US2289033A

US2289033A - Voting machine

Info

Publication number: US2289033A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1942-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 1959-07-07

Description

July 7, 1942. K MOORE 2,289,033

VOTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 XE) 06f/mes @ww NSD@ C. K. MOORE VOTING;- MACHINE Filed July 19, 1957 July 7, 1942.

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July 7, 1942. C. K. MOORE 2,289,033

VOTING MACHINE Filed July 19, 1957 6 Sheets-Shree?l 3 v YWCA/LM /0 @Maes/1. M0065' July 7, 1942. l c. K. MOORE VOTING; MACHINE Filed July 19, 1937 x 6 Sheets-Sheet'4 U NN@ Ml w w w C v July 7, 1942. c. K. MOORE VOTING MACHINE Filed July 19, 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 w M0 U W C C. K. MOORE VOTING MACHINE July 7, 1942.

Filed July 19, 193'? 6 Sheets-Sheet-6 Patented July 7, 1942 UNTED STATES FATENT OFFICE VOTING MACHINE Charies` K. Moore, Brownwood, Tex.

Application July 19, 1937, Serial No. 154,560

(Cl. 23E-0) 13 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical voting machines.

An important object of the invention is to provide a voting machine wherein a vote for any oiiice may be cast merely by pressing a button and wherein duplication in voting for a given office is positively prevented.

A further object is to provide a voting machine having a plurality of individual voting units divided into groups according to the various oices to be voted for, and to provide each group with a master control means rendering it completely inoperative upon the casting of one vote, thereby preventing fraudulent duplication in voting.

A further object is to provide each group or voting units with a master control switch for the purpose stated, and to provide novel means for closing the master control switches to render all of the voting units operative upon the entrance of a voter into the voting booth.

A further object is to provide a voting machine of the character referred to wherein the master control switches are respectively the armatures of master solenoids, each of which is energized upon the operation of any voting unit of its group, thereby attracting the armature forming the master switch of such group to prevent further voting A further object is to provide an apparatus of this character wherein a single operating means is controlled by the entrance of a voter into the voting booth for rendering all of the master switches operative to permit the voter to cast a vote in each of the voting groups.

A further object is to provide an electrically controlled printing means for recording the votes in the various voting groups, wherein endless paper sheets are progressively wound upon collecting spools as the voting progresses.

A further object is to provide such an apparatus wherein the names of the various candidates, or other indicia, are typed upon the paper strips through typewriter or similar ribbons, and wherein automatic means is provided for advancing the paper strips in a step by step movement as the voting progresses.

A further object is to provide such an apparatus wherein the paper strip advancing means simultaneously operates to advance the typing ribbon in a similar step by step m-ovement.

A further object is to provide a paper and type ribbon control apparatus of the character referred to wherein each step by step actuation takes place automatically upon the operation, of

the gate or door through which the voters enter and leave the voting booth.

A further object is to provide a novel type of voting unit in conjunction with its master control means, wherein the pressing of a button or the closing of a similar switch energizes electromagnetic means to print on the paper strip the name of the candidate voted for, and wherein, upon completion of the printing operation, the parts are restored to normal position simultaneously with the operation of the master control means for rendering the voting group inoperative.

A further object is to provide each voting unit with a light illuminating the name of the candidate represented by the unit, together with means operative upon the entrance of a voter into the booth for simultaneously operating all of the lights to illuminate the names of all of the candidates for the various offices.

A further object is to provide such an apparatus wherein means are provided for opening all of the circuits through the lights of a voting groupimmediately upon the casting of a vote through the operation of one of the units of the group.

A further object is to provide each voting unit with a counter automatically operated upon the casting of a vote, whereby the total number of votes for each candidate may be quickly and readily determined upon the closing of the voting.

A further object is to provide novel means for cutting or severing the paper strip between the supply roll and the collecting roll upon the cornpletion of the voting.

A further object is to provide cutting means of the character referred to which is automatically operable upon the removal of the cover of the voting machine, thus automatically closing the election upon the removal of the cover and preventing any fraudulent continuation of the voting.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing:

Figure l is a perspective View of the machine,

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same, a portion of the casing being broken away to indicate the positions of the voting units,

Figure 3 is a plan view of the mechanism of the machine asV a whole, the casing being shown 1n elevation and parts being broken away,

Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional View taken substantially on line 4 4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical sectional View adjacent one end of the apparatus, taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is a similar View taken through the opposite end of the apparatus, substantially on line 5 5 of Figure 2,

Figure 'l is a diagrammatic View of the apparatus within a voting booth, showing the electrical system for the apparatus,

Figure 8 is a plan view of one of the voting units and associated elements at the right hand end of the machine as shown in Figure 7, showing the electrical system therefor and its connection with its associated master control switch machanism and the operating mechanism for the latter,

Figure 9 is a detail sectional View showing one of the master control devices and the operating mechanism therefor,

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view showing the gate and supporting means therefor, the gate being shown in open position and parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 1l is a similar View showing the gate in closed position,

Figure 12 is a plan view of the gate showing the electrical connections therefor,

Figure 13 is an elevation of the paper cutting mechanism, portions of the base and casing of the apparatus being shown in section,

Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the cutter supporting tube and associated elements, parts being shown in elevation and parts being broken away,

Figure l5 is an elevation of the paper cutters and the supporting bar therefor, parts being shown in section,

Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary seotional View through one end of the apparatus showing the paper cutting means and casing locking means, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 17 is a detail view of one of the casing locking mechanisms.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the numeral I0 designates the base of the apparatus,r which supports all of the working parts thereof, as will become apparent. Such working parts are covered by means of a casing Il, the vertical walls of which are supported at their lower edges on the base I0; In a manner to bedescribed, the casing Il is locked in position on the base I0 to prevent any tampering with the mechanism. The casing II is provided with a sloping wall I2, and this wall is provided with suitable openings or windows through which the illuminated names of the candidates and the offices for which they are running may be viewed by the voter. "En the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the wall I2 is provided with two elongated openings I3 arranged in end to end relation and closed by glass windows I4, supported in position in a manner to be described.

Referring to Figure 7, it will be noted that the apparatus is arranged within a voting booth indicated as a whole by the numeral I5, and it will be apparent that this booth may be of any desired type. The passageway I of the booth is closed by a gate I l, which is swung inwardly upon the entrance of a voter into the booth and outwardly when the voter leaves the booth. The supporting means and the electrical connections operated by the gate are Vof the types shown in Figures l0, 1l and l2. The bar of the gate is supported at one end by a vertical shaft I8 having its lower end arranged in a bearing I9. The shaft I8 is provided with a roller 2i] operating over a cam 2l so designed that the roller 20 is at the low point 22 of the cam, when in closed position. Obviously, therefore, the gate Il gravitates to its closed position.

A vertical bracket 23 extends upwardly from the bearing I 9 and carries a second bearing 24 for the shaft i8. Above the bearing 2li, the bracket 23 supports a ring 25 formed of insulating material, and this ring is provided with a contact 2S to which is connected a wire 2l (Figures '7 and l2). The shaft I8 carries an insulating member 28 to which is attached a spring contact member or brush 29. A wire Si) is connected to the brush 29, and this brush normally is out of engagement with the Contact 26, as shown in Figure 12. When a voter enters the booth, the gate I'I is swung in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 7 and l2, in which case the brush 29 engages the contact 2G to close two magnetic circuits to be referred to, the closing of these circuits preparing the apparatus for operation. As will become apparent, the circuit across the wires 2l and 30 need be completed only momentarily. This circuit is completed when a voter enters the booth, whereupon the gate il returns to normal position. When the voter leaves the booth, the gate ll turns in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures *l and l27 and this operation obviously moves the brush 29 away from the contact 26, and accordingly has no effect on the circuits controlled by the wires 2l and 39.

The apparatus to be described prints a record of each individual vote on suitable paper stripping provided for such purpose. As a practical matter, it is preferred to provide two separate paper strips 3| (Figures 5 and 6) wound .as at 32 on supply spools 3l. The printed paper strips are collected on record spools 33 each of which has a separable section 34 secured as at 35 to the body of the spool and adapted to receive the end of the paper strip therebeneath to insure the positive winding thereof. The spools 3l and 33 are respectively mounted on shafts 36 and 31. The ends of these shafts are respectively supported in the bearings 38 and 3S of bearings brackets 4t, the bases @I of which (Figures 5 and (i) are secured to the base I0. A single spool 3l and a single spool 33 may be employed for winding the two paper strips, the adjacent edges of Ihese strips being supported as shown in Figure 3 for a purpose to be described.

From the supply spool 3 I the paper strips pass upwardly and forwardly at an angle around a platen 42 mounted on a shaft 3, and the ends of this shaft are supported in bearings M carried by the brackets lill'. A typewriter ribbon or similar element "l5 passes along the platen 42 forwardly thereof as shown in Figures 3 and 5. This ribbon is preferably endless and advances along the platen in a step by step movement by means to be described. The ribbon passes around idler rollers @26 and Madjacent opposite ends of the platen 42. Rearwardly of the apparatus, the ribbon passes around rollers 48 and G9. Adjacent one end of the platen, the ribbon passes around a driving roller 59 to which motion is imparted in a manner to bedescribed to provide the step by step movement of the ribbon. The same source of power isl employed for advancing the paper strips and for advancing the ribbon,

and such source of power preferably is in the form of an electro-magnet energized upon the opening of the gate l1. y

Referring' to Figure 6, the numeral 5l designates a solenoid supported in a suitable angle bracket 52, and this bracket in turn, is secured to a 'vertical bracket 53 extending longitudinally of the apparatus, as shown in Figure'3. The bracket 53 forms one of the supporting elements for the voting units to bedescribed. The solenoid l is arranged' adjacent one end of the apparatus, such as the right hand end as viewed in Figure 3. An armature 54 is provided for the solenoid 5I and a spring 55 urges the armature to the position shown in Figure 6. A screw 56, threaded in the bracket 53,'limits the movement of 'the armature 5d upon energize.tion of the solenoid 5l.

Oneend of the platen di! is provided with a ratchet wheel 5l'. A lever E8 is pivoted 'upon the shaft 43 and carries a pawl 59 engageable with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 5i. The other end of the lever 5S is connected as at 'Sii to the end of the armature eli. This connection, of course, may be sufiiciently loose to compensate for the slightly'arcuate path of movement of the lower end of the ylever 58 without causing vthe armature 54 to bindwithin the core of the solenoid. Upon each opening of the gate li, the solenoid 5l is energized, whereupon the armature Eil moves to advance the platen one step, thus moving the paper strip the proper distance between lines of printing thereon.

IfRfeferring to Figures 3, 5 and 6, it will be noted that the platen l2 and spool 33 are connected by an endless drive member 6l, and the step by step movement of the platen is th'us imparted to the spool 33 to wind the paper strips thereon. The endless member 5l is adapted to slip on the spool 33 as the paper collects thereon, thus compensating for the rogressively increasing diameter of the paper strips on the spool 33.

As previously stated, the endless rib-bon 45 passes around the roller 5d, and the same source of power is employed for advancing the paper strip and for advancing the ribbon. Asshown in Figures 3 and el, the shaft 43 is provided with a friction drive member 62 engageable beneath an outstanding ilange 63 carried by the roller 53. Accordingly'it will be apparent that each step by step movement of the platen transmits similar movement to the roller 5@ to advance the ribbon 45. Of course, the ribbon 45 is preferably slightly tensioned to maintain it in a Ataut condition, and for this purpose, the rollers i8 and 59 are preferably mounted on swinging arms A@il (Figure 6). The arms may have down turned ends supported in small bearings 55 carried by the brackets 46, and vtorsion springs 66 tend to turn the arms 66 to maintam the ribbon in a taut condition.

The mechanism referred to keeps the ribbon relatively tightly stretched and in proper frictional engagement with the roller 50 to be advanced step by step in the manner described. Such means also tends to maintain the ribbon in proper position between the rollers 41 and'between the rollers d8 and lie. If desired, additional smallidler rollers 61 may be provided in the forward and rear runs of the ribbon, and such rollers may b-e supported in any suitable manner, as by means of posts E38.

sans may be provided for assisting in maintaining the Vpaper strips 3l in snug engagement with the platen. Such means is preferably in the form of a roller or rollers 6d', carried by arms 65' pivotally connected to brackets E6', and these brackets may be supported by the bracketsl 53 previously described. Torsion springs `61 are adapted to turn the arms 65 in a counter-clockwise direction asl viewed in Figure 5, to maintain the roller or rollers 64 snugly against the paper passing around the platen.

Theapparatus `is provided with a. plurality'of voting units, a suficient number of .units being employed in each machine to provide one unit for each candidate for all of the oflices to `be voted'upo'n. As Will be referred to later, these units are electrically divided into groups, 'each group :containing units corresponding to the candidates running for a given oflice. For e'xample, in a State election, one voting groupmay contain a unit for each'of the candidates for Governor, another 'group may contain a unit for each candidate for Lieut. Governor, etc. rThe voting units have been illustrated in detail in Figures 3,' 5, 6 and 8.

The various voting units are identical with eachother, and only one need be described in detail. Each 'unit comprises a double solenoid formed of individual solenoids 6% and 'Eil arranged in end to end relation and provided with a common armature il. At its inner end, each armature is provided with a type b-ar l2 carrying the name of the Candif ate represented by the corresponding voting unit. Upon energi'zation of the solenoid t@ in a manner to be described, Vthe type bar strikes the ribbon it and thus prints the name of the candidate upon one of the paper strips. Upon subsequent energization of the solenoid 19, the armature 'il will be restored to its normal position, as illustrated.

The double solenoids of the various units are supported at their rear ends by the bracket 53, previously described, this bracket extending throughout the greater portion of the length of the apparatus as shown in Figure 3. A somewhat similar forward bracket i3 supports the forward extremities oi the double solenoids. Both of these solenoid supporting brackets are supported on the base ii?, as shown in Figure 5. The bracket i3, above the associated solenoid le, is provided with an extension i4, the upper end of which turns rearwardly to form a horizontal supporting bracket 35. rIhis bracket carries an insulating member supporting a light bulb 'il'. The bracket "i5 also supports an insulating strip i8 which carries a spring arm 'i9 having a push button 83 secured to the free end thereof and extending through an opening Si in the sloping wall l2 of the casing. The push button 8G, upon being depressed, engages a contact E2, supported by the insulating strip i5.

As previously stated, the wall l2 of the casing is provided with openings I3 having windoW glasses le therebeneath. One edge of each of the glasses Hl is mounted on a supporting strip 83 (Figure 6) and the body of the glass is supported by spring clips ed secured against the bottom of the wall I2. Beneath each glass I4, and also supported by the clips 855, is a translucent strip S5 upon `which is printed the names of the various candidates for oice. Each candidates name is arranged above one olf-the buttons and is illuminated by the corresponding light Tl. As

will be described, the pressing of the button 80 registers a vote for the corresponding candidate, whereupon the entire group of voting units, that is, the group containing the names of candidates `for the same oflice is rendered inoperative and the corresponding lights 11 simultaneously have their circuits broken.

A counter 86 is provided for each voting unit. Each counter has a rock shaft 81 to which is connected the lower end of an arm 88, and the upper end of this arm is slotted as at 89 to receive a pin 90 carried by the corresponding armature 1|. Obviously each counter adds one to its total of votes upon each actuation of the armature 1|.

Above each armature 1I, the bracket 13 is provided with a small horizontally extending bracket si (Figures 5, 6 and 8) and this bracket carries a pair of guides 92 in which is slidable a bar 93, preferably square in cross-section to permit it to slide without rocking. This bar is provided at its ends with outstanding fingers 94 and 95 engageable by an upwardly extending nger 96 carried by the armature 1| adjacent its extremity. It will Ibe apparent that movement of the solenoid armature causes the finger 96 to engage the iinger 94 upon energization of the solenoid 69, while energization of the solenoid 10 causes the finger 96 to engage the nger 95. This structure provides a lost motion operation whereby the bar 93 is actuated only near the ends of the stroke of the armature, for a purpose to be described.

The bar 93 is provided with an insulating strip 91 to which is connected a Contact 98, and near the end of the operating stroke of the armature, the contact 98 is driven between spring contacts 99. The contacts 99 may be supported by the vertical portion of the bracket A similar pair of spring contacts H30 is supported at one side of the armature 1| (Figures 5 and 8) and these contacts are engageable by a contact |0| having a laterally turned end |532 secured to the extremity of the armature 1|'. As will become apparent, engagement of the contact |0| with the spring contacts |09 breaks the circuits through the solenoid 69, light 11 and push button 80, while engagement of the contact 98 with the spring contacts 99 closes a circuit through the solenoid to return the armature 1| to its normal position. The nger 96 engages the nger 94 near the end of the operating Stroke of the armature 1| to close the circuit across the contacts 99. After energization of the solenoid 19, the finger 95 engages the nger S5 near the end of the return movement of the armature to disengage the contact 98 from the spring contacts 99.

As previously stated, the individual voting units are electrically grouped together in accordance with the offices being voted upon. As shown in Figure '7, for example, the voting units may be made up of groups A, B, C, D, E and F, each group comprising voting units for a given office, such as Governer, Lieut. Governor, States Ate torney, etc. As also previously stated, each group is provided with a master control mechanism whereby all of the units of each group may be rendered operative upon the entrance of a voter into the booth and whereby the units of each group may be simultaneously rendered inoperative upon the casting of one vote by operating any unit of the group. The master control mechanisms have been diagrammatically illustrated in the upper right hand corner of Figure 7 and `have been lettered to correspond to the designations of the groups of voting units in the same gure of the drawings. The electrical connections for one of the master control mechanisms are shown in detail in Figure 8, and the structures of such mechanisms will be clear from the mechanical disclosures in Figures 5, 6 and 9.

Each master control mechanism comprises an electro-magnet |03 having an armature |04 pivotally supported at one end as at |05. Each armature carries a contact |06 engageable with a stationary contact |01, and a spring |08 urges each armature to the position shown in Figure 8 with the contact |96 engaging the contact |01. The solenoids |03 may be supported in any suitable manner, and have been shown in Figures 5 and 6 as being supported by upstanding brackets |09 having their lower ends secured to the base l0.

Each master control mechanism further comprises a pivoted latch bar ||0 having a latch nger engageable with the corresponding armature |04 to latch it inwardly toward its magnet |03 with the contact |06 disengaged from the contact |01. The latch bars H0 may be pivotally connected to posts ||2 arranged on a support I3.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, '7 and 9, the numeral ||4 designates a bar having offset ends ||`5 supported in bearing lugs I6 which may be carried by the bracket 13. As shown in Figure 6, the bar H4 obviously is eccentric with respect to the offset ends H5, and extends beneath the free ends of the latch bars H9. Upon the rocking of the bar H4 about the axis of the extensions |l5, it will be apparent that the latch bars will be simultaneously lifted to release all of the armatures |04. This operation is accomplished by energization of an electro-magnet I1 having an armature |18 depending from one of the offset ends ||5 of the bar H4, as clearly shown in Figure 9. The electro-magnet ||1 is energized in the manner to be described upon the entrance of a voter into thebooth l5.

The wiring system for the apparatus is shown in Figures and 8, the latter ligure showing the wiring connections for one of the voting units and its associated master control mechanism. Referring to Figure 7, the numeral H9 designates the source of current having opposite terminals connected respectively to a pair of main feed wires |20 and |2| shown as extending along all of the voting units of the various groups. The wire 30, previously described, is tapped into the wire |2| while the wire 21 is connected to one terminal of the platen and ribbon operating solenoid 5|, The other terminal of the magnet 5| is connected to a wire |22 tapped into the feed wire |20, as shown in Figure 7, and the wires 21 and |22 lead to the respective terminals of the magnet ||1. With the circuit thus described, it will be obvious that the opening of the gate l1 en ergizes 'the solenoid 5| to operate the step by step mechanism for advancing the platen and ribbon. Since the magnet ||1 is connected in parallel with 'the solenoid 5|, it will be apparent that the magnet will be simultaneously operated, and this operation results in the unlatching of all of the latch bars il@ to release the master control switches |634.

A wire |23 (Figures 7 and 8) is connected at one end to the wire |2| and branch wires |24 are connected between this wire and the contacts |01 of the several master switch units. From each of the contacts |01, a wire |25 leads to one terminal of the corresponding magnet |83, as more clearly shown in Figure 8. As previously stated, the opening of the gate i1 releases ail of the master switch arms |84, and upon the operation of a voting unit in any of the groups referred to, the

corresponding magnet |63 will be energized to attract its armature, namely, the switch arm |04, and under such conditions, all of the voting units of such group will be rendered inoperative, as will be shown.

The wiring connections for one of the voting units is shown in detail in Figure 8. A wire |26 is connected at one end to the feed wire |20, and is branched as at |21' and |28 for connection with one terminal of each of the respective solenoids 69 and 1i). A wire |29 is connected between the wire |26 and one terminal of the light bulb 11. A wire |30 is connected between the second terminal of the solenoid 69 and one contact oi the push button 80, the other Contact of this button being connected by a wire |3| to the master switch arm |04 which controls the group of voting units of which the unit shown in Figure 8 is a part, the wire |3| being branched for connection to the various buttons 83, as shown in Figure 7. The second terminal of the light bulb 'VI is connected to the wire ISI by a wire |32, `and accordingly it will be apparent that the push button 8@ is in series with the solenoid 60 and in parallel with the light bulb ll,

The second terminal of the solenoid 'I0 is connected by a wire E33 to one of the clips 99, and a wire |34 is connected between the other clip 90 and the feed wire |2l. Accordingly it will be apparent that the circuits for the two solenoids 69 and i of each unit are connected in parallel, energization of the solenoid G9 being dependent upon the operation of the push button 09, and energization of the solenoid 10 being dependent upon the closing of the circuit across the clips 99 by the jack switch 98.

A wire |35 is tapped into the wire |25 and leads to one of the clips |90. The` other clip |00 is connected by a wire |35 to the second terminal of the magnet m3, the wire |35;` being branched for connection to one of the clips |90 of each voting unit as shown in Figure 7. Accordingly the closing of the circuit across the clips |00 by the jack switch liti under conditions to be described energizes the magnet |533, thus attracting its armature |534. This operation breaks engagement between the contacts |06 and |01, which operation, as will be described, renders inoperative all of the units of the group controlled by the corresponding switch |04.

The apparatus described is operative for providing quick and efficient voting while eliminating any chance of fraudulent duplication in voting. It will become apparent that such apparatus is complete in itself, but it ispreferred that means be provided for definitely terminating the voting uponthe removal of the casing I to tabulate the votes- The mechanism employed for definitely terminating the voting is preferably in the form of an automatic strip cutting mechanism by means of which the paper strips 3| are automatically severed between the feed roll and the ribbon, thus rendering the operation of any of the voting units inoperative until the strips which have been printed are removed from the apparatus, and the advancing end of the paper strips from the feed roll have been secured to the record spool S3.

The automatic paper cutting mechanism has been shown in detail in Figures 13 to 16 inclusive.

As .shown in Figure 5, the paper cutting mechanism is arranged between the paper feed roll and the ribbon and comprises a pair of supporting posts Ito arranged adjacent opposite ends of the apparatus and supporting a horizontal tubular member 4| This tube is provided with an upper slot |42 extending substantially throughout its length and a pair of lower aligned slots |43 and |44 having their inner ends spaced from each other as shown in Figure 14. A rod |45 is mounted to slide in the tube |4| and carries a pair of cutting units at its ends as shown in Figure 15, these units being respectively designated as a whole by the numerals |46 and |41. Each end of the bar |i5 is transversely slotted to receive a block M8 carrying a cutting wheel |49 arranged against a cutting blade |50 having an inclined cutting edge |5|. The inclination of the cutting edges of the two cutting members |50 is in the direction or" movement of the cutting operation, as will become apparent.

The cutting unit |45 is provided with a depending shank |52, preferably formed integral with the associated cutting blade |50 and provided at its lower end with a ring |53 or similar linger piece by means of which the cutting mechanism may be reset, as will apparent. The shank |52 is also provided with an eye |54 to which is connected one end of an elongated tension spring |55, the other end of this spring being connected to the supporting post lli@ at the opposite end of the apparatus, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

A latch member |55 is pivctally connected as at |55' to the post |40 adjacent the normal position of the cutting unit |45. This latch member is provided with a latch hook |57 engageable with a pin |58 projecting laterally from the shank |52. When the latch member |5 is in the operative position shown in Figure 13, the cutting mechanism is set for operation. An operating member |50 is pivotally connected to the latch member |56 as at |50 and is biased to the normal position shown in Figure 16. Obviously, the operating member |59 is free to swing downwardly from the position shown, but upon upward movement of the operating member |59, this member and the latch member |55 operate as a unit to release the latch hook |51 from the pin |58. A lug or finger I5! is secured to the casing and is of suflicient length to prevent the removal of the casing without operating the member |53.

At least one lock post |2 is secured to the base i0 adjacent each end of the machine, and each post is slotted as at iii-3 to receive a lock bar |64 carried and operated by a lock It will be apparent that the lock posts |52 are arranged in close proximity to the ends of the casing and accordingly the casing cannot be moved longitudinally when being removed for the purpose of preventing the finger |551 from operating the member |59.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows:

As previously stated, the voting apparatus is arranged within the booth l5 to which access is had through the gate l?. Assuming that the apparatus has been operated to vote for various candidates, the several master switches |04 of the master switch units A, B, D, C, E and F will be held in latched position as indicated in Figure 9, all of the master switches under such conditions being disengaged from their contacts |01. Upon entering the booth, the prospective voter swings the gate inwardly, thus moving the Contact 29 into engagement with the Contact 2:?5, The engagement between these contacts takes place only momentarily, and after entering the booth, the voter releases the gate, whereupon it gravitates to closed posi-tion by virtue of the engagement of the roller 29 (Figures 10 and 11) with the cam surface 2|. The momentary making of the circuit across the contacts 26 and 29 is all that is necessary to prepare the entire apparatus for the voting operation.

The engagement of the switch contacts 26 and 29 closes the parallel circuits through the solenoid and magnet I|1 through wires I2| and 39, through switch contacts 29 and 26, wire 21, across the solenoid 5| and magnet I I1, and back to the source through wires |22 and |29. The energization of the magnet |I1 causes it to attract its armature IIB (Figure 9) thus rocking the bar |I4 about the axis of the stub shafts I5. The bar I|4 engages beneath the free ends of the latch bars ||0, all of these bars normally occupying the solid line position shown in Figure 9. Thus all of the latch bars ||9 will be simultaneously elevated upon swinging movement of the gate I1 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure '1, and the spring |98 of each master switch |94 will move it to its closed position as shown in Figure 8. As will become apparent this operation places each of the voting units in condition for operation.

Energization of the solenoid 5| causes its armature 54 (Figure 6) to be attracted, and accordingly the lower end of the lever 53 will swing in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 6. AThe pawl 59, engaging one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 51, rotates the platen one step, thus advancing the paper strips 3| around the platen the proper distance between printed lines. Rotation of the platen is imparted to the record spool 33 through the endless drive member 6I, and accordingly the record spool is positively advanced, upon each actuation of the ratchet wheel 51, to wind the paper strips on the record spool. The paper strips, of course, are unwound from the supply spool 3| as the operation referred to takes place.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, it will be noted that the endless ribbon 45 is advanced in a step by step, movement simultaneously with the corresponding movement of the platen. The friction wheel 52 is carried by the platen shaft 43 and engages the friction disk 63 of the ribbon roller 59. At each movement of the platen therefore, the friction wheel 62 advances the ribbon roller 59, thus causing the ribbon to be advanced in a step by step movement corresponding to that of the platen. Thus the printing operations are successively advanced to different portions of the ribbon as in the operation of a conventional typewriter.

As previously stated, the releasing of the master switches |94 prepares all of the voting units for operation. Moreover, the closing of the master switches illuminates all of the lights 11 throughout the length of the machine. In this connection, it will be noted that the strips 95 (Figure 6) are formed of translucent material and carry the name of a candidate above each light 11, together with the party atliliation of the candidate and the oflice for which he is running. These candidates are divided into groups according to the oices for which they are running. For example, in Group A, the name of a candidate for Governor of a State may appear above each of the lights 11. In Group B the name of a candidate for Lieut. Governor may appear above each of the lights, etc.

Accordingly it will be apparent that after entering the booth, the voter will have plainly displayed before hm the names of all the Candidates for all of'the offices to be voted upon, thus greatly facilitating the selection of the various candidates to be voted for. The cir-cuit for the light 11 of one of the voting units will be clearly apparent from Figure 8. Current flows from one side of the source through wire |23 through one of the branch wires |24 to the associated contact |91. This contact engages the contact |96 under the conditions stated, and accordingly the light circuit will be completed through the switch arm |94, wires |3`I and |32, light 11, wires |29 and |26, and thus back to the source. As will be explained, all of the lights of each voting group will have their circuits broken upon the casting of a Vote for one candidate in the group.

Prior to the Voting operation, all of the parts of each voting unit will occupy the position shown in Figure 8. Assuming that a voter has selected the candidate represented by the unit in Figure 8, it merely is necessary for him to press the push button 89 to cast his vote. Such operation completes a circuit through the solenoid 69, this circuit being the same as for the light 11 up to and including the wire |3I, which is directly connected to one terminal of the push button. Upon operating the push button, the circuit is completed to the wire |3| in the manner described, thence to the wire |39 through the solenoid 69, and thence back to the source through wires |21, |26 and |29.

Energization of the solenoid 69 attracts the armature 1|, causing it to move to the right as viewed in Figure 8. The type bar 12 strikes the ribbon 45, thus impressing on one of the paper strips the name of the candidate for whom the vote is being cast. The jack switch I 9| is carried by the armature 1I and accordingly moves therewith. The jack switch 98 is carried by the bar 93, which is slidably supported by the bracket 9|. Since the pin 96 (Figure 8) occupies the position shown in Figure 8 before the push button is operated, it will be apparent that this pin must move a substantial distance before engaging the finger 94 to cause the jack switch 98 to connect the clips 99. This operation takes place substantially simultaneously with the engagement of the jack switch |9I with the clips |99.

The engagement of the two jack switches with their respective clips performs two operations, namely, rendering all of the solenoids 69 of the units of the group inoperative against further voting, and energizing the solenoid 19 to effect the return of the parts of the unit to normal position. Upon engagement of the jack switch |9I with the clips |99, a circuit will be completed through wires |23, I 24 and |25, through magnet coil |93, and wire |36, across the clips |99, and back to the source through wires 35, I 26 and |29. Thus a circuit will be completed through the master magnet |93, whereupon this magnet attracts its armature I 94. This armature will move toward the magnet until it clears the latch shouldei- III (Figure 9) whereupon this latch drops to operative position to prevent the armature |94 from moving to operative position, namely, the position shown in Figure 8. As will be clear from Figure 7, each branch wire |24 forms the main wire for one side of the cir-cuits for all of the units for one voting group, and after the casting of a vote in a manner to be described, the circuit through the wire |24 for the group of which the operated unit is a part, will be broken. The energization of the solenoid 69 of any unit of the group, upon operation of the push button, is dependent upon the completion of the circuit across the corresponding contacts |06 and |91, and accordingly no further voting can take place in the group referred to. Thus each armature |04 forms the master switch for one of the voting groups.

As previously stated, the jack switch 98 will be actuated by the finger a5 substantially simultaneously with the closing of the circuit across the clips Mill. When the clips 99 are electrically connected by the jack switch 98, a circuit will be completed through wire |34, clips 99, wire |33, the coil of solenoid '19, and thence back to the source through Wires |28, |23 and I2S. At the completion of the printing operation, therefore, the energization of the solenoid 'i attracts the common armature of the two solenoids, thus returnn ing the armature and conne-cted parts to their normal positions. As the normal position of the armature is approached, the finger will engage the finger 95, thus moving the jack switch 98 out of engagement with the clips Si). Thus the solenoid l will be deenergized, and all of the units of the group will remain inoperative until another voter enters the booth. The lost mom tion connection between the armature 'H and jack switch 98 is provided to permit the latter to remain in engagement with the clips 99 and thus retain the circuit for the solenoid l!! closed until the armature 1| and associated parts have nearly reached their inoperative position. The momentum of the parts will be ample to complete the movement to inoperative position upon the breaking of the circuit across the clips S9.

Havin(r voted for a candidate for one office, the corresponding master switch lo@ will render inoperative the group including the voting unit which has been operated. The remaining master switches IM will remain in operative position, and accordingly the voter may proceed from group to group operating only a single voting unit of each group. After casting his vote for each candidate for oflice, the voter then leaves the booth, under which conditions the gate ll will be turned in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 7. the brush 23 under such conditions, being moved away from the contact 25 without eiecting an operation or any of the electrical elements of the apparatus. If the Voter has cast a vote for each candidate, all of the master switches IM will occupy the position shown in Figure 9 when the voter leaves the booth.

The neXt voter, upon entering the booth, will move the gate il inwardly, whereupon the operations previously described will be repeated, all

of the master switches being released and all of i.

the voting units being prepared for operation, and the platen and ribbon being advanced another step by the mechanism described.

After the voting has been completed, and the tabulation of votes is to take place, an authorized olcer will unlock the casing and remove it from the base iii. The removal of the base can take place only substantially vertically due to the location of the various parts, and upon the elevation of the casing the finger ii (Figure 13) will engage the operating member |58, thus causing the latch |53 to release the pin |53. The spring |55 then moves the cutting unit toward the right from the position shown in Figure 13, and each of the cutting elements will sever its associated strip, the cutting unit then assuming the position shown in solid lines in Figure 14.

This operation severs the paper strips between the supply roll 32 and the ribbon d5 whereupon the record roll may be removed to provide a permanent record of the vote. The number of votes need not be counted on the record roll since the counters 66 will have counted each of the votes cast for each candidate. It will be apparent that each counter is connected by its associated arm 88 to one of the armatures 1|, and the complete operation of any armature H causes an operation of the associated counter B5. Thus these counters record the total number of votes for each candidate, and the number of votes may be readily ascertained after the cover or casing is removed.

The voting machine can be placed in operation for further voting only by restoring the normal condition of the paper strip. In other words, the advancing edges of the severed strips must be again connected to the record spool by clamping them beneath the removable section 34. Prior to this operation, however, the operator should engage the finger piece |53 (Figure 13) an-d restore the cutting unit to its normal position. The cutting unit is moved to the left as viewed in Figure 13 against the tension of the spring |55 until the latch |55 engages the button |58. The casing then may be replaced by moving it substantially vertically downwardly, the finger escaping over the operating member |59 since this member is free to turn downwardly. The casing is then locked, whereupon it is ready for further operation.

From the fore-going it will be apparent that the present apparatus provides numerous highly advantageous features. The name of each voter is illuminated, and upon the casting of a vote for any candidate, the circuits through the lights beneath the names of all candidates for the same @nice are broken. All of the units of a group are rendered completely inoperative upon the casting of one vote in such group, thus rendering the fraudulent duplication of votes impossible. The votes are automatically counted; the record strips are automatically advanced with the names of the candidates printed thereon; the ribbon dii is automatically advanced by the entrance of each voter into the booth, and the record strip is automatically severed upon the removal of the casing l to ascertain the results of the voting. It will be apparent that the apparatus is of such nature as to greatly facilitate the operation of voting for cliierent candidates, a minimum amount of time being required for 'each voter.

It is to loe understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subioined claims.

I claim:

1. A Voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting units each inclu-ding an electro-mag netic device, manually operable means for closing the circuit through the electro-rnagnetic device of each unit, a master switch for the cirn cuits of said electiomagnetic devices, an electro-magnet for opening said master switch upon the operation or any one of said manually operable means, and a latch automatically engageable with said master switch when the latter reaches open position for holding it in such position.

2. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units` each of said units comprising an electro-magnetic device operative for casting a vote, and a manual switch for said electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for all of the electro-magnetic devices of each group, an electro-magnet energizable for opening each master control switch, means operative upon the energization of any one of said electro-magnetic devices for energizing said electro-magnet, a latch engageable with each master control switch when the latter reaches open position, and common means for simultaneously releasing all of said latches.

3. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of Voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units, each unit comprising an electromagnetic voting device and a manual control switch therefor, a master control switch for all of the electro-magnetic devices of each group, means for opening each of said master control switches upon energization of any one of said 'Y electro-magnetic devices in the corresponding group, means for latching each master control switch in its open position, and common means for simultaneously releasing all of said latches.

4. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units, each unit comprising an electromagnetic voting device and a manual control switch therefor, a master control switch for all of the electro-magnetic devices of each group, means for opening each of said master control switches upon energization of any one of said electro-magnetic devices in the corresponding group, means for latching each master control switch in its open position, a rocking member having an eccentric portion simultaneously engageable with all of said latches, and electromagnetic means for operating said rocking member to simultaneously release all of said latches.

5. A voting apparatus comprising a booth having an entrance passageway, an entrance gate normally blocking said passageway whereby a voter must move said gate when entering and leaving said booth, a voting machine in said booth remote from said gate comprising a plurality of voting units, each voting unit comprising an electro-magnetic voting device, a manual switch for each electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for opening the circuits of all of said electro-magnetic devices, an electromagnet for opening said master control switch, means operative upon operation of any one of said manual switches for energizing said electromagnet, and means operative upon movement of said gate for restoring said master control switch to closed position.

6. A voting apparatus comprising a booth having an entrance passageway, an entrance gate normally blocking said passageway whereby a voter must move said gate when entering and leaving said booth, a voting machine in said booth remote from said gate comprising a plurality of voting units, each voting unit comprising an electro-magnetic voting device, a manual switch for each electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for opening the circuits of all of said electro-magnetic devices, an electro-magnet for opening said master control switch, means operative upon operation of any one of said manual switches for energizing said electro-magnet, a latch engageable with said master switch for holding it in open position, and means operative upon movement of said gate for releasing said latch.

'7. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units, each of said units comprising an electro-magnetic device operative for casting a vote, and an individual manual switch for said electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for all of the electro-magnetic devices of each group, means biasing each master control switch to closed position, an electro-magnet energizable for opening each master control switch, means operative upon the energization of any one of said electro-magnetic devices for energizing said electro-magnet, means for deenergizing each electro-magnet after it has opened its associated master control switch, a latch engageable with each master control switch when the latter reaches open position, and a single rocking eccentric means engageable with all of said latches for releasing them.

8. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units, each of said units comprising an electro-magnetic device operative for casting a vote, and an individual manual switch for said electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for all of the electro-magnetic devices of each group, means biasing each master control switch to closed position, an electro-magnet energizable for opening each master control switch, means operative upon the energization of any one of said electro-magnetic devices for energizing said electro-magnet, means for deenergizing each electro-magnet after it has opened its associated master control switch, a latch engageable with each master control switch when the latter reaches open position, said latches being arranged substantially in parallel relation, and a single mechanical device extending across the planes of and engageable with said latches and operative for simultaneously releasing them.

9. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting units each including a pair of axially aligned solenoids having a common armature, individual manually operable means for closing a circuit through a first solenoid of each pair to effect a voting operation, a master control switch for the circuits of the rst solenoids of all of the pairs, an electro-magnet for opening said master switch, means for energizing said electro-magnet upon movement of either armature upon energization of the first solenoid of the associated pair, and means operative upon movement of either armature upon energization of the first solenoid of either pair to complete a circuit through the other solenoid of such pair to return the armature to normal position.

10.' A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting units each including a pair ci axially aligned solenoids having a common armature, individual manually operable means for closing a circuit through a rst solenoid of each pair to effect a voting operation, a master control switch for the circuits of the first solenoids of all of the pairs, an electro-magnet for opening said master switch, means for energizing said electro-magnet upon movement of either armature upon energization of the nrst solenoid of the associated pair, means operative upon movement of either armature upon energization of the rst solenoid of either pair to complete a circuit through the other solenoid of such pair to return the armature to normal position, means for latching said master control switch in open position when moved to such position by said electro-magnet, and remotely operable means for releasing said latching means.

11. A voting apparatus comprising a booth having an entrance passageway, an entrance gate normally blocking such passageway whereby a voter must move said gate when entering or leaving said booth, a voting machine in said booth remote from said gate comprising a plurality of voting units each comprising an electromagnetic voting device, and a manual switch for -such electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for the circuits of all of said electro-magnetic devices, means for opening said master control switch upon operation of any one of said manual switches to simultaneously open the circuits of all of said electro-magnetic devices, and means operative upon movement of said gate for restoring said master control switch to closed position.

12. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units, each of said units comprising an electro-magnetic device operative for casting a vote, and an individual manual switch for such electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for the electro-magnetic devices of each group, said master control switch being biased to closed position, means operative upon the operation of any one of said manual switches for opening the corresponding master control switch to simultaneously open the circuits through all of the electro-magnetic devices of the corresponding group, means for holding each master control switch open after it has opened the circuits through the electro-magnetic devices of its corresponding group, a single mechanism operable for simultaneously releasing all of said master control switches for movement to closed position, and an electro-magnetic device for operating said single mechanism.

13. A voting apparatus comprising a plurality of voting groups each comprising a plurality of voting units, each of said units comprising an electro-magnetic device operative for casting a vote, and an individual manual switch for said electro-magnetic device, a master control switch for all of the electro-magnetic devices of each group, means biasing each master control switch to closed position, an electro-magnet energizable for opening each master control switch, means for holding each master control switch open after it has been moved to open position, means operative upon the energization of any one of said electro-magnetic devices for energizing said electro-magnet, means for deenergizing each electro-magnet after it has opened its associated master control switch, and a single mechanism operable for simultaneously releasing all of said master control switches for movement to closed position.

CHARLES K. MOORE.