US3351004A - Detent control mechanism for keyboards in value printing machines - Google Patents

Detent control mechanism for keyboards in value printing machines Download PDF

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US3351004A
US3351004A US543946A US54394666A US3351004A US 3351004 A US3351004 A US 3351004A US 543946 A US543946 A US 543946A US 54394666 A US54394666 A US 54394666A US 3351004 A US3351004 A US 3351004A
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key
switch
bank
contacts
banks
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US543946A
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Iii John C F Walker
Carl V Booher
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NCR Voyix Corp
National Cash Register Co
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NCR Corp
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/26Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus

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  • This invention relates to a self-service postage meter machine and more particularly to a keyboard device of the type disclosed in 'United States Letters Patent No. 2,730,038, issued to Mayo A. Goodbar and Russell G. Pratt on January 10, 1956. a
  • the present invention is directed to a customer-operated postage meter machine to be used in lobbies of post offices and in unattended self-service post oflices. Operation of the machine results in the delivery of postage labels bearing the amount of postage, the label to be attached to the package that is to be mailed.
  • the use of these self-service machines will result in increased efficiency for the window clerks and improved services to the postal customers.
  • the major requirement of such a machine includes means for assuring that the customer will select the proper amount of postage desired. Since the postage meter machine of the present disclosure will accept a limited range of postage amounts, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which will insure that only the proper amount is entered into the keyboard of the postage meter machines.
  • a further object of the, present invention is to provide a mechanism which will prevent the operation of the postage meter machine whenever keys in a number of predetermined key banks are depressed simultaneously.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism having display means which will notify the customer on the proper operation of the mechanism.
  • the invention includes certain novel features of construction and combinations of parts, a preferred form or embodiment of which is hereinafter described with reference to the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-service postage meter machine.
  • FIG. 2 is a top partial detailed view of the interlock mechanism, showing the structural'connections between the detents of the amount key banks and the control switches.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 33 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showingthe electrical control system of the keyboard apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an overall view of the self-service postage label machinewhich is to be installed in a self-service post ofiice.
  • a keyboard apparatus 20 of thetype disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,730,038, cited previously; a change dispenser (not shown), the outlet cup of which is indicated as 21; and a money validator (not shown).
  • the change dispenser may be of the type disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,954,037, issued September 27,1960, on the application of Paul H. Williams and William K. lBramlage.
  • the money validator may be of a coin or bill type, an example of which is disclosed in United States Patent No. 3,186,531, issued June 1, 1965, on the application of Clifford B. Adams. Since the presentinveniton is limited to the keyboard apparatus, only that portion of the structure which is necessary for a clear disclosure of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings.
  • the self-service postage machine of FIG. 1 includes three rows of amount keys, with only one key 22 representing the dollar row, row, and keys 24 representing the cent rows. Also located on the keyboard is a release key 25, which, when depressed, will release all of the keys depressed in the amount key rows, and a print bar 26, which, when depressed, will operate the keyboard device to print out the postage label which will be delivered through the slot 27 (FIG. 1) of the machine.
  • the present machine includes a bill validator (not shown), which accepts only one-dollar bills. It is obvious that other types of coin acceptors may be used in place of the bill validator. Such mechanisms are well known in the vending machine art.
  • the customer will deposit a dollar bill in the slot 28, located on the face of the machine. Prior to this, a, panel lamp 29, located on the face of the machine, will be lit to read Insert DollarBill. After the bill validator has accepted the dollar bill, the panel lamp 29 will be extinguished, and a second panel lamp 30 will light, illuminating the legend Enter Postage Due on the Keyboard. The customerwill then insert the amount of postage required into the keyboard, by depressing the appropiate number of amount keys.
  • the maximum amount of postage that can be entered into the keyboard is $1.00, while the minimum amount is 10. If the customer has entered an amount which is acceptable to the machine, the panel lamp 30 is extinguished, and the next panel lamp 31 will light, indicating .Press Print Bar. When thetcustomer is satisfied that he has entered the correct amount, he presses the print bar 26, which initiates an operation of the keyboard apparatus. This results in the printing and ejection of a gummed label from the slot 27 and change from the outlet cup 21 if required.
  • the print bar 26 is disabled, all of the amount keys are locked out, and the panel keys 23 representing the dime lamp 33 (FIG. 1) will light, illuminating the legend Press Keyboard Release. Depression of the Release key 25 will release all of the depressed keys on the keyboard and all of the interlocks, thereby allowing the customer a second try at entering an acceptable amount.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 there is shown a partial detailed view of the various elements which are included in each of the three amount key banks of the keyboard apparatus. Included are the flexible detent and the locking detent, whose functions are well known in the art and are fully disclosed in the previously-cited Goodbar and Pratt United States Patent No. 2,730,038.
  • the flexible detents in each of the cent, dime, and dollar banks are designated 34, 35, and 36, respectively, while the locking detents are designated 37, 38, and 39, respectively. Since the function operation of the detents is the same for each bank of keys, only the description of the cent key bank will be given.
  • each key bank of the keyboard apparatus includes a flexible detent 34 (FIG. 3), which is engaged by the key stems of each key in the key bank and is slidably mounted for a downward movement whenever a key in the key bank is depressed.
  • the flexible detent will, when moved upwardly, release all of the keys depressed in the key bank to their home positions.
  • each key bank when in its normal position, as shown in FIG. 3, locks out all the keys in the key bank.
  • the lower portion of each of the locking detents in the key bank has mounted thereon a stud 40, which is engaged by the recessed portion 41 of a lever' 42 rotatably mounted on a key release shaft 43.
  • the shaft 43 is rotatably mounted between frame members of the machine.
  • the other end of the lever 42 has a stud 44 mounted thereon, to which is attached one end of a spring 45, the other end of which is connected to a shaft 46, mounted between the frame members 47 and 48 of the machine (FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • the lever 42 has a lower extension 49, the end of which is pinned .to the plunger 50 of a solenoid 51 secured to the bottom of a plate 52, which in turn is mounted between the frame members 47, 4,8 of the machine.
  • the plunger 50 moves to the left, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3. This movement rotates the lever 42 clockwise against the action of the spring 45.
  • the movement of the lever 42 actuates the locking detent 37 of the cent bank in a downward direction, thereby releasing the keys in the key bank for operation.
  • a second lever 55 Rotatably mounted on the shaft 43 and positioned adjacent to the lever 42 of each of the key banks is a second lever 55.
  • One end of the lever 55 has the same configuration as that of the lever 42 and is engaged by one end of a spring 80 (FIG. 2), the other end of which is connected to the shaft 46 in the same manner as the spring 45 of the lever 42 is connected to the shaft 46.
  • This spring action biases the lever 55 counter-clockwise, so as to position the other end of the lever 55 against a stud 56 mounted on a lower portion of the flexible detent of the key bank. Whenever a key in the key bank is depressed, the flexible detent moves downwardly, thereby rocking the lever 55 clockwise against the action of the spring 80.
  • switches 57 mounted on the top of the plate 52 are a series of switches 57, each of which includes a contact arm 58-, having a roller 59 mounted on its end. The roller 59 engages the end of an associated lever mounted on the shaft 43.
  • its associated contact arm 58 is rotated counter-clockwise, thereby closing the switch 57.
  • the switches 57 actuated by the levers 55 of the dime and dollar key banks, are of a double-acting construction, while the remaining switches are single-acting switches.
  • Pinned to the shaft 43 are a series of fingers 60, one for each key bank. These fingers and their functions are fully disclosed in the previously-cited Goodbar and Pratt United States Patent No. 2,730,038.
  • the fingers extend over the stud 56 of their associated flexible detents.
  • the shaft 43 is rotated clockwise (FIG. 3), resulting in the fingers 60 moving the flexible detents 34, 35, and 36 downwardly. This movement of the flexible detent releases all of the depressed keys to their home positions. This operation will also occur whenever the release key 25 (FIG. 1) is depressed, as will be described hereinafter.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown a circuit diagram of a keyboard apparatus and its control by the keys in the key banks.
  • the lamp panel 29, illuminating the legend Insert Dollar Bill is energized by a circuit completed over a conductor 61, which is connected to one side of a voltage source, a conductor 62, switch contacts Kabl, a conductor 63 to the lamp 29, and conductors 64, 65 to the ground conductor 66.
  • the customer will then insert the proper amount into the machine by inserting a dollar bill in the slot 28 (FIG. 1), at which time the validator will actuate the switch Kab to close contacts Kab2 and open contact Kabl.
  • Closing of contacts Kab2 completes an energizing circuit over the conductor 61, the conductor 62, the switch contacts K0112, the conductor 67, and the switch contacts K107a1 to the lamp 30.
  • the circuit is completed over the conductor 65.
  • the energization of the lamp 30 illuminates the legend Enter Postage Due on Keyboard, while the opening of the contacts Kabl de-energizes the lamp 29.
  • Closing of the switch contacts Kab2 will also complete an energizing circuit to the solenoids 51, 54 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • the solenoid 51 is energized over the conductors 67, 68, the closed switch contacts 5102b of switch S102 (FIG. 2) to the solenoid 51.
  • the circuit is completed over the conductor 65.
  • the solenoid 54 is energized in a similar manner over conductors 67, 69, the normally closed switch contacts S1030, 8104c of switches S103, S104 (FIG. 2) to the solenoid 54.
  • the circuit is completed over conductors 70, 65 to ground. Energization of the solenoid 51 results in the clockwise rotation of the levers 42 (FIGS.
  • Energization of the relay K107 actuates the switch K1074, thereby opening contacts K107a1, which de-energizes the lamp panel ,while closing contacts K107a2.
  • Closing of the, contacts K107a2 completes an energizing circuit to the panel lamp 31, which will illuminate the legend Press Print Bar. This circuit is completed over conductors 61, 62, the closed contacts Kab2, and the conductors 67, 75.
  • Closing of the I contacts K107a2 also completes an energizing circuit to the solenoid 76, which, when energized, will unlock the print bar 26 (FIG. 1) for operation in a manner well known in the art.
  • the circuit from the lamp panel 31 and the solenoid 76 is completed over the conductors 65, 66 to ground.
  • Opening of the switch contact 8102b will interrupt the energizing circuit to the so1enoid51 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • Closing of the switch contacts S103b1 completes an energizing circuit to the relay K107 over the conductors 61, 62, the contacts Kab2, the conductor 71, the contacts S102a1, S105, K108a, S103b1, conductor 73 to relay K107, which results in the illumination of the panel lamp 31 and in the .energization of the solenoids 76 in the manner described previously.
  • Opening of the contacts S1030, 8104c interrupts the energizing circuit to the solenoid 54 (FIGS. 2 and 3), resulting in the counter-clockwise rotation of the lever 42 of the dollar key bank and the subsequent movement of the locking detent 39 to a position lockingout the keys in the dollar key bank. It will be seen from FIG.- 4 that depression of a key in either the dollar or dime key bank results in the looking out of the other of the key banks, thus insuring that the amount entered into the key bank is of a proper value.
  • This construction also prevents energization of the relay K107 whenever an amount key is depressed which represents an amount greater than $1.00.
  • the key in the dollar key bank 22 (FIG.
  • a self-service postage meter system comprising a currency-accepting device, a change dispenser, and an apparatus for issuing printed labels, said apparatus including a first and a second bank of amount key members, and means for disabling the operation of said apparatus when keys in both of said key banks are depressed, comprising (a) a first control member slidably mounted in each of said key banks and movable to an actuating position 7 upon depression of any key member in said banks; (b) a switch-actuating member engaged by said first control member and moved to a switch-actuating position upon movement of said first control member to said actuating position;
  • each of said banks of amount keys includes (a) a second control member normally positioned to disable the actuation of the key members in said bank, said control member being adapted for movement to an actuated position, thereby releasing said key members for actuation;
  • said initiating means includes (a) means mounted on said keyboard apparatus for operating said apparatus when depressed;
  • each of said operating members comprises (a) an electromagnetic member (b) and third circuit means connected between said electromagnetic member and the currency-accepting device whereby said electromagnetic members are energized upon operation of the currency-accepting device, thereby conditioning said first and second circuit means for enabling said initiating means to be operated.
  • said electromagnetic member comprises a solenoid having an armature member
  • said switch-actuating member consisting of a lever memher, one end of which engages said normally open switch member while the other end engages said second control member;
  • said lever member having an extension portion connected to the armature member of said solenoid whereby, upon energization of said solenoid, said armature member is moved to actuate said lever member, thereby closing said switch member and moving said second control member to enable said key banks for operation.
  • said third circuit means of each key bank includes a normally closed contact controlled by the normally open switch member of the other key bank whereby, upon movement of the first control member of one key bank to an actuating position, the third circuit means of the other key bank is interrupted to .deenergize the electromagnetic means of the other key bank, thereby allowing said second control member to disable the keys of the other key bank from operation.

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Description

' Nov. 7, 1967 C F. WALKER HI, ETAL DETENT COI ITROL MECHANISM FOR KEYBOARD Filed April 20, 1966 IN VALUE PRINTING MACHINES FIG." I
' NSTRUCTIONS I DETERMINE p osr. EQUIRE zmssm oua 0 0L. N uncnm:
3 ENTER AMO 6 voun CHANGE IF ANY IS BELOW m 'cHmE 'E ms ERT wnsss mmr an ONE 00 0N uncnmz G32 LAR ONLY 5 secuas voun Posnss SSheets-Sheet l .INVENTORS JOHN C.F. WALKER III 5 CARL V. BOOHER 04 MQ/W THEIR ATTORNEYS J. c. F. NALKER m; ETAL 1967 DETENT CONTROL MECHANISM FOR KEYBOARDS 5 IN VALUE PRINTING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 20, 1966 Fis.
JOHN C.F. WALKERJII 8 V. BOOHER CARL BY V4 THEIR ATTORNEYS NOV. 711967 J. c. F. WALKER m, ETAL 3,351,004
DETENT CONTROL MECHANISM FOR KEYBOARDS IN VALUE PRINTING MACHINES Filed Apfil 20, 1966 a Sheets-Sheet s p Q K v v g O N '2 I 0 m g u INVENTORS JOHN C.F. WALKER 111 a 5 CARL V. BOOHER THEIR ATTO NEYS DETENT CONTROL MECHANISM FOR KEY- BOARDS IN VALUE PRINTING MACHINES John C. F. Walker III, Kettering, and Carl V. Booher,
Dayton, Ohio, assignors to The National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Maryland Filed Apr. 20, 1966, Ser. No. 543,946 6 Claims. (Cl. 101-69) This invention relates to a self-service postage meter machine and more particularly to a keyboard device of the type disclosed in 'United States Letters Patent No. 2,730,038, issued to Mayo A. Goodbar and Russell G. Pratt on January 10, 1956. a
The present invention is directed to a customer-operated postage meter machine to be used in lobbies of post offices and in unattended self-service post oflices. Operation of the machine results in the delivery of postage labels bearing the amount of postage, the label to be attached to the package that is to be mailed. The use of these self-service machines will result in increased efficiency for the window clerks and improved services to the postal customers. The major requirement of such a machine includes means for assuring that the customer will select the proper amount of postage desired. Since the postage meter machine of the present disclosure will accept a limited range of postage amounts, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which will insure that only the proper amount is entered into the keyboard of the postage meter machines.
A further object of the, present invention is to provide a mechanism which will prevent the operation of the postage meter machine whenever keys in a number of predetermined key banks are depressed simultaneously.
A further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism having display means which will notify the customer on the proper operation of the mechanism.
With these and other, incidental, objects in view, the invention includes certain novel features of construction and combinations of parts, a preferred form or embodiment of which is hereinafter described with reference to the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-service postage meter machine.
FIG. 2 is a top partial detailed view of the interlock mechanism, showing the structural'connections between the detents of the amount key banks and the control switches. t
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 33 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showingthe electrical control system of the keyboard apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an overall view of the self-service postage label machinewhich is to be installed in a self-service post ofiice. Included in this, machine are a keyboard apparatus 20, of thetype disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,730,038, cited previously; a change dispenser (not shown), the outlet cup of which is indicated as 21; and a money validator (not shown). The change dispenser may be of the type disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,954,037, issued September 27,1960, on the application of Paul H. Williams and William K. lBramlage. The money validator may be of a coin or bill type, an example of which is disclosed in United States Patent No. 3,186,531, issued June 1, 1965, on the application of Clifford B. Adams. Since the presentinveniton is limited to the keyboard apparatus, only that portion of the structure which is necessary for a clear disclosure of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings.
- Reference should be made to the above-cited Goodbar and Pratt United States Patent No. 2,730,038, for a complete disclosure of the keyboard apparatus used in the present invention. v
The self-service postage machine of FIG. 1 includes three rows of amount keys, with only one key 22 representing the dollar row, row, and keys 24 representing the cent rows. Also located on the keyboard is a release key 25, which, when depressed, will release all of the keys depressed in the amount key rows, and a print bar 26, which, when depressed, will operate the keyboard device to print out the postage label which will be delivered through the slot 27 (FIG. 1) of the machine.
The present machine includes a bill validator (not shown), which accepts only one-dollar bills. It is obvious that other types of coin acceptors may be used in place of the bill validator. Such mechanisms are well known in the vending machine art. In the present machine, the customer will deposit a dollar bill in the slot 28, located on the face of the machine. Prior to this, a, panel lamp 29, located on the face of the machine, will be lit to read Insert DollarBill. After the bill validator has accepted the dollar bill, the panel lamp 29 will be extinguished, and a second panel lamp 30 will light, illuminating the legend Enter Postage Due on the Keyboard. The customerwill then insert the amount of postage required into the keyboard, by depressing the appropiate number of amount keys. The maximum amount of postage that can be entered into the keyboard is $1.00, while the minimum amount is 10. If the customer has entered an amount which is acceptable to the machine, the panel lamp 30 is extinguished, and the next panel lamp 31 will light, indicating .Press Print Bar. When thetcustomer is satisfied that he has entered the correct amount, he presses the print bar 26, which initiates an operation of the keyboard apparatus. This results in the printing and ejection of a gummed label from the slot 27 and change from the outlet cup 21 if required. Reference should be made to United States Patent No. 2,972,442, issued Feb. 21, 1961, on the application of Mayo A. Goodbar et al., for a complete disclosure of the control of a change-dispensing mechanism by a keyboard apparatus similar to the type disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,730,038, cited previously.
After the gummed label and the change have been ejected, a normal operation will conclude with thelighting of the panel lamp 29. However, if the amount of change remaining in the change dispenser is low, so that a maximum amount of change for the next transaction isnot assured, the panel lamp 32 'will light, illuminating the legend Out of Change, and the keyboard apparatus will be locked up. This condition will exist until sufficient change has been inserted into the change dispenser.
Since the maximum amount of currency that can be accepted during an operation of the machine is $1.00, interlocks, which are the subject of the present invention, are provided, so that the patron may operate the machine controls in only the proper order. When the dollar key 22 (FIG. 1) is depressed, the print bar 26 is conditioned for operation, and the dime and cent key banks are locked up. Conversely, depression of a key in either the dime or cent banks looks out the dollar key bank. If a key in either the dime or cent key banks 23 and 24 has been depressed, the print bar 26 is conditioned for operation only if the minimum amount allowable has been entered into the dime or cent key bank, the dollar key has not been depressed, and the dollar key bank has been locked out.
In the event that the dollar key 22 is depressed simultaneously with one of the keys in the dime or cent banks, so that the interlocks will not have time to prevent the entry of a forbidden amount, the print bar 26 is disabled, all of the amount keys are locked out, and the panel keys 23 representing the dime lamp 33 (FIG. 1) will light, illuminating the legend Press Keyboard Release. Depression of the Release key 25 will release all of the depressed keys on the keyboard and all of the interlocks, thereby allowing the customer a second try at entering an acceptable amount.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a partial detailed view of the various elements which are included in each of the three amount key banks of the keyboard apparatus. Included are the flexible detent and the locking detent, whose functions are well known in the art and are fully disclosed in the previously-cited Goodbar and Pratt United States Patent No. 2,730,038. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the flexible detents in each of the cent, dime, and dollar banks are designated 34, 35, and 36, respectively, while the locking detents are designated 37, 38, and 39, respectively. Since the function operation of the detents is the same for each bank of keys, only the description of the cent key bank will be given.
As described in the abovecited Goodbar and Pratt United States Patent No. 2,730,038, each key bank of the keyboard apparatus includes a flexible detent 34 (FIG. 3), which is engaged by the key stems of each key in the key bank and is slidably mounted for a downward movement whenever a key in the key bank is depressed. The flexible detent will, when moved upwardly, release all of the keys depressed in the key bank to their home positions.
The locking detent 37 (FIG. 3) of each key bank, when in its normal position, as shown in FIG. 3, locks out all the keys in the key bank. The lower portion of each of the locking detents in the key bank has mounted thereon a stud 40, which is engaged by the recessed portion 41 of a lever' 42 rotatably mounted on a key release shaft 43. As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft 43 is rotatably mounted between frame members of the machine. The other end of the lever 42 has a stud 44 mounted thereon, to which is attached one end of a spring 45, the other end of which is connected to a shaft 46, mounted between the frame members 47 and 48 of the machine (FIGS. 2 and 3).
The lever 42 has a lower extension 49, the end of which is pinned .to the plunger 50 of a solenoid 51 secured to the bottom of a plate 52, which in turn is mounted between the frame members 47, 4,8 of the machine. Upon energization of the solenoid 51, the plunger 50 moves to the left, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3. This movement rotates the lever 42 clockwise against the action of the spring 45. The movement of the lever 42 actuates the locking detent 37 of the cent bank in a downward direction, thereby releasing the keys in the key bank for operation. Since, in the present machine, the minimum amount of postage that may be inserted in the keyboard is rotation of the lever 42 of the cent bank by the solenoid 51 will also rotate the lever 42 of the dime bank in a like manner. This is accomplished by a shaft 53, which is mounted between the lower extensions of the levers 42 in the cent and dime key banks. Thus, the energization of the solenoid 51 will result in the movement of the locking detents 37, 38, thereby releasing the cent and dime key banks for operation.
A similar arrangement exists in the dollar key bank, with the solenoid 54 (FIG. 2) rotating the lever 42 clockwise to move the locking detent 39 downwardly, thereby releasing the dollar key bank for operation.
Rotatably mounted on the shaft 43 and positioned adjacent to the lever 42 of each of the key banks is a second lever 55. One end of the lever 55 has the same configuration as that of the lever 42 and is engaged by one end of a spring 80 (FIG. 2), the other end of which is connected to the shaft 46 in the same manner as the spring 45 of the lever 42 is connected to the shaft 46. This spring action biases the lever 55 counter-clockwise, so as to position the other end of the lever 55 against a stud 56 mounted on a lower portion of the flexible detent of the key bank. Whenever a key in the key bank is depressed, the flexible detent moves downwardly, thereby rocking the lever 55 clockwise against the action of the spring 80.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, mounted on the top of the plate 52 are a series of switches 57, each of which includes a contact arm 58-, having a roller 59 mounted on its end. The roller 59 engages the end of an associated lever mounted on the shaft 43. There is a switch for each of the levers 55 in each of the amount key banks and for the levers 42 in the cent and dollar key banks. Since the levers 42 of both the dime and the cent key banks are connected together, there is no switch for the lever 42 of the dime key bank. Upon the clockwise rotation of each of the levers 42, 55, its associated contact arm 58 is rotated counter-clockwise, thereby closing the switch 57. As will be described more fully hereinafter with respect to FIG. 4, the switches 57, actuated by the levers 55 of the dime and dollar key banks, are of a double-acting construction, while the remaining switches are single-acting switches.
Pinned to the shaft 43 are a series of fingers 60, one for each key bank. These fingers and their functions are fully disclosed in the previously-cited Goodbar and Pratt United States Patent No. 2,730,038. The fingers extend over the stud 56 of their associated flexible detents. During the operation of the keyboard apparatus, the shaft 43 is rotated clockwise (FIG. 3), resulting in the fingers 60 moving the flexible detents 34, 35, and 36 downwardly. This movement of the flexible detent releases all of the depressed keys to their home positions. This operation will also occur whenever the release key 25 (FIG. 1) is depressed, as will be described hereinafter.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a circuit diagram of a keyboard apparatus and its control by the keys in the key banks. At the beginning of machine operation, the lamp panel 29, illuminating the legend Insert Dollar Bill, is energized by a circuit completed over a conductor 61, which is connected to one side of a voltage source, a conductor 62, switch contacts Kabl, a conductor 63 to the lamp 29, and conductors 64, 65 to the ground conductor 66.
The customer will then insert the proper amount into the machine by inserting a dollar bill in the slot 28 (FIG. 1), at which time the validator will actuate the switch Kab to close contacts Kab2 and open contact Kabl. Closing of contacts Kab2 completes an energizing circuit over the conductor 61, the conductor 62, the switch contacts K0112, the conductor 67, and the switch contacts K107a1 to the lamp 30. The circuit is completed over the conductor 65. The energization of the lamp 30 illuminates the legend Enter Postage Due on Keyboard, while the opening of the contacts Kabl de-energizes the lamp 29.
Closing of the switch contacts Kab2 will also complete an energizing circuit to the solenoids 51, 54 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The solenoid 51 is energized over the conductors 67, 68, the closed switch contacts 5102b of switch S102 (FIG. 2) to the solenoid 51. The circuit is completed over the conductor 65. The solenoid 54 is energized in a similar manner over conductors 67, 69, the normally closed switch contacts S1030, 8104c of switches S103, S104 (FIG. 2) to the solenoid 54. The circuit is completed over conductors 70, 65 to ground. Energization of the solenoid 51 results in the clockwise rotation of the levers 42 (FIGS. 2 and 3) in the cent and dime key banks. As described previously, this rotation of the levers actuates the locking detents 37, 33 to allow keys in either bank to be depressed. As shown in FIG. 3, this rotation also allows the lever 42 in the cent bank to actuate the switch S106, thereby conditioning and energizing circuits which will be described hereinafter.
Energization of the solenoid 54 results in the unlocking of the dollar key bank in the same manner as described with regard to the cent and dime key banks. Also the switch S105 (FIG. 2) will be actuated by the lever 42 in the same manner to condition an energizing circuit to be described hereinafter. Thus all of the key banks are in condition for operation.
The customer will now insert the required postage l ar key results (FIG. 2) downwardly, thereby rocking the lever 55 clockwise about the shaft 43. Rotation of the lever 55 actuates the switch S102, thereby opening switch contacts S102a1, 5102b (FIG. 4) and closing switch contacts S102a2. Closing of the contacts S102a2 completes an energizing circuit to, a relay K107 over conductors 61, 63, closed contacts Kab2, conductor 71, the closed contacts S102a2, conductor 72, the closed contacts S106, 8104a, 8103b, and conductor 73 to the relay K107. The circuit is completed over conductors 74, 70, and 65 to ground. Energization of the relay K107 actuates the switch K1074, thereby opening contacts K107a1, which de-energizes the lamp panel ,while closing contacts K107a2. Closing of the, contacts K107a2 completes an energizing circuit to the panel lamp 31, which will illuminate the legend Press Print Bar. This circuit is completed over conductors 61, 62, the closed contacts Kab2, and the conductors 67, 75. Closing of the I contacts K107a2 also completes an energizing circuit to the solenoid 76, which, when energized, will unlock the print bar 26 (FIG. 1) for operation in a manner well known in the art. The circuit from the lamp panel 31 and the solenoid 76 is completed over the conductors 65, 66 to ground.
Opening of the switch contact 8102b will interrupt the energizing circuit to the so1enoid51 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
. This will allow the levers 42 of the cent and dime key under the action banks to be rotated counter-clockwise of their springs 45. Rotation of the levers 42 will move the locking detents 37 and 38 upward to a locking position, thus disabling the cent anddime key banks from operation.
If a key in the dime and cent key banks is depressed instead of a key in the dollar bank,the flexible detents 34, 35 in both banks will actuate the switches S103 S104 (FIG. 2). This action will open the switch contacts S103b2, 8103c, S104a, 8104c and close, switch contacts S103b1, 8104b, and 8103a. Closing of the switch contacts S103b1 completes an energizing circuit to the relay K107 over the conductors 61, 62, the contacts Kab2, the conductor 71, the contacts S102a1, S105, K108a, S103b1, conductor 73 to relay K107, which results in the illumination of the panel lamp 31 and in the .energization of the solenoids 76 in the manner described previously.
Opening of the contacts S1030, 8104c interrupts the energizing circuit to the solenoid 54 (FIGS. 2 and 3), resulting in the counter-clockwise rotation of the lever 42 of the dollar key bank and the subsequent movement of the locking detent 39 to a position lockingout the keys in the dollar key bank. It will be seen from FIG.- 4 that depression of a key in either the dollar or dime key bank results in the looking out of the other of the key banks, thus insuring that the amount entered into the key bank is of a proper value. If a key in the cent bank is the only one depressed, the key representing an amount not allowed to be transacted, the opening of contacts S1040 will de-energize the solenoid 54, thereby locking out the dollar key bank, but the energizing circuit to the relay K107 will not be completed. This is due to the fact that the switches 8102a and S103]; remain in the position shown in FIG. 4, thus disabling the energizing circuit to the relay K107. This condition will compel the customer to push the release key (FIG. 1), which results in the rocking of the shaft 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and the engagement of the stud 56 on the flexible detent of each key bank by its associated finger 60, thus moving each of the detents downwardly, thereby releasing all of the depressed keys in the key bank.
This construction also prevents energization of the relay K107 whenever an amount key is depressed which represents an amount greater than $1.00. In this operation, assume that the key in the dollar key bank 22 (FIG.
1) and a key in the cent key bank 24 are depressed. Depression of the key in the dollar bank will result, as described previously, in the closing of contacts S102a2 (FIG. 4). Depression of a key in the cent bank will result in the opening of contacts 8104a. It will be seen from FIG. 4 that the opening of the contact 5104a will interrupt the energizing circuit to the relay K107 normally completed by the closing of the contacts S102a2. If a key in the dime key bank 23 (FIG. 1) had been depressed instead of a key in the cent key bank, contacts $103112 would open while contacts $103171 would close, thereby interrupting the circuit to the relay K107. In either case, the relay K107 would not be energized.
The closing of contacts S102a2 by operation of a key in the dollar key bank, in conjunction with the depression of a key in either the dime or cent key banks will complete an energizing circuit to the lamp panel 33, which will illuminate the legend Depress Keyboard Release. This circuit is completed over conductors 61, 62 contacts Kab2, conductor 71, contacts S102a2, conductor 72, one of the contacts 8103a or 5104b, closed when a key in either the dime or the cent key bank respectively is depressed, as disclosed previously, conductor 77 to the panel 33. The circuit is completed over conductors 70, 65 to ground. The customer will then depress the release key 25.v Depression of the release key 25 closes contacts S201 (FIG.'4), thereby completing an energizing circuit to the keyboard release solenoid 78 over conductors 61, 62, contact Kab2, S201 to the solenoid 78. The. circuit is completed over conductors 64, 65, and 66 to ground. Energization of the solenoid 78 will result in the rocking of the shaft 43 (FIGS. 2 and 3), thereby restoring the depressed keysof the keyboard to their homepositions in the manner described previously. When this occurs, the contacts 8103a, 5104b will open, thereby de-energizing the lamp panel 33 while the contacts S102a2, 8104a, and 8103b will be restored to their positions shown in FIG. 4, thus conditioning the circuits for other operations. It will thus be seen that, with this construction, the machine will control the range of amounts that may be inserted into the keyboard and will provide the patron with the proper information for correcting any errors made in operating 32. Energization of the panel 32 will illuminate the legend 'Out of Change, thus giving notice of this condition. Reference should be made to the previously cited United States 'Patent No. 2,954,037, issued on the application of Paul H. Williams et al.', for a disclosure of the arrangements for detecting the out-of-change condition of the change dispenser. While the form of mechanism shown and described herein is admirably adapted to fulfill the objects primarily stated, it is to be understood that it is not intended to confine the invention to the one form or embodiment disclosed herein, for it is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, all coming within the spirit and scope of this invention.
What is claimed is:
1. In a self-service postage meter system comprising a currency-accepting device, a change dispenser, and an apparatus for issuing printed labels, said apparatus including a first and a second bank of amount key members, and means for disabling the operation of said apparatus when keys in both of said key banks are depressed, comprising (a) a first control member slidably mounted in each of said key banks and movable to an actuating position 7 upon depression of any key member in said banks; (b) a switch-actuating member engaged by said first control member and moved to a switch-actuating position upon movement of said first control member to said actuating position;
(c) a first double-acting switch member having first and second closing contacts, said switch member normally having the first contact in a closed condition and engaged by said switch-actuating member of said first key bank to switch contacts upon movement of said first control member of said bank to an actuating position;
(d) a second double-acting switch member having first and second closing contacts, said switch member normally having the first contact in an open condition and engaged by said switch-actuating member of said second key bank to switch contacts upon movement of said first control member of said bank to an actuating position;
(e) means for initiating a machine operation when operated;
(f) first circuit means for enabling said initiating means to be operated including the first contacts of said first and second double-acting switch members;
(g) and a second circuit means for enabling said initiating means to be operated including the second contacts of said first and second double-acting switch members, whereby both of said circuits are disabled from enabling said initiating means to be operated upon key members in both first and second amount key banks being depressed.
2. The label-issuing apparatus of claim 1 in which each of said banks of amount keys includes (a) a second control member normally positioned to disable the actuation of the key members in said bank, said control member being adapted for movement to an actuated position, thereby releasing said key members for actuation;
(b) a second switch-actuating member engaged by said second control member and adapted for movement to a switch-actuating position upon movement of said second control member to said actuated position;
(c) a normally open switch member engaged by said second switch-actuating member, the switch member of said first key bank being located in said first circuit means while the switch member of said second key bank is located in said second circuit means;
((1) and an operating member for each key bank, said 9 operating member engaging said switch-actuating member whereby upon operation of said operating member, said normally open switch member is moved to a closed position by said switch-actuating member to condition said first or second circuit means for enabling said initiating means to be operated.
3. The label-issuing apparatus of claim 1 in which said initiating means includes (a) means mounted on said keyboard apparatus for operating said apparatus when depressed;
(b) a translucent panel member mounted on said keyboard apparatus for displaying, when illuminated, instructions to depress said operating means;
(c) means for illuminating said panel member when energized;
(d) and means for energizing said illuminating means including a relay member located in each of said first and second circuit means whereby upon operation of either of said circuit means, said panel member is illuminated.
4. The label-issuing apparatus of claim 2 in which each of said operating members comprises (a) an electromagnetic member (b) and third circuit means connected between said electromagnetic member and the currency-accepting device whereby said electromagnetic members are energized upon operation of the currency-accepting device, thereby conditioning said first and second circuit means for enabling said initiating means to be operated.
5. The label-issuing apparatus of claim 3 in which said electromagnetic member comprises a solenoid having an armature member;
said switch-actuating member consisting of a lever memher, one end of which engages said normally open switch member while the other end engages said second control member;
said lever member having an extension portion connected to the armature member of said solenoid whereby, upon energization of said solenoid, said armature member is moved to actuate said lever member, thereby closing said switch member and moving said second control member to enable said key banks for operation.
6. The label-issuing apparatus of claim 3 in which said third circuit means of each key bank includes a normally closed contact controlled by the normally open switch member of the other key bank whereby, upon movement of the first control member of one key bank to an actuating position, the third circuit means of the other key bank is interrupted to .deenergize the electromagnetic means of the other key bank, thereby allowing said second control member to disable the keys of the other key bank from operation.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,730,038 1/1956 Goodbar et a1 101-69 2,941,644 6/1960 Zeigle et al 194-10 2,950,799 8/1960 Timms 194-4 3,024,988 3/1962 Wagernann r 235 3,191,737 6/1965 James et al. 194-4 WILLIAM B. PENN, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A SELF-SERVICE POSTAGE METER SYSTEM COMPRISING A CURRENCY-ACCEPTING DEVICE, A CHANGE DISPENSER, AND AN APPARATUS FOR ISSUING PRINTED LABELS, SAID APPARATUS INCLUDING A FIRST AND A SECOND BANK OF AMOUNT KEY MEMBERS, AND MEANS FOR DISABLING THE OPERATION OF SAID APPARATUS WHEN KEYS IN BOTH OF SAID KEY BANKS ARE DEPRESSED, COMPRISING (A) A FIRST CONTROL MEMBER SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN EACH OF SAID KEY BANKS AND MOVABLE TO AN ACTUATING POSITION UPON DEPRESSION OF ANY KEY MEMBER IN SAID BANKS; (B) A SWITCH-ACTUATING MEMBER ENGAGED BY SAID FIRST CONTROL MEMBER AND MOVED TO A SWITCH-ACTUATING POSITION UPON MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST CONTROL MEMBER TO SAID ACTUATING POSITION; (C) A FIRST DOUBLE-ACTING SWITCH MEMBER HAVING FIRST AND SECOND CLOSING CONTACTS, SAID SWITCH MEMBER NORMALLY HAVING THE FIRST CONTACT IN A CLOSED CONDITION AND ENGAGED BY SAID SWITCH-ACTUATING MEMBER OF SAID FIRST KEY BANK OF SWITCH CONTACTS UPON MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST CONTROL MEMBER OF SAID BANK TO AN ACTUATING POSITION; (D) A SECOND DOUBLE-ACTING SWITCH MEMBER HAVING FIRST AND SECOND CLOSING CONTACTS, SAID SWITCH MEMBER NORMALLY HAVING THE FIRST CONTACT IN AN OPEN CONDITION AND ENGAGED BY SAID SWITCH-ACTUATING MEMBER OF SAID SECOND KEY BANK TO SWITCH CONTACTS UPON MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST CONTROL MEMBER OF SAID BANK TO AN ACTUATING POSITION; (E) MEANS FOR INITIATING A MACHINE OPERATION WHEN OPERATED; (F) FIRST CIRCUIT MEANS FOR ENABLING SAID INITIATING MEANS TO BE OPERATED INCLUDING THE FIRST CONTACTS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND DOUBLE-ACTING SWITCH MEMBERS; (G) AND A SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS FOR ENABLING SAID INITIATING MEANS TO BE OPERATED INCLUDING THE SECOND CONTACTS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND DOUBLE-ACTING SWITCH MEMBERS, WHEREBY BOTH OF SAID CIRCUITS ARE DISABLED FROM ENABLING SAID INITIATING MEANS TO BE OPERATED UPON KEY MEMBERS IN BOTH FIRST AND SECOND AMOUNT KEY BANKS BEING DEPRESSED.
US543946A 1966-04-20 1966-04-20 Detent control mechanism for keyboards in value printing machines Expired - Lifetime US3351004A (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2730038A (en) * 1952-03-22 1956-01-10 Ncr Co Label printing and issuing mechanism for cash registers
US2941644A (en) * 1957-12-30 1960-06-21 Electric Vendors Inc Variable stamp vending and money changing machine
US2950799A (en) * 1952-02-07 1960-08-30 Alan Foster Apparatus for identifying paper money, or the like, as genuine, and for making change or the like
US3024988A (en) * 1959-07-01 1962-03-13 Monroe Calculating Machine Keyboard mechanism
US3191737A (en) * 1961-10-31 1965-06-29 James Vending machine

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2950799A (en) * 1952-02-07 1960-08-30 Alan Foster Apparatus for identifying paper money, or the like, as genuine, and for making change or the like
US2730038A (en) * 1952-03-22 1956-01-10 Ncr Co Label printing and issuing mechanism for cash registers
US2941644A (en) * 1957-12-30 1960-06-21 Electric Vendors Inc Variable stamp vending and money changing machine
US3024988A (en) * 1959-07-01 1962-03-13 Monroe Calculating Machine Keyboard mechanism
US3191737A (en) * 1961-10-31 1965-06-29 James Vending machine

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