US2576844A - Mechanical gang perforator - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 27, 1951 MALUNA 2,576,844

MECHANICAL GANG PERFORATOR Filed Dec. .5, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A T TORNE Y Nov. 27, 1951 MALLINA 2,576,844

MECHANICAL GANG PERFORATOR Filed Dec. 15, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ERO REPERFORA TOR F/ 57 98 77 THROUGH REPERFORA TORS 7'0 .9

'1'" I i f THROUGH REPERFORATORS 7'0 .9

READER Q L INVENTOR By REMALL/NA ATTORNEY Nov. 27, 1951 R. F. MALLINA MECHANICAL GANG PERFORATOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 15, 1945 F IG. /0.

REPE/PFORATOR SELECTOR C005 L 4 O M WEI mm Hg m Qbl m m ow Q 5 WQ UQ Q IQ a wzwo 2w HQ QIOLQ Q GU RUEUAQE w gggbw m g m owgg flwggmwmig 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 9 INVEN 70/? R. F? MALL/NA ATTORNEV Nov. 27, 1951 R. F. MALLINA 2,576,844

MECHANICAL GANG PERFORATOR Filed Dec. 15, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l/Vl/E/VTOR By R.F. MALL //VA A T TORNE V Patented Nov. 27, 1951 :MECHANICAL GANG PERFORATOR Rudolph F. Mallina, Hastings on Hudson, N. Y., assignor to Bell Telephone-Laboratories, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 15, 1945,' Serial,No. 635,355

21 Claims. (01. 164-114) This invention relates to code perforating and sensing mechanisms of the type employed, for example, in automatic computing and billing systems wherein a primary recording medium, such as a code tape, is employed to record, in code, data relating to a multiplicityof individual items and in which data relating'to any one specific item may be interspersed between data relating to other specific'items. More particularly, the invention relates to means for sorting code entries recorded-in mixed-up fashion on a primary tape and causing them to be reproduced, in code, inan orderly sequence.

.In such systems, data or entries of transactions or events relating to one specific item, are recorded, in code, on acontinuous strip of code tape and areinterspersed thereon between other data, or entries relating to other specific items. This tape, herein referred to as the primary record or tape, therefore .contains a multiplicity of random, or unsorted code entries relating to a plurality of independent items. For example, and as shown and described in W. W. Carpenter's Patent 2,204,957, issued.June'18,'1940, a primary record, ortape, may contain all the .necessaryentries for telephonecall charging purposes such as the calling and calledline numbers and the start and finish times of conversation, all of which are entered on the primary record at particular times during the origination, completion and termination of the telephone connections to which the entries pertain. The purpose of such a record is to provide means whereby an individual record for each telephone "line maybe, produced and subsequently utilized to produce a translated andcomputedcharge record for each telephone line in a manner fully disclosedand described in Patent 2,112,951, issued April 5, 1938 to W. W. Carpenter.

The present invention, while relating to apparatus particularly suitable for .use in such a system as is disclosed in either of theabove-identified patents, deals primarily with means for enabling code entries recorded indiscriminately and in-mixed-upfashion on aprimaryrecord, or tape, to be reproduced or repeated in-an orderly sequence in accordance with numerical codes which correspond to-specific items and, likethe inventions of these patents, is'applicable to-other than automatic telephone -message "accounting systems.

By way of illustration, the-code entries recorded on the primary tape are illustrated as corresponding to multidigit numbers which may, "but need not necessarily;correspond to telephone-numbers.

These entries which have been recorded indiscriminately ontheprimary tape may, through the organization of apparatus comprising a plurality of reperforators and a code reading, or sensing device be sorted in-accordance with their numerical values and reproduced on, or transferred to, a plurality of individual tapes in numerical order.

It is the object of this invention to simplify and otherwise improve-code tape reperforators and readers, or sensing devices, which cooperatein effecting the selective transfer or reproduction, in an orderly arrangementof values, of code entries recorded indiscriminately, or in random fashion tc or on a plurality of individual records or-tapes.

In-accordance with the present invention aplurality of reperforators are controlled directly'and selectively by a single code tape reader, or sensing device, through the medium of mechanical linkages, or code wires,.which function under control of the reader and in accordance with the digital patterns of the code tape entries encounteredvby the sensing fingersof the reader,-to simultaneously prepare for operation corresponding combinations of perforating levers of each of ten-reperforators whereby each of the ten reperforatorsis rendered potentially operativetoreproduce, onits individual tape recording medium, the codepattern of the reader tape. A'feature of the 'inventionresides in the use of mechanical means only, for conveying the codeinformation carried by a primary record, or tape, to a multiplicity of individual reperforators whereby the code entries of the primary record may be duplicated, or repeated, on the individual recording media, or tape, of the reperforators.

'Anotherfeature of the invention contemplates the use of mechanical means for causing the selection of any one of a group of reperforators for operation to reproduce, on its individual recording mediunnor tape, the code perforation patterns of the reader'tape. More particularly, each reperforator is provided with means for recognizing, or detecting, a different one of the digital patterns of which a code entry may be composed. This detecting-means comprises a detecting, or select lever for each digital position of a code entry-all of which levers in the same reperforator are provided with apertures arranged to simulate the same digital pattern. Each digital pattern -of a code entry on the reader tape is madeup of two perforationsout of a fixed pattern of five andthe patterns simulated bythe apertures of the detecting or select levers of the several reperforators arearranged in a similar manner so [that each reperforator may be said to be characterized in accordance with a different digital pattern. For example, the apertures in the detecting, or select levers of the so-called zero reperforator, are arranged to simulate the digital pattern of the digit zero; the apertures of the detecting, or select levers of the units reperforator, are arranged to simulate the digital pattern of the digit "1; and so on. The detecting, or select, levers of each reperforator, are so disposed relative to a plurality of latch levers in the reperforator that when a combination of latch levers is actuated under the control of the reader, in accordance with the digital pattern which characterizes the reperforator, projections integrally associated with the latch levers will be moved into positions in which they register with the apertures of the detecting levers. Unless registry of the said apertures with the said projections of the operated latch levers is effected, the perforating levers of the reperforator are precluded from operation and the reperforator will not function to reproduce the primary tape code entry encountered by the sensing fingers of the reader. To elucidate further, and assuming a code entry to consist of five digits, the entry is considered to consist of five channels each allocated to one digit of the five-digit entry. Each digit, as previously indicated, is characterized by two perforations out of a fixed pattern of five so that each of the possible digits, 1 to 9 and zero can be represented by two perforations spaced differently across the channel allocated to a digit. Thus the five detecting, or select levers of any one reperforator correspond respectively to the five channels, or digital positions of an entry and are each provided with two apertures arranged to simulate the pattern of the particular digit which is to determine the operation of the reperforator. Obviously, there are ten reperforators, the operation of each of which is determined by a different one of the digits 1 to 9, and zero. Thus the so-called zero reperforator will respond only to the reading of a code entry on the reader tape in which the controlling digit is zero; the No. 1 reperforator will respond only to the reading of a code entry containing the controlling digit 1; and so on. The response of a reperforator, as previously indicated, results from the registry of the detecting lever apertures with the projections of the reperforator latch levers operated by the reader.

A further feature of the invention resides in the use of manually operable means for permitting the code entries of the reader tape to be sorted by channels, or digital positions, that is, any group of entries may be sorted in successive steps by utilizing the digits of the various channels as the controlling digits. For example, a group of entries may be first sorted in the units channel and subsequently in the tens, hundred, etc., channels. To accomplish this the aforementioned detecting or select levers of each reperforator are located immediately above an individual select cylinder having five fiat surfaces displaced 72 degrees apart and arranged spirally along the length of the cylinder, and manually operable means is provided whereby the said cylinders of all ten reperforators may be simultaneously set so as to selectively present a fiat surface to the undersurface of the same channel select lever in each reperforator thereby rendering only that particular select lever of each reperforator operable, all other levers being blocked against operation by the fiat-free portions of the cylinders.

When the select cylinders are set so as to present fiat surfaces to the underside of the units channel select levers, for example, the sorting operation will be carried out under control of the units digits of the code entries. Similarly, when the cylinders are set to present fiat surfaces to the underside of the tens channel select levers the sorting will be carried out under control of the tens digits of the code entries, and so on. The number of sorting operations required on any group of numbers is determined by the number of digits in the numbers being sorted as is more fully described hereinafter.

A still further feature of the invention resides in novel means for selectively coupling the code levers of the reader, or sensing device, with a common operating member under the direct control of the sensing fingers. More particularly, each sensing finger of the reader is provided with an integral select finger, or interponent member, having one end normally disposed in an aperture of the corresponding code lever and adapted to project therefrom, in response to the entry of the sensing finger into a tape perforation, into the path traversed by the code lever operating member. Thus, when the said operating member operates, it actuates all the code levers corre sponding to the sensing fingers whose select fingers, or interponent members, are projected into its path, all other code levers remaining stationary.

These and other features of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic elevation of an assembly of ten reperforators and one reader, or sensing device;

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the assembly shown in Fig. 1; in this figure, as in Fig. 1, the code tapes are turned degrees from their actual positions shown in Fig. 12;

Figs. 3 and 4 are left and right end views of the assembly schematically shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 5 constitutes a sectional view taken across one reperforator and across the reader, or sensing device schematically shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In this figure the apparatus is illustrated in its normal, or unoperated condition. The reperforator unit, illustrated at the left of the figure, while designated zero reperforator is representative of all ten reperforators indicated schematically in Figs. 1 and 2. The break in the code wire 54 is intended to indicate that nine other similar reperforators, I to 9, as well as the zero reperforator illustrated, are controlled by the single reader, or sensing device shown at the right of the figure;

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 showing the reperforator and reader units in one of their operated positions;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of three reperforator units showing, particularly, the five select levers of each reperforator and their corresponding channel select cylinders, the manually operable means for variably setting the select cylinders, and illustrates the manner in which the latch levers of all reperforators are controlled by the reader through the medium of a common group of code wires;

Fig. 8 discloses a fragmentary section of a primary code tape bearing twenty unsorted code entries symbolized by code perforations. This figure which includes a showing of the numbers which correspond to the code perforations depicted on the tape clearly illustrates how each-of the digits 1 to 9 and zero is represented by two perforations out of a fixed pattern of five. .In this figure only numbers of three'digits are illustrated for purposes of simplicity,-and the digital channels allocated to the units, tens and hundredsdigits ofthe numbers are designated by the letters F, E and D,:respectively;

Fig. 9 shows three groups of rectangles, each rectangle representing a portion of a reperforator'ta'pe. The'three groups illustrate graphically the results of three sorting operations and show how the unsorted numbers of Fig. 8 are arranged on the ten reperforator tapes after each sort;

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of the select lever code. It will be observed that the five select'lev'ers of each of the ten reperforators are characterized by the same code represented by two-holes located in two out of five possible positions and that corresponding code'levers of-each of the ten reperforators are characterized by a 'dilferent code of two out .of a fixed pattern of five. This figure corresponds in part to the showing of Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing graphically the sequence of operations of the various elements of the reperforator and reader units; and

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of two reperforator aunits and a reader, andillustrates how the various rotational elements thereof are driven by a common motor; and

-'Fig.-'13 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 12.

'Before'entering into the detailed description of the structural design and operation of the reader and reperforator units a brief reference will-be made to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, which as previously indicated, are schematic representations of an assembly of tenreperforators and a single reader. Each of the ten reperforators designated 0,4, '2 9, respectivelyyincludes besides'the structure disclosed at the left of Figs.'5 and 6,;a 'tapesupply reel I31! and a tape take-up-reel [3| niounted on suitable shafts. The reader unit similarly is providedwith'a 'tapesupply reel I32 aind'a take-up reel I33. described hereinafter, the reperforator tape 65 'and the readertapeM are fed over theirrespec- --'tive rollers, 'or drums l and 43 in step-by-step manner under control of individual stepping mechanisms. These drums aresubstantially hollow cylinders with equally'spaced rows of holes "corresponding to the spacing and rowsof perforations required for the coded tape. The reader tape 44 constitutes a primary record bear- -lng -a plurality of five digit numbers, symbolized as code'perforations, which have been recorded on the tape in a mixed-up or non sequential ,nu-

"merical order. Each digit, asshown in-Fig. 8 is represented by two perforations chosen out of a =total-of five and each digital position of a number is allocated a channel having fivepossible points in which perforations. may appear. -A: five digit entry on the tapetherefore will consist of five'groups of two perforations extending across the width of the tapeyeach group of perforations being located within the space defining one channel.

The tape perforations are recognized, orsensed :by thexsensing fingers (schematically indicated at 22in Figsil'and 2) of the reader-unit and as 'eachsensingfinger enters a perforation in the reader tape it functionsto effectively couple a "correspondingcode lever Zllwith acommon'oper- As will be more fully the reader .cam 30. In accordance with .a .particular codeentry .on the reader tape therefore, a correspondinggroup of code levers 2.0 1s operated by the cam 30 to exert a pull to the right on a corresponding group of .code wires 54. As will be more fully described hereinafter, the operated code wires selectively prepare .a vcorresponding group of perforating levers 52 (Figs. 5 and 6) in each reperforator unit for operation under control of .a cam Ill, there being one such cam (shown in Fig. 13) for each reperforator. The code wires 54, in effect, constitute mechanical linkages which interconnect the code levers 20 of the reader with corresponding latch levers 60 (Figs. 5 and 6) of each of the ten reperforators, the said latch levers constituting the means whereby the perforating levers of the reperforators are-prepared for operation. The manner in which the prepared perforating levers are operated; the manner in which the selection of aparticular reperforatoris attained; and themanner in which the number sorting operations areperformed will appear from a later description.

It is to be understood that the reader cam 30 and thereperforator cams l0 and 83 (Figs. 5 and 6) are operated .synchronously by a motor H0 (Figs. 2, l2 and 13) through any suitable-gearing. The showings 'ofFigs. l to 4, inc1usive, are entirely schematic andare relied upon merely to provide an over-all picture of the assembly of the gang perforator of this invention and toindicate, particularly, that a group of ten reperforators'is controlled by a singlereader, -or sensing device, and to'illustra'te that this control is exercised wholly mechanically. Figs. 12 and 13 are employed primarily to illustrate the-common driving mechanismfor the reperforator and reader cams 10, 83 and 30. The schematic-figures together with the other figures of the drawings, when considered in the light of the following detailed descriptions afford a complete disclosure of the system embodying the features of the invention.

The reader or sensing device The readeror sensing device of this invention is shown-diagrammatically at the rightof Figs. 5 and 6. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the reader includes twenty-five code levers 2Bwhich-are mounted in alignment on a common shaft-2l, only one of the levers being disclosed in Figs-5 and-6 for reasons of simplicity of disclosure. Each code lever is essentially L- shaped terminating at the junction of its two arms in an integral depending projection having a'hole therein for the accommodation of the shaft 2|. The horizontal arm of the code lever is provided at its extremity with an integral projecting portion having'a hole 33 therein the purpose of which will appear as the description progresses.

For each code lever 20 there is provided a sensing fighter 22 which is essentially a substantially U-shaped rod-like structure fixed to the top of a'supporting-wire 23 many-suitable manner. The'wire 23 is fixed to the reader frame indicated at 2'4 and isnor'mally biased, or pretensioned in a direction towards a common bar 25 which-is formed integrally with the lever 26. The lever 26 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 2? and the bar 25 carriedby'the leverZG extends transversely across-the reader so as to constitute a common abutment for allthe supporting wires 23 and .to normallyrr'estrain the corresponding'sensing fingers 22 against'movementdn their operating diating member 36, :tlie latter being- :controllediaby -75 :rection. It iszto be understood that :thesensing fingers tend to move to the left, viewing Figs. and 6, because of the normal tension given the supporting wires 23. The lever 26 is provided with an integrally formed arm 28 projecting outwardly and upwardly therefrom near the lower extremity thereof. This arm supports the roller 29 which constitutes a follower for cam 30. The cam 3!! is fixed to the shaft 3| and is rotatable therewith.

The sensing finger comprises the lower and longer arm 22'0f the U-shaped rod carried by the supporting wire 23. The upper and shorter arm 32 constitutes an interference or interponent member or select finger which is threaded through the hole 33 in the code lever 20.

A second lever, common to all the code levers 20 of the reader is rotatably supported by the shaft 2| and comprises the horizontal leg 35 and the angularly depending leg 35. The lever leg 35 terminates in a bar 31 which, like the common bar 25, spans substantially the entire depth of the reader so as to serve as a common operating element for all the select fingers, or interponent members 32 of the reader. The lever leg 36 supports a roller 38 which constitutes a follower for cam 30. The rollers 29 and 38 are held in constant engagement with the periphery of cam 39 by springs 39 and 40, respectively.

The forward or left ends of the sensing fingers 22 project slightly through corresponding holes or apertures in the template 4|, which like common bars 25 and 31 may extend the full depth of the reader structure, or sufiicient thereof to accommodate all of the sensing fingers 22.

A shaft 42 parallels and is spaced from the template 4! and carries the reader drum 43 in such a position that the plane of the center transverse axis thereof is coincident with the horizontal plane of the sensing fingers 22, the spacing of the drum 43 from the extremities of the sensing fingers being slightly greater than the thickness of the reader tape 44 which is carried over and propelled by the drum.

A ratchet wheel 45 is formed integrally with or otherwise secured to the end wall of drum 43, disclosed in ,Figs. 5 and 6, so as to be rotatable in unison therewith on the shaft 42. A leaf spring pawl 46 extends vertically from the extremity of the horizontal leg of lever 41 which is rotatably supported by shaft 48. The lever 41 also includes an upwardly angularly extending leg which supports, at its extremity, the roller 49 which constitutes a follower for the cam 30. A coil spring 53 normally biases the lever 41 in such a direction as to insure constant engagement between the roller 49 and the cam 30. The lever 41, pawl 46, and ratchet 45 provide means for stepping the reader drum 43. The pawl 46 is provided with an inwardly projecting portion the end of which normally engages a tooth of the ratchet 45, as shown in Fig. 5. A stop 52 serves as a guide for the pawl 46 during its movements relative to the ratchet 45.

The reader or sensing device operates in the following manner: the reader tape 44 is propelled by the reader drum 43 in consequence of the operation of the stepping lever 41 and its associated pawl 46. This stepping action will be described more fully hereinafter. Suffice it to say at this time that a transverse row of code v the condition illustrated by Fig. 5. It is to be understood that in actual practice there are 8 twenty-five sensing fingers 22 embodied in the reader design elected for illustrative purposes, though but one appears in Figs. 5 and 6. Also that the code tape, as previously indicated, includes five channels each of which provides five possible positions in which perforations may appear. Since the function of the sensing fingers is to explore the code tape for perforations there would be twenty-five such fingers.

For purposes of description it will be assumed that the tape 44 presents to the sensing fingers 22 a transverse row of perforations corresponding to a five-digit number whose hundreds, tens and units digits are 4, 9 and 8 as shown in Fig. 8, which occupy the corresponding channels D, E and F on the tape. It is deemed adequate to confine the description to the functioning of the reader in connection with three digits rather, though it is to be understood that, as illustrated the reader will function to handle numbers of five digits.

As shown in Fig. 8 the digit 4, or the hundreds digit of the number selected for descriptive purposes is represented by a perforation appearing in each of the first and third positions of that portion of the tape allocated to channel D, or the hundreds channel; the digit 9, or the tens digit is represented by a perforation in each of the first and fifth positions of that portion of the tape allocated to channel E, or the tens channel; and the units digit 8 is represented by a perforation appearing in each of the second and fifth positions of that portion of the tape allocated to channel F, or to the units channel. Considering only that portion of the'tape which includes only channels D, E and F, it is apparent that the positions of the perforations therein will determine which of the sensing fingers 22 will function to recognize the code which represents the number 498.

The sensing fingers, as previously indicated, are tensioned by their supporting wires 23 against the common bar 25 which is an integral part of the lever 26. As the cam 30 is rotated under the control of a motor (not shown in Figs. 5 and 6) it first functions to cause lever 26 to rotate on shaft 21 in-a counter-clockwise direction against the restraining influence of spring 39 and to thus move the common bar 25 out of engagement with the supporting springs 23 of all the sensing fingers 22. All the sensing fingers thus tend to move to the left. Only those sensing fingers which encounter perforations in the code tape 44 will move sufficiently to the left to permit the ends of the corresponding select fingers 32 to be projected over the edge of the common member 31 carried by lever 35, all other sensing fingers will be obstructed in their movements by the unperforated portion of the tape. In the case assumed, which involves the digits 4, 9 and 8, six sensing fingers which correspond to the positions of the perforations symbolizing thenumber 498 will be moved to the left sufficiently to render the six corresponding select fingers, or interponent members 32 to project from their respective holes 33 in corresponding code levers 2|] so as to assume positions immediately above the common operating member 31.

As the cam 30 continues its rotation it acts upon the follower roller 38 so as to permit the spring 40 to rotate the lever 36 in a clockwise direction. The horizontal arm of lever 36 is thus raised and engages the projected ends of the six actuated select fingers 22 so as to lift them and thereby effectively couple the corresponding six code levers -w1th the common operating member 31. The lever 36' under the actionofspring 4'0- and through the coupling effected by the selec't fingers 32 moves those code levers 20 which correspond to the sensing fingers which entered the tape perforations, in aclo'ckwis'e direction. A corresponding group of six co'de wires 54' is thereby pulled to the'right against the' restraining influence of spring 51. Thus, as a result of the action ofthesensing fingers on the code tape bearing the code perforations corresponding to the number 498; six code levers 20 are selectively operated to pull acorresponding number of code wires 54 to the right. The functions performed by the code wires 54 will appear from a later description. It is* understood that the-up per extremity of each code lever Zliiispermanent- 1y associated with a corresponding codewire through the medium of a connecting link 55 and that the code wire is normally tensioned by the spring 51 to hold the lever 20 against the stop 56. It will be pointed out in. detail hereinafter that all the code wires 54 serve ten reperforators, one of which is illustrated diagrammatically at the left of Figs. 5 and 6.

As the earn an continues its movement of rotation" it functions through the follower 40 to cause the stepping lever 41 to rotate in a counterclockwise'direction against the action of spring 50. The pawl 46 carried by lever 4'! is thus moved out of engagement with the ratchet wheel and into a position from which-it moves into engagement with the next succeeding tooth of the ratchet wheel when-the cam 39 permits the spring 50 to restore the lever to the position illus- .f

trated in Fig. 5, and to thereby rotate the reader drum one step. It will be understood that the cam 30 is so designed that it functions to permit the levers 25 and 36 to restore before the stepping of the'reader drum-to the next position i=- takes place.

The reperforator mon to all reperforators and that, therefore, eachcode wire is fixedly associated with ten latch members 60, one ineach reperforator. Any one code wire isfixed to the corresponding latch member ineach reperforator.

For each latch memberthere is a corresponding perforation lever 62, allof which are mounted for rotation on the shaft 63 and each has fixedly mounted thereon a punchpin 64. A shaft 65 carries a drum [5 in such a position relative to the aligned punch pins 5-4 that the operating, or perforating ends of the latter occupy a plane which passes through the vertical-axis of the 10 moves the lever 62 in a counter-clockwise direc'-' tion and causes the punch pin carried by the lever to perforate the tapefit.

Each perforating lever 62 extends to the right from the shaft 53 so as to abut a common bar 58 which is formed integrally with the lever 6-9. The lever 69 isrotatably mounted on' the shaft 63 which, as previously indicated; also supports the perforation-levers 62. The lever 59 is controlled irlit's' movements by the cam Til which is mountedon-shaft l1, the right end of the lever carrying a roller '12" which bears upon the periphery of the cam and functions as a cam follower; A coil spring 73 serves'to maintain the roller 12 in constantengagement with the cam lll; The lever K which; with the ratchet wheel I 9 functions to drum. The latching portion of'each latch lever 60 propel the tape drum !5, s'tep by step; in sub= stantia-lly" the same manner as does the pawl 45 step the reader drum 33. A stop it maintains thepaw-l 14 inits ratchet engaging position.

Eachreperforator is equipped with five selector bars" or levers 11-, there being one selector bar for each of the five channels, it being understood that five channels are. required for five-digit numbers, four channels for four-digit numbers, etc. The selector bars 11 of each reperforator are mounted side by side ona: shaft 18 and each selector is provided with anintegrally formed ole-pending arm 19, the lower end of which nor:- mally abuts a common bar carried by the latch lever 8| which, in turn, is mounted on shaft 8.2. The selector barsll extend to the left" of the supporting shaft 18 in superposed relation to the operating cam 83 and a channel selecting cylinder 84 which are rotatably' mounted on the shafts 85 and 86, respectively. A- spring 81* serves to maintain the arm 19 of each selector Tl normally in engagement with the common bar 80. A similar spring 88 serves to maintain the latch lever 8| in the position shown in" Fig. 5. At the left extremity ofeach selector 11 there are provided two holes; These holes occupy two positions across the selector out of a; fixed pattern; of five as clearly indicated by the schematic showingaof Fig. 10; The five selectors of each reperforator have their holes similarly positioned while corresponding channel selectors of the tenreperfora'tors are positioned differently.v For example, and viewing Fig. '7', each of the'five selectors of the zero perfor'ator' has twoholeslocated in the firstand second positions. across the width of the-selectors; each of" the five selectors ofreperforator No. I has two'hole's'lo'cated inthe SBCQnd and-third positions; each of the five selector bars of r'eperforatorNo. 2' has two holes located in the third andfourth positions, etc. Thesev code holesare in accordance'with the fixed two: out of five pattern which is'schematically illustrated in Fig- 10and from which the'numericalcodeis derived. The functions" of these" holes in: the select barsl'l'will appear from a-later description. As iscle'arly showri in- Fig. 'l', each selector" serves" a group" or five latch levers lilland is disposed atright angles thereto; Each' latch lever is provided with an L-shaped projectiorr'flu located near the upper end of the latch Inthe normal position of the latch levers 60 the pro- J'ections SIJ' thereo f are located below' th'e'left ends of their corresponding selectors 'l-T so' as to be out of alignment with the holes 98-ther'eof; Whenthe latch levers are actuated the pro;-eeuons ao mereof are moved into vertical alignment withtheir corresponding selector holes 98* so as to occupy positions which permit the selector holes to be entered thereby when the selectors are operated as will be more fully described hereinafter. The purpose of these projections and of the corresponding selector holes is to render possible the selective operation of the reperforators.

The selector cam, or cylinder 84 of each reperforator is common to all five selectors H and is provided with five fiat portions, one for each channel. The fiat portions are disposed 72 degrees apart in spirally staggered relation on the cylinder periphery sorthat the cylinder may be rotated to occupy any one of five positions, in each of which it presents one fiat surface to the undersurface of a different one of the five selectors IT. The setting of the channel-selecting cylinders of the ten reperforators is attained through the medium of a shaft 92 having a hand crank 93 mounted on one end thereof and a pair of beveled gears 94, 95 for each reperforator. The gears 94 are mounted on the common shaft 92 and the gears 95 are mounted on individual shafts 86. The channel-selecting cylinders are employed in a sorting operation which will be described in detail hereinafter.

Reperjorator operation The reperforator operates in the following manner, it being understood that its function is to repeat, or reproduce on a code tape 66 the code perforations of the reader tape 44. In the description of the operation of the reader, or sensing device of this invention it was described how six reader code levers 20 were operated as a result of a corresponding number of sensing fingers 22 entering the perforations in the reader tape 44 corresponding to the code representing the numeral 498. In response to the operation of the code levers 20 a corresponding number of code Wires 54 were pulled to the right against the action of coil springs 51. Considering only the operation of the reperforator shown at the left of Figs. and 6 at this time, a corresponding number of latch levers B0 are caused to rotate clockwise on the shaft 6! under the action of the code wires 54. The projections 90 of the actuated latch levers are thus moved directly under the area of their respective selectors 11 which is allocated to the code holes 98, Fig. 10, by means of which the selection of one out of ten reperforators is determined. Similarly, the lower, or latching ends of the operated latch levers 60 are moved from under the left ends of corresponding perforating levers 62 thereby rendering such perforating levers available for operation. All other latch levers 60 maintain their normal positions relative to their corresponding perforating levers 62 and thus preclude the operation of such perforating levers. The force which causes the punch pins 62 to pierce the unperforated tape 65 is furnished by the coil spring 61 which is normally distended as shown in Fig. 5.

In the unoperated position of the perforating levers 62 the right-hand extensions thereof rest against the lower edge of the common bar 68 of the cam lever 69 which is controlled by the cam 10. The cam 10, mounted on shaft H is motordriven and, as it rotates it permits the cam lever 69 to rotate counter-clockwise under the action of coil spring 13. This movement of the cam lever 69 lifts the common bar 68 so as to free the perforating levers 62 for counter-clockwise movement under the action of their respective springs 61. Obviously, only those perforating levers whose corresponding latch levers 60 have been operated are free to so move. The punch pins 64 carried by the selectively operated perforating levers 62 are thus forced into the paper tape 66 to perforate the same in accordance with the levers 62 which were operated, which obvious- 1y, is in accordance with the code perforations in the reader tape 44 which, as described, determine the selective operation of the perforating levers -62 of the reperforator.

The selector The selection of one reperforator out of ten and also the recognition of one channel out of five are effected in the following manner:

The paper tape, as previously indicated, is capable of recording five-digit numbers, 00,000 to 99,999, inclusive. The five-digit number requires five groups of code wires 54, there being five code wires serving each digital position of a number. The mechanism employed to select one reperforator out of ten consists of the five selectors l1 and a common latching lever 8|. The left ends of the selectors T! are each provided with two holes as previously described, which holes are a selection from a fixed pattern of five possible positions. Since there are ten different combinations of two holes each that may be selected from this fixed pattern of five, a selection of one out of ten reperforators is possible, each reperforator being characterized by selectors having two holes spaced differently across their widths.

When the code wires 54 pull on the upper ends of the latch levers 60 the projections thereof are moved to positions in which they are in vertical alignment with the area of the selectors 11 in which the identifying code holes 98 appear. When the motor-driven cam 03 rotates so as to render the selectors 11 available for movement in a counter-clockwise direction about shaft 18 under the influence of springs 81, those selectors whose code holes are in alignment with the projections 90 of the operated latch levers 60 will respond to the influence of the springs 81 and will rotate counter-clockwise so that the projections 90 of the latch levers will enter the corresponding holes 98. All other selectors whose holes do not register with projections 90 will be blocked. If, for example, the number appearing on the reader code tape is a five-digit number whose units digit is zero the two code Wires individually designated by the numeral 54 in Fig. 7 will be pulled to the right causing the displacement of the corresponding latch lever-s 60 of all ten reperforators. However since the selector ll of only the zero reperforator has its code holes in the positions which register with the projections 90 of the actuated latch levers, only this selector will move downwardly under the action of its spring 81 when the cam 83 is rotated. All corresponding selectors ll of reperforators Nos. 1, 2, etc., will be blocked since the projections 90 of the actuated latch levers 60 thereof do not register with the identifying code holes of the selectors thereof.

When the other end of the select lever 11 of the zero reperforator, for example, moves 13' downwardly, its extension I9act's u onthecom mon bar 80 of the latch 8| causing theunlatching of thelever 69. This allows the lever 6'9 of the selected reperforator tofollow the rotating cam I and to thereforerotatein a counterclockwise direction on the shaft (53 under thei'm fluence of spring IS. The common bar 68Jisthus raised to clear all the perforating" levers 52 for operation. Only those perforating 1eve'rs6'2 will operate, however, whose corresponding latch levers 60 have been operated. The operation of the selected perforating levers under the action of their corresponding springs 61 causethe' corresponding punch pins 62 to perforate the-tape B6. The lever 69 also moves the-stepping pawl 14' into position to engage the nextsucceeding;

tooth in ratchet wheel I so that, when the lever 69 returns to normal position the pawl I4 functions to step the tape drum I5 one step.

As previously indicated, particularly on column 6, lines 24 to 28, the reader cam 3Ii and' thereper forator cams Iii and 83 are operated synchronously by a motor IIG through suitable gearing; How this may he accomplished is clearly illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. The motor HIP-is shown mounted-on a shelf -lik-e support IEtwhich, in turn, is mounted on the vertical support I55 by suitable screws or bolts I52. Through the medium of a belt- I 53 the motor shaft is coupled toa common drive shaft I54 which is horizontally supported on the reperforator sidepieces I5! and the reader side-piece i55-through the medium of suitable bearings 555 which are suitably rigidly supported on the side walls I?! and I56. The right extremity of shaft le carries a bevel gear 55'! which is in constant mesh with a similar gear I58-carried on oneend of the shaft I59. The other end of shaft I53 mounts abevel gear Hill which is. in constant mesh with a'simi lar gear I5! mounted on therea'der shaft 3!.

' cam 35 is caused to rotate through: the: inter action of gears I51, I58, ltdand. ISI. At each reperforators position the shaft" I54 ca-rriestwo bevel gears I63 and 554. They former communicates with the bevel gear 5 65: which is fixed to cam shaft 85 through suitable gearing. indicated at IE5, The bevel gear I94 communicates directly with a similar gear I6'I which is mounted on cam shaft II. The shaft 85-supports the-reperforator cam 83-: while shaft II supports: the reperforator. cam "It. Thus, as the commonshaft I54 is driven by themotor I It! the reperforator cams 33 and I0 and'also the reader oamztfi ro' tate at synchronous'speeds. The means. shown for rotating the reperforator and reader cams under control of the motor I I 6 is by. way; of illustration only.

Sorting As hereinafter stated,.a primary tapeincludes a multiplicity of code entries each represcntinga" five-digit number, and these entries are not arranged on the tape in numerical order, or sequence, but appear in mixed-up,- or jumbled fashion. In Fig. 8 a fragmentary section of. a primary tape is illustrated showing a plurality of-code perforations, each transverselineof which represents the last three-digits of a number. As illustrated, the numbers representedby the code perforations are not arranged innumerical order. As a result of sorting operations corresponding ifinumberto the. number of digits in the'numf "here; the. entries'may' be caused to appear,

code; in numerical order on tendifierent tapes;

The sorting of the code entriesis effected-by passingthe primary tape throughthe reader, or sensing. device, so. as to. control the operation of the ten reperforators in'the'manner previously dcscribed. It will be understood that, priortoj the starting'ofthe operation of thereader-and reperforators by th'etclosure of a suitable switch in the circuit of motor I I0, a blank or unperforated end of the reader tape will have been passed over'the reader drum43 and secured-in anywellknown manner to the take-up reel I33. Similar- 1y, any'well-known' means may be employed to open the: motor circuit when the entirereader t'ap'e has passed through the reader.

The following description deals with the sortmg? of three-digit'numbersonly, it'being understood that the number of. sorts is determined by the number of digits in the entries. For ex-' ample, five-digit numbers require five sorts, four digitnumbers require four'sorts, etc. The sorting is done" by channels or' digital positions, that is; the first sort is controlled by the units digit, the second sort by the tens digit, and so on. In order to sort in the units channel it is necessary, thatthe'selecting cylinders 84 of the ten reperforations be so positioned that each presentsa fiat surface to the undersurface of the selectors I1. which correspond to the units channels. In the disclosure in Fig. '7 the selecting cylinders are illustrated in the positions in which they present flats to the undersurfaces of their re"- spective units channel selectors 11 so that when the primary tape is passed through the reader; or sensing device, the sort will be madein' the unit's channel. In the illustrated example, Fig; 8;. the first numeral code encountered by the sensing fingers. of the reader is that which corresponds to the number 498 so that the No. 8 reperforator alone will respond selectively to'the reader control to cause the numeralv 498 to be reproduced, in code, on the tape of theNo'. 8 reperforator. As illustrated inFigs. 8 and 10, the. digit. 8 is represented by two perforations occupying the second and fifth positions in the fixed five-space pattern. The selectors 'I'I of're= perforator No. 8, therefore, will have their code holes 98 located in the second and fifth positions; so that reperforator No. 8 will be the only one of the ten reperforators to reproduce the numeral encountered by'the sensing fingers of the reader, as will now be described.

When the code perforations corresponding to the numeral 493 is encountered by the sensing fingers 22 of the reader (Fig. 5), six code levers 29, or two code levers in each of three groups cor responding to channels F, E, D, respectively, are operated. The second and fifth code levers 20 of the group corresponding to the units channel P will be operated as will also the first and fifth codelevers 2!) of the group correspondingtoi the tens channel E, and the first and third, code levers 20 of the group corresponding to' the" hundreds channel D. The six code levers 2U-thu's' operated pull the corresponding six code wires 54 to the right causing corresponding latch levers S0 in each of the ten reperforators to assume positions in which the projections thereof are located directly under the ends of the selectors II bearing the code holes98. Since-the selectors 'I'I- of. only reperforator No. Z3 have code holes corresponding to the units. digit. 8 and, therefore, which are now in alignment with the Nos. l to 9, inclusive.

15 latch lever projections 90, only these selectors of channel F will be able to follow the cam 83 as it rotates. The selectors of all other reperforators being blocked will be unable to follow their respective earns 83. Assuming the reperforator shown in Fig. to correspond to the N o. 8 reperforator for purposes of the immediate description, the selector H, in following the cam 83, under the action of spring 8'; causes the latch lever 8| to operate so as to free the cam lever 69 and to thereby permit it to follow the cam under the action of spring 13. The common bar 68 is thus lifted, as cam 10 rotates, to clear all the perforating levers 62 of the N0. 8 reperforator for operation. However, only those perforating levers whose latch levers 60 have been operated under control of the reader will be free to operate. The springs 61 of such perforating levers then function to cause the associated punch pins 64 to perforate the tape 66. In this manner the tape of the No. 8 reperforator is perforated so as to reproduce the code perforations of the primary'tape corresponding to the number 498 and no other reperforators will operate at this time.

As the primary tape 44 is fed through the reader due to the stepping action of pawl 46 on the ratchet wheel 45 in a manner previously described, the next number encountered by the reader sensing fingers 22 is 244. Since the selectors T1 of reperforator No. 4 are the only selectors having code holes corresponding to the digit 4 which is the digit of the channel in which the sort is being undertaken, only the uppermost selector 1'! of the reperforator No. 4 will have its two code holes 98 in registry with the projections 90 of the operated latch lever's 60 of channel F. This selector is the only one therefor that will follow the cam 83 thereof. Consequently, only reperforator No. 4 will function toreproduce on its tape, in code perforations, the number 244 encountered by the sensing fingers 22 of the reader.

It is deemed unnecessary to describe in detail how each of the reperforators selectively functions to record the remainder of the numbers disclosed, by way of example, in Fig. 8. Suifice it to say that reperforator No. i will record the number 527; reperforator No. 2, the number 342; reperforator No. 5, the number 036; the zero reperforaior, the number 760; reperforator No. 6, the number 216; reperforator No. 9, the number 609;. etc. The individual repcrforator tapes are represented by the first set of rectangles in Fig. 9 and show the numbers recorded thereon as the result of the first sort by units. It will be noted that all numbers having the same units digit are recorded on the same tape. For example, the numbers 760 and 910 are recorded on the tape of the zero reperforator; the numbers 871 and 101 are recorded on the tape of reperforator No. I etc.

. The next sorting is done in the tens column, that is, the second sorting operation is controlled by. the tens digits of the numbers recorded on the individual reperforator tapes. In this sorting operation the individual reperforator tapes resulting from the first sort are passed consecutively through the reader, that is, the tape of the "zero 'reperforator is passed through the reader first and is followed by the tapes of the reperforators Since the second sorting is done in accordance with the tens digits, or

.in channel E, the hand crank 83 is turned until aflat surface on each of the selecting cylinders 84 is, presented to the underside of the selectors 11 corresponding to channel E. Rotation of the crank 93 to cause the select cylinders 84 to rotate clockwise through 72 degrees from the position they occupy in Fig. 7 will result in the required setting of the cylinders for sorting in the tens, or E channel.

It is believed unnecessary to describe in detail the operation of the reperforators during the second sorting since it is identical with that given above in connection with the first sorting operation except for the setting of the select cylinders just described. It need be said only that asa result of passing the ten individual reperforator tapes obtained from the first sort through the reader consecutively, there are obtained ten new individual reperforator tapes each of which bears, in code perforations, those numbers having the same tens digit. For example, and as indicated in Fig. 9, the tape of the zero reperforator bears the numerals 101 and 609; the tape of reperforator No. l bears the numerals 910 and 216; and

so on.

Since it has been elected, for simplicity of description, to deal with three digit numbers only,

' a third and final sort is necessary which is done the selector H of each reperforator corresponding to channel D, and the individual reperforator tapes obtained from the second sorting operation are passed through the reader consecutively. As a result of this third sort there are obtained ten new tapes each of which bears those numerals (in code) which have the same hundreds digit, and the numbers on the tapes are arranged in numerical order. For example, and as shown in Fig. 9, the tape of the zero reperforator bears, in code, the numerals 025 and 036; the No. I reperforator tape bears the numerals 101 and 151; etc.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that the unsorted, or jumbled entries on the primary tape 44, as a result of the three sorting operations have been brought together and arranged in numerical order. The foregoing description deals only with numbers of three digits. It is clear that as the number of digits increases the number of sorts required will increase correspondingly.

The description of the operation of the sensing device and reperforators of this invention thus far has not dealt particularly with the sequence in which the various elements of the devices perform their functions. It is thought that this phase of the description may be better handled by enumerating the various steps performed during a complete cycle of operation in order of their occurrence. To further set forth the sequence of operation, Fig. 11 of the drawing is offered as a diagrammatic representation of the sequence in which the moreimportant steps in the cycle are performed.

The sequence of operation (1) The reader pins or sensing fingers 22 enter the code perforations in the reader tape 44.

(2) The code levers 20 operate.

(3) The select lever 1'! operates and receives the projections of the latch levers 60 in the 7 code holes 98.

(4) The perforating levers 62 operate and cause levers ll restore to normal.

the reperforator punch pins to perforate the tape 66.

() The perforating levers 62 and the select While the perforating levers restore, the reperforator stepper spring is tensioned.

(6) The reperforator stepper pawl 14 operates and the code levers 20 restore.

('7) The reader pins or sensing fingers 22 restore and the reader stepper spring is tensioned.

(8) The reader drum 43 is stepped to the next position.

The operations performed by the apparatus disclosed on the drawings are fully mechanical. That is, the code which the sensing fingers of the reader detect is mechanically transmitted to the latch levers 60 of the reperforators and the selection of one out of ten reperforator units is made mechanically.

If it is desired to nullify the reperforator selecting feature of the present invention in order to permit all reperforator units to perforate their respective tapes simultaneously for gang reproduction this may be accomplished by providing each reperforator with an electromagnet H4 which may be energized from any suitable source of current in any convenient manner. The energization of magnet H4 removes the latch lever 8! from its normal latching position relative to the cam lever 69 and removes the common bar 80 from contact with the arms 79 of select levers Tl. Thus the selected perforating levers 62 of all ten reperforators will be free to operate, it being understood that all ten magnets H4 would be energized when simultaneous operation of all reperforator units is desired. While it is indicated that each reperforator be equipped with a magnet such as magnet I I4 it is to be understood that a single magnet may be employed to control all ten latch levers 8|. Wire connections between latches 8| of the ten reperforators similar to the wire connections between the latch levers 66 may be resorted to and controlled by a single magnet if desirable.

Similarly all reperforators may be blocked for inspection, maintenance or other purposes by the operation of a magnet H6 in each reperforator unit. The magnet H6 controls a lever H5 which when operated moves its common bar II! to the left thereby preventing the operation of the select levers Tl. Again these magnets may be individual to each of the reperforators or a single magnet may be utilized for gang operation.

Should it be desirable to stop the reader drum 43 for inspection, maintenance, or other reasons, this may be accomplished by means of an electromagnet 20 which, when energized, disables the reader stepping lever 41 which carries the stepping pawl 46. The electromagnets H4, H6 and I20 are not required in the normal operation of the sorting mechanism, which is wholly mechanical.

What is claimed is:

1. In a combined code sorting and reproducing mechanism by means of which multidigit entries, whose different digits are each symbolized by a difierent pattern of perforations on a recording medium to be sensed by a reading device, are selectively reproduced on the recording media of a plurality of reperforators, means controlled by the reading device in accordance with the digital patterns of an entry read by the reading device for preparing all the reperforators for operation to reproduce the digital patterns of the entry read, individual means at each of the reperforators for detecting a different one of the digital patterns of which an entry may be composed to the exclusion of all others, and means controlled by said detecting means and responsive to the detection thereby of a particular digital pattern for causing the operation of the corresponding reperforator.

2. In a combined code sorting and reproducing mechanism by means of which multidigit entries, whose different digits are each symbolized on the code tape of a reading device by a different pattern of perforations, are selectively reproduced on the tapes of a plurality of reperforators, individual means in each reperforator operable in combinations corresponding to each of the digital patterns of the entries read by the reading device, means controlled by the reading device for operating the said individual means of all the reperforators in combinations corresponding to the digital patterns of the entries read by the reading device, individual means at each of the reperforators for detecting the operation of a diiferent combination of said individual means corresponding to a different particular one of the digital patterns of which a multidigit entry may be composed, and means controlled by the detecting means of each reperforator and responsive to the detection thereby of the operation of a particular combination of said individual means for causing the operation of the corresponding reperforator.

3. In a combined code sorting and reproducing mechanism by means of which multidigit entries, whose different digits are each symbolized on the code tape of a reading device by a different pattern of perforations, are selectively reproduced on the tapes of a plurality of reperforators, means controlled by the reading device for preparing all the reperforators for operation to reproduce the digital patterns of the entries read thereby, said means including latch levers which operate in combinations corresponding to the digital patterns of the entries read by the reading device, and means for rendering each of the reperforators selectively responsive to reproduce only the code entries read by the reading device which contain a digital pattern individuall characteristic of each reperforator comprising means individually characterizing each of the reperforators in accordance with a different digital pattern and cooperating with the latch levers of the associated reperforator to detect an operated combination thereof corresponding to the characterizing digital pattern, and means controlled thereby for causing the operation of the corresponding reperforator.

4. In a combined code sorting and reproducing device by means of which multidigit entries, whose different digits are each symbolized on the code tape of a reading device by a different pattern of perforations, are selectively reproduced on the tapes of a plurality of reperforators, means controlled by the reading device in accordance with the digital patterns of an entry read by the reading device for preparing all the reperforators for operation to reproduce the digital patterns of the entry read, means individual to each reperforator for detecting a different controlling digital pattern occurring in any digital position of the entry read, manually operable means for setting the detecting means of all the reperforators so as to cause them to detect the controlling digital pattern when in a particular digital position of the entry, and means responsive to the detection of a controlling digital pattern in the 19 said particular digital position by the detecting means of any of the reperforators for rendering. the corresponding reperforator operable.

5. In a combined code sorting and reproducing mechanism by means of which multidigit entries, each of the different digits of which is symbolized. on the code tape of a reading device by adifferent pattern of perforations, are selectively reproducedon the tapes of a plurality of reperforators, a plurality of tape p-erforators for each reperforator, means individualto each tape perforator for preparing it for. operation, wholly mechanical means controlled by the reading device in accordance with the digital patterns of an entry read by the reading device for simultaneously operating the tape perforator preparing means of all reperforators in combinations corresponding to the digital patterns of an entry read by the reading device whereby a corresponding combination of. said tape perforators in each reperforator is prepared for operation, individual means at each reperforator for detecting. the operation of acombination of the tape perforator preparing means thereof corresponding to a particular controlling digital pattern of the entry read by the reading device,vand means controlled by said detecting means and responsive to the detection thereby of the operation of a combination of tape perforator preparing. means corresponding to the said particular controlling digital pattern for rendering the corresponding reperforator operable.

6; In combination,.in a combined code sorting and reproducing mechanism, a device for reading multidigit entries of a code tape, each different digit of an entry being symbolized: on the. tape by a different pattern of perforations, a reperforator comprising a detecting level having apertures therein arrangedto simulate a. particular digitalpattern of an. entry on thetape of said reading device, latch levers having projections. 7

normally out of alignment with the apertures in said detecting lever, means controlled by the reading device when reading, an entry'containing. the digital patternsimulated by. the apertures. of said detecting lever for operating; a corresponding combination ofsaid latch levers. whereby. the projections thereof are moved into. alignment with the: perforations in said detecting leven.

means. for; operating said: detectinglever. to; cause.

the aperturesxthereof toiregister with.the aligned projections of the operated latch. 1evers,.. means for operating said reperforatonandmeans re.- sponsive to the registering of the detecting lever apertures with the latchlever projectionsifor en.- aoling said reperforator operating means.

7. In a combined sorting and code reproducing system, means: for reading: perforated records.-

containing entries symbolized. thereon. as code perforations, said means including a plurality'of code levers and: means for operating. said code: levers in combinations corresponding to. the code in'gxmeans is actuated through the mediaof said lever normally; blocking. the corresponding, per-- the said perforating lever against operation; and:

code wires to unlatch a corresponding, combina-- tion of perforation levers in each of said reperforators, means in each of said reperforators for detecting the operation of a different combination of said reader code levers; andmeanscon trolled by the detecting means for causing, theoperation of the unlatched perforating levers: of the corresponding reperforator.

8. In a combined sorting and code reproducing mechanism, means for reading perforatedrecords containing entries symbolized thereon by perforation patterns, said entries representing multidigit numbers and said reading. means including a plurality of code levers and means for operating the code levers in combinations corresponding to the digital patterns of the entries read by said reading means; a plurality of? reperforatorseach including individual perforating levers corresponding in number. to the number of code levers in said reading means, means'for preparing each of said perforating levers for operation, amechanical linkage connecting each code lever of said reading means with a corresponding preparing; means'of each of said reperforators whereby a combination of perforating leversin each reperforator corresponding to the combinationof code levers operated in said read-'- ing. means=isprepared for operation, and meansforrendering the perforating levers of each of ranged to simulate the digital pattern of a par-- ticular digit, means associated with the preparing means of each reperfora-tor and adapted to register with the apertures of the corresponding detecting levers when the entry read by saidreading means-contains the digital pattern simulated by; the said apertures,. and means? controlled by said detectinglevers when the apertures'thereof register.- with said last-mentioned. means. for causing. the prepared perforating levers of the corresponding reperforatorto-operate;

9: In a-. reperforating. system,. a code tape reader. comprising. a tape having code perforationstherein, a plurality of code levers and means for operating said code levers in com.- binations corresponding: to the code perforations. in said tape; aplurality of. reperforatorsl each comprisingperforating levers. corresponding in.

number to: the numbersof. code levers. in said reader and a latch lever for each of said. perforating; levers normally positioned relative to its corresponding perforating lever so asto block means comprising mechanical linkages connecting; each ofthe code leverssof said reader with a corresponding latch. lever-'of each'of saidreperforators whereby a combination of latch levers in.- eachof i said reperforators corresponding to the combination of code levers operated by said reader operating meanszis actuated to unblock a corresponding combination of perforating. levers'in. each of saidreperforators.

means; for; operating. said code levers in: com-'' binations corresponding to. the: code perforations in saidtape; aplurality of reperforators-- each comprising perforating-t levers corresponding ina. number'to the; number of code levers: in: said? reader; andsa: latch lever: for each: perforating forating lever against operation; a code wire connecting each of said reader code levers with a corresponding latch lever in each of said reperforators whereby a combination of latch levers in each of said reperforators is operated in response to the operation of a corresponding combination of said reader code levers to unblock a corresponding combination of perforating levers in each of said reperforators, and means mechanically cooperating with the latch levers of each of said reperforators for causing the operation of the unblocked perforating levers of the corresponding reperforator.

11. In a code reader, a record bearing perforations symbolizing code entries, a plurality of code levers, an operating device for said code levers normally in uncoupled relation thereto, sensing fingers corresponding in number to the number of said code levers, means for causing said sensing fingers to explore said record for code perforations, and means individual to each of said sensing fingers responsive to the finding thereby of a perforation in said record for coupling the corresponding code lever with said operating device.

12. In a code reader, a record bearing perforations symbolizing code entries, a plurality of code levers, a common operating device for said code levers normally in uncoupled relation thereto, sensing fingers corresponding in number to the number of said code levers, means for causing said sensing fingers to explore said record for code perforations, and means responsive to the finding of a code perforation in said record by any one of said sensing fingers for coupling the corresponding code lever with said common operating device comprising a select finger carried by each of said sensing fingers and adapted to be interposed between the corresponding code lever and said common operating device when the sensing finger finds a code perforation in said record, and means for operating said common operating device whereby said common operating device functions to operate the said code lever through the medium of the interposed select finger.

13. In a code reader, a record bearing perforations symbolizing code entries, a plurality of code levers each having an apertured projection, a common operating device for said code levers movable in front of the apertures in said code levers, sensing fingers corresponding in number to the number of said code levers, a select finger fixed at one end to each of said sensing fingers and having its other end freely disposed within the aperture of a corresponding code lever, means for causing said sensing fingers to move towards said tape to explore it for code perforations and to continue to move in the same direction when code perforations are encountered thereby, whereby the said select fingers experience a similar movement and those select fingers corresponding to the sensing fingers which encounter code perforations are projected outwardly from the apertures in their corresponding code levers and into the path traversed by said common operating device, and means for operating said common operating device whereby the ends of the projected select fingers are engaged by said common operating device to transmit the movement thereof to corresponding code levers.

14. Devices for reading and selectively transferring to one of a plurality of recording media a plurality of multicharacter entries, comprising sensing means for the whole of a multicharacter entry, recording means for each recording hiedium for recording a multicharacter entry, and wholly mechanical means interconnecting the sensing means and the recording means of each recording medium controlled by the sensing of each multicharacter entry to limit the recording of that entry selectively in accordance with less than the whole of the characters of the multicharacter entry.

15. Devices for reading and selectively transferring to one of a plurality of recording media a plurality of multicharacter entries in which the characters have denominational and positional values comprising sensing means for the whole of a multicharacter entry, recording means for each recording medium for recording a multicharacter entry, and wholly mechanical means interconnecting the sensing means and the recording means of each recording medium and controlled by the sensing cf each multicharacter entry to limit the recording of that entry selec tively, first, in accordance with characters of one position only and, secondly, to a single recording medium designated by the denominational value of said individual characters.

16. In combination, means for sensing record strip borne indicia corresponding to and repre senting successive multicharacter entries in which characters have an individual significance and a positional significance, recording means for recording said multicharacter entries upon other record strips selectively according to the designated individual characteristics of characters in one position only, and mechanical means interconnecting the sensing means and the recording means for controlling the recording means selectively to inhibit recording by recorders undesignated by each individual character of said one position.

17. In combination, means for sensing record strip borne indicia corresponding to and representing successive multicharacter entries in which characters of different individual designations may be located in one position of the multicharacter entries, and recording means controlled wholly mechanically by said sensing means for recording identical entries upon one of several recording strips selectively according to the individual characters of their successive entries in a selected position, and common drive means for driving said sensing and recording means isochronously step by step to sense and rerecord each successive multicharacter entry.

18. In combination, means for sensing record strip borne indicia corresponding to and representing successive multicharacter entries in which characters of different individual designations may be located in one position of the multicharacter entries, and recording means for recording similar entries upon one of several recording strips selectively according to the individual characters of their successive entries in a selected position, settable means settable to any one of a number of conditions equal in number to the number of characters in the multicharacter entries, and means controlled in each condition of said settable means for establishing the selectivity of the recording means to control by characters of a particular position of said multicharacter entries.

19. In combination, a mechanical sensing device for reading code holes representing multidigit numbers, recording devices for recording code holes representing identical numbers on record media, and means including mechanical interconnectionsbetween saidzsensing device'and said recording devices wherebynumbers having a particular dig-ital value a particular digital sensed by a reading device, the combination of a reading device, a plurality of reperforators, mechanical linkages interconnecting said reading device and said reperforators for preparing the reperforators to reproduce the digital patterns sensed by the reading device, means for conditioning each of said reperfcrators to reproduce on its recording tape only those entries sensed by said reading device which contain a particular digital pattern in a particular digital position whereby each of said reperforators, when operated, reproduces on its tape only those entries which contain the particular digital pattern in the particular digital position, means for inhibiting said conditioning means whereby all said reperforators, when operated, reproduce on their respective tapes all the entries sensed by said reading device, and means foroperating said reperforators.

21. In a combined code sorting and reproducing mechanism by means of which multidigiten-- tries: are reproduced." on the recording tapesof a" plurality of reperforators, each of the different digits OflWhiCh is symb'olizediby a d'ifierent: pattern of perforations on a recording tape to be sensed by a reading device, the combination of a readingdevice, a plurality of reperforators, mechanical linkages interconnecting said reading device and said reperforators for preparing the reperforatcrs to-reproduce the entries sensed by saidreading. device, means for conditioningeach oi'rsai'd reperforators to reproduce on its tape only thoseentries sensed by said-reading device which contain a particular digital pattern in a particular digital position whereby each reperforator, when operated, reproduces on its tape only entries which contain the particular digital pattern in the particular digital position, means for inhibiting the conditioning means of certain re" perforators whereby saidcertain reperforators, when operated, reproduce on their respective tapes all the entries sensed by said reading device, and means for operatig said reperforators.

RUDOLPH F. MALLINA.

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

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,997,156 Tauschek Apr. 9, 1935 2,031,686 Borel Feb. 25, 1936 2,112,951 Carpenter Apr. 5, 1938 2,180,058 Jones Nov. 14, 1939 2,204,957 Carpenter June 18, 1940

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