US2539995A - Sorting machine - Google Patents

Description

l. GH ERTMAN SORTING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 11, 1947 INVENTOR,

T N E 6 A m M 6 o .n m

1. GHERTMAN SORTING MACHINE Jan. 30, 1951 4Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 11, 1947 n M M T T N in w .6 M RA .0 h m w 8 hh 9350 1 o .59!"

. .u NU LPN. \Umikbb b1 no #4 m3 m3 5 3 BAQ t v I, GHERTMAN SORTING MACHINE Jim. 30, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 11, 1947 3 N. mm a i y 6 Mb Q om M MA Patented .i a 3, 95K

NITED STATES PAT E 1 OFF! SORTING MACHINE tion, New York, N. Y., a

York

corporation of New Application February 11, 1947, Serial No. 727,891 In France December 23, 1943 Section 1, Public Law 690, August 8, 1946 Patent expires December 23, 1963 The present invention relates to improvements in card controlled machines of the type which are adapted to sort record cards, such as are used to control the operation of the wellcapable of directing toward individual card receiving pockets groups of cards in which the component individual cards are arranged in a predetermined order. More specifically, in cer tain classes of work, each group of cards is preceded by a main control card or first master card" which is perforated in a selected field with data for controlling the selection of the pocket which is to receive the entire group. Following the first master card are a variable number of detail cards." The last card in each group is a "second master card" and this card is so designed as to restore the setting of the machine for a new selection by the first master card of the next succeeding group. Stated otherwise, such a machine will direct toward the selected pocket all cards of a certain group including the first master card and the last card according to perforations made in a special sor'ing column in the first master card and independent- 1y from perforations made in the corresponding columns of the detail cards. The last card of each group will follow its predecessors to the same pocket but in so doing will set up the machine for a new selection to be made according to the perforations made in the sorting column of the first master card of the succeeding group. For example, if the first master card of a particular group contains a perforation "6" in itssorting column, this card will be directed toward the 6" pocket of the sorting machine and all detail cards which follow will also be directed toward this same pocket, regardless of whether perforations 1, 2, 4, 6 or any other perforations appear in their corresponding column. If the master card of the next succeeding group contains a perforation 8 in the sorting column. as soon as this perforation presents itself under the analyzing brush of the sorter this latter card will be directed toward the "8 pocket, as well as all other detail cards which follow it in the same group. This procedure will continue throughout the entire sorting operation.

In certain classes of work, each group of cards will comprise an equal number of cards. However, due to inadvertence, negligence or other 3 Claims. (Cl. 209110) contingencies, the number of cards in a group may occasionally vary from the required number due to the absence of a master card or of one or several detail cards. If, for instance, the number of detail cards following each master card amounts to four (which corresponds to a group of five cards including the master card), and if a master card is missing from the group, the group of four cards being without a master card to control it will automatically follow the preceding group and, under the influence of the master card in that group, will proceed to a pocket not intended for it. In such an instance, the group will then contain nine cards, four of which should have been directed to another pocket. In machines of the type shown in the Lake patent, the operator is unable to determine when such a mistake has occurred and the machine will continue to' operate until the end of the sorting operation. If one or more detail cards are missing from a group, the remaining cards of the group will obviously be forwarded to the proper pocket but the operator will have no means of determining whether such a group is deficient in its number of cards. The difficulty of remedying such errors is quite obvious.

The present invention is designed to overcome the above noted limitations that are attendant upon machines of the type described in the above identified Lake patent. The various electrical instrumentalities and circuits employed herein offer to such a machine a flexibility that has I not been previously contemplated; Principal among the advantages afforded by the present invention is the provision of a control device which goes into operation whenever an error in the original group of the cards results in a surplus or deficiency in the number of cards in a. particular group. This control device not only warns the operator of the presence of such an error, but also serves to automatically stop the machine at a suitable point in the machine cycle to permit the operator to remedy or otherwise take note of the error.

One principal point of difference between the machine shown in the Lake patent and the present modified form thereof resides in the manner in which the detail cards are distinguished from the master cards. In the patented machine, the groups of cards are arranged with the first master card having a cut corner in what is termed the lower left corner. This card is also perforated in the selected field with data for controlling the selection of the pocket to receive the entire group. Following the first master card 3 are the detail cards which have their upper left corners cut. The last card in each group or the second master card is formed with four square corners. The present apparatus employs other means for differentiating the master cards from the detail cards and the cut-off corners of the various cards are replaced by special perforations which appear in either the detail or the master cards. To accommodate this, use is made of an analyzing device, the purpose of which is to detect the presence or absence of these perforations instead of detecting the presence or absence of the cut-off card corners.

One of the features of the present invention resides in the use of commutators arranged in such a manner as to send into the control circuits successive current impulses, the frequency of which depends upon the number of detail cards which ordinarily must follow each master card and which is equal to the frequency of occurrence of the group of cards, 1. e., how often their representative master card passes under the analyzing brushes of the sorting machine. As a result of this, if a master card or one or several detail cards are missing, due to an error, the fact is detected by a control and signal circuit including a set of two-way, three-blade contacts, whose medial blades are moved in the same direction for the purpose of establishing a particular circuit, one Of the three blade contacts being controlled by a special perforation detector relay device, the purpose of which is to distinguish the detail cards from the master cards, while the other contact is controlled by a relay device which is excited by one of the commutators in accordance with the frequency of occurrence of the groups of cards. The first circuit induces the sending of current to a signal light to attract the attention of the operator, while the second circuit sends an impulse of current to a relay, the excitation of which effects the immediate stopping of the machine by means of a strong braking action to overcome the inertia of the machine. This braking of the machine is efiected by a direct short-circuiting of the motor armature to prevent coasting f the machine into the next cycle. The operation of the present improved machine is characterized by an initial phase during which the commutators, which are selected according to the frequency of occurrence of the groups of cards, have their current distribution periods automatically synchronized with the period of occurrence of the master cards under the analyzing brushes which analyze, on the one hand, the special perforations employed to distinguish detail cards from master cards and, on theother hand, the perforations made in the sorting column of each detail card or each master card. In this initial or preparatory phase the machine functions at relatively low speed and stops automatically at a point in the cycle which is close to point 9," this latter point constituting the origin of the operation cycles which constitute the second phase of machine operation.

During the second phase the machine proceeds at normal speed and sorting and control are eftested as long as each group contains the proper number of cards and there are no detail or master cards missing. As soon as an error is detested, as evidenced by a lighting 01 the signal lamp, the machine will automatically stop at or near the 9 point in the cycle and the operator may then take the cards out of the magazine, as well as any card or cards already passed to the improper card pockets.

The commutators referred to above are for the purpose of detecting errors and are arranged in two sets. The rotors of each set are integrally connected with each other in pairs in such a way that a commutator of the first set establishes the control circuits and effects immediate stopping of the machine in case of a mistake, while the commutator associated with the second set serves to prepare the control circuits by insuring a starting of the machine at the desired point of the cycle.

The present invention has been illustrated in connection with a standard type of sorting machine and the one best selected for illustrative purposes is that shown and described in the above mentioned Late patent.

Other objects and advantages 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. l is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section, showing certain characteristic parts of a sorting machine, together with the electrical connections leading thereto.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the order of arrangement of several cards of a representative group and also showing the manner in which they are electrically sensed for sorting purposes.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic time chart showing the duration of the various current impulses involved in a control and signal circuit.

Fig. 4 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus comprising the present invention showing its association with a sorting machine.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view, diagrammatic in its representation, of a commutator employed in connection with the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view showing a plural commutator assembly employed in connection with the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the instrumentalitiea shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially centrally through a two-brush commutator employed in connection with the present invention. This view is also a sectional view taken substantially along the line -B--8 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 9 is an end view of the commutator shown inFig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line l0-l 0 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially centrally through a three-brush commutator employed in connection with the present invention. This view has been taken along the line li-li of Fig. 12.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line [2-12 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line l3l3 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a. sectional view taken substantially along the line I4l l of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 is a front view Of an eight-brush holder employed in connection with the present invention.

In all of the above described views like characters of reference are employed to designate like parts throughout.

Before proceeding with a description of the present invention, the sorting machine with which the invention is associated will be briefly explained as to its general principles. Fig. 1 shows the essential parts of an electrically controlled sorting machine in which the sorting of the record cards is accomplished through the medium of a sorting magnet ll under the control of a brush relay Rr-lfl (see Fig. 4) which, in conjunction with the sorting magnet, is in the circuit with the sorting brush 22 and, with the sorting magnet II, receives exciting current from a source I! as soon as a perforation is encountered in the card column undergoing analysis. According to the point of time at which the energization of the sorting magnet takes place, the armature 23 upon which the ends of the tongues 24 of the guide blades 24 leading to the card receiving pockets 25 rest determines the destination of the particular card being analyzed.

The ends of the tongues 24 are spring pressed downwardly upon the armature 23 by their own weight and resiliency so that during the card analyzing cycle the record card is guided between the ends of the tongues 24 and the armature 23. with the result that upon energization of the sorting magnet ll only as many tongues 24 are lowered by the armature as do not overlie the record card, while the remaining tongues are maintained elevated by the card itself. Toward this end, there is provided a fixed bar 26 parallel to and on a level with the armature 23 when in its normal position and which is arranged to support the record card after the armature has been lowered. It is to be noted also that the time of energization of the sorting magnet H depends upon the position of the perforation in the card column. Inasmuch as each column presents twelve index point positions, the cards may be guided selectively into any one of the twelve sorting pockets 25. Because of the downward movement eifected upon the tongues 24 by energiza tion of the sorting magnet ll, these tongues are disengaged from the card and define a gap between the last tongue supported on the record card and the next adjacent tongue which has been lowered along with the armature 23. Into this gap the record card It is conveyed and thereafter it is guided toward its corresponding pocket by means of the usual feed rollers 21. In the event that there is no perforation in the card column undergoing analysis, the magnet II will not be energized and the card will pass beneath all of the tongues 24 and will be guided to a thirteenth pocket 25R, commonly referred to as the reject pocket. The card feeding mechanism comprises a horizontally reciprocable picker 28 which feeds the cards one at a time from the bottom of astack 29 to a pair oi feed rolls 3!) which introduces the card between the brush 22 and contact roller 3 I.

Fig. 4 is an electrical diagram oi. the apparatus comprising the present invention showing its uperative electrical association with a sorting machine. Preparatory to a description of the operation of the apparatus, as portrayed in this figure, the following table is presented to facilitate the location of the various electrical contacts employed and the controlling instrumentalities for these contacts. whether the same be in the form of a relay magnet or in the form of a mechanical instrumentality, as for example. a cam, a card stop lever, a pocket stop lever or the like. Fig. 4 has been subdivided into fifteen components or sections, the location of any one of which may be readily determined by reference to the alphabetical horizontal divisions along the leit-hand margin of the figure and to the numerical vertical divisions along the upper edge of the figure. Thus, for example, a contact group ISOA, the function of which will subsequently be described, may be located in subdivision E3 of the drawing. The table is divided into two columns, the first column containing reference numerals pertaining to relay magnets or mechanical control devices for the various contacts, and the second column containing reference numerals pertaining to the contacts them selves. The parenthetical inserts refer to the locations of the various parts.

Controlling relay magnets or mec anical instru- Contacts mentalities 45.1(02 47A D2). 48A E2). 49A om-4931 om-4913s (E2). 51 03)--- sms (D3)-51AI (E3)51BI (E2) 513s (D3). 55 03 55AI ca-sass (l)3)-55BI (E3)- was (D3). 94' oz) (C8m), 11:) (A2) 113A (Al). 119(03 119A! (op-119a: c2 123 01).-. 123A (E2)1Z3B(C2). 130 E 130A (E3). 133 B1) l33AI(C2). 137 m 131.41 om-131m (A1). 142 03) 142A (B2). CL Card Lever) (C2).-." 59, 159 (02).

o 122 (c2). Lever) (02).

)(Pocket Card Lever) 132 (C2). 11 (Sort Magnet) (03) s1 (Start Key) 02 s ca-s2 o2). R-Oto R-3(A3) R-4toR9(B3) 11-10(03) BA(O2) 111 (02).

76 tor.

Referring now to Fig. 4, when the machine is to be used as a standard sorter the manually controlled switch I1 is reversed from the position in which it is shown in Fig. 4, while the manually controlled switch I3 is opened. The manually controlled switch I: is allowed to remain closed and in this manner all special circuits designed for operation of the present invention are completely eliminated. When the switch 1-41 is closed, the machine is conditioned to operate as a standard sorter after cards have been introduced into the card receiving bin or magazine 29'.

Upon depression of the start key S1, current issues from the source I! through line wire L1, main switch I-l'l, leads 40, 4!, 42, switch I1 (reversed), lead 43, contacts S of start key Si, lead 44, relay magnets 45, 41, 48, contacts 4931 (normally closed while the machine operates as a standard sorter), fuse I, lead 5!), switch I-il,

line wire L2 to the source II. A resistance dampened relay magnet 5| is arranged in parallel with the magnets 45, 41 and 48, and becomes energized simultaneously therewith.

Energization oi the magnets 41, 48 and 5! causes actuation of their respective contacts, thus conditioning the sorting machine motor M for operation as soon as the starting key S1 has been depressed. The motor circuit extends from the source I! through lead 53, contacts 41A (now closed), lead 54, contacts SEAS, 5513s, 5531 (arranged in parallel and in their normal positions), lead 56, contacts SIAS, BIBS, SIAI (arranged in parallel and now reversed), armature of the motor M, lead 51, contacts 48A (now closed), and lead 58 to the source. It will be understood that the motor M serves to drive the picker mechanism 28 to advance the cards toward the rolls 30 which are themselves also driven by the mo Upon displacement of the cards, the usual card lever contacts 59 become closed to establish a holding circuit for the relay magnets 45, 41, 48 and 51 so that energization of these magnets is maintained as long as cards continue .to pass through the machine. After the last card has passed under the brush 22 and the card lever contacts 59 are opened, the relay magnets 45, 41, 48 and become deenergized.

Similarly, depression of the stop key ST will break the circuit through the relay magnets just described and under either of the conditions just recited the motor will become deenergized and upon so doing its momentum, together with the momentum of the various machine instrumentalities involved, will cause the machine to coast gradually to a stop, this coasting operation lasting through a few normal card cycles.

In order to insure satisfactory operation of the machine, it is necessary that the sorting magnet remain energized from the moment at which energization takes place until the last index point position in the card column has passed beneath the brush. The winding of the brush relay magnet R-IU is connected in series with the sorting magnet l I and is simultaneously energized therewith as soon as a perforation is encountered in the card column being analyzed, the position of this perforation corresponding to the positioning of the contact segments 6| of a commutator 60 (see also Fig. 5). The commutator 60 is of a conventional type and is found in use in connection .with sorters of the type shown and described in the above mentioned patent to Lake. This commutator 60 includes twelve segments which cooperate with a brush 82 and a metallic ring 63 which in turn cooperates with a brush 64. The ring is electrically connected to the contact segments GI and to a commutator segment 65 which cooperates with a brush 66. In Fig. 4 the commutator 60 has been separated into its component parts schematically to render the disclosure more clear. The commutator 60 is synchronized with the speed of passage of cards through the machine and moves its segments 6| past the brush 62, one for each index point position of the card. As a result, each index point position of the card corresponds to a predetermined contact segment 6|. The commutator segment 65 is designed to maintain the brush magnet R-ID and the sorter magnet II energized until the last index point position of each card has passed under the brush 22.

The foregoing outlines in a general way the usual operation of a sorting machine'forordinary sorting purposes when the apparatus comprising the present invention is inoperative and not in the circuit.

The functioning of the machine according to the present invention will now be set forth in detail, but first it is deemed advisable to note that differentiation between the master cards and the detail cards may be effected by a method which makes use of a special perforation (see Fig. 2) in the 12" position of the detail cards in a column other than one of the usual sorting colrmns. The master cards carry no such 12" perforation in the corresponding column and thus they may be distinguished from the detail cards.

The cards are arranged in the stack 29 in the card feed magazine 29' in such a manner that the "12 positions lead the card in passing to the rollers 30 and sorting brush 22.

In addition to the standard conventional commutator 60 two sets or groups of additional commutators are provided for the purpose of controlling the number of detail cards which are to follow each master card in any particular instance. These two sets of commutators have been labeled accordingly in Fig. 4. These latter commutators additionally control at the same time the synchronization of various control circuits, as well as work circuits, which are designed to direct the master card and the detail cards following it to the proper sorting box selected by the master card.

Each commutator assembly includes four commutators, the commutators of the first set being designated at H, 12, I3 and I4, and the commutators of the second set being designated at 61, 08, 69 and 10. These various commutators are shown in detail in Figs. 6 to 14 inclusive and their operating schedule is shown in Fig. 3.

In the example selected to illustrate the invention, the two sets of commutators permit control of a maximum group of seven cards, of which one card is the master card and the six cards following it are the detail cards. By such an arrangement, the control capacity of the device comprising the present invention is related to the verification of a group of cards including a master card followed by not more than six detail cards. It is possible, according to the invention, to control a smaller group of cards, as for example, a group containing one master card followed by the next one detail card and not more than six such cards. It will be understood, however, that in an instance where it is desired to employ more than six detail cards a larger number of commutators will have to be employed and suitable electrical connections provided therefor, all within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is predicated upon the theory that the various commutators are arranged to emit current impulses to the various circuits they control every'l/n of a cycle when there are n cards in a group and it is desired to ascertain that none is missing. Toward this end, each commutator comprises a brush cooperating with a series of contact segments mounted on a rotor revolving at 1/12 revolution per cycle. These rotors are driven by means of suitable reduction gears from a shaft which in turn is driven under the control of the motor M and which makes one revolution for each card cycle.

The above mentioned commutators are mounted in pairs, each pair being secured to a shaft 15. The pairs of commutators are as follows: 69, I3; 68; 12; l0, l4; and 61, II. shafts 15 are mounted in bearings 16 carried by side flanges 11 secured to the main frame TI of the machine. Each shaft 15 has pinned thereto as at 18 a gear meshing with the gear or gears of the commutator or commutators next adjacent it. These gears, all meshing together, are driven from a pinion 19 which is suitably driven from the motor M at a rate of one revolution per card cycle. The various gears constitute a gear train 19, 80, BI, 82, 83 (see Figs. 6 and 7).

The pinion 19 is capable of free turning movement on its supporting shaft 84 when the machine is operated as a standard sorter, but is capable of being locked to the shaft when the apparatus is operated according to the present invention. Toward this end, a clutch screw or catch pin 85 is designed to releasably cooperate with a cavity 86 formed in a shoulder 86' integrally formed with the pinion 19. A knurled nut 81 is employed to lock the catch pin 85 in its operative or its inoperative position in or out of The the cavity 88. The shaft 84 is adapted to be driven by a worm gear connection "from a shaft 89 which in turn is suitably driven from the motor M.

The catch pin 85 projects through a block 9| which is capable of being pinned to the shaft 84 by means of a set screw 90. When it is desired to operate the machine as a standard sorter, the set screw 90 may be loosened to disconnect the block 9Ifrom the shaft 84.

Still referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the shaft 15 which carries the commutators 61 and 1| also carries a cam 92 having four lobes formed thereon cooperating with a roller 93 forming a part of a cam controlled contact assembly 94 including contacts 94. The contacts 94 are situated in the control and signal circuit shown in full heavy lines in Fig. 4 and these contacts are adapted to become closed briefly once during each machine cycle as portrayed in Fig. 3. The nature of the pinion '|9 and gears 80, 8|, 82 and 83 is such that the gears 80 to 83 inclusive make A,, and ,4 of a revolution respectively for each complete revolution of the pinion I9 and, under such conditions, commutators 61 and II under the control of the gear 83 emit an impulse every fourth cycle of machine operation, this impulse being maintained for a full cycle.

commutators I0 and 14 under the control of the gear 82 send out an impulse every seven cycles of machine operation. commutators 68 and I2 under the control of the gear 8| become effective every five cycles, and, finally, commutators 69 and 13 under the control of the gear 80 become effective every six cycles. The diagram of Fig. 3 clearly shows the' distribution of current impulses from the various commutators during a prolonged period of machine operation. The impulses sent out by the various commutators are transmitted through brushes 95 cooperating with segments 96 (see Figs. 4, 6 and 8 to 14 inclusive) electrically connected to rings 91 associated with brushes 98 connected together in common as at 99.

Each commutator includes a single segment 96 and a single brush 95, as well as a com lete annular ring 91 cooperating with a brush 98, but an exception is made in the case of commutators H and 13. The commutator II includes two segments 96 and 96' cooperating with respective brushes 95 and 95'. The extent of the segments 96 and 96 determines the duration of the impulses emitted by this commutator. The commutator I3 also comprises two segments 96 and 96' with cooperating brushes 95 and 95'.

The brushes 95 and 95' of the first set of commutators 'II to 14 inclusive have plug board jacks C and C respectively, capable of being connected by a plug connection I00 to jacks I0|. Similarly, the bru hes 95 of the second set of commutators 51 to inclusive have plug board jacks D capable of being connected by connection I02 to a jack I03. The connections thus made, as shown in Fig. 4, enable the apparatus, as will appear presently, to be prepared for a control action corresponding to a predetermined frequency of occurrence of a group of cards.

In preparing the machine for operation, the brush holder 22' is first removed from the machine and replaced by a brush holder I94 (see Figs. 4 and which is equipped with eight bru hes capable of analyzing simultaneously eight card columns. Of the eight brushes, seven of them, hereinafter referred to as selection brushes I05, are employed to selectively analyze the various orders of a number, i. e. according to whether sorting is performed in the units, tens or hundreds, etc. columns of the cards. The other brush, hereinafter referred to as the detection brush I09, analyzes the column containing the 12" perforation that distinguishes the detail cards from the master cards. The selection brushes I05 are capable of being connected by means of a plug connection I06 to the circuit of the sorting magnet II. The plug connection I06 connects the plugs I01 and I08, as shown in-Fig. 4. The detection brush I09 controls the corresponding circuit by means of aplug connection IIO placed between jacks III and III. As will be described presently, this brush I09 controls the circuit containing a detection relay magnet II3 which becomes energized each time a 12 perforation in a detail card passes under the brush I09. In the absence of such a perforation, the passage of a master card beneath the brushes indicated and the above mentioned circuit is interrupted.

According to the number of cards included in each group of cards passing through the machine, the following connections are established:

Connections to be made 101 to 0-7 and 103 to 11-7. 101 to c-B/fi or 0'3/6 and 103 to d-B/G. 10%)to e -5 and 103 to d-5 (Connections represented y g. 101 to e-2/4 0r 0'2/4 and 103 to d2/4. 101 to c-Sli and 0'3/6 and 103 to 11-3/6. 2 101 to 6 2/4 and c'2/4 and 103 to d-2/4.

It is to be noted that the labeling adopted in Fig. 4 -to designate the jacks C, C, and D re-' veals by the alphabetical portion thereof the particular commutator under consideration and, by the numerical portion thereof, the control possibilities of each of these commutators. For instance, contact jack c--2/4 connected to the brush 95' of the commutator II may be used to control groups oftwo cards or of four cards. Similarly, contact jack 0-3/6 connected to brush 95 of commutator 13 may be used to control groups of three or six cards. Likewise, jack c-'| connected to commutator 14 may control a group of seven cards.

After the'selected connections have been made and before the cards have been introduced into the machine, it is necessary to synchronize the frequency of feed of the first master cards M1 Asee Fig. 2) with the frequency with which the segments 96 pass under the analyzing brushes 95. Accordingly, an auxiliary starting button SA is provided and this button is employed for the purpose of automatically setting the machine in its starting position in which the first card feed cycle corresponds to the feeding of the first master card. Upon depression of the auxiliary starting button SA prior to introduction of the cards into the magazine 29', a circuit is established from the source through the switch I-I'|, leads 40, 4|, 42, switch I1, leads H4, H4, H6, button SA, contacts II'I (now reversed), lead IIB, relay magnet II9, bar I20, relay magnet 55, lead I2 I, fuse f, and lead to the source. Upon energization of the magnet II9, contacts II9AI and H931 become closed. Closure of the contacts II9AI establishes a holding circuit for the relays H9 and which remains effective after ll the button SA has been released. This holding circuit exists from the source I1 through switch II1, leads 40, 4|, 42, switch I1, leads II4, 4', I55, magazine card lever contacts I22 (normal), normally closed contacts I23B, lead I24, contacts II9AI (now closed), magnets H9 and 55, lead I2I, fuse f and lead 50 to the source. 010- sure of the contacts II9BI causes energization of the relay magnet 5| through a circuit leading from the source through leads 40, 4| and 42, switch 11, leads II4, I25, contacts II9BI (now closed), lead I25, resistance 52, relay magnet 5|, normally closed contacts 49BI, fuse f, and lead 50 to the source.

The magnet 45, as well as the magnets 41 and 48, are arranged in a'parallel circuit with the magnet 5| and are energized simultaneously therewith. Therefore, the associated contacts 41A and 48A are closed. On the other hand, the contacts 55AS, 553s and 55BI become reversed under the effect of energization of the magnet 55. This also applies to the contacts 5IAS, 5IBS and 5IAI, all of which fall under the influence of the magnet 5| and as a result the starting circuit of the motor M becomes opened. This motor circuit prior to becoming open exists from the source through lead 53, contacts 41A, lead 54, resistance 1', motor armature M, lead 51, contacts 48A and lead 58 to the source. Inasmuch as the resistance r is disposed in the motor armature circuit, the latter commences to rotate slowly until the commutators are in the correct selected position in accordance with the frequency of occurrence of the master cards.

If, for example, each group is to contain the five cards including the master card M1, followed by four detail cards D1, D2, D3, D4, and the connections illustrated in Fig. 4 have been previously made, i. e. plug board jacks IOI and I03 were connected respectively to jacks 0-5 and (2-5, under such conditions commutator 12 in the first set and commutator 68 in the second set will constitute the controlling instrumentalities.

Stopping of the machine is induced by a damping current impulse sent out from the commutator 88 whose segment 95 is in engagement with its corresponding brush 95 and also from commutator 12 of the first set whose segment 95 is likewise in engagement with its respective brush 95. To effect this, obviously, the rotors of both commutators are keyed on the shaft 15 with approximately the same relative setting. This damping is directed as follows: source I1, leads 40, I21, common connection 99, brush 98 of commutator 68, ring 91, segment 96, brush 95 (adjustment position on segment 96), jack d5, plug connection I02, jack I 03, leads I28, 43, switch 12 (closed),relay magnet I23, leads I29, I2I, fuse f fore, due to the simultaneous closing of contacts 5IBI and I23A, relay magnet I30 is energized through the following circuit: source I1, relay magnet I30, contacts I23A, contacts 5IBI, to the source.

Energization of the magnet I30 induces closing 12 of contacts I30A and since the magnet 5I has been deenergized due to opening of the contacts 931, the motor armature is directly short-circuited by a circuit existing from the lead 51 through the armature, through contacts 5|AB, 5IBS and 5IAI, through contacts I30A and lead I3 I, back to the lead 51. Due to such direct shortcircuiting of the armature, a strong braking action is applied, thus stopping the motor almost instantaneously due to the formation of damping currents. The machine thus stops at a point in' the cycle located slightly ahead of the point 9" which corresponds to the arrival of the card determining position 12 under the brushes I05 and I09. Cards may then be introduced into the magazine 29' with their 12 perforations directed toward the rollers 30 and with the master cards at the bottom of each group so that these cards will be the first to be analyzed in each group.

During the first cycle of operation of the machine, the flrst master card passes under the brushe I09 and I05 and during this cycle index point position 12 arrives under the brush I09 when the contact segment of each commutator 55 and 12 is still in engagement with the reading brushes 95.

It will now be shown how differentiation between master cards and detail cards is accomplished and how the sorting control therefor is effected. The preparatory phase of operation having been accomplished, as described above, the machine is then ready for the next or starting phase. It is to be noted first that as soon as the cards are placed in the magazine 29' the magazine card lever contacts I22 become reversed under the control of magazine card lever MCL.

Upon depression of the starting key 81, and consequent closure of the contacts S and S2 controlled thereby, relay magnets 45, 41, 48 and 5| become energized through a circuit leading from the source I1 through leads 40, I21, common wire 99, brush 98, ring 91, segment 95, brush 95 of commutator 58, plug d5, connection I02, jack I03, lead I28, starting contacts S, lead 44, magnet 45, magnets 41, 48 (and at the same time magnet 5| in parallel therewith), contacts 4931 (normally closed), fuse f and lead to the source. A holding circuit for these last mentioned magnets is established upon release of the starting key. This holding circuit passes through contacts 45A, contacts of the stop button ST, pocket stop contacts I32 (normally closed and opened under the control of card lever PCL when any one of the sorting pockets is filled to capacity), card lever contacts 59 (or through contacts S2 if card lever contacts are not yet closed), leads 4|, 40 to the source. This circuit is maintained in effect until all the cards in the magazine 29' have passed through the machine or until an error is encountered, in'which case the machine is brought to stop in a manner that will be set forth hereinafter.

Energization of the magnets 41, 48 and 5| induces closing of their respective contacts 41A, 48A and transfer of the contacts 5IAS, 5IBS and 5|AI. Since the relay magnet is deenergized, contacts 55AS, 553s and 55BI are closed and thus the resistance r in the motor circuit is shunted and the motor proceeds at full speed inasmuch as the main motor circuit is established. This motor circuit exists from the source through lead 53, contacts 41A, lead 54, contacts 55AS, 5538, 5531, lead 55, contacts 5IAS, 5IBS, 5IAI, motor arma- .ture M, lead 31, contacts 48A and lead 58 to the source. 1

During the first cycle of operation of the machine, a-flrst control circuit leading through the relay magnet I33 is established by the commutator 12. The circuit leads from the source I1, leads 48, I21, common connection 99, common brush and ring of commutator 12, segment 96 and corresponding reading brush 95, jack c5, connection I'IIII, jack I8 I, relay magnet I33, resistance I34 and common wire I35, fuse f and lead 58 to the source. Energization of the relay magnet I33 causes a shifting of contacts I33AI, but energization of the magnet 49 and lighting of the pilot lamp I38 does not occur inasmuch as the contacts I31AI occupy the normal position shown in Fig. 4.

Master card sorting During this first cycle the selection brush I05 makes contact with the contact roller 3| through the perforation in the sorting column of the master card Mi which, by way of example, may be located in the "6" index point position.- Immediately thereupon, the relay magnet R-Ili and sorting magnet II become energized through a circuit leading from the source through leads 40. I38, common brush 86 of commutator 68, 6"

segment corresponding to the "6" perforation in I switch Ia, lead I44, shoe I45, stud 6 of the emitter I46, magnet R5, common lead I41 and leads I48, 58 to the source. Upon energization of the magnet R8, its associated pair of contacts become closed to establish a holding circuit from the source I1 through leads 40, I38, I49, commutator I58, brush I5I, common wire I52 of the relay contacts R8 to R9, relay magnet R6, common connection I41, leads I48 and 58 to the source.

Due to the common energization of relay magnets R8 and R-II) on one hand and of the sorting magnet II on the other, the master card M1 is directed to the 6 pocket. Immediately followingenergization of the relay magnets R5 and R-Ill, the relay magnets R1, R8, R9 and I42 are successively energized as the collector's shoe I45 passes over the segments of the emitter I46. All of these magnets are maintained energized by their respective contacts and through similar circuits until t e commencement of the following cycle, during which analysis of the "12 perforation and of the detail card D1 occurs.

Diflerentiation between master card and detail card Inasmuch as the master card M1 is not provided with a 12" perforation, the detection relay magnet II3 will, in the instance given above, not become excited during the first cycle. During the second cycle, however, it will become excited by virtue of the existence of such a perforation which is characteristic of a detail card. In such an instance,the circuit leads from the source through leads 48, I38, brush 88, segment 8i corresponding on the commutator to the "12 index point position, brush 82, lead I39, contact roller 3|, detection brush I09 making contact with the roller through the "12 perforation, double jack III, connection IIII, jack II2, relay magnets I53 and I54, detection relay maget I I3, resistance I55, commutator I55, lead I51, common connection I41, and leads I48 and 50 to the source. The holding circuit for the magnets I53, I54 and H3 passes through contacts I53A and leads I58, I38 and 48. Energization of the magnet I54 causes closing of the contacts I54A thus shunting the commutator I58 which exists in the holding circuit of the magnet R-8.

Detail card sorting As a result of the energization of relay magnets R8, R1, R8, R9 and I42 in the first cycle and of the holding thereof throughout the next cycle, the card D1 is directed to the 6 pocket whatever may be the perforations appearing in its sorting column. Thus this card is placed not in accordance with the sorting perforations appearing therein but in accordance with the sorting perforation appearing in its preceding master card. Switching of the card occurs immediately upon energization of the relay magnets R-II'I and II during passage of the shoe I45 over the 6" segment of theemitter I46. It is to be noted that energization of the magnet I42, which continues during passing of the detail cards through the machine, precludes sorting by opening of the contacts I42A in the sorting circut. Thus, as succeeding detail cards D2, D3 and D4 pass through the machine they are'subjected to no changes whatsoeven-regardless of the perforations that may appear in the sorting columns of these cards.

Second control Energization of the magnet II3 causes closure of contacts II3A and energization of the magnet I31 through a circuit leading from the source through leads 48, I38, brush 68, segment and brush of the commutator 60, lead I59, contacts II3A (now closed), magnet I31, ba'r I35, fuse j and lead 58 to thesource. A holding circuit for the magnet I31 is established upon closing of the contacts I31BI. Also, energization of this magnet causes a change-over in the contacts I31AI, but the control circuit shown in heavy lines in Fig. 4 is not established because the contacts I33AI occupy their normal positions.

Relay magnet I33 being deenergized because the commutator 12 emits a current impulse only once in every five cycles, the pilot light I35 in the heavy line circuit of Fig. 4 does not become energized. As a result, all operations occur normally and the detail cards D1, D2, etc., are all directed to the 6 pocket until directed otherwise by a new master card associated with a succeeding group. If the master card M of the next group of cards presents itself for analysis four cycles after the first master card, which is to say, normally, analysis of this latter card occurs at such time as the commutators 88 and 12 establish their previously mentioned circuits and the machine continues to operate because the brush I89 does not encounter a 12 perforation. Thus the magnet I54 is not excited, its contacts IMA emain open, and the magnets R5, R1, R8, R9 and I42 are deenergized. The sorting circuit across the magnets RI8 and I I may thus again await impulses as setforth above.

If the master card M: of the second group presents itself for analysis prematurely one, two, three or four cycles and before the fifth cycle (such condition representing absence of one or more detail cards), the control circuit will be established and will at the same time cause illumination of the pilot lamp I33, thus calling the operators attention to the mistake and also stopping the machine, as will be described presently. The detection relay magnet H3 is not energized inasmuch as no 12 perforation appears in the master card. Also, the magnet I31 remains deenergized due tdbpening of the contacts I I3A, these latter contacts being closed only in the event that the detection relay H3 is energized. As a result, the contacts I3'IAI remain in their normal position. Moreover, and this is essential, magnet I33 is not energized because the segment 96 of the commutator I2 is not disposed beneath the analyzing brush 95 at the time when the master card is in its analyzing position. Due to this fact, commutator 12 is designed to send its impulses only every five cycles. As the master card appears before the end of the fifth cycle, the magnet I33 cannot be excited when the master card which is devoid of al2" perforation presents itself for analysis to the brush I09. Consequently, contacts I33AI remain in their normal position allowing relay magnet 49 and pilot lamp I36 to become energized through the solid line circuit of Fig. 4 which exists from the source I'I, leads 4'0, 4 I

assaeos 42, switch I1 (normal), lead II4, contacts I3'IAI,

I33AI (both normal), tacts 94, card lever contacts I59, contacts 55AI (normal), control relay magnet 49, pilot lamp I38, resistance 1', fuse f, and lead 50 to the source. Energization of the relay magnet 4'9 is maintained by closing of the contacts 49A, whereupon the circuit extends from the source through leads 40, 4|, 42, switch 11, leads H4, H3, H6, con tacts II! of the auxiliary starting button SA, lead IGI, contacts 49A (closed), magnet 49, pilot lamp I36, resistance r, fuse f, and lead 50 to the source. Energization of the magnet 49 causes on one hand opening of the contacts 49BI and on the other hand closing of the contacts 4938. Opening of these former pairs of contacts produces elimination of the relay magnets 45, 41, 4'8 and 5 I, thus resulting, as previously seen, in deenergization of the motor circuit. Closing of the contacts 4938 causes energization of the magnet I30 which, due to closing of its contacts I30A, shortcircuits the armature oi the motor, as previously described, thus practically instantaneously stopping the machine within the first cycle after the error has been detected. At this point, the operator may remove the cards from the magazine 29' and remedy the error. Removal of the cards induces shifting of the card magazine contacts I22 so that they assume the position shown in Fig. 4, thus enabling the operator to depress the auxiliary starting button SA. Upon depression of this button, the magnet 49 becomes deenergized, while the magnets I I9 and 55 become energized and the machine commences again at slow speed preparatory to synchronization with the commutators for the next cycle corresponding to the analysis of the first master card of a new group. The operation of the machine is then resumed as set forth above.

Absence of a master card Another type of error that may also occur cam controlled con-. .55

resides in the fact that the number of detail cards present in any particular group may be too high. For example, the group of cards instead of including four details cards may include five or six such cards due to the fact that additional cards have been filed by mistake in the group due to the absence of a master card. The master card M2, therefore, presents itself for analysis after the fifth cycle. The control circuit including the pilot light is designed to detect such an error inasmuch as on the fifth cycle it is not a master card which presents itself but rather it is a detail card having a 12 perforation. As a result, the magnet I33 is energized at the proper time by an impulse sent out by the commutator I2, but since a "12 perforation is positioned under the brush I09 the detection relay II3 becomes energized, thus closing the contacts II3A and energizing the relay magnet I31. Un-

,der these conditions, contacts I 33AI and I3'IAI become reversed and the control circuit shown in solid lines in Fig. 4 is established, thus causing energization of the magnet 49 and illumination of the pilot lamp I36. The machine will stop in the manner previously described and the operator may then remove the surplus cards and again set the machine into operation by manipulation of the starting button SA.

It is to be distinctly understood that numerous modifications may be resorted to including either additions, eliminations, or both, without departing from the spirit of the invention,- providing, of course, that the essential idea of controlling the frequency of occurrence of the group of cards by means of emitters having the same frequency is maintained. These senders, for example, instead of being in the form of commutators such as have been shown and described, may, if desired, be replaced .by suitable endless strips of perforated film or of transparent or translucent film provided with suitable guiding marks, the frequency of which might be analyzed photoelectrically. Similarly, quick stopping of the machine in the case of an error could be carried out by various means other than the braking action herein described. For example, hydraulic or electromagnetic braking devices might conceivably be designed.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sorting machine for sorting record cards each having a control designation, said machine having a plurality of card receiving pockets, a card sensing station, card sensing means at said station for analyzing said control designations, means for successively feeding cards from a series of cards arranged in groups and in which the number of cards of each group is predetermined and equal and in which the cards of each group are preceded by a control card, means for emitting electrical impulses in accordance with the arrival-frequency of control cards at said sensing station, a main control circuit, a pair of relay-controlled contact groups disposed in said circuit, a normally deenergized relay magnet for each contact group, said contact groups normally maintaining said main control circuit closed, means operable upon energization of either magnet to the exclusion of the other for opening said circuit, and upon energization of both magnets simultaneously for closing the same, means operable under the control of said sensing means for energizing one of said magnets when a card other than a control card is normally present at said sensing station, and means operable under the control of said emit- 17 ting means for energizing the other magnet upon emission of each impulse.

2. In a sorting machine for sorting record cards each having a control designation, said machine having a plurality of card receiving pockets, a card sensing station, card sensing means at said station for analyzing said control designations, means for successively feeding cards from a series of cards arranged in groups and in which the number of cards of each group is predetermined and equal and in which the cards of each group are preceded by a control card, means for emitting electrical impulses in accordance with the arrival-frequency of control cards at said sensing station, a main control circuit, a pair of relay-controlled contact groups disposed in said circuit, a normally deenergized relay magnet for each contact group, said contact groups normally maintaining said main control circuit closed. means operable upon energization of either magnet to the exclusion of the other for opening said circuit, and upon energization of both magnets simultaneously for closing the same, means operable under the control of said sensing means for energizing one of said magnets when a card other than a control card is normally present at said sensing station, means operable under the control of said emitting means for energizing the other magnet upon emission of each impulse, and means operable under the control of said sensing means and said emitting means for energizing both of said magnets when a card other than a control card is present at said sensing station during emission of an impulse.

3. In a sorting machine for sorting record cards each having a control designation, said machine 18 having a plurality of cards receiving pockets, a card sensing station, card sensing means at said station for analyzing said control designations, means for successively feeding cards from a series of cards arranged in groups and in which the number of cards of each group is predetermined and equal and in which the cards of each group are preceded by a control card, means for emitting electrical impulses in accordance with the arrival-frequency of control cards at said sensing station, a main control circuit, a pair of relay-controlled contact groups disposed in said circuit, a normally deenergized relay magnet for each contact group, said contact groups normally maintaining said main control circuit closed, means operable upon energization of either magnet to th exclusion of the other for opening said circuit, and upon energization of both magnets simultaneously for closing the same, and means operable under the control of said sensing means and said emitting means for energizing both of said magnets when a card other than a control card is present at said sensing station during emission of an impulse.

IOINO GHERTMAN.

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

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Lake Mar. 11, 1924 Lake May 7, 1935 Lake May 7, 1935 Number

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