US2481011A - Voting machine - Google Patents

Description

Sept 6,1949- A. N. GusTAvsoN 2,481,011

VOTING MACHINE Filed July 51, 1945 ssheets-sheeu 1 r= Ef: 33

X Y Z sept. 6, 1949. A. N, GUSTAVSON y2,481,011,

VOTING MACHINE Filed July 31, 1945 3 SheetfsSheet 2 f o 49 54 `4a 50 l sq v o o47 Il 56 O 5 V O 33 69 o5 55 es Z E: 4 5l 5, 9

A. N. GUsTAvsoN 2,481,011

VOTING MACHINE sept. 6, 1949.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 31, 1945 Patented Sept. 6, 1949 VOTING MACHINE Alvin N. Gustavson, Bemus Point, N. Y., assignor to Automatic Voting Machine Corporation, Jamestown, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application July 31, 1945, Serial No. 608,037 3 Claims. (Cl. 235,54)

This invention relates to an improvement in voting machines and more particularly to a structure by which to control certain kinds of voting such, for example, as cumulative voting for general assembly, and is a continuation in part of my application, Serial No. 472,344, led January 14, 1943, now forfeited. c

In the disclosed form the invention comprises a mechanism that is adapted to be mounted in a voting machine, being located in close proximity to the main grouping channel of the machine. It may be removed and reinstalled in other machines or left as a permanent installation in the lirst machine in which it is installed. The type of voting machine to which the invention is particularly adaptable includes a multiplicity of indicator operable interlocking straps. Any desired groups of these straps may be connected with and controlled by the mechanism to both enable and require a voter to ballot in accordance with given election laws.

In certain areas provision is made for cumulative voting such as for voting for representatives in general assembly. Even in these areas local election requirements vary and in a particular example, a voter by law is given three votes with respect to the candidates for representative to general assembly and may distribute these three votes among the candidates of his own party or among the candidates of his own and other parties. A voter may cast all three votes for a single candidate, one vote for each of three candidates, or split his vote and cast one and one-half votes for each of two selected candidates.

The present invention is particularly directed `to the provision of a voting machine mechanism that enables and controls cumulative Avoting and this, therefore, constitutes one of the objects thereof.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a cumulative mechanism that is readily installable and includes relatively few easily operable parts.

Other objects and advantages will be more fully understood from a consideration of the fol-- lowing specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; and in which Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of a portion `of the keyboard of a voting machine that has been arranged for voting on candidates for rep-` resentatives in general assembly;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of that portion of the main grouping channel together with interlocking straps with which the cumulative mechanism is intended to be associated;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the cumulative mechanism attached to the main grouping channel;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cumulative mechanism being shown from the side that is applied to the main grouping channel;

Fig. 5 is an end and partial sectional View of the mechanism and main grouping channel, being taken substantially as indicated at 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary View of the main grouping channel, parts being broken away to show the strap, roller and compensator relationship;

Fig. 7 is van elevational view of the cumulative mechanism with the parts in the position concerned with casting one and one-half votes for each of two candidates;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. "I, showing the position of the mechanism parts when a voter casts one vote for each of three candidates; and

Fig. 9 is a still further View of the mechanism with the parts in a position permitting the voter to cast three votes for a single candidate.

Reference is more particularly had to the drawing wherein the numeral I0 is employed to generally designate a portion of a voting machine keyboard. This keyboard is standard with voting machines to which the invention is applicable and includes a multiplicity of horizontal rows of indicators Il. Each indicator, through a well known mechanism is capable of registering a vote on a suitable counter subsequent to being moved to a downwardly directed position with the pointed end of the indicator overlying the name of a candidate on the ballot label I2. In Fig. 1 of the drawing the voting machine is shown set up for cumulative voting with six candidates, this illustration being for the sole purpose of disclosing the applicability of the invention to multiple cumulative voting. It Will be noted that each candidate A, B, C, D, E, F, appears three times on the ballot labels I2 and are arranged in three groups X, Y, Z. For clarity the left hand group of candidates includes a numeral one which signies that a voter may cast only one vote for from one to three candidates in group X. In group Y there appears the numeral one and onehalf under each of the candidates names which signifies that a voter can cast one and one-half votes for each of two candidates. In group Z, the numeral 3 is shown to designate that a voter may cast three votes for one of the candidates.

Thus it is possible for a voter to cast one, one and one-half or three votes for any one candidate, or, if casting -a single vote for one candidate, may cast a single vote for one or two other candidates, but he is not permitted to cast two votes for a single candidate.

Each of the indicators of a voting machine of the type disclosed, is connected' with and serves to actuate an interlocking strap designated by the numeral i3. Each strap includes a ledge or shoulder i4, the lower end of the strap being formed with a neck I6 and an enlarged end l1. The neck and end I6 and I1 project into a main grouping channel I8, which forms a conventional part of the voting machine and includes a pair of spaced apart plates i9 having inwardly opening channels 2l that receive the enlarged ends of rollers 22. For convenience, the space between Veach pair oi rollers*accommodates the neck and end i6 and l1 of two straps, the enlarged ends being in opposed relation. When one of thev indicators H on the face of the machine is manipulated the corresponding strap I3 is raised, causing the end l1 thereof to move upwardly between and laterally spread apart the rollers with which it isva'ssociated. To control the number of straps that may be raised in this manner, suitable grouping pins 23 and compensators 24 are provided. The grouping pins serve to generally limit movement of the rollers, whereasthe compensators provide additional limitation to movement of the rollers and thus control the number of enlarged ends l1 of the straps that maybe brought intoY position with the rollers within a group of any given size.

In the present illustration of the invention, that portion of the main grouping channel I8 under consideration is arranged with four groupin the drawing, the nuts 4| are rotated and the hooks 36 tilted downwardly, causing them to engage the lower edges of opening 42 formed in the outermost plate I9 of the grouping channel.

Pairs of anges 43 on the portion 21 serve as. a support for three aligned shafts 44, 45 and 46. Although these shafts are illustrated as of the same length they are only so made because of the convenience of use in connection with the particular voting set-up. Mounted adjacent the ends of each of the shafts are arms 41, the free ends of which are connected by rods 48, 49 and 50. Each rod has several reduced diameter areas 5I, the` purpose ofwhich will hereinafter be set out. Mounted on shafts 44 and 46 are additional arms 52 and 53 respectively. The corresponding ends of each of these arms engage rods 48 and and are formed with apertures 54.

Pivotally mounted cn one face of the portion 21 is a pair of cam plates 55 and 56. Plate 55' includes an arm 51, the end of which projects through opening 54 of arm 52 carried by shaft; 44. This plate also includes a cam arm 58.. Plate 56 is identical with plate 55, being reversely disposed and includes an arm 59, the end off which projects through opening 54 in arm 53,. carried by shaft 46. Plate 56 includes a cam arm 60. One end of a plate 6| is joined to rod 49.

The other end of this plate is fitted with a pin ing pins 23 that serve to provide three distinct groups corresponding to the groups XY, and Z already noted in connection with the candidate arrangement on the face of the machine. In group X, although six candidates are listed, only three may be voted for, and three compensators 24 are therefore positioned in this group. In group YV there are six4 candidates, only two of which may be voted for on the basis .of one and one-half votes each and four compensators are provided. Similarly, in group Z, where only one of the six candidates may be voted for, ve compensators are provided.

The mechanism by which a voter may selectively cast three ballots, in accordance with election requirements heretofore mentioned, is generally indicated by the reference numeral 26. This mechanism includes an upright portion 21,

the lower edge of which is formed with a base or mounting flange 28 that terminates short of the ends of the portion 21. At the ends are horizontal iianges 29 which terminate in laterally spaced upstanding Vlugs 3| and 32. The lugs .serve not only to engage the under edge of one of the grouping channel plates i9 but also to properly space the mechanism with respect to the channel. Suitable spacing studs 33, on the portion 21, abut a channel plate I9 and also serve as a means of positioning the mechanism. The

struckout flanges 34 provide pivotal support for hooks 36 which, in the present showing, Project through openings V31 formed by the flanges 34.

yOne-end of each hook is pivotally joined to a clamping screw 39 which projects through a sup- V.port 39 carried by the portion 21.

The upper end of the screw is threaded to receive a nut 4| and, when the mechanism is mounted as shown 62 that projects through an opening 63 in the portion 21 and, on the opposite side, is positioned by guide and securing means in the form of a washer 64 and pin 65. Y Y Operative connection between cam plate 55 and plate 6I is provided through an arm 66 pivotallyV supported at one end on the portion 21 and at the other end formed with a pin 61 that projects through a slot 68 in the portion 21. This pin assumes either of two positions with respect to the arm 58, namely, on the inclined surface or on the upper edge thereof (compare Figs. '7 and 9). A bar 69 is mounted for slidable 4movenrient on the portion 21 through the use of pinand .slot structures 1| and 12. One end of this bar is formed with an inclined edge 13 that is adapted to contact pin 61. The other end of the bar is formed with an inclined edge 14 engageable by a pin 16. This pin projects through a slot 11 in the portion 21, being carried by the free end of an arm 18, that is pivotally mounted on the portion 21, One edge of the arm 18 includes an incline 19 located adjacent a notched out portion 80.

Operative connection between the cam plate 56 and the plate 6| is provided through the use of Yparts'quite similar to those utilized to connect Yadjacent a notched out portion 90.

As clearly shown in the Gustavson Patent No. 2,303,396, the mechanism 26 is connected with the interlocking straps I3 through the use of grouping straps 9|, which at one end have spaced parts connected by lugs 92. The parts continue parallel for a short distance and then bend inwardly toward each other to form a connecting link 93,

the lower end of which terminates in a hook 9,4.

These straps are of a size to enclose a vertical group of interlocking straps, this group being of a sie corresponding to the number oi horizon-tal rows yof indicators on the voting machine. The hook 94 of each such group of straps is engaged with one of the areas 5l of the rods 48, 49 and 50, and the lug 82 thereof rests upon the conventional ledges .or shoulders l of the straps 1.3.

The structure of the cumulative mechanism and its association with ,a voting machine having been described, operation thereof is as follows: It is assumed that a voter vhas .elected to @est his three .votes in .the manner prescribed in group that is, a single vote for one, two or three of the six candidates listed. The rst indicator il that a voter moves into vote indicating position elevates the corresponding grouping strap 8l and raises shaft 58. Upward movement of this shaft causes cam plate 56 to swing upwardly from the position of Fig. 4 into the position shown in Fig. 8. Such movement of plate 56 has caused certain other parts of the mechanism to be moved. Arm 8| has been swung about its pivot, contacted edge 84 of plate 86, moving this plate in a direction to cause it to swing arm 88 into Contact with arm 18. As arm 'i8 is thus moved, the pin T6 thereof contacts the inclined surface 14 of plate 68, moving said last mentioned plate to a position such that the pin 61 of pivot arm 6B overlies the arm 58 of cam plate 55. It may thus be observed that as long as cam plate 56 is elevated for voting in group X, the mechanism will not permit simultaneous voting in either groups Y or Z. However, should a voter desire to change his type of balloting from that of casting a single vote for one, two, or three candidates as prescribed in group X and, for example, cast a single ballot of three votes for one candidate as required in group Z, he may actuate the desired indicator Il on the face of the machine and such movement of this indicator will raise bar 48 and cam plate 55. This movement of cam plate 55 causes the movable parts of the mechanism to change from the position of Fig. 8 to that of Fig. 9. In other words, pin 61 has now been forced, by action of arm 58, to travel in the opposite direction, moving bar 69 to cause reverse swinging movement of arms 18 and 88. Thus bar 86 is moved and the inclined surface thereof, by contact with pin 82, causes said pin to ride up the incline of, and overlie, arm 68. It is to be particularly noted that in voting, in either group X or Z, plate 6I does not function except to swing from one position to another, substantially as indicated in the drawing. By Way of finther example, should the voter again wish to change his mind and cast two single votes of one and one-half each after he has mistakenly indicated his group preference in group X or Z, he need merely actuate an indicator il in group Y and this will raise a strap 9| in this group, thus elevating rod 49. Upward movement of this rod raises plate 5I and the attached pin 62 acts to separate or spread apart arms 18 and 88. This spreading of these arms causes slide bars 69 and 86 to move in opposite directions, or in a direction such that pins 61 and 82 will be caused to overlie arms 58 and 60 of cam plates 55 and 56. The extent of upward movement of pin 62 is such as to bring it into contact with the inclined surfaces 19 and 89 of arms 18 and 88. It will be understood that the angularity of these surfaces, together with the extent of pivotal movement of arms 18 and 88 and the various inclined surfaces 13, 14 and 84, is such that either rod 48 or 58 may be raised and such movement will cause arms 'I8 and 88 to come together in a manner to force pin -82 downwardly into ythe position shown in either Figure 8 or 9 from the lposition shown in Figure 7.

As has already been brought out, a voter is limited tothe casting 4of three votes in group X through the provision of three compensators 'in a portion ofthe main grouping channel set aside for this group. Similarly, four compensators are provided in the main channel for group Yin order that only two indicators maybe actuated and, of cou-rse, five compensators are provided in a further portion of `the main channel set aside for group Z to allow, in the present illustration of the invention, only one indicator to be actuated.

From the foregoing it should be clearly evident that a voter not only has the option, in connection with cumulative balloting, of casting single votes for each of three candidates, one and onehalf votes for each of two candidates, or three votes for one candidate, but may also change his mind at any time during the period in which he is merely indicating his vote by movement of one or more indicators on the face of the machine. Of course, the mechanism by which a voters indicated preference is registered cannot be actuated to any extent and still permit the voter to change his group selection any more than he could make a change under these circumstances with any other type of voting. The mechanism by which all indicators are prevented manipulation from commencement of the registering operation is neither shown nor described since it is well known and has been in use many years on voting machines of the type to which this invention is applicable.

Although applicant has shown and described only one specic form of his invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made and are contemplated insofar as such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the annexed claims.

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

1. In a voting machine, a plurality of interlocking straps, three movable members, means segregating said straps into groups and providing connection of said groups with said members, swingable plates operatively associated with the end members, a pair of arms operatively associated with the intermediate member, a pair of slidable bars operatively connecting the plates of the end members with said arms, said plates, arms and bars having such cooperative movement, when one end member is moved to an operative position, as to secure the remaining members and their connected groups in an inoperative position.

2. In a voting machine, a plurality of interlocking straps, three movable members, means segregating said straps into groups and providing connection of said groups with said members, linkage operatively connected with one endmost member, other linkage operatively connected with the other endmost member, a plate joined to the intermediate member, a pair of pivotal arms cooperable to engage said plate in a manner to move said intermediate member into an inoperative position, and bars operatively connecting said arms with the linkage of said endmost members whereby movement of either endmost member into an operative position causes said linkage and bars to actuate said arms to withdraw the intermediate member from an operative to an inoperative position.

3. In a voting machine, a plurality of interassociated swingable plates to move an endmost member from an operative to an inoperative position.

ALVIN N. GUSTAVSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the -le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Shoup Dec. 1, 1942 Number

Images