US2901169A - Variable radix counter - Google Patents

Description

' BRUSH 0+ x 3 INPUT 3a 8 COUNTER 3 u I INPUT a 7 18b L I i 12d TO TggA 19A 23b 26a 13a i U 198 C(47 r 136 v To 23 T PUNCH UNIT E J. CAUBOUE ETAL VARIABLE RADIX COUNTER Filed Nov. 4, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 48%) READ FROM BRUSH 45%e COMPLEMENT COUNTER 50%)- SUBTRACT 51 ADD ZERO RESET READ OUT COMPLEMENT TAKE TOTAL 56 G READ OUT COMPLEMENT INVENTORS JEAN CAUBOUE CLAUDE JEAN GERGAUD FIG.2A

Aug; 25, 1959 J. CAUBOUE ETAL 2,901,169 VARIABLE RADIX COUNTER Filed Nov. 4, 1955 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 PIC-3.3

FIG.5

Aug. 25, 1959 J; cAuBouE' E'TAL VARIABLE RADIX COUNTER Filed Nov. 4, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 BRUSH INPUT COUNTER 136 114 800 1360 77b CARRY L320 OUT 112 81a 78b TO TOTALIZER 6 79B 1n CARRY IN 840 1 116 TO PUNCH UNIT 11s 90 d READ FROM COUNTER SUBTRACT 92 830 ADD e5 93 F 5 READ OUT COMPLEMENT 1380 94 TAKE TOTAL 3 dp ZERO RESET as 766 76f BASE 2 Q 97 -75e 5L BASE e m 88 98 BASE l0 89 99 A -73e L COMPLEMENT COUNTER T: 138

% READ OUT COMPLEMENT FIG. 4A

Aug. 25, 1959 J. CAUBOUE ETAL VARIABLE RADIX COUNTER Filed NOV. 4, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

LEE I l I 125 224 Q25 FIG.4B

INVENTORS JEAN CAUBOUE CLAUDE JEAN GERGAUD United States Patent VARIABLE RADDC COUNTER Jean Cauboue, Les Pavill'ons-sous-Bois, and Claude J. Gergaud, Vanves, France, assignors to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application November 4, 1955, Serial No. 545,058

Claims priority, application France December 30, 1954 16 Claims. (Cl. 23561.8)

This invention relates to record card controlled accounting machines and more particularly to an electrical counter for use in such machines. The principal object of the present invention resides in the provision of a unique counter of the electro-magnetic type which is applicable to a record card controlled accounting machine.

Electro-magnetic counting devices constituting a part of the prior art employ either a chain of ten electromagnetic elements, each of them representing the digits from 0-9, or a combination of four such electromagnetic elements or more, each of which constitutes a fixed part of a coded sequence. Electro-magnetic counting devices of this character have been disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,191,567, 2,282,028 and 2,394,925. However, the circuitry making up these counting systems is relatively complex and inflexible.

The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a less complex and more flexible electro-magnetic counter in any one of several numeration systems.

Another object of this invention is to provide a counter which is capable of acting upon numbers in the decimal system or in any one of several other numeration systems having a predetermined base N1, N2, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a counter in which the input carry, conversion, readin, readout, and zero reset circuits are the same for all the numeration bases.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multibase counter which is capable of switching easily from one numeration base to any other one of a predetermined number of numeration bases.

Another object is to provide a counter in which control circuits channel the desired number of digit representing pulses into said counter, which is composed of two chains of counting elements that are alternately energized or de-energized in the selected numeration base of operation.

Another object is to provide a counter in which readout may be in true or complementary form according to the position of a single two-position switch.

Still another object is to provide a readout means comprising two series chains, each composed of control elements capable of operation in every numeration base above 2 (where N is the numeration base), arranged so that each chain generates the complement of the value emitted by the other chain, whatever the digit in the counter happens to be.

Another object of the present invention consists in the provision of a process which permits an add or subtract operation in any selected numeration base by channelling the true or complementary value of a digit into the counter.

Another object of this invention is to provide a counter 2,901,169 Patented Aug. 25, 1959 in which a single two-position switch complements the digit in the counter in any numeration base.

Another object of the invention is to provide a relaytype counter in which the N-n1 complement of a number in the counter is developed through the operation of a single relay and independent of the chosen numeration base, where N is the base of a chosen numeration system and n the number to be complemented.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electro-magnetic system for the addition or subtraction of any value in a number of numeration base systems by the simple process of energizing or tie-energizing successively certain ones of the relays in two counter chains, the change from digit N 1 to digit 0 being performed through the de-energization of a relay.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a counter which is capable of reading out digits that are recorded in any numeration base N system, comprising two complementary lines each having a number of contacts arranged in series and controlled by the various counter relays, the selection and readout of the correct complementary value being brought about by a transfer of a single contact.

A multi-base counter finds particular utility in handling problems relating to the various currencies in the world. For example, to count pence, shilling and pounds in the pound sterling area, it is necessary to be able to operate simultaneously in the base 12, 10 and 2 systems. Counting in the Indian currency requires an additional base 8 operation. The counter in accordance with this invention permits an operation in any predetermined numeration base system through a simple switching arrangement.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of examples, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a card feeding and analyzing mechanism of an accounting machine showing its essential operating parts.

Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a decimal counter according to the invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cam operation timing chart related to the decimal counter of Figs. 2A and 2B.

Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a counter capable of operating in the numeration base 12, 10, 8 and 2 systems.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cam operation timing chart related to the counter of Figs. 4A and 4B.

Fig. 1 illustrates a card feeding and analyzing mechanism found in the tabulating machine disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 1,976,617. The identical mechanism of Fig. 1 is also found in U.S. Patent No. 2,282,028 where it is also employed to describe an electro-magnetic counter. Only the component identification numbers are diflerent. Any card feeding and analyzing mechanism can be employed in conjunction with the counter of this invention, and the mechanism of Fig. 1 is merely illustrative of one possibility.

According to the section of a record card controlled accounting machine illustrated in Fig. 1 record cards C are placed in the card handling section generally designated from which they are fed downwardly, one by one, by picker knife 151, so that the leading edge is moved into cooperation with a pair of feed rolls 152, after which the card is fed past successive pairs of feed rolls 153, 154 and to a stacker (not shown). Between the pairs of feed rolls 152 and 153 are located the upper analyzing 3 brushes U13, and between rolls 154 and 155 are located lower analyzing brushes LB. These sets of brushes cooperate with contact rolls 156 and 157, respectively. Card lever contacts 158 and 159 close during the presence of cards at the analyzing stations to operate certain circuits in the record card controlled machine.

Each time a card is presented between contact roll 157 and lower analyzing brushes LB, it is analyzed and the results of this analysis are transmitted either through a plugboard or directly to the input, for example, terminal 41 in Fig. 2A, of a counter. The upper brushes UB function in conjunction with the lower brushes LB under group control operation to allow the cards to continue to feed only so long as control designations representing a certain group are the same on successive cards. This guarantees that the proper information will be acted upon by the counter. In the case where certain cards have amounts to be added and others have amounts to be subtracted, the upper brushes UB are employed for distinguishing between the types of operations by providing a signal which energizes either the add or subtract relay, as the case may be, of the electro-magnetic counter, according to the invention.

A more detailed description of the card feeding and analyzing mechanism of Fig. 1 may be obtained by referring to US. Patent No. 1,976,617.

DESCRIPTION OF DECIMAL COUNTER Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a decimal counter according to the invention. This counter employs a variety of relays and corresponding contacts in a manner to provide flexibility of operation. With regard to relay terminology, an L indicates the latch coil of a latch relay and a D indicates an unlatch coil of such a relay. The letter M after a reference number indicates the holding coil of the relay bearing this number. In the case where other types of coils of a relay are used, letters A, B, etc. serve to distinguish between such coils of a particular relay. Each contact is designated by the number of the relay which controls it, followed by a small letter a, b, c, etc. and by the letter T, in parenthesis, when this contact is transferred.

With regard to the operation of a latch relay, it might generally be stated that coil L serves to bring the armature of the relay into position for locking, and a second or unlatch armature completes the locking operation at the end of the pulse. If the next pulse energizes coil D, the unlatch armature is operated to release the latch armature to its original state. It may readily be seen that a counter using such a relay has the advantage of keeping information intact in case the power source fails or has been disconnected. The principle of bringing an armature into operative condition with one coil and returning the armature to its original condition with another coil is old in the art. For example, see US. Patent No. 2,510,604.

Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, therein is shown a relaytype counter arranged to count in the decimal notation. The counting circuit comprises five relays whose latch and unlatch coils are parallel connected, as shown in the right bottom portion of Fig. 213. One set or chain of said coils includes coils L, 11L, 13L, 13D and 11D, and the other set includes coils 15D, =12L, 14L, 14D and 12D, in descending order. The selection of one of these two sets is accomplished through contacts 18a, whose position is controlled by a relay having coils 18D and 18L. Coils 18D and 13L are alternately energized by pulses provided by cam 36 through its contacts 36a, relay contacts 21c or 220, and through certain ones of relay contacts 140, 13c, 12c, 11c, 15c and 15d. Coils 18D and 18L may also be energized by a pulse provided by cam 37 through its contacts 37a.

Digit representing pulses which cause the counter to be stepped along are developed by cam 32 (Fig. 2B). The path which these pulses travel to reach contacts 18a for the purpose of energizing one or more relays of the two chains of relays is determined by the character of the arithmetic operation, i.e. either addition or subtraction. In the case where an add operation is to be performed, a pulse is applied at input terminal 51 to energize relay 22 (Fig. 2A). Operation of this relay transfers contacts 22b (Fig. 2B). Contacts 22a (Fig. 2A) are also transferred permitting a pulse received at input terminal 42 from some other counter to energize coil B of relay 19. A pulse at terminal 42 is fed through relay contacts 20a, 21a, 22a(T) and through cam contacts 39a to coil 19B. Operation of relay 19 transfers contacts 1% (Fig. 2B). Thus the path taken by the counting pulses developed by cam emitter 32 is through cam contacts 34a (which are closed during the development of ten pulses by emitter 32), relay contacts 23a, 19b(T), 22b (T), 21b and 18a, according to the setting of the latter, to one of the two chains of latch and unlatch relay coils of the counter.

In the case of a subtract operation, a pulse at input terminal 50 energizes coil B of relay 21 which transfers contacts 2111 (Fig. 2A) and 21b (Fig. 2B). Transfer of contacts 21b immediately closes a path for the digit representing pulses from emitter 32 to the counter through cam contacts 34a, relay contacts 23a, 19b and 21b (T). When a pulse is next applied at input terminal 42, indicating the digit to be subtracted, it is fed through relay contacts 20a, 21a(T) and 23b to energize coil A of relay 19. Thls transfers contacts 19b, and thereby prevents any more digit representing pulses from being entered into the counter. In subtraction the nines complement of the number is entered into the counter.

It has been seen that relay 19 is energized during both an addition and a subtraction operation. Coils A or B may be operated when the subtract relay 21 or the add relay 22 is energized by a pulse made available at either input terminal 41 or 42. Input terminal 41 is connected directly or through a plugboard (not shown) to brushes LB in Fig. 1. For the pulse applied at terminal 41 to energize relay 19, a pulse must first be applied at input terminal 48 for energizing relay 20. Operation of this relay transfers contacts 20a, thereby preventing relay 19 from being energized by a pulse from another counter and permitting relay 19 to be energized by a pulse developed by sensing brush LB. The path which the pulse at input terminal 41 will take in order to energize relay 19 will then be determined by the character of the arithmetic operation, as already described.

Once relay 19 is energized through one of its coils A or B, it is kept energized, by means of a holding coil, in the following manner. Referring to the top left corner of Fig. 23, it may be seen that holding coil M of relay 19 is energized whenever cam contacts 31a and relay contacts 191; are closed. Contacts 19a are closed as'soon as one of the coils A or B of relay 19 is energized. Reference to the cam operation chart of Fig. 3 will show that cam contacts 31 are closed during the timethat emitter 32 is developing ten digit pulses. Closure of cam contacts 31a and energization of holding coil M ofrelay 19 during this time interval keeps contacts 1% transferred, thereby permitting the digit representing pulses to be made available to the counting relays through relay contacts 18a.

The pulses developed by emitter 32 serve to operate sequentially one or more relays of each of the two chains of relays. That is to say, the first counting pulse is delivered to the right chain of relay coils, comprising coils 15L, 11L, 13L, 13D and 11D; the second counting pulse is delivered to the left counting chain of relay coils comprising coils 15D, 12L, 14L, 14D and 12D; the third counting pulse is delivered to the right chain again, and so on throughout the ten counting pulses.

More specifically and With reference to Figs. 2B and 3, it may be seen that in. an add or subtract operation a pulse is developed by emitter 32 and made available to contacts 18a, during the end of the first time interval 1 (F g: 3) Cam 34 closes its contacts 34a at this time.

V Since coil L of relay 18 is not energized at this time, its contacts 18a remain in their normally closed position, and the first pulse is delivered through normally closed relay contacts 14a and 15a to coil L of relay 11. Encrgization of this relay transfers contacts 11a. Before 5 the next digit representing pulse is developed cam contacts 36 close and transmit a pulse either through relay contacts 22c (in addition) or contacts 210 (in subtraction), and through relay contacts 140, 13c, 12c, 11c(T) and 150 to coil L of relay 18. 9

Operation of relay 18 transfers contacts 18a, and therefore permits the second pulse developed by emitter 32 to be fed through transferred relay contacts 11a and contacts 15b to coil L of relay 12. Energization of relay 12 brings about a transfer of contacts 12a and 12c. The second pulse developed by cam contacts 36a is fed through contacts 21c or 220, 14c, 13c, 12c(T), and 15d to coil D of relay 18. Energization of this coil unlatches the armature previously latched by coil L, and causes contacts 18a to return to their normal position. This permits the third pulse developed by emitter 32 to be fed through relay contacts 14a, 15a and 12a to coil L of relay 13. Contacts 18a are again switched to their transferred position permitting the next counting pulse to be sent to the left chain of relays, the process continuing until the count is completed.

The counting sequence described above may be best understood with regard to Table I, where one machine or card cycle is considered to be 20 cycle points long. Each cycle point corresponds to the distance between two index positions on a card. The cycle points will be referred to as time intervals in the description.

Table I Recorded Digit It can be seen from the above table that digit 0 is represented by all counting relays in the unlatched condition. Digit 1 is represented by relay 11 in the latched condition; digit 2 by relays 11 and 12 in the latched condition; digit 3 by relays 11, 12 and 13 in the latched condition; digit 5 by relays 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 in the latched condition; digit 6 by relays 11, 12, 13 and 15 in the latched condition; digit 7 by relays 11, 12 and 15 in the latched condition; digit 8 by relays 11 and 15 in the latched condition and digit 9 by relay 15 in the latched condition. The table indicates that relay 18 is also latched after the entry of a 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 into the decimal counter. With regard to digits 6-9, it may be noted that the digit is recorded in the counter by the unlatching of certain ones of the relays that had previously been latched. For example, the unlatching of relay 14 records digit 6, the unlatching of relay 13 designates digit 7, etc.

It may also be seen by reference to Table I that the nines complement of a number inserted into the decimal counter may be developed either by energizing relay 15 (digits 04) or by de-energizing relay 15 (digits 5-9). For example, to obtain the complement of 0, it is only necessary to energize relay :15. Reference to Fig. 2B will show that when relay 15 is energized at the same time that relays 11-14 are unlatched, relay 18 will be automatically latched. Thus the value 9 is recorded. In the case of digit 1, the latching of relay 15 at the time relay 11 is latched will cause relay 18 to be unlatched, thereby recording an 8 in the counter.

The complementary operation refer-red to above, is initiated by the energization of relay 24 through input terminal 49 (Fig. 2A). Reference to Fig. 2B will show that when this relay is energized its corresponding contacts 24a close, thereby serving to complete a circuit from cam contacts 29a to relay coil L of relay 15. If relay 15 had previously been unlatched, the closure of contacts 24a would transfer a pulse developed by cam contacts 29 to coil L of relay -15, thereby causing this coil to be latched. On the other hand, if coil L of relay 15 had been previously energized, contacts 24a would then close a circuit for energizing coil D of relay 15, thereby unlatching relay 15.

Assume that it is desired to complement a digit from 5-9. This means that coil L of relay 15 had previously been energized, and the relay therefore latched. The latching of relay 15 causes its contacts 152 to be closed so that when cam 27 then closes its contacts 27a at the end of time interval 16 (Fig. 3), coil A of relay 16 becomes energized. Operation of relay 16 closes its contacts 16a and permits the pulsedeveloped by cam 28 and its associated contacts 28a at time interval 17 to energize the holding coil M of relay 16. Thus contacts 16b are kept in a transferred condition. The pulse developed during time interval 17 by cam 29 through its contacts 29a is sent through relay contacts 24a and 16b(T) to coil D of relay 15. Energization of this coil causes relay 15 to be unlatched.

On the other hand, if the digit to be complemented is in the 0-4 group, relay 15 is caused to be latched in the following manner. Since relay 15 is unlatched when any one of the four digits is present in the counter (see Table 1), its associated contacts 15c remain open, thereby preventing the pulse developed by cam contacts 27a, at the end of time interval 16, from energizing coil A of relay :16. With this coil deenergized, its associated contacts 16a remain open to prevent holding coil M of relay 16 from being energized. Therefore, contacts 16b are not transferred, but rather close a path from cam contacts 29a to energize coil L of relay 15 during time interval 17 (Fig. 3).

Readout of a true or complementary number is accomplished by the circuit shown in Fig. 2A. At the left of the figure is shown a series of cams labeled 1-10, each capable of developing a digit representing pulse at a different time interval. In series with each of the contacts of these cams is a pair of contacts of one of the relays 11-14. The position of relay contacts i and 15g determines whether readout is to be from the lower or the upper set of cam emitters, that is whether it is to be of digit in the 0-4 series or the 5-9 series. For readout of a true value, contacts 250 are in the position as shown. For a complementary readout, contacts 25a are transferred.

For example, assume that the digit in the counter is 9, and it is desired to readout its true value. Reference to Fig. 3 will show that a digit 9' pulse is developed by cam 9 during time interval 1. Table I shows that only relays 15 and 18 are operated when the digit in the counter is 9. This means that all the contacts of relays 11-14 will remain as shown in Fig. 2A. With relay 15 operated, its contacts 15f and 15g in Fig. 2A are transferred. In this way, the path for reading out a 0 is opened, and that for reading out the desired 9 is closed. Therefore, during time interval 1 of any succeeding machine cycle, the pulse developed by cam 9 is fed through contacts 11d, 12d, 13d, 14d, 15 (T) and 25a to output terminal 47. The digit pulse at this terminal may serve to energize a utilization device, such as a punch, for the purpose of recording permanently the information in the counter.

Should the complement of 9 be desired, it is first necessary to energize relay 55 by means of a pulse at input terminal 56. This closes contacts 55a and permits relay 25 to be energized by a pulse at input terminal 53. Operation of relay 25 transfers its contacts 250.. This permits the zero pulse developed by cam to befed through relay contacts 11a, 1122, 13a, 14a, g(T) and to output terminal 47. Reference to Fig. 3 will show that the zero pulse is developed at time interval 10.

Should it be desired to develop the digit present in the counter at output terminal 46 for the purpose of taking a total, it is only necessary to transfer contacts 26a. This is done by applying a pulse at input terminal 54 (Fig. 2A) and thereby energizing relay 26. With contacts 26a transferred, a digit pulse is developed at output terminal 46 at the same time that it appears at output terminal 47.

It may be noted from Fig. 3 that digit pulses are read out in an inverse order with relation to time. That is to say, digit pulse 9 is developed during time interval 1, digit pulse 8 during time interval 2, digit pulse 7 during time interval 3, and so on. This is due to the fact that record card controlled machines have a card feed arrangement wherein position 9 reaches the recording station first, position 8 reaches it second, and so on. A counter such as herein disclosed can easily be synchronized with a record card controlled machine in a manner to record the correct information in a record card.

A zero resetting operation is accomplished by initially energizing relay 23 and coil A of relay 21 through input terminal 52 (Fig; 2). Referring to Fig. 2B, it may be seen that when relays 21 and 23 are operated, associated contacts 21b and 23a are'transferred, closing the path from cam contacts 32a, a, relay contacts 23a(T), 19b, 21b (T) to the counter chain switching contacts 18a. Depending upon the position of contacts 18a which in turn is governed by the particular digit in the counter, as may be seen in Table I, the pulses developed by emitter 32 cause the counter to resume its count until the 10 is reached, at which time the emitter pulses are prevented from reaching the counter.

Referring to Table I and Fig. 2B, it may be seen that the 9th pulse developed by emitter 32 unlatches relay 11, thereby causing contacts 11a to return to their original position. In addition, relays 15 and 18 are energized at this time. The 10th pulse developed by emitter 32 is then fed through cam contacts 35a (see Fig. 3), relay contacts 23a(T), 19b, 2117(T), 18a.(T), and 11a to coil D of relay 15 and coil A of relay 17. Energization of coil 15D causes relay 15 to be unlatched. This returns contacts 15c and 15d to their normal position. With relays 1115 in their unlatched condition, the next pulse developed by cam 36 is fed through relay contacts 21c, 22c, 14c, 12c, 11c and 15d to coil D of relay 18. Relay 18 is thereby unlatched, bringing its contacts 18a into their original position in readiness for another counting operation.

Also during time interval 10, relay 17 is energized, closing its contacts 17a and permitting its holding coil M to be energized until time interval 14 by cam and its associated contacts 40a. Throughout this period, contacts 171) (Fig. 2A) are transferred to close a circuit from cam contacts 3.8,to coil A of relay 19. Contacts 23a had previously been transferred by the operation of relay 23. It has already been mentioned that the energization of relay 19 closes its contacts 19a (Fig. 2B), which keeps relay 19 energized through its holding coil M. Cam contacts 31 remain closed for the first ten cycle points.

During this period, relay contacts 1912 are transfer-red, thereby opening the path from emitter contacts 32:: to the counter switching contacts 18a and the counting relays themselves. The emitter pulses will no longer have any effect on the counter. The counter is reset and ready for the next counting operation. At the end of time interval 10 cam contacts 31a open to de-energize relay 19. Relay 17 is de-cnergized at the end of time interval 14.

Carry circuits are provided for developing a carry pulse for another counter and for acting upon a carry signal received from another counter. With reference to Fig. 2A, it may be seen that a .carry out pulse is developed at output terminal 45 whenever cam contacts 38a and relay contacts 17b are closed. A carry in pulseisentered into the decimal counter from input terminal 44 whenever cam contacts 39a are closed. Relay 19, which the carry in pulse energizes, serves to close a circuit in Fig. 2B, which brings about the insertion of a single digit pulse into the counter.

The decimal counter develops a carry pulse Whenever the counter counts through 10. It'has already been stated during the description of the zero resetting operation that relay 17 becomes energized when the 10th pulse is developed by emitter 32. The holding coil M of relay 17 continues to be energized, through contacts 17a, for the duration of closure of cam contacts 48a. Fig. 3 shows that the contacts areclosed from .time interval 1 to time interval 14. Operation of relay 17 transfers its contacts 17b (Fig. 2A), and thereby permits cam 38 to develop a carry out pulse at output terminal 45 during .time inter val 13.

With regard to the carry in pulse, it is assumed that such a pulse is made available atinput terminal 44 during time interval 13. At this time, cam 39 closes its contacts 39a (Fig. 3), and causes coil B of relay 19 to be energized. The closure of relay contacts 19a (Fig. 2B) permits the holding coil of relay 19 to be energized for the period of closure of cam contacts 30a. This means that contacts will be closed during part of time intervals 13 and 14 (Fig. 3). When cam 33 then closes its contacts 3311, it closes a path from emitter 32 to the switching contacts 18a. Depending upon the setting of contacts 18a, the carry pulse now developed :by emitter 32 is delivered to one or the other counting chains in order to raise the value of the counter by 1. The decimal counter, according to this invention, is capable of counting beyond 10 during one time period and setting up the conditions for emitting a carry pulse at a subsequent time period.

There is provision in this counter for transferring a carry in pulse directly to the next order counter when a digit 9 is present in the counter. Table I shows that a 9 is represented by relays 15 and 18 in the latched condition and relays 1114 in the unlatched condition. With regard to Figs. 2A and 3, this means that a path is closed during time interval 13 from input terminal 44 to output terminal 45 through cam contacts 39a-(T), relay contacts 11b, 18b(T) and 17b.

OPERATION OF THE DECIMAL COUNTER The opertion of the decimal counter according to this invention will be described with regard to Figs. 1, 2A. A hypothetical situation will be assumed wherein a digit 6 had been previously entered into the counter and a digit 9 is added thereto. It will also be assumed that another counter, similar to the one disclosed and representing a lower order, develops a carry pulse for the counter under consideration.

Referring to Fig. 1, a card C is removed by picker knife 151 between feed rolls 152 to a sensing station represented by upper brushes UB and contact roll 156. This sensing station determines the nature of the arithmetic operation, either addition or subtraction. The card is then moved along between feed rolls 153 and 154 to the second sensing station represented by brushes LB and contact roll 157. The card is moved down with the digit 9 position first, the digit 8 position next, and so on. When the brush LB is at digit 9 position of the standard record card, a pulse is developed, in accordance with our hypothetical example, at input terminal 41, which is connected to lower brush LB.

The initial circuit conditions to permit the operation of the counter must be set up at the time the first digit position of the card is at the lower sensing station or before this time, in the following manner. To permit the digit pulse developed by lower brush LB to energize relay 19, pulses must be entered at input terminals 48 and 51 for energizing relays 20 and 22, respectively. This transfers contacts 20a and 22a and thereby permits the digit 9 pulse at time interval 1 (Fig. 3) to be fed through relay contacts 2011(T), 21a, 22a(T), cam contacts 39a and coil B of relay 19. Relay 19 is then held energized by the holding circuit of Fig. 2B, including cam contacts 31a, from time interval 1 to time interval 10. This means that contacts 19b are transferred for a time interval sufficient for emitter 32 to deliver nine pulses into the counter.

Reference to Fig. 3 will show that emitter 32 develops a pulse after relay 19 is energized. This pulse is fed through cam contacts 34a (which are closed from time interval 1 to time interval 10), relay contacts 23a, 19b(T), 22b(T), 21b and 18a, to the counter. Referring to Table I, it may be seen that when digit 6 is present in the counter, relays 11, 12, 13 and 15 are latched. Since relay 18 is unlatched, the digit representing pulse is sent through cam contacts 18a, 14a and 15a(T) to coil D of relay 13. This serves to unlatch relay 13, and transfer all its contacts to their original condition.

Referring to Fig. 3, it may be seen that immediately after the first digit pulse is entered into the counter, emitter 36 also develops a pulse for the purpose of latching relay 18 in the following manner. The pulse developed by emitter 36, through its contacts 36a, is fed through relay contacts 220(T), 14c, 13c, 12c(T) and 15d to coil L of relay 18. With relay 13 unlatched and relay 18 latched at this time, it may be seen by reference to Table I, that the digit now present in the counter is 7.

The second pulse developed by emitter 32 is delivered through relay contacts 11a(T), 15b(T) and 13b to coil D of relay 12. Relay 12 is thus unlatched, causing all its contacts to return to their original state. This means that the next pulse developed by cam 36, through its contacts 36a, is fed through relay contacts 12c to coil D of relay 18, in order to unlatch this relay and record an 8 in the counter.

The 3rd pulse developed by emitter 32 is delivered through relay contacts 18a, 14a, 15a(T) and 12b to coil D of relay 11. Thus relay 11 is unlatched, causing its contacts to return to their normal state. The return of contacts 1'10 to their normally closed position permits the next pulse developed by emitter 36 to energize coil L of relay 18. During time interval 4, only relays 15 and 18 are latched indicating the presence of a digit 9 in the counter.

The 4th pulse developed by emitter 32 is fed through relay contacts 18a(T) and 11a to coil D of relay 15 and coil A of relay 17. The energization of coil D of relay '15 brings about the unlatching of this relay, whose contacts now permit the pulse developed by cam 36 to energize coil D of relay 18. With relays 15 and 18 unlatched, a 10 is present in the counter (see Table 1).

Actually the presence of a or 10 in the counter is indicated by the same set of conditions, with the exception that, in the case of 10, a circuit is set up for developing a carry pulse at a subsequent time interval. In the hypothetical situation, the energization of coil A of relay 17 at time interval brings about the closure of contacts 17a, which with contacts 40a (closed to time interval 14) develop a holding circuit for relay 17.

The next 5 pulses developed by emitter 32 from time interval 5 to time interval are entered into the counter, in a manner already explained, in order to record a digit 5. This would be the case, since a 9 is being added to a 6 previously recorded in the counter. At the end of the entry of the 9th pulse into the counter, cam 34 opens its. contacts 34a to prevent any further entry of pulses into the counter. Cam 31 also opens its contacts 31a during the same time interval in order to deenergize relay 19 and to prevent thereby the entry into 10 the counter of the pulse developed at the end of time interval 13 (Fig. 3) by cam 33.

It has been stated that relay 17 was energized at the time that emitter 32 developed the 4th pulse for the counter. At this time, contacts 171; (Fig. 2A) were transferred, permitting the series of pulses developed by cam 38 through its contacts 38a to be made available at output terminal 45. That is to say, during the next six time intervals, the six pulses developed by cam 38 (Fig. 3) appear at output terminal 45. Cam 38 also develops a pulse at output terminal 45 at time interval 13. Only the last pulse serves as a carry pulse to energize the succeeding order counter because only this pulse is permitted to enter the next counter.

At the same time interval 13 that the carry out pulse is developed at output terminal 45, a carry in pulse is entered at input terminal 44. The carry in pulse is delivered through cam contacts 39a(T) to coil B of relay 19, which relay is then maintained energized through a holding circuit, including cam contacts 30a, shown in Fig. 2B. Since contacts 22b and 2111 are in their normally closed condition at this time, the transfer of contacts 19c closes a circuit which permits the pulse developed by cam 33, through its contacts 33a, to be entered through relay contacts 1811(T), 11a(T) and 15b(T) to coil D of relay 14. This unlatches relay 14. Relays '11, 12, 13 and 15 continue to be latched.

Relay 18 must then be unlatched to return contacts 18a to normal and thereby permit a proper count to continue during the next machine cycle. This is accomplished by cam 37, which closes its contacts 37a, developing a pulse which is fed through relay contacts 210, 220, 14a, 13c(T) and 15c(T) to coil D of relay 18. Relay 18 is thereby unlatched and contacts 18a are returned to normal in preparation for the next counting operation.

Readout of the contents of the counter may be accomplished at any time, as already explained, in either true or complementary form. Resetting of the counter may be brought about at the beginning of the next machine cycle by means of a closed circuit, including cam contacts 35a, relay contacts 23a(T), 19b and 21b(T).

DESCRIPTION OF THE MULTI-BASE COUNTER Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a multi-base counter, according to this invention, which is capable of counting in bases 12, 10, 8 and 2. Actually a counter may be devised in accordance with the principles herein disclosed for operation in any base. The counter can go from one base to the other by simply energizing certain ones of the relays and thereby transferring their contacts to close predetermined paths from the digital pulse emitter to the counter. Regardless of the bases in which the counter may be operated, the same input, readout, carry, reset and conversion circuits are employed for all bases. Fig. 5 illustrates the timing sequence for the various pulse-developing cams or emitters of Figs. 4A and 4B.

In the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B, the counter operates normally in numeration base 12 The counter may be transferred from numeration base 12 into any of the other bases by merely energizing certain ones of the relays. For example, and referring to Fig. 4A, a base 12 system may be converted into a base 10 system merely by applying a pulse at input terminal 98 and thereby energizing relay 88. In the same way, a base 10 system is converted into a base 8 system by energizing relay 87 through input terminal 97, and a base 8 system may be converted to a base 2 system by energizing relay 86 through input terminal 96. The counter will be described with regard to the base 12 system, and it will later be shown exactly how the counter may be made to operate in any of the other base systems.

The input circuit to the counter is illustrated in Fig. 4A. A pulse applied at input terminal 90 energizes relay 80, causing its contacts 80a .to be transferred in the event that it is desired to read into the counter from another counter. To count a digit read from a record card, a pulse is entered at input terminal 114, without the necessity of energizing relay 80. Thus a pulse is entered at input terminal 114 from some record material or at input terminal 115 from another counter for energizing coil A or coil B of relay 79.

The path which a pulse takes to energize coil A or B of relay 79 will depend upon whether a subtract or an add operation is to take place. In the case of an add operation, a pulse at input terminal 92 energizes relay 82, thereby transferring its contacts 82a and closing a circuit from either input terminal 114 or 115 through relay contacts 80a, 81a, 82a(T) and cam contacts 135a to coil B of relay 79. In the case where a number is to be subtracted from one already recorded in the counter, a pulse delivered to input terminal 91 energizes relay 81, causing its contacts 81a to be transferred. This closes a path from one of the two input terminals 114 or 115 to coil A of relay 79. In this way the input circuit to the counter sets up the conditions for entering digit representing pulses into the counter.

Digital pulses are entered into the counter by emitter 122. Reference to Fig. will show that these pulses are developed throughout the 20 point machine cycle. Each pulse is fed through cam contacts 133a, relay contacts 88c, 87b, 86b, 79b(T) and 82b(T), 81b and through the counter chain switching contacts 78a to either one of two chains of counter relays. Reference to Fig. 5 will show that contacts 133a are closed for 12 cycle points or time intervals, thereby permitting the emitter 122 to deliver the maximum number of digit representing pulses required by the highest numeration base, in this case base 12.

Relay contacts 79b are closed for a period sufiioient for the emitter 122 to deliver as many as 12 digital pulses into the counter. This continuous closure is maintained by the holding circuit of relay 79, including cam contacts 120a, relay contacts 79a and holding coil M of relay 79 (Fig. 43). Reference to Fig. 5 will show that cam 120 keeps its contacts 1200 closed during time intervals 1-12. After the emitter has delivered its 12th digital pulse to the counter, cam contacts 120a open to de-energize relay 79 and return its contacts 79b to their normal state.

As in the case of the decimal counter of Figs. 2A and 2B, subtraction is accomplished in the multi-base counter by the entry of the complement of the digit to be subtracted. However, in the multi-base counter the complementary entry is. that of the Nn1 value of the number to be subtracted, where N is the numeration base and n is the number to be subtracted. Thus the subtraction of 5 in a base 12 operation results in the' entry of 6 into the counter. Actually, this means. that the N! complement of a number is entered into the counter.

The energization of relay 81 for a complementary entry transfers contacts 81b (Fig. 4B) and closes a circuit path between emitter 122 and the counter chain switching contacts 78a. When a pulse is next made available at input terminal 114 or 115, indicating the digit to be complemented or subtracted, coil A of relay 79 is energized. This transfers contacts 7%, which contacts are then maintained transferred for the duration of the first 12 time intervals by the holding circuit of re lay 79, including contacts 120a, 79a(T) and coil M of relay 79. The transfer of contacts 79b prevents any more digital pulses from being entered into the counter. In this way, only the elevens complement of the digit read from the record card or received from another counter is entered into the counter.

This may be seen better with regard to Fig. 5. When a digit 9 is to be subtracted from a digit in the counter operating in the base 12 system, emitter 122 will enter pulses into the counter during time intervals 1 and 2. Immediately after the entry of the 2nd digital pulse into the counter, relay 7 9 is energized and its contacts 7 9b transferred. The remaining nine pulses developed by emitter 122 are barred from entry into the counter. During time interval 12, relay 79 is de-energized and cam contacts 133a open to open the path between emitter 122 and group switching contacts 78a.

The counter, according to this embodiment, is also composed of two chains of relays whose operation is controlled by contacts 78a. The left chain of relays is made up of coils 76L, 72L, 74L, 74D, 72D and 76D and the right chain is composed of coils 71L, 73L, 75L, 75D, 73D and 71D, in descending order. It is seen that the upper three coils in each chain of relays are the coils which latch their respective relays, and the lower three coils in each chain are those which unlatch the respective coils.

A description of this counter can best be understood with regard to Table II below.

Table II Relays Recorded Digits O 0 0 0 1 1 1 X 2 2 2 X X 3 3 3 X X X 4 4 X X X X 5 X X X X 6 X X X X 7 X X X X 8 X X X 9 X X X 10 X ll X basesuse Table II makes it clear which relays are latched and which are unlatched during the presence of any digit in any one of the predetermined numeration bases. With regard to base 12 operation, it may be seen that the presence of a 0 in the counter is indicated by relays 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 78 in the unlatched condition. Digit 1 is represented by relays 71 and 78 latched, digit 2 by relays 71 and 72 latched, and so on. The latched or unlatched condition of the relays for any numeration base is easily determined by taking the digit in the selected base, as shown in Table II, and following it across to the right of the table. Thus it may be seen that digit 5 in the 12, 10 and 8 numeration bases is represented by different relay conditions.

Referring to both Fig. 4B and Table II, it is seen that during a zero or reset condition, relay 78 is unlatched and its contacts 78a are as shown in Fig. 4B. This means that when the first digital pulse developed by emitter 122 is fed through cam contacts 133a(T), relay contacts 88c, 87b, 86b and 79b and either 8112 or 82b, according to Whether an addition or subtraction is in operation, and through relay contacts 78a, 86a and 76a to coil L of relay 71. The latching of this relay causes its associated contacts 71a and 71c to be transferred.

After the first digital pulse is entered into the counter to latch relay 71, cam 129 closes its associated contacts 129a to feed a pulse through relay contacts 829 or 810, relay contacts 750, 74c, 73c, 710(1) and 760 to coil L of relay 78. This relay is then latched, transferring its contacts 78a. This permits the next pulse developed by emitter 122 to be sent to the left group of relay coils to energize coil L of relay 72. Each succeeding pulse developed by emitter 122 is delivered to one or the other group of relay coils according to the position of contacts 78a. This operation is identical to that already explained in the case of the decimal counter of Figs. 2A and 2B.

I In the multi-base counter, a true digit may be transformed into its complementary value by the latching or unlatching of relay 76. This may be seen in Table II, where digits -5 are complemented by latching relay 76 and digits 6-11 are complemented by unlatching relay 76. In the case of numeration bases 12, 10, 8 and 2, relay 76 is unlatched to complement the lower half of the digit series, and relay 76 is unlatched to complement the higher half of the digit series. For example, in the base 2 system relay 7 6 is latched to complement O and unlatched to complement 1.

Conversion of a counter digit of any numeration base to its complementary value is accomplished by energizing relay 89 through input terminal 99 (Fig. 4A). This causes contacts 89a (Fig. 4B) to be transferred, thereby permitting the pulse developed by contacts 132a during time interval 17 (Fig. 5) to be delivered to either coil L or coil D of relay 76, according to the setting of contacts 13412.

If the digit to be complemented is in the lower half of a series of digits of any numeration base, relay 76 will be unlatched, its corresponding contacts 76e will be open and coil A of relay 134 will, therefore, remain de-energized. This will keep contacts 134!) in the position shown in Fig. 4B, permitting the pulse developed by cam 132 to energize coil L of relay 7 6, thereby latching said relay.

On the other hand, if the digit to be complemented occurs in the higher group in the series of digits of any numeration base, relay 76 will be latched. This means that contacts 76e will be closed, permitting the signal developed by cam 127 to energize coil A of relay 134. Relay 134 is then maintained energized by the holding circuit composed of cam contacts 128a, relay contacts 134a and coil M of relay 134. Contacts 134b are thereby transferred, permitting the pulse developed by cam 132 to be sent through relay contacts 89a and 134b(T) to coil D of relay 76. Relay 76 is thus unlatched, indicating that the digit has been complemented.

The carry circuits in this counter are also identical for all the numeration bases. A carry condition is developed at time interval 12, Whenever the last digital pulse is entered into the counter in any one of the numeration bases. At time interval 12, relay 76 is unlatched and carry relay 77 is energized. Relay 77 is maintained energized through a holding circuit made up of cam contacts 121a, relay contacts 77a and coil M of relay 77. In Fig. 4A, it may be seen that contacts 77b are transferred to permit the pulses developed by cam 136, through its contacts 136a, to be sent to output terminal 112. Pulses are developed by cam 136 during time intervals 1-12 and (Fig. 5). The pulse at time interval 15 serves as the carry for the next counter because cam contacts 135a for receiving the carry in the next higher order counter (not shown) are only transferred during time interval 15.

With regard to the carry in pulse, which may be available during any one of a number of time intervals at input terminal 116, it may be noticed from Figs. 4A and 5 that cam 135 only closes its contacts 135a during time interval 15. Only this pulse is permitted to energize coil B of relay 79. When relay 79 becomes energized, its contacts 790 are transferred (Fig. 4B). This permits a pulse developed by cam 123 during time intervals 15 and 16 to be fed through relay contacts 82b, 81b and 78a, according to its particular setting, to the counter. Contacts 790 are maintained in a transferred position to permit a carry entry because relay 79 is kept energized during time intervals 15 and 16 by its holding circuit comprising cam contacts 119a, relay contacts 79a and its holding coil M.

When an N 1 digit, with N representing the maximum value in any numeration base, is present in this counter, a carry pulse applied at input terminal 116 is immediately made available at output terminal 112. Table II shows that relays 76 and 78 are latched and relays 71-75 are unlatched when an N .1 digit is in the counter. With regard to Figs. 4A and 5, this means that a path is closed, during time interval 15, from input terminal 116 to output terminal 112 through cam contacts 135a(T), relay contacts 71b, 78b (T) and 77b.

At the end of every carry in and conversion operation it is necessary to change the position of contacts 78a, in order that a proper count may be continued during the next machine cycle. During time interval 18 (Fig. 5), earn 140 develops a pulse through its contacts 130a. This pulse is delivered through relay contacts 81c or 820, relay contacts 75c71c, according to their position, and 76 or 76g to energize coil D or coil L of relay 78, whichever had not previously been energized. This changes the position of contacts 78a before the next machine cycle.

Readout in the multi-base counter is similar to that already explained in the case of the decimal counter of Figs. 2A and 2B. The latched or unlatched condition of the relays determines which ones of the relay contacts 71e-75e, 75d-71d, 76 and 76g (Fig. 4A) are transferred. A path is then closed through certain ones of these relay contacts and contacts 83a from one of the pulse sources --111 to output terminal 118 for the purpose of recording the information in the counter in permanent form.

For readout of the complement of the number in the counter, it is only necessary to energize relay 138 through input terminal 137. This closes terminals 138a, and permits the pulse applied at input terminal 93 to energize relay 83. The energization of this relay transfers contacts 83a, and thereby permits the complement of the digit stored in the counter to be read out at output terminal 118.

Total taking is accomplished by developing the counter digit at output terminal 117. A pulse at input terminal 94 energizes relay 84, causing its contacts 84a to be transferred, and thereby making available at terminal 117 a timed pulse corresponding to the digit in the counter. Terminal 117 is connected to the input of a totalizer.

Resetting of the counter to zero is accomplished by applying a pulse at input terminal 95 which energizes relay 85 (Fig. 4A). As a result, contacts 85a, 85b and 85c are transferred. This permits the pulses developed by cam 131, through its contacts 131a, to unlatch relays 71, 72 and 76, if any one of these relays had previously been latched. The unlatching of relay 72 closes its contacts 72b and permits relay 73 to be unlatched also. The unlatching of relay 74 closes its contacts 74b and permits relay 75 to be unlatched. In the same way, the unlatching of relay 73 closes its contacts 73b and causes relay 74 to be unlatched.

The unlatching of relays 71-76 closes a circuit from cam contacts a to coil D of relay 78. Dining time interval 18 (Fig. 5) a pulse developed by cam 130 unlatches relay 78. The counter is now fully reset, with all its relays unlatched.

To convert an operation from a numeration base 12 to a base 10, that is to a decimal operation, it is only necessary to apply a pulse at input terminal 98 (Fig. 4A). This energizes relay 88, which transfers its contacts 88c (Fig. 4B) and permits emitter pulses to be applied to the counter through cam contacts 126a rather than 133a, as in the case of a numeration base 12 operation. Reference to Fig. 5 will show that cam 126 closes its contacts 126:: from time interval 3 to time interval 12, for the development of a maximum of nine digit representing pulses.

Table II shows that relay 75 must be unlatched during a counter operation in base 10 system. This is brought about through the transfer of contacts 88b, which prevent coil L of relay 75 from being energized. All the other relays of the counter are operated during a base 10 count in the manner already described in the case of base 12.

To operate the counter according to numeration base 8, it is only necessary to apply a pulse at input terminal 97 for energizing relay 87 (Fig. 4A). This causes contacts 15 8711 (Fig. 4B) to be transferred. As a result, digital pulses from emitter 122 are now' fed through cam contacts 125a, relay contacts 87b and the other relay contacts, including counter chain switching contacts 78a, to the counter. Reference to Fig. 5 will show that cam 125 closes its contacts 125a from time interval 5 to time interval 12, for the development of a maximum of seven digit representing pulses.

Operation of the counter in base 8 requires that relays 74 and 75 be maintained in an unlatched condition (Table II). This is brought about in the following manner'. Energization of relay 87 transfers its contacts 87a, and prevents coil L of relay 74 from being energized. Contacts 74a are therefore kept open, preventing coil L of relay 75 from being energized.

To operate the counter in base 2, it is only necessary to apply a pulse at input terminal 96 to energize relay 86 (Fig. 4A). This transfers contacts 86b (Fig. 4B) and makes it necessary for the digital pulses developed by emitter 122 to be fed through cam contacts 124a. Refe'rence to Fig. 5 Will show that cam 124 closes its contacts 124a during time intervals 11 and 12, for the development of a single digit representing pulse.

To count in the numeration base 2 system, it is necessary that relays 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 be unlatched (Table II). In other words, the only relays that are to be operated in a base 2 counter are relays 76 and 78. All the other counting relays are maintained in an unlatched condition in the following manner. Relay contacts 86:: are transferred, thereby preventing relays 71, 73 and 75 from being energized. With relay 71 in an unlatched condition, its contacts 71a cannot be transferred to permit relays 72, 74 and 76 to be latched. Only coils D and L of relay 76 are permitted to be operated through counter chain control contacts 78a. Of course, coils D and L of relay 78 will be alternately energized by the position of contacts 760 and 76d.

OPERATION OF THE MULTI-NUMERATION BASE COUNTER The operation of this counter will be described according to a hypothetical situation in the numeration base 112 system. Assume that a digit 6 is present in' the counter, and digit 9 is added thereto. Also assume that a carry is made available to the counter from an identical lower order counter (not shown) during the present counting operation. With reference to Table II, it may be seen that a digit 6 in the counter is represented by relays 71-76 being latched. In terms of Fig. 413, this means that coil L of these relays is energized.

To initiate the entry of digit 9 into the counter, it is first necessary to apply a pulse at input terminal 92 for the purpose of energizing relay 82 (Fig. 4A). The pulse at this terminal must be at least long enough to permit the entry of 12 digital pulses into the counter. Energization of relay 82 during this period permits digit 9 read from a record card by brush UB to be applied at input terminal 114 to energize coil B of relay 79. Pig. 5 shows that cam 135 does not transfer its contacts 1356: until time interval 15.

With contacts 7% and 82b transferred and cam contacts 133a closed, the digital pulse developed by emitter 122 at the end of time interval 1 is delivered through counter chain switching contacts 78a and relay contacts 76a to coil D of relay 75. This unlatches relay 75, returning all its associated contacts to their normal state. The pulse which is then developed by emitter 129, through its contacts 12%, is fed through relay contacts 82c, 75c, 74c(T) and 76d(T) to coil L of relay 78. Contacts 78a are transferred to permit the next pulse developed by emitter 122 to enter the left chain of relay. The digit in the counter at this time is 7.

The next digital pulse developed by emitter 122 is fed through contacts 78:2(T), 71a and 76b(T) to coil D of relay 74. The next pulse developed by contacts 129a is 16 fed through relay contacts 74c, 73c(T) and 76c(T) to coil D of relay 78. With relays 74, and 78 unlatched, the digit in the counter is indicated to be 8 (see Table 11).

Each succeeding digital pulse serves to unlatch alternately a relay in the two chains of the counter under the control of contacts 78a. When the counter steps from 11 to 12, carry relay 77 is energized as follows. Relay 71 had been unlatched during the previous entry, and its associated contacts 71a returned to their normal condition. The 6th digital pulse developed by emitter 122 is entered into the counter through switch 78a, and goes through contacts 71a to coil A of relay 7 7 Relay 77 is then maintained energized by a holding circuit composed of cam contacts 1 21a, relay contacts 77a and coil M of relay 77. Coil D of relay 76 is also energized at this time to unlatch relay 76. Relay 78 is also unlatched at this time in the regular manner through the series of relay contacts between emitter 129 and coil D of relay 78. The counter records a 12, with a carry condition for emitting a carry pulse to the next counter at a subsequent time interval.

The next three pulses are entered into the counter in the regular manner to latch relays 71, 72, 73 and 78. Nine digital pulses have now been entered into the counter, and no more pulses are permitted to enter the counter due to the fact that cam contacts 133a and relay contacts 7% are returned to their normal condition.

During time interval 15, cam 136 closes its contacts 134 to develop a carry pulse, through relay contacts 77b(T), to output terminal 112. This pulse is delivered to the next higher order counter.

At the same time interval, according to the hypothetical example, a carry pulse is entered at input terminal 116 from a lower order counter. At this time, cam 135 closes its contacts 135a in order to permit this carry pulse to energize coil B of relay 79 (Fig. 4A). The operation of relay 79 at this time closes its corresponding contacts 790. This permits the signal developed by emitter 122 at the end of time interval 15 to be entered into the counter in order to step the counter up to 4. The carry pulse developed by emitter 122 is delivered through contacts 123a(T), which are closed at this time.

After the entry of the carry pulse into the counter, contacts 78a are returned to their normally closed position in preparation for the next counting operation. During time interval 18, cam closes its contacts 130a to send a pulse through relay contacts 810, 82c, 75c and 74c(T) and 76d to coil D of relay 78. This causes contacts 78a to return to their normally closed position to permit the next digital pulse to be entered into the right chain of counting relays.

Readout from the counter is accomplished in true or complementary manner through contacts 76 76g and 830 (Fig. 4A), as already explained. In our hypothetical case, a digit 4 pulse is read out from the counter at time interval 8 (Fig. 5) through relay contacts 74e(T), 75e, 76g and 83a to output terminal 118. The complement of the digit in the counter is read out at time interval 5 through relay contacts 74d(T), 75d, 76;f(T), 83a and output terminal 118.

The counter operates in the same manner in all the other numeration bases. It is only necessary to energize the appropriate relay for channeling a proper number of emitter pulses into the counter. The relay so energized servesto set up the conditions in the counter whereby only certain ones of the relays can be latched.

It must be obvious that the counting process which has been explained above can be accomplished by the use of relays of a type different from those employed in the counter described. The mechanical latch and unlatch relay system may be replaced by an electric holding circuit or an electronic system. Furthermore, it is likely that other kinds of relay arrangements than those shown in Tables I and II may be employed to bring about a similar counting operation.

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

What is claimed is:

1. A counter for operating in any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of digit representing pulses, means for switching said counter from one numeratlon base to any other numeration base in response to a single control pulse, means for selecting certain ones of said digit representing pulses for a true or complementary entry into said counter in the selected numeration base, said switching and selecting means channeling said digit representing pulses into said counter to step said counter along in a predetermined sequence for the selected base of operation.

2. A counter for operating in any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of digit representing pulses, means for selecting a desired base, means for determining an add or subtract operation, input means for indicating the number to be counted, said selecting means, determining means and indicating means channeling the proper number of digit representing pulses into said counter to record a digit in the selected numeration base, and carry means for developing a carry pulse at a particular time interval for any one of the numeration bases.

3. A counter for operating in any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of digit representing pulses, means for selecting a desired numeration base, means for selecting and channeling the desired number of said digit representing pulses into said counter in the selected numeration base, and means for converting the digit entered into said counter into its N --n1 complement, where N is the base of a chosen numeration base and n is the digit to be complemented.

4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the converting means is a two-position switch.

5. A counter for operating in any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of pulses to be counted, means for selecting a desired numeration base, means for selecting certain ones of said digit representing pulses for entry into said counter in the selected numeration base, both said selecting means channeling said digit representing pulses into said counter, and means for reading out ditferentially timed pulses representing the true and complementary values of the digit present in the counter.

6. The invention according to claim 5, wherein the readout means comprises two series chains each composed of control elements that are capable of operation in every numeration base above 2, arranged so that each chain generates the complement of the value emitted by the other chain, whatever the digit in the counter.

7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein the selection of readout from either chain, in true or complementary form, is made by a two-position switch.

8. A counter for operating in any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of digit representing pulses, means for selecting an add or subtract operation, means for selecting a base of operation, input means for indicating the digit to be counted, said add-subtract selecting means, base selecting means and input means channeling the proper number of digit representing pulses to said counter, which comprises two chains of counting elements, and means controlled by said count-- 18 ing elements for entering the digit representing pulses into alternate chains to energize or tie-energize said counting elements in accordance with the digit to be counted.

9. A two-chain counter comprising means for selecting any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of digit representing pulses, means for selecting the desired number of digit representing pulses in the chosen base for entry into said counter, switching means controlled by said counter for alternately entering said digit representing pulses into said counter, and means controlled by said counter for reading out the true value or the N -n-1 value of the digit present in the counter, where N is the selected numeration base and n is the digit in the counter.

10. A multi-base counter comprising two chains of counting elements, a source of pulses to be counted, means for selecting any one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, means for selecting an add or subtract operation, means for indicating the digit to be counted, said add-subtract means and said indicating means serving to channel the proper number of digit representing pulses to said counter, means controlled by said counting ele ments for switching said digit representing pulses alternately into both chains of said counter, with said numeration base selection means serving to set up the counting elements of both chains to permit the digit representing pulses to operate said counter in the selected numeration base.

11. A multi-base counter comprising two equal chains of counting elements, a source of digit representing pulses, means for selecting a base of operation, means for channeling the desired number of digit representing pulses into said counter, switching means controlled by said counting elements for entering the digit representing pulses in alternate chains of said counter, the number of counter elements capable of being operated by said digit representing pulses being determined by said base selection means.

12. A multi-base counter, means for selecting one of a predetermined number of numeration bases, a source of pulses to be counted, means for selectively entering a desired number of digit representing pulses into said counter in the selected base of operation, switching means for converting the digit in said counter to its N nl complementary form, where N is the selected base of operation and n is the digit in said counter, carry means for developing a carry pulse at a certain time interval regardless of the numeration base, means for resetting said counter to zero, and switching means for reading out of said counter in true or complementary form, with said conversion means, carry means, readout means, and zero resetting means being common to all numeration bases.

13. In a record card controlled machine, sensing means for reading digital data from a record card, a multi-base counter whose operation is controlled by reading pulses developed in dilferentially timed relationship by said sensing means, said counter comprising a source of pulses to be counted, input means controlled by said reading pulses, means for selecting an add or subtract operation, means for selecting a base of operation, said input means, add-subtract selection means, and base selection means channeling the number of pulses to said counter corresponding to the digital data read from the record card, and switching means controlled by said counter for sequentially and alternately operating two chains of counting elements.

14. The invention according to claim 13, wherein means are provided for reading out the true or complementary value of the digit in the counter, said means comprising a source of digital readout pulses, two oomplementary chains of switches, each chain having 19 swithes that areeapalfle' of operation in eaeh numeration base zibo ve 2, where N is-=the numeration "base, a -l1'a'in selectionswith and a true-complement"selection swit'h, saiicl Gigit selection swittih, chain selection switch =an 1'--t1*ue complement select-ion switch channeling a differe'ritillytimeclipulsq representingthe counter value, to an output device.

T5. The *inve'nt'i'onaocordingto e1aim14 wherein the 'countercompiises two 'chains "of counting elements that are energized "s'equentizilly in the lower digits er the selected numeratiombase-and 'cle energized sequentially in ithe higher digits of the numerationbase.

16. A multi base Counter comprising a. source of .digit representing rpulses,:me.21ns for selecting-one of axnumber --.o f vpredeterr'ninel 'numeration bases, means -0r selecting an add or zsubtractroperat ion, input'means for determin- "ing thedigit to "be counted, said numeration select-ion means, add subtraot vseleeti'on "means and input -means channeling to said counter-a number of-dig it representing pulses corresponding to "the -2ligit--determined *by said -input-means, seideounter eomprising two chains of "counting elements, and switching -means controlled by said counting "elements -'for alternately entering *the selected digit representing pulses into the chains to energize ordeenergize said counting elements *in a predetermined sequence.

References Citedin the ifile of :this qaatent UNITED STATES PATENTS 12,697,549 fHobbs Dec. .21, 1954 2,703,202 'Cantwright Mar. 1, 1955 2,810,518 :Dillonwetal -0ct. .22, 1957

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