US2819672A

US2819672A - Eckhard

Info

Publication number: US2819672A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1958-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 1975-01-14

Description

Jan. 14, 1958 A. ECKHARD I 2,819,672

' DECIMAL POINT SHIFIING DEVICE Filed Oct. 23, 195.6 2 Sheets-Sheet l 9/7/ D .r Rec/mung gfm Sa/eci* Number eer/l/' 701%/ ezel'chng. Anzsh/ f/'nze/pre/ls erag Mnfel 10,... 1o 125 00 1250 00 LeTungsrohr 25, OO. 25 00 1 Z5 Z1 25 Mzen Bier 0,255 Z55 85 O0 21 17 Kamen v 12,0.. 120 5 20 3s 110 Rundnon 10,255 10 255 10 00 102 55 Haken faz/sand 5,500 3500 IO 00 55 O0 Niefe pef/a/

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5,00. 00 3 2O 16 UO Mehl pera//acv 0,565 56 50 8T 50 I8 LIL Haba# O @WW ,555 53 33 1542 81 51222 INVENTOR.' 5W v /M/m/ Jan. 14, A1958 A. ECKHARD DECIMAL POINT SHIFTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 23, 1956 United States Patent O DECIMAL POINT SHIFTING DEVICE vAlfred Eckhard, Siegen, Germany, assignor to Siemag Feinmechanisclle Werke G. m. b. H., Eiserfeld (Sieg), Germany Application October 23, 1956, Serial No. 617,743

Claims priority, application Germany October 24, 1955 15 Claims. (Cl. 101-93) The present invention relates to a decimal point shifting device and more particularly to a device for typing or otherwise printing a number with the decimal point in a position diiferent from the position of the decimal point in the same number which has been introduced into a calculating machine associated with the printing device.

In the type of oliice machine to which the present invention relates, a calculating mechanism is combined with a typing or printing mechanism, and the numbers which are introduced into the calculating machine, are registered in a contact register. Numerical values registered in the contact register are printed by the typing mechanism when the moving typewriter carriage consecutively actuates a set of stationary contacts which are respectively associated with the decimal orders and with the decimal point. According to the known art, a sequence of digits expressing a number, and having the decimal point in a predetermined position, is introduced into the calculating machine, and the same number is printed by the printing mechanism with decimalpoints in unchanged position. In the machines according to the known art it is not possible to vary the position of the decimal point after a number has been introduced into the contact register. However, itis often desired to print a number with the decimal point in a different position as compared with a position necessary for the computing operations in the calculator. For example, certain merchandise is generally referred to by the number of pieces, such as for instance 10,000 rivets, while the price of rivets is generally quoted per hundred. Consequently, while a transaction concerning 10,000 rivets has to be booked, the unit price for rivets has to be multiplied by 100, and not by 10,000.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a decimal point shifting device for printing a number with the decimal point in a position different from the position of the decimal point in the same number introduced into a calculator associated with the printing device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide in a machine in which the printing mechanism is actuated by a platen carriage for printing a number having a decimal point, switch means by which the decimal point is set in a position different from the position in which a respective number was introduced into a contact^register.

It is another object of the present invention to provide multi-position switch means for establishing different connections between carriage actuated contacts which are respectively associated with decimal orders and with the decimal point, and actuating relays for the printing device of the machine which are respectively `associated with different digits and with the decimal point.

It is another object of the present invention to provide spacing means for shifting the carrige stepwise when the printing means are located opposite places in which no printing is desired.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide means for rounding of the lowest decimal orders when 2,819,672 Patented Jan. 14, 1958 such orders would have to be printed in positions which are no longer available due to the shifting of the decimal point.

With these objects in View, the present invention mainly consists in a decimal point shifting device which comprises, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated Vcontacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to the other carriage actuated contacts, so that the carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal orderv is actuated in a predetermined sequence with the other carriage actuated contacts when the carriage moves along the carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with diiferent digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; and switch means connecting the carriage actuated contacts with the actuating relays, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing different connections between the carriage actuated contacts and the actuating relays for actuating the decimal point relay and the digit relays in different sequences in each of the positions of the switch means whereby a number may be printed with the decimal point in different positions.

In the apparatus to which the present invention is preferably employed, a contact register is provided which includes a set of first conductors respectively associated with diiferent digits and connected to the digit relays of the actuating relays, and a set of second conductors respec tively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contacts for connecting selected rst conductors with selected second conductors, respectively. The above mentioned switch means connect the set of carriage actuated contacts with the second conductors and with the decimal point relay, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the switch means are multi-position switch means including a set of movable contact members respectively connected to the set of carriage actuated contacts, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members. The fixed contact members of each set of xed contact members are differently connected to the second conductors of the Contact register and to the decimal point relay for establishing different connections between the carriage actuated contacts and the actuating relays in the different positions of the multi-position switch means,

Preferably, a set of switches is provided for directly connecting the carriage actuated contacts to the second conductors and to the decimal point relay for printing a number with the decimal point in a normal position determined by the carriage actuated relays.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l shows a form on which transactions are recorded by the printing means in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement according to the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. l, the illustrated form is a bill. The printed columns, starting from the left, consecutively state the subject of the transaction, the number of price units, the number, the price per price unit, and the total.

The arrangement of the form will perhaps be best under stood with reference to the penultimate item, Niepe, which means rivets. The price of rivets is quoted per hundred and is 3.20 as shown in the second column from the right. 500 rivets are sold as shown in the third column from the right. However, in order to arrive at the total price of the sold 500 rivets, the price per unit has to be multiplied with the number of units, which is 5. Consequently, it is necessary to introduce into the calculator the number 5.00 in order to arrive at the correct total, 16.00 shown in the last column on the right. in accordance with the present invention, the number 500 is printed in the number column, while the number is introduced into the calculator for producing the correct total.

In the first item all decimal orders of the number l0 before the decimal point are printed, with the zeroes suppressed.l In printing the price, it is necessary to place the decimal point, and to print two orders behind the decimal point corresponding to cents. The total is printed in the same manner.

The second item refers to pipes, and the price is computed per meter of pipe length, whereas the pipe length is stated in meters and centimeters. The meters are first printed, then the decimal point is expressed, and then two further orders are printed. For computing the total, the number of meters, 25, is introduced into the calculator.

The sixth item refers to hooks for which the price is quoted per thousand. The number of pieces is printed with a decimal point, whereas the number of price units is introduced into the calculator with the decimal point shifted three decimal orders so that by multiplication the total is immediately obtained. In the last item the price is quoted per hundred, so that the third column contains 56.50 pounds, whereas the second column shows the value introduced into the calculating machine for obtaining the correct total by multiplication with the price per unit.

The last line refers to the discount which is generally quoted in percent. In the present example, the discount is 33% Consequently it is necessary to introduce into the calculator the same number with the decimal point shifted for two decimal orders, and to multiply the amount by 0.333.

From the examples of Fig. l it will become apparent that it is highly advantageous to shift the position of the decimal point between computing operation and printing operation. In accordance with the problems, a rounding off of the last orders, and the positioning of the digits with respect to the position of the decimal point is effected.

Fig. 2 illustrates in a diagram the required switches and circuits. The number which is to be printed is registered in the contact register 33 and is expressed by number contacts 391r9. The number contacts are shiftable and produce selective connections between a set of first conductors 3409, and a set of transverse second con ductors 351*9 which are respectively associated with consecutive decimal orders. T he irst conductors 340-9 are respectively connected to the actuating relays 50 which are provided for printing the digits 0 9. An actuating relay 10 is provided Jfor printing, or otherwise representing, the decimal point, and an actuating relay 40 is provided for shitting the carriage one step for producing an empty space on the form in which nothing is printed. Means may be provided for suppressing the printing of zeroes in positions before Ithe decimal point and before the highest integer.

In calculator machines in which a plurality of calculating devices or totalizers is provided, it is preferred to provide for each of the calculating devices, as well as for the keyboard, a contact register of the type illustrated in Fig. 2, and to connect such contact registers on the output side thereof by multiple circuit connections. The contact registers are selectively rendered effective by multi-position switch means such as the switch means 3019 and 201-9.

The contact register 33 may be arranged underneath a keyboard by which the desired connections between the rst and second conductors are selectively produced by operating the keys. The contact register 33 may also be a storage device for numbers, and operated by type bars ot the calculating machine, or by corresponding members.

In any event selected numbers are represented on the contact register 33, and when a connection is established by a number contact 39 between a second conductor 35 and a rst conductor 34, the respective digit relay 509 is actuated for printing a digit.

The terminal 32 of a source of current is connected to a set of carriage actuated contacts 11-19. These contacts are respectively associated with consecutive decimal orders and with a decimal point and are actuated by stops which are arranged on the typewriter carriage. The positions ofthe stops can be suitably adjusted. When the stops on the carriage move along the stationary carriage actuated contacts 11-19, these contacts are consecutively actuated in a predetermined sequence ofthe orders and the decimal point, starting with the contact 19.

In the first position of the form sheet column the contact 19 which corresponds to the highest decimal order is first closed. When the set of irst switches 301*9 is in circuit closing position, a connection is established between the terminal 32 through contact 19, switch 309, second conductor 359, number contact 399, rst conductor 340, the digit printing relay 50l1 to the second terminal 31 of the source of current. Energizing of the actuating relay 500 effects printing of the number 0, or if it is not desired to print meaningless zeroes in the highest decimal orders of a number, a suitable zero suppressing device may be actuated which produces stepwise shifting of the carriage through one space without the printing of the digit 0.

When the carriage moves one step to the neXt lower order, the carriage actuated contact 19 is released, and the carriage actuated contact 18 which coresponds to the next lower decimal order is moved to circuit closing position. A circuit is closed from terminal 32 through contact 18, switch 308, second conductor 358, number contact 398, rst conductor 340 and through the zero digit relay 500 to the second terminal 31. Of course, if the number contact 398 would have been arranged at the crossing point of the first conductor 341 with the second conductor 358, the digit l would have been printed.

As the carriage moves along the carriage actuated contacts, the

contacts

17, 16, 15 and 14 are consecutively actuated so that corresponding digit relays 50 are energized. When the carriage actuated contact 13 is moved to circuit closing position by the carriage, a circuit is established through switch 303, and the decimal point relay 10 to the terminal 31. Thereby the printing of the decimal point is effected.

Further movement of the carriage effects closing of the

contacts

12 and 11. When contact 12 is closed, a circuit is established through switch 302, second conductor 353, number contact 393, iirst conductor 342, and the digit relay associated with the digit 2 is energized to print the digit 2 behind the decimal point. In the same manner the second decimal order behind the decimal point is printed upon actuation of the carriage actuated Contact 11. The line 60 indicates the position of the decimal point in the contact register 33, and it will be noted that three decimal orders are available behind the decimal point since there are three

second conductors

351, 352, and 353, provided beyond the line 60. However when the first switches 301-309 are operative, only two decimal orders behind the decimal point are used and printed.

For printing in the third column shown in Fig. l, a diierent position of the decimal point may be required, and for this purpose second switches 2014, and multiposition switch means 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and

clude a set of movable contact members, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members. In the illustrated embodiment, ve sets of fixed contact members are provided, the fixed contact members of the first set being designated by the index a, the fixed contactmembers of the second set being indicated by the index b, the fixed contact members of the third set being indicated by the index c, the fixed contact members of the fourth set being indicated by the index d, and the fixed contact members of the fifth set being indicated by the index e.

When the set of first switches 3019 are opened, and the set of second switches 201-9 are closed, the multi-position switch means 21-29 becomes operative. The contact arms of the switch means 21-29 can be moved between five positions establishing 'contact with all fixed contacts a, or with all fixed contacts b, c, d, e, respectively.

The sets of fixedl contacts a-e'are connected to the second conductors 351-9, to the decimal point relay 10, and to the spacing relay 40 in different ways, so that in each of the positions of the multiple position switch means 21-29, the number registered in the Contact register 33 is printed with the decimal point in a different position.

For example, in the illustrated position in which the movable contact members establish a connection between the carriage actuated contacts 11-29 with the fixed contacts 21a-29a, the respective number is printed to the unit order. The number 10 is printed as shown in the first line of Fig. 1, and instead of zeroes which would otherwise be printed in the highest decimal orders, the spacing relay 40 is energized so that the carriage performs steps without printing in the highest orders. Since the capacity of the calculating device which is assumed to have nine orders, is exceeded, the carriage must perform steps without printing in the highest orders. 'The carriage actuated contact 16 renders the second conductor 359 eifective through switches 26 and 206. The lowermost order of the form sheet column is rendered el'ective by the carriage actuated contact 11 and is connected through switches 201 and 21 with the second conductor 354. The second conductor 354 corresponds to the unit order of the calculating devices. In the illustrated position of the switches 21-29, units are printed in the form sheet, as described above.

In the second example, the set of movable contact arms of the switch means 21-29 are connected to the set of fixed contacts b. In this position, the carriage actuated contact 11 is connected through second switch 201, and switch 21 with the second conductor 352, and the carriage actuated contact 12 is connected through switch 202 and switch 20 with the second conductor 353. The automatic printing of the decimal point is effected through contact 13, switch 203, switch 23 and line 38 which leads to the decimal point printing relay 10. The higher orders of the contact register 33 are correspondingly connected to the carriage actuated contacts which are associated with the higher orders. It will be noted that in position b of the switch means 21-29, the number is printed to the second decimal order behind the decimal point, and that in position c of the switch means 21-29, the number is printed to three decimal orders behind the decimal point, and in position d, the number is printed to one position behind the decimal point.

From the above description of the arrangement according to the present invention it will become apparent that a number which is registered in the contact register can be printed in accordance with the present invention with the decimal point differently placed.

The rst switches 30, the second switches 20, and the switches 21-29 may be considered to together constitute multi-position switch means. When the switches 301-9 are in circuit closing position, the actuating relays 40, 10, and 500-9 are actuated in a selected sequence, whereas upon operation of the multi-position switch means the actuating relays are operated in a different sequence.

In the above-described arrangement it is possible to provide for each of the multiple lines 36 and 37 an independent contact register, and to correspondingly Work with different calculating devices. The shifting of the decimal point can be effected in one or in several multiple lines of a plurality of multiple lines which are rendered effective bLy carriage actuated contacts. Preferably, a suitable rounding off relay is provided for effecting a rounding oli of the digits of selected decimal orders.

.it will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of decimal point shifting devices differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a decimal point shifting device employing a contact register and multi-position switch means for shifting the decimal point of a number before printing, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so f-ully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for var ious applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. In a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated Contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; and switch means connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said set of actuating relays, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing different connections between said carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions for printing a ntunber with the decimal point in dilerent positions.

2. In a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relays, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for connecting selected rst conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; and switch means for connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors and with said decimal point relay, respectively, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing diterent connections between said carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions.

3. in a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact asso* ciated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality ot carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay tor effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set of tirst conductors respectively associated with di'erent digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selec-- tively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; and multi-position switch means including a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said set of carriage actuated contacts, and a plurality of sets of iixed contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different sets of lined contact members, the iixed contact members of each set of lixed contact members being di'erently connected to said set of second conductors and to said decimal point relay 'for establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in said predetermined sequence for printing a number with the decimal point in diiierent positions.

4. ln a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of care riage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with diierent digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; and switch means connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said set of actuating relays, and being movable between a plurality of positions 'for estab lishing different connections between said carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions, one of said different sequences being said predetermined sequence.

5. In a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality or" `carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with ditierent digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selectively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; and multi-position switch means iucluding a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said set of carriage actuated contacts, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members, said set of movable Contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting diiierent sets of fixed contact members, the fixed contact members of each set of fixed contact members being differently con` nected to said set of second conductors and to said decimal point relay for establishing different connections between said ser of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays tor actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts iu said predetermined sequence for printing a number with the `decimal point in diii'erent posit1ons, one of said different sequences being sald predetermined sequence.

6. ln a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits dor causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay `for effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with diilerent digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selectively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; a set of first switches including a plurality of first switches connecting said plurality of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors, respectively, and one first switch connecting said decimal point relay with the carraige actuated Contact associated with the decimal point whereby said decimal point relay is actuated in said predetermined sequence with respect to said digit relays when said first switches are in circuit closing positions; a set of second switches including a plurality of second switches connected to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, respectively, and one second switch connected to said one carriage actuated contact which is associated with the decimal point; and multiposition switch means including a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said second switches, and a plurality of sets of lixed contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different sets of fixed contact members, the fixed contact members of each set of fixed contact members being dilerently connected to said set of second conductors and to said decimal point relay for establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set 01E actuating relays when said second switches are in circuit closing position for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in said predetermined sequence for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions.

7. In a device of the type described in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, yso that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of Idigit relays respectively associated wtih different digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a Contact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selectively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; a set of first switches including a plurality of first switches connecting said plurality of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors, respectively, and one first switch connecting said decimal point relay with the carriage actua-ted contact associated with the decimal point whereby said decimal point relay is actuated in saidA predetermined sequence with respect to said digit relays when said first switches are in circuit closing positions; a set of second switches including a plurality of second switches connected to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, respectively, and one second switch connected to said one carriage actuated contact which is associated with the decimal point; and multi-position switch means including a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said second switches, and a plurality of sets of fixed Contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different scts olf fixed contact members, the fixed contact members of each set of fixed contact members being differently connected to said set of second conductors and to said ydecimal point relay for establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays when said second switches are in circuit closing posi-tion for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in ysaid predetermined sequence for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions, one of said different sequences being said predetermined sequence.

8. In a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurali-ty of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays, respectively associated with diferent ydigits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay Ifor effecting the decimal point; switch means connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said set of actuating relays, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing different connections between said carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said 'decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions -for pri-nting 'a number with the decimal point in different positions; and a spacing relay connected by said switch means to said carriage actuated contacts for effecting, when actuated by a carriage actuated contact, actuation of the next following carriage actuated contact.

9. In a device of the -type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of' actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with diferent digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relays, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; switch means for connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors and with said vdecimal point relay, respectively, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing different connections between said carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays tor actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions; and a spacing relay connected by said switch means to said carriage `actuated contacts `for effecting, when actuated by a carriage actuated contact, actuation of the next following carriage actuated contact.

l0. In a device of the type described, in combination, a Iset of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with `decimal orders ,and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point 'and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurali-ty of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay Ifor effecting the decimal point; a -contact register including a set of first `conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality o-f number contact means for selectively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; multi-position switch means including a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said set of carriage actuated contacts, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different sets of fixed contact members, the fixed contact members of each set of fixed contact members being differently connected to said set of lsecond conductors and to said decimal point relay Ifor establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in said predetermined sequence for printing a number with the `decimal point in different positions; and a spacing relay connected by said switch means to said carriage actuated contacts for effecting, when actuated by a carriage actuated contact, actuation o-f the next following Icarriage actuated contact.

ll. In a device of the type described in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with dilerent digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set or iirst conductors respectively associated with diilerent digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set oi second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selectively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; a set of first switches including a plurality of rst switches connecting said plurality o'i carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors, respectively, and one rst switch connecting said decimal point relay with the carriage actuated Contact associated with the decimal point whereby said decimal point relay is actuated in said predetermined sequence with respect to said digit relays when said lirst switches in circuit closing positions; a set of second switches including a plurality of second switches connected to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, respectively, and one second switch connected to said one carriage actuated contact which is associated with the decimal point; multiposition switch means including a set of movable Contact members respectively connected to said second switches, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different sets of lxed contact members, the lixed Contact members of each of fixed contact members being differently connected to said set of second conductors and to said decimal point relay for establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays when said second switches are in circuit closing position for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in said predetermined sequence 'for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions, one of said different sequences being said predetermined sequence; and a spacing relay connected by said switch means to said carriage actuated contacts for effecting, when actuated by a carriage actuated contact, actuation of the next following carriage actuated contact.

l2. in a device of the type described, in combination, a set carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal. orders and. one carriage actuated Contact associated with the decimal point and being` located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated Contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set ot' actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causiri the printing of digits, and a decl nal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a contact register including a set of lirst conductors respectively associated with difl'ercnt digits and connected to said digit relays, respectively, and `a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for connecting selected tirst conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; switch means for connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors with said decimal point relay, respectively, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing dilferent connections between said carriage' actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions for printing a number with the decimal point in diferent positions; and relay means for rounding-oli the digits of the lowermost order and being connected by said switch means to said carriage actuated contacts.

i3. ln a device of the type described, in combination,

a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with different digits for causing the print ig of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a plurality of contact registers, each Contact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relays, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; and switch means for connecting said set of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors of each of said Contact registers and with said decimal point relay, respectively, and being movable between a plurality of positions for establishing different connections between said carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said positions for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions.

14. ln a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with Adecimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated Contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with difierent digits for causing the printing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a plurality of contact registers, each contact register including a set of iirst conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selectively connecting selected rst conductors with selected second conductors, respectively; and multiposition switch means including a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said set of carriage actuated contacts, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different sets of fixed contact members, the fixed contact members of each set of tixed contact members being differently connected to the sets of second conductors of said contact registers and to said decimal point relay for establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said Connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in said predetermined sequence for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions.

i5. ln a device of the type described, in combination, a set of carriage actuated contacts including a plurality of carriage actuated contacts respectively associated with decimal orders and one carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point and being located in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, so that said one carriage actuated contact is actuated in a predetermined sequence with said plurality of carriage actuated contacts; a set of actuating relays including a plurality of digit relays respectively associated with dilerent digits for causing the print- 13 ing of digits, and a decimal point relay for effecting the decimal point; a plurality of contact registers, each con tact register including a set of first conductors respectively associated with different digits and connected to said digit relay, respectively, and a set of second conductors respectively associated with decimal orders, and a plurality of number contact means for selectively connecting selected first conductors with selected second conductors7 respectively; a set of first switches including a plurality of first switches connecting said plurality of carriage actuated contacts with said second conductors of each of said contact registers, respectively, and one first switch connecting said decimal point relay with the carriage actuated contact associated with the decimal point whereby said decimal relay is actuated in said predetermined sequence with respect to said digit relays when said rst switches are in circuit closing positions; a set of second switches including a plurality of second switches connected to said plurality of carriage actuated contacts, respectively, and one second switch connected to said one carriage actuated contact which is associated with the decimal point; and multi-position switch means in* cluding a set of movable contact members respectively connected to said second switches, and a plurality of sets of fixed contact members, said set of movable contact members being movable between a plurality of connecting positions contacting different sets of fixed contact members, the fixed contact members of each set of fixed contact members being differently connected to said set of second conductors and to said decimal point relay for establishing different connections between said set of carriage actuated contacts and said set of actuating relays when said second switches are in circuit closing position for actuating said decimal point relay and said digit relays in different sequences in each of said connecting positions of said switch means during actuation of said carriage actuated contacts in said predetermined sequence for printing a number with the decimal point in different positions.

Sobisch Dec. 22, 1942 Sobisch Ian. 19, 1943