US2753792A - Character printing devices - Google Patents

Description

July 10. 1956 F. M. CARROLL ETAL 2,753,792

CHARACTER PRINTING mavxcss Original Filed Nov. 28, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. Ia

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CHARACTER PRINTING DEVICES Original Filed Nov. 28, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 --I FIG.3

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July 10. 1956 F. M. CARROLL ETAL 2,753,792

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ATTORNEY July 10. 1956 F. M. CARROLL E'TAL CHARACTER PRINTING DEVICES Original Filed Nov. 28, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEY EiIiiIkiK y 1956 F. M. CARROLL EI'AL 2,753,792

CHARACTER PRINTING mavxcrzs Original Filed Nov. 28, 1942 7 Sheets-Shoat 7 F'IG.7 I P j United States Patent 2,753,792 CHARACTER PRINTING DEVICES Fred M. Carroll, Bingliamton, and Arthur F. Smith, Endicott, N. Y., assignors to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Yorlr Original application November 28, 1942, Serial No. 467,244. Divided and this application December 21, 1950, Serial No. 202,112

6 Claims. (Cl. 101-93) This is a division of our copending application Serial No. 467,244, filed on November 28, 1942, and issued as Patent No. 2,493,858 on January 10, 1950. Other related divisions are; Serial No. 638,343, filed December 29, 1945, and issued on September 4, 1951 as Patent 2,566,927, for a Card Feed With Planetary Gearing; Serial No. 669,860, filed on May 15, 1946, and issued on October 2, 1951, as Patent 2,569,799 for Oflsetting Sorting Devices for Handling Heading Cards; and Serial No. 664,938, filed on April 25, 1946, and issued on January 1, 1952, as Patent 2,580,729, for Address Printing Under Control of Heading Cards.

The invention relates generally to accounting devices and more specifically to record controlled wheel printing devices for alphabet and numeral printing with zero elimination.

An object of the invention is the provision of better alphabet printing devices with improved zoning controls.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved sensing devices for sensing the record cards more than once in the control of printing. In the usual tabulator, the record cards are sensed by two sets of sensing brushes, but only one of these sets is a print control set while the other is part of a comparing mechanism. In the present case, four card sensing stations are provided, two of which are comparing control stations while the other two are print controlling stations. Through the provision of these means it is possible to print two successive lines of data under control of the same card. It is contemplated having heading cards that will be provided with two areas or zones denoting alphabetical information such as names and addresses, and as such cards pass through the machine they pass the four sensing stations in succession. After being detected as a heading card by one station, the card then controls printing by operation of the same printing mechanism under control of two diiferent zones on the card in cooperation with two different sets of sensing brushes. Thus, it is possible by the placement of two heading cards at the head of the group of related item amount cards, to print a four line heading on a report sheet.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved alphabet printing devices. The alphabetic and numeric type are arranged around a circular type wheel which is constantly rotated. The angular relationship between a rocking arm carrying the type wheels, a platen and a driving gear is so proportioned that, when a wheel is thrown against the platen, a movement is produced which neutralizes the forward motion of the wheel in such a way that the type is stationary relative to the platen when it effects printing.

Another feature involved in the printing controls is the use of a single sensing brush to control the zoning of the type wheel as well as the selection of digital spacing of the type wheel. Cooperating with the alphabet printing devices is a cipher eliminating mechanism for selectively preventing the printing of zeros to the left of the highest significant digit.

2,753,792 Patented July 10, 1956 ice Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the entire machine.

Fig. la shows sample item and heading cards.

Fig. lb shows an example of a printed report sheet.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation view showing the card feeding and sensing devices.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the alphabet printing devices.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation view as seen along line 44 in Fig. 3 and showing the drive gearing and clutch cooperating with the printing control mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 3 and showing the zoning control and cipher elimination mechanisms cooperating with the alphabet printing devices.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged elevation view showing the alphabet zoning and zero elimination control for controlling printing.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation view seen from line '17 in Fig. 3 and showing the ribbon feed mechanism and the automatic reversing devices.

Fig. 8 is a detail elevation view taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 6 and disclosing the controls for manual selection of zero elimination.

Fig. 9 is a sectional plan view taken along line 9-9 in Fig. 8 and showing the zero elimination cross-over devices.

Fig. 10 is a chart showing the zoning and brush impulse selections of the numeral, alphabet and special character types.

The illustrative machine A perspective view of the entire machine is shown in Fig. 1. There it is seen that a case encloses the various operating units of the machine. At the upper left hand corner is a mechanism CF provided to feed and sense the perforated record cards. Extending across the rear of the machine is a portion ACC wherein is held one hundred orders or banks of accumulators assembled in two tiers with fifty separate orders in each tier. Near the center of the machine is a keyboard K upon which is mounted a series of five control keys and a set of nine control switches. At the right side of the machine is an extension containing the printing mechanism identified by the designation PR. Extending from this printing unit is a box containing the main switch SW. At the rear of the printing unit is a platen P holding the record sheet R, the movement of which is controlled by an automatic carriage mechanism AC of the kind shown in Patent No. 2,189,025. Across the front of the machine is a series of door openings for making accessible the parts of the machine requiring changes of record sheets or plugging connections. Door 76 covers a program device and door 77 covers the plugboard. When door 78 is open, a pair of relay gates may be swung outwardly to make inspection of the relays and the wiring connections. A door 79 covering the front of the printer unit PR is opened for access thereto when a change in zero elimination control is desired. Another door 80 located on the right wall of the case 75 is provided to give access to control sheet storage bins and a total impulse distributor.

Perforated record card The three cards illustrated in Fig. in are representative of the difierent cards found in a group relating to an account, a class, or related items having some other common origin. The two lower cards BIG and H2C are heading cards for controlling the printing of alphabet matter, such as name, address, names of merchandise, etc. The top card I is an item card, many of which are associated with each pair of heading cards to carry numerical information regarding number, amount, size, etc. In order that more than one line of alphabet printing may be taken from each heading card, the card is divided into two halves and the sensing mechanism is provided with two print control stations. Usually, as the heading card passes through the Sensing means, one line of alphabet printing may be derived from one half the card, and then later, as it passes through the other sensing station, another line of alphabet printing may be recorded from the perforated information appearing in the other half of the card.

The path followed by the cards in passing throughthe sensing devices may be observed n Fig. 2. There It IS seen that the cards are assembled in a magazine MAG at the left with the heading cards interspersed between related item cards. The cards are picked otf one by one from the bottom of the stack in the magazine and sent across the machine toward the right (i. e. toward the back of the machine when observed from the front) and through a series of four sensing stations lettered A, B, C and D. Each card passes a pair of sensing stations in a single cycle of operation. The brushes at the sensing station A comprises an upper zoning control while the next set of brushes B are devoted to control for printing. The next set of sensing brushes C form another or secondary zoning control, and the sensing devices at D comprise a second printing control station. After leaving the last sensing station D, the cards continue to move toward the right and are picked up successively by a stacker drum S which deposits them in one of two places. The first stacking station OFF is identified as an offset stacking station for receiving the heading cards which are thus segregated from the item cards carried further by the stacking drum S and deposited in the stack ST containing all item cards I.

Referring again to Fig. la, it is noted that the cards each contain eighty vertical rows of index positions, each row having twelve index points, ten of which are allotted to digit representations in the form of perforations and two other upper positions 12 and 11 for zone control or special X and R control perforations. This is the usual Hollerith arrangement of index points on a perforated record. As is usual in machines of this kind, the vertical distance between index points is taken as a measure of machine cycle operation. Many machines have a sixteen point cycle, that is, they feed a card uniformly through the twelve vertical index positions under a sensing device and then have four additional and similar time intervals devoted to control operations.

In the present machine, a cycle of twenty points was found necessary to allow sufficient time for operations other than sensing operations. In one operating cycle of the present machine more than half of the operating time is consumed by the passage of the twelve vertically arranged index points on a record card under the sensing devices, and then eight other intervals of time, similar to that consumed by the passage of a card from one index point to another, are provided for control operations. The feeding motion is accelerated during the last third of each cycle.

In explaining the need for a card feed drive that is not uniform in motion, reference may be made to Fig. 2 wherein by comparison with the twelve points of width of the card it is seen that the card sensing stations A and C cannot be spaced close enough to be within twenty index point positions with respect to one another. In other words, a uniform motion of the cards across the machine under the sensing devices would not conform with the twenty point cycle found desirable for operation of the remainder of the machine. An amount of time greater than twenty intervals would be required to feed a card from station A to station C. Therefore, the card feeding devices are provided with planetary gearing for speeding up the motion of the card and all other cooperating devices during card feeding time other than the perforation sensing time.

The use of planetary gearing is not a provision for getting a net gain of time for each cycle, but rather for a better distribution of the time available; i. e., for getting a comparatively slow card movement while a precise analysis of the index points of the card is taking place, and then, in the last, less critical portion of the cycle, speeding up the card movement.

While the ll and 12 index points of the card are passing under the brush at A, the movement is comparatively slow. Directly thereafter the 9 to 0 index points are sensed by the brush at B and that is also done slowly. However, after the 0 point is sensed at B, then the object is to move the card quickly to the right to bring the ll index point over the brush at station C.

A card is moved with a uniform but decelerated motion under a pair of sets of sensing brushes while the perforations are controlling printing. Then, immediately after this phase of the operation is ended, the same decelerating set of planetary gears cooperates with the driving mechanism to accelerate the card movement and pass through the space leading to the next pair of sets of brushes which is greater than the space equivalent to eight cycle index point intervals remaining in the operating cycle.

Zoning impulse elimination There are times when it .is desired to prevent zoning impulses from emanating at sensing station C. For example, it may be desired to put X perforations in the card at zone positions and read them at some station other than station C. For such impulse eliminating purposes, a set of bell cranks 359 are pivoted on bar 346 above station C. Each bell crank cooperates with the upper end of a related flexible blade 351. The horizontal arm of the crank cams the blade away from strip 348 and then the curved end of the blade retains the crank 359 in the manipulated position. When the crank is grasped and moved back to the position shown, normal zoning control is exercised.

Heading card control As is usual in record controlled accounting, the cards are arranged in related groups so that accumulation and recording of a common kind of information can take place successively. At the head of each group (i. e. at the bottom of the group of cards in the magazine) are placed heading cards BIG and HZC, Fig. In, for recording lines of name, address and other identifying alphabetic data at the top of bills, invoices, etc. These cards are identified by the placement of a special perforation 360 in the 6" index point of the first column. The eighty column capacity of each heading card is divided equally into two parts for separate control to print two lines. One line of print is controlled through the print brushes at station B (Fig. 2), and the second line of print is controlled by the brushes of station D. Thus, it is possible with two heading cards to control four lines of heading print. In order to produce such multiple line printing, the heading cards cause suspension of picker operation in a manner about to be described.

As the first heading card HlC (Fig. la) of a group passes under the first set of zoning brushes 293 (Fig. 2), the brush of the first column senses special perforation 360. This brush is wired in series with a magnet controlling the operation of the picker mechanism and the feed rollers on both sides of brushes 293. The appearance of the first heading card and energization of the magnet causes declutching of the picker feed and card advancing rollers 262, 263, so that the heading card is stopped before entering the first print station 8 (Fig. 2), while the last item card of the preceding group passes through the print station D to control item printing. On the following card cycle (which may be many machine cycles thereafter depending upon the program iniliated by the group change), priming is controlled from the left half of the first heading card as it passes under the print brushes 302.

When magnet H was energized to stop the picker, 3 cooperating contact 251 was closed to call into operation a brush switch for making ineffective print brushes 314 (Fig. 2), while brushes 302 remain effectively connected to the printer.

After the first heading card controls printing from the first print brushes 302, it continues on past the set of print brushes 314 for the purpose of printing another line under control of the right half of the card. The left side of the card is not effective for printing because contacts are opened in series with half the brushes 314 to prevent reprinting the heading information in columns 2 to 40.

The second heading card HZC is detected and stops short of the first print brushes 302 while the first heading card passes under the second set of print brushes. After printing from the first heading card is completed, the second card is started through the first print brushes 302 and the first item card I follows directly thereafter. As the item card passes under the second set of print brushes (i. e. brushes 314), the brushes in all columns 2 to 80 are effective to control printing.

Brush 314 in column 1 is reserved to sense perforations 360 (Fig. la) and control energization of the offset stacker magnet (Fig. 2), so that the heading cards are separated from the item cards. In column 1 of the zone station C is a brush 307 in series with a heading relay for disabling the group control circuits and preventing the three advanced pairs of card feeding rollers from stopping while heading cards are moving therethrough.

Numeral and alphabet printing Reference to Fig. 1 reveals that the printer PR occupies the upper right hand part of the machine. Behind it the platen P carries the record sheet R which is spaced by an automatic carriage unit AC.

The two main printer side frames 148 and 149 (Fig. 3) are fastened at 401 and 402 (Figs. 4 and 5), to the center web 88 of the main frame. The bottoms of the side frames rest on the central core 84 at 403.

As already explained earlier in this specification, the printer operating connections derive their motion from shaft 119 (Fig. 4) and gearing connected thereto. The train of gearing 147, 151, 152, 160 and 159 serves to turn a shaft 158 (Fig. 5) upon which are mounted separate driving gears 405 for rotating the set of one hundred printing wheels 406 which are closely aligned across the unit near the platen P before which an ink ribbon 407 is drawn. Shaft 158 is rotated in a clockwise direction, two revolutions for each cycle of operation of the machine.

Since the teeth of each gear 405 mesh in the spaces ber tween the type faces on the equally sized print wheel 406, the wheel is also constantly rotated in a counterclockwise direction at a rate of two complete revolutions for each cycle of machine operation. The motion of the type wheel 406 is synchronized with the feed of the card and total reading so that an accurate selection of the proper type face is made while the type wheel operator is in motion.

Gears 405 are not directly attached to shaft 158, but each one is cushioned thereon to absorb the shock attending printer operation. Within each gear 405 is a collar 409 feather-pinned to shaft 158. The collar is formed with two slanted shoulders against which press the ends of compression springs 410, the other ends of which are held against the sides of notches in gear 405. A pin and slot connection 411 between the gear and collar limits the extent of resilient relative motion. Since the shaft and collar are rotated in a clockwise direction, gears 158 are driven through springs 410.

Each print wheel 406 is formed with forty type faces arranged as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 6a. There it is noted that three special letter type are interspersed between every pair of the ten digit type faces. in addition to the ten digit and twenty-six alphabet characters, four special characters and are also provided.

The arrangement of characters may be noted by reference to Fig. 10 where it is seen that the ten digit type faces are selected directly by single impulses while the other thirty type characters are selected by combinations of impulses involving the zoning of the type wheel into one of three difierent intermediate positions according to combinations of 11" and 12" perforations sensed singly or in combination. In Fig. 10 the characters are arranged in four rows, the top row comprising the digits selected directly by a single digit impulse, the next row showing those characters selected by one of the ten digit impulses in combination with 1l" and 12 impulses. The third row of characters are those selected by a digit impulse in combination with a 12 impulse and the last row represents the characters selected when an 11" impulse is detected along with any one of the ten digit impulses.

As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 10, there is a lag of slightly more than one cycle point between the time that a digit impulse is detected and the time that the impression is made. This is caused by the manner of operation involving the rolling of the type wheel around its drive in a manner about to be described.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, it is seen that each of the one hundred type wheels 406 is loosely pivoted at 413 on an individual operating lever 414 fulcrumed at 415 on a mounting block 416 fastened between the main printer side frames. These levers 414 are normally drawn towards the left by individual springs 417 attached to the type lever and to a spring holder 418 secured to a stationary bar 419 fastened between the side frames. The stop bar 419 is provided with a cushion 420 against which an extension on lever 414 is drawn by spring 417 to hold the lever in a normal position.

The upper ends of levers 414 are guided by a comb so that, when it is oscillated, the print wheels are carried in accurate registry to print properly spaced across platen P. Cooperating with the upwardly extending spring holding portion of lever 414 is a comb 422 extending across the printer unit. Another comb 423 is formed with a curved base and attached to the side frames in a position to guide levers 414 in a direction which is substantially radial of the center 413 of the type wheels as they are pivoted about center 415. A third guide for levers 414 is provided in the form of a comb 424 secured to an angle iron 425 extending across the unit between the printer side frames. This last mentioned guide cooperates with the center of the levers because they are necessarily made of thin stock and subject to distortion at the center point if not supported as shown.

Levers 414 are rocked in a clockwise direction to throw the print wheels 406 against the platen by a train of connections reaching down to the power roller or operating ratchet 153. Normally disconnected from the ratchet is a shuttle slide 427 with a foot 428 adapted to be placed in the path of teeth on ratchet 153 which is constantly rotating in a clockwise direction. The upper end of shuttle 427 is guided by a pin and slot connection 429, the pin being on the end of a zoning link 430. On the side of the shuttle 427 are out four operating shoulders 431, 432, 433, 434, the upper one of which is normally effective for operation in digit printing. Cooperating with shoulder 431 is a left end of an interposer lever 435, the other end of which is pivoted at 436 to the typewheel carrier 414. Articulated at 437 on interposer lever 435 is a tripping latch 438 formed with a shoulder 439 engaging an extension 440 on type carrier lever 414. The linkage already described is so arranged that when foot 428 of shuttle 427 is placed in the path of operating ratchet 153, it is moved upward and carries interposer lever 435 along therewith, rocking it in a clockwise direction about pivot 436 and pushing upward on extension 440 to rock lever 414 in a clockwise direction about center 415, and pressing typewheel 406 against platen P. Since this is taking place while the typewheel driving gear 405 is-tuming in a clockwise direction, the print wheels 406 will have imparted thereto two kinds of motion, a counterclockwise direction of motion imparted by driving gear 405 and a clockwise component of motion caused by the planetary movement of the wheel about the driving gear at a radius from center 415. The parts are so proportioned, and the speed of operation of shuttle 427 is so regulated, that the two opposite motions influencing the typewheels 406 are neutralized, so that when the typewheels strike the platen, it is stationary with respect thereto. Therefore, although printing is elfected from a constantly operating type member, the impressions are not blurred, because the operating and striking motions of the type member are merged to cause momentary fixation of the striking face at the time of impact.

Tripping latch 438 is held in contact with the extension 440 by spring 441 which is attached to a clip pivoted on interposer lever 435. Abutting the lower edge of this clip 442 is an arm 443 extending to the left of the pivot of lever 414. The connected linkage of the parts 435, 438 is carried between arm 443 and extension 440 so that they are restored when the related lever 414 is restored by spring 417.

The latches 438 and the interposer levers 435 pivoted thereon are held in accurate lateral positions by guiding means provided at both ends of the latches. The upper ends of the hundred latches 438 are guided by a comb 445 secured to the angle iron 425. Another comb 446 engages the sides of the lower ends of latches 438 so that all vertical movements are restricted. The straight upward movement of latch 438 serves to throw it free from the arcuate path of extension 440 and prevent repetitious impressions. Lever 435 and articulated latch 438 drop down and shoulder 439 snaps under extension 440 to restore the parts.

At this point it may be noted that the construction is arranged for quick replacement of type wheels. In Fig. it is seen that the typewheel carrying parts comprising levers 414, 435 and 438 are held in the machine at only one point, that is by shaft 415 in addition to the attachments involving springs 417. Since the typewheel rocking members are separable from the striking mechanism, including the shuttle 427, they may be removed in an upward direction without disturbing the zoning and cipher control mechanisms held on the separate plates 448 situat'ed at the center of the printer unit. Therefore, by merely unhooking springs 417 and withdrawing shaft 415 one or more of the typewheel carriers may be removed, after the ribbon mechanism is removed, to substitute another typewheel with different characters.

Before describing in detail the striking control mechanisms mounted on plates 448, it is believed well to explain how these plates are constructed and held in place across the machine. There are one hundred units of control mechanism. each held on one removable plate such as plate 448. A pair of notched bars 449 and 450 extend across the printer unit between side frames 148, 149 (Fig. 3). Since the notches in bars 449, 450 are aligned and parallel to each other, plates 448 may be slipped into and out of contact therewith. Access is had when the door opening 79 is lowered on case 75.

When a printer control mechanism is slipped into place between bars 449 and 450, it is held in place by a pair of retaining strips 451, 452 secured across the front of the bars and overlapping the edges of the plates 448. A similar pair of retaining strips are held fixed behind bars 449, 450 to act as stops for the insertion of the various denominational order plates in the printing unit. The rear edges of the thin plates 448 are guided and supported by a comb 454 fastened to a rectangular bar 455 extending across the unit. The plates are further supported by another comb 456 attached to the rigid supporting bar 457. Therefore, when the separate denominational printer control mechanisms and plates 448 are assembled in operating positions, they are located and supported by the notches in bars 449, 450 and also held rigid by combs 454, 456. Before pointing out the nature of the mechanisms held by plates 448, it is believed well to describe the manner in which the printer control magnets PMI- PM are suspended at the bottom of the printing unit. As shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the printer control magnets are arranged in six tiers with seventeen magnets extending across the printer unit in the four upper tiers and sixteen magnets in each of the two lower tiers. In Fig. 3 it is seen that the magnets are staggered with relation to a vertical line so that the hundred operating controls may be compressed in the space available. Each tier of magnets is assembled on a separate one of six angular shaped members 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465. Both ends of each of these angle members are attached by screws to a pair of vertical side plates 467, 468 and these side plates in turn are attached to angles 469, 470 attached to the bottoms of the printer side frames 148, 149. The construction is such that the entire magnet holding frame may be removed as a unit by disconnecting it beneath the main side frames where it is normally held by screws fastened upward through angles 469, 470. Cooperating with each of the printer control magnets (Fig. 5) is an armature 472 pivoted on the top of the horizontal lug of the angle irons to which the magnets are secured. Attached to each of the armatures is an extending arm 473 supporting the lower end of a push rod 474 extending upwardly through a perforated guiding angle 475 attached to a plate 476 extending across the magnet unit and attached to the side plates 467, 468. Near the top of the magnet unit is secured a plate 477 holding a raised perforated angle 478 through which the push rods extend and terminate in enlarged operating heads 479. Although one hundred such push rods 474 pass through the upper guiding angle 478, the other guiding angles 475 act only to guide the push rods related to the respective tiers of magpets. The weight of a rod 474 acts to normally retract its armature 472 and press the extension 473 against a stop 480 extending from the bottom of the horizontal lug of the magnet support 460. Whenever a magnet is energized, the related armature 472 is rocked in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 5) and the extension 473 is lifted to raise rod 474 and operate the print controlling mechanism in a manner about to be described.

The simplest form of control is the one wherein a single dim't impulse controls the tripping of the print mechanism to cause the printing of a numerical character. During the time that the digit perforations in a card are passing under the print control sensing brushes, a print controlling bar] 482 (Fig. 6) is rocked in a counterclockwise direction to permit tripping of the print control mechanism. While zoning is taking place this bail is held up to lock the print release devices so that although the printing control mechanism is adjusted, it is not tripped to effect a printing operation. The bail 482 is fastened to shaft 483 (Fig. 4) which extends beyond the left printer side frame and has attached thereto an operating bell crank 484. Carried on one end of crank 484 is an operating roller 485 cooperatingwith a cam 486 attached to shaft 164, the operation of which is already mentioned. A spring 487 tends to rock crank 484 in a clockwise direction and maintains cooperatron between the roller and the cam. Two concentric portions are formed on cam 486, the upper one normally cooperating with roller 485 to hold crank 484 in a counterclockwise direction. When the crank is so held, the bail 482 (Fig. 6) is held in a locking position as shown. As the machine operates, cam 486 (Fig. 4) is rotated in a clockwise direction and roller 485 drops from the upper level to the lower level on cam 486 after the zoning index points have passed. This causes crank 484 to rock in a clockwise direction (counterclockwise when viewed in Fig. 6) so that bail 482 is lowered away from the shuttle control levers 489, permitting movement of the shuttles 427 towards the right into engagement with the operating ratchet 153 as controlled by the print magnets.

Whenever a print magnet is energized by a digit impulse, the related push rod 474 (Fig. 6) is raised and the upper end 479 operates a related magnet lever 490. This lever is pivoted at 491 on the side of plate 448 and is formed with an operating arm 492 cooperating with the lower end of a latch 493 pivoted at 494. The latch has a shoulder 495 overlying a tab 496 extending from the control lever 489 which is pivoted at 497. The upper end of control lever 489 is formed with a pair of extensions 498 embracing the sides of shuttle 427 which is free to slide vertically between said extensions. A spring 499 is drawn between latch 493 and control lever 489 so that the lever tends to rock in a clockwise direction about pivot 497, but it is normally prevented from doing so by the shoulder 495 on the latch. However, when a magnet is energized with a digit impulse (at which time bail 482 is lowered) magnet lever 490 is rocked in a counterclockwise direction and latch 493 is rocked counterclockwise to release control lever 489 and allow movement of shuttle 427 over to the right into engagement with the ratchet wheel 153. The timing of the mechanism is so synchronized that when the digit impulse is directed through the magnet, the corresponding type face on the typewheel is approaching the printing line. Therefore, the tripping movement of the shuttle 427 in an upward direction by operation of ratchet 153, causes striking of the proper type against the platen (Fig. by the rocking movement of the lever 414.

Shuttle 427 (Fig. 6) is held flat against its related plate 448 by a pair of clips 501 and 502 attached to the side of the plate. These clips serve to hold the shuttle into cooperation with pin 429 and in engagement with extensions 498 at the top of control lever 489. It will be observed that during digit printing control, the tripping lever 435 (Fig. 6) is in cooperation with the top shoulder 431 on the shuttle 427. The other three shoulders 432, 433 and 434 come into action when zoning is used for the control of alphabet printing. The printing control parts including lever 490, latch 493 are guided further by studs 504, 505 the enlarged heads of which overlap the flat parts assembled directly against the side of plate 448.

The devices tripped to control printing are restored directly after the action caused by the controlling impulse. Magnet lever 490 is formed with a rearwardly projecting arm 506 normally out of the path of the teeth on the restoring power shaft 164. However, when a magnet is energized and the related lever 490 is rocked in a clockwise direction, arm 506 is dropped into the path of the teeth on shaft 164 and it acts directly thereafter by means 4 of a cam tooth thereon to rock the lever in a counterclockwise direction and move arm 492 towards the left, allowing latch 493 to drop behind the tab 496 on control lever 489 as soon as the shuttle 427 swings back into the home position. Control lever 489 and the cooperating shuttle 427 are restored in a positive manner by the action of bail 482 which rocks in a clockwise direction and swings lever 489 back into the home position in a counterclockwise direction.

The foregoing section of the description of the printing mechanism deals with the control of digit printing. Other mechanisms are provided to zone the printing mechanism so that alphabet characters may be impressed. These devices are designed to pull the link 430 towards the left so that one or the other of the three shoulders 432, 433, 434 cooperate with the end of tripping interposer lever 435 to control alphabet printing. The link 430 has three different degrees of movement, causing movement of upper end of the shuttle 427 towards the left to present one of the three shoulders, thus causing a delay in printer operation resulting in zone selection of one of the three characters interspersed between regular printing positions occupied by digit type faces.

The train of control mechanism is set in action to vary the shuttle position according to the detection of one or both zoning impulses set up by perforations occupying the 11," "12 positions on the record card as shown in Fig. la. Since these two control positions are sensed by the zoning brushes at station A (Fig. 2) or station C, they are initiated before digit impulses are set up at stations B and D. In other words. as the card is passed through the the sensing mechanism, perforations are detected at the "11 and 12" positions in passing through a first sensing station before it reaches station B where the digit impulses are detected in the order 9, 8, 7, etc. In order that three variations in zoning may be had with only two zoning perforations, the mechanism is affected differently according to whether one, or the other, or both, zone perforations are detected.

At the time that the zoning positions are being sensed, bail 482 (Fig. 6) is held in the position shown to prevent shifting of the shuttle and printer operation as a result of zoning control alone. The zoning devices are only set up to have a later influence on the selection of a type face, and the final alphabet type selection awaits initiation of a digit impulse. The blocking action of bail 482 not only prevents movement of the shuttle 427 to an effective position, but it also holds control lever 489 in such a position that latch 493 oscillates idly for zoning control without causing printer operation.

During analysis of the zoning control index points, an 1 1 perforation is detected before a 12" perforation in the card feeding cycle. Upon the detection of an 1 1" perforation, the following sequence of operations is caused. The push rod 474 is lifted and swings magnet lever 490 in a clockwise direction. The tab 509 on lever 490 engages a shoulder 510 on the zoning arm 511 articulated at 512 on the end of one arm of a three armed zoning latch 513. This zoning latch is pivoted at 514 on the side of plate 448 and carries a tab 515 normally engaging a shoulder 516 cut into a zoning selector crank 517 pivoted at 518. The horizontal arm of the selector crank 517 is formed with an extending point 519 and a series of four shoulders 520, 521, 522, 523. Cooperating with this point 519 and the adjacent shoulders is an overturned lug 525 at the bottom end of a zoning lever $26 pivoted at 527. Pivoted thereon at 528 is the link 430 already mentioned as having a pin and slot connection 429 with the upper end of shuttle 427. This zoning lever 526 is formed with a rearwardly extending arm 530 in the path of a bail 531 which is rocked in synchronism with the movement of the zoning control positions past the sensing brushes.

At the beginning of the zoning control operation, lever 526 is positioned in the dotted line condition (Fig. 6) wherein lug 525 appears to the right of extending point 519. Then the selector 517 is free to move up and down to place any of the four shoulders 520 to 523 in the path of lug 525 as lever 526 is released by bail 531. At the time an 11 impulse is initiated the lug 525 still remains to the right of the point 519 so that upward rocking of selector crank 517 is possible to bring point 519 above the path of lug 525 so that further clockwise action of lever 526 will cause the lug to engage against shoulder 520 which is the locator for the positioning of the zoning devices as set up by an 11" impulse.

It is believed well to explain further the action caused by an 11" impulse and the positioning of the zoning mechanism as a result thereof. Starting with the motion of the magnet lever 490, it is already explained that it operates to put tab 509 above shoulder 510. As this happens, arm 511 is rocked by spring 532 to catch the shoulder under the tab. When the power shaft 164 engages under extension 506 of lever 490, arm 511 is pulled down, and the connected zoning latch 513 is rocked in a clockwise direction to move tab 515 away from shoulder 516. This action allows the counterclockwise motion of selector 517 as urged by spring 533 and consequent stoppage of the selector when a second shoulder 534 thereon engages tab 515. As the selector so moves, point 519 rises above the path of lug 525 and places shoulder 520 in its path so that when the zoning lever 526 comes to rest it will hold link 430 so that shoulder 434 on shuttle 427 stands below the end of lever 435, thus allowing three spaces and intervals of time before the shuttle becomes effective to trip the train of printing connections.

The zoning control just described is the first of three zoning control conditions, each of which is effective to cause printing of a different one of the three alphabet characters interspersed between the digit numerals as shown in Figs. 6a and 10. For example, in Fig. 10, it is noted that following the 9 type face on the printer wheel there follows in order the Z, I and R types. Therefore, when a card is presented containing an 11" perforation in addition to the 9 perforation, the zoning controls are set up as already described to carry the printing wheel around three spaces further than usual so that an R is printed rather than a 9.

The second form of zoning control is selected by means of detection of a 12" impulse alone in the zoning area of a record card. When the 12 impulse is initiated, a train of connections are operated, similar in most respects to the sequence of operations caused by the detection of an 11" impulse, as already pointed out. However, the difference in timing is such that lug 525 has passed above point 519 so that selector 517 is no longer able to swing fully in a counterclockwise direction with the result that, although it is released for counterclockwise motion, it is obstructed by the bottom of lug 525 and allowed to rock to such a limited extent that only shoulder 521 is put in the path of the zoning lever 526. The length of time that the 12 impulse is later than the ll" impulse is sufiicient for the lug 525 to pass over the point 519 to cause selective presentation of the shoulder 521. Shoulder S21 is seen to be to the left of shoulder 520 permitting further clockwise movement of zoning lever 526 as urged by spring 536. This results in a longer clockwise stroke of lever 526 and consequent movement of link 430 towards the right to a greater extent than when the 11" perforation control causes the presentation of shoulder 434 under the tripping lever 435. in other words, the shuttle 427 when controlled by 12" impulse is positioned so that shoulder 433 is placed directly under the end of lever 435. Referring to Fig. 10 and the arrangement of characters between the 8 and 9 number type, it is evident that zoning control with a "12" perforation in addition to a 9 perforation would cause the printing of an I.

The third and last variation of zoning control is caused by detection of the two zoning perforations present in the same card column. These perforations cause successive zoning impulses and utilization of the second shoulders 538 and 534 found on arm 511 are selector 517 respectively. Upon the detection of the first or "11" impulse, a sequence of operations is put into effect as already described, with the point 519 rising above the path of lug 525. However, although shoulder 520 stands in the path of the lug 525, it is moved out of the way by operations about to be described, put into effect upon the detection of a second or "l2" impulse. This second impulse causes magnet lever 490 to rock a second time in a clockwise direction to lift tab 509 above the first shoulder 510 and place it above the second shoulder 538 on arm 511. Then as power roller 164 operates through its cam teeth, the magnet lever 490 is rocked counterclockwise and arm 511 is pulled down to a secondary position wherein latch 513 is rocked counterclockwise to allow a second escapement of zoning selector 517. This second escapement moves tab 515 out of the ath of shoulder 534 so that selector 517 is rocked further in a counterclockwise direction to move shoulder 520 out of the path of lug 525 and put the third zoning shoulder 522 in the path of the lug. Since this shoulder 522 is further to the left than third degree of movement of the zoning lever 526 and consequent operation of link 430 to move the upper end 7 of shuttle 427 towards the right to place shoulder 432 under the end of tripping lever 435. This last mentioned shoulder allows only one space interval of motion before the shuttle engages and actuates the printing train of connections. There results a third variation of zoning to print a T as evident from Fig. 10, whenever a 9" perforation is accompanied by both ll and 12" perforations.

The normal position of the shuttle 427 (Fig. 6) is the one assumed to be operative when printing numerals as described hereinbefore. This is the position wherein shoulder 431 is located beneath the end of tripping lever 435. It is the position retained whenever a digit perforation is alone in a column on a record card. When the column of the card is without zoning perforations, then the parts remain as shown in Fig. 6 without the zoning selector 517 being tripped during oscillation of the zoning lever 526. The result is that lug 525 partakes of its full swing of movement, bringing it to the left against the normally presented shoulder 523 which stops the lever 526 in the position shown, with link 430 pushing the upper end of shuttle 427 over to the right to such an extent that shoulder 431 is presented under the end of tripping lever 435.

Parts of latch 513 and selector crank 517 are guided by the enlarged head of a stud 539 projecting from plate 448. The upper end of zoning lever 526 is also guided by an extension on clip 501.

Restoring means is provided to return the tripped zoning controls to a normal position after printing has been ellected. Magnet lever 490 is always restored through the prompt action of the teeth on power roller 164. The zoning arm 511 is restored by a crank 540 operated as an incident to preparation for printing, before printing takes place. It is noted from the position of the parts in Fig. 6 that the print release bail 482 holds the shuttle release lever 489 with the offset shoulder 496 cooperating with one of the arms of restoring crank 540 to rock it in a clockwise direction during zoning so it remains out of direct contact with zoning arm 511, but the connected spring 532 tends to rock the arm into zoning control position. Because bail 482 remains in the position shown during zoning, arm 511 is free to act as a latch and an operator for crank 513 during zoning. However, after the zoning portion of the operation, bail 482 is rocked counterclockwise, and shuttle control lever 489 follows thereafter as urged by spring 499 in a clockwise direction to raise the tab 496 into contact with shoulder 495 in readiness for tripping under control of a digit impulse. This tab 496 serves not only to control the tripping of the shuttle release, but it also cooperates with restoring crank 540 to put arm 511 in a restored position. When tab 496 is lifted, crank 540 is urged in a counterclockwise direction about center 542 by the spring 532 which is drawn between the crank and the upper part of arm 511. l t will be noted that spring 532 is so connected to the two parts that the influence on crank 540 is exerted at a greater leverage so that it counteracts and overwhelms the smaller force exerted by the pull upon arm 511 near the center 512. The result is that both crank 540 and arm 511 are rocked in a counterclockwise direc tion with an upper overturned tab pressing against the top part of arm 511. The two parts move in a counterclockwise direction until a lower extension on crank 540, abuts against a stop pin 541 whereupon the parts are positioned with the lower edges of arm 511 spaced away from the extension 509 on magnet lever 490 to free this lever for oscillating motion when a digit impulse is initiated.

Regarding the actions caused by a digit impulse after zoning, it is well to point out again that the zoning impulses are not effective directly to cause printing, but merely select one of the three shoulders 432, 433, and

434 on the shuttle 427 which is withheld from print actuating control until bail 482 releases the various parts for allowing the end of the shuttle 427 to be placed in the path of the operating ratchet 153 when the digit impulse is sensed. In other words, during either numeral printing or alphabet printing the actual operation of printing awaits detection of a digit perforation.

Since the zoning selection lever 517 is tripped and rocked counterclockwise by spring 533 during zoning, it must be restored in a clockwise direction before a second card reading cycle of the machine is started. The selection crank is restored by a train of connections involving printing controls operated by a "0 cam which is shaped on shaft 157 extending across the printer unit. The operation of this cam shaft 157 has been described in a general way with reference to Fig. 4 which shows the connections between the printer drive shaft 119 and the gearing leading up to the clutch with which shaft 157 is associated. Shaft 157 is normally rotated through clutch 573575 (Fig. 4) as described hereinafter in the section entitled Heading card control to print all zeros.

Referring back to Fig. 6 it is seen that a "0 elimination lever 544 is pivoted at 545 on plate 448 and has a pointed extension 546 cooperating with the periphery of cam shaft 157. A spring 547 holds the lever in cooperation with the cam. Near the end of each cycle of operation, a high point on the cam, rocks lever 544 in a counterclockwise direction and a vertical arm thereon, cooperates with a tab 548 extending from the bottom of a lock lever 549 pivoted at 550. The upper end of lever 549 cooperates with one side of a restoring arm 552 mounted adjacent to selection crank 517 and sharing the pivot 518 common to the two parts. Restoring arm 552 has an extension beneath the horizontal arm of selection crank 517, and the two parts are held in cooperation by a spring 553 drawn between them. This spring 553 is strong enough to overcome the tendency of spring 533 to move in the opposite direction. However, during zoning operations, spring 553 is ineffective because there is no relative displacement of arm 552 with respect to selection crank 517. The restoring action is performed at the end of a cycle when cam shaft 157 rocks lever 544 in a counterclockwise direction, thus causing clockwise motion of lock lever 549, the upper end of which presses against arm 552 rocking it in a clockwise direction about pivot 518 and tensioning spring 553 so that it tends to pull the selection crank 517 toward the normal position shown. is made flexible so that if the tab 525 should be ccoperating with either of the shoulders 520 or 522 under the point 519, the parts are not forced into position, but the restoration of the selection crank awaits the movement of the tab 525 towards the right.

Before going further into the description of the mechanism for controlling the printing of zeros, it is believed well to explain the operation of the bail 531 used to control the position of the zoning lever 526. This bail is fastened to a shaft 555 which projects beyond the left printer side frame 148 (Fig. 4) and has attached thereto, an operating arm 556. Carried at the end of the operating arm, is a cam follower roll 557 cooperating with a cam 558 fastened to the gear 160 which is part of the operating train connected to the printer mechanism. A spring 559 draws the arm 556 in a clockwise direction to maintain the roller in contact with the cam. For each cycle of operation, cam 558 is rotated in a clockwise direction and has formed thereon an extension which oscillates shaft 555 just before and during the interval in which zoning takes place. This serves to vibrate the zoning lever 526 (Fig. 6) to move tab 525 into and out of cooperation with the zoning shoulders on the selection lever 517.

This restoring means 14 Zero print contra! The machine is provided with controls for printing and eliminating zeros to the right and left of selected denominations. Although a record card may be perforated with zeros extending across the amount field, it is desirable to eliminate the printing of zeros in the higher orders to the left of a significant digit. The controls for eliminating zeros to the left are provided with splitting mechanism so that various sections of the printer will have no eliminating controls over other denominations.

Although the zero eliminating mechanism is normally operative, means is provided for disabling it when heading cards are passing through the machine. A clutch is provided between the driving means and the zero eliminating controls whereby the clutch may be disconnected so that all the perforated name and address matter on a heading record can control printing directly without interference by the zero eliminating controls which are concerned primarily with amount representation.

A further mode of control is provided to manually select the printing of zeros to the left in all orders where selectors are manipulated. Not only are the selectors set but they are selectively operated by a magnet set into action upon the sensing of a special X perforation in a heading card or in other cards calling for special printmg.

Referring to Fig. 6, it is seen that a lever 561 is pivoted at 562 on the unit plate 448. This zero control lever has one end overlying the tab 509 on the magnet lever 490. When a "0" perforation is sensed, the push rod 474 tends to raise tab 509 as it does for all other control perforations. Of course, control lever 561 also tends to rock in a counterclockwise direction when a zero control impulse is effective. However, various means are provided to lock the zero control lever 561 andhold down lever 490 and push rod 474 to prevent the operation of zero printing, even though the related magnet is energized.

Zero control lever 561 is locked in a non-printing position by the upper end 564 of an extension on the zero elimination lever 544. This is the lever already described as having an extension 546 cooperating with the periphery of the zero control earn 157. Spring 547 maintains contact between the lever 544 and the cam. During the sensing of all zoning and all digit index point positions except the zero index position, point 546 rides on a concentric surface of cam shaft 157. Shortly before the zero position is reached, a drop formation 566 presents itself beneath point 546, allowing zero elimination lever 544 to rock in a clockwise direction and place the locking edge 564 underneath the tab 563 on the zero control lever 561. This serves to hold the parts in a print eliminating condition to prevent the printing of a zero. Should any perforation other than a zero perforation be detected, of course it will occur at a time in the cycle before presentation of the drop 566 on cam shaft 157. In this event the magnet will be energized and control lever 561 rocked in a counterclockwise direction to move tab 563 away from a shoulder 565 on the zero locking lever 549 which is then rocked by spring 570 to put an extension 567 in the path of a lug 569 on elimination lever 544. Thus, the zero elimination lever 544 is prevented from obstructing tab 563 and locking the zero con trol lever 561 whenever an impulse other than a zero impulse is controlling the printing function. Other controls are provided to prevent the operation of the zero elimination lever 544 in a manner about to be described.

Heading card control to print all zeros As long as the elimination levers 544 are supported on the concentric surface of zero cam shaft 157, as shown in Fig. 6, the printing of zeros is assured in all positions. It is with the purpose of printing zeros in all positions, where detected on a heading card, that the rotation of cam shaft 157 is suspended under control of such cards. Turning to Fig. 4, it is noted that cam shaft 157 extends beyond the left side frame 148 and has secured thereto, a plate 572 carrying a clutch pawl 573 pivoted at 574 and normally cooperating with a notch in the disk 575 attached to the constantly rotating gear 156. An arm 576 of pawl 573 extends outwardly but normally misses the end of an armature lever 577 pivoted at 578. A spring 579 holds the armature lever against a stop 580 and normally separated from a zero control magnet HZ. This magnet is energized by two means of control, the first means being a special perforation punched in a heading card, and the second means involving control from the brush switch bar which is shifted as heading cards travel between the two different sets of printing control brushes as pointed out hereinbefore.

Upon energization of magnet HZ, lever 577 is rocked in a clockwise direction about center 578 and put in a position to obstruct the travel of pawl 573 and cause it to disengage from disk 575, thereby holding cam shaft 157 in the position shown in Fig. 6. Disk 575 and gear 156 continue to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 4) in readiness to pick up the clutch pawl and cam shaft whenever magnet HZ is deenergized. Since the magnet is normally deenergized the clutch is normally connected and the zero eliminating control shaft 156 is normally effective.

Clutch plate 572 is located in the home position when declutched by means of a detent lever 582 pivoted at 583 on the side frame 148. The detent lever carries a roller 584 cooperating with a V shaped notch in the periphery of plate 572 when it is positioned with a pawl in cooperation with the declutching armature lever. A spring 585 holds the detent in constant cooperation with the clutch plate 572.

Elimination of zeroes to the left It is desirable when printing amount figures, to stop with the significant figure representing the highest denomination, and eliminate all zeros to the left of such a figure. A mechanism is provided in cooperation with levers 544 (Fig. 6) to hold all elimination levers 544 in the position shown, when they are to the right of a significant digit, thereby permitting zero printing, and at the same time allow rocking of an elimination lever to the left of such a point, to obstruct or eliminate the printing of zeros. For this purpose the front part of each zero elimination lever 544 is formed with a jaw-like formation 587 engaging the end 588 of one of a set of overlapping zero split slides 589. The shape of this zero split slide is shown better in Fig. 9. There is seen that the end 588 of the slide is olfset from and rises above, another portion 591 of the same slide. This second portion 591 is wide enough to pass beneath one point of end 588 on the next higher slide. This overlapping relationship continues across the machine so that when any one of the slides 589 is held down, Fig. 6, by formation 587 on lever 544 locked by the zero control lever 561 upon the detection of any digit impulse, all other slides to the right of it are also held in a zero print permitting position, Fig. 6. The higher order slides to the left of the holding point are free to rise and allow clockwise rotation (Fig. 6) of the elimination levers 544 when the cam shaft 157 presents the drop formation 566.

The overlapping slides 589 are carried in a box-like holder shown in section in Fig. 6, which has separate side frames so that it is removable from the remainder of the print control mechanism. Because the jaw connection 587 is a readily detachable one, the points of the zero control slides may be readily disconnected therefrom or engaged therewith when the unit is assembled.

The side frames 592 and 593 for carrying the zero split mechanism may be seen in Fig. 3. There it is noted that they are pinned to a shaft 594 passing through the main printer side frames 148 and 149. Attached between the two frames 592, 593 are three transverse bars 595, 596, 597 (Figs. 6 and 8). The small bar 596 is placed between two extending shoulders on the other two oppositely facing bars 595 and 597. The center bar is notched at 598 to receive one forwardly extending end of arm599 on slide 589. Each slide is formed with a second extending end 600 also guided by a notch in the center bar 596. The notches are covered to make conlned openings between the two larger bars on sides of the center bar. The slides are shaped with the double end to provide additional support to keep them from twisting as they are rocked up and down and slid back and forth. The slides are supported further by a U shaped cage 601 (Fig. 6) attached to the rear of bars 595, 597 and projecting in toward the zero control mechanism. This cage 601 is formed with vertical slots nar row enough to confine the slides 589 in a horizontal direction, but long enough to provide room for vertical movement of the slides as they are rocked with the zero elimination levers 544. In Fig. 6 it is seen that some of the slides 589 are guided by notches in the top of central bar 596, while others of these slides pass through notches cut in the bottom of the bar. The slides are staggered in this manner because of the limitations of space and the need for substantial guiding surfaces cooperating with the double projecting end 599 and 600. From the showing in Fig. 6 it is evident that the slides 589 are not only movable through the notches cut in bar 596, but they are also rockable therein as if held on pivots located on the inner edges of bars 595 and 597. The notches are large enough to permit free sliding and rocking movement, and at the same time, the slides are confined so that they cooperate with each other in an overlapping position and engage the jaw-shaped formations 587 of the zero elimination levers.

With the above explained construction in mind, it is evident that when a lever 544 (Fig. 6) is locked by a digit impulse, the related slide 589 is held depressed and all slides 589 and levers 544 to the right of such an order with a sensed digit are held depressed, even when portion 566 of zero cam 157 passes under the ends 546. However, the slides and levers 544 to the left of the active order, have not the advantage of the overlapping relationship between a downwardly held point 588 and an underlying formation 591 (Fig. 9) and therefore these levers 544 to the left are free to rock in a clockwise direction and obstruct the zero control lever 561 to prevent operation under control of a zero impulse.

Zero splitting control The reason why the overlapping members 589 are formed as slides is so that any one of them may be retracted (Fig. 9) to pull portion 591 out of cooperation with the end 588 on the next higher order slide. Such a separation causes a split in the overlapping control between higher and lower orders so that if two numbers are to be printed with elimination control, each controls the zeros to be printed to the right of the number and will not carry the zero enforcing or eliminating controls over into the other denominations. In other words, two separate numbers may be printed without any zeros appearing above the highest significant digit of either number. In a similar way, any number of figures may be split off in separate sections across the printer unit.

In order that the zero printing controls may be split at any particular point, each slide 589 is provided with a lug 602 (Fig. 9) projecting at a right angle to the end 599. Referring to Fig. 6, it is seen that these lugs 602 project in two directions, the lugs on the upper slides 5B9 projecting upwardly while the lugs on the lower slides project downwardly. They protrude in front of the surface of bars 595 and 597 and normally lie adjacent thereto, but with sufficient space intervening, so that the operator can engage them with a finger nail and pull them outward to disconnect any of the overlapping 5 zero control portions 588 and 591. The extent to which 17 the slide 589 may be moved outwardly is limited by a notch 603 (Fig. 9) therein cooperating with the side wall of the notches cut into the central bar 596.

Devices are provided to hold the zero split slides in either the normal efiective positions or the extended split enforcing positions. Overlying the outer surface of lugs 602 are a pair of parallel links 604 and 605 (Figs. 6, 8 and 9). These long links 604 and 605 extend across the printing unit and, when the slides are in the normal position, the links prevent them from moving outward accidentally because there is an overlying relationship as shown in Fig. 8.

The two links are connected in the manner of the well known parallel ruler by means of equal sized levers 607 and 608 pivoted at 609 and 610 on the outside of the central bar 596. Centers 609 and 610 are fixed but the ends of the levers are movably articulated at 612, 613, 614 and 615 so that, when one bar is moved downward, the opposite bar is moved the same extent in the other direction. A spring 616 is connected to the upper link 604 and tends to rock. the levers 607 and 608 in a clockwise direction, so that the two long links are drawn close together in a position covering the outer surfaces of lugs 602. The parallel linkage is stopped in the collapsed condition when the long links strike the hubs of the levers on centers 609 and 610. The lower link 605 is provided with a knob 618 which may be grasped and pulled down to counteract the tension of spring 616 and put the two parallel links into the dotted line positions 619 and 620 shown in Fig. 8. When the links are so positioned, the lugs 602 in both the upper and lower tiers are made accessible to the operator who then may pull out one or more slides 589 by grasping the related lugs and moving them to the extent limited by notch 603 (Fig. 9). After the selected slides are positioned, the knob 618 is released so that links 604 and 605 can swing back into the position shown in Fig. 8. Then the links not only serve to hold in the undisturbed zero eliminating slides, but also pass behind the lugs 602 on the extended split slides to hold them in the operated position. As the parts are shown in Fig. 6, none of the slides is extended and so all lugs 602 are held behind links 604 and 605.

Manipulative control for printing zeros at the left In certain kinds of recording, it is desired that the numerical tabulation of figures present a straight vertical line or margin at the left, and such a result is accomplished by enforcing the printing of zeros to the left of significant numbers up to a predetermined perforated denomination. The present print control mechanism is provided in each order with a manipulative member for counteracting the zero elimination mechanism, so that instead of preventing zero printing at the left, zero printing is enforced wherever desired.

Turning to Fig. 6, it is noted that a lever 621 is pivoted at 622 on the side plate 448 and is formed with a tab 623 overlying the related zero control lever 561. It is remembered that this lever 561 is rocked from the home position in a counterclockwise direction whenever lever 509 is elevated because a zero is to be printed. The function of lever 621 is to rock in a clockwise direction and press tab 623 down upon lever 561 and rock it in a counterclockwise direction before the zero elimination lever 544 can get underneath lug 563 to hold up the motion of lever 561 to prevent zero printing. The sequence of timing is such that, when lever 621 is selected for operation, it functions before lever 544 is released by cam 157. The "zero to the left" control levers 621 do not normally function, because they are held up by the springs 570 against stop 625 and they are out of the path of a left zero control bail 626. This bail is selectively operated under control of special perforations in cards requiring aligned printing with zeros to the left of significant digits.

In order that one or more of the levers 621 may be brought into operation by the bail 626, there is pivoted at 627 on the front end of each lever 621, a manipulative rocking arm 628 which extends downward with a blunt end normally out of the path of the end of bail 626. However, a finger piece 629 is formed on each of the arms 628 and it may be pushed to the rear so that the lower end of 628 rocks into the path of bail 626. When a selected number of arms 628 are positioned to cooperate with the bail, they are lifted when the shaft 630, upon which the bail is secured, is rocked in a counterclockwise direction. When the arms 628 are lifted, they carry along therewith the levers 621 and rock them in a clockwise direction so that the tabs 623 are depressed upon levers 561 to push them down, out of locking position before the zero index point in the cycle of operation.

The pivotal connection 627 between arm 628 and lever 621 is made with a friction washer or any other expedient for maintaining the manipulated part in an adjusted position. The extent of adjustment of arm 628 on lever 621 is limited by an extension 632 on the end of lever cooperating with an arcuate notch cut in the side of the arm.

Turning now to the controls for rocking shaft 630 for printing zeros to the left, reference to Fig. 3 shows that this shaft passes through the two removable side plates 592 and 593 holding the zero elimination devices. At its right end, shaft 630 is loosely mounted in a bearing on plate 593, and at its left end it extends through plate 592 (Fig. 4) and has attached thereto an operating arm 633. This arm is held in a normal position by a spring 634 drawing the arm against a stop 635. An extension 636 on the arm is designed to cooperate with a shoulder 637 on an operating link 638 pivoted at 639 on a bell crank 640 fulcrumcd at 641 on the side of the main printer frame 148. The bell crank carries a roller cooperating with the cam 486 already mentioned as being the operator of the print release bail 482 on shaft 483. The cam rotates in a clockwise direction (Fig. 4) and the roller of arm 640 is placed to be operated at the proper time by the high point on the cam. When the crank is operated, it vibrates in a counterclockwise direction to lift link 638 and pass shoulder 637 in front of extension 636. The shoulder and extension are normally prevented from cooperating by a release lever 643 pivoted at 644 and provided with a downwardly extending arm engaging the side of link 638 and holding it out of cooperation with extension 636. A spring 645 attached to the lower end of link 638 tends to rock it in a clockwise direction about pivot 639, to hold it in engagement with lever 643 and endeavor to cooperate with extension 636. Lever 643 is held against the end of an armature 647 pivoted at 648. The armature cooperates with a magnet LZ which is energized under control of special perforations present on record cards calling for zero printing to the left. When the magnet is energized, armature 647 is lifted and a spring 649 rocks lever 643 in a counterclockwise direction, thus permitting link 638 to move toward the right and place shoulder 637 underneath extension 636. Then, later in the operation, when link 638 is raised by cam 486, the arm 633 and the connected shaft 630 are rocked in a clockwise direction (appearing counterclockwise in Fig. 6) to operate levers 621 and cause the disablement of selected zero elimination devices as already explained. Since the zero eliminating devices are disabled in the selected orders and since all such orders are operated by zero perforations appearing in the record cards, zeros are printed to the left of item amounts or other numbers in any desired arrangement of orders.

The parts for operating zero printing to the left, Fig. 4, are self restoring because as cam 486 continues to lift lever 638 after printing time the lower end of arm 643 swings in a clockwise direction to push lever 638 away from extension 636 as the upper end of the lever cooperates with an extending arm 651. Since the magnet LZ is deenergized as the parts are operating, the armature 647 falls behind the releasing point of arm 643 as it is restored in the clockwise direction by the upper end of link 638.

Link 638 is guided in its reciprocating movement by a clip 652 which serves to hold the upper end of it near the side frame 148.

The inking devices It is pointed out hereinbefore that an inking ribbon 407 (Fig. is stretched between the printing wheels 406 and the platen P. Referring to Fig. 3, it is noted that this ribbon 407 is wide enough to extend across the printing unit to cooperate with all one hundred printing wheels provided to effect alphabet or numeral impressions. The ribbon is held on a frame comprising side plates 655 and 656 fastened to printer side frames 148 and 149, respectively. The rear end of the ribbon side plates is formed with horizontal tabs 657 (Fig. 4) adapted to be fastened over the top of the printer side plates. The entire ribbon mechanism may be removed as a unit by unscrewing the side plates at the four points where it is attached to the printer side frames.

Turning to Fig. 5. the path followed by the ribbon may be traced by noting that at one end it is wound on a spool 658 and then passes upward over a guide roller 659 before being carried over a guide plate 660. After the ribbon passes in front of the platen, it is guided further by another plate 661 before being wound on the second spool 662. In Fig. 3 it is seen that the upper guide plate 660 extends across the entire unit and is shaped in the form of a bail with side arms secured to the inner surfaces of the two side plates 655 and 656. In a similar way the guide roller 659 extends across the entire unit.

The ribbon carrying spools 658 and 662 are shorter than the distance between the ribbon frame side plates and are supported so that they are removable therefrom. In Fig. 3 it is seen that the front spool 658 is centralized between side plates of the ribbon unit and at the right end it is attached to an operating shaft 665 extending through side plate 656 and carrying an operating ratchet 666. The left end of spool 658 is held in place by a movable plunger 667 which passes through side plate 655 and has attached thereto a finger piece 668 curved to be grasped by a pair of fingers. Between the inner surface of plate 655 and the end of plunger 667, near the side of spool 658, is assembled a compression spring 669. This spring serves to hold the plunger normally in engagement with the end of the spool, to hold the ribbon in an operative position. However, a pair of fingers may be slipped under finger piece 668 to pull it and the attached plunger in an outward direction to release one end of the spool, and then the opposite end may be disconnected from a keying attachment to the drive shaft 665, so that the spool and connected ribbon can be removed from the unit for replacement of the ribbon.

The other spool 662 is connected to another operating ratchet wheel 670 (Fig. 7) and at its opposite end cooperates with a locating plunger 671 (Fig. 4), the end of which also carries a finger piece 672 similar to the member 668 already mentioned.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that not only is the ribbon mechanism removable in its entirety but also that the ribbon and connected spools are in turn separable from the frame and operating mechanism.

The operating mechanism for advancing the ribbon is of the kind that is automatically reversible when the supply of ribbon on one spool is exhausted. This operating mechanism cooperating with the ratchet wheels 666 and 670 is shown in Fig. 7. There it is noted that the shaft 555 (already mentioned as the driver for the alphabetic zoning bail) has connections for operating the ribbon feed. For purposes of zoning, this shaft 555 is oscillated early in each operating cycle; it is rocked clockwise and then counterclockwise. This motion is utilized for ribbon feeding by means of an arm 674 attached to the ends 0f shaft 555 extending out beyond the right printer side frame 149. Extending from the end of arm 674 is a stud 675 operating in a slot 676 formed in the lower end of a link 677 articulated at 678 to an operating frame 679 fulcrumed on a stud 680 extending from side frame 149. Frame 679 is formed with a vertical arm, the upper end of which carries a pin 681 extending through a cam opening 682 which is formed with a centralized and upwardly projecting bump 695 formed on an oscillating and sliding arm 683 loosely pivoted by a slot 689 encircling the stud 680. A spring 690 holds arm 683 upward with bump 695 on one side or the other of pin 681. The upper end of arm 683 is fork shaped with a pair of prongs 684 engaging the sides of a pin 645 extending from a feeding slide 686 guided by a pair of pin and slot connections 687 and 688 on the right side plate 656. Slide 686 is held in place against the side of plate 656 by means of a bracket 690 attached to plate 656 and formed with a pair of arms engaging the outer surface of slide 686. Pivoted on opposite ends of slide 686 are a pair of pawls 691 and 692 cooperating with the ratchet wheels 666 and 670. Also designed to cooperate with the two ratchet wheels are a pair of retaining pawls.693 and 694 pivoted on the side of the frame plate 656.

Slide 686 is of such a length that only one or the other of the pairs of pawls are in cooperation with a ratchet wheel. In other words, as shown in Fig. 7, slide 686 is operated toward the left and pawls 691 and 693 cooperate with ratchet wheel 666 to turn it in a clockwise direction and move the ribbon from right to left, while the pawls 692 and 694 are disconnected from the other ratchet wheel 670. The retaining pawl 694 is held away from the related wheel by means of a shoulder 696 extending from the top of slide 686. The other pawl 692 is out of operating position because the slide 686 reciprocates within a zone confined to the right half of the slots 687 and 688 formed on the slide.

As the operating shaft 558 oscillates, the pin 681 is moved toward the right carrying along therewith the oscillating arm 683, slide 686 and pawl 69]. Then. as the shaft vibrates back to the normal position, pin 68! also moves toward the left as urged by the restoring spring 699 attached thereto. The lower end of this spring 699 is attached to a stud 700 cooperating with the lower side of frame 679 to act as a stop. As the operating frame rocks toward the left, the oscillating arm 683 is urged to do likewise and carry slide 686 and pawl 69] in the same direction to rotate ratchet wheel 666. Spring 690 is strong enough to cause arm 683 normally to move frame 679 and pin 681. However, should the supply ribbon be exhausted on the opposite spool, there will be a positive block to such movement causing the arm 683 to remain in the centralized position as it is forced downward with pin 681 riding over the bump 695 and cooperating with the opposite side of it. Thus, slide 686 remains in a centralized position. Then, when shaft 555 resumes oscillating operation, pin 681 moves toward the right and the arm 683 is rocked to the right, operating pawl 692, and ratchet wheel 670 is turned in a counterclockwise direction to move the ribbon web from left to right.

Record sheet feeding devices In Fig. 1 it is seen that the record sheet R is held on the platen P which is driven by the mechanism AC of the kind disclosed in Patent 2,189,025. The controls for the platen movements are discussed further hereinafter with reference to the wiring diagram.

The platen is held in a slidable carriage frame comprising side plates joined by a pair of brace rods. Also forming part of the frame is a casting 707, Figs. 4 and 7, formed with a pair of V-shaped notches 708 cooperating with smooth ways on a pair of carriage guide strips 709 and 710 secured to a pair of pivoted frames 711 and 712. These last mentioned frames are pivotally mounted at 713, Fig. 7, on bearing standards 714 fastened to the top of the horizontal plate 124 of the main frame. In

21 Fig. 4 it is noted that the pivoted frames are formed with feet 716 resting on the top of the vertical web 88.

From the foregoing explanation it is apparent that carriage frame 707 is slidable along strips 709 and 710 and carries along therewith the platen, record sheet and sheet feeding controls. Since the entire carriage is hinged on standards 714, it may be lifted away from the printer and swung back out of the way to give access to the ribbon unit and printing mechanism.

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

What is claimed is:

1. In a printing device controlled by a record bearing zoning and digit indicia representative of alphabetic area, a constantly moving printing member, a constantly rotating operating ratchet, an operating mechanism between said ratchet and said printing member, said operating mechanism including an interposer and means for adjusting said interposer under control of said zoning indicia and a tripping member for permitting engagement of the operating mechanism with the ratchet under control of said digit indicia.

2. In a printing device, a printing member for recording on a record sheet, a constantly operating toothed wheel, interposing means for engaging said toothed wheel and operating said member for recording, a latching means for holding said interposing means out of cooperation with said wheel, record controlled means for tripping said latching means, and other record controlled means for locking said latching means.

3. The machine set forth in claim 2, in combination with a plurality of printing members, interposers and latches, zero eliminating devices for locking said latches, manipulative means for selecting the latches to be locked, said other record controlled means disabling said eliminating devices and unlocking all latches to permit printing of zeros.

4. The invention set forth in claim 2, wherein there are a plurality of orders of printing members, latches and locking means, means between said locking means for eliminating the printing of zeros to the left of an order with a significant digit, and manipulative means for splitting said zero printing means to eliminate the printing of zeros to the right of a selected order.

5. In a printing machine controlled by a record, said record bearing alphabetic information in the form of zoning indicia and digit indicia, there being a pair of said zoning indcia present singly or together, means for sensing said indicia, a constantly rotating printing wheel bearing alphabetic type, printer selection mechanism operated under control of successive impulses sent from said sensing devices, said selection mechanism comprising a shouldered member having four shoulders corresponding to the different zoning arrangements of the zoning indicia, means to position said shouldered member to one of three positions responsive to the sensing of certain of said zoning indicia, an interposer operated by a selected one of said member shoulders at a time dependent upon the selected position of said member and the selected shoulder, a platen, a rocking arm carrying said printing wheel near said platen, an operating mechanism for moving said interposer by said member, and connections between said interposer and said rocking arm for rocking said printing wheel into printing position at a time coinciding with the appearance opposite the platen of the type face related to the indicia on the record.

6. In a machine controlled by item and special records bearing indicia representing amount and alphabet data, said special records bearing a special indicium, means for sensing said amount and alphabet data indicia, printing devices including zero printing control devices, means under control of said sensing means for controlling operation of said printing devices, zero eliminating devices cooperating with said printing devices to prevent zero printing in selected orders, means for detecting said special indicium, means under control of said detecting means for disabling said zero eliminating devices, said zero eliminating devices being individual to various denominational orders, a disabling controlled for each eliminating device, a manipulative selector for each controller to prepare it for operation, means for operating selected controllers, and means under control of said detecting means for operating said operating means, whereby printing is assured in certain orders upon print control from a special record.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,702,628 Bryce Feb. 19, 1929 1,862,032 Pierce June 7, 1932 1,909,548 Pierce May 16, 1933 1,971,859 Knutson Aug. 28, 1934 1,994,524 Lake Mar. 19, 1935 2,016,682 Mills Oct. 8, 1936 2,030,427 Buhler Feb. 11, 1936 2,046,464 Knutsen July 7, 1936 2,066,748 Tauchek Jan. 5, 1937 2,076,713 Ford Apr. 13, 1937 2,131,918 Mills Oct. 4, 1938 2,199,561 Fuller May 7, 1940 2,328,638 Fuller Sept. 7, 1943 2,381,862 Beattie Aug. 14, 1945 2,387,861 Smith Oct. 30, 1945 2,492,263 Boyden Dec. 27, 1949 um'mn s'rmzs PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 2,753,792 July 10, 1956 Fred M. Carroll et a1.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above pumbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corre ated below.

Column 21, line 21, for ax-ea" read --da1;a--; line 55, for "indcia" read --indicia--; column 22, line 30, for 'controlled" read --control1er--.

Signed and sealed this 28th day of August 1956.

(SEAL) Atteat:

KARL H. AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attoating Offiflfl Gnuminioner of Patents

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