numbered device, relatively strong spring means for moving said device to display a total, relatively less forceful reset spring means for restoring said device to its normal position, and a governor to limit or regulate the speed of movement of said device under the difierential force of both said spring means and the direct force of said reset means.
3. A totalizing machine comprising, a consecutively numbered device, means for moving said device to show a total, a stop engaged with said means and retractable under control of said means during one revolution thereof for permitting said means to make a plurality of revolutions for actuating said numbered device, and a reset device for restoring said means to its normal position where its motion is arrested by engagement with said retractable stop, said stop being projected under control of said means.
4. A totalizing machine comprising, at least one storage unit, a combined gear and ratchet wheel on said storage unit, a magnetically operated pawl to actuate said ratchet wheel, a rocker arm supporting said pawl, and means for pivoting both said storage unit and said rocker arm at the same point.
5. A totalizing machine comprising, at least one storage unit, a combined gear and'ratchet wheel on said storage unit, a magnetically operated pawl connected with said storage unit for actuating said ratchet wheel, a consecutively numbered device, means for disengaging said pawl from said ratchet wheel for releasing energy from said storage unit, and means including said gear for moving said consecutively numbered device by the energy released from said storage unit.
6. In a totalizing machine, at least one storage unit, a combined gear and dual ratchet wheels on said storage unit, one long tooth on each said ratchet wheel, a magnetically operated pawl coacting with one of said ratchet wheels for moving said gear, a holding pawl coacting with the other of said ratchet wheels, and means for disengaging said pawls from the small teeth of said ratchet wheels while leaving the holdinil pawl in the path of the long tooth on the respec tive ratchet wheel.
7. A totalizing machine comprising at least one mechanical storage unit adapted to integrate intermittent movements, means for storing intermittent motion in said storage unit, a consecutively numbered device mechanically connectible with said storage unit, means for releasing the stored motion in said storage unit while said storage unit is connected with said consecutively numbered device, and means for displaying one totalization by said device while said storage unit is disconnected therefrom and storing motion in preparation for another totalization.
8. A totalizing machine comprising means for converting intermittent unit movements into an aggregate of potential energy, a consecutively numbered device calibrated with respect to said means, means for releasing said potential energy, means for operating said device by a portion of said energy, to indicate the total number of said intermittent unit movements, and means for reconverting the remainder of said energy into potential energy releasable later for restoring said device to its initial position.
9. A totalizing machine comprising at least one storage unit, means for releasing energy from said storage unit, a consecutively numbered device, means for connecting said device with said storage unit for operation upon the release of energy from said storage unit, locking means for holding the consecutively numbered device in the operated position while said storage unit is storing energy for another operation of said de vice, and reset means for said numbered device operable upon release of said locking means and prior to subsequent operation of said numbered device.
10. A totalizing machine comprising a plurality oi electromechanical storage units, separate motor driven commutator devices connected with operating means in each of said storage units and simultaneously operative for transmitting intermittent electrical impulses to the respective storage units, a consecutively numbered device, means for mechanically engaging each of said storage units with said consecutively numbered device in succession and releasing all the stored energy for moving said numbered device, means for displaying the total of the energy stored in all said storage units in terms of said consecutively numbered device, continuously operable control means for actuating said commutator device and said engaging means and said displaying means in successive cycles of operation of the ma chine, said control means being operative to maintain the displaying means eiiective during subsequent operation 01 said commutator device, and reset means for said consecutively numbered device controlled by said control means and operative intermediate the operation of said displaying means and said engaging means in successive cycles of operation of the machine.
CHARLES F. THOMPSON.
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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2420751A (en) * 1942-10-15 1947-05-20 Lenzlinger Werner Phase calculating device
US2523516A (en) * 1947-06-14 1950-09-26 John T Potter Electronic totalizer
US2687937A (en) * 1951-03-05 1954-08-31 Cooper Printing counter
US3094277A (en) * 1963-06-18 wilcox
US3104805A (en) * 1960-12-09 1963-09-24 holicky

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3094277A (en) * 1963-06-18 wilcox
US2420751A (en) * 1942-10-15 1947-05-20 Lenzlinger Werner Phase calculating device
US2523516A (en) * 1947-06-14 1950-09-26 John T Potter Electronic totalizer
US2687937A (en) * 1951-03-05 1954-08-31 Cooper Printing counter
US3104805A (en) * 1960-12-09 1963-09-24 holicky

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