US2575331A - Electronic multiplying device - Google Patents

Description

8 Sheets-Sheet 1 ZSnnentors S. COMPTON 8 Their Gttorneg JUSTIN 'LAWRENCE D. KILHEFFER B- /wa M J. S. COMPTON ETAL ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICEv Nov. 20, 1951 Filed oct. 18, 1945 Nov. 20, 195-1 J. s. COMPTON EIrAL 2,575,331

VELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICE Filed Oct. 18, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 g@ @ze @.o kEO;

FIG. 2

Impulse Generaror MULTIPLICAND KEYS :inventors JUSTIN S. COMPTON 8 LAWRENCE D. KILHEFFER Bwm Their Gttorneg Transfer Initiator 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 S R mm mmm mmm mmm mam W lo WWW. m OQ mmm m www vm umu mu ma www V CE T WR m L uw um Mmmm.- nW| J, m N SQ- Nov. 20, 1951 J. s. coMProN ErAL ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING` DEVICE Filed Oct. 18, 1945 O mmm O mmm Nov. 20, 1951 J. s. COMPTON ETAL ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed 051.58, 1545 DENOMINATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR JUSTIN x AMA AAAA U I u FIG. 4 I @X190 n |9| nventors COMPTON 8 LAWRENCE D. KILHEFFER Their Gttorneg NOV 20, 1951 J. s. COMPTON ETAL ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYINC DEVICE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5,

Filed Oct. 18, 1945 265Star1 Key 266 STAGE CONTROL :inventors JUSTIN S. COMPTON 8| LAWRENCE D. KILHEFFER Their Cttomeg Nov. 20, 195 l .1. s. coMP'roN ETAL 2,575,331

ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICE Filed Oct. 18, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 6

ACCUMULATOR 20 AccuMuLA l R m Bnnentors ggJusTlN s. COMPTON a.v gr LAWRENCE D. K|LHEFFER Their Gttornc';

Nov. 20, 1951 J. s. COMPTON ET AL 2,575,331

g ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICE Filed Oct. 18, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 ACCUMULATR ACCUMULAT'R Their (,ttorneg Nov. 20, 1951 J. s. COMPTON ET AL 2,575,331

ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICE Filed Oct. 18, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Lim Bnneutors JUSTIN S. COMPTON l/I LAWRENCE [DV KILHEFFER Q J'A''Av n 9^ C BY t @ft O 2 Patented Nov. 20, `1951 ELECTRONIC MULTIPLYING DEVICE Justin S. Compton, Lebanon, and Lawrence D.

Kilheier, Dayton,

Ohio, assignors to The National Cash Register Company, Ohio, a corporation of Maryland Dayton,

` Application October 18, 1945, Serial No. 622,978

This invention relates to a multiplying machine the digit-representing elements of which are electron tubes which are actuated by electric impulses, and particularly pertains to a multiplying machine in which multiplication is achieved by successive Aaddition and by simultaneous entry of product data into one or more denominations of an: accumulator during agivenv stage of operation.

The machine operates `at extremely high speed because it has no moving mass during an operation except those associated with electrons and other electric charges.v

The chief units of the machine are a'n impulse generator including multiplicand control keys, a multiplier unit including multiplier control keys, a denominational accumulator, a denominational distributor Vfor relaying and routing impulsesfrom the impulse generator to the pertinent denominations of the accumulator, and a stagecontrol device for correlating the operation of the' multiplier unit and the denominational distributor unit.

The accumulator consists of a plurality of denominationalrings of digit-representing gaseous discharge tubes, said rings being arranged in; an ascending order of powers. Each ring has ajtube for each denominational digit, including zero. The tubes of a ring are rendered conducting one at a time in sequence by impulses receivedover a denominational input conductor. Between each two denominations, a transfer tube is provided to cause a transfer of a carryover impulse when the lower denominational ring of the two operates through zero, said Vtransfer being delayed until the responsible multiplicand entry has been completed. Such delayed transfer prevents interference between impulse-genof a number of self-extinguishing ga'sidischarge '45 relay electron tubes arranged in a v square 4of rows and columns, there beinga row-for each 50 Claims. (Cl. 235-61) denomination of muliplicand keys in the impulse are provided for each diagonal line of tubes inV the square, and` these output conductors are connected to the accumulator input conductors so that impulses generated torepresent data Z in a given denomination of the accumulator will be routed there.

The impulse generator consists of nine gaseous discharge electron tubes connected in an operative chain series so as to re automatically one after the other from the beginning tube of the series when a firing impulse is given it. As each generator tube res, it produces an impulse which is available to each of a plurality of denomination-representing output conductors, each of said conductors being controlled by a corresponding set of nine multiplicand digit keys. By operation of a yselected key in selected denominations, the multiplicand factor is set up. Each of these impulse generator output conductors is coupled to all the tubes in a corresponding row of the denominational distributor and receives, for each operation of the set of impulse generator tubes, a number of impulses equal to the value of the operated key in that denominational bank.

The stage control unit has in it a number of gaseous discharge tubes equal to the number of columns in the denominational distributor, which number is the same as the number of denominational banks of keys in the multiplier unit. The stage control tubes are rendered conducting in sequence, and conduction in one of the control tubes primes the corresponding column of tubes in the denominational distributor, which priming action persists until that stage of the multiplying operation is completed by the multiplier unit. When a column of tubes in the denominational distributor is primed, the advent of an impulse from the impulse generator to any one of those tubes in the primed column fires the tube and relays and impulse on the corresponding diagonal output conductor.

The multiplier unit consists of nine gaseous discharge tubes, which are selectively controlled successively by each of a plurality of multiplier denominational key banks, each of such banks representing a stage vof operation. Selective operation of digit keys in the multiplier unit determines how many of the multiplier tubes will lirev in a given stage. Each ring of a multiplier tube gives rise to an impulse which res the impulse generator tubes to give them a complete cycle of serial operation. Depending on what key, if any, is depressed in a denomination of the multiplier unit, a corresponding number of the multiplier tubes will re successively in that stage, each firing resulting in a complete operation cycle of the impulse generator.

A control tube is red automatically at ,the

end of a cycle of the impulse generator to cause transfers to be made in the accumulator by causing the functioning of a row of transfer control tubes. At an end of an operation of the transfer control tubes, an impulse is directed to the multipiier unit to iire the next tube in the cycle of the stagein operation.. At the; completion of a. particulanstagei operation of the multiplier unit' a tube is automatically red to shift the stage control to another stage control tube, which also commences a new stage operation under control of ythe next higher key bank or"v themultiplierw unit. Mea-ns is provided for. bypassingany mul.-A tiplier key bank in which a. key has. not been.Y depressed.

On the last multiplier-induced cycle of the-imy pulse generator, the multiplication.iscompleted.

Although the device is disclosed` for use in the decimal system, any denominational base may be used. Any number ofikey banks can be used in .eitherf the-.multiplieryunit .orgtheg` impulse gen-` erator unit, provided the number ofz stage-.conf trol, tubes and:A denominational distributor; tubes is correspondingly increased; Thenumberof de` nominational. banks .f inthe accumulatorv may be increased indenitelyV without regard to the remainder of; the device. As atransferoperation fori any. denominationoccurs inv about; oneY tenthousandth'. of.` a second, any delayV causedby increasing theA` number. of. banks, in the. accum ulator: and thus... increasing; the. delay between cycles of; the impulse; generator; isV inconsiderabie from a; practical viewpoint..

`Thetime taken for amultiplication operation is afunction. of; tliespeeciuof; tube operation and circuitgconditions.- Specific valueswillbe given fory circuit; elements. The; gas; discharge tubes chosenas-.preferred are of' the 20.4 or bDfi-Y type having an argonV gas; contentand. a. grid;V in addition to the anode; and. the cathode, the grid being positioned to cause a tube torewhenz the grid. is about'. 12 voltsnegative. with respect to the cathode when the; anode-cathode potential is about; 1201.*volts.. Under.r thespecied values ci. circuit.: elementsgf.thertimeitaken for a multi-A plicationof 9.99.1by5 999:: will consume less than one-half; second'. Increase ini. the number of inultiplicand denominationsfwillnot; increase. the time` of impulse generator operation, because all multiplicand f output'` conductors receive the generatediimpulsessimultaneously. Increase in the` number oifdenominationsinthe multiplier will increasethemaximum.timeof operation by=a`oout 0.1"ofi'aasecondkforl each addeddenomination', plusv increased time=for transfers, which depends' on thet necessary. increasedisize of the accumulator.

Although the speed offthedisclosed device is fast for commercial purposes, it may be increased, iff desired, by. increasing. the -iiring speeds of` the tubes; it beingfpossibleto increase the speed by a .factorfoi from I ten .topa-hundred, depending on tubes and circuit elementslnow available.

The chiefVY advantage 'of their disclosed device, over othertypes of: electronic. multiplying de'- vices usingsuccessiveiaddition of unitfrepresenting. impulses; is` theA elimination. off all. but. nine digit tubes in the multiplier unit and also in the impulse generator. unit, making the device expandable in. digit capacity. without; increase in the numberof multiplier'v and multiplicand tubes.: Another advantage of' this device over what; is. knowna in. electronic .multiplying devices is the@ saving; of time: byrv simultaneous4 entry of data. in more thanionedenomination of theaccumulator. during'. a.. given; entry operation..

It will be obvious that the device can be used for simple adding by multiplying the number to be added by one.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an electronic multiplying machine operating on the principle of successive addition andA having, means for entering data into more thanone denominationbilan-.accumulator at the same time.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electronicmultiplying machine requiring, for the multiplier-factor and also for the multiplicandracton. az-set. of,v tubes equal in number to the.- digits in; ar. denomination of the numerical system'y used;A no.. matter how many denominational'v places either factor.

Another object.. of the invention is to provide an electronic accumulator of a plurality off denominational orders with means to delay transfers of .carryover data until after the completion of a; period of` data. entering..

Anothervv object". of; the? invention is: to provide.

an, electronic. multiplying,A machine wherein. the;- multiplicand factor.:` is; entered. repeatedly; into' the: accumulator,` andy carryover: data caused to be transferred between successive entries.y

Another,y objectl of; the invention. is to provide. such. an electronicrmultiplyingmachinecin which the end of a transfer operation initiates the; next. multiplicand. entry..

Another object. of thezinventionY is-v to providean electronic multiplying machine. having; data? entering cycles and transfer;v cycles, the: end of'l one type of cycleA initiating theother type.y of

.cycle until completion'. of: the;vr multiplying; op

eration.

Another object ofv theyinventioniistoprovide.v a multiplying device employing` electron tubes: as digit'. elementsand operating" onthe prin-V f .ciple'oflsuccessive.cycles of` additionof themultifplicand factor ineach. of" aplurality of. stages. under control of. a. multiplier factorjunit, said'. addition data of a cycle being entered in.y the appropriate denominations. simultaneously,. and

, any necessary transfers. of. carryover-dataoccurring between addition.. cycles..

With theseand other objectsvin view-.whichwill make themselves apparent, ther noveldevicewill.

bedisclosed.withreference .to the drawings,- which. arein no way tofbe deemed to limitthe .scope of. the invention as otherwisespecied andclaimed.

Of the drawings: Fig. lis a box diagram for. use in correlating the remainder ofthe iiguresbyshowing, theintere c iigure. connections.. Fig. 2.shows .themultiplicand impulse genera.-

tor and themultiplicandkeys controlling it...

Fig. 3 shows the. multiplier. unitand the. multi` The multiplicand; unit Referring toFig; 2; the..Multiplicand"unit"includes v` ninevv digit-representing grid-controlledgaseous discharge electroxr tubes. numbered: 1, 2;

3; 4; 5'; 6,17', 8, and9; arrangedin azpotentialf'supe 'lliV ply.A andl` operative networkf so that; ifi a; tube offs Fig. 4 shows. the denominational distributor y lower value is red and rendered conducting, the remainder ofthe tubes of higher value will be automaticallyrendered conducting one at a time in sequence, ending with the tube representing 9. If a, positive electric impulse is impressed on terminal I0, it will cause the 1 tube |0| to become conducting, which act in turn causes the "2 tube |02 to become conducting, and so on until the 9 tube |03 is rendered conducting, after which the Transfer Initiator tube |04 is rendered conducting. Each of these conducting tubes almost immediately becomes extinguished in a manner to be explained. As each digit tube or the tube |04 res, its cathode becomes more positive in potential, due to a resistance in each cathode supply circuit, and such rise in potential is used as a positive potential impulse impressed on an associated output conductor, such as conductor |05 associated with the l tube. The positive impulse of the Transfer Initiator tube |04 is impressed on conductor |06.

Each impulse output conductor, like conductor |05, is connected through a rectier like rectifier |01 to a terminal point like point |08, said rectifier Abeing oriented to pass positive potential impulses originating at the associated cathode -toward the point |08 but not in a reverse direction. Points like points |08 and |09, connected to the cathode of the 2 tube through rectifier ||0, are connected by a rectifier like rectifier oriented to pass positive potential impulses from point |08 toward point ||2 but not in a reverse direction. Rectiers like rectiers |01 and ||0 are provided to prevent dissipation of produced impulses among the nine cathode supply systems.

Anode potential is supplied to the tubes of Fig. 2 from a l15vo1t positive source-i |3 through resistor ||4 of 250 ohms, point I5, resistor IB of 5 00 ohms, and point ||1. Point ||5 is coupled to ground through .5-microfarad stabilizing ca- `pacitor ||8. The anode of Transfer Initiator tube '|04 is connected to point ||1 directly, and the anodes of the digit-representing tubes are connected to point ||1 through 3,500-ohm resistor ||9.

The cathode of the Transfer Initiator tube |04 is coupled to ground through 50,000-ohm resistor |20 in parallel with .001-microfarad capacitor |2|. Each of the cathodes of the digitrepresenting tubes is coupled, as shown with regard to the 9 tube |03, on one side to ground through a 15,000-ohm resistor like resistor |22 in parallel with a .l-microfarad capacitor, likecapacitor |23, and on the other side to negative 15o-volt conductor |24 through a 150,000-ohm resistance, like resistor |25, a point like point 26, and a 300,000-ohm resistance like resistor |21.

` The control grid of each tube except the l tube |0| is biased by connection to the cathode,

supply network of the previous tube of the series. Thus the "Transfer Initiator tube grid |28 is connected through 500,000-ohm resistor |29 andA preventing the :too rapid firing of the tubes in sequence. Obviously, the "1 tube |0| needs no such timing device because itis the rst tube to fire. v

VThe grid of the 1. tubeis biased by being connected through resistor` |38 of 500,000 ohms to point |39, which is connected on one side through 50,000-ohm resistor |40 to ground and on the tentials as the tubes l to 9, but its cathode is connected only to ground, as it is unnecessary to provide a potential-dividing network for gridpriming another tube, it being the last tube of theseries to fire.

A positive potential impulse of suiiicient potential to rezthe l tube |0| is supplied to input terminal |00 (see Fig. 3 for its origin) whenever the impulse generatorof Fig. 2 is to be given a cycle of operation. Such impulse comes from the Multiplier unit shown in Fig. 3 and to be described hereafter. A's the l tubel |0| fires and becomes conducting, the anode supply conductor |43, due to resistors ||4,\I|6, and H9, drops in potential to within about 15 volts of the normal cathode potential of 5 volts negative as cathodeground capacitor |42 charges. As capacitorv |42 becomes charged, the potential of the cathode of the l tube rises to a point determined by the resistors r| I4, I6, and |9 in the anode supply circuit, the potential drop of l5 volts within the tube and the cathode resistors |44, |45, and |48. Thus the cathode of l tube |0| rises from 5 voltsnegative to about 77 lvolts positive withv respect to ground, impressing an impulse on point |08. Point |41 changes from 50 volts negative to aboutl volt positive, and the grid potential of the 2 tube |02 during this time rises to a point where the 2 tube fires and becomes conducting. The anode supply conductor dips in potential to about 10 volts as the associated cathode-ground capacitor charges, causing the extinguishment of the 1 tube '|0|, as its anode potential drops below the cathode potential, which is momentarily maintained at about 77 volts by the charge in capacitor |42. In the same manner, the 3, 4, 5, 6, '7, 8, and 9 tubes fire successively, each tube as `it iires extinguishing the preceding tube of the series. The Transfer Initiator tube |04 then fires, as its grid is connected to point |26 in the cathode supply circuit of 9 tube |3|. This extinguishes the 9 tube as the potential of point ||1 drops to 10 volts momentarily as capacitor |2| in the cathode supply circuit ofy the Transfer Initiator tube |04 is charging. It will be observed that, while the digit tubes l to 9 have 4,250 ohms resistance in the anode supply circuit, due to resistors ||4, IIE, and |9, the Transfer Initiator" tube |04 has only .the resistors ||4 and ||6 in its supply circuit, amounting t'o 750 ohms, and only the 50G-ohm resistor ||6 between it and the .-microfarad capacitor 8. As a result, while capacitorv|2| is charging, there is a very high current flow through the Transfer Initiator tube |04, which is abruptly reduced as capacitor |2| becomes accessi;

charged; The distributetl"V inductaneev in.1V the". supplyfv circuitsl for thistube, asY the current'- sud-- denly reduces, causes an oscillatory rise in po terminal |48 (see also Fig. 6), which initiatesy adiscl'iarge in'I Transfer Control" tube 439 (Fig. 6*) the purpose i of which will' be.` explained.

As' the Impulse Generator digit` tubes.- l to.

9 (Fig. 2) fire successively; the' catliodev rise inpot'ential of'each is. impressed" on associated points such as points |08" and |09; all beingV propagated in one direction'` toward` point H2.. It follows that point |98receives` one impulse; point' IES-receives two impulses; point |50 receives three` impulses, and so on, point: ||2A receiving. ninei impulses..

' For each 'impulse-receiving pontsuch as'. point. |58-, there isprovided aconductor', such asv con-- ductor; |52, provided with a" plurality of' key switches, in this embodiment three in number,

|53', |54; and' |55. Switch |55 represents three 26 iny the units or decimalA denomination 10 and, when' operated, connects conductor |52 tol output conductorY |58, representing,r the lodenomif when operated; 'connectsconductorl |52 tothe* output" conductor |51, representing the 101' de nomination. Switch |53 connects conductor |52 to output' conductor |58, representingy the hundreds or. the decimal denomination 102. Thereforeis possible tooperate a key in each selected denomination, and, when the digit tubes 1" toy 9. operate a cycle by. ring. in succession, the various output conductors receive a number of impulses corresponding. to the, value. of' the associated.. operated key. Resistors of 100,000 ohmsA such as resistorv |59 connect each output conductor to groundto permit recovery oi the conductor after receiving.. an. impulse.

Repeated cycling. ci the. impulsegenerator, as suming, that the selected.l keys. are kept operatedduring such cycling, resultsin the samepattern.

of. impulses .being repeatedlyA impressed on output.

terminalsl. ,and |52. (see also Eig. e). One.

cycle.- of thefimpulse. generator corresponds toa single entry of the. multiplicand; factor, which is directed .by the .Denominational Distributor of Figa to the-Accumulator of. Figs. 6,-.,7, and 8'by means of terminals. H0,A |11, |12, |13, and |14 (Figs. 1,67a 7, and 8) accordingvto: the.. stage of, the multiplying. operation, which is. determined.

by theStage. Control unitof Fig. in its. eieet on;terminals LII, and III (see Fig. lial'scn'I The Stage Control. unit. of.Fig. 5., at...the.same time determines which digit of the: multiplier factor setfup'on the keysof. the-Multiplier unit oLFigl. 3 controls'tne:recycling ofthe Impulse Generator of Fig. 2.

Itl is obvious-z that' theA impulse` irripressedv on terminals |60; |S| and |52 by the firing ciV the.-

impulse. generator 'td give time.v fory transfer.` of. carry--overfdata Carry-over data: the accunml'atoristrarr.v erred successively by1 denominations, commence' 51;. ingiwithlthe lowest denomination, andlthetrans'f fer operation. occurring between cyclesn ofi-the. impulse generator isinitiated by the'. 1rarrsen` Initiator. 'tubetl [illu (Fig. 2).', which sends atransfenstartingimpul'se over conductor |85 and terrminal; |481 (see Fig; 6).. to the: 109'denominaitiomofi. thezaccumulator; Omcompletionaof: the. transfer* operation; an impulse. isimpressed on: terminal". |751' (see.:Figs; 3f an'd 8);. Whichthrauglfrthe2 Mule-r` tiplier unit' offlig; 3",l causes'. arecycling'of. the; m; Impulse. Generator (Fig. 2). throughi a; positive.

impulse impressed. on: terminal |50.' (Figs 2i.: through capacitorY |16 of. .00002.-mlcrofarad to:- thegrid. of. the.l tube: I0 I'.

Therefore. the. Multiplicand: unitv of Eig.l 2r al1-@f zmwaysstandszready to issue-a selectednumberrof impulses, ,as 1 determined by the-operated Multieplicand4 l:eys,yony each of output. terminals |60, |6|, and |62, when a positive impulsev is; imepressed on terminal. |08.

Capacitors, like capacitor. before de; scribed, of.001 microfarad slow downk the. opera tion of thisimpulse producerto about IO-,OOUQim-f7 pulsesasecondand. therefore one cycle' of its'.- operation of the ten tubes consumesv aborit.:.001-'.` 3 of a second.V The Accumulator: functionsA much: faster, thediierence inV speed. being., deliberatelyJ prcvidedso that the generatedimpulses willnotexceed in speed' the acceptance rate. of. the. Pro-- cumulator. x It will be readily perceived. that there can be as many key banks` in' thek Multiplicand unit.- as desired without increasing the number of. tubes.A The general principle of the impulse generator, unit of Fig. 2 is more-fully set out in. applicant., 0; Comptons co-pending application. for United States Letters Patent, Serial No..488,126, which. was led onthe twenty-fourthday of May...1943'. and'which i'ssuedonApril 2.3; 194:61 as Patent No.. 2,398,771;

ly The. denominational .distributor As stated. before.. the. particular. embodiment.. of this invention discloses three.- multiplicand. u tdienominations and three multiplier denomina ons.

In the. Denominational Distributor unit shown inFig. 4,- the three horizontal rows of`.tubes rerv resentthe multiplicand denominations, andtl'ieA three vertical columns represent the three multi* gfplier denominations.

Thustubes |80;l |83, and' |86 represent' the units multir'ilierv denomination, tubes ISI, |84; and |81' represent the tens multiplier denomina.- tion, and tubes |82, |851 and|88represent the *hundreds* multiplier denomination. For pur poses of convenience;these'units; tens, andihunK dred's denominations are termed'stages' LII, and'v III, respectively. A l Tubesl, |`8|, and lf'zfrepresent'th'e hundredsV A-"-nrxultiplicand` denomination, tubes |831 |84, and* |85 represent" thetens` multiplicand d'f-:mm'iinaj-l tion,I andftubes |85; |81, and |88f=represent1the units mul'tiplicand" denomination; These have.' been denominated as 102.; 101',v and'1OU'denmina-'-' tions; respectively. Outputfterminalsare provided, asivh'as beensdeef scribed, representing 1'0"; 101,A 102, 103, and; 104e' denominations'andare numbered. |210; |1|"', |12;l |13, andllVrespectively; Anrimpulsezissuingvfrom.the impulse generaton f and impressed on terminal |60 is arranged to lire either tube |86, |81, or |88, depending onl Vprimes tubes |80, |83, and |86; II terminal |9| primes tubes |8|, |84, and |81; and III terminal |92 primes tubes |82, |85, and |88. If I terminal |90 was primed as the impulse Was received on terminal |60, representing power of the multiplicand, then tube |86 would re and become conducting and in so doing would issue an impulse on diagonal output conductor |93, ending in 10 terminal |10, which is the input to the 10 denomination of the accumulator (see Fig. 6). If, instead, the II terminal were primed, the tube |81 would re and the output would be on conductor |94, connected to the terminal |1|,'Which is the input to the 101 denomination of the accumulator. If the III terminal |92 were primed, the tube |88 would fire and the output would be on conductor |95, which is connected to the terminal |12, which is the input to the 102 denomination.

It will be seen that conductor |93 has only the cathode of ltube |86 connected thereto, conductor |94 has the cathodes of tubes |83 and 81 connected thereto, conductor |95 has the cathodes of tubes |80, |84, and |88 connected thereto, conductor |96 has the cathodes of tubes |8| and |85 connected thereto, and conductor |91 has the cathode of tube |82 connected thereto. The following table discloses the routing of the impulses in different stages of a multiplying operation.

Each of the Denominational Distributor tubes is arranged in a circuit that makes it self-extinguish if it res, just as was explainedk in cori'- nection with the Transfer Initiator tube |04 (Fig. 2). All the tubes connected to the same diagonal output conductor have the same cathode supply circuits. The cathode of tube |86 is connected to ground by 50,000-ohm resistor |98 vin parallel 'with .0005-microfarad capacitor |99. The cathode is also coupled to the output terminal |10 by the .Ol-microfarad capacitor 200.

In a similar manner, the cathodes of tubes |83 and |81 are connected to ground through resistor in parallel with capacitor 202, and' coupled to terminal |1| by capacitor 2030. The other cathode connections are similar and can be traced as follows: the cathodes of tubes |80, |84,

l0 by capacitor 205; the cathodes of tubes |8| and are connected to ground by resistor 206 and capacitor 201, and coupled to terminal |13 by capacitor 208; and tube |82 is connected to ground by resistor 209 and capacitor 2|0 and is coupled to terminal |14 by capacitor 2| The anodes of all the tubes in a horizontal row are supplied from the same terminal. For instance, the anodes of tubes |80, |8|, and |82 are supplied with '15 volts positive potential from source 2|2 through resistor 2|3 of 250'ohms, point 2|4, and resistor 2| 5 of 500 ohms. Point 2| 4 is coupled to ground through capacitor 2|6 of .l microfarad. In a similar manner, terminal 2|1 supplies anode potential to tubes |83, |84, and |85, and terminal 2|`8 supplies anode potential to tubes |86, |81, and |88. With these circuit elements, when a tube fires, it automatically extinguishes because of the high initial current followed by an oscillatory rise in cathode potential as the associated cathode-ground yca pacitor becomes charged. As a tube fires, the

positive rise in cathode potential is impressed on the associated output conductor. ,y

The grids of all the tubes are normally heavily biased by reason of potential applied from the stage control unit of Fig. 5. Thus the tubes |80, |83, and |86 (Fig. 4) obtain their grid bias from I terminal (see also Fig. 5); tubes |8|, |84, and |81 obtain their grid bias from terminal |9|; and tubes |82, |85, and |88 obtain their grid bias from terminal |92. This normal grid bias is 80 volts negative, but is relieved to 35 Volts negative when in the primed s'tate. For example, under normal circumstances, when stage I of the multiplying operation occurs, terminal |90 changes from 80 volts negative to 35 volts negative, which change is impressed on the grids of tubesv |80, |83, and 86 each through a 500,000'- ohm resistor, like resistor 2 |9, a point like point 220, and a 50,000-ohm resistor, like resistor 22|. Points like point 220 are coupled tothe associated input conductor. 'Thus, point 220 is coupled to conductor 222 through a .00002-microfarad capacitor 223. If an impulse signal is received over any of terminals |60, |6|, and |62 while I terminal 90 is primed, the corresponding ones of tubes |80, |83, and |86 will re and self-extinguish, each firing of a tube passing on an impulse to the associated output conductor. Terminals I, II, and III are rendered primed in sequence by the Stage Control unit, and each stays primed until the Impulse Generator operates a number of times equal to the value of the corresponding op#- erated multiplier key switch.

Stage control The Stage Control is showny in Fig. 5 and comprises a Start tube 250 and three stage control tubes I, II, and III, numbered 25|, 252, and 253, respectively. v

The cathode of Start tube 250 is connected to ground through 50,000-ohm resistor 254. Its grid is connected through 50,000-ohm resistor 255 to points 256 and 251. Point 251 is connected on one side through 500,000-ohm resistor 258' to negative 15G-volt supply conductor 259, and on the other side through 350,000-ohm resistor 260, point 26|, 500G-ohm resistor 262, point 263,'250-ohm resistor 264, to Start Key switch 265, which, when closed, makes contactwith 1l5-volt positive potential terminal 266. Key switch 265 must remain closed during an entire multiplying operation. Point 263 is coupled to ground by'.5microfarad capacitor 261 for stabilizing purposes, and point 41l '256 is -coupled ,to .ground by .Ul-microfarad capacitor 26.8. When capacitor 258 charges, as key v265 closes, the grid of Start :tube 250 loses con- .tro1,-and the tube res, causing a ypotential rise :fat its cathode which is impressed on point 2?@ through .00005-microfarad capacitor 27H. The ,anodes of tubes 25|, 252, and 253 Vreceive .their .potential from point 253 through 3,000-ohm resis- .tor 212. During the slight-delay of perhaps .001 second, while Start tube 255 isfiring, the potentialssupply network of the I, II, and VIII tubes 25i, .252, and :253 become stabilized, as do the bias voltages delivered -to thegrids of the tubes of the .Denominational Distributor of Fig. 4, through terminals i90, |9|,and |92. The cathode of each of .tubes I, II, and III is connected on one side lto .ground through a 15,000-ohm resistor, `like re- .sistor 213 in parallel with a .ODZ-microarad ca .pacitor,'like capacitor 2N in series with a 1,000- iohm resistor, like vresistor 215, and is connected .on the .other side `to negative 15G-volt conductor A.25.9 through va, 100,000-ohm .resistonlike resistor .216,.a point like `point 217|, and .100,000-ohm resistor like resistor y273. r'he grid of vtheI tube `25| .is :connected through 50,000-ohm resistor 280, .point .210, .500,000-ohm` resistor .28| to point 282 connected to ground through .50,000-ohmresistor .283, and to l50-volt negative conductor 259 through .250,000-ohm .resistor 284. The grid of .the II .tube 252 .is connected to and receives ,its bias .from point 211, which is relieved when I .tube .25| isconducting, so that a .positive potential impulse .impressed on conductor 285, which `is coupled tothe grids .of tubes II and III, each .through a capacitor like.00002-microfarad capaci.- tor 28S connecting to point `23T of theIItube grid circuit, willre the II tube and not the III tube. The.normal grid biasof tubes II and III with re- .spect'to .the `associatedcat-lriode .is about 80.volts negativesand .when primed by reason of Vconduction-in .the preceding tube, isabout volts negaftive. The .firing impulses on input-conductor '2 8.5 .areadjusted to `lire a primed` tube .only. Thus, .the :sequence ofoperation-of the Stage Y.Control 4`,unit1of Fig. 5 commences with the firing of the `Start tube .250,and after a short interval, during which `the lsupply networks adjust themselves, 4the I .tube-25| res -and becomes conducting. This lact causes a riseinpotential ofthe cathode-.ofthe Itube, 'as has been explained, `vvhich primes the grid of the II tube. This l.priming .potential iis valso impressed through point -.288 and'conductor 289-to terminal Si) (see also Fig-4) .vhichprimes the grids of the -I column of Denominational Distributor tubes |80, |83fand 18.5 (Fig-i4). Theirise in potential of the cathode of the stage I tube 25| (Fig. 5) is also conveyed by conductor 290 to ter- .minal 29| (see l.also Fig. 3) to initiate the -100 Vcycle of the Multiplier unit. At the conclusion of a cycle of the Multiplier unit under control of the 100 denominational keys, a positive potential 'signal .is vimpressed on terminal 232 (see Figs. 3 and 5.)., whichres the II stage tube 252 (Fig. 5), .resultingin the extinguishnient ofthe I tube 25| its anode dropping in potential as capacitor 283 of :the II tube cathode is charging, While at the -same time the capacitor 211i is discharging. The ring of the II tube 252 also causes a rise in'potential on terminals |9| and 295, priming tubes .|8;|, |84,and |81 (Fig. 4) ofthe Denominational Distributor and causing the commencement of a cycle VVof voperation of the VMultiplier-unit under control of the 10l :denominational keys. At the .conclusionlof this A10l multiplier zcycle, terminal 12-82 (Figs. 3 and 45) receives -another potential. im-

i12 pulse, yvvlzlich .causes .the ring -ofgthe III =Stage IControl tube 253 (Fig. 5), the extinguishment pf the II .Stage Control .tube 252, the priming ,of

-theIIIterminal |92 aiecting tubes |82, |85, and .93S (Fig. `4) of the Denominational Distributor,

.and causing-a positive potentialriseon termina-l 29.5 (Figs. 5 and 3) tocommence a cycle ofopera- .tionrof theMultiplier unit under Vcontrol of the :l02 denominational keys. At the conclusion of Vthe 1- 02 cycle of the Multiplier unit of Fig. 3, an impulse is impressedon terminal 292 vWithoutresult, 'as there are no more stage tubesto lire. At this point, the multiplication :operation .is .complete, and the Start key :may .be `opened and J.the key switches of the Multiplier unit and the Mulatiplicand unit restored to unoperated condition. Itis lto be Lnoted that the last impulse on .ter- -minal .292 .may be used to gcontrol `any type of automatic .-key .restoring means, by providinga tubeto fire after the III Stage Controltube, which can operate, .for instance, .an electromagnet. .Such key.r.estoring means is .not shown, as it .is no part of the invention and isold in the-,calcu- .lating ,machineart I The multiplier unit .The Multipliei'unit is shownn Fig. 3 'and-comprises . ninedigit tubes 1, 2, 3,135, 6, 7,58, and!) and numbered B, 30|, 302, 353, 354, 3|'.I5, 306, '5e-1, .and 358,2. relay 'tube 3&9 `for creating. an impulse to :cause a step of operation ofthe Stage Control lunit vby route of 'terminal 292, tivo-delay tubes 31.0 .and 3H, which 'time the delivery :of the Multiplicand unit recycling impulses 'to` ter minal |50, and three denominational banks of nine digit key switches representing the units, tens, and hundreds decimal denominations, for convenience referred -to as 100,101, and 102 denominations.

In a multiplying operation, the multiplier factor is set up by closing one key switch in each denominational bank. 'The Multiplier unit operation is by cycles, each key bank controlling the operation of the digit tubes during one of the cycles by determining Where in the series of nine digit tubes the operation of a cycle commences, and consequently .how many tubes Will operate in that cycle. .Thedigit tubes are connected to be operated serially one at a time toward the 9 tube, in response to impulses commonly received by the grids of all Lthe tubes over conductor 320, which originate from the last transfer control tube 32| (Fig. 8) and are impressed on terminal |75. Thus, after an entry of the multiplicand factor into the Accumulator, the transfer cycle takes place, and, at the con- :clusionfof Athe .transfer cycle, an impulse onter- -mina'l .|75 causesa `step of operation Aof the Multiplier units tubes. Consequently, ,the number ,of tubes to operate .in :a particular ldenomina- :tional'cycleof the -Multipler unit determines the number ,Oi times lthe multiplicand factor lentered finto the Accumulator, land 4into what rdenominations of vthe Accumulator it is entered is 'determined by .the Denominational Distributor, which, with the -Multiplier unit, is jointly controlled by the Stage Control unit to correlate .the .multiplying operation bythe denomination .of the Multiplier unitinnontrol. v

.for example, it is desired to multiply by five, the 5 key :322 in the 10 denomination Ais operated, ithe .0 keys 340 and 34| in .the '101 .and 102 banks are operated, the :multiplicand 'factor'is set .up [(Fig. 2), and the Startkey (Fig. `5) is ...closed 'The Denominational .Distributor 13 tubes |80, |83, Aand |96 (Fig. 4) become primed, and a positive potential impulse is given to terminal 29| (Figs. 5 and 3), which is conveyed through rectifier 323 (Fig. 3) shunted by 500,000- ohm resistor 324, and through .Ol-microfarad capacitor 325, stage initiating conductor 299, and key switch 322 to point 326 in the grid circuit of tube 304, temporarily relieving the normal controlling bias, causing it to re and become conducting. The cathode potential supply circuit of tube 394 has therein a 15,900-ohm resistance which causes it to rise suddenly in potential, and this is conveyed by conductor 321 and .Ooi-microfarad capacitor 328 to a common multiplier output conductor 329, to point 339, and

from there through .0O02-microfarad capacitor 33| to fire delay tube 3|9, which in turn fires delay tube 3| which passes a cathode positive potential impulse on to terminal |99 to cycle the Multiplicand Unit and .enter the multiplicand in the Accumulator under control of stage I tubes .y

At the conof the Denominational Distributor. clusion of the multiplicand entry, the transfer cycle takes place in the Accumulator, and at the conclusion of the transfer cycle an impulse is impressed on terminal (Figs. 8 and 3), which impulse is impressed through individual capacitors, like .00005-microfarad capacitor 332, onto the grid circuits of all the nine'digit tubes of the Multiplier unit. Each of such tubes grids to near the firing point if the digit tube of next lower value is conducting, and hence such priming causes the positive potential impulse on conductor 329 to fire the 6 tube 395 to the exclu- Y sion of any other of the Multiplier unit digit tubes. This causes a positive potential impulse on conductor 329, which causes a cycle of the Multiplicand unit and in addition causes a rise `on all the digit tube cathodes, because all are coupled to conductor 329. The cathode of the conducting "5 tube is within fifteen volts of the anode potential, and the additional rise caused by the ring of the 6 tube causes a cessation of current flow in the "5 tube, and it is extinguished. This operation continues, the 'I," 8, and "9 tubes ring in succession, giving a total of ve cycles of Multiplicand operation, which .corresponds to the value of the operated 5 key The condition of conduction in the.9.::v

322. tube 398 primes the relay tube 399 by a portion of the cathode rise being conveyed by point 333, resistor 334, point 335, resistor 336, and conductor 331 to the grid circuit of tube 399. The grid of tube 399 is also connected by a .09095-microfarad capacitor 336 to conductor 329, and, upon receipt of an impulse on terminal |15 while "9 vtube 398 is conducting, the relay tube 399 Will l has a normal controlling bias which is primedV and conductor 331 to fire the relay tube 399. As l a consequence, no action occurs in the Multiplicand unit, and the Stage Control unit is actuated,

to cause the Ill Stage tube 253 (Fig. 5) to nre.

This impresses an impulse on terminal 295 (Figs.A

the operationais over, andv the multiplicand has Til been. entered five times into the Accumulator. If, in the example just given, instead of the "0 key switch 34| in the 102 denomination of the Multiplier unit having been operated, it was the 8 key 342 that was operated, then the'last impulsev received on terminal 295 would have fired the 2 tube 39|, and, as a consequence, the Multiplicand unit 'would be actuated and the Multiplicand factor would be entered into theAccumulator under control of the stage III tubes of the Denominational Distributor.. Such multiplicand entry would be made as each of the tubes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, '7, 8, and 9 of the Multiplier unit fired in succession, and then the relay tube 309 would fire, ending the operation. Relay tube 399 is arranged in a circuit so that it selfextinguishes after itis rendered conducting.

4'Tube 3|9, when conducting, is thereafter extinguished by the firing of tube 3| and the tube 3|| is self-extinguishing, as'will be apparent as the circuitsy and circuit elements of Fig.` 3 are specied. i

Y All of the anodes of ltubes 1 to 9 inclusive are supplied with 115 volts positive potential by being connected to conductor 359, which is connected through 3,500-ohm resistor 35|, point 352, 590- ohm resistor353, point 354,and 259-ohm resistor 355 vto 115-volt positiver source of potential 356. The anode of tube 399 receives potentialy from point 352, and point354 is coupled to ground through .5-microfarad stabilizing capacitorv 351. The cathode of each digit tube is connected to ground on one side through a 15,000-ohm resistor, like resistor 358 associated with the 4 tube, and

. is connected to negative 15G-volt supply conductor 359, through a 100,900-ohm-resistor, like resistor 369, a point like point 36|, and a 109,000-

ohm resistor, like resistor 352. This gives each cathode a normal potential of l0 volts negative,

which rises to 80.volts positive whenl the tube is conducting. Points like point 36| supply the grid bias forthe succeeding tube, and normally it is volts negative and rises to 35 volts negative. when the associated tube is 4 conducting.

n Points like point36| are connected to the succeeding tubes grid through a 250,000-ohm. resistor, ,likeresistor 363, a point like point 325,

p a 259,000-ohm resistor like resistor 364, la point .-ohm resistor 361 in parallel with .0005-micro- `farad capacitor 368, and to the negative potential supply conductor 359 through 659,000-ohm resistor 369. The grid of tube 399 receives its potential through 50,909-ohm resistor 336 and 250,000-ohm resistor 334 from the point333 in the negative leg of the cathodesupply circuit of the,9 tube. With the circuit values just given, the tube 399 will self-extinguish when rendered conducting, and in ring sends an impulse over conductor 339. 1

The before-mentioned delay tubes 3|9 and 3|| are arranged to fire in succession-on the firing of any one of the digit tubes 1 to 9, the ring of tube 3| I giving rise to a positive potential impulse at terminal |99 to` operate the'impulse generator. Ihe purpose of the consequent delay :is to permit the stabilization ofthe potentials in the Stage Control and Denominational Distributor units after a denominational shift. The anode of tube 3|0 receives its potential through3,500ohm resistor 31|, BOO-Ohlnrresls-V falsi-mesa 384, .which kis lconnected :on rone side Vthrough :50:000-ohmzresistor'385 to ground, `and through 250,000-ohm resistor 386 on the other side to pointr, .whichleads to the .15G-volt negative lterminal `381. When tube 3|.0 is fired Vby re- .fceiptfof an impulse through Acapacitor 33|, its

cathode `rise Yin potential is Aimpressed through @resistor 3;11. :point :31.8, and V'.iOO'OO-ohm `resistor 388 to the grid of tube 3H, after the 'charging :of `1101-inicro'farad delay capacitor '389, which rcouples ,point'390'1to ground. `The anode rsupuply :for tube `V3|| .is Ataken 'from :point 39|, vand the .cathode `is coupled 'to Aground Athrough 50,0,0.0ohm resistor 392`inparal1el with '.002- .niicrofarad .-capacitor'393. AstubeH fires, tube M ,is extinguished due to the drop in poten- Titial of its anode, 1and-`tube 23H .passes on 4Aan .impulse tto the :impulse :generator |00 an'dthen isel'feextinguishes.

A`The V.accumulator eSix A denom'inational fbanks lare provided 'ln'the i' `iikccumulator. The units lor '10 'bank and the -tens for 101 -bankV are vshown-in Fig. 4i5, the hun-- dreds"'orl02"bank-and the'thousands'or 103 bank are-shown -in Figg?, 'and Ktheitens of thousands -or '-104 Vbank Vand the hundreds o thousands or 'i105 bank are Yshovvnin Fig. '8.

' "There are ten vdigit tubes in 'each bank, ibut those 'tubes representing the digits 8,"7, 6, '5, L4, --and '3 in each "bank `are omitted in the draw- "ingsyas vshovvriby vdotted lines 400 in Fig'. `6, for instance, such omission being only of 1a repeat- :ing networkpattern of tubes'and circuits'which lare jfully 'shown infconnection with the remaining tubes 'of 'each bank. It will be ,understood that'the number of tubes in la bank can be in- -creased or decreased to make it of lany size, so =as to serve other than decimal numerical `notation. Associatedwith'each denominational bank -areatransfer tube 'T" and -a Transfer Control 'tube l'"TC for 'accomplishing Ydenominational "transfers of carry-over data.

The units bank Vbeing `typical, will be :described-as representative of all the banks as regards the ring of digit tubes. Anode voltage of 11:5l volts positive vis 'supplied 'from terminal -jsource '40| through `250ohm 'resistor 402 point :403, and A'A500-ohm resistor 404 and conductor 105,150 which all the anodes are directly connected. The cathode of each tube is connected to ground through a 15,000-ohr`n resistor like resistor 406 in parallel with a .002-microfarad acapacitor like capacitor 401, and is also connected 'to `negative supply conductor 408, `supfplie'dzwit-h 150 volts negative, through Aa 100,000- `ohm resistorlike resistor 400, fa y point 'like point 410, land a '100,000-ohm resistor like resistor 54H. Pointslike point 410 are connected to the grid of the succeeding tube inthe `ring 'through va I500,00.0ohmre'sistor .like lresistor 412, Va point 'alike point :413, :and a 'f50,000.ohm resistor 'like l' :resistor 4114'. fPoints .like point `4|3 fare teach vcoupled to "a commoninput Iconductor '4| 1 for the ildenomination through *a .000il2emicrofarad vcapacitor like vcapacitor Alilti. A'switch likeswiteh MS is provided betweenground and the l'gr-id Lof :each TO `tube, so that, Yupon temporary Aclosing of :the fswitch, the 0 tubewill re vandtbecorne conducting. As 'a tube I.becomes conducting, 'it f-primes .the grid of the next `succeeding tube of vtherin'g, `as a conducting ktubes cathode ;rises inpotential. 'This relieved bias Y.on thesucceedingtube makes it more susceptible to 'apositive input impulse 'on conductor'iil'l than any other tube `ofrthering. Circuit 'values given for the f `Denominational Distributor arelay -tubes '-will Acause 'the 'foutput "from vthem in 'the form of impulses to iire aprimed tube of the Accumulator :butnot an unprinred one. vConductor-42|.) `closes 'thefdenominational ring by connecting the D tube fcathode primingr pointf42'l to the ""51 tubes priming "point .'422. ,The anode supply A*conductor will temporarily drop .-inpotential as the cathode- :ground capacitor iof "a firing 'tube charges, #while -the cathode :of Athe preceding priming tubes cathode-Egmond capacitor is discharging. This causes a temporary cessation of anode-:cathode potential inthe preceding' tube, extinguishing' it. Thus ainumber of .impulses "impressed on :out-- put conductor 4|1 will cause the same number oiftubesto nre successively in thering, and the :conducting tube :represents Vthe :accumulated data. The data is read 'by 'observing `the fglow inf the'tubes orby 4.sensing their "condition 'electromechanically, as I.shown "the vUnited `States patent applicationof JosephRDesch fand Rob- :ert E. Mumma, Serial No. 325,040, ,'led Marcb iIt is arranged 'to 4'have 5a Ytransfer tube '423 re each time v,the 0 1 tube res, indicating vone :full "cycie'of operation of theringfsuchftransfer-tube Alater being :extinguished to "create "animpulseto icause 'a 'step 'of `operation in Ythe Aring 'of :next 'Phigher denomination. Switches like switch'4l'8 'intheanod'e'supplyiof each T tube are opened before'the vzeroizing switches are 'closed 'to #prevent the "T"tubes'fromiiring After zeroizing :all-of the Accumulator,'thestvitches, like switch ,'4 8, zareliclosed.

4Input :conductor 411 receives 'impulses nfrom "terminal |10, whichis the `10U output from the `'Denominational v'Distributor (Fig. 4).

Transfertiibe 42.3 receives #its anode -potential fromfl-volt positive terminal 425, through switch `4|8, E50-ohm resistor -Mii, point 42'1, 'and -75U0ohmresistor T428. 'Point 421is coupled to ground by 1-inicrofarad 'capacitor '420. "Iube 423 receives its cathode potential by being connectedthrough'lOOO-ohm resistor430 to ground. "The grid of Vtube 423 receives its potential "by being connected throughf50,000'ohm resistor 43 l point 432, and- 500000ohm resistor 433 to point l434, which is connected through 50,000-ohm resistor' -435 to ground on one side, and through conducting, its cathode rises in potential, which rise is transmitted through .Ol-microfarad capacitor 440 and impressed on the cathode of transfer tube 423. If tube 423 is conducting, it is by that impulse from tube 439 extinguished, and its anode rises-suddenly in potential, passing on said positive impulse through .0005-microfarad capacitor 44| and through rectifier 442 oriented to pass positive impulses to the input conductor for the next higher denominational bank. Rectifier 442 is shunted by 50,000-ohm resistor 443. Thus, if the denominational ring of lo bank has, during one cycle of the impulse generator, passed through zero, transfer tube 423 will have fired, and later, at the conclusion of the cycle of the impulse generatontransfer control tube 439 will fire and extinguish tube 423, passing on the vtransfer impulse to the next higher order, causing the addition therein of one unit. Transfer Control tube 439 obtains its anode potential from 115-volt positive source 445, through 250-ohm resistor 446, point 441, and 4,000-ohm resistor 448. Point 441 is coupled to ground through .1-microfarad capacitor 449. The cathode of tube 439 obtains its potential by being connected to ground through 15,000-ohm resistor 4490 in parallel with .Ol-microfarad capacitor 450, and to negative G-'volt source 45| through 150,000- ohm resistor 452, point 453, and 300,000-ohm resistor 454. Point 453 is coupled to ground by .002- microfarad delay capacitor 455. The grid of tube 439 obtains its normal bias through 50,000-ohm resistor 455, point 451, and 500,000-ohm resistor 458, which is connected to point 459, grounded on one side through 50,000-ohm resistor 400 and on the other side connected through 250,000-ohm resistor 46| to negative supply terminal 45| Point 451 is connected to terminal |48 through .00005- microfarad capacitor 432. With the circuit elements as given, transfer control tube 439 fires on receipt of a positive impulse on terminal |48 and issues a positive impulse through capacitor 440 to extinguish the transfer tube, if it was conducting, thereby causing the transfer unit to be added in the next higher denomination. Tubes 439 and 419 have their anodes connected to the source of potential 445 over a common resistor 448. In a manner similar to that by which the tubes of the impulse generator extinguish one another, conduction beginning in either tube 439 or 410 will extinguish the other tube of the pair if it is already conducting. The rise in potential of point 453, as tube 439 iires, is conveyed, after the charge of the delay capacitor 455, to the grid of the 101 banks Transfer Control tube 410, to fire it. Point 453 is the grid bias point for-tube 410. Tube 410 is suppliedv with the same potentials and circuits as is tube 439 and, on being red, extinguishes the transfer tube for the 101 bank if conducting, passing on an impulse to the input conductor of the 102 bank by way of terminal 41| (see also Fig. 7). The ring of Transfer Control tube 410 for the 101 denominational bank also passes on an impulse over terminal 412 to nre the Transfer Control tube for the 102 denominational bank after a delay capacitor similar to 455 has charged. Input conductor 413 of the 101 denominational bank contains a rectiiier 414 to pass positive potentials only in the direction of the arrow to prevent abextinguished. Such a rectifier is provided in each order except the lowest. Each rectifier such as tube.

18 rectifier 414 is shunted by a 50,000-ohm resistor such asresistor 415. Transfer tube output from the 103 denomination (Fig. 7) is over terminal 416 (see Fig. 8), and output from the Transfer Control tube of the 103 denomination is over terminal 411.

The 105 denominational bank (Fig. 8), being for overflow purposes only, receiving impulses only from the 104 denominational bank through point 493 and rectifier 50|, has appended to its input circuit capacitor 502 of .0005 microfarad, resistor 503 of 50,000 ohms, rectifier 504, and resistor 505 of 50,000 ohms to simulate the circuit elements appended to the lower denominational banks by reason of their connection to the Denominational Distributor unit.

Transfer tube 5| 0 is provided to show how additional overow denominational banks may be added to the Accumulator or how a signal may be made indicating a full Accumulator.

The output from the transfer tube of the 105 denominational order is shown by dotted line 490 (Fig. 8) to indicate how transfers may be made to higher orders.

Transfer tube 5|0 is arranged in a self-extinguishing circuit, receiving volts positive anode potential from source 5| through resistor 5|2 of 250 ohms, point 5|3, and resistor 5|4 of 500 ohms. Point 5| 3 is coupled to ground through capacitor 5|5 of .l microfarad. The cathode is connected to ground through 50,000-ohm resistor 5|6 in parallel with .0005-microfarad capacitor 5I1.

Since there are no entries from the differential impulse generator in the overiiow banks, there is no need to delay the transfer entries therein. Tube 5 0 is accordingly primed from the 9 tube along with the 0 tube and is red by the same impulse on impulse conductor 492 which fires the 0 tube. The firing of tube 5|0 along with the 0 tube causes a transfer to a higher overow or causes an overflow signal, if no higher order, to be made without delay when the 0 tube fires.

The positive impulse output of the Transfer Control 'tube 32| of the last order is conveyed over terminal |15 to step the Multiplier unit (Fig. 3) a step, as has been explained.

Delay capacitors similar to capacitor 455 in the circuits of the Transfer Control tubes delay the ring of the Transfer Control tubes in the sequence to allow for transfer entries, if they occur, in the various orders.

When the denomination passes through zero, a signal appears on conductor 490, Which may be used for signaling an overflow of data.

The circuit elements of the Accumulator have been chosen to give it an impulse acceptance rate at approximately twice the rate of production thereof by the Impulse Generator.

Operation Referring to Fig. 1, the operation of the multiplying device Will be summarized.

The Accumulator is zeroized by operation of the zeroizing keys in all orders of the Accumulator after removing anode potential temporarily from the Transfer tubes. As an example problem, the multiplicand factor chosen will be 658, and the multiplier factor chosen Will be 123. These factors are set up on the associated keys and the Start key is closed (Fig. 5), which lires the Start After a short delay, the I Stage Control tube is fired, priming column I of the Denominational Distributor tubes and sending an impulse to the 10o input of the Multiplier u nit '19 (Fig. 3), which is routed through the "3 key switch to lire the 7 tube of the Multiplier unit. The 'firing of the 7 tube iires the two Delay tubes 3| and 3H in series, and the last to re sends an impulse over terminal |06 (see also Fig. 2) to the Multiplicand unit to re the nine digit tubes in succession. This act sends out eight impulses on terminal |60, five impulses on terminal IGI, and six impulses on terminal |62 (see Fig. 4) to the Denominational Distributor, causing the relaying of eight impulses Vto the 100 bank of the Accumulator over terminal H (see Fig. 6), iive-impulses over terminal and six impulses over terminal |12 (see Fig. rI), actuating the Accumulator accordingly. The Transfer Initiator tube (Fig. 2) is then fired, which sends animpulse over terminal |48 (see Fig. 6) to fire the Transfer Control tube of the bank of the Accumulator. The Transfer .Control tubes are fired serially, and the associated transfer tubes, if any are conducting, will be extinguished serially thereby. It will be apparent that, after this rst entry, none will be conducting. The Transfer Control tube of the 105 denomination of the Accumulator (Fig. 8) passes on an impulse over terminal lii (see also Fig. 3) which fires the primed "8 tube of the Multiplier unit, and, after the two delay tubes 3|@ and 3|| have fired, an impulse is sent over terminal |08 (see also Fig. 2) to cause another cycle of operation of the Impulse Generator to enter the number 658 into the Accumulator, as before described. As yet, no transfer having taken place, the number 206 stands in the Accumulator. As the 100 and 102 denominational rings of the Accumulator have passed through zero, and the 101 ring stands on'zero, the Transfer tubes of the 10U, 101, and 102 denominational rings of the Accumulator are conducting. As the Transfer Control tubes are serially operated, first the 10'J transfer tube is extinguished, entering one unit into the 101 denomination, makingV the Accumulator read 216. Secondly, after asuitable delay, Transfer Control tube 101 ires,'the 101 Transfer tube is extinguished, sending a unit to the 102 denominational ring, making Vthe Accumulator read 316. Lastly, after a suitable delay, the 102 Transfer Control tube is fired, extinguishing the 102 transfer tube, sending a unit tothe 103 denominational ring, making the Accumulator read 1316, which-is the sum of 658 plus A658. The number 658 is entered once morein stage I by reason of the ring of the 9 tube of the Multiplier unit, and the Accumulator after the transfer then reads 1974.' The last tube in the chain of Transfer Control tubes again sends an impulse over terminal to the Multiplier unit, but this time the Stage Control Shift tube309 (Fig. 3) lires and sends an impulse over terminal 292 (see also Fig. 5), which res the stage II tube 252, extinguishing the stage I tube, priming the stage II column of the' Denominational Distributor unit, and delivering an impulse to terminal 29d (Fig. 3), serving the 101 bank of keys of the Multiplier unit. As key "2 has been operated therein, the 8 tube will according lre, firing the delay tubes 3|0 and 3| and thereafter actuating the Multiplicand unit to send out the same pattern of impulses, representing 658, to the Denominational Distributor. At this time, the'stage II column of tubes of the'Denominational Distributor are primed, and the impulses are accordingly routed to the 101, 102, and 103 denominations of the Accumulator. After the'stage II entries have been made twice, the Stage Control unitshi-fts to stage III, wherein the 102, '103, and

'104 denominations of the Accumulator are lactueated, the entry of the multiplicand factor being made but once, as the 102 digit of the multiplier factor is 1. The multiplying operation is-'now complete. The final firing of the AStage Control shift tube 309 (Fig. 3) has no effect onthe Stage Control tubes of Fig. 5, as III tube 2`53-primes no other tube.

The Start key may now 'be opened, and all of the tubes except those in the Accumulator representing the product data-will bein extinguished condition. The device isv now Vreadyfor another multiplying operation, which may be performed with or without returning the Accumulator to Zero.

It is apparent that theke'y switches of the Multiplier and Multiplicand units may be controlled inany manner by record materialescording to well-known practices for the automatic setting up of factors.

The disclosed device is-not to be deemed limited to the exact tubes, circuit elements, and time constants specified, as they are but illustrativeof one embodiment of the invention.

What-is claimed is:

1. A tens transfer device vfor an Velectric impulse counting device oi the type which isoperable by impulses from an impulse source and includes a plurality of denominational input conductors for receiving electric impulses from the input Source and an electron vtube counting ring coupled to each input conductor, said rings each Aincluding a tube for each denominational digit Vincluding -zero, the combination of a trans/fer electron tube coupling a lower vdenominational ring to th'enext higher denominational ring; circuits supplying operating potentialfor each of said transfer tubes and connecting them tothe lower associated ring sofas to be rendered conductingv when the -said lower rings pass through-Zero'and coupling them to the input conductor of the next higher denominational ring ata point so as to pass on an electric impulse to it when said transfer tube becomes extinguished an extinguishing electron tube for each transfer tube; means connecting the extinguishing tubes in an operative chain from the lowest denominational order to the highest so that, lif conduction is commenced in the tube'associated VwithV the lowest denomination, saidv extinguishing tubes -are rendered 'conducting-seriatim; means couplingY each extinguishing tube to its relatedtransfer tube to enable conduction occurringinthe'- extinguishing tube to cause its related transfer -tube to be extinguished; :start means for Ythefchain of extinguishing tubes, which start means, when given an electric impulse,

starts conduction iny the Vfirst extinguishing tube able cyclically'through aero; difierentialmeans to operate the 4denominational accumulator ele- -mehts' in cycles; Vtransfer means` coupling each two Aadjacent denominational accumulator elements to lform a totalizer, said transfer means being 'each conditioned when one of the associa'ted denominational `accumulator elements passes rthrough Azero so as" t'o be later lactuable to carry a unit of data tothe other denominational accumulator elements associated therewith;

r transfer operating Lcontrol 'means operable to a's'zaesr affect each transfer means in succession from one end of the totalizer to the other to actuate the conditioned transfer means serially; means actuated by the differential means upon completion of a cycle of operation thereof to start an operation of the transfer operating control means; and means actuated by the transfer operating control means upon the completion of the operation thereof to initiate another cycle of operation of the differential means.

3. In combination, a plurality of denominational elements differentially operable cyclically through zero differential means selectively operable in cycles to operate selected denominational elements to enter data therein; transfer means coupling the adjacent denominational elements to form a totalizer, said transfer means being each conditioned when one of the associated denominational elements passes through zero so as to be later actuable to carry a unit of data to the other denominational element associated therewith; transfer operating control means operable to aiect each transfer means in succession from one end of the totalizer to the other to actuate the conditioned transfer elements serially; means actuated by the differential means upon the completion of a cycle of operation thereof to start an operation of the transfer operating control means; and means coupled to the transfer operating control means and to the differential means and actuated by the transfer operating control means upon completion of an operation thereof to initiate another cycle of operation of the diiferential means.

4. In a multiplying device, the -combination of a totalizer including denominational carry-over transfer means operable at the conclusion of an entry of data into the totalizer tc make accrued transfers, said transfer means issuing a signal at the conclusion of its operation; data entering means coupled to the totalizer, said entering means being actuable in cycles to enter in a cycle a selected factor into the totalizer and including a control signal generating means operable at the conclusion of an entering cycle; means for applying the control signals to the transfer means to cause an operation thereof; and means operable under control of the first-mentioned signal to initiate a cycle of operation of the data entering means, said means being selectively settable to respond to the end of transfer signal a number of times as selected, and including means operable to initiate a cycle of operation of the data entering means upon each response.

5. In a multiplying device, the combination of a totalizer equipped with transfer means conditioned during a data entering cycle and actuable later to cause accrued transfers and to issue a signal; a data entering device coupled to the totalizer and actuableiin cycles to enter a selected factor into the totalizer and afterward to initiate an operation of the transfer means to actuate the conditioned transfer means; and a means coupled to the data entering device to actuate the data entering device a selected number of times in steps and also connected to the transfer means whereby the signal issued at the end of a transfer operation causes a step of operation of said data entering device actuating means.

6. In combination, a plurality of gaseous discharge electron tubes constituting a first group, each having at least an anode, a cathode, and a control element; means supplying anode-cathode potential and normally controlling control element bias potential to each of said tubes;

@means to cause one or more of said tubes to bes come conducting by temporarily reducing the control bias; a gaseous discharge electron con.- trol tube for each tube of the first group, each control tube having at least an anode, a cathode, and a control element; circuit means supplying each control tube with anode-cathode potential and normally controlling bias potential; means connecting the control tubes into an operative series whereby, if conduction is commenced in .the first control tube of the series, they Will fire automatically one at a time in sequence; means connecting each control tube with the associated tube. of the rst group so that, when a control tube fires, it extinguishes the associated tube if it be conducting; and means to fire the rst control tube of the series.

7. A tens transfer device for a totalizer of the type which is made up of denominational elec- -tron tube counting units and having an input means for each unit, the combination of a transfer electron tube for each unit; connections between each transfer tube, a potential source, and a certain tube of the associated unit so that said transfer tube for a unit is rendered conducting each time said certain tube of the associated unit is rendered conducting; means connecting a point in each transfer tubes potential source connections to the input means of another unit to form said units into a series, each time a transfer tube is rendered non-conducting there being an impulse created and impressed on the input means of said otherunit; and means operative to cause in a serial manner the extinguishment of those transfer tubes that are conducting at a given period of time.

8. A tens transfei` device for a totalizer of the type which is made up of a plurality of denominational groups of electron tubes operable step by step to accumulate amounts, there being in each group an input means and a tube for each digit in the denomination and a zero tube, the combination of a transfer electron tube for each group; means to supply operating potential to the transfer tubes; means coupling the zero tube of a group to the associated transfer tube so that conduction commencing in the zero tube causes the associated transfer tube to become conducting; means connecting the groups of tubes together in a seriesby coupling the transfer tube of one group to the input means of the group next in the series; and means coupled to the transfer tubes and, when operated, applying an extinguishing action to each transfer tube in turn, beginning at the rst of the series, any of lsaid transfer tubes, when extinguished, impressing an impulse on the input means of the next group to operate the next group a step.

9. In combination, a plurality of denominational electron tube counter rings arranged in ascending orders, each ring being operable cyclically through zero by positive electric impulses; an input conductor for each counter ring; positive impulse generating relay devices connected to each input conductor, the connection to each input conductor above the lowest order being through a rectier which passes only positive electric impulses to the input conductor; a transfer positive impulse generator unit associated with each counter ring, each of which transfer generators is coupled to its associated ring to be conditioned to create a positive electric impulse each time the associated ring passes through zero means connecting the transfer generator for a counterring to theinput conductor for, the

mengsel next.: higher orderthroughaa rectifier.; oriented: to pass rpositive. electricdmpulses onlynthe direction of said input conductor: otnext higheraorder, said rectiers Lpreventing. `dissipation. of i, relayproduced electric impulses .1 in .the transf er generator .or viceversa; :andme'ans to'actuate :the relay .devices and ther-conditioned.: transfer .generators at4 different times.

i .10:` A tens transfer:deviceforatotalizer;ofthe typewhich is madeiup'ofa pluralityof cycli'- callya. .operable f denominational 1 accumulating units operablein response lto; impulses toiaccumue late -v amounts and having@` an; input .Iconductor for leach unit, the .combinationcoflxa transfer electron `tube for each. unit,Y means connecting each transfer tube .in an: operating :potentialcircuit which includes meanswhich, lwhenthetube passes from a conducting state toarnori-.conductingfstate, givesriselto a positivepotentialimpulse `at an impulsepointz in the circuit; means connecting each transferr tube to its vassociatediunit so-that the transfer. tube is rendered.,` conducting oncer-each cyclek ofY operationi of xthe unit;- means coupling the impulsepoint in` theJtransferi-tube operatingscircuit of each transferA tuba-tothe input vconductor ofanotherl unit to eformxan operative chain i' of the unitsl Aso ithat .the...extin: 'guishment of conduction ina *transferv` tube passes on anfoperation-inducing electric impulselto ,the next -unit-infthe chain; and means to :causeoonducting-transfer tubes related to the variousunits to become non-conducting serially, starting ,with the beginning fvunit of the chain and proceeding tof-the last unit of the chain.

'1 1l. A-tenstransfersdevice for-'an accumulator of the type which is made iup fof apluralitycf `cyclically operable denominational .accumulating units operable-in response to impulses to'vaccumuvlate amounts and having 4an inputfnfieansr-for eachunitythe combination-cf a-gaseous discharge electronA transfer tube: for each unit; each itransfer tubeincludingat least an-anode and acathode; in an operatingpotential supplying circuit for each transfer tube including ananode supply portion which-includes a-resistanceso that, when a-'transfer -tube is lrendered non-conductingi 4a positive potential impulse is createdfatthe'anode; means connectingeach transfer :tube tolitslassocia-ted'denominationa'l unitfto loe-'controlled therebysothat the' trans-fer tube is renderedlconductingmoncefeach -cycle ofoperation of the unit; means-coupling the anode ork each' transfer tube to `the input-means of another unit tovform an operativechain'ofthe units so 'that fthelextinguishment ofconduction-in a-transfer tubepasses on `'an-f'operation-inducing-L impulse to 'the #next unitA in '-the'chain of'units; and means coupled to the transfer tubes vtol cause-any-conducting transfertubes related to the units-to-1become-n0nconducting serially, starting with the beginning unitof-'the chain.

12'; A tens dtransfer device foranraccumulator of `the'type which is made upfofapluralitylof cyclically operable denominational units operable in response toY impulses 'to accumulate amounts and having-aninput conductor for each unit; the combination of a` transfer 'electron tube foreach unit; -an operating potential Vsupply :circuit for eachtransfer tube,V said ycircuit including'smeans which, whenA the tube passes from asconducting state toa non-conducting state,Y gives rise 'to a positive potential impulsefatair-impulsepoint in the Icircuit means connecting each transfer tube toits associated v-unit' to tbe controlledftherebyso that` theetransfer tube is rendered conducting 24 oncey each cyclefofoperation of the. unita-means couplingA the impulse point in .the transfer: tube operating circuit of eachtransfer'tube tothelinput conductorL of another'unit: to form an operative chain yof 'the units. so .that the .extinguishmenti of conduction `in a .transfer tube passes. on an operation-inducing electric impulse` to :the nextrunit intheichain; an extinguishing tubefor eacl'iitransfer tube; tand circuits .connectingfsaid extinguishing tubes to potential sources, to the associatedr transfertubes,"and to eachother in a chain, so that; when conduction.commences:in the firstl extinguishing tube; the extinguishingr tubes 'automatically :become` conducting serially one after another, extinguishing Nthe .associated transfer tubes inthesame `serial order if-:any be conducting.

13. A tens transfer device for a totalizerofrthe type whichis made up'of aplurality-of cycli'callir operable denominational `groups of tubesvoperable to accumulate amounts in response taimpulses applied thereto and having an input conductor foreach group of tubes, the combination of a'transfer electrontube for each group;zan operating potential supply circuit for each transfer tube including means which, when the transfer'tube passes from a conducting state to a nonconducting state, gives rise to a positive potential impulse at an impulsepoint in the cir-cuit; means connecting each transfer tube to `its associated group tobe controlled thereby-so that the transfer'tube is rendered conducting once each ycycle of operation'of the group; means coupling the impulse point in the transfer tube operating ciicuitA of each transfer tubeitothe input conductor of another groupto form-an'operative chain of the groups, so that the vextinguishrnent ofconduction in a transfer vtubepasses Von an operation-inducing electric impulse to the next group in the chain of groups; an extinguishing electron tube for each transfer tube, each extinguishing tube vhaving atleast an,l anode and a cathode; means connecting `each extinguishing tube to a source of Vanode-cathode potential, each of said connections including a resistance inthe cathode circuit; means coupling the cathode of each extinguishingitube to the. cathode of itsassociated transfer tube to pass an extinguishing impulse to the transfertubeeachtime the extinguishing tubebecomes conducting; means connecting .the extinguishingelectron tubes in an operative chain wherein the condition of conduction in a tube of the extinguishing chain of tubes automatically renders the next tube conducting to cause the tubes yto operate serially; yand means coupled to the first tube of the extinguishing chain to start conduction in the rstof the extinguishing tubes to initiate the sequential operation of the chain.

14; A tenstransfer device for a totalizer of the typewhichy is made up of a plurality of denominational rings of electron tubes operable to accumulate amountsin-response to input impulses, there being an-input means for each ring and in each ring a tube for zero and for each ofthe digitssin the denomination, the combination of avtransfer lgaseous. discharge electron tube for each `ring, each itransfer tube having at least an anode, a cathode, iand a control member; meansl coupling Vthe-,anode cfr the;.transferA tube of 1ai'denomination-alluring: to: the input; means of the: next higher denomination;- :means supplying eaclrtransferttube withxanodeecathode potential and :ar'normally :controlling controle/member potential, .said means including aresistance inieacb.

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