US3110440A

US3110440A - Drive for computing machines

Info

Publication number: US3110440A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1963-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 1980-11-12

Description

N0V- 12 1963 o. HABERKORN ETAL. 381109440 DRIVE: FOR COMPUTING MACHINES United States Patent O 3,110,440 DRIVE FOR COMPUTING MACHINES Otto Haber-korn, Walter Rompel, and Otto Roth, all of Gerstetten, Wurttemberg, vGermany, assignors to Walther-Bromaschinen G.m.b.H., Gerstetten, Wurttemberg, Germany Filed Feb. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 176,213 Claims priority, application Germany Mar. 9, 1961 5 Claims.' (Cl. 23S- 60) This invention relates to computing machines and more particularly to novel drive means for manually operated computi-ng machines of the adding machine type wherein the drive means actuates the iibbon transport, the key arrest, the carry and various other drive motions and which further is arranged to bring the totalling means to a complete standstill at both the initiation and termination of the drive means.

Present day computing machines which depend upon manual drive means for actuation of their many operations are numerically yarranged so .that the drive shaft which is :moved by the manual operating handle is provided with a plurality of cam members along its axis, which cams are arranged so as to initiate all of the required operations in their proper sequence.

A second arrangement employed in `such machines is that of an axle which, upon movement of the operating handle, reciprocates between predetermined limits and to engage levers at different positions within the limits of the reciprocating motion. A still further arrangement presently in use consists of a four-member lever system mounted Ion a driving axle in such a Way that at the initiation and termination of motion a near standstill of the totalling axle is accomplished.

It has been found that all of the above designs have numerous deficiencies due to disadvantages which result 'in uneconomical production methods; critical adjustments which are required yoff the driving elements of the system and necessarily l-ong lever bars which result in unsatis- `:factory gear ratio conditions making practical embodiments of this nature lunfeasible.

The above is true especially in light of the fact that machine operation depends upon manual initiation.

The instant invention consists of a novel arrangement which provides lever transporting means associated with the manually operable drive shaft permitting an uncomplicated operating motion of the collective axle for scanning the computer `cog rack-s so that the collective axle comes to a complete standstill position at both the beginning and end of the manual operation. This oper-ation cushions the abrupt deceleration of the moving elements, thereby insuring a longer operating liferfor the various moving parts of such computing machines.

The device of the insta-nt invention iscomprised of a :hand-operated member which actuates the computed machine drive means. During a iirst portion of the movement of said drive means the functions of totalling 'or subtotalling numbers contained within the machine are performed. Each Iof these functions include the function of carrying a digit forward when a sum greater than l9 is obtained. During this portion of the operation the collective axle and associated cog racks are at complete standstill so that they do not interfere with the computation operations.

3,1 IlALitlq Patented Nov. 12, 1963 ice During the second portion of the drive shaft motion, the cog racks are scanned by a collective scanning means in order to add in the numbers presented in the machine by means of the keyboard.

During the final portion of motion 'of the drive shaft the machine is arranged to print the number placed into the machine.

Upon release of the manual control means, bias means are provided to return the manually operating handle to its start position. During this return motion the cog racks are rst reset to their starting positions in readiness for insertion of numbers into the machine keyboard. The cog racks scanning means however is brought to a complete standstill `at a predetermined time prior to the return of the manually operating handle to its start position. During the time that the scanning means comes to a complete standstill and the time that the manually controlled operating handle returns to its start position, the drive means engages the adding and subtracting control means of the machine register to produce the subtotal (or total) in readiness for the next machine computation. Since the scanning means is motionless during this time period, the machine is enabled to perform the addition and a carry operation during this time without interference due to the unwanted motion of the cog scanning means.

It is therefore one object of this invention to provide drive means for computing machines which is so arranged as to bring the cog rack scanning means to a complete standstill so as to avoid interference with the performance of the computer computation operations.

It is .therefore another object of this invention to providegdrive means for computing machines 'which is so arranged as to bring the cog rack scanning means to a complete standstill so as to avoid interference with fthe performance of the computer printing operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel drive means computing machines which is so arranged as to bring the computer scanning means to a complete standstill position prior to the computation operation wherein the arrangement employed provides uncomplicated operating motions.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent when reading the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side plan view showing a cross section of a computing device employing the novel drive means of this invention.

FIGURE Z shows the position of the drive means of FIGURE l immediately after the scanning operation has been performed.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGURES 1 and 2 show a computed device which is comprised of a housing 30 enclosing the com-puter mechanism. The input to the computing machine consists of a keyboard having a plurality of manually actuated keys 23` for inserting numbers into the computer 100 in order to peropposite end thereof tor manual actuation. Also, keyed to main shaft '1 and at a right angle to armt 2 is a stationary lever arm The opposite end of stationary lever arm 3 has a roller 4 pivotally connected thereto by a pin member 5. The roller 4, having a groove 4a around its circumference, is arranged so as to be slideably seated in arcuate slot 6y of connecting bar 7 forming a lost motion device therewith. The slot 4a around roller 4 prevents connecting bar 7 from experiencing motion relative to the longitudinal axis of roller 4.

Connecting bar 7 is hinged near its opposite end by connecting pin 8 to one `end of double lever member 10l which is mounted for rotational movement upon switch axle 11. The upper end i12 of double lever arm v 10 is pivot-ally connected to collective bar 14 by axle 13. Although it is not shown in the iig'ures, a pair of double lever arms 12 are provided a spaced d-istance apart with axle y13 being pivotally connected therebetween. Likewise, a pair of collective bars 14 are provided (only one of which is shown) which have a collective axle 15 mounted therebetween at their opposite ends. The co1- lective axle 15y extends beyond one of the collective bars 14 so that one end of collective axle 15 slideably engages a guiding slot 16% provided in the rear side Wall 17 of computer housing 30.

The collective axle 1-5 engages the teeth 1'9 of cog rack members 18 (only one of which is shown) which members 18 are urged against collective angle '15 due to the biasing action of spring member 20. Each spring 20 is secured to each cog rack 1'8 iat point 18a and has its opposite end secured to stationary lever arm 3 at a pivot point 3a.

Hand lever aim 2 is provided with a return spring member 21 having one of its ends engaging a pin 22 on arm 2 and being fastened at its opposite end 21a to the housing 130' in any well-known manner.

The operation of the drive means is as follows:

The numbers which are to be subjected to a mathematical computation are first inserted into the machine 100 by means olf depressing the appropriate keys 23 of the machine keyboard. The hand lever is then actuated by rotating lever arm 2 counterclockwise about main shaft 1. The main shaft 1 and stationary lever arm 3 both undergo counterclockwise rotation under control of the counterclockwise movement of hand lever arm 2. Considering FIGURE 2, the stationary arm 3 starts from a left position shown by phantom line 31 and undergoes a rotational movement to a second position shown by phantom line 32, thereby describing an arcuate path of angle a. During the time that lever arm 3` experiences motion of an angle a, the main shaft 1 operates to control the totalling or subtracting functions which also includes the carrying operation. The carrying operation is the function of carrying a number over to thev next signicant position in the case when the sum` of two numbers is greater that the value decimal 9.

During the movement of stationary lever arm 3 through l v the angle a the connecting bar 7 experiences no movement and is thereby retained in the positions shown in lFIGURES 1 and 2 due to the spring member 24 connected to bar 7 at 7a and hav-ing its opposite end 24a connected to the machine housing in any well-known manner. The biasing spring 24 applies a force to connecting bar 7 in the direction sh'own by the arrow, causing bar 7 to remain in the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

Upon further counterclockwise movement of manually operable'lever ann 2 the main shaft 1 and stationary lever arm 3 rotate through an angle b, thereby moving from the position shown by phantom line 32 to the position shown by phantom line 33. At position 32 roller 4 of stationary lever arm '3 abuts the upper edge 6a of slot 6 causing connecting bar 7 to be pivoted clockwise about its pivrot point 8. Connecting bar 7 also experiences translational motion in the direction from the right to the left of FIGURE 1 (or FIGURE 2) causing double lever arm 1l)1 to pivot about sha-ft 11 through an angle b which is mechanically related to the angle b through Whichthe stationary lever 3 rotates. The clockwise rotation of double lever arm l trom the position shown by phantorn line 35 causes the collective bar 14, which is pivotally connected thereto, to move from the left to the right in FIGURE 2 (or FIGURE l), thereby causing collective axle 15 to move from the position shown in FIGURE l to the broken line representation d (shown in FIGURE 2). This position d `corresponds to the furthest righthandmost position which the cog bar 18 may experience. The motion of the cog bar 18 causes the indexing oi the number of the key associated with cog bar [18 to themachine pin carriage (not shown) for the purpose of generating the new total or subtotal in the machine t100.

As the manually operable lever arm 2 moves still further in the counterclockwise direction, the stationary lever arm 3 experiences counterclockwise rotation through angle c, moving `from the position shown by phantom line 33 to the position shown by phantom line 37. This further rotation of vstationary lever arm '3 causes collective axle 15 to be guided still further to the right in the manner described previously to the position shown by broken line e. The cog bar 18 is prevented from moving further to the right as collective axle 15 moves from position d to position e due toa stop means (not shown) which prevents cog bar 18 from further movement as soon as it completes indexing its numeric count in the computation means. Simultaneously therewith the printing operation is performed together with the disengagement orf the adding and subtracting operation.

Upon release of the manually operable lever arm 2 the biasing means 21 urges arm 2 in the clockwise direction from its lefthandmost position, thereby causing stationary lever arm 3 to move from the position shown by phantom` line 37 :towards the start position shown by phantom line y31 in FIGURE 2. As the stationary lever arm 3 begins its clockwise rotation it returns rst through the angle c. During this time the printing mechanism (not shown) is removed from the paper document (not shown) under the control of the collective axle 15, which is moving from position e to position d.

During the time the stationary lever arm 3 rotates through the angle b yfrom the position shown by phantom line 33 to the position shown by phantom line 32 the collective axle 15 moves from position d shown in FIG- URE 2, to the solid line position shown in FIGURE 1. The collective axle overcomes the yforce of biasing members 20 to urge ail raised cog bars 18 back to their starting positions as shown in FIGURE l in readiness for introduction into the machine of the next group of numbers. Simultaneously therewith mai-u shaft 1 also actuates means (not shown) for performing line feed ot the paper document and transport of the printing ribbon (not shown).

As stationary lever arm 3 moves still further the clockwise direction, it travels through the angle a, thereby releasing the upper side or roller 4 from the end 6a of slot 6 in connecting bar 7. At this instant of time the connecting bar 7, ydouble lever arm 10, collective bar 14 and collective axle 15 experience no motion whatsoever. Therefore, during the time that stationary lever arms 3 moves from the position shown by phantom `line 32 to the start position shown by phantom line 31, the adding and subtracting :operations may be completed without interference trom the cog scanning means, since these members are at a complete standstill position. Thus, the carry operation may be performed without interference from the cog scanning means.

It can therefore be seen that we have provided a drive assembly for computing machines which renders the computer scanning means motionless during the computation and printing phases of the computer operation so that both printing computations may be performed without any interference.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the novel principles of the invention disclosed herein in connection with specific exempliiicat-ions thereof, will suggest various lother modifications and applications of the same. It is accordingly desired that in construing the breadth of the appended claims, they shall not be limited to the specic exemplifications of the invention described herein.

The embodiments of tlre invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are dened as follows:

1. Drive means tor use in computer machines having cog rack scanning means and computation means comprising rotatable means for initiating operation of said computation means during a iirst and a second portion oi rotation; second means connected between said notary means and said cog rack scanning means for initiating operation `of said cog rack scanning means at a predetermined time after termination of operation of said computation means during the first portion or rotation; said second means being adapted to prevent motion of said oog rack scanning means during the computation periods; biasing means adapted to return said rotatable means and said scanning means to their starting positions upon termination of the scanning operation; said second means being adapted to return said scanning means to its starting position prior to the return =of said rotatable means to its starting position to enable the operation of said computation mean-s during the second portion of rotation.

2. Drive means for use in computer machines having cog rack scanning means and computation means comprising rotatable means for initiating operation of said computation means during a lirst and a second portion of rotation; second means connected between said rotary means and said cog rack scanning means for initiating operation of said cog rack scanning means at a predetermined time after termination of operation of said computation assembly during the first portion of rotation; said second means being adapted to prevent motion of said cog rack scanning mean-s during the computation period; said second means including a connecting bar and a double lever bar, said connecting bar having an arcuate slot; said rotating member having a pin secured thereto, said pin and said slot forming a lost motion device; the opposite end of said connecting -bar being .pivotally linked to one end of said double lever bar, the opposite end of said double lever bar being connected to said cog rack scanning means; said connecting bar being `adapted to actuate said cog rack scanning means only after said rotary means undergoes a predetermined amount of rotation; biasing means adapte-d to return said rotatable means and said scanning means to their starting positions upon termination of the scanning operation; said second means being adapted to return said scanning means to its starting position prior to the return lolf said rotatable means to its starting position to enable the operation of said computation means during the second portion ott rotation.

3. Drive means for use in computer machines having cog rack scanning means and computation means comprising rotatable means for initiating operation 'of said computation means during a lfirst and a second portion of rotation; second means connected between said rotary means and said cog rack scanning means for initiating operation of said cog 'rack scanning means at a predetermined time after termination of ope-ration of said computation means; .said second means being adapted to prevent motion olf said cog rack scanning means `during the computation period; said second means including a connecting bar and a double lever bar, said connecting bar having an arcuate slot; said rotating member having a pin secured thereto, sa-id pin and said slot formi-ng a lost motion device; the opposite end of said connecting bar being pivotally linked to one end ci said double lever bar, the opposite end of said double lever being connected to sai-d cog rack scanning means; said connecting bar being adapted to actuate said cog rack scanning means only after said rotary means undergoes a predetermined amount of rotation; said cog rack scanning means including a collective bar and a collective axle, one end of said bar bein-g pivotally linked to the second end of said double lever bar, said collective axle being linked to the opposite end of -said collective bar; said cog rack assembly being biased to be urged against saidV `collective lever axle; said collective axle being adapted to permit movement of said cog rack assembly after said predetermined amount of rotation.

4. Drive means for use in computer machines having cog rack scanning means, printing means and computation means comprising rotatable means 'for initiating operation of said computation means during a first and a second portion of rotation; second means connecting between said rotary means and said Icog rack scanning means for initiating operation of said cog rack scanning means at a predetermined time after termination of operation of said computation means during the (first portion of rotation; said second means being adapted to prevent motion of said cog rack scanning means during the computation period; said second means including a connecting bar and a double lever bar, said connecting bar having an arcuate slot; said rotating member having a pin secured thereto, said pin and said slot forming a lost motion device; the opposite end of said connecting bar being pivotally linked to one end of said double lever bar, the opposite end of said double lever bar being connected to said cog rack scanning means; said connecting bar being adapted to actuate said cog rack scanning means only after said rotary means undergoes a predetermined amount of rotation; said cog rack scanning means including a collective bar and a collective axle, one end of said bar being pivotally linked to the second end of said ydouble lever bar, said collective axle being linked to the opposite end of said collective bar; said cog rack assembly being biased to be urged against said collective lever axle; said collective axle being adapted to permit movement of said cog rack assembly after said predetermined amount of rotation; stop means for preventing further movement of said cog rack to bring said cog rack to a standstill position prior to the printing operation of said computing machine; biasing means adapted to return said rotatable means and said scanning means to their starting positions upon termination off the scanning operation; said second means being adapted to return said scanning means to its starting position prior to the return of said rotatable means to its starting position lto enable the operation of said computation means during the second portion of rotation.

5. Drive means for use in computer machines having cog rack scanning means, printing means and computation means comprising rotatable means yfor initiating operation of said computation means during a first and a second portion of rotation; second means connected between said rotary means and said oog rack scanning means for initiating operation of said cog rack scanning means at a predetermined time after termination of operation of said computation means during the lirst portion of rotation; said second means being adapted to prevent motion of said cog rack scanning means during the computation period; ysaid second means 4including a connecting bar and a double lever bar, said connecting bar having an arcuate slot; said rotating means having a pin secured thereto, said pin and said slot lforming a lost motion device; the opposite end of said connecting bar being pivotally linked to one end of said double lever bar, the opposite end or said double lever bar being connected to said cog rack scanning means; said connecting bar being adapted to actuate said cog rack scanning means only after said rotary means undergoes a predetermined amount of rotation; said cog rack scanningmeans including -a collective bar and a `collective axle, one end of said bar being pivotally linked to the second end of said double lever bar, said collective axle being linked to the opposite end `off said collective bar; said cog rack assembly being biased to be urged against said collective lever axle; said collective axle-being adapted to perm-it movement of said cog rack assembly after said predetermined amount of rotation; stop rneans for preventing ffurther movement of said cog rack to bring said cog rack Ito a standstill position prior to the printing operation of said computing machine; biasing means linked to said connecting ybar ttor urging said connecting bar into a first vstandstill position, said rotary means being adapted to move said connecting bar against the force o said biasing means only after rotation of said rotary means through said rst predetermined angular distance; said biasing means being further adapted to return said rotatable lmeans and said scanning means to their starting positions upon termination of the scanning operation; said second means being adapted to return said scanning lmeans to its starting position prior to the return of said rotatable means to its starting position to enable the operation of said computation means duning the second portion of rotation. i

2,090,845 Kurowski Aug. 24, 1937 Hel-mick a Aug. 1,1899

Claims

1. DRIVE MEANS FOR USE IN COMPUTER MACHINES HAVING COG RACK SCANNING MEANS AND COMPUTATION MEANS COMPRISING ROTATABLE MEANS FOR INITIATING OPERATION OF SAID COMPUTATION MEANS DURING A FIRST AND A SECOND PORTION OF ROTATION; SECOND MEANS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID ROTARY MEANS AND SAID COG RACK SCANNING MEANS FOR INITIATING OPERATION OF SAID COG RACK SCANNING MEANS AT A PREDETERMINED TIME AFTER TERMINATION OF OPERATION OF SAID COMPUTATION MEANS DURING THE FIRST PORTION OF ROTATION; SAID SECOND MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO PREVENT MOTION OF SAID COG RACK SCANNING MEANS DURING THE COMPUTATION PERIODS; BIASING MEANS ADAPTED TO RETURN SAID ROTATABLE MEANS AND SAID SCANNING MEANS TO THEIR STARTING POSITIONS UPON TERMINATION OF THE SCANNING OPERATION; SAID SECOND MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO RETURN SAID SCANNING MEANS TO ITS STARTING POSITION PRIOR TO THE RETURN OF SAID ROTATABLE MEANS TO ITS STARTING POSITION TO ENABLE THE OPERATION OF SAID COMPUTATION MEANS DURING THE SECOND PORTION OF ROTATION.