US2846055A - High speed control system for line casting machines - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 5, 1958 J. JJACKELL 2,846,055

HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES l5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1955 Aug. 5, 1958 J. J. ACKELL 2,846,055

HIGH SPEED CONTROL 'SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1955 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 O. O (D J. .11 ACKELL Aug. 5, 1958 HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES I Filed July 15, 1955 l5 Sheets-Sheet 3 J. J. 'ACKELL Aug. 5, 1958 HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES l5 Sheets$heet 4 Filed July 15. 1955 E was. high m2: hmOIm moSmE E v IPEBmOEQI mz hmotm J. J. ACKELL 2,846,055

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mmhwmvnm Aug. 5, 1958 J. J. ACKELL 2,846s055 HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1955 15 Sheets-Sheet 7 3200 FIG. 2

1958 J. J. ACKELL 2,846,055

HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed Jul 15, 1955 15 Sheets-Sheet s 1958 .1. J. ACKELL 2,846,055

HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1955 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 5, 1953 J. J. ACKELL 2,846,055

HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1955 15 Sheets-Sheet 1O J. J. ACKELL 2,846,055 HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Aug. 5, 1958 15 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed July 15, 1955 HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 15, 1955 J. J. ACKELL Aug. 5, 1958 15 Sheets-hegt 12 FIG. l4

J. J.' ACKELL Aug. 5, 1958 HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES l5 Sheets-Sheet 13 Filed July 15, 1955 J; J. ACKELL Aug. 5, 1958 HIGH SPEEB CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 15 Sheets-Sheet l4 Filed July 15 Aug. 5, 1958 I J. J. -ACKELL ,0

HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed July 153, 1955 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 FIG.22 4

United States atent O I HGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Joseph J. Ackell, Amityville, N. Y., assignor to Dow Jones & Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application July 15,1955, Serial No. 522,209

26 Claims. (Cl. 19918) This invention relates to an automatic control system for line casting machines. The control is effected in accordance with perforations in a punched tape which is advanced step by step through an analyzer. More particularly, the invention relates to various new features and combinations embodied in a system of the general character disclosed in the Joseph J. Ackell Patents Nos. 2,704,595 and 2,704,596, granted on March 22, 1955.

A primary object of the invention has been to provide a control system of the character indicated which is adapted for use in connection with any existing line casting machine, such as the types sold under the trade name Linotype and Intertype and which brings about the operation of the machine at the maximum overall speed permitted by the inherent limitations of the machine.

It has been observed that the limiting factor, in efforts to speed up the operation of a line casting machine, is the time required to bring about the successive release of two or more matrices of the same character. So long as different characters, regular spaces, and the like follow successively in a given line, the speed of release of the necessary matrices may be quite rapid. However, when the same type of matrix is to be released in two successive positions, an extra amount of time is required to insure proper operation of the machine. This is because the release of a second matrix of the same type as the preceding one cannot be effected until the particular releasing means involved has been restored to its normal position. On the other hand, the release of a matrix of different character may be initiated before the previously operated releasing means has been so restored.

Accordingly, a special feature of the present invention is the provision of a control system which brings about operation of the line casting machine normally at the maximum safe speed permitted when the successive matrices tobe released are of dilferent character. A special time delay is introduced into the control system whenever two or more successive matrices to bereleased are of the same type, as in printing for example. Toward this end, the preferred form of the new system is arranged to double the normal time cycle of the machine whenever a repetition of the preceding character is called for.

Another feature of the invention is the inclusion of similar automatic means in the system for allowing extra time whenever a particular form of matrix, such as a space band matrix, is released in the line casting machine. This is to allow adequate time for the proper assembly of the space band in the line, more time being required for this than for the assembly of other types of matrices.

The improved system incorporates many of the features of the above mentioned Ackell Patent 2,704,596, such as a control cam unit having a constantly rotating shaft the speed of rotation of which determines the speed at which successive matrices are released in the line casting machine. This shaft, in accordance with the present invention, is rotated at a higher speed than was pos- 2,846,055 hatented Aug. 5, 15958 sible in the system disclosed in said patent and 'conforms with the maximum safe speed for the release of successive matrices of different types. When the same character is to be repeated in immediate succession in a given line, the preferred control circuits are such that two revolutions of the constantly rotating shaft are required for the release and proper assembly of the matrix for the repeated character. It has been observed that, in general, such repeated characters constitute only between 10 and 20% of the total number of characters to be printed, so that it is possible to effect a substantial overall increase in the speed of operation of the line casting machine through the use of the present invention.

To enable the introduction of a time delay, whenever the same character is to be repeated, the control system includes two sets of relays which are successively energized in accordance with the code perforations in the tape. The first set of relays is energized directly in accordance with the perforations in the tape as they are being analyzed. The second set of relays is controlled in accordance with the setting of the first set of relays, and the matrix releasing circuits are energized in accordance with the setting of the relays of the second set. Certain control cams provided on the constantly revolving shaft bring about an appropriate timing of the various controls whereby the readings determined by the analyzer pins of the tape box are transmitted to the first set of relays, the setting of the latter is then transferred to the second set of relays, the matrix releasing circuits are controlled by the second set of relays, and a comparison is made between the settings of the two sets of relays. The arrangement is such that whenever the settings of the two sets of relays are compared, as described above, and it is found that their settings coincide, the circuits for releasing a matrix under control of the second set of relays are opened after releasing the first matrix of the repeated character and will not be operated during the next cycle of the timing shaft. However, the second set of relays is released and then reset in accordance with the setting of the first set. During the next cycle of operation of the timing shaft the circuits through the matrix releasing solenoids will be open so that no matrix will be released. The setting of the second set of relays will be held throughout this cycle and into the next. During such next cycle the normal operation of the system will be resumed and at the proper time a matrix will be released in accordance with the held-over setting of the second set of relays. It will be understood that'this is an over simplified explanation of the operation of the system and that other controls are brought into play as will appear more clearly from the detailed description to be given hereinafter.

In the new system two special relays are provided to bring about the automatic control of the various devices in the manner explained above. One of these will be designated a control relay and the other a compare relay. The control relay remains energized so long as no repeat characters are encountered in the matter to be set up on the line casting machine, except under circumstances, to be explained, in which the second set of relays mentioned above is set-up in accordance with certain specific code designations in the tape. However, when the comparing circuits for the two sets of relays above mentioned show that their settings coincide because of the repetition of the same character, the compare relay is energized and this serves to release the control relay. This brings about the introduction of an extra cycle of the constantly rotating timing shaft which -pro vides the extra time required for the release of like matrices in the line casting machine.

During a single revolution of the constantly rotating timing shaft the following sequence of operations or steps takes place on the next revolution of the shaft.

takes place. The analyzer pins of the tape box determine the information in a particular line across the tape. If the control relay is energized at this time, the information is transferred to the first set of relays. The tape is then advanced to the next line of perforations; at the same time, a matrix is released in accordance with the setting of the second set of relays, i. e. the information stored in the second set of relays controls the release of a matrix in the line casting machine. The settings of the two sets of relays are compared and the second set of relays is then released and quickly reset to correspond with the existing setting of the first set of relays. If upon comparison of the setting of the two sets of relays they are found to difier, no change in the circuits of the system is brought about and the same sequence of operations On the other hand, if at the time of comparing the settings of the two relays they are found to coincide the compare relay is energized and this, as explained, brings about the release of the control relay. Nevertheless, the second set of relays will be released and then re-established in accordance with the then setting of the first set of relays. However, the release of the control relay will cause the first set of relays to be released and to remain blank, the second set of relays holding its setting, during the next cycle of the timing shaft. No movement will be imparted to the tape on this cycle of the timing shaft and no matrix will be released in accordance with the setting of the second set of relays. The compare relay will be released toward the end of the cycle and the previous setting of the second set of relays will continue to be held. From this point of the original cycle of operations will be repeated, the control relay becoming energized at the beginning of the new cycle.

It should be understood that when a line has been fully composed at the line casing machine, an elevator operating signal which has been sensed by the analyzer pins of the tape box and transferred in due course to the second set of relays will, at the appropriate time in the cycle, bring about the operation of the elevator in accordancce with the disclosure of the above mentioned Ackell patent 2,704,596. This involves a time delay mechanism which provides adequate time for the various operations that must take place, such as the jogging of the line of matrices, the lifting thereof to the transfer position, and the transfer thereof to the casting position and finally the restoration of the parts to the normal position in which a new line may be assembled. During this interval the continuously operating timing shaft will be rendered ineffective so that the tape feeding and other operations explained above will not take place.

A further object of the invention has been to simplify the construction of various devices employed in the system and to reduce to a minimum the number of moving parts in the system. Thus a simplified form of tape box, with tape feeding and analyzing devices, has been incorporated in the system. The new tape box has fewer parts and is more compact than tape boxes heretofore employed. So also the number of relay switch members has been reduced, taking into account the increased number of functions requiring relays for their control. This has been achieved by-the employment of a substantial number of rectifiers which predetermine a given path for the current even though several circuits may be completed by the operation of the relays. As a result of the simplification of the devices employed and the reduction of the number of moving parts, the servicing requirements of the equipment have been materially reduced.

Moreover, various devices have been assembled into separate units for the purpose of facilitating sedvice and repair of the system. So also, provision is made for the elimination or by-passing of the two sets of relays whose settings are compared and for the direct control from the tape box of a group of relays which select the particular key operating solenoid which is to be energized during any cycle of the system. This enables continued operation of the line casting machine in the event that some difficulty develops in the two sets of relays whose settings are compared during a matrix releasing cycle. It should be understood, however, that when the direct control is provided from the tape box to the key operating solenoids the overall speed of the machine must be reduced to insure adequate time for the release of repeat characters. In the printing of matter having an unusually high percenatge of repeats the overall speed of the machine may be greater under this arrangement of the control system than when the two sets of relays to be compared are active.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will appear from the detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention which will now be given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e and l collectively constitute a wiring diagram of the new system, various control elements being indicated schematically;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the improved tape box;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the tape box with a portion of the enclosing housing removed;

Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the tape box with a portion of the housing and other elements removed;

Fig. 5 is a detail view of a switch within the tape box arranged to be operated when the tape becomes tight;

Fig. 6 is a detail view illustrating a detent arrangement for insuring proper step by step movement of the tape advancing means within the tape box;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of certain parts of a cam shaft assembly or unit having a constantly driven timing shaft and various circuit control cams;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the cam shaft unit, with a cover plate removed;

Fig. 9 is an elevational view of certain parts within the cam shaft unit, as seen from the right in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the cam shaft unit;

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the unit taken from the opposite side from that shown in Fig. 8, certain parts being removed or shown only in part;

Fig. 12 is an end view of the cam shaft unit as seen from the right in Fig. 11, with a portion of the housing broken away to show certain control cams and switches therein;

Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the cam shaft assembly showing additional control cams and switches operated thereby;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the timing of various functions in the operation of the control system;

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a section of tape having code perforations representing the word accor Fig. 16 is a chart illustrating the succession of events incident to the release of matrices in the line casting machine to form the word accord";

Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of a portion of the keyboard solenoid unit forming part of the control systern and a relay unit detachably connected therewith;

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 with certain parts broken away and shown in section for illustration of devices within the units;

Fig. 19 is an elevational view, with parts broken away, of a hood-like connecting element serving to attach the relay unit to the solenoid unit;

Fig. 20 is a view similiar to Fig. 18 with the separable parts of the assembly shown in spaced relation;

Fig. 21 is a plan view of a portion of the solenoid and relay units with parts broken away and with a portion of the connecting element shown in section along the line 2121 of Fig. 18;

Fig. 22 is a detail view, in front elevation, of a contact element strip embodied in the solenoid unit;

Fig. 23 is a detail view in vertical section showing two contact. carrying plates of the solenoid unit and the relay unit in spaced relation;

Fig. 24 is a vertical sectional view along the line 2424 of Fig. 20, with the relay unit elevated slightly in relation to the solenoid unit preparatory to assembly; and

Fig. 25 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 2525 of Fig. 20 showing a bracket element attached to the solenoid unit.

Referring now to Figs. 1a to 17 inclusive, the various electrical devices and circuits and certain related control elements Will now be described. To form the complete circuit diagram Figs. 1a, 1b, and should be placed end to end, with their major length horizontal, and Figs. 1d, 1e, and 1 should be similarly placed and positioned directly beneath Figs. la, 1b, and lc, respectively. In Fig. ld the box indicated by the broken outline 10 represents switches and other devices applied to the line casting machine for the control of various operations.

Key operating solenoids, of the character disclosed in the prior Ackell patents mentioned above, are indicated by the small rectangles 11 extending across Figs. 1a to 10 inclusive adjacent the top thereof. A group of relays 12, shown divided into two groups for better illustration of the circuits controlled thereby, serves to control a plurality of switch arms 12b to 12y inclusive. These switch arms are shown aligned across Figs. la-lc with the respective relays of the group 12 which serve to operate them. It will be understood that these arms are normally shifted toward the left into engagement with the contacts on the left side thereof. Whenever a relay in the group 12 is energized, the arms related to that relay will be shifted toward the right. The arrangement is such that a single circuit will be completed through the selected solenoid of the group 11 to effect the operation of the selected key at an appropriate time in the cycle of operation of the system.

A cam shaft unit 13, indicated schematically by a broken line in Fig. 1e, is suitably mounted on the frame of the line casting machine. This cam shaft unit receives power from any suitable source, such as an electric motor which serves to drive continuously a shaft 14 carrying a plurality of cams I, II, III, IV, and V. These cams are formed of suitable insulating material and cooperate with various switches to bring about the desired timing of the operation of certain devices embodied in the control system. Shaft 14, in accordance with the invention, is operated at a relatively high speed which is suitably selected in accordance with the characteristics of the line casting machine to which the invention is applied. It is such that the time interval allotted by a single revolution of the shaft is sufficient to enable the selection and release of matrices of successively different character in the line casting machine. In a typical set-up of the system the shaft has been rotated at a speed of 540 R. P. M.

Any suitable means may be provided for adjusting the speed of rotation of the shaft. The cam shaft unit also includes a shaft 15 which is given a single revolution at periodic intervals, i. e., upon completion of the selection of the matrices to constitute a single line. Shaft 15 carries three cams, one of which is designated Control Relay Opening and controls the operation of a relay hereinabove referred to as the control relay. It normally holds a switch closed in the circuit of the control relay but this switch is opened at the commencement of rotation of shaft 15 and is closed again upon the completion of a single revolution of this shaft. Also secured to shaft 15 is a cam, designated Elevator Drop, for controlling the return of the elevator of the line casting machine. A third cam on the shaft 15, designated Jogger, controls a relay for bringing about the jogging of the matrices assembled in the elevator prior to the lifting of the latter. A disc carrying a crank pin is also secured to the shaft 15 for mechanically operating the elevator. The operation of shaft 15 is similar to that of the shaft 334 in Ackell Patent 2,704,596. When released for rotation by an elevator lifting signal, prede termined by the punched tape, it will be turned through a small angle and then be held by another detent until a mechanical timing device brings about the release of the second detent. Shaft 15 will then rotate through the remainder of from its initial position to lift the elevator and it will be held in that position until a detent is released under the control of the cross delivery mechanism of the line casting machine. When released for further rotation under control of the cross delivery mechanism the shaft will return to its initial position and will then cause the control relay to be reenergized and render the cams on the shaft 14 effective to control the assembly of another line of matrices. Shaft 15 is driven from the shaft 14 through suitable gearing and a slip clutch. The gearing is such that shaft 15 is driven at a slower speed than the shaft 14 to insure smooth operation of the elevator mechanism.

A tape box 16 (Fig. If) is provided to feed a punched tape step by step to present successive lines of perforation in the tape in the path of analyzer pins designated 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The tape box preferably provided in accordance with the invention is of an improved, simplified form and will be described in detail hereinafter. It will be suliicient to explain here that appropriate circuits in the system are arranged to energize a tape feeding magnet in the tape box whenever the tape is to be advanced to its next position and in the course of advancing the tape the analyzer pins will be retracted from the openings previously entered in the tape and permitted to enter the next line of openings. The correlation between the perforations in the tape and the characters or functions predetermined by the different number and arrangement of the perforations across thetape are in accordance with the code system disclosed in the Paulding et al. application Serial No. 433,982, filed June 2, 1954, now Patent No. 2,788,886, granted April 16, 1957.

Each of the analyzer pins of the tape box is in circuit with one of a group of relays 17 which may be designated group A. At an appropriate time in the cycle of operation of the system, selected relays of this group may be energized, in accordance with the perforations in the tape, to operate a plurality of switch arms. A second set of relays 18, which may be designated group B, corresponding in number and arrangement with the relays in group A is arranged to be energized at an appropriate time in the cycle of the system to set-up appropriate switch arms corresponding with the switch arms of group A. Appropriate circuits are provided in the system for holding the settings of the relays of groups A and B over different portions of a cycle of the system and, while the relays of the two sets are being held, an appropriate circuit is closed for bringing about a comparison of the settings of the relays of the two groups. If the settings are found to be similar, which indicates a repeat in the matter to be set up in the line casting machine, a relay hereinbefore described as a compare relay is energized. This releases the control relay and in effect provides a second revolution of the shaft 14 for completion of the assembly of the repeated character in the line casting machine.

The control of the two groups of relays A and B is such that group A is first energized and held in accordance with the perforations in the tape. This setting is then compared with that in group B which is being held from its previous setting. Group A is then released and quickly reset in accordance with the next line of perforations in the tape. Group B, at an appropriate time in the cycle, delivers its setting to the relays of group 12 which, as previously explained, serve to select the particular key operating solenoid to be operated during a cycle of the system.

The sequence of events in the control by the cams on shaft 14 over the two groups of relays "A and B and also the control and compare relays described above is '7 depicted in the diagram of Fig. 14. A cycle is indicated as being divided into four quadrants I, E, III, and IV and time is considered to run in a counterclockwise direction from the point indicated as t=0. It will be noted that at this time whatever setting had been transferred to the relays of group B" is being held. Moreover, the subsequent setting of the A group relays is being held. Also the control relay is being energized, released, or held, depending on the condition of various circuits. Toward the end of the first quadrant the group A relays will be released as indicated by gap" and they will then be reset in accordance with the new line of perforations in the tape. This is indicated by the notation transfer A in quadrant II. During this interval the relays of group B will be held in accordance with their previous setting and the compare relay will remain either energized or deenergized in accordance with its last setting, as will also the control relay. The relays of group 12 will be energized upon the energizing of the relays of group B and will be held to correspond with the setting of the latter so long as the group B relays remain energized. During the third quadrant the tape feed of the tape box will be operated and the setting on the group B relays, acting through the relays of group 12, will bring about operation of the appropriate key operating solenoid. During this same quadrant, simultaneously with the operation of the selected matrix releasing solenoid, the setting of the two groups of relays A and "B will be compared to determine whether the compare relay should be energized because a repeat character is indicated by the similar setting of the relays of groups A and B. Toward the end of quadrant III the rant IV to correspond with the then setting of the group A relays which are being held throughout quadrants III and IV.

The sequence of events in the control of the line casting machine by the tape is illustrated further in Figs. 15 and 16. In Fig. 15 there is shown a small section of a punched tape 19 having tape feeding openings 20 and successive lines 21 of coded control perforations extending across the tape. The number and position of the perforations across the tape determine the character to be set up or other function to be performed. The perforations illustrated represent the word accord. of tape advances through the analyzing zone of the tape box the events tabulated in Fig. 16 will take place. Each timing cycle referred to represents one revolution of the shaft 14. During the first cycle in which the a perforations in the tape are analyzed the control relay will be energized and the relays of group A will then be set in accordance with the letter a and this setting will be held for nearly a complete revolution of the timing shaft. Shortly after the group A relays have been energized the tape will be advanced to position the next line of perforations in the path of the analyzer pins. The relays of group B will be in their normal or blank position and therefore, at the time when a matrix would normally be released none is released. The circuits which serve to compare the setting of the relays in groups A and B are next rendered effective but since the settings of the two groups are difierent, the compare relay will remain at rest, i. e. deenergized. At the conclusion of the first timing cycle the relays of the B group will be set in accordance with the setting of the A group. As the second timing cycle begins the line of perforations in the tape representing the first c will be in the analyzing position and since the control relay is still energized the circuits completed by the analyzer pins will set up relays in group A representing the letter c. The tape is then advanced to present the next line of perforations identified with the second 0 at the analyzing position. Since the setting of the B group of relays corresponds with the letter a a matrix bearing that letter will be released in the line casting machine. Upon the subse- As this section a quentrcomparison of the settings of the relays of groups A and B, it will be found that they differ so that the compare relay will remain deenergized. Following this the relays of group B will receive the same setting as group A and thus represent the letter c. At the beginning of the third timing cycle the perforations in the tape representing the second c will be in the path of the analyzer pins and snce the control relay is still energized the relays of group A will be released and then reset to represent the second 0. The tape is then advanced to the perforations corresponding with the letter 0.. At this time the relays of group B are set for the lettter c and a matrix for the first c in the word accord will be released. Upon subsequent comparison of the settings of the relays of groups A and B they will be found to coincide and this will energize the compare relay and in turn deenergize the control relay. As the third cycle is completed the relays of group B will be released and reset to correspond with the second c in the assumed word. At the beginning of the fourth timing cycle the perforations in the tape will represent the letter 0 but since the control relay has been released the relays of group A will be released and remain in released condition and not assume the setting for the letter 0. No movement will be imparted to the tape. While the B group of relays remains set for the second c of the word no matrix will be released because of the release of the control relay. The compare relay will be released at the proper time in the cycle but the relays of group B will be held, by a special circuit to be explained, to carry over to the next cycle the setting for the second c. At the commencement of the fifth timing cycle the tape will still have the o line of perforations in the analyzing zone, and the control relay being energized will cause the group A relays to be set in accordance with o. The tape will then be advanced to the line representing r and the relays of group B, being set to represent the second c, will cause the release of the second 0" matrix. As the comparison circuits are set into operation the settings of the two sets of relays will be found to differ so that the compare relay will remain released. At the conclusion of this cycle the group B relays will be released and reset to correspond with 0. The remaining cycles follow the pattern of the first and second, so that at the conclusion of the eighth cycle six matrices for the word accord will have been released and since the tape has no perforations in line with the analyzing pins throughout this cycle, the relays of both groups A and B will all be released.

With the foregoing general explanation as to the functioning of the improved control system, the electrical circuits and devices embodied in the new system will now be described in general, detail. Figs. la-lf, inclusive, together constitute the circuit diagram of the system. To form the complete diagram for the system Figs. 1a, 1b, and 1c should be placed end to end and directly beneath these Figs. 1d, 1e, and 17 should be placed end to end. As shown in Fig. 1e, there is provided a plug or junction box 22 arranged to receive power from a suitable direct current power source. A power switch 23 (Fig. 1b) is provided for throwing the system into and out of operation as desired, while a further switch 24, provided at a convenient location, may be operated to throw the line casting machine out of operation whenever any difiiculty arises. It will be understood that when the system is to be put into operation, switches 23 and 24 will be closed and power will also be supplied to the motor which drives the timing shaft 14 of the cam assembly unit. The first thing to occur at this time is the energizing of the control relay 25 (Fig. lb). Current for energizing this relay is derived from the power source through the plug 22. A positive line 26 from the latter is connected into a line 27 which passes through the number 1 contacts of a Jones plug and socket 28 and then upwardly to the switch 23,

9 From the latter it extends through line 29 over toward the right and then downwardly to a line 30 (Fig. 1 which continues the circuit through contacts 7 of a Jones plug and socket 31. From the latter the circuit continues through the line 32 and through switch 33, which is normally closed and only opened when the punched tape being fed through the tape box becomes too tight From the switch 33 the circuit extends through contacts 8 of the plug and socket 31 and through a line 34 to the switch 24, and then downwardly through a line 35,

- through contacts 6 of the plug and socket 28, then through line 36 to and through contacts 10 of a Jones plug and socket 37. From the latter the circuit continues through the line 38, through switch 39, line 40, switch 41, line 42, contacts 17 of plug and socket 37, downwardly through line 43, through switch 44, then line 45 through contact 18 of plug 37, down through line 46, through switch 47, then through line 48 and contact 3 of plug 37 to line 49 which extends over to a switch 50 normally held closed by the control relay cam on the shaft 15. The latter, it will be recalled is rotated only in response to an elevator lifting signal in the punched tape. From switch 50 the circuit continues through line 51 to a switch 52, which is closed by the action of the segmental portion of cam Von the shaft 14 at an appropriate time in the cycle of operation of the latter. When switch 52 is closed the circuit continues through line 53, contacts of plug and socket 28, line 54 and line 55 to a switch arm 56:: of a relay 56 which is the compare relay of the system. This, as has been explained, is normally deenergized so that the arm 56a will be in its lefthand position in engagement with the contact at the upper end of the line 55. From arm 56a the circuit continues through line 57 to and through the coil of control relay 25, to the line 58 connected with the negative side of the power switch 23, downwardly through line 59, contacts 2 of plug and socket 28, to line 60 which is connected with the negative side of the plug 22. Thus it will be seen that upon the closing of the switches 23 and 24 and the starting of the timing shaft 14, the relay 25 will be energized as soon as the cam V operates the switch 52.

. A holding circuit is provided for maintaining the relay 25 in energized condition until the circuit is broken at some point, as by the release of the elevator operating shaft 15 or by the call for a repeated character by the punched tape or the call for release of a particular type of matrix, or the like. This holding circuit may be traced from the positive line 29 through a line 61, branch line 62,

and switch 63 which is actuated by cam IV. From switch 63 the circuit extends through line 64, contacts 17 of plug 28, and a switch arm 65 to a line 66 connected with one side of the relay 25, the opposite side of this relay being connected as previously indicated through line 58 with the negative side of the power source. It should be noted in this connection that the arm 65 of the relay 25 will be engaged with the contact at the end of line 66 by virtue of the previous energization of the relay 25. Also, it should be noted that the camming portions of cams IV and V are such that they overlap in their action to maintain the relay 25 energized continuously until the circuit is broken at some other point as explained. Moreover, the arrangement is such that the relay 25 can be deenergized only during an interval in which the switch 63 is open, since the holding circuit for relay 25 is opened only at this switch once the relay is energized. While the switch 52 is at this time closed, the circuit through the relay 25 will be broken at the arm 56a of the compare relay 56 when this is energized.

Upon energization of the control relay 25, circuits may be completed through one or more of the relays 17 (group A) in accordance with the location of perforations in the region of the tape being analyzed by the analyzer pins of the tape box 16. The analyzer pins are designated 0, l, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and these are connected respectively through contacts 6, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the plugs 31. Contacts 6 of these plugs are connected through a line 67 with one side of a relay 17a in the group 17. The opposite side of this relay is connected through line 68 with the line 58 which, as previously indicated, is connected with the negative side of the current source. The circuit is completed to the positive side of the current source from the opposite side of the analyzer pin 0 in the tape box through line 69, contacts 10 of plugs 31, line 70, contacts 8 of plugs 28, switch 71 cooperating with cam II on the shaft 14, then through line 72, contacts 16 of plugs 28, a contact 73 which is at this time engaged by an arm 74 that has been shifted toward the right through the operation of the relay 25, then through line 75 to a positive line 76 connected into the power switch 23. Thus, assuming that a perforation is present in the tape. in the 0 position the relay 17a will be energized when the cam II closes the switch 71.

In a similar way, circuits will be completed through.

the relays 17b, 0, d, e, and f of group A, whenever the associated pins of the pin box are aligned with perforations in the portion of the tape being analyzed at a particular time. The connections from pins 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to the respective relays of group A are through lines 77, 78, 79, 80 and 81 (Fig. 1]). Thus, all of those relays of group A will be energized which are in circuit with analyzer pins alined with perforations in the tape. The circuits for relays connected with pins that are being held down by the tape are broken at a point within the tape box.

Those relays 17 (group A) which are energized in accordance with the perforations in the tape are held energized by a circuit extending from the positive side of the power switch 23 through line 29, line 61, contacts 14 of plugs 28, switch 82 held closed during a large portion of the rotation of shaft 14 by cam III, then through line 83, contacts 18 of plugs 28, line 84 and those switch arms of the group 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, and which have been operated by the energizing of selected ones of the relays 17. The arms so operated are drawn downwardly by the energized relays into engagement with the adjacent contacts, so that the circuit is then completed through the coils of the energized relays to the line 68 which, as previously noted, is connected into the negative line 58.

It should be noted in connection with the foregoing that the cams II and III are so formed that at the end of the holding action of cam III a slight gap is provided before cam II becomes effective to energize a new series of relays of group 17. Once such a new series of relays has been energized, through the action of cam II these will be held energized by cam III for most of the balance of a complete revolution of shaft 14, because of the overlapping relationship of the trailing end of cam II and the forward end of cam III.

The energizing circuits for the relays 18 (group B) will now be described. These circuits start at the positive side of the power switch 23, extend through lines 76 and 75 to the switch arm 74 of relay 25, which at this time is shifted toward the right into engagement with the contact 73. From here the circuit continues downwardly through contacts 16 of plugs 28, then through line 72, line 91, and switch 92 to a line 93. The latter is connected, through contacts 7 of the plugs 28, with line 94 extending to switch arms 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 100. The switch arms of those groups which are related to energized relays of group 17 are drawn downwardly into engagement with the contacts indicated beneath them and thus close circuits through one or more of the lines 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 to one or more of the relays 18a to 18 inclusive, of group 18. The opposite sides of the coils of relays 18a to 18), inclusive, are connected into the negative line 58. Thus, whenever the switch 92 is operated by cam II certain relays in group 18 will be energized, i. e. those which correspond with the ones then energized in group 17. Whichever relays of group 18 are thus energized will be held by circuits

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