US2973144A

US2973144A - Summarising or totalizing machines

Info

Publication number: US2973144A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1961-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 1978-02-28

Description

Feb. 28, 1961 L. H. R. cLYDE ETAL 2,973,144

Smm/LANSING 0R TOTALIZING MACHINES Filed Feb. 1s, 195e :s sheets-sheet 1 Feb. 28, 1961 L H, R, CLYDE ET AL 2,973,144

SUMMARISING OR TOTALIZING MACHINES Filed Feb. l5, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 u'fllllm MII fl Llllllh Feb. 28, 1961 H R, CLYDE ET AL 2,973,144

SUMMARISING OR TOTALIZING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. l5, 1956 United states Patent@ SUMMARISING OR TOTALIZING MACHINES Lancelot Henry Robert Clyde and William Fredrick Hodge, Eton Wick, near Windsor, and Harold Hugh Longman, South Norwood, England, assgnors to Unilever Limited, Port Sunlight, England, a British company Filed Feb. 1s, v1956, ser. No. 565,268 Claims priority, application Great Britain Feb. 17, 1955 1s claims. (Cl. zas-91) This invention relates to summarising or totalisingr'nachines which, when operated, give a running cumulative total of a plurality of addenda and in particular to machines which, when operated, give a plurality of running cumulative totals of a plurality of addenda.

Summarising or totalising machines of the type which give a plurality of cumulative totals are especially useful for listing a variety of items, for example for dispatch from stores, or for analysing debit notes.

v The object of the present invention is to provide an improved summarising or totalising machine of the type indicated.

" According to --thepresent invention there is provided a summarising or totalising machine comprising a plurality of counting devices .of the rotary type, which on unidirectional rotation of its recording fshaft displays a run# ning cumulative total and a displaceable member capable of displacement of varying lengths proportional to the size ofthe -numbers comprising-the addenda, each of the counting devices being provided with a clutch for coupling the recording shaft of its counting device to the displaceable member so that the recording shaft of each of the said counting devices'is individually rotatable by movement of the displaceable member.

The displaceable member is preferably an endless exible member such as a sprocket chain arranged to cooperate with a sprocket wheel -secured on or-coupleable to the recording shaft of the counting device. The displaceable member may also,for example, -be in the forni of a rack which! may co-o'perate with a' pinion-secured on or coupleable `totherecording shaft. Y

Although the active path of the displaceable member is 2,973,144 `Patented Feb. 28`, 1961 placeable member is a wheel, the actuating means may be similar to the actuating disc of a telephone dial.

The clutch is preferably such that it is not necessary to exercise a manual force on it throughout the whole period that it effects a coupling between the recording shaft of its counter and the displaceable member. If

v the clutch is of the type that is urged to its disengaged or uncoupled condition by means of a spring or the like, locking means are preferably provided for locking the clutch in its engaged condition. It may be desired to add the same addendum simultaneously to a number of counters. The locking means are, therefore, preferably so arranged that locking of any clutch in its engaged condition does not cause unlocking of another clutch al ready engaged.

Preferably means are provided for simultaneously disengaging all engaged clutches. These means are preferably operated on the displacement member reaching its final input position for each particular addendum. For example, in the case mentioned above, where a stylus like member meets a stop when the displaceable member has reached its final input position, means may be provided adjacent to or associated with the stop (which stop also constitutes the common termination point of the displacement path of the stylus-like member) which means, on actuation by the stylus, cause disengagement of all engaged clutches.

A preferred embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accom# panying drawings in which' l Figi shows a plan view of the machine;

Fig. 2 shows a plan view'of the machine with" the cover removed;

Fig. 3 shows a section on a line III-III of Fig. 2;`

Fig. 4 shows a section on a line IV--IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows a detail of the machine with a stylus prior to actuation of the decoupling mechanism;

Fig. 6 shows a detail of the coupling mechanism.

The machine has a case with a base 1, side walls 2, 2', end walls 3, 3', and a lid 4. Each of a plurality of .counters 5 isA individually mounted on a support bar 6,

Y one end of which is arranged to swivel about a pin 7 preferably linear it may for some applications be desirmounted in an eXtension'S .of thebase. The other end of bar 6 has secured to it a rod 9, one end of which passes through the lid and carries a button 10. The other end ofthe rod 9 is provided with an arrow-shaped tip 11. The displaceable member is in the form of a chain 12 supported by two spaced apart

sprockets wheels

13, 13. The

sprocket wheels

13, 13 are mounted on ball bearings secured to `spindles 14,14. The spindles 14, 14' are supported in members 15, 15', secured to the base 1.

In addition to the apertures for the rods 9, the lid is provided with apertures 16 through which the windows of the displaceable member is endless and is not intended to be returned to its starting position, the series of numbers should be marked on a fixed support adjacent the displaceable member.

The displaceable member may have attached to it actuating means provided with a plurality of equally I the stylus.

the counters can be viewed, and with a slot-like aperture 17 which permits access to the upper run of the chain 12. The numbers corresponding to the addendum numbers are marked on the lid adjacent to the aperture 17.

One of the pins 18 of the chain is longer than the Width of the chain. Sprocket wheel 13' is spring biased by means of a spring 44 secured to member 15 and to sprocket wheel 13. The arrangement is such that, referring to Fig. 3, the sprocket wheel 13 is resiliently urged to rotate clockwise. This causes the chain 12 to occupy a position of rest, which is also its starting position, when stop pin 18 abuts against support member 15. A support 19, which is an extension of side wall 2' situated below the upper run of the chain, acts as a support foi` For the sake of clarity support 19 has `been omitted from Figs. 2 and 3. Y Each counter 5 is provided with a recording shaft 20 to which is secured a sprocket wheel 21. The arrangeent is such that when the button 10 of a counter is depressed,- the counter is tilted about pin 7 and the sprocket wheel 21 engages the lower run of chain 12. Thus the sprocket wheel 21 and the pivotal mounting for the counter act as a clutch. In one position of the counter 5, sprocket wheel 2'1 is in engagement with the chain so that movement of the chain causes a corresponding rotation of the recording shaft 20 of 'that counter, i.e. the clutch is engaged. In the other position of that counter, sprocket wheel 21 does not engage with chain 2l), i.e. the clutch is disengaged.

In order to ensure that the sprocket wheel 21 rotates only when it is positively driven by the chain, and that when uneoupled the correct whole numeral is clearly visible, a locator -is provided. This 'consists-of a projection 45 on the underside of support 19. The projection 45 is so arranged that when counter 5 is in its normal position,.the projection engages with the sprocket wheel 21 and locks it in position. When the counter is tilted downwards, the sprocket wheel 21 disengages from the projection 45. Should the sprocket wheel, after being rotated lby the chain be a fraction out of its correct position, for example so that only three-quarters of the last numeral on the counter is fully visible, the projection 45 will, upon engagement with 'sprocket wheel 21, rotate that wheel through that small fraction so that the last numeral is fully visible.

A locking device is provided to retain coupled counters in their coupled position when pressure on the buttons is released. The locking device comprises the arrow-shaped tip 11 of rod 9 which constitutes the locking member, and a latch bar 22 mounted in bearings 23 which permit longitudinal displacement of the latch bar. The latch bar is provided (see Fig. 6) with a plurality of apertures 24, one for each rod -9', the length of the apertures being approximately one and three'quarter times the maximum width of the arrow-shaped tip 11. Each aperture 24 is provided' with a ylatch shutter plate 2S which 'is urged against a stop 26 by means of a spring 27. The latch bar 22 is urged towards sprocket 13 by means of a spring 23. The arrangement is such that when button 10 is depressed, the arrow-shaped tip 11 of its rod 9 passes through the aperture in the latch ba-r, displaces the latch shutter plate 25 which thereupon springs back into its normal position, thereby locking the 'arrow-shaped tip l11, and with it the counter in its tilted position, i.e. with the counters sprocket wheel 21 `coupled to the chain Y12.

-A Alever 29 whichiis arranged to swivel about 'a pin 30 has its lower end connected to latch bar v22 while its upper end carries a :release Apin 31. Release pin 31 is disposed just below the chain 12, slightly in. advance of the end of the slot-like aperture 17 which is reinforced by a stoppiece 32. The release pin 31 extends through a slot in the side wall 2 'so that it can also lbe operated externally.

Assuming that it is desired to add an addendum to the third and fifth counters, the buttons of these counters are depressed thereby engaging their sprocket wheels 21 with the chain 12. The counters are maintained in the coupled state by means of the locking device. The stylus is then inserted in the llink of the chain opposite the desired addendum number and is then, with its lower end in contact with the support 19, drawn downwards until it meets the stop-piece 32. The release pin 31 is, however, disposed in its path so that, just before the stylus meets the stop-piece 32, it displaces the release pin 31 thereby causing lever 29 to swivel counter-clockwise (see Fig. 3). The counter-clockwise rotation of lever 29 pushes the latch bar 22 aginst the force of spring 28 away from sprocket wheel 13', thereby releasing the locking member 11 of the third and fth counters. It will be evident that, due to the fact that each aperture in the latch bar i'sprovided with its own spring-loaded shutter plate, any of the counters can be coupled individually without any of the counters which have already been coupled becoming uncoupled. However, should this not be required, i.e. should it be 'desired to have onlyo'ne counter coupled "at any one time or should the number of counters be so low that any desired counters can be coupled simultaneously, then there will be no need to provide each aperture 24 with its own latch plate, In that case, the arrow-shaped tips would be arranged to engage directly with latch bar 22. A s p s The advantage of utilising a spring-loaded chain is as lfollows. Assume that a counter has been coupled but that, inadvertently, the stylus has slipped out of the chain before it has reached the release pin 31. In that case the chain will ily back until the stop pin 18 again meets the support member 15. During its ily back the chain will rotate the sprocket wheels of any coupled counters by the same amount that they have previously been rotated in the opposite direction 'during faulty manipulation and no error will, therefore, appear. As the stylus has not actuated the release pin, the counters have not been uncoupled so that the buttons remain in their depressed position. This is noticed by the operator who then merely repeats the addition he has intended to make.

Each counter `is also provided in a known manner with a resetting shaft 33 which is so arranged that when it is rotated clockwise through not less than two revolutions to a predetermined position, the iigures of the counter visible through the -w'indow are returned to zero. The resetting shaft 33 is provided with a ange 34 and has secured toit a collar 35. A pinion 36 (which constitutes the reset wheel) having a ange 37 is arranged freely rotatably on the resetting shaft. Clutch means between the collar 35 (and hence the resetting shaft 33) and the pinion 36 are provided in the form of a pin 38 on the end face of the collar andl a corresponding recess in the end face of the pinion. The pinion and collar are normally lmaintained in contact by means of spring 39 situated `between ange 34 and flange 37. A hook 40 ixedvto thelid is arranged to engage the flange 37 of the pinion and is so shaped that when 4its counter is tilted about pin 7 due to its button 10 being depressed, the pinion is forced to the left `against the action of spring 39 so that pin 38` comes out of engagement with the recess in pinion 36. Thus the resetting clutch is engaged when the clutch on the recording shaft is disengaged and vice versa. A rack 41 provided with a handle 42 is mounted displaceably in slides 43 with its far end abutting a stop 44 when in its normal position. The arrangement is such that the pinion 36 engages the rack in both its positions, i .e. whether its counter is tilted or not. In order to reset the counters, the rack is pulled out through a distance corresponding to not less than two revolutions ofthe pinion 36-which produces no visible eifect on the counterand is then returned to its normal position. When the rack has resumed its normal position, all the resetting shafts have been rotated through not less than two revolutions to their predetermined position, and the counters are all vreset to zero. The numberof revolutions of the resetting shaft required for zeroing may be different for ditierent types of counters.

Apart from urging the `collar and pinion into engagement, the spring 39 operates to return the counter to its normal position when the locking means are released. However, should it not be desired to use spring 39 for both these functions, a'separate spring may be provided to return the counter to its normal position. This spring, may, for example, be situated between the base 1 and the bottom of the 'counter 5 or support bar 6.

Should it be desired to subtract a number, the stylus is inserted in the required link, and pulleduntil it touches the stop member 32 without any of the buttons being depressed. With the stylus still in position, the button of :the ydesired counter is then depressed and the ystylus is disengaged. vThe chain lthereupon flies back until the pin 18 is 'stopped by the support member 15. During this return the sprocket wheel 21is turned clockwise and subtracts Athe required number. In order to release the sponding to a subtraction, or due to faulty operation when the chain flies back without the counter having been uncoupled, rotation of the resetting shaft does occur. If rotation of the resetting shaft were prevented, the internal reset mechanism ofthe counter would be disturbed. It is for this reason that the collar 35 is disengaged from the pinion 36 when the counter is coupled to the chain. However,'as zeroing of the counter depends on the resetting shaft (after being rotated through no less than two revolutions) taking up a predetermined position, it is essential that pinion 36 and collar 35 cannot vbecome engaged in any position relative to one another. 'It is for this reason that the resetting clutch, in addition to' 4providing engagement and disengagement between the collar 55 (and hence the resetting shaft) and the pinion 36' (and hencevthe rack 41), is so arranged, that by virtue of the pin 38 and the recess in pinion 36, the coupling between the collar 35 and pinion 36 can occur only when these two are in a predetermined relative position.

It will be evident that if -the number of counters is increased beyond a certain number, which depends upon the size of the counters, an unduly long machine will be required and manipulation will become cumbersome. In that casevit is preferred to place a plurality of sum- ',marising machines of the type illustrated side by side. lIf desired their spindles 14' and their release pins 31 can be coupled together. Such an arrangement has the advantage that the operator can always utilise the same chain.

We claim:

1. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in vcombination a plurality of counting devices of the type 4having a recording shaft and a resetting shaft, a displace- ,able member capable of displacement of varying lengths yproportional lto the size of the numbers comprising the Qaddenda, a plurality of coupling members, one for each counting device, for coupling the `tording shaft of its counting device to the displaceab`i member, so that the recording shaft of each of the said counting devices is individually rotatable by movement of the dlsplaceable member, a plurality of reset wheels, one for each count ing device, and a plurality of reset clutches one for each counting device for coupling the resetting shaft of its counting device to its reset wheel, means for engaging the reset clutch when the recording shaft coupling member isv disengaged and for disengaging the reset clutch when the recording shaft coupling member is engaged, the reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between the resetvwheel and the reset shaft occurs only when the reset shaft and reset wheel are in a predetermined rela- ,tive position, and a displaceable reset member which is in engagement with all the reset wheels.

2. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the ytype having a recording shaft and a resetting shaft, a ldisplaceable* member capable of displacement of varying 4lengths proportional to the size of the numbers comprising the addenda, said displaceable member or an actuatable member connected to it being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member, a plurality of cou- .pling members one for each counting device, for coupling ,the recording shaft of its counting device to the displaceable member so that the recording shaft of each of Ithe said counting devices is individually rotatable by movement of the displaceable member, means for simultaneously disengaging all engaged coupling members, trip means situated at a point slightly in `advance of the common Ytermination point of the displacement path of 6 the stylus-like member, said trip means forming part of the disengaging means and being movable by the stylus` like member through that small distance to cause the said disengagement, a plurality of reset wheels, one for each counting device, and a pluralityiof resetting clutches one for each counting device, for coupling t-he resetting shaft of its counting device to its reset wheel, means for engaging the reset clutch when the recording shaft coupling member is disengaged and for disengaging the reset clutch when the recording shaft coupling member is engaged, the reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between the reset wheel and the reset shaft occurs only when the reset shaft and reset wheel are in a predetermined relative position, and a displaceable reset member which is in engagement with all the reset wheels.

3. A summan'sing or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the type having a recording shaft and a resetting shaft, an endless chain capable of displacement of varying lengths proportional to the size of the numbers comprising the addenda, said chain being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member, means for yieldably urging the endless chain towards its starting position, a plurality of coupling members, one for each counting device, for coupling the recording shaft of its counting device to the chain so that the recording shaft of each of the said counting devices is individually rotatable by movement of the chain, means for simultaneously disengagaing all engaged coupling members, trip means situated at a point slightly in advance of the common termination point of the displacement path of the stylus-like member, said trip means forming part of disengaging means and being movable by the stylus-like member through that small distance to cause the said disengagement, a plurality of reset wheels, one for each counting device, and a plurality of reset clutches, one for each counting device, for coupling the resetting shaft of its counting device to its reset wheel, means for engaging the reset clutch when the recording shaft coupling member is disengaged and for disengaging the reset clutch when the recording shaft coupling member is engaged, the reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between the reset wheel and the reset shaft occurs only when the reset shaft and reset wheel are in a predetermined relative position, and a dis placeable reset member which is in engagement with all the reset wheels.

4. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the type having a recording shaft and a resetting shaft, an endless chain capable of displacement of varying lengths proportional to the size of the numbers comprising the addenda, the chain being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member, means for yieldably urging the chain towards its starting position, each of the said counting devices being pivotally mounted and having a sprocket wheel on its recording shaft, so that in one position of the counting device the sprocket wheel is engaged with the chain and in its other position is disengaged from the chain, means for yieldably urging each counting device so that its sprocket wheel is disengaged from the chain, means for locking each counting device when its sprocket wheel is engaged with the chain, means for simultaneously disengaging all engaged counting devices, trip means situated at a point slightly in advance of the common termination point of the displacement path of the styluslike member, said trip means forming part of the disengaging means and being movable by the stylus-like member through that small distance to cause the said disengagement, a plurality of pinions, one for each counting device, and a plurality of resetting clutches one for each counting device, for coupling the resetting shaft of its counting device to its pinion, means for engaging'the reset clutch when the sprocket wheel of its counting device Vis disengaged and for disengaging the reset clutch when the sprocket wheel of its counting device is engaged, the

reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between th `pinion and the reset shaft occurs only when theqr'eset shaft and pinion are in a predetermined relative position, and a rack which is in engagement with all the pinions. 5. A s-ummarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the rotary type, each device having a recording shaft and displaymg upon the unidirectional rotation of its recording shaft a running cumulative total, a displaceable member capable of displacement of varying lengths from a starting position proportional respectively to the magnitudes of the numbers comprising the addenda, a like plurality of coupling members for respectively coupling the recording shafts to the displaceable member during a displacement, so that each recording shaft is individually rotatable by displacement of the displaceable member, and trip means at a point adjacent the path of the displaceable member adapted to disengage the coupling members from the displaceable member when a displacement has been completed.

6. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the rotary type, each device having a recording shaft and displaying upon the unidirectional rotation of its recording shaft a running cumulative total, a displaceable member capable of displacement of varying lengths from a starting position proportional respectively to the magnitudes of numbers comprising the addenda, said displaceable member being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member; a like plurality of coupling members for respectively coupling the recording shafts to the displaceable member during a displacement so that each recording shaft of each of the said counting devices is individually rotatable by displacement of the displaceable member; means for simultaneously disengaging all engaged coupling members; and trip means situated at a 4point adjacent the path of the displaceable member and actuable by the stylus-like member to disengage the coupling members from the displaceable member when a displacement has been completed.

7. A summarising or totalising machine according to claim 6 in which said displaceable member comprises an endless chain, means being provided for yield-ably urging said chain towards its starting position.

8. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the rotary type, each device having a recording shaft and displaying upon the unidirectional rotation of its recording shaft, a running cumulative to-tal, a displaceable member capable of displacement of varying lengths from a starting position proportional respectively to the magnitudes of numbers comprising the addenda, said displaceable member being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member; a like plurality of coupling members for respectively coupling the recording shafts to the displaceable member during a displacement so that each recording shaft is individually rotatable by displacement of the displaceable member, latch means retaining each engaged coupling member in engagement independently of any subsequent engagement of any other coupling member; means for simultaneously disengaging all engaged coupling members; and trip means situated at a point along the displacement path of the stylus-like member and actuable by the stylus-like member to disengage the coupling members `from the displaceable member when a displace ment has been completed.

9. A summarising or totalising machine according to claim 8 in which. said displaceable member comprises an endless chain.

10. A summa-rising or totalising machine according to claim 9, in which means are provided for yieldably urging the chain towards its starting position.

11. A summarising or totalising machine comprising Vin combination a plurality of counting devices of the rotary `vtype, each device having a `vrecording shaft 'and a resetting shaft and displaying upon the unidirectional rotation of its recording shaft a cumulative total; a displaceable member capable of displacement of varying lengths from a starting'position proportional respectively t0 the magnitude of the Ynumbers comprising the addenda; a like plurality of coupling members forirespec, tively coupling the recording shafts to the displaceable member, so that each recording shaft is individually rotatable by displacement of the displaceable member, latch means retaining each engaged coupling member in cngagement independently of any subsequent engagement of any other coupling member; a like plurality of reset wheels, one for each counting device, and a like plurality of reset clutches one for each counting device for coupling the resetting shafts to their respective reset wheels, means for engaging the reset clutch of a device when its coupling member is disengaged and for disengaging the reset clutch when its coupling member is engaged, the reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between the reset wheel and the reset shaft occurs only when the reset shaft and reset Wheel are in a predetermined relative position; and a displaceable reset number which is in engagement with all the reset wheels.

l2. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the lrotary type, each device having a recording shaft and a lengths from a starting position proportional respectively to the magnitudes of the numbers comprising the addenda, said displaceable member being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member; a like plurality of coupling members for respectively coupling the recording shafts to the displaceable member during a displacement so that each recording shaft is individually rotatable by displacement of the displaceable member; means for simultaneously disengaging all engaged coupling members; trip means situated at a point along the displacement path of the stylus-like member and operable by the stylus-like member to disengage the coupling members from the displaceable member when a displacement has been completed; a like plurality of reset Ywheels, one for Veach counting device, and a like plurality of resetting clutches, one for each counting device, for coupling the resetting shafts to their respective reset Wheel; means for engaging the reset clutch of a -device when its coupling member is disengaged and for disengaging the reset 'clutch when the coupling member is engaged, the reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between the reset Wheel and the reset shaft occurs only when the reset 'shaft and reset wheel are in a predetermined relative position; and a displaceable reset member which is in engagement with all the reset wheels.

13. A summarising or totalising machine comprising in combination a plurality of counting devices of the rotary type, each device having a recording shaft and a resetting shaft and displaying upon the unidirectional rotation of its recording shaft ya cumulative total; an endless chain capable of displacement of varying lengths proportional respectively to vthe magnitude of the numbers comprising the addenda, all displacements having a common termination point, said chain being arranged for movement by a stylus-like member; means for yield- 'ably urging the endless chain towards its starting position;

a like plurality of engageable coupling members for respectively coupling the recording shafts to the chain so that each recording shaft is individually rotatable by displacement of the chain, an engaged coupling member being retained inI engagement independently of any subsequent engagement of any other coupling member; means for simultaneously disengaging all engaged 'coupling members; trip means situated at a point along the displacement path of the stylus-like member and a small distance from Ithe common termination point, said trip 9 means forming part of disengaging means and being movable by the stylus-like member through said small distance to cause said disengagement; a plurality of reset Wheels, one for each counting device, and a plurality of reset clutches, one for each counting device, for coupling the resetting shafts to their respective reset wheels, means for engaging the reset clutch of a device when its coupling member is disengaged and for disengaging the reset clutch when its coupling member is engaged, the reset clutch being arranged so that coupling between the reset Wheel `and the reset shaft occurs only When the reset shaft 1o and reset Wheel are in a predetermined relative position, and a displaceable reset member which is in engagement with all the reset wheels.

References Cited in the rile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 669,970 Goldman Apr. 12, 1901 1,047,685 Muzzy Dec. 17, 1912 1,616,028 Cooney Feb. 1, 1927 2,144,152 Hennessy Jan. 17, 1939