US2255544A

US2255544A - gustavson

Info

Publication number: US2255544A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1941-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 1958-09-09

Description

2 Sheets-Sheet l EC ND CHOISE VOTE WHOM SENATOR FlRi T CHOISE Yo? I: roll ON I:

A. N. GUSTAVSON VOTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2, 1958 SECOND CHOISE- VOTE FOFONE GOVERNOR FIRSTCHOISE VOTE FOR ONE Sept. 9, 1941.

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Sept. 9, 1941. A. N. GUSTAVSON VOTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-5 a n/uc Mot (7/027? W C a /412x072 FIE-7 Patented Sept. 9, 1941 FIE V0 TING MACHINE.

Alvin N. Gustavson, Jamestown, N. Y., assignor to Automatic Voting Machine Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application August 2, 1938, Serial No. 222,641

5 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in voting machines and particularly to the provision of an auxiliary interlocking mechanism that is adapted to effect a prescribed manner of balloting.

In certain districts special election laws are in force that necessitate the provision of an auxiliary mechanism for use in connection with a voting machine. In some instances, and particularly in primary elections, it is required that where there are more than two candidates aspiring to nomination to a given olhce, a voter must indicate his first choice of a candidate for this cities and may then, at his option, indicate a second choice. Election laws of this nature serve to provide a second choice candidate for a given ofiice in the event a first choice candidate fails to be nominated, withdraws after nomination, or dies.

The present invention has been developed for the purpose of adapting a voting machine for use in primary elections or in other elections wherein the voter is required by law to indicate the order of his choice of a group of candidates aspiring to nomination or election to a given oilice. The device, in the present disclosure, takes the form of an interlock that is attached to or located adjacent the main interlocking mechanism of a Voting machine. Suitable auxiliary interlocking straps are connected with the main interlocking straps of a given group of candidates and in turn are joined to the auxiliary interlock. Those indicators on the face of the voting machine that are representative of a group of candidates aspiring to nomination or election to a given ofdce can only be manipulated in accordance with the limitations and arrangement set up through the use of the auxiliary interlock.

One of the objects of the invention lies in the provision of means on a voting machine by which to cause a prescribed manner of balloting.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of means on a voting machine which requires a voter to select a first choice candidate for a given ofiice prior to making a second choice selection.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of means on a voting machine in the form of an auxiliary interlocking device, that is operably connected with any desired portion of a main interlocking mechanism, for the purpose of requiring a voter to make a first choice for a candidate to a given ofiice when there are more than two candidates aspiring to nomination to this office.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of a group of voting indicators adapted to be operated in the manner of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of an auxiliary interlocking device located adjacent the main interlocking mechanism of a voting machine;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the auxiliary interlocking device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the auxiliary interlocking device shown in Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the auxiliary device, certain parts thereof bein moved to position of use;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sec.ional View of the auxiliary device showing the method of assembly; and

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the auxiliary device.

Reference is now had to the drawings in which Figure 1 discloses a portion of the keyboard of a voting machine, being generally indicated by the reference numeral l9. The keyboard includes a number of horizontally arranged rows of indicators l l, designated as A, B, and C. Beneath each of the rows, A, B, and C, is a candidate label holder l2. Each of the indicators l l is connected with a main interlocking mechanism 13 of the voting machine by straps hi. The main interlocking mechanism I3 is similar to a structure indicated by the numeral E2 in applicants Patent 1,948,661, and includes a channel-like structure l5, between the side Walls of which is located a plurality of laterally movable rollers. In accordance with common practice, the lower end of each strap It is enlarged and is located, when the machine is in neutral position, beneath the rollers of the interlock l3. When one of the indicators I I on the face of the machine is moved downwardly into voting position, the corresponding interlocking strap M is raised, the enlarged rollers.

55 attached to the main interlocking mechanism 13.

nates in a shoulder 43.

A support l8, having an upright flange 19 and a slightly bowed horizontal flange 2|, serves to mount certain of the elements of the device. Secured to the outer face of the wall 19 of the support I8 are lugs 22. These lugs are formed with upwardly opening slots 23 that are adapted to interfit with the lower edge of one of the walls of the channel of the main interlocking mechanism I3. A spring-like plate 24 is joined at one end to the underface of flange 2i and is formed with a downwardly curved portion 26 that terminates in an end portion 21, also lying against the flange. To mount the device, plate 24 is compressed against the base wall 23 of the voting machine for the purpose of permitting lugs 22 to move into place beneath one of the walls of the structure 13, the slots 23 at such time being aligned with said wall. Upon being released the plate 24 causes said device to move upwardly and the slots 23 to interfit the lower edge of the channel wall of the main interlock. In this manner, the auxiliary interlocking device may be firmly secured at any given place along the main interlocking mechanism.

It is to be understood that the various parts of the mechanism of the auxiliary interlocking device I? may be increased or decreased in number as may be found necessary to adapt it for use under voting conditions wherein a greater or lesser number of candidates are up for nomination or election to a given oifice, and also where there is more than one oflice group. In the present disclosure, the device Il may accommodate three office groups. Two of these groups are shown connected with the voting machine for the purpose of controlling balloting for governor and senator. For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that there are three candidates up for nomination to the ofiice of governor and three candidates up for nomination to the ofiice of senator and the voter must cast a first choice ballot for one of the three candidates listed under each of these ofiices. A voter may select another candidate in each office group as second choice but it is to be borne in mind that he must cast a first choice ballot whether or not he casts a second choice ballot.

Mounted on the support l8 that forms part of the interlocking device I! are a number of plates 29. The flange 2! with which the plates 29 are associated is formed with closed parallel slots 30. Corresponding ends of these slots are slightly enlarged to receive lugs 3! that are formed integral with or secured to the lower edge of each of the plates 29. When the lugs 3! have been projected through the enlarged ends of openings 30, the plates are moved along the surface of the flange 2! toward the upright or vertical flange l9, being held against vertical displacement' in the support by the lugs 3|.

The flange E9 of the support I8 is the equivalent of one of the plates 29 and is formed with a plurality of upwardly opening slots 32. Against one face of this flange is located a bar 33 having a pair of horizontally disposed slots 34. Suitable pins 31 secured to the flange project through the slots 34 in the bar 33 and serve to mount this bar for horizontal movement longitudinally of the flange. Projecting upwardly from the body portion 38 of the bar are arms 39. These arms are formed with horizontal projections M the upper edges of which are flush with the upper edge of the flange l9. Each of the projections Al is formed with an inclined surface 42 that termi- The arms of the bar are so arranged that when said bar is in one extreme position (see Fig. 5), the vertical edge of each projection is substantially in alignment with one wall of the slot 32 of the flange 19. When the bar is moved to its other extreme position (see Fig. 2), each of the slots 32 is closed by the shoulder 3.

The purpose of the movable bars 33, by which to open or close slots 32, will be hereinafter more fully disclosed. Adjacent one end of the flange i9 and secured thereto by a suitable pivot is a bell crank 4 havingarms 45 and d5. Arm 45 is formed with a longitudinally extending slot 47 into which a pin 48, mounted on bar 33, projects. Arm 46 of the bell crank is provided with a lug 49 having a T-shaped end.

Because of the fact that flange l9, besides forming a wall of the support [8, is identical with the plates 29, it is to be understood that each of these plates is formed with upwardly opening slots, a horizontally adjustable bar, and bell crank, and that these elements are designated by the reference numerals applied to their counterpart on the flange l9. In order that the plates 29 may have proper clearness for adjustment of the bars 33, a spacer member 5| is located on the opposite side of the plate to that of the bar. When plates 29 have been assembled on the flange 2! of the support it, a blank plate '52 is positioned on the support. This plate includes a spacer 53. Wedges 54 are projected downwardly through the slots ill and serve to secure the plates 29 and blank .plate 52 against displacement.

It is to be notedthat the two innermost plates are so positioned on the support that the slots 35 thereof, bars 33, and bell cranks M are substantially in alignment with the corresponding elements on the flange I8; also that there is a second group of three plates longitudinally 01'1"- set from the plates adjacent the flange H9 in which the slots 32, bars 33, and bell cranks 44 are in alignment. A third group of three plates 29 is further longitudinally offset. Thus viewing the interlock in Fig. 2 it is possible to discern three groups, each including three bars 33 and bell cranks a l.

For a clearer understanding of the invention, the slots 32, in each plate 29, are designated, commencing adjacent the bell crank 44, as I, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The three outermost plates 29 (see Fig. 3) are designated as A, B, and C and will be understood to have relationship to rows A, B and C of indicators on the face of the voting machine. The auxiliary interlock is mechanically connected with certain of the main interlocking straps of the voting machine through a set of auxiliary straps 55. These auxiliary straps are each provided at one end with a suitable connector 5'? that is joined to a projection 58 on the main strap M. The other end of each auxiliary strap is formed with a pin 59 or a short transverse slot Ell.

It will be noted that in the row of indicators designated as A, three of these indicators are in the oifice group for governor and operable to indicate ballots for candidates X, Y and Z. In this row of indicators candidate X is listed as first choice and candidates Y and Z as alternative second choice. Referring to the diagrammatic connections shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, it will be observed that the main interlocking strap i4, operable by the indicator for candidate X in row A, is connected with arm 46 of bell crank 44 mounted on plate 29, also designated as A.

Connection between this auxiliary strap and bell crank is had through the interfitting of lug 49 with slot 63. Another main interlocking strap [4 is operable by the indicator provided for second choice candidate Y in row A and is connected with the auxiliary interlock through another auxiliary strap 55 by projecting pin 59 thereof into slot 32 designated as I. Similarly, another auxiliary strap connects the auxiliary interlock with a main interlocking strap operable by the indicator for second choice candidate Z in row A. Inasmuch as the present illustration shows only three candidates aspiring to nomination for the oflice of governor, the remainder of the mech anism of plate 29, designated as A, is not utilized. It is apparent however that, since there are three more slots 32, designated as 3, l, and 5, the device is adaptable for use under conditions wherein there may be as many as five candidates from which to select a second choice.

When the bar 33 occupies the position shown in the indicators H'occupy the position of Fig. 1. t is assumed that a voter wishes to cast ballot for candidate X as first choice and candidate Z as second choice. The indicator for candidate X must be actuated first since a voter is required to indicate his first choice before indicating a second choice. Thus the indicator for candidate X will be moved downwardly into voting position. This movement causes one of the main interlockin straps M to be elevated, carrying with it the auxiliary strap 58 that is connected with the bell crank 44 on plate 29-A. Movement of the auxiliary strap 53 rotates the bell crank from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that of Fig. 5. This movement of the bell crank causes bar 33 to move laterally to the left and withdraws the projections 4| of arms 39 from slots 32. The auxiliary strap 55 connected with candidate indi ator Z has up to this point been prevented movement because of the fact that the pin 59 thereof could not move upwardly of the slot 32 until the shoulder 43 had been withdrawn. However, since a ballot has already been cast for first choice candidate X, slots 32 are open and the indicator H for candidate Z may be moved to voting position (see Fig. 5). It is not the purpose of the present invention to prevent a voter from indicating several second choice candidates but the main interlocking mechanism of the voting machine is so arranged that only two main interlocking straps M of this ofiice group may be actuated. The mechanism by which this is accomplished is old and well known in the art and is believed to need no further reference.

In the above illustration, it was assumed that a voter wished to cast a first choice ballot for candidate X. It may be, however, that candidate Y is preferred as first choice and either of candidates X or Z as second choice. Under these circumstances the voter will confine his balloting to the row of indicators designated as B. Herein manipulation of the indicator for candidate Y under first choice actuates, through straps I4 and 56, the bell crank 44 mounted on plate 29 designated as B. Movement of the shell crank adjusts the bar on plate 29-3 so that a second choice of either Z or X may be made. Similarly, candidate Z may be voted as first choice and X or Y as second choice by confining balloting to the indicators in row C, and plate 29-C controls this situation.

Attention is now directed to the fact that adjacent the ofiice group for governor is an ofiice group for senator and three candidates, R, S, and T, are up for nomination as first or second choice. It will be recalled that the plates 29 are arranged in groups of three and that A, B, and C have been described as controlling selective balloting for candidates X, Y, and Z in the office group for governor. The next three adjacent plates 29, namely, D, E, and F, are similarly connected with the indicators in rows A, B, and C that relate to candidates R, S, and T. Connection of the indicators for this office group with plates D, E, and F and control through the main interlocking mechanism is identical with that above described in connection with the oifice group for governor.

It is apparent that the auxiliary device under the present set-up is capable of accommodating a first and second choice ballot for a third office group wherein there are three candidates up for nomination, since there remain plates 29, designated as G and H, and a corresponding structure on flange 19 of the support l8.

To illustrate the adaptability of the present invention to control balloting with more than three candidates, under conditions where a first and second choice is to be made, it may be assumed that there are four candidates up for nomination in the oflice group for governor. Under these circumstances four horizontal rows of indicators would be utilized in order that each of the four candidates may receive a first choice ballot, and four plates 29, namely, A, B, C, and D, would be connected with the oifice group for governor. The auxiliary interlocking straps 53 would be connected with the plates and with the main interlocking straps in the manner described above.

It is necessary that a voter be enabled to change his ballot, prior to the ballots being recorded, by raising the indicators already selected and actuating any other two indicators he desires for first and second choice. An election law, in a district in which a device of this nature is usein] in connection with a voting machine, requires that when a mistake has been made in designating a candidate as first choice and the first choice has been withdrawn, the second choice must also be withdrawn and a complete new ballot indicated for the desired candidates in a given ofiice group. The present invention conforms to this requirement through the provision of inclined surfaces 42 on projections 4|. Referring to the method of balloting in the office group for governor and to Fig. 5 of the drawings, it will be noted that when the indicator for candidate X in row A is returned to non-voting position the auxiliary strap 56 moves bell crank 44 downwardly to assume the position shown in Fig. 2 and bar 33 is moved laterally to close slots 32. Movement of the bar in this direction causes the inclined surface 42 to move over the upper edge of pin 59, depressing said pin and the auxiliary strap on which it is mounted. This downward movement of the auxiliary strap is in turn transmitted through a main interlocking strap I 4 to the second choice indicator that had previously been voted, thus returning it to non-voting position.

Although applicant has shown and described only one form of an auxiliary interlocking device for use in conjunction with a voting machine that requires a voter to comply with certain election laws, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the device may be modified by increasing the number and rearrangement of parts thereof to accommodate a greater or lesser number of candidates in given ofifice groups, and this and other changes are therefore contemplated insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the hereunto annexed claims.

iaving thus set forth my invention what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. In a voting machine having interlocking straps connected with voting indicators representative of an office group, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a sup-porting structure, a slotted plate on said structure, a member joined to said plate, an auxiliary strap connecting said member with one of said interlocking straps, further auxiliary straps connected at one end with other of said interlocking straps, said further straps projecting into the slots of said plate and being movable with respect thereto, means on said member engageable with said further straps and operable by said auxiliary strap to move said further auxiliary straps into and secure them in non-voting position.

2. In a voting machine having interlocking straps connected with voting indicators representative of an oiiice group, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a supporting structure, a plate fixed to said structure, said plate having a plurality of upwardly opening slots, a member joined to said plate, an auxiliary strap connecting said member with one of said interlocking straps, further auxiliary straps connect- 1' ed at one end with other of said interlocking straps, said further straps having portions engaged with said slots, said member normally closing said slots and being withdrawable therefrom to permit movement of any of said further auxiliary straps.

3. In a voting machine having interlocking straps connected with voting indicators representative of an oflice group, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a supporting structure, a plurality of parallel proximate plates mounted on said structure, the number of plates corresponding to the rows of indicators in said oiiice group, each of said plates having a plurality of upwardly opening slots, a member on each plate movable to open or close said slots, an auxiliary strap for each of said members connect. ed through said interlocking straps with a first choice candidate indicator in said oiiice group, further auxiliary straps connected at One end with other of said interlocking straps, lugs on said further straps engaged with said slots and means on each member engageable with said lugs and adapted to move said further auxiliary straps to non-voting position when the auxiliary strap connected with a given member has been moved by manipulation of a first choice candidate indicator.

4. In a voting machine having interlocking straps connected with voting indicators representative of first and second choice candidates in an oiiice group, an interlocking mechanism for controlling actuation of certain of said indicators comprising a plate having upwardly opening slots, a member mounted on said plate, laterally projecting arms on said member, said member being movable to project said arms across and close said slots, an auxiliary strap connected through an interlocking strap with the indicator representative of a first choice candidate in said oflice group, a bell crank on said support connected with said member and said auxiilary strap, further auxiliary straps connected through certain other of said interlocking straps with indicators representative of second choice candidates in said office group, said further auxiliary straps having end portions engaged with said slots, the first choice candidate indicator, when actuated, movin said member to withdraw said arms from said slots and permit movement of any of said further auxiliary straps by manipulation of a second choice candidate indicator.

5. In a voting machine having voting indicators representative of an office group, and a strap for each of said indicators movable to an actuated position, an interlock for controlling actuation of said straps, said interlock including means confining certain of said straps to movement in a given path, an adjustable member carried by said interlock, another of said straps being connected with and adapted to adjust said member into holding contact with said certain straps and thereby prevent movement of any of said certain straps.

ALVIN N. GUSTAVSON.