US2767646A - Variable multi-line printer - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 23, 1956 F. J. FURMAN ETAL 2S7G7,646`

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER Filed Jan. 20, 1954 9 sheets-sheet 1 1N 1N SECOND F|RST READ READ coLe 1 SUPPLY PICKER INVENTOR. fle 1 HOPPER KN'VES .KENNETH E. RHODES FRANK J FURMAN WALTER w WAGNER ATTORN EY SECOND 1 READ FIRST READ 1 STACKER CARD GRIPPEB MECHANISM Oct- 23, 1956 F. J. FURMAN ET AL 2,767,646

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER Filed Jan. 20. 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 DIE ROLL ocr. 2 3, 1956 F. J. FURMAN l ET A1.

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 20, 195.4

CASING C' 1, To AC' 921\ INVENTOR. KENNETH E. RHODES FRANK J, FURMAN By WALTER w.l WAGNE j /ML fIIBJBCl ATTORNEY v0ct. 2:"1956 EJFURMAN my* l 2,767,646

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER Q 000066966060' j @909640999090 f E I g g m v INVENTOR. KRNANI HJ E'FRS FIG 6b v By WALTER w. WAGNER ATORN Y Oct. 23, 1956 F. J. FURMAN ET AL 2,767,646

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRNTER Filed Jan. 2o, 1954 9 siens-sheet 5 TRY TRY B c PRINTING GROUP l 2 KENNETH E. RHODES FRANK J. FURMAN` FIG *6 BY WALTER w. WAGNER ATTORNEY Oct.i23, 1956 F. J. FURMAN ET A1. I 2,767,646

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER l fl 6d ATTORNEY 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 F. J. FURMANl ET AL VARIABL MULTI-LINE PRINTER A ENTRY Oct.` 23, 1956 Filed Jan. 2o, 195.4

STORAGE D E 1T INVENTOR.

ALTR 'w.v WAGNER ATTORNEY Y STORAGE El 9- STORAGE B EXIT A STORAGE Oct. 23, 1956 Ft J, FURMAN ET ALy 2,767,646

VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER Filed Jan. 20;' 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 flG.' 7

ATTORNEY Oct. 23, 1956 F. J. FURMAN ET AL VARIABLE 'MULTI-LINE PRNTER 9 Sheets-Shea?l 9 Filed Jan. 20, 1954 nited States Patent O VARIABLE MULTI-LINE PRINTER Application January 20, 195'4, Serial No. 405,222

Claims. (Cl. 101-93) This invention relates generally to printing and record feeding devices and more particularly to means for printing addresses on a web of record material under control of a printing tabulator through which are passed tabulating record cards bearing name and address data.

In large business establishments employing mechanized card controlled accounting systems it is customary to have the name and address cards separate from the socalled transaction or detail cards which bear information concerning a particular item of sale or service rendered. Periodically bills are prepared for the consumer and the procedure in general entails the sorting and merging of the detail cards with related name and address cards and thereafter passing them through card controlled printing tabulators of the type wherein a single line of printing impressions is obtained for each machine cycle of operation.

The bill is prepared by listing the name and address parts in the so-called heading section and listing the detail data in the body section. Along with the detail listing of data, the machine is undergoing the various calculations associated with each transaction so as to obtain the necessary total charges. Because of the fact that the printing line in these particular billing procedures is relatively wide and that it includes the calculations the single line of printing for each machine cycle is justifiable.

However, such speeds would be too slow for producing n address strips used for mailing purposes. Therefore, while it is desirable to use the system of name and address cards already in existence for an additional purpose it is even more desirable to provide some Way of speeding the preparation of addresses per se particularly when the address has no particular relation to the processing of numeric accounting data. For that purpose there is provided the inventio-n described in a copendingapplication to l. I. Nolan, Serial No. 324,563, tiled December 6, 1952.

In said Nolan application means are provided whereby three or four address lines may be printed simultaneously from a succession of record cards through the full utilization of the entire range of print capacity of a machine such as a tabulator which ordinarily includes from 100 to 120 separately adjustable printing members arranged in a single line across the width of the printer unit of the machine. The full employment of the printing members is made possible as described in said Nolan application by subdividing the 120 positions of printing across the tabulator into equally spaced groups and using them simultaneously for separate address parts of different addresses, such as printing the name of one, the street identification of a second and the city and state identification of a third. In order to accomplish this the narrow address strip or tape is arranged diagonally across the printing line with the strip length running along the length of the printing line and within the range of the full width of the printer unit and arranged so that the several different portions of impressions fall along the length of the strip and on different line space portions. The angle 0f inclination of the strip from the horizontal is such that 2,767,646 Patented Oct. 23, 1956 when the strip is advanced a space equivalent to the spacing of the separated groups of the aligned type members, the printed address line of one portion is not only advanced but also elevated one line space with respect to the printing line. Therefore, while the strip is only advanced the length of one address portion for each cycle, it has printed thereon three, four or more address lines simultaneously on several adjoining tags and thus the printing of a multiple line address portion or tag is completed on each tabulator printing cycle with a gain of time which is threefold or more. It must, however, be realized that the addresses produced in this manner in accordance with the above-mentioned Nolan application are a product of single card addresses, that is to say, that the plurality of address parts related to a single address are recorded in a single card.

The present invention is therefore an improvement over the invention described in the aforementioned Nolan application in that the present invention is provided with means for enabling the printing of a succession of `addresses on a record strip from source records in which at least one name card and at least one address card comprise an entire address, the former card constituting the first line of the address, the latter constituting the remaining portions of the address.

Another object resides in the provision of means for enabling the printing of a succession of addresses at a relatively high rate of speed on a record strip from source records wherein the complete address may appear on a single record or may be distributed on at least two records.

Still another object resides in the provision of means for enabling the printing of a succession of addresses at a relatively high rate of speed on a record strip from source records wherein the character of the addresses may vary anywhere from a single line address to a multiple line address which may or may not be distributed in a plurality of records. v

Yet another object resides in the provision of recording control means whereby the recording means may be selectively controlled.

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 examples, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic View of the general organization of the means for printing a succession of addresses on a strip from a plurality of address cards.

Fig. 2 shows in diagrammatic form the feed of the tabulator.

Fig. 3 shows the strip feeding device.

Fig. 4 is a detail showing the punch roll and the die roll.

Fig. 5 is a code chart wherein alphabetic and numeric characters are represented by a combination of zone and numeric designations.

Figs. 6a .to 6e is the circuit diagram.

Figs. 7 and 8, respectively, are timing and operational charts.

Pig. 9 is a diagrammatic form of card detecting control circuit.

For the purposes of illustration the invention is shown in connection with an alphabet printing tabulator of the kind disclosed in the patent to Rabenda, No. 2,569,829, filed May 3, 1949, and issued October 2, 1951. This patent illustrates the main components of a tabulator known as the IBM 407 alphabet printer with storage. Heretofore, it was used primarily for printing addresses and accounting data on wide record material advanced vertically with respect to the printing unit. Also of note is the copending Beattie et al. application, Serial No.

74,424, filed von February 3, 19,49, for a record controlled Printing machine, .new U.. S. Patent No. 2,687,086. Y

Figure 1 of the Nolan application, Serial No. 324,563, filed December 6, 1952, shows a narrow strip of address receiving material advanced diagonally across the lplaten and behind an inking ribbon arranged in the usual fashion paralleliand coincident with the printing line across the printer o f the tabulator in front `of' a plurality of separately, adjusted type wheels of `the printer. The type wheels` are provided with printing controls which are adjusted to` cause the various address parts, or the like, to be printed with equal spaces therebetween, the width of cach space being equal to the width of a printed address portion. Perforated records each containing a complete 'address are fed successively out of a magazine` and through a `prescnsing station and successively through a first `reading station, a second reading station and then to a stacker,

This is all `described in `detail in the Rabenda patent-and it is sufficient to state that when the record card appears at the rst reading station the` electrical sensing devices therein :cooperate with the card portion devoted to name dataperforated `therein and such sensing portions are connectedtothe first group of address printing members for printingthe name. When the same card advances into the.secondreadirhg` station therey two portions of the card are read;` thefirst portion is read into the second group of p rlilntingmernbers to indicate the middle part, that is the street, partof the address,` while the third card portion relating to city and state is directed into one of two storage de,vic :es ..V The last-mentioned data is read `out of storage on theffoliowing cycle to print the city and state from the third group, of printing wheels.

Thus, there results from the successive impressions of three different address portions and diagonal elevation of the strip, a'complete three line address printed for each tabulator printing cycle after` the` first two. lt is to be not-ed, however,` that in this operation each address is a Product of a Single card address. Now we shall see how thefinstant invention increases the flexibility of operation @accommodate address cards wherein the address portions "are` distributed in at least two cards and wherein each address may be either a three line or a four line address..

GENERAL `MODE OF OPERATION Referring `to Figi of theinstant application there is shown in diagrammatic `form the general organization of themeansfor printing a succession of addresses on a strip SM which is moved` diagonally from, right to left across the printing line"y of a tabulator lof the type such as the 407 type mentioned hereinabove. The printingl instrumentaiitiesof this 4 07 machine are divided into four groups representedby the fourvertical columns 4, 3, 2 and l` on the left-hand side of the drawing. j These vertical columns 4 i9 l. afsfvfthstdivitled by 13. hrizontal lines t0 represent l2 printing cycles of the tabulator. Thus, eachpprinting cycle is representedby a horizontal row` of four rectangleslsuch as 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A and within each rectanguiarl box` there are tobe noted `hort horizontal lines oneofl. which is a solidline whereas the others are broken lines. The solid line indicates a line of address which has just been printed` on the strinS in a particular cycle in progress, whereas ,the brokenlines indicate the lines of addresses which have been printed on cycles prior to thecycle in 4which printinghas just been completed. The strip S is shown only for the first two cycles so as to avoid showingY unnecessary lines. The. four printing groups,

namely .4f3-2-14, will accommodate addresses fromone to tout;` lines inclusive. Thefirst line of an address is always printed by Vgroup 1, line 2, by group 2 and so on.

Onthe right-hand side of Fig.. l there are seen two vertical rows of record cards, representative of a single deck` which is passedthrough the feed of the 407 printing tabulatordescribed in the aforementioned Rabenda patent anddiagnarnmatically shown in Fig. 2 ofthe instant appli` cation. The topY of-the extreme right-hand column repre- 4 i sents the first read station of thc 407 feed unit whereas the top of the `next column to the left represents the second read station of the 407 feed unit. The cards are then passed singly and successively from the feed magazine to a presensing station and then Ithrough the first read and then the second read and finally deposited in the stacker of the feed. For the particular purpose at hand we need only show the first and second read portions of the feed and the sequence of passing the cards through the first and second read stations begins with the card which is indicated by the arrow 5; this is the first card entering the first read. Following this the card proceeds to the second read indicated by the curved arrow 6. Thus, in the first cycle shown the first address card is positioned in the first read and on the following cycle, cycle 2, the first card occupies the second read while` the second card of the deck now occupies the first read. the cards progress in this mannerfor 12 machine cycles, the cycles being appropriately indicated by a column of figures l to 12 immediately to the left ,of the second read.

It is to be noted that each card is divided into. three fieldsL numbered l, 2 and 3. Each field contains data rcpresenting a line of address. The `deck consists of three 'line address cards and four line address cards. The three line address cards contain a complete address on a single card and each such card is identified by a notation 3U written across the top edge of the card, whereas the four Iline address cards are in two-card groups, with each card carrying only part of a complete address. Each four line address card is identified by a notation 4L written across the top edge of the card. The first card of a four line address contains the name, which is recorded in field l. The second `card of-a four line address contains three lin'esof address data respectively recorded in fields 2, 3 and 4. lt is to be notcd that in the deck of l2 cards, four cards represent four 3 line addresses while the remaining eight cards constitute four 4 line addresses. T hercolurnn of figures l through S on the extreme righthand side of the drawing indicates the eight addresses.

In order to associate the various printed lines of `addresses on the strip 3 with related address cards the following system of notations is used: AlLl denotes address 1, linel and is obtained from the first card of the deck shown/in the extreme right-hand column. By the same token A3L4 denotes address 3, line 4 obtained from the fourth card of the deck, which incidentally is the second card-of a four line address. ln a particular cycle of printing the heavy horizontal line indicates printing of par-- ticular line of address; for example, AlLl` is printed in cycle l from printing group 1. A notation further char-- acterized by a prime, for example, AlLl indicates that the information was printed on a cycle prior to the `one in question; the primed notations are directed to the horizontal broken lines on the strip S.

Although details-of the cards are not shown, they are of atype shown in the patent to` C. D. Lake, No. 1,772,492, granted August 12, 1930; In general, the cardh-as perforations, not shown, which are arranged in vertical columns and in horizontal rows, through which pcrforations electricalcircuits are made to control functions of the` machine.

The electrical circuits` are established by means of'l brushes, s uch` as 161, having connections to plug sockets, such as 939 (corresponding to 923 in Fig. 31g of the aforementioned Rabenda patent). Returning to Fig. I. of the instantcasc, the above-mentioned brushes and plug sockets are shown diagrammatica'lly to the extent that brush 161 and its associated plug socket 923 in reality represent a plurality ofsuch` elements whereby an entire card fieldconstituting an address line is read. Thus, in the second read, brushes iol, lla and 16119 are each representative of a plurality of like elements arranged above the fields l, 2 and 3, respectively of a 3 line address or fields 2, 3 and 4, respectively of a 4 line address.

In the illustrative example mareas Field 1 is read by a brush 161e` also representative of a plurality of like elements located in the lirst read.

In like manner plug sockets 940, 940a, 940]; and 940C are each representative of a plurality of plug sockets each in turn connected to a printing wheel as shown in the R'abenda patent. In the instant case each plug socket 940 to 940C is associated with the printing groups respectively 4-3-2 and l and in which the appropriate address lines are set up and printed on thestrip S.

The printing of line 1 of tan address, regardless of whether it comes from a 3 .line or Ia 4 Iline address, extends through a path beginning with brush 161C at the lirst read and following through plug socket 942, plug wire 10, plug socket 946C and int-o printing group 1. Thus, under printing group 1 the following rst lines of the eight addresses of the deck are printed: AlLl, A2Ll, A3Ll, A4Ll, ASLl, A6Ll, A7Ll and A8Ll.

Line 2 of a 3 line address is printed out of group 2 and is read out of the second read brush 161a through plug socket 929, plug wire a, normally closed points of R1557-2, plug wires 10c and 10d, plug socket 940e to printing group 2. Data of this nature is shown printed as A1L2, A2L2, A5L2 and A7L2. On the other hand data representing line 2 and associated with a 4 line address is als-o printed out of group 2, but in this case, it is read from second read brush 161 through plug socket 939, plug wire lub, normally open points `of R15602, plug wire 10d, plug socket 940a to printing group 2. A3L2, A4L2 and A6L2 are examples.

It may be noted at this point that the selection of the second line from either a 3 line address card or a 4 line address card are under control of a pair of relays identified as R155'7 Iand R1560 respectively, connected t-o a plug wire to a plug socket 92Sa leading to a rst read brush 161d for sensing a special perforation 6 in column l of the second card of a 4 line address. The details of these controls will be more fully described under the circuit description. For the present, it is sufficient to state that the selection device is the well-known pilot selector described in the aforo-mentioned Rabenda patient which when controlled as in this instance by the special perforation 6 causes the selection to be operative on the immediately following cycle thereby switching the connections from field 2 of a 3 line address to field 2 of a 4 line address.

Since the printings of lines 3 and 4 are effected on cycles following the cycle in which they are read in the second read, it is necessary that the data be stored in storage units and released at the appropriate time in a subsequent cycle. For this purpose storage units A, B, C and D are provided. Units A and B are controlled to store associated with line 3 whirle units C and D are controlled to store data associated with line 4.

The storage units are of the type shown and described in the Rabenda patent. Since the storage units as shown therein have a limited capacity each of eight positions for alphabetic storage it is understood that for capacities of say up to positions of alphabetic storage it is only necessary to provide the machine with a suiicient number of storage devices and to wire them in parallel. It is therefore to be understood that the diagrammatic representations of the storage units A, B, C, D shown in Fig. 1 are each representative of the necessary units wired in parallel to accommodate the required alphabetic storage. It is to be further observed that the entries to the four storage units are controlled through two entry plug sockets namely 928 and 928e when in actual practice each unit, having a capacity of eight alphabetic storage positions, is provided with at least eight entry plug sockets. It is therefore to be understood that the entry of data representing line 3 and line 4 is through the entry plug sockets 92Sa and 928C, respectively, and each plug socket is representative of at least 20 entries and each entry corresponds to an associated column in a line of address recorded' in an'address card.

Y 6 The storage exit is diagrammatically represented by tw exit plug sockets namely 941:1 and 941e` and it is understood here that each exit plug socket is also representative of a plurality of plug sockets.

In order to show the activity of each storage unit for each cycle of operation the storage units are shown duplicated for the 12 cycles of operation with a particular line of address shown as being read in on a given cycle and read out on a subsequent cycle. The read-in and the readout operations are shown represented by an arrow drawn in a vertical direction with the top end of the arrow designating the point where particular address data is read into storage while the bottom or arrow end designates the point where the same address data is read out of storage. For example, under storage unit A it is to be observed that in the second cycle data A1L3 (address 1, line 3) is read into storage unit A and held therein until released on the following cycle. By means of this system of representation the reading, storing and print of any address data may be conveniently traced.

As a point of illustration, data representing line 3, for example AlL3, and associated with a 3 line address is read at second read (cycle 2) by means of brush 161b and transmitted through plug socket 931, plug wire 10e, R155'l-3 normally closed points, plug wire 10j, plug socket 928a and into storage unit A. In the case of data representing line 3 (A3L3) but associated with a 4 line address a path of transmission follows from second read brush 161a, plug socket 929, plug wire 10a, R1557-2 normally open points, plug wire 10k, plug hub 928a and into storage unit A.

The data representing A1L3 is read out of storage unit A on the third cycle and transmitted through wire 11, plug socket 941a, plug wire 12, plug socket 940b and printed out of printing group 3. 'If it should hap'- pen that a succession of 3 line addresses are passing through the feed of the machine then it may be appreciated that storage units A and B are alternately used to store line 3 data. This is necessary in view of the fact that when the line 3 of one address is being printed out of storage the next succeeding third line of datavis being read into storage hence the necessity for two storage units. This of course, is true as in the present case where a feed unit with but two sensing stations is employed.

The matter of controlling the alternation of Vstorage units A and B will be discussed in more detail under circuits; for the present however, it is merely to be noted that the alternation occurs for example in cycle 3 in which case data is being read into storage unit B while storage unit A is reading out data. The alternation of storage units A and B also occurs in cycles 5, 7, 8 and l0 but in these cases line 3 data is derived from 4 line address cards as well as from 3 line address cards. Thus, the period of alternation in these cases is different from that observed in cycle 3. The readout of line 3 data from storage unit B follows along line 11a, plug socket 941g, plug wire 12, plug socket 940b and into printing group 3. Under printing group 3 it may be seen that third line data is printed in cycles 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11, respectively identified as A1L3, A2L3, A3L3, A4L3, A5L3 and A6L3, the data identitied with 3 line addresses being A1L3, A2L3, A5L3 and A7L3 while the remaining ones represent data derived from 4 line addresses.

Line 4 data is of course, read from field 4 of a 4 line address, the data is transmitted into storage and read out on a subsequent cycle into printing bank 4. In cycle 5, for example, a line 4 (A3L4) is encountered and read out of second read by means of brush 161b, through plug socket 931, plug wire 111e, R1557-3 normally open points, plug wire 10g, plug socket 928e and into storage unit C, where it will remain until released on the eighth cycle and transmitted by way of wire 13, plug socket 941C, plug wire 14, plug socket 940 and into printing group 4.` It is `to be observedthat the-release. of` the A7 data A3L4 occurs three cycles after its entry intostorfage; This delay is due tothe fact thatthe 4 lineV address is distributed in two cards and a delay intime is` therefore imposed in the printing. It is to-be further observed that the delay is shortened by acycle when a 4` line address is followed by a 3 line address, this is true of A4L4 data which` isread into storage unit D on cycle 7 and read out two cycles later. The readout from storage D follows along line 13a, plug socket 941e, plug wire 14, plug socket 940 and into printing group 4.

Now` there are to be considered the operations surroundingthe'movement of the strip S. The strip S is shifted, by meansto be described, after a printing operation isexercised in printing group 1. Taking this as a general rule is may be appreciated in Fig. 1 that the strip S is diagonally. shifted 8 times since there are 8 printing operations exercised by printing group 1. Thus, after a printingroperation is completedV by printing group 1 the strip S is diagonally `shifted tothe left and held in readiness for fthe next recording operation. As earlier explained, each diagonal shift of the strip causes the printed address line to not only advance from one printing group to "theinext' succeeding printing group, but also elevates the strip one line space with respect to the printing line. The means for shifting the strip is under control of a special'perforation in column l of the lirst card of each address. From an inspection of the address cards in Fig. 1 it may be seen that a 3 perforation in column 1 identifies the first card of an address.` Since line l of an addressis printed from flrst read, the control for shifting the strip is therefore taken from rst read column 1.

The foregoing explains activities surrounding card reading, data storage, printing and strip movement. Now there is to be pointed out in conjunction with these activitiesa novel feature of the invention.

Referring to Fig. l, specifically incycle 3, it is seen that three different address parts namely A1L3, A2L2 and A3Ll lare printed, A1L3 being derived from storage A, while A2132 is derived from a 3 line address card located in the second read, and finally A3Ll is obtained from the firstcard of a 4 line address located in the first read. After printing the strip is shifted in the manner described. In the fourth cycle it is seen that the first card of the 4 line address is now in the second read while the second card ofl the same 4 line `address ynow occupies the first read. If printing were permitted in this cycle there are not onlywould result aduplication in the printing of A3Ll but also-the incorrect positioning in the printing of A3142 in printing group 1. To avoid this` the invention provides printing control means for printing groups 1 and 2` and in this particular cycle-of operation, the printing is suppressed for printing groups 1 and 2. lt might also be `noted that no printing occurs in printing groups 3 and 4. In this instance printing group-4 does not print since data for line 4 has not been made available as yet while line y3 might have printed since it was available in storage. The delay in printing line 3 until the following cycle does not impose any additional time delay since the strip cannot be moved until after printing has occurred in printing group l. In the absence of a printing operation in :this fourth cycle the strip is not advanced. On the following cycle, cycle 5, the second card of the 4 line address in question` (address 3) now occupies the second read while. the first card ofthe next succeeding 4 line address (address 4) occupies the first read. From this set of conditions, printing is exercised for printing groups l, 2 and 3 for the printing of A2L3, A3L2 and A4L1 following which the4 strip is advanced. The printing control means is again operative for cycle 6 in View of the fact that conditions describedV for cycle 4 are now duplicated in this cycle. Thus, in-cycle. 6 printing is suppressed for printing groupsl and 2 and printing in printing groups 3 and 4 isnon-etective-because `of the conditions imposed by the wiring controls which will be explained later on under thecircuit description. The situation is again repeated incycles 9 and. 12 except that .in these cycles printing is `8 exercised for printing group 4. The. reason for this is the situation that` is. presented when a 3 line address follows a 4 line address.

Beginning with cycle3, the first address completed is a 3 line, address comprising AlLl', LlL2 and AlL3, the.

former printed on prior cycles while the latter is printed in this cycle. Another 3 line address is completed in cycle 5 with the printing of A2L3. The first 4 line address is completed in cycle 8 with the printing of A3L4. Here it is to be further observed that the address portions A3L3', A3142 `and A3L1 were printed on prior cycles respectively in cycles 7, 5 and 3. Another 4 line address is completed in the following cycle, cycle 9. In cycle 10 another 3 line address is completed with the printing of A5L3. ln cycle 12 still another 4 line address is completed with the printing of A6L4.

The foregoing explains in a general manner the printing of a succession of addresses on a record strip from source records consisting of 3 line and 4 line addresses, the latter being distributed on at least two cards. Now there will be explained in greater detail the instrumentalities and the controls associated therewith for producing the address strip.

ALPHABET PRINTING MECHANISM The printing mechanism is of the kind shown and described in complete detail in the patent to R. E. Page and H. S. Beattie, No. 2,438,071, dated March 16, 1948. As described therein the` printing mechanism employs type wheels 36) each bearing the complete alphabet A through Z, numeric characters 0 through 9 and other characters of a special nature. The wheel 369 is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3 of4 the instant'application.

The alphabet type are selected by impulses according to the code shown in Fig. 5. The particular O, X, or R impulse determines which of several type of a group selected by an impulse l9 will be printed. For example, if the impulse "2 and no pilot impulse is utilized, i. e., neither the O, X orR impulse, Vthe digit 2 will be printed. lf an impulse is also at O such impulse will select the S type; if the X impulse, type K will be selected and if the R impulse, type B will be selected.

Each impulse l9 selects a group of three non-numeral type and` also a numeral type. lf a numeral is to be selected for printing, the printing will be under control of the N pulse, which pulse is after the R zone impulse (see Fig. 7, timing for N impulse). The alphabet type selection is provided for by taking printing impressions before the time a numeral type would have been printed and this is effectedv under control of the O, X and R im pulses.

If the impulse is 9 alone. the printing wheel 360 (Fig. 3) will be rotated counterclockwisc until the 9 type is at the printing line and then the printing wheel 360 will be rocked by the Npulse to effect the printing impression. it will be noted that if an additional impulse such asia l2 is delivered then, under control of this impulseithe printing wheel-will be rocked earlier than for printing the 9 digit to take an imprint from the l type. The X zone impulse will rock the printing wheel 36() to take an imprint still earlier to print R and the impulse 0 even still earlier to print Z.

The details of the printing mechanism are all very well explained in the attire-mentioned Page and Beattie patent as well as the patent to Rabenda7 No. 2,569,829. In the latter in particular, the description begins on page 2l of the specification under the heading Alphabet printing mechanism. For thepresent it is sufficient to say that each printing `wheel is under control` of a printing magnet 361, shown. in Fig. 6c of the circuit diagram of thev instant case, the energization of which will be described later4 on under the circuit description.

STORAGE MEANS ForY convenience, the storage` means are of. the type shown in Fig. 18, of the labenda patent, No. 2,569,829..

ejerca Each storage unit shown therein has a capacity` of 16 positions of numeric storage. When arranged for alphabetic storage however, the unit is capable of storing eight positions of alphabetic information. Each unit is adapted to be controlled by a restoring magnet identified as SRA in Fig. 20 of said patent. When this magnet is energized the unit is cleared and prepared for the receiving of information wired to the entry plug sockets of the unit. Each entry plug socket is connected to a magnet such as SA shown in Figs. 19 and 311' of said patent, which magnet when energized by a particular index point perforation 1-12 in the record card, positions a movable setup ratchet member. In the case of alphabetic data Where two perforations denote a character, two of said magnets will be energized to store each character. This will be described under circuits.

Now each of said so-called setup ratchet members of the storage device is provided with a readout structure comprising mainly a readout commutator having twelve spots or positions and a cooperating wiper which is positioned on a given readout spot in accordance with the positioning of the setup ratchet. This is clearly shown in Figs. 19 and 3li of said Rabenda patent and diagrammatically represented as storage A, B, C and D in Fig. 1 of the instant case.

STRIP FEEDING MEANS Although any type of strip feeding device might be employed to move a strip longitudinally of the printing line, it is convenient to employ the strip feeding device commonly associated with the type 407 printing tabulator. Such a strip feeding device is shown in Figs. 21-30 and fully described in detail in the Rabenda patent, No. 2,569,829. As explained therein this device is adapted to perform a variety of selective line spacing and sheet feeding operations under control of a perforated tape.

To accommodate the diagonally disposed strip of the instant application, the strip feeding device of said Rabenda patent has been augmented by the provision of means for supporting a supply roll of strip material, a take-up reel on which the printed strip is coiled and drive means for advancing the strip. Since this device forms the subject matter of a separate application, it therefore is shown in somewhat of a general way in Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 3 the sheet feeding device is shown as it appears attached near the right end of the platen P before which is shown the diagonally disposed strip S and in front the type wheels 36) of the 407 printing tabulator, which type wheels are rotated in-to the printing positions. At the right end of the platen P, the shaft extends into the mechanism casing C and ends with a pair of knobs K and K. The mechanism case C encloses the low and high speed platen drive means, the perforated tape and control means for the platen drive means.

The means for operating the take-up reel 20 on which the printed strip becomes coiled as the same unwinds from the supply reel 20a and moves longitudinally of the printing line, is shown schematically as constituting a gear 21 secured to the left end of the platen and engaged to another gear 22 in turn attached to a shaft 23 suitably journalled in a frame 24. The opposite end of shaft 23 has secured thereon a sprocket gear 25 which by means of a cooperating sprocket chain 26 imparts motion to another sprocket 27 secured to a shaft 28 also journalled in said frame 24. Said shaft carries and rotates the take-up reel 20 through lthe medium of a friction device not shown.

The means for feeding said strip includes a pair of rolls, namely a punch roll and a die roll more clearly shown in Fig. 4. The punch roll includes a punch for partially piercing the tape while the latter has a cooperating die which is further attached to and driven by the vgear 21d. The structure just described is somewhat supporting said strip S is shown and described in detailv in the afore-mentioned Nolan application. Member 30 represents friction means for imparting the necessary friction to the supply reel 20a so as to keep the strip S taut at all times.

As further described in said Rabenda patent the perforated tape which controls the drive of the platen is perforated in accordance with the distance that the record strip is to be moved. It may further be briefly mentioned that the initiation of a spacing operation is under the control of a signal issuing from the tabulator, such as a signal from a particular perforation in a card passing through the tabulator, while the termination of the spacing operation is under the control of the perforations in the tape of the strip feeding device. It may therefore be appreciated that by virtue of the controls described, the strip S may be controlled in a variety of ways to obtain any desired degree of movement.

In the present case, for example, the control for initiating strip feeding is derived from the address cards, particularly those which contr-ol printing in printing group 1 of Fig. 1. By means of a 3 perforation .in each of these particular cards it will be explained later on under circuit description how the strip S is spaced after printing has been exercised in printing group 1.

Under the spacing operations of the strip feeding device there is also to be considered the suppression of the so-called line spacing operation which ordinarily occurs in printing tabulators as an incident to a printing cycle. In the case of the instan-t application it was earlier explained in the preparation of the address strip that on certain 4 line addresses the printing operations were not exercised. It is -therefore necessary especially under these conditions to prevent the normal line spacing operations from being effective in order to avoid blank spaces appearing between the parts of each address. The normal line spacing operations are suppressed for all printing operations by rendering the space suppression control circuit effeotive for all machine cycles.

Also -to be considered in connection with the operations of the strip feeding device is the control which must be exercised to insure maximum operating speeds in the preparation of th-e address strip. The control concerns the release of the interlock in the feed control circuits of the tabulator. The interlock occurs as an .incident to a strip feeding operation and is ordinarily effective to disable card feeding operations of the tabulator in order to forestall printing in flight, especially in cases where the time consumed for moving the strip is greater than the time consumed for one machine cycle. In order to provide for continuous Vcard feeding the interlock release is rendered effective at the same time that a strip spacing operation is initiated. For the present, however, it may be appreciated that the same control which is plugged on the control panel of the 407 tabulator for causing the spacing of `the strip S is also plugged to the interlock release.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION Before describing the circuits in detail there is to be mentioned the fact that the machine is provided with a series of cam contacts which `are well known .in construction and operation and are designated as CR and CF cam contacts. The former open and close for each machine cycle while the latter operate only during card reading operations of the feed accompanied or not by a card feed operation.

Other contacts designated as CB contacts are used as circuit breakers and operate continuously for each machine cycle.

There is also to be mentioned the device known .in the art as a digit selector which is comprised principally of a circular commutator adapted with 12 electrical segments isolated from each other anda rotating wiper aroma@ 11 adaptedl to cooperate with each of saidsegments once per machine cycle. The twelve segments correspond to the twelve index pointpositions ot therecord card and there-` Referring to Fig. 6a, card feed operations are initiated by depressing a startkey and closing contacts 274.where upon `relay R1636P is energized. A hold circuit for the relay is established through line 921,R1636H, Rl636b, CR6 `camcontacts to line 920.` Upon closure of contacts R1636n a pickup `circuit is established for the start relay R1638P beginning with line 9,21 and following throughkll, R1636a, (2R36 cam contacts to line 920. Upon closure of contacts R1638b a hold. circuit is establishedifor relays R1638 through R163Sb and CRflA cam contacts. The closure of contacts R1638c-energizes relay R1639 when CRS cam contacts makes, Upon the closure` of `contacts R1639b and CRSS` cam contacts a circuit is established to energize clutch maguetZ `which controls'` the means for turning the CF cams of the AInachinc. Simultaneously, the closure of R1639b and-CRS?"` i camcontacts establishes a` circuit` to energize the picker clutch magnet 64` and the gripper controlling magnet 53, the former initiates operations of the picker knives of the card feed as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 2, while the latter operates` the card` grippenmechanism. Upon operation ofA the picker knives the iirst card of the deck is fedA fromthe supply hopper of the card feed to the presenting station Where la cardV lever V275 is encountered` whereupon contacts` 27 6. are closed to complete a circuit, .in conjunction with `(2K8 cam contacts, to energize relay 1116251?. The hold circuit for R1628H; is established through contacts R1628a and CFS cam contacts. The machinewill stop at the end of the first feed cycle unless the startkey is heldr depressed whereupon feeding will continue unintcrruptedly after the rst cycle as long as ithe card lever contacts `276 are closed byisucceeding` cards.y

On the next succeeding card cycle .and the cyclcsim mediately thereafter, relays K163i) and R163@ respectively, will be energized to control the circuits to the sensing means in the firstA and second reading stations. Relay R1630P is energized through CF22; cam contacts, 111628!! and CFS cam contacts. A hold circuit therefore is established through` R1630H, contacts R163@ and CF4` cam contacts. Relay R1632P is energized through CF23. earn contacts, Rritla` and GF4 cam contacts. The hold circuit is established through relay R1632H, R1632a, CF3 cam contacts to line 920.

As` further explained in the Rabenda patent theparls are fed successively through the sensing stations by means of the card gripping devices. Since we are not concerned with any selective controls of the card feed unit outside of what Vwas described for run-in operations we Vmay therefore visualize the feed as running continuously and feeding cards from which the various addresses will be printed on the strip S. i

Card analyzing or reading circuits 8.0 columns in each of the readies Stations. .The Sls n 165 of the first column commutator.

circuit for the first reading station is from the line side 920, -circuit breaker contacts CB14, CF28 cam contacts, iirstreading relay Rlflbr contacts which are closed during the analyzing time, thence to a wire 990. The wire 99u has a respective wire connection 991 to the brush It will be recalled that the brush readout 165 makes successive contact with the contact points 164 and the circuit will be closed through the particular brush 162 which passes through the card perforation. Each plate 161 which carries the series of analyzing brushes 162 has a wire connection to a respective plug socket such as socket 923 in the first column. For the first reading station there is a series of eighty plug sockets including 923, 925, 942, 942a, 954 and 95441, etc., from which plug connections are made for control purposes.

The sensing circuit for the second readingstation extends from the CF28 cam contacts, thence through the second reading R1632g relay contacts to a wire 992 which has one first wire 993 of multiple wire connections to the brush readout 165 representative of a series of sensing commutators for the second reading station. There is, likewise, a series of eighty plug sockets including sockets 926, 929, .929m 931, 93151 and 9311) for the second reading station from which plug connections are made to the desired controls or printing orders to effect prnting of information corresponding to the perforated data.

The CB1-4 circuit breaker contacts are timed to close and open at such times at it will prevent the arcing at the break and make between the brush readout and the contact points 164 so as to prevent damage at this point of contact. The construction and operation of circuit breaker contacts, such as are employed herein, are well known.

The digit selectors 1, 2 and 3 are also shown in Fig. 6b. The digit selector controls the selection of a particular one of a plurality of pulses introduced into the common input plug socket C. Digit selector 1 is connected to column 8O of the second read by means of a plug `wire 931e. The digit selector 1 is further shown as having a plug wire connection 9311 in the 3 plug socket thereof. `Digit selector 2 is connected by means of plug wire 925; to column S0 of the first read and controls the issuance of a l pulse and a 3 pulse along plug wires 925C and 9255d. 4In like manner digit selector 3 is connected by means of a plug wire r923a to column l of the first read and controls the issuance of a 3 pulse and a 6 pulse.` The 3 pulse is directed through plug wire 923C while .the 6 pulse is directed through plug wires 9,23'b, 15 and PCS. Unidirectional devices UD are included in each of these plug wires in order. to prevent back circuits. The plug wires 9311, 925C, 92 Sd, 923b and 15 are wired to control the operations of so-called pilot selectors which in turn control the selection of the various lines of addresses from the cards as well as the control of the storage devices for read-in and readout operations. Plug wire 923e controls strip feeding while plug wire FC3 controls printing groups l and 2.

Storage control circuits Referring to Fig. 6c, there is shown the circuits associated with storage entry and storage exit operations. The entry and exit controls are shown in detail only for storage unit A, while the entry and exit storage units B, C and D are shown in block diagram form.

The signal for initiating control activities is an all cycle impulse taken from a row of plug sockets labeled A. C. shown in Fig. 6b. This signal starts with line 920 and proceeds through CR49 cam contact; and CRSO cam contact in parallel, R1639/z to the A. C. plug sockets. For convenience, it is to be assumed that the impulse extends through certain pilot selection controls now considered to be adjusted to pass the signal into avstorage entry control plug socket ARL shown in the right-hand corner of Fig. 6d and then through relay R836P2` shown in AFig.` 6e to line 921. This relay initiates storage control 13 activities for storage unit A. A hold circuit for relay R836H extends through R836-1 contacts through CF20 cam contacts to line 920. Upon closure of R836-2 points and CF21 cam contacts a circuit is completed to energize relays R837 and R840. The points of the latter relays are shown in Fig. 6c and control the entry of address data into the storage unit while a point of relay R836, namely R836-3 controls the energization of the storage unit restoring magnet SRA (also shown in Fig. 6c) in order to prepare the unit for mechanical operations. The circuit controlling the SRA magnet begins with line 920 and follows through CR59 cam contacts, R836-3 contacts, SRA magnet to line 921.

Address data is introduced into storage by means of plug wire connections to storage unit entry plug sockets such as 928e shown in Fig. 6c. Here, positions 1 and 20 are only shown in detail. In position 1 data is entered to energize the ratchet setup magnet SA by means of a circuit beginning with an entry hub 1 and extending through R837-1, R762-1, setup magnet SA to line 921. The contacts R762-1 are under control of a parent relay energized by means of a circuit beginning with line 920 and extending through CR202 cam contacts, relays R762, R761 in series therewith, to line 921. Simultaneously, relays R765, R766, R769, R77, R773 and R774 are energized by means of the same circuit. These relays are used to control various associated points distributed throughout the entry and exit circuits in order to store the zone portions, O-X-R, forming a part of the alphabetic characters. The zone portion of an alphabetic character is admitted into storage by means of a circuit beginning with plug socket 928e, position 1,. and extending through R837-1, R762-1, now transferred, to set up ratchet magnet SA.

In order to control the readout of data from storage unit A it is necessary to energize storage exit control relays RSZSH, R829 and R832 all of which are shown in Fig. 6e. Usually an all cycle impulse is used to initiate this activity and for the Sake of convenience in this case the all cycle impulse is assumed to enter an ARO plug socket shown in Fig. 6d. The circuit then continues through said relays RSZSH, R829 and R832 all wired in parallel, to line 921. Energization of these relays close associated points in the storage exit circuits of Fig. 6c. In reading data out of storage, for example the character A, two circuits are employed one of which emits the numeric portion of the alphabetic character while a second circuit emits the zone portion of the alphabetic character. Since the combination of an R zone and a numeric l constitutes the character A, the 1 is read out by means of a circuit beginning with line 920 and extending through CB1-4, total print emitter, at one time (see Fig. 6c), then through an associated connecting wire leading to the one spot in the readout commutator of the storage unit, wiper 59S, common bar 595, R761-1 normally closed contacts, RSZS-S to the exit socket 941e number l position. The reading out of the zone portion, the R, for example, follows a somewhat similar path except that the R pulse is emitted at R time through the total print emitter and passes through wiper 598', common bar 595', R761-1, now transferred, R828-8 to the same exit plug socket 941e position number l. The readout of data from storage units B, C and D which are shown in block diagram form, is effected through associated plug sockets 941b, 941e and 9416!, respectively. The entry of data into storage units B, C and D also shown in block diagram form is effected through plug sockets 928b, 928e and 92Sd, respectively.

Strip feeding control circuits Referring to Fig. 6a there is shown in simplified form the circuit controls adapted to control the feeding of the strip S on which addresses are printed by the printing devices of the 407 tabulator. As briey described earlier the tabulator controls initiate strip feeding and the tape afi-ehem governs the termination ofstrip feeding in accordance with the spacing of the perforations 1S in the tape, seen in Fig. 6a, particularly within the region defined by the dotted lines and indicated as casing C. Also shown therein in diagrammatic form is the mechanism associated with strip feeding and of which brief mention was made earlier. A drive motor M is shown connected across the lines 920 and 921 and is used to supply the motive power for driving the mechanism of the strip feeding means including a tape sensing drum 831 and a circuit breaker 895 which operates the contacts 895. The tape sensing drum 831 and the circuit breaker 895 are of course operated by clutches in turn controlled by the HS and LS magnets.

The latter is only energized for slow speed operations whereas both are energized for high speed operations. Since it is desired to produce the address strip at maximum speed, the strip feeding controls are therefore set for high speed operations. Because of this, the HS and LS magnets have been shown without any individual controls which are shown in the Rabenda patent and in greater detail in the patent to A. W. Mills et al., No. 2,531,885, granted November 28, 1950.

Now proceeding with the description of the circuits, the circuit for feeding the address strip S is initiated by energizing relay R1597P2 (see Fig. 6a) under the control of a 3 perforation sensed in column 1 of the first read station. The circuit begins at line 920 and extends through CB1-4, CF28 cam contacts, R1630b, wire 991, column l plug socket 923, plug wire 923e, plug socket C of digit selector number 3, output socket 3, plug wire 923e to plug socket SKIP, relay R1597P2 to line 921. A hold circuit is established for relay R1597H upon closure of R1597-1 n conjunction with CF9 cam contacts (see upper left corner of Fig. 6a). Upon closure of R1597-2 and in accordance with the closure of CR25 cam contacts, relay R1612P is energized. A hold circuit follows for relay R1612H when R1612-1 points transfer. This circuit extends from line 921, wire 921s, wire 921t, wire 921u, relay R1612H, R1612-1 normally open side, R1684drto line 920. Prior to the transfer of points R16121 it may be appreciated that relay R1673 had been energized by a circuit path including R1612-1 normally closed points in conjunction with R1684d points. Thus, when R1612-1 does transfer relay R1673 drops out and accordingly closes its associated points R1673c to pick up relay R1662 under control of CF24 cam contacts. Upon closure of R1662a in conjunction with CR13 cam contacts, a hold circuit is established for relay R1662H. Also, upon closure of R1662B in conjunction with CR29 cam contacts the strip feed start relay R1676P picks up. A hold circuit for relay R1676H is established through R1676b and R1684A points. The closure of R1676B points in conjunction withy R1683A sets up a circuit to energize the HS magnet which in turn sets up mechanical means incidental to high speed operations. Also the HS magnet, through an associated armature HS causes co-ntacts 817 to close thereby caused LS magnet to be energized whereupon strip feeding means are activated to rotate the printing platen P and in accordance with the strip feeding means earlier described causes the strip S to be fed diagonally across the printing line of the 407 tabulator.

The strip feeding operation is terminated when perforation 1S in the tape is sensed by the sensing brush B1. When this occurs a circuit is established by way of line 920, contacts 895, B13, tape sensing drum 831, sensing brush B1, R16122 through strip feeding stop relays R1683 and R1684 to line 921. When these relays are energized the point R1683A immediately opens up to de-energize the HS and LS magnets. Also the R1684A point opens up to drop out the strip feed start relay R1676.

Pilot selectors The pilot selector is a well-known form of switching means which is generally controlled by a special perforaatthe second read. Referring to Fig. `6d there are seenthe c controls associated with pilot selector number 1 which is shown in `detail whereas the'remaining pilot selectors 2-16'are'shown in block diagram form. Each pilot selector is provided with an'v X plug socket which admits an X timed impulse, an I MM plug socketwhich when properlywired operates the pilot selector immediately as opposed to'tlie above-described operation of the selector; av"D, plug socket which admits la wide variety of impulses. ASince we `are not concerned with the controls associated witlithe X arid the 1MM controls, We shall proceed' with ari explanation of thecontrols associated with'ithe D plugsocket which when connected to va signal such as a digit from a perforation `inthe card or an A. Ci. pulse, eausesthe'selector to operateon the following cycle as" earlier mentioned. l

The admission of a pulse into the D plug `socket of pilot selector `nuinb e'r"1` causes relay R1513P2 to be energized.` A hold circuit is"immediatelyl established for relay R1513H upon thel closure of R1513-1Ucontacts in conjunction with CRLtO cam contacts. Upon closure of R1513f2 in conjunction` with"CF3`1v ca m contacts relay 111515151 is energized. A hold'circuitis established for relay R1515H upon closure of R1515-1 in conjunction with CF1() cam contacts. The relay R1S15 is provided with a pair of` transfer `contacts namely R1515-3 and [(151574. Each of said transfer points is provided with a group of 3 plug sockets namely C, N, and T. A pulse admitted into the C socket cornes out of the N socket` when lthe pilot selector inoperative; butiwhen the pilot selector is Operated, as described, the pulse entering the C socket comes out of the QT socket.

lt'niay be noted further that relay numbers are shown within therblocks representingthe pilot selectors PS2.- PStl'of. Each Vo f said designated relays is controlled in a manner .similar to the manner of control described for relay R1515` associated with'pilot selector 1. These relays in turn control associated'transfer points located tomthe right of the selectors PS27PS16.` The pilot selectors P812, PS13 Vand P514 even though shown are not used in this particular case. Pilot'selectors P515 and P516y control associated contacts R15V5f7-2, R15517-3 and R15602 all shoyvnlat the` top ef Fig. lq.

Print magnet energizing circuits The circuits for energizing the print magnets identified4 as 3 61 ai'e shown in Fig. 6c. Here the circuits are shown indetzailvonly for two positions of printing group 1. The g priiiting groups 2, 3 and are shownl in block. diagram form.V The address data is admitted into printing group `l by'wayof .plug sockets 950e, into printing group 2 by way of plug,socketsY .9494, into printing group 3 by way of plug lsockets940. Two positionsV namely the first and thelast'ofeach printing i group are shown and as earlier explained an entire 'held representing an address line is admitted' into a pluralityV of. these sockets for printing hs vriaiis lines Qf addrsssflata Q11 ,the 'strip S- i 4This ptiltiisr Cirsut @rendermi/he described briefly by means of two circuits. The first circuit for energizing the print magnet determines the selection of a particular group of characters. The second circuit for energizing thesame print ymagnet deterrrnines the particular character tobe printed from ,the group o f characterspreviously Aselected. The latter circuit controls the `rnearisfor causing hpfitlns EOP@ afCfCtsd Qn the address strip. The first f :thess- IWO. lCircuits in .question is initiated when the numeric part or the alphaheticcharacter is admitted to u plugsoclcet 949e. The circuit path then followsr'through the`n`ormnlly closed cntacts'lof-relay 11933-1, print magnet 361, position l, contacts 165e normally closed, R1041- 1 normally closed to line 9271. The operation of contacts 165a is such that the transfer operation'isA accomplished plugfsocke'ts`940b `and into printing 4group 4 by way `of 16 without a breakoccurring in the circuit. This contact is under` control of the print magnet and the operation is completely described in the Rabenda patent. It may be mentioned briefly that at the end of the numeric pulse the contacts 165a` will be shifted to a transferred positionto accept the next input pulse which incidentally is a zone pulse. The circuit for energizing the print magnet undercontrol of a' zone pulse begins by admitting the zone pulse at plug socket 949C and then following through R933-il, print magnet 3 61, contacts 165:1, now transferred, to line EEZ/L1. in the case of a numeric character, a single pulse is admitted through the plug socket 940C. The numeric character is then selected for printing under control of the N pulse. The N pulse follows a path beginning with line 920 through CR104 cam contacts, 1633-1, now transferred, print magnet 361, contacts a, now transferred, to line 921. The contacts R933-1 are under control of a parentrelay R933 shown in Fig. 6b. The' circuit for energizing relay R933 begins with line 920 then follows through CRZ!)` cam contacts, PClb normally closed, a unidirectional current device R1, relays R933 and R936ft`o line 921. The group comprising relays R924, and R936, all under control of PC2, are used to control other printing positions, not shown, of the'machine. It may be briefly mentioned that the contacts PCb and EC21; are under control of print control relays to Abe described very shortly. lt may be noted from the timing chart of Fig. 7 that the timing of CRZ i cam contacts overlaps the timing of the N" pulse.

Having briefly explained the manner in which the print magnet is normally energized to affect printing, there is now to be considered the manner of selectively controlling the printing groups 1 and 2 by means of novel printing control circuits.

Printing control circuits The printing control circuits are shown in the right half section 'ofv Fig. y6b'. Here there is seen a pair of printing confrol sockets, namely, printing control number 1 and number 2f The admission of an impulse into either or both of ythese two sockets accordingly suppresses printing in'either'or both of the printing ngroups l and 2 in the cycle'in`whicli the pulse -was admitted. The pulse must, of'couise, b e` admitted before 0 time in the cyclev in order 5 to prfeyentftheadpfiission 'ofv any zonepulses or the N pulses intofthe"printmagnet Themmanner of affecting this control is yinitiatedby admitting a "6 pulse by way o'f`afplu`g wire PCSWconnected'between PCI and PC2 socketsiiito the 76. socket of digitselector number 3. it may be'noted front Fig.A l that the 16 perforation appearslin column lA of the second card of a multiple address groupfmBy `virtue ofhthe 6 perforation, printing bfe'lsuppressed:forprinting groups 1 and 2. From Fig., l`it maybe noted'that printing is suppressed in cycles 12 fuor printing groups l and 2. The circuit to ,energize the print' control relays PC1 and PC2 begins with line 9120 andlextends to CB1-4, CF2S cam contacts, wire 19911, column 1, plug socket 923, plug wire 9,23n'commoiijsocket of DS3, 6 socket, plug wire RC3,I print control sockets 1 and 2, print control relays RC1 and PC2 to line 9241. A hold `circuit for the relays is control of associated contacts, namely, PCla and in conjunction with CRM cam contacts. Upon theftransfer of 4contacts PCi() and PCZb, circuits are rendered operative to energize relays R924-, R927, R930, R936. The lcircuit particularly for relay R933 begins with line 9251 i and proceeds through CR117 cam contacts, PCM), now transferred, unidirectional device UD, relay R933 to line 921. Relay R933 is thus energized until i of the cycle in which it was energized. By virtue of this timing, it may be noted that contacts 1&19331-1;seenV in Fig. 6c, will be transferred and thereby prevent'the radmission of any of the zone pulses O, X and Rio the print magnet 361.' Now then after 180 of the cycle, the contacts R933-1 will drop back to normal to 17 the position shown, and by Virtue.v of this,v the N pulse is thereby prevented from reaching the print magnety 361'. Printingl is thus suppressed for printing groups l and'V 2 by virtue of the printing controls exercised by the printing control relays PCllr and PC2: in the manner described.

Plugging controls for the pilot selector and the storage units Now there is to be considered the manner in which the various lines of address data are transmitted, by Way of plug wire connections, from the various fields of address cards to the storage units and they printing groups, and also the plugging connection associated with the control of the pilot selectors.

The plugging associated with the transmission of various lines of addresses. has, in a limited sense, been earlier explained in conjunction with Fig. l. However, for the purpose of showing the relationship of this plugging to the plugging controls associated with the pilot selectors the plugging will be explained in connection with the Wiring diagram. it may also be mentioned that the single plug wires are used to represent a plurality of like connections.

Referring to. Figs. 6b and 6c line l is transmitted from socket 942. orn the rst. read by way of plug wire 10 to plug socket 94de of printing group. l.

Line 2 has two paths of transmission to printing group 2. The first path associated with iield 2 of a 3 line address.. This path follows through plug wire lila plugged between second read socket 929 and the C socket associated with pilot selector contacts R557-2', through the latter points then by way of plug wire Hic, plug wire 10d to socket 94th: of printing group 2. Line 2 associated with a 4I line address begins with second read plug socket 939 then follows along plug wire iilb, then C socket associated with pilot selector points RS-Z, through the latter points now transferred, plug wire 10d to printing group 2.

In connection with the control of line 3 it is. to be mentioned again that line 3 data is first read into storage and then from storage it is passed on to printing group 3`. Referring to Fig. l it may be noted that storage units A and B are used to store line 3. The path for transmitting line 3 associatedwith a 3 line address begins with second read socket 931 then follows along plug Wire 30e, the C socket associated with pilot selector contacts Rll''-S, plug wire luf to storage entry A begins with socket 94M, plug wire l2 to. socket 9405 of printing group 3. Now when storage B is involved in. conjunction with the storage of 3 line data, the path is similar to that just described except that storageB rather lthan storage A accept 3 line data. There is also the path involving line 3 reading from a 4 line address. This path begins with second read socket 929 then follows along plug wire ida, the C socket associated with R1557-2 contacts, through the transfer points of the latter, plug Wire.1k, storage B entry socket 928i), or, storage A entry socket 92de depending upon which storage unit is controlled to accept the 3'line data.

Line 4 is entered into storage unit C or D depending upon which unit is renderedy operative. The circuit path for transmitting line 4 begins with second read socket 931, then follows through plug wire e, the C socket associated with pilot selector contacts R1557-3, through the transferred contacts of. the latter, plug wire 10g; to storage sockets. 928C andl 923e'. The readouty of line 4 from storage C or D. follows along plug wire'14t By means-of controls which willnext be described therevwill be shownhow the storage units A, B, C. and D' are. controlled in their entry and exit operations.`

In- Fig. 6d there are. shown the various. plug wire. connections associated withthe operations of' they storage units. A,l B, C. and D. Each storagey unity has an entry control'socket and` anexitcontrol socket. Storage unit .for example, has a pair of associated controlsockets,

namely,. A-RI: and ARO.. The ARI denotes storage A read-in; i. e., entry control: for storage unit A. The ARO denotes' storage A readout; i. e., storage A exit control. In like' manner apair of similar sockets are associated With each' of the remaining storage units B, C and D. These sockets are identied BRI, BRO, CRI, CRO, DRi andfDRO.

lt is further seen in Fig. 6d that these storage control sockets are connected by means of plug wires Sie, Sie, 52e, 53a, 61C, 59b, 57C and 62a to a host of pilot selecter contacts in turn controlled by associated pilot selectors PS1 through PSII. These pilotr selectorsare controlled by the special perforations in column l and in column of the addressy cards. These special perforations are routed through the digit selectors i, 2 and 3', shown in Fig. 6b. From these digit selectors the plug wires 931]@ 92312, 925C and 9255! are connected in various ways-to affect control over the pilot selectors. There are also includedinthe pilot selector control circuits a number of plug connections labeled A. C. which connections are plugged toy the A. C. sockets shown in Fig. 6b.

In order to facilitate an explanation of the control circuits` involvedV in Fig. 6d, reference is invited to the operational chart shown in Fig. 8'. This chart is drawn upy to indicate the activities of storage units and the pilot selectors 1` through lil for l2 cycles of operation which correspondsV to the l2 cycles of operation shown in Fig. l. At the top of the chart of Fig. 8, there are shown the operationalV perfor-ations which appear in columns land 80 of the address cards. lt must be appreciated in connection` with this part ofthe chart that the locations representing columns l and 8i) bear no timing relationship to the rest of the chart wherein are` shown the timings'for the pilot selectors and thestorage units. The locations ofcoluinns l and 80 and theA perforations showntherein areY presented merely as an expedient' to indicate what particular operational perforations are` available in any particular cyclel of operation.

Thetimingsshown in-the chart of Fig. 8v are each represented by a line having a broken portion and a solid portion. The broken portion of thev linev denotes that pickup controls are exercised' on a particular pilot selector or storage unit for read-in or readout operations. The solid portion of the line indicates thatV the particular pilot selector or storage unit is operated. For example, in cycle l a" broken portion of the line for pilot selector number 1 indicates pickup control- While the solid portion of the same-line shown in cycle 2VV indicates that theV pilotV selector number 1 is actually picked up, in other words, the transfer points associated with the pilot selector are transferred in the secondV cycle. In the case of the storage unitcontrols the broken portion: and the solid portionv have the same signiiicance. For example, in cycle l the read-in controls for storage ARI are being picked up. in cycle l while in cycle 2 the storage unitA is actually undergoingA a read-in operation.

I-n accordance with Fig; l and the wiring controls shown in the wiringjdiagrani, it has beenl explained how line 1 andI line. 2 are read from the address cards and printedoutof printing-groups l and 2, respectively. The control: for the selection of line 2 fromv either a 3 line or a 4 line address is under control of pilot selectors PSIS and P516 both. wired in parallel by' means. of plug wire 923s, seen. in. Fig. 6d. Itmay bey appreciated that plug, wire 15 conveys a 6. pulse from DS3 to pilot selectors PS1-5- and PSM: In Fig.y l therev is seenthat the. 6 pulse is. read.. from the second card of a 4 line address and` may be. seen to appear in the second card of addressgroups 3., v 4, 6 and 8. Inthe cycles in which pilot selectors P815 and P816 are effective, line 2 is printed from eld 2 of the 4- line address groups. On the stripY this. shows up` as A3L2, A4L2 and A6L2 all printed outy the printing' group 2. The' remaining notations, namely, AlLl, A2L2, A5L2 and A7L2 are printed 'F9 from eld 2 of a 3 line address when the pilot selector PS1-5 and P516 are de-energized.

Now in connection with the controls for effecting printing of line 3 there is to be considered the storage entry and exit controls for storing line 3. Beginning with cycle 2, it may be seen in Figs. 1 and 8 that pilot selectors l and 3 are energized and that storage unit A undergoes a read-in operation while storage B undergoes a readout operation. Considering the latter, nothing is read out since no data was fed into storage B. In the case of storage A, A1L3 is entered therein. Referring to the chart of Fig. 8, cycle 2, the pilot selectors PS1 and PS3 were picked up as a result of a 3 perforation in column 80 initiating the control in cycle l. This 3 pulse is transmitted by way of plug wire 925:1 to the pickup of pilot selector PS3, seen in Fig. `6d and to pilot selector 1 by way of plug wire 52a, R1513-3, plug wire 50h to pickup of pilot selector 1. It may be fur ther seen that plug wire 51C transmits the 3 pulse to the ARI socket of storage unit A. Now in Fig. l it may be seen that address data read into storage A is indicated as AlL3. In cycle 2 of Fig. 8 it is also seen that pickup controls are exercised for pilot selectors PS2 and PS3. In cycle 3 it is seen that these selectors are picked up. The control in this case is again initiated by a 3 in column 80 of the first read. The 3 pulse is transmitted by way of plug wire 9256i, then pickup socket for pilot selector number 3, plug wire 52a, R1513-3, now transferred,`to the pickup socket of pilot selector number 2 and also to storage BRI socket by way of plug wire 51a. Also in cycle 3, storage A will undergo a readout. The control of storage A for a readout is traced as follows: Beginning at the ARO socket then through plug wire 52C, R1518-4, now transferred, 53b, R1521-3, now transferred, plug wire 53C extending to the A. C; socket shown in Fig. 6b. Now in Fig. l it may be seen that in cycle 3, A2L3 is entered in storage B, while A1L3 is read out of storage A. AlL3 is printed onrthe strip S from printing group l. In cycle 3 of Fig. 8, a pickup is effected for pilot selector PS2 so as to cause the same to be `energized in cycle 4. This operation is under control of` a 1 pulse coming from column 80 of the first read. The l pulse is channeled through DS2 and follows along plug `wire 925C, plug wire 50c, R1518-3 now transferred, plug wire 52h to the pickup socket of pilot selector number 2. By means of this control, pilot selector number 2 will be energized in cycle 4. Considering the storage activity in cycle 4, it is noticed that no read-in or readout operation is effected. The reason for this may be appreciated by referring to Fig. 1, cycle 4, which shows that the first card of a 4 line address is in the second read while the second card of the same address is in the first read. In view of this, printing is not effected nor is there any address data available for storage from the address card in the second read. Referring to Fig. 8, it is further seen that pickup controls are again effected for pilot selector PS1 and PS2 under control of a 3 in column 80. Also in this cycle, pickup controls are effected for pilot selector number S.` It is further seen that read-in pickup controls are initiated for storage units A and C while readout controls are also initiated for storage unit B. The effect of this may be seen in cycle 5 of Fig. l. There we see that A3L3 and A3L4 are read into storage units A and C, respectively, while A2L3 is read out of storage B and printed out of printing group 2. In the same cycle it may be seen that A4Ll and A2L3 are printed out of printing groups l and 3, respectively. The pickup controls for pilot selector PS8 and storage C read-in are initiated by a 6 readout of column 1 of the rst read. The 6 pulse is routed `through PS3 and then follows along plug wire 925b into the C socket associated with R1527w3, plug wire 56h to the pickup socket of pilot selector PS8 and to CRI socket by way of plug wire 57C.

In cycle 5, pickup controls are initiated for pilot selectors PS1, PS4 and PS5 to cause the same to be energized for cycle 6. The pickup for selector PS1 has been described. The pickup for pilot selectors PS4 and PS5 begins with an A. C. pulse transmitted along plug wire 58a to the C socket associated with RIEN-3 now transferred, plug wire 57a to the pickup socket of PS4 and PS5. In cycle 6 the storage units are not active. Re ferring to Fig. 1, it is seen that conditions` in cycle 6 are somewhat the same as they were in cycle 4 because of the presence of the first card of a 4 line address in the second read and the presence of the second card of the same 4 line address in the iirst read. In this cycle, cycle 6, the pickup controls for storage ARO, BRI and DRI are initiated. Also pickup controls are initiated for pilot selectors PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PSII. Pickup controls for storage DRI and pilot selector PS1! are effected through plug wire 92311 along which a 6 pulse is routed through R1527-3 now transferred, plug wire 56a, R1533-3, plug wire 58e to the pickup socket of pilot selector P811 and also to DRI socket by way of plug wire 62a.

Cycle 7, in the chart in Fig. 8 shows that pilot selectors PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PSII are energized. Also in operation are storage units A, B and D. To appreciate the significance of this, reference is also invited to Fig. 1 where in cycle 7 there is seen that A3L3 is read out of storage A and printed out of printing group 3 while A4L2 and ASLl are simultaneously printed out of print groups 1 and 2, respectively. Also A4L3 and A4L4 are being entered into storage E and D.` ln order to set up conditions for cycle 8, pickup controls are initiated in cycle 7 for pilot selectors PS1, PS3, PS6, PS7 and PS9. Also in cycle 7, pickup controls are initiated for storage units A, B and C, that is, read-in for storage A and readout for storage units B and C. The pickup control for selectors PS5 and PS7 in cycle 7 is initiated by a 3 read from column 80 of the second read. The 3 is routed through DS1 along the plug wire 931]L to the C socket associated with R1537-3, plug wire 55e, REM-4, now transferred, plug wire 55h, the C socket associated with R153tl-4, plug wire S812 to the pickup socket of PS6, and by way of plug wire 56C to the pickup socket of PS7.

The pickup for PS9 begins with an A. C; pulse car ried along plug wire 63a to the socket associated with R1545-3, through the transfer points of the latter, plug wire 60e to the pickup socket of PS9.

In cycle 8 it is seen that pilot selectors PS1, PS3, PS6, PS7 and PS9 are energized. Also storage units A, B and C are active, storage A reads in while storage units B and C read out. Referring to cycle 8 in Fig. l, it is noted that A5L3 is read into storage A while A4L3 and A3L4 are read out of storage units B and C, respectively, and printed out of printing groups 3 and 4, respectively. It is also to be noted that A5L2 and A6Ll are also printed in this cycle out of printing groups 2 and l, respectively.

Having gone through the various plugging controls, it is believed that further detailed explanation of the plugging controls is unnecessary, since the operations may be followed in accordance with the pattern of timings shown in the chart of Fig. 8 in conjunction with Fig. l.

Detection of missing cards and cards not in proper sequence There are now to be considered the controls which are provided to stop the machine in the event a card is missing from a multiple card group, or, the cards in the multiple card group are reversed, 0r, when the cards in the multiple card group are in sequence but are not of nieuwe@ .251 secondrcard comesbeforefthelfirstfcar the contrlswill also provide a signal. ln' the "last condition, namely :when the'cards of the .group fare in-proper sequencerelativeito first and second positions but are of ydifferent '-.address groups, a signal lwill also Vbe provided.

The means for providing-a-:signaliforeachfof thefconditions described include the 'well-known :group fcontrol circuits used. in conjunction with a Avpilot selectorcontrolled by a special perforation appearing' :incolumn 8O ofthe first address card.

The group control vis a Well-known vvmeans found .in record control accounting machines. Briey/,such means includes devices for analyzing the holes in corresponding card columns of successively fe'd cards for ydetermining the presence of similar ordissirnilarholes .in the compared columns, and upon detectinga group number change, total taking operations are initiated.

Since the present invention isin'ot concerned withtotal taking operations, 'the group control :signal is 'therefore not used 'for total taking operations, instead,fit is 4used :to stop the machine so .that an iimmediate inspection can be made of the cards.

Since .the group Ycontrol circuitsare well known in .the art they are shown .in diagrammatic .form .in .the rcircuit tof Fig. 9. Here We findthat :the groupicontrol is "represented by a box to which `are connected .sockets 943, 945 and 9a7. Within the box are .seen two relay numbers, namely, R593 and R594. In the aforementionedkabenda patent, particularly in Fig. f3ld, kandas further .explained in `said patent beginning on page `58 under the heading .fof Automatic group control, the sockets 9.43, ".945 :and 947 Jtogether with the relays R593 and R594 :are-concerned with groupv .control operations. As explained insaid Rabenda patent, the socket 943 is connected-to a :secondrread'socket while socket 945 is connected Ato a corresponding first 1 read socket. By virtue .of these .connections and a plurality of similar corresponding connections, .the :cards .are analyzed on the basis ofgroup control. In the eventrof a change from one group of lcards to anothergroup, a signal is provided at socket 1.947. Nowthenfin thecards used in the illustrative example in -Fig. 1 ofthe instant case .it Yis understood, even :though =not shown, that a group control number is recorded ineach .of Ithezaddress cards. This control number ispart of-thenormakproce- .dure attending the preparation of vaddress cards .in accounting operations and is the .means whereby -related cards are brought together invthe-sameQ-group. 'Ifhegroup control number, of course,occupies agpluralityofcolumns in the card. In the circuit 1of.Fig. 9, -asingle sample :da-

y-grammatic circuit is .shown which includes asecondread socket942a connected by means .of a plug wire 7.2b lto .group control socket 943. Also, a first-read .socket 9421' connected yby means of a ,plug wire l"12a .to a corresponding group control socket 947. In the event of a disagreement in the group control numbers in the "cards being analyzed, a signal istprovided .atthe socket.947. It is further seen that socket`947 is connected by means of a plug wire 72e to the Tsocket associated with pilot selector PSlS'b :contacts'inturncont-rolled by a pilot selector"P'SI-7. The T socketof pilot `selector AP5157 isconnected-by way of a plug wire l73a tothe `1 socket-of afdigit selector @S5 shown in -block Ydiagram form. The fC socket 'of 'DSS is connected-by way of plug Wire 71b to socket 923s representing column 80-of the-first read. fBy -meanstofthe-circuit just traceda "1 sensed 4in-column'i() initiatesipickup controls for PS17 so as to cause the selector to be energized on the following cycle. An inspection of cards in Fig. l shows that the "1 appears in the first card of the two-card address groups while a "6 appears in column 1 of the second card of the address groups. The "6 is conveyed through socket 923, plug wire 71a, the C socket of digit selector D84, through the 6 socket thereof, plug wire 73h to the N socket of pilot selector contacts PSlb. The C socket of PS17b is connected by means of `plug wire 74a to a socket 74b connected to a stop relay '22 The :stop relay Twhen #energized closes contacts RSlaCto '.establish a :hold -tcircit beginning with line .920 and'exten'ding .through .GRZcam contacts, .RSTa contacts, relay :RSTHzto dine 921.

.The contacts .RSTbrare placed inthe circuit controlling the picker :knife clutch .magnet :64. This magnet `controls the operation of the picker knives'in .the card feed of the 407 .tabulaton -When'the picker knives fail to feed a card the 407 tabulator `stops running in the -manner-described in the said Rabenda'patent. Toexplain theoperations-of the circuit, first, it will be :assumed that the first card of a two-card address :group is missing. Under this condition, :PS17'fails ltopickfup. Accordingly, PS15b enables the 6 pulse of the second card to pass through PS1-7b to pick up .the .stop relay iRS[`:.tofstop the machine.

On I.the other hand, `when vthe first card is present and the second card is-absent .the stop relay RST is picked -up by virtue of the group control pulse passing through socket 947, PS1-7b now transferred, through -plug wire 74a to thelstop .relay RST. In this-example, PS17 is energized-by y-virtue 1of 'cthe .1 ypulse sensed from column 80 ofthe first card. This -causesfPS1-7 to be energized on the following cycle when the first card enters the second read .at the same .time that the n'extcard of lthe following :addressgroup'enters the firstrea'd. The group control senses a disagreement and provides a signal out of socket v947 which -is conveyed Vthrough plug lwire 72C, PS17b now transferred,'to.the.stop relay-RST.

Under the conditions -of a reversal .in .the `sequence of the first and second `cards-.of an address group, the second cardentersthe first readfbefore the-first card, hence a "6 pulse AApasses :through PS17b before 'it has an opportunity to transfer, :hence ,the .stop relay RST is picked up.

Intthe last condition, ine., when the cards in the'multiple card group are `.in sequence .butare not of the same address group, .thestopzrelay ispicked up by virtue of the fact that .the :first-.card containing the 1 causes PS17 to be .energized on the following .cycle .in which cycle a `disagreementis sensed .by thefgroup control. The group .control .pulse .then passes `through yplug wire 72C, =PS17b `now transferred, plug `wire 74a to the .stop relay RST.

While .there have been shown and described vand pointed outthe fundamental novel features of V.the-.invention .as applied .to .a :preferred embodiment, it will Vvbe understood vthat .various omissions and substitutions and changes .in the formand detailsof the device illustrated and vin its operation maybe madeby those Vskilled .in the art, .without departing from .the spirit of the invention. It iis .the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated .by the .scope `of .the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. .In `a .cyclically -operating record .controlled printing machine, the .combination with a plurality .of banks .of `print `members .arranged in a single row, -for .printing .respective lines Aof a multiple line address, .or .the like, and -means .to feed .a record strip intermittently `in .a slanting direction along the row .of printing members, whereby 'line spacing of the strip occurs as an incident to feed ofthe strip to bring successive areas thereof successively opposite vthe respective banks of printing members; of record reading means includinga'plurality'of groups of sensing elements, at `least Vone o'f-sa'id Agroups oaf-sensing elementsbeing arranged at one reading station and at least-one other of said groups of sensing elements at 4another reading station, means yfor feeding records singly in sequence to said record reading means, said record feeding means being adapted to feed each record first to one of said reading stations and then to the other, said strip feeding means being adapted to feed the strip from one bank of print members to the next in time with the feeding of a record from one reading station to the next, one of said banks of print members being normally controlled by a group of sensing elements at one reading station adapted to read one field of the records and another of said banks of print members

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