US2399720A - Apparatus for transmitting intelligence - Google Patents

Description

May 7, 1946.

s. BRAND ETAL 2,399,720

APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTELLIGENCE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 11, 1944 allllll ATTORNEY y 1946- 5. BRAND ETAL 2,399,720

APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTELLIGENCE Filed April 11, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG".

FIG. 2.

ma INV; R3 BY Jm ATTORNEY May 7, 1946. 5. BRAND ETAL APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTELLIGENCE Filed April 11, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 mvz 012s ATTORNEY y 1946- 5. BRAND ETAL 2,399,720

APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTELLIGENCE Filed April 11, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY 3W w ATTORNEY May 7, 5 BRAND ETAL APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTELLIGENCE Filed April 11, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 MMJTMPE 95447 j BY 1M Amnm Cl/JRICTER FIG. 12.

Pe'tented May 7, 1946 APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTELLIGENCE Samuel Brand, Blnghamton, and Herman J.

Klotx, Endicott, N. Y., assignors to International Business Machines Corporati York, N. Y., a corporation of New York on, New

Application April 11, 1944, Serial No. 530,510

7 Claims.

This invention relates generally to apparatus for transmitting intelligence, and more particularly to apparatus which is controlled by a desired source of intelligence, such for example as a record having character representations recorded therein according to a selected code system, and which operates to transmit such intelligence, or to store such intelligence for future transmission, to a suitable manifesting means and therein manifest such intelligence in a desired form.

According to one aspect of the present invention a principal feature thereof may be considered as being the provision of apparatus for transmitting intelligence which comprises genorally a magnet mounted for rotation about a fixed axis, a means for eiiecting rotation of the magnet about its axis, a plurality of-armatures spaced circumierentially about the axis and so positioned that as the magnet rotates, the latter occupies successively attracting positions with respect to the armatures. The apparatus also comprises a means which is controlled by a source of intelligence, such as a prepared record, and which is operable to selectively energize the magnet as the latter successively occupies attracting positions with respect to the armatures so as to provide thereby diiierent conditions of selective actuation of the armatures, which conditions represent, respectively, diilerent characters in accordance with a code system. The apparatus also includes a character manifesting means controlled by the armatures and operable during each revolution of the magnet to manifest the character represented by the condition of selective actuation of the armatures.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus for transmitting intelligence, which is of improved construction and arrangement of parts and which is highly effective and eiflcient in operation.

A further object is to provide apparatus of the above type which is composed of relatively few parts and which is relatively compact in construction.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view showing the invention as embodied in record controlled apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, the magnet being omitted from this view to facilitate understanding of other parts of the apparatus.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, and showing the details of construction of a one-revolution clutch forming a part of the illustrative embodiment, the clutch pawls being shown as held in declutched position where the driving and driven elements are disconnected.

Flg. 5 is a view like Fig. 4, and showing the clutch pawls as held in clutched position where they look the driving and driven elements together for rotation in unison.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the clutch taken on the line 5-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view 01 the record controlled apparatus and illustrating the slde opposite to that shown in Fig. 1 and disclosing the record feeding and sensing means.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. '1 and showing in bottom plan the record sensing elements.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail view showing one of the contact latch armatures and its associated contact carrying lever which form a part of the preferred embodiment, the armature and lever being shown in unlatched relation.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detail view showing in latched position the clutch latch armature and a portion of the secondary latch lever controlled thereby.

Fig. 11 is a view showing one example of a. record bearing tape prepared for use with the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.

Fig. 12 is a view showing somewhat diagrammatically certain of the operating elements of the record controlled apparatus, the view also including a wiring diagram of the controlling circuits of the apparatus and an example of a translator circuit network forming a part of the character manifesting means of the apparatus.

Fig. 13 is a chart to be used in connection with Fig. 12.

The apparatus for transmitting intelligence which is disclosed in the accompanying drawings as being one preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown as being controlled in its operation by a prepared record sheet or tape, wherein characters are separately represented according to a. selected code system by diiierential location of code designations at a predetermined number of index point positions. While in so far as certain of the broader aspects of the present invention are concerned, the invention might be embodied in apparatus which is controlled by other sources of intelligence and while the apparatus disclosed might be readily adapted for use with various other kinds of prepared records hearing character representations, the apparatus disclosed herein is shown as being controlled by a prepared record of the type disclosed in the United States Patent to Samuel Brand, No. 2,209,106, granted July 23, 1940.

Before describing in detail the construction and operation of the apparatus disclosed in the accompanying drawings, it is believed that it will be helpful to consider first one example of a record tape wherein characters are represented in the same manner and according to the same code as is disclosed in the Brand patent, Just identified. Such a. prepared record is shown in Fig. 11 hereof, wherein a portion of a tape "I is shown as hearing a plurality of characters ll representing by way of example the digits through 9. As explained in the above mentioned Brand patent, the characters i I may be suitably applied to the tape by a typewriter having type oi the desired shape and using an ink which conducts electricity. The characters are arranged .in a column running lengthwise of the tape; and, when the apparatus disclosed hereinafter is operating, the tape is fed lengthwise, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 11, past a relatively stationary sensing station I! comprising transversely spaced sensing elements I! and II (see Figs. 7 and 8), and in such a manner that the characters are scanned progressively from top to bottom.

Also, as is explained in the Brand patent identified above, the characters II are specifically formed as legible variations of conventional shapes. so that each character includes as a part thereof one or more horizontally disposed portions or bars ii. The length of each bar is such that, when the tape is fed past the sensing elements I3 and II, such bar will contact simultaneously the two sensing elements and thereby close a sensing circuit. The remaining portions of the characters H, such as the relatively short horizontal portion forming a part of the digit 3" and also the vertical and angular portions forming parts of most of the characters, cannot be contacted simultaneously by the sensing elements l3 and I 4 and hence they cannot function to close the sensing circuit. The sensing elements are indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 11, and the width of the zone scanned by the sensing elements is indicated by the spaced parallel dot-and-dash lines It extending lengthwise of the tape.

The horizontal bars l5 form code designations of a selected combinatlonal code having five index point positions and wherein each character is arbitrarily represented by difierential location of the bars I5 in the live index point positions. For the purposes of a better understanding of the present invention, the live index point positions for each character representation are indicated in Fig. 11 by five equally spaced horizontal lines l1.

In the formation of the characters I I the number of the horizontal bars ii for each character representation and the diii'erentlal positioning of such bars in the index point positions ll for such character representation comprise variables in the preselected code, whereby the individual characters are differentiated from one another by diflerent combinations of these two variables. It is noted that in each character representation, a bar II is located in the first index point position thereof to be sensed. Thus. the'bar II in the first index point position of'each character representation determines the beginning of such representation. The digit "4 is shown as being represented by only one bar is which, as stated, is in the first index point position. The digits "0," l," 'l and "9" are each shown as being represented by two bars II. In each of these latter characters one bar I! is in the first position and the other bar It thereof is spaced from the one bar a diflerent number of index point 2. C3,! 5' 6i! Ila! are each shown as being represented by three bars ll. As before, the first bar I! to be sensed of each character representation is located in the first index point position, but the other two bars ID are diiiferentially located in the remaining index point positions of each such character.

In accordance with the one preferred embodiment of this invention which is disclosed in the drawings, the apparatus comprises a means for successively sensing the index point positions I! of each character representation II on the tape 10 in a predetermined order and at a predetermined rate and so as to determine the presence of code designations, which are the bars it, in the index point positions IT. The latter means comprises a mechanism for feeding the tape l0 past the sensing elements I! and Id at a predetermined uniform rate.

As shown in Fig. 7, the tape feeding mechanism comprises a feed roller 20 rotatably mounted on a stud 2| carried by a base or support plate 22. The roller 20 is fixed 'to a gear 23 which is arranged coaxiaily therewith and is also rotatably mounted on the stud 2!. The gear 23 meshes with a second gear 24 fixed on a suitable power or drive shaft 25 journaled in the support plate 22. The power shaft 25 is adapted to be continuously rotated at a uniform rate by any suitable means such, for example, as by an electric motor (not shown).

The sensing elements l3 and N are mounted on a suitable carrier or frame 21 which is pivoted on a stud 2B projecting from the support plate 22. An idler pressure roller 29 is journaled on a stud also carried by the frame 21, and serves to engage and hold the tape ll firmly in engagement with the feed roller 20 and thereby cooperates with the roller 20 in feeding the tape.

As shown in Figs. 2,7 and 8, each of the sensing elements [3 and I l is formed by a pair 01 conductive flat metal plates 32, and the several plates 32 are arranged in parallel side-by-side relation and are pivoted at one set of their adiacent ends on a common stud 33 which is formed of a suitable insulation material and is also carrled by the pivoted frame 21. The two plates 32 which compose the element I3 are centrally arranged in side-by-side contact with one another as shown in Fig. 8. The two plates 22 forming the sensing element H are arranged, respectively, on opposite sides of the centrally positioned plates 82 of the element i3, and each plate 22 of the element It is separated from the adjacent plate .of the element 13 by a flat strip 34 of a suitable insulation material. The strips 14 are also pivoted on the stud 33.

The two flat strips 84 of insulation are held in their operative position between the sensing engage,

constitute dementsbyapairoi'sprlngfingers respectively. The fingers I are joined together at on endandarefixedtoanupstandingpostfl oiinsulation material carried by 'a bracket 30 also formed of insulation material and secured to, the frame 21. The two outer ends of the fingers 35 respectively, upstanding portions 31 of the strips 14 and thereby hold the latter in engagement with the tape ll.

Each of the plates 82 forming the sensing elements l3 and M. is provided with an integral depending sensing projection 39 which engages the tape as the latter is being fed lengthwise by the roller III. The projections 30 on the two outside plates 32 of the element H, are held against the tape by the outer ends of two spring fingers II, respectively. The two fingers I. are formed of a suitable conductive metal and engage, respectively, the top of the two outside plates 32. The fingers 40 are joined at their other or inner ends by a conductive metal strip ll formed integral with the fingers l0 and fixed by screws 42 to the bracket 38. One of the screws 42 serves as a terminal for a lead wire ll 0! the sensing circuit.

The two centrally disposed plates 32 which the other sensing element II, are formed, respectively, at the ends thereof which are pivoted to the stud 88, with integral upstanding lever arms 45. One end of a tension spring 46 is connected to the upper ends or the arms 45 and the other end of the spring is connected to a stud ll mounted on the frame 21. The spring 46 serves as a means for holding the depending sensing projections 39 of the plates 32 forming the element IS, in contact with the moving tape and also serves as an electrical conductor connecting the two plates 32 with the stud 41. The other lead wire 48 of the sensing circuit may be connected to the stud 41.

In accordance with the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the improved apparatus also comprises a. single selector magnet Bil (see Fig. 1) which is mounted for rotation about a fixed axis. The apparatus also comprises a. means which provides a driving connection between the magnet 50 and the power shaft 25 so that the magnet 50 rotates synchronously with the feeding and sensing of the tape. The means which provides the driving connection is herein shown to be in the form of a one-revolution clutch 52 (see Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6). As will appear more fully hereinafter, the clutch 52 is automatically engaged with the closing of the sensing circuit by the sensing of a bar IS in the first index point position of each character representation. When engaged, the clutch 52 provides for the rotation of the magnet 50 by the power shaft 25 from the home or inactive position, the position shown in the drawings, for one complete revolution and then be disengaged upon returning to home position.

During each revolution of the magnet 50, all of the index point positions I! of one character representation are successively sensed; and, as stated above, the rate of sensing is synchronous with the rate of rotation of the magnet. As will later appear, the construction of the clutch 52 is such that the magnet 50 commences its synchronous rotation while the sensing elements I! and H are still contacting the bar IS in the first index point position of a character representation.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, a gear 53 is fixed to the continuously rotating power shaft 25 at the side of the support plate 22 which is opposite to that supporting the above described tape feeding l mesheswitha dltnxedto and sensing means. The gear second gear ll journaled on a theplatellandthegearll withathird gear SI which is coaxially mounted on and fixed to the rotary driving element of the one-revolution clutch I! (see Fig. 2). Thus, the driving element of the clutch is continuo ly rotated at a uniform rate by the power shat and synchronously with the movement of th tape I I past the sensing elements I! and i4.

The driving element of the clutc 52 comprises a clutch disk 5| which is formed on its periphery with radially extending clutch te 58. The clutch disk 58 is journaled for rotation on a cylindrical hub 00 of a pawl carrier 6| which carrier forms the driven element of the clutch 52 and is, in turn, journaled for rotation on a stud 84 mounted on the support plate 22.

The pawl carrier 6| also comprises a circular disk 5! formed integral with one end of the central hub SI, and an annular rim portion 63 formed integral with the peripheral portions of the end disk 1 and overhanging the hub ill to define with the latter an annular space receiving the clutch disk ll. The circular end disk 62 is provided with a pair of spaced parallel slots or grooves 55 and 65, respectively, which are located on opposite sides of the hub and each groove extends in a chordal direction for the full width of the end disk 82 and is open at its two ends. The portions of the rim 6! which are contiguous to the two ends of each of the grooves and 56 are also cut away and thereby form rightangle extensions of the ends of the grooves. The two right-angle extensions of the ends of groove 55 are indicated by 65a and 65b, respectively, and the two right-angle extensions of the ends of groove 86 by 66a and 66!), respectively (see Figs. 4, 5, and 6).

Slidabiy mounted within the groove 65 is a clutch pawl 58 formed with a body part slidably fitting within the portion of the groove 55 which extends as a chord across the and disk 62, and also comprising a pair of right angle and projections 83a. and b adapted to slide within the groove extensions 65a and 65b, respectively. Likewise, a clutch pawl 69 slidably fits within the portion of the groove 66 extending as a chord across the end disk 62 and comprises right angle end projections 69a and 89b, respectively, adapted to slide within the groove extensions 66a and 66b.

The projection 68a of pawl 68 is shaped so that when it occupies the extension 65:: of groove 65 it forms a pawl tooth I0. When the pawl 68 is slid to the right, as viewed in Figs. 4 and 5, the pawl tooth I0 is adapted to enter the space between adjacent clutch disk teeth 55 and thereby lock together the driving clutch disk 58 and the driven pawl carrier SI for rotation in unison. Also, the projection 63b of pawl 69 is shaped so that when it occupies the extension 661) of groove 55, it forms a second pawl tooth 12. Thus, when the pawl 59 is slid to the left as viewed in Fig. 4, the tooth I2 is also adapted to enter the space between adjacent clutch disk teeth 59 and thereby clutch or look together the clutch disk 58 and pawl carrier 5|.

As will appear more fully hereinafter, means is provided which operates in response to the sensing of a bar l5 in the first index point position of a character representation, to move the pawl 58 to the right or toward its clutching position and to move the pawl 69 to the left or toward its clutching position. From an examination of Fig. 5, it will be observed that the circumierential spacing oi pawl teeth II and II andthenumberoiteethlIcntheclutehdisk II aresorelatedthatonlycneoithepawlteeth can iullyengage a space between clutch disk teetheachtimetheclutchiscnlaged. The-construction is such that when either of the pawl teeth iully occupiesaspacebetweenclutchdisk teeth,thepositionoitheotherpawltoothis suchthatitisoniypartialiywithinaspacebe- 'tweenclutchdiskteeth. Thell l looiproviding two pawls and this particular spacing oi the pawl teeth with respect to the clutch disk teeth, istoreduce toIaminimumthetimerequii-edto clutch the parts together after the of the first bar II oi acharacter II. he stated previously, the clutch will be engaged while the sensing elements II and II are still in engagement with the bar II in the first index point position of a character representation.

In Fig. 5, the parts are shown clutched together with the pawl tooth III iully fitting between adjacent clutch disk teeth II and the pawl tooth 12 only partially within a tooth space. Fig. 4 shows the declutched position 01 the parts. The

B61718 II and II are moved irom the doclutched position of Fig. 4, to theclutched position of Fig. 5, and vice verse, by a pair of clutch latch rings l4 and II, respectively, which are rotatably mounted on the cylindrical outer surface of the rim II of the pawl carrier II and are arranged in spaced side-by-side relation with respect to one another. The latch ring II actuates the pawl II and the ring II actuates the pawl II.

The latch ring II is constantly urged to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5, by a tension spring II connected at one end to an arm 11 extending from the ring II and at its other end to an arm II extending from a cam plate II, the latter being flxed to the pawl carrier II (see also Fig. 2). Likewise, the ring II is constantly urged to rotate in a clockwise direction by a tension spring 8| connecting the outer end of an arm 82 extending from the ring II and the outer end of an arm II extending from the cam plate 19.

In Fig. 4, both clutch latch rings II and II are shown as being in their home or latched position, which is the position where they hold the pawls I8 and 69 out oi clutching engagement with the clutch disk II. The latch rings 14 and II are shown as being provided, respectively, with downwardly extending latching projections II and II. "The rings I4 and II are held in their latched position against the force of the springs II and Ii due to the engagement oi their projections 85 and II with a ball 81, which bail forms a. part of a secondary latch lever 88 and is disposed in the path of the latching projections 85 and 86 when the lever 88 occupies a latched position, the position shown in Figs. 1, 3, and4.

The secondary latch lever 88 is pivoted intermediate its ends on a stud 98 carried by the support plate 22, and is held in latched position by an end projection Ii thereof engaging the face 92 of a notch II formed in the lower outer end 94 of a clutch latch armature 88 (see also Fig. 10) A tension spring 88 connecting the lever 88 and a fixed stud 81 on the support plate 22 holds the end 8i against the face 82 of the notch II, and also moves the lever 88 counterclockwise and the bail IT downward and out of latching position when the end II of the clutch latch armature SI is moved to the left as viewed in Fig. 8.

lever and is pivoted intermediate its ends stud II extending iromthesupportplate tension spring III connecting a proiecting III on the clutch latch armature II and ilxed stud I'l, contributes in holding the ends Ii and Ii, respectively. in their latching engagement shown more clearly in Figs. 3 and 10.

As shown in Fig. 3, a detent ill is pivoted on a stud iIl projecting from the support plate II, and engages a notch or recess iII formed in the peripheral cam suriace oi the cam plate II and serves to position and hold the cam plate II, and the pawl carrier and magnet which are fixed thereto, in the home or declutched position. A tension spring ill connects an arm III on the detent III with the ilxed stud ill and urges the detent in engagement with the notch III. It is apparent from an examination of Fig. 3, that when the detent I84 enters the cam notch III, movement 01' the plate II in either direction is resisted by the force of the spring III. Also, when the cam plate is moving clockwise as viewed in Fig. 3 and nears the home position, the spring II'I actin through the detent ill and side III of the notch iiil urges the plate 18 i'orward and clockwise towards the home position.

Asshownini 'igaiandiithelatchring'll which actuates the pawl II is provided with a pair of operating notches ill and III, respectively. which are adapted to receive the end proiections IIc and III: of the pawl II during the clutching and declutching operation. The notch ll! receives the projection IIa when the parts are declutched (see Fig. 4), and the notch HI receives the projection "b when the parts are clutched (see Fig. 5). In Fig. 4, the pawl tooth Iii is shown as being held locked in declutched position by the engagement of an inner edge portion III or ring 14 with the outer surface of projection 88b.

As shown in Fig. l, the magnet II is fixed to a bracket iii projecting from the cam plate II which. as stated. is fixed to the driven pawl carrier 8i. With magnet II at home position and when it is energized in a manner to be later described, the clutch latch armature II is attracted thereby and is pivoted clockwise about the stud Iii, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3. This moves the end 84 out 01' latching engagement with the end II of the secondary latch II and thereby permits the spring II to move the latch II counterclockwise and thereby disengage the hall 81 from the projections 85 and I8 of the two latch rings When the bail I! of the secondary latch I8 is moved downward and out of engagement with the projection 85 of ring 14, the spring II rotates the ring ll clockwise with respect to the carrier II; and, in so doing, the notch III is moved opposite the projection 88b and so that the pawl 88 is no longer held in declutched peeltion by the surface iii of the ring ll. Also, as the ring II moves clockwise, an inclined cam face III of the notch H2 engages an outer inclined cam face I ll of projection 88a which carrice the pawl tooth l0, and thereby moves the pawl 88 to the right as viewed in Fig. 4. If the position of the clutch disk is such that the pawl tooth Iii can fully engage a clutch disk tooth space, the clockwise rotation of the latch ring 14 will continue until the projection 68a is moved entirely out of the notch III and the projection III) is moved into the notch III and is engaged b an inner side face I oithe notch, which The clutch latch armature II is formed as a is thereby stops further clockwise movement of the ring 18. This is the clutched position shown in Pig. where the pawl tooth I8 fits fully between teeth of the disk 88. 88 is held locked in its clutched position by the engagement of an inner edge I II or the ring with the outer surface of the projection 880.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the other latch ring is provided with a pair of clearance notches I28 and I2I located alongside and registering, respectively, with the just described operating notches II2 and III of the ring 18 for all positions of the two rings. The pawl projections 88a and 88b also extend into the clearance notches I28 and I2I during operation of the ring 18, but the latter notches are of sumcient length and depth that the ring 15 cannot interfere with the actuation of the pawl 88 by the latch ring 18.

The other latch ring pair of operating notches I28 and I25, respectively, which are adapted to receive the projections 88a and 88b of the other pawl 88 and are adapted to effect operation of the pawl 88 in the same manner as just described in connection with the operation of pawl 88 by the notches I I2 and Ill of ring 14. The latch ring 14 is also provided with a pair of clearance notches I28 and I21 located opposite the notches I28 and I25, respectively, and for the purpose of preventing interference by the ring ll of the operation of the pawl 88 by the notches I28 and I25.

when the pawl 88 is in its declutched position, as shown in Fig. 4. the inner edge I28 of the ring 15 adjacent the notch I24, engages the outer surface of the projection 88a and thereby holds the pawl in the position where the pawl tooth 12 on projection 89b occupies the notch I25 and is out of engagement with the clutch disk teeth 58. When the ring 15 is unlatched by the ball 81 moving downward in the manner previously explained the spring 8i rotates the latch ring 15 clockwise with respect to the carrier 8|: and, as a result, the cam face I29 of the notch I25 engages the inclined outer surface I38 of the pawl projection 68b and thereby moves the pawl 88 and pawl tooth 12 to the left as viewed in Fig. 4. At this time the notch I24 will be opposite the projection 89a so that the latter can enter the notch I24 and permit the just described movement of the pawl 88.

In Fig. 5, the pawl tooth 12 is shown as being only partially within a tooth space of the clutch disk 58. This is because the pawl tooth 18 is fully within a space between clutch disk teeth. As explained previously, the circumferential spacing of the pawls and the clutch disk teeth is such that only one pawl tooth can fully engage a. clutch disk tooth space during a clutching operation. It will be apparent that if it had so happened when the projections 85 and 88 were unlatched by the bail 81, that a clutch disk tooth space had been opposite the pawl tooth 12, instead of one being opposite the pawl tooth 18 as previously described, then the pawl tooth 12 would have fully entered a space between clutch disk teeth and the clutch ring 15 would have then continued to move clockwise with respect to the carrier 8| until the side I32 of notch I28 engaged the projection 89a, which would stop rotation of the ring 15. In the latter position, the inner edge I33 of ring 15 will engage the outer surface of projection 88b and hold the pawl 88 locked in clutched position.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, when the latch rings 14 and 15 are released by the bail 81 moving downward in response to the energizing of the magnet 58 in home position, the clutch It is noted that the pawl 15 is also provided with a I2 is immediately engaged, and the magnet immediately commences rotating in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1. After the magnet has rotated slightly more than one half of a revolution. the peripheral cam surface of the cam plate 18 engages an end I of the secondary latch lever 88 and rotates the latter clockwise as viewed in Fig. 3, against the force of the spring 88, and so that the other end 8| thereof move upward and into the notch 83 formed on the end of the clutch latch armature 85. The cam 18 is so designed that when the highest portion I88 of the cam is in engagement with the end I28 of the lever 88, the other end M is slig tly above and past the latching face 82 of the notch 83. As the end I35 moves out of engagement with the highest portion I28 of the cam and into enga ement with the face H8 or the notch I88. the secondary latch lever 88 is moved slightly counterclockwise and until the end 8| thereof engages the face 82 of the notch and thereby latches again the lever 88. The spring I88 maintains the end at of the clutch latch armature in engagement with the end 8i and thereby assures the just described latchins operation.

With the latching of the secondary latch 88 in latched position, the ball 81 is again disposed in the path of movement of the projections 85 and 88 of the latch rings 14 and 15. Just before the magnet 58 reaches home position, the projections engage the ball 81 and further movement of the projections is prevented thereby. However, the pawl carrier 8| will continue to rotate until the pawl teeth 18 and 12 are completely disengaged from the teeth of disk 58. Considering Fig. 5 with the tooth 18 in full clutching engagement with the disk 58, rotation of the pawl carrier 8I clockwise with the ring 18 held stationary in the manner lust explained, will result in the inclined cam face I88 of the projection 88b engaging the inclined cam face I of the notch III with the result that the pawl 88 will he slid to the left to disengage the tooth 18 from the disk 58. As the notch I I2 will be opposite the projection 88a at this time the latter will enter such notch and the pawl carrier 8I will stop rotating with the parts in their respective positions shown in Fig. 4.

The pawl 88 is also restored to its home position shown in Fig. 4, by the camming engagement of the inclined face I83 of projection 880 with the inclined face I of the notch I24. As the pawl tooth 12 is shown in Fig. 5 as only partially within a space between clutch disk teeth 58, the projection 88 of its clutch ring 15 will engage the bail 81 somewhat after the projection 85 and consequently the degree of movement required to restore the pawl 89 to its home position shown in Fig. 4 will be substantially less than was required to restore pawl 88. It will be apparent that instead of the tooth 18, had the pawl tooth 12 been in full clutching engagement with the teeth of the disk 58, the projection 88 would have engaged the bail 81 first and the pawl tooth 12 moved thereby the greater distance suflicient to be disengaged from the disk 58 and restored to home position. The clutch 52 is disengaged and the pawls 88 and 88 restored to the home position shown in Fig. 4 just as the magnet 58 reaches its home position. The detent I84 cooperating with the recess I88 in the cam plate 18, serves to position and hold the parts in their home position in the manner previously described.

The apparatus disclosed herein as being one preferred embodiment of this invention, also comprises a series of armatures disposed in circumferentially spaced relation about the axis of rotation of the magnet 50. The clutch latch armature 95 described above as being in attracting relation with respect to the magnet when at home position, may be considered as one of this series of armatures. The other armatures of the series are indicated by the reference characters I45, I41, I40, and I49. Thus, there are altogether five armatures composing the series and they correspond, respectively, to the live index point positions of the selected code system previously described. The armatures are so spaced circumferentially and the driving mechanism for the tape feeding roll 20 and the magnet 50 so designed, that as the magnet rotates it occupies successively attracting positions with respect to the armatures and synchronously with the sensing of their corresponding index point positions.

The armatures I45, I41, I48, and I49 are pivoted to studs I50, II, I52, and I53, respectively, carried by the support plate 22, and these armatures are formed with latching arms I54, I55,

I55, and I51 which cooperate, respectively, with latching arms I58, I59, I50, and "ii, respectively. The latter latching arms form parts of contact carrying members I52, I55, I54, and I55, respectively, which are pivoted on the studs 99, I05, I50, and I 5| carried by the plate 22. A tenslon spring I50 connects each of the armatures I45, I 41, I48, and I49 with its related one of the cooperating latching arms I58, I59, I50, and I5I. The tension springs I55 serve to move the latching arms I54, I55, I55, and I51 of the armatures into latching engagement with their related latching arms I55, I59, I50, and I5I and to hold them in latching engagement after they are latched. The tension springs I55 also serve to shift their related contact carrying members clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 1, when unlatched by the related armatures I45, I41, I40, and I49 being attracted by the energizing of the magnet 50 while occupying an attracting position with respect thereto.

The above described coaction of the armatures I45, I41, I48, and I49 and their related contact carrying members I52, I53, I54, and I55 can best be understood by referring to Fig. 3. Reference may also be had to Fig. 9 which is a detail view showing the armature I46 and its related contact carrying member I52 apart from the other elements of the apparatus. The armature I45 and member I52 are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 9 in their unlatched or tripped relation. As Fig. 3 shows the rotating parts in their home position with the clutch latch armature 95 and secondary latch lever 08 in their latched position, it should be assumed that the armature I45 was tripped on the previous revolution of the magnet 50.

During each revolution of the magnet 50, any of the armatures I45, I41, I45 and I49, which was tripped on the previous revolution of the magnet, is relatched with respect to its coacting contact carrying member, before the magnet reaches an attracting position with respect to such armature. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the contact carrying members is provided with an inwardly extending re-latching arm I10 which, when its contact carrying member is tripped and shifted by its related spring I58 into unlatched position, is moved thereby into the path of a pin I" carried by the cam plate 19 (see also Fig. 1). With the parts in the position shown in Figs.

1 and 8 and upon the starting of a'revoluticn by the magnet 50, the pin "I will engage-the relatching arm I10 of the member I52 and move the latter counterclockwise about the stud 58. When the latter occurs, the spring I55 will'move the armature I40 clockwise about the stud Ill and a latching projection I15 on the end of the arm I55 will engage a notch I14 on the end of arm I54. As the latter occurs, the pin I1l passes out of engagement with the arm I15 and the parts are held in their latched relation by their related spring I581 After the Just described relatching operation has been effected, the magnet 50 will move into attracting position with respect to the armature I45. It will be apparent that the pin I1I will also engage and move the relatching arm I10 of any of the remaining contact carrying members which has been previously tripped, so as to effeet the relatching of the latter with respect to its related armature before the magnet moves into attracting position with respect to such armature.

When the magnet 50 occupies an attracting position with respect to any of the armatures I45, I41, I45, and I49 and upon the energizing of the magnet while occupying such a position. the armature in attracting relation with respect to the magnet is attracted thereby and is moved counterclockwise, as viewed in Figs. 1, 3, and 9. to trip or unlatch such armature and its related contact carrying member. The latter is shifted clockwise to its tripped position by its related spring I55. It is noted that each of the arms I54, I55, I55, and I51 of the armatures is formed with a shoulder I15 which is engaged by the end I13 of its related contact carrying member when the latter moves to its tripped or shifted position. Thus, the shoulders I 15 limit the clockwise movement of their related contact carrying members and thereby determine the tripped position of such contact carrying member.

Fig. 12 shows diagrammatically an electrical circuit means which operates in response to the sensing means previously described and provides for the selective energizing oi the magnet 50 and the consequent selective actuation of the five armatures 95, I45, I41, I45, and I49 in accordance with the number and differential positioning of the code designations of each character representation. The magnet 50, armatures 95, I45. I41, I 40, and I49 and the contact carrying members I52, I59, I64, and I55 are also shown somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 12 in order that their operation might be more readily understood.

With the manual power switch 200 closed and the magnet 50 in the home position shown, the filament 20I of the high vacuum amplifier tube 202 is connected across a suitable source of direct current. The source is represented herein by a positive supply wire 203 and a negative supply wire 204. With the switch 200 closed and with the magnet in attracting position with respect to one of the armatures, the coil of the magnet 50 is connected in the plate circuit of the tube 202, which circuit may be traced a follows: From the positive supply wire 203, wire 205, point 205 of commutator segment 201, brush 209, wire 209, coil of magnet 50, wire 2I5, brush 2, point 2I2 of commutator segment 2I8, wire 2, anode 2I5, cathode 2I5, wire 2I1, switch 200, and to the negative supply wire 204. A suitable battery 220 provides a normal negative bias on the control grid 22I of the tube 202 and therebyservestopreventnormailytheiiowoiisufflcient current in the plate circuit to energize the magnet ll.

The sensing elements I! and Il and the two wires 44 and 4! previously referred to. are shown diagrammatically, the element ll being connected through the wire I to the wire 2" and the negative supply wire 2, and the element It being connected through the wire ll to the control grid 22L From the previous description, it will be apparent that with power shaft 25 in operation and the tape I I being fed by the roller 20. the five index point positions ll stated previously, each character representation includes a bar it in the first indexpoint position. With the parts in the home position shown in Fig. 12 and when a bar ii in the first index point position of a character representation is sensed, the control grid 22l is connected through the elements it and II and the sensed bar it directly to the-negative side of the line and to the cathode 2 it, thus reducing the negative bias on the control grid 22! to a point where suflicient current will flow in the plate circuit previously traced, to energize the magnet 50.

As will be apparent from the previous description, when the magnet 50 is energized in the home position shown, the clutch latch armature 95 is attracted and thereby trips the secondary latch 88 and effects the engagement of the one revolution clutch 52 which provides forthe rotation of the magnet 50. As the magnet 50 moves from attracting position with respect to the armature 95 and successively into attracting positions with respect to the remaining armatures I46, I", I48, and I49, the remaining four index point positions of the character representation being sensed, pass synchronously beneath the sensing elements l3 and H.

The apparatus disclosed also advantageously includes a means which provides for the flow of current through the coil of the magnet only when the latter occupies an attracting position with respect to any of the armatures and prevents flow of current to the magnet when the latter is not in attracting position with respect to an armature. As shown, this means comprises the two stationary commutator segments 201 and 2|: and the two brushes 208 and 2 which are carried by the bracket H5 and thereby rotate with the magnet 50. The segments 201 and 2l3 are secured to the post 90 and a second post 225 carried by the support plate 22. There are five points 205 provided on the segment 201 and five points M2 on the segment 2|2. These points correspond, respectively, to the five armatures. The points 205 and 212 are so spaced on their respective segments that the brushes 2" and 2 contact the points 206 and 2, respectively, only when the magnet 50 is in attracting relation with respect to their related armature. Thus, the coil of the magnet 50 is connected in the plate circuit of the tube 202 only when the magnet is in attracting position with respect to an armature.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that as each character representation is sensed the magnet 50 is selectively energized so as to provide difierent conditions of selective actuation of the armstures, and such condition represent, respectively, the character representations sensed. For example, ii' the character representing the digit "3 is sensed, the magnet Si! is energized when the bar IS in the first index point position of the not-each of the character representations pass successively the sensing elements I 2 and II. As

character representation corresponding to the digit 3. passes beneath the sensing brushes II and II. As stated above, this starts the rotation ofthemagnetllwhilethebar llintheiirst index point position is still under the sensing elements II and it. As the character representation for the digit 3" also comprises a bar il in the second andilith index point position, the armature iltwill also be attracted when the magnet I. occupies an attracting position with respect thereto and the armature Ill will be attracted when the magnet It occupies an attracting position with respect thereto. Thus, when the character representation for the digit "3 is sensed the magnet ill selectively actuates the first. second and iifth armatures synchronously with the sensing of a bar II in each of the first, second. and filth index point positions or the character representation and this action provides a condition of selective actuation of the armatures which corresponds to the character representation for the digit 3 in accordance with the selected code system.

When, for example, the character representation for the digit 4" is sensed, a bar It in the first index point position will be sensed and the magnet will rotate for a complete revolution without actuating any or the other armatures, with the result that only the first 0r clutch latch armature will have been actuated. Thus, the latter action also provides a condition of selective actuation oi the armatures which corresponds to the digit "4 in accordance with the selected code.

In accordance with certain aspects of the Present invention, a means is also provided which functions to manifest the characters which are sensed and represented by the corresponding conditions of selective actuation of the armatures as explained above. The manifesting means is controlled by the armatures and in the apparatus disclosed comprises a translator including the contact carrying latch members I82, I62, I and H55 described above and also including an electrical circuit network controlled by the contacts carried by such latch members and providing, for each condition of actuation of the armatures, a work circuit including a work magnet operable to manifest the character represented by the condition of actuation of the armatures and sensed by the sensing elements.

In Fig. 12, the work magnets corresponding to the digits "0" through "9 are indicated by corresponding legends and by the reference characters 230, 23!, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 231, 238, and 229, respectively, and the circuit wires leading to such magnets are indicated by the reference characters 240, 2, 242, 243, 2, 245, 246, 221,228, and 249, respectively. The work magnets 230 to 239 inclusive represent the controlling elements of any suitable manifesting mechanism; such for example, as a tabulating card punch of the type disclosed in the Brand patent, above identified. The work magnets shown in Fig. 12 are intended to be the same as those indicated by the reference character in the Brand patent referred to. As the structure and operation of card punches of this type are well known to those skilled in this art, a more detailed disclosure thereof herein is considered to be superfluous.

The apparatus disclosed herein operates in successive cycles. each cycle being represented by a revolution of the magnet 50. During the first part of each cycle, the character representation is sensed and the armatures selectively actuated or the character sensing portion oi a cycle,

or the contact carrying members I, m, and MI occupies either one or two positions depending upon whether or not its related armalt! is shown in its tripped position in Fig. 1.

Each contact carrying member carries a set of spaced contacts which, when in latched position, engage, respectively, a corresponding number of spaced stationary contacts and which, when in the tripped p sition, engage, respectively, another set of spaced stationary contacts. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 12, the movable contact carrying latch member"! carries three spaced contacts "I, ill, and 253, respectively, which when the member I" is in latched position engage, respectively, the stationary contacts 284. I, and 255 which are fixed to a segmental shaped member 261 iormed suitable insulation material and mounted on the support plate 22. When the member I82 is shifted to its tripped position (see Fig. 1) the movable contacts "I, III and 253 carried thereby engage, respectively, spaced stationary contacts 258, 259, and 280 which are also carried by the fixed insulation member 2".

Similarly, the contact member It! carries a pair or movable contacts "I and 182 which engage spaced stationary contacts 2 and 2", respectively, when in latched position and engage spaced stationary contacts 265 and 288 when in tripped position. Member I carries three spaced contacts 269, 210, and 2', respectively. which engage a set of stationary contacts 212, 213, and 2", respectively, when in latched position and engage a second set of stationary contacts 215, 216, and 211, when in tripped position. The contact carrying member I65 carries two spaced movable contacts 280 and 2"; but in the circuit network shown it is only necessary to use the contact 280. The contact 280 engages the stationary contact 282 when the member I" is latched and the stationary contact 283 when the member I" is shifted to its tripped position.

The stationary contacts mounted on the member 2B1. and-the movable contacts on the several contact carrying members are so interconnected by circuit wires that they establish for each condition of selective actuation oi the armatures, a work circuit including a work magnet which when energized manifests the character corresponding to such condition of selective actuation and to the character representation sensed. The work circuit is established during the sensing portion of each cycle which terminates with the magnet moving past attracting position with respect to the fifth or last armature I49. During the remaining portion of the cycle, the established work circuit is closed and the character sensed during the first part 01 the cycle, is manifested. The closing of the work circuit is effected by a cam its engaging and closing a pair of contacts 288. The cam 285 is formed of a suitable insulating material and is secured by suitable studs 28! to the cam plate 19 on which the magnet i0 as follows:

8 assume I in the manner previously explained. During the is mounted. The contacts III are suitably latterpartoieachcyciathecharacterrewv moimtedonabracketlllcarriedbythenned senhd by the condition or selective actuation 0 support plate 2!. thearmaturesismaniiestedbyen the Theworkcircuit orrespondingtoeachoithe work mllnct corresponding retos ll be 8- igit characters 0" through "9" can be readily apparent from the foregoing description. at the traced on Fig. 12. Fig. la is a chart showing the armatures' which are actuatedwhen character representations of each, 0! the ten digitsare sensed. From an examination c! Fig, 18, it is noted that only the armature CI is actuated when the digit "4" is sensed. From the previous description it is known that the energizing oi the magnet Bl while in home position actuates the armature l5 and operates the one-revolution clutch to rotate the magnet 50 for one complete revolution. As none of the remaining armatures are actuated when the digit "4" is sensed, the contact carrying members m, I, III, and I" will remain in the position shown in Fig. 12. when the cam 285 closes the contacts 286 during the latter portion of the cycle the work circuit...

including the work magnet 284 for the digit is closed. The latter circuit is traced as follows: from the negative supply wire 104, a wire 290, contacts Ill, a wire "I, movable contact 280, stationary contact 282, a wire 292, movable contact 262, stationary contact 254, a wire 28!, movable contact. "I, stationary contact 256, a wire 2, movable contact 2', stationary contact 2", work circuit wire I, work magnet 234, common wnire 2 88, and wire 286 to the positive supply wire 2 I.

A described above when sentation for the digit "3" is sensed. armatures II, I", and I" are tripped, and contact carrying members I82 and iii are shifted from their latched position shown in Fig. 12 to their tripped position. This will establish a work circuit including the work magnet 23! which circuit will be closed by the cam 285 during the latter portion of the cycle. The latter work circuit is traced negative wire 2, wire 290, contacts 28!, wire 20!, contacts 280 and 283, a wire 291, contacts 26! and 263, a wire 298, contact 25!, contact 258, work circuit wire 248, work magnet 233, and wires and 288 to the positive wire 203.

With the above explanation, it is believed that the work circuits corresponding to the other conditions of selective actuation of the armatures and the characters sensed, can be readil traced on Fig. 12 when considered with Fig. 13.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and'substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a cyclically operable unit for receiving during each cycle a character representation transmitted thereto as electrical impulses dirterentially timed in accordance with a predetermined code system having a selected number of code positions and with the timing of the impulses corresponding to the code positions, the combination of an electromagnet mounted for rotation at a given time rate about a fixed axis with each revolution thereof corresponding to a cycle oi operation, and said magnet including a coil adapted to be energized by said impulses the character repreandconstructcdandarrangedsothatitsattractmgiorceactsinadirectionextendingsubstantlally radially inward toward the rotary axis of said magnet; a plurality oi armatures corresponding, respectively, to the system and being circumierentially disposed about said magnet and so spaced from one another that as said magnet is rotated during each cycle the latter successively occupies attracting posithe armatures and synchronously with the receiving of the electrical impulses; each of said armatures being supported for pivotal movement about an axis extending parallel to said rotary axis and the pivotal axes of the several armatures being circumierentially spaced about said rotary axis; a separate latch member for each said armature and each latch member being pivotally mounted to move about an axis arranged parallel to said rotar axis and the pivotal axes of said latch members being disposed about said rotary axis in circumierentialiy spaced relation; each armature and its related latch member enacting with one another to occupy a normal latched position before such armature is attracted by said magnet and each armature and its related latch member being movable to unlatched positions upon being attracted by said magnet.

2. In a cyclically operable unit for receiving during each cycle a character representation transmitted thereto as electrical impulses diflerentially timed in accordance with a predetermined eode system having a selected number oi. code positions and with the timing oi the imcorresponding to the code positions, the combination or an eiectromagnet mounted for rotation at a given time rate about a fixed axis with each revolution thereof corresponding to a cycle of operation, and said magnet including a coil adapted to be energized by said impulses and constructed and arranged so that its attractin iorce acts in a direction extending substantially radially inward toward the rotary axis of said magnet; a plurality of latchable armatures corresponding, respectively. to the positions of said code system and being circumierentially aboutsaidmagnetandsospacediromoneanother that as said magnet is rotated during each cycle the latter successively occupies attractins withrespectotthearmatures and synwith the receiving or the impulses: each of said armaturcs normally occupyhigalatchedpositionandbeingmovableto an unlatchcd position when attracted by said magnet: and latching means movable with said magnet and operable during each cycle to restore during a previous cycle, to their latched positions into attracting pos tion operable unit for receiving matures.

3. In a cyclically a character representation thereto as electrical impulses dineraccordance with a predeterbased on a selected number of and with the timing oi the imto the code positions. the

positions of said code ing at said home impulses and being so constructed and arranged that its attracting iorce acts in a direction extending inward toward the rotary axis of said magnet; detent means positioning said magnet at a home position; clutch means operable to connect said magnet to said shalt for rotating said magnet for one revolution beginning and endposition and corresponding to one operating cycle, and operable to disconnect said magnet and shaft upon return to said home position; a plurality of armatures corresponding, respectively, to the positions of said code system and being circumterentially disposed about said magnet and so spaced from one another that as said magnet is rotated during each cycle it successively occupies attracting positions with respect to said armatures and synchronously with the reception oi the electrical impulses; and means for operating said clutch means at the beginning of the reception of a character representation.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein one of said armatures isin position to be attracted by said magnet when the latter occupies its home position and wherein said clutch means is operated by said one armature when attracted.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said armatures, respectively, comprise lever arms pivoted to move about axes extending parallel to and circumierentially spaced about the rotary axis of said magnet.

6. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said clutch means comprises a pair of rotary driving and driven elements coaxiaily arranged with respect to one another and with respect to the rotary axis of said magnet and a. pawl carried by one of said elements and movable to effect operative engagement and disengagement of said elements; and said magnet being secured to said driven element and rotatable therewith.

"i. In a cyclically operable unit for receiving during each cycle a character representation transmitted thereto as electrical impulses difierentially timed in accordance with a predetermined code system having a selected number of code positions and with the timing of impulses corresponding to the code positions, the combination of an electromagnet adapted to be energized by said impulses and being mounted for rotation at a given time rate about a fixed axis with each revolution thereoi corresponding to a cycle 0! operation: a plurality of latchable armatures corresponding, respectively, to the positions of said code system and being circmnierentialiy disposed about the axis of rotation oi said magnet and being so arranged and spaced with respect to one anotherand to said magnet that as said magnet is rotated during each cycle the latter successiveiy occupies attracting positions with respe t to the armatures and synchronously with the receiving of corresponding electrical impulses; each of said armatures normally occupying a latched position and being movable to an uniatched position when attracted by said magnet: and latching means movable with said magnet and operable during each cycle to restore armatures uniatched positions BRAND. EIRIANJ. norm.

Images