US3779544A - Solenoid control system - Google Patents

Solenoid control system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3779544A
US3779544A US00246272A US3779544DA US3779544A US 3779544 A US3779544 A US 3779544A US 00246272 A US00246272 A US 00246272A US 3779544D A US3779544D A US 3779544DA US 3779544 A US3779544 A US 3779544A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
solenoid
light
card
responsive
stack
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US00246272A
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English (en)
Inventor
L Wasielewski
J Kinner
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Unisys Corp
Original Assignee
Burroughs Corp
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Assigned to BURROUGHS CORPORATION reassignment BURROUGHS CORPORATION MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). DELAWARE EFFECTIVE MAY 30, 1982. Assignors: BURROUGHS CORPORATION A CORP OF MI (MERGED INTO), BURROUGHS DELAWARE INCORPORATED A DE CORP. (CHANGED TO)
Assigned to UNISYS CORPORATION reassignment UNISYS CORPORATION MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BURROUGHS CORPORATION
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K13/00—Conveying record carriers from one station to another, e.g. from stack to punching mechanism
    • G06K13/02—Conveying record carriers from one station to another, e.g. from stack to punching mechanism the record carrier having longitudinal dimension comparable with transverse dimension, e.g. punched card
    • G06K13/08—Feeding or discharging cards
    • G06K13/10—Feeding or discharging cards from magazine to conveying arrangement
    • G06K13/103—Feeding or discharging cards from magazine to conveying arrangement using mechanical means

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A solenoid control system is provided in which the plunger travel of a card feeder solenoid subjected to varying loads is monitored, solenoid actuating current being discontinued when the plunger reaches a predetermined point such that the duration of solenoid actuation, rather than being fixed, is a'function of the varying loads to which the solenoid is subjected.
  • the present invention is related to the Card Feeding Apparatus disclosed and claimed by F. A. Houghton, L. Wasielewski and J. L. Kinner in a U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 246,433, filed Apr. 21, 1972 and assigned to the assignee of the present application.
  • This invention relates generally to solenoid-actuated record card feeding devices and more particularly to solenoid control systems therefor.
  • Prior art discloses may record card feeding devices, some of which are actuated by an electrical solenoid.
  • a typical example, one closely related to the present invention may be found in record card readers where individual 'cards are'fed from the bottom of a stack thereof by a card feeding implement having an edge abuttable with the trailing edge of a card being fed, the implement being forced against the card by an electrical solenoid actuated for a fixed period.
  • the implement once it has driven a card a desired distance, is halted in its travel by a stop member prior to being retracted to its original position by a return spring.
  • the invention resides in the provision of a bistable solenoid control which is responsive to a photoelectric monitor operably coupled to the plunger of a solenoid under control of the system such that solenoid actuating current is discontinued when the plunger reaches a predetermined point, the duration of solenoid actuation being a function of the load-determined, plunger travel time.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to. provide a system which minimizes part wear and failure andthe maintenance expense associated therewith.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a system which equalizes and minimizes solenoid plunger recoil occurring after the plunger strikes an associated stop member under varied solenoid load conditions.
  • An important aspect of the invention is the use of a bistable solenoid control in combination with a photoe: lectric monitor to-establish a functional relationship wherein the varying load imposed on a solenoid is delineated as the independent variable and the duration of solenoid actuation as the dependent variable thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a record card feeding device embodying features of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a rear view of the device shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows 3-3 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows 4-4 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a partially fragmented end view of the device shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the solenoid control system
  • FIG. 7 is a graphic representation of a typical relationship existing between applied solenoid actuating current and time for a conventional, solenoid-actuated card feeder wherein the'solenoid is actuated for a fixed period;
  • FIG. 8 is a graphic representation of the same relationship as shown in FIG. 7 for a solenoid-actuated card feeder employing the present solenoid control system and operating under a representative load;
  • FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 but shows the relationship under a lighter load condition.
  • the feed knives 12-12 are respectively affixed to the upper ends of a pair of feed knife supporting levers 26-26, which are secured at their lower ends to a pivotable shaft 28 journaled in the frame 21 below the hopper base member 18.
  • the feed knives extend effectively upward through the base member 18 to support the trailing edge of the lowermost card stacked in the hopper 10.
  • Impelling projections 30-30 extend upward from the bodies of the feed knives 12-12 and are normally positioned slightly behind the trailing edge of the lowermost card.
  • the feed knives are coaxially disposed in parallel, the distance separating them being somewhat less than the length of record cards to be fed thereby.
  • the card feeder solenoid 14 is mounted on a bracket 36 affixed to the frame 21 below the hopper base member 18, its plunger 38 extending transversely to and below the shaft 28 to abut, at its distant end, a torque arm 40 affixed to and depending from the shaft.
  • the torque arm 40 is resiliently held in its most clockwise position, as best shown in FIG. 4, by a helical spring 42 and is limited in its counterclockwise movement about the shaft 28 by a stop 44 affixed to the frame 21. Since the feed knife supporting levers 26-26 are also affixed to the shaft 28, any counterclockwise excursion of the torque arm 40 caused by the solenoid 14 will be communicated to the feed knives 12-12 respectively disposed at the upper ends of the levers2'6-26.
  • the photoelectric monitor 16 has a light projector 46, a light detector 48 and a light shutter 50, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.
  • the light projector and detector are mounted in effective apposition on respective parallel but spaced apart, upward extending arms of a bracket 52 secured to the outer surface of the frame 21.
  • the light shutter 50 is affixed to the end of the shaft 28 extending through the frame 21 and normally extends downwardly to a position between the light projector 46 and the light detector 48, thus preventing light emitted by the former from reaching the latter.
  • the configuration of the shutter 50 is such that it will be swung clear of the monitor light path whenever the shaft 28 is rotated by the solenoid 14.
  • the control portion has a control member 54, a solenoid driver 56 and an optical signal amplifier 58.
  • the control member 54 is a bistable device such as a flip-flop. In a typical feeder control operation, its set'input would be operably coupled to card feed control logic, which would provide an electrical signal to set the flip-flop when a card feed is desired.
  • the set output of the flip-flop is operably coupled to the card feeder solenoid 14 through the solenoid driver 56.
  • the light detector 48 of the photoelectric monitor 16 is operably coupled to the reset" input of the flip-flop 54 through the amplifier 58.
  • the light shutter 50 (FIG. 5) depends from the shaft 28 such that it normally blocks the path of light between the light projector 46 and the light detector 48. Since the shutter 50 is affixed to the shaft 28, it will pivot about the axis of the latter when the solenoid 14 is actuated, as will the feed knives 12-12. lts angular disposition is therefore directly indicative of that of the feed knives, the relationship being established such that the shutter is swung out of the monitor light path just as the feed knives have reached the point when'solenoid actuating current is to be most advantageously discontinued. With the shutter 50 swung out of the monitor light path, emissions from the light projector 46 will-reach the'light detector 48.
  • the detector will generate an output signal which will be applied to the reset input of the flip-flop 54 through the optical signal amplifier 58.
  • the flip-flop 54 Upon application of this signal, the flip-flop 54 will be restored to its reset" state, thus removing actuating current from the .solenoid 14.
  • the counterclockwise swing of the torque arm 40 (FIG. 4) will be halted upon its impact with the stop 44; and the solenoid plunger 38, the torque arm 40, the feed knives 1212 and the light shutter 50 will be returned to their initial positions under the influence of the helical spring 42.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show the same relationship for a solenoid-actuated card feeder employing the solenoid control system, the latter figure of the same feeder operating under a lighter load condition.
  • the duration of solenoid actuating current application decreases in proportion to decreases in the load imposed upon the solenoid by the weight of the card stack.
  • a solenoid-actuated record card feeding device wherewith individual cards are advanced from a stack thereof and wherein the load opposing subsequent actuations of the device varies directly with the weight of the stack as cards are added and fed, a solenoid control system comprising:
  • monitor means responsive to the position of the plunger of an electrically actuatable card feeder solenoid associated therewith for providing an electrical output indicative of the plunger position
  • control means operably responsive to the electrical output of said monitor means for prolonging the actuation of the card feeder solenoid only until its plunger has been advanced a predetermined distance, the duration of solenoid actuation thereby being a function of' solenoid plunger'travel time,
  • said light projecting means comprising a light emitting element having a substantially unidirectional optical output
  • said light detecting means comprising a photoelectric device having a characterisitic electrical output responsive to the presence and absence of light emitted by said light projecting means;
  • said light shutter means comprising an optically opaque lever normally disposed betweeen said light projecting means and said light detecting means, blocking the passage of light therebetween, said shutter means being movable away from its normal position upon actuation of the card feeder solenoid, thereby permitting the passage of light from said light projecting means to said light detecting means;
  • control means comprising a bistable logic ele ment responsive to an external card feed signal for initiating actuation of the card feeder solenoid and being responsive to the electrical output of said light detecting means for discontinuing solenoid actuation.
  • At least one card feeding implement movably disposed on said support member and operably coupled to the plunger of said solenoid for advancing I an individual card from a stack thereof in response to each actuation of the solenoid;
  • a monitor disposed on said support member and having an electrical output responsive to the position 'of said card feeding implement
  • a control member operably responsive to the electrical output of said monitor for prolonging the actuation of said solenoid only until said card feeding implement has been advanced a predetermined distance, the duration of solenoid actuation thereby being a function of card feeding implement travel time, which is a function of varying card stack weight.
  • said monitor comprising:
  • a light projector disposed on said support member for providing a sourceof light
  • a light detector disposed on said support member in effective opposition to said light projector for detecting light emissions therefrom, said light detector having an electrical output operably responsive to the light. emissions;
  • a light shutter for controlling the passage of light from said light projector to said light detector in response to the position of said card feeding implement
  • said light projector comprising a light emitting element having a substantially unidirectional output.
  • control member comprising a bistable logic element responsive to an external card feed signal for initiating actuation of the card feeder solenoid and being further responsive to the electrical output of said light detector for discontinuing solenoid actuation.
  • a solenoid-actuated record card feeding device as defined by claim 2 wherein said card feeding implement comprises a feed knife affixed to the upper end of an associated feed knife support lever, the lever being pivotable about its lower end by said card feeder solenoid, the body of said feed knife having an impelling projection extending upward therefrom, the projection being abuttable with the trailing edge of the lowermost card of a stack thereof for advancing that individual card upon actuation of said solenoid.
  • a solenoid-actuated record card feeding device wherewith individual cards are advanced from the bottom of a card stackand wherein the load opposing subsequent actuations of the device varies directly with the weight of the stack as cards are added and fed, comprising:
  • an electrically actuatable solenoid disposed on said supporting structure and having a plunger movable in one direction in response to the energization thereof and returnable in the opposite direction in response to the deenergization thereof;
  • At least one card feeding implement movably disposed on said supporting structure and operably coupled to the plunger of said solenoid for advancing an individual card from a stack thereof in response to each energization of said solenoid;
  • detector means disposed on said supporting structure and having an electrical output responsive to the position assumed by said card feeding implement at the conclusion of its card advancement;
  • circuit means for controlling the energization and deenergization of the solenoid, said circuit means including an electrically operated bistable logic element having set and reset inputs and being responsive to an external card feed signal on the set input of the logic element for initiating the energization of the solenoid and being further responsive to the electrical output of said detector means on the reset input of the logic element for discontinuing the energization of the solenoid, the duration of solenoid energization thereby being a function of card feeding implement travel time which is a function of the varying card weight.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Conveying Record Carriers (AREA)
US00246272A 1972-04-21 1972-04-21 Solenoid control system Expired - Lifetime US3779544A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US24627272A 1972-04-21 1972-04-21

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US3779544A true US3779544A (en) 1973-12-18

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US00246272A Expired - Lifetime US3779544A (en) 1972-04-21 1972-04-21 Solenoid control system

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US (1) US3779544A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5542435B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (1) FR2180662B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1376856A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4474537A (en) * 1980-06-11 1984-10-02 Doelz Heinrich Oscillating compressor
US4937442A (en) * 1983-05-27 1990-06-26 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Protective shutter
US11532660B2 (en) 2018-11-22 2022-12-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Photoelectric conversion device

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5424972B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1971-12-27 1979-08-24
GB2144722B (en) * 1983-07-21 1987-07-22 Royston Douglas Molineux Ticket dispensing machine

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2577307A (en) * 1949-11-18 1951-12-04 Exhibit Supply Company Mechanism for controlling the actuation of electromagnetic coils
US3083960A (en) * 1960-12-30 1963-04-02 Hughes Aircraft Co Card handling apparatus
US3336482A (en) * 1964-06-19 1967-08-15 Square D Co Plunger operated photoelectric switch convertible from normally on to normally off
US3544100A (en) * 1968-10-17 1970-12-01 Burroughs Corp Record card feed device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2577307A (en) * 1949-11-18 1951-12-04 Exhibit Supply Company Mechanism for controlling the actuation of electromagnetic coils
US3083960A (en) * 1960-12-30 1963-04-02 Hughes Aircraft Co Card handling apparatus
US3336482A (en) * 1964-06-19 1967-08-15 Square D Co Plunger operated photoelectric switch convertible from normally on to normally off
US3544100A (en) * 1968-10-17 1970-12-01 Burroughs Corp Record card feed device

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4474537A (en) * 1980-06-11 1984-10-02 Doelz Heinrich Oscillating compressor
US4937442A (en) * 1983-05-27 1990-06-26 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Protective shutter
US11532660B2 (en) 2018-11-22 2022-12-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Photoelectric conversion device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS4918529A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-02-19
FR2180662B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1975-06-13
JPS5542435B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1980-10-30
FR2180662A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-11-30
GB1376856A (en) 1974-12-11

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AS Assignment

Owner name: BURROUGHS CORPORATION

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNORS:BURROUGHS CORPORATION A CORP OF MI (MERGED INTO);BURROUGHS DELAWARE INCORPORATEDA DE CORP. (CHANGED TO);REEL/FRAME:004312/0324

Effective date: 19840530

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Owner name: UNISYS CORPORATION, PENNSYLVANIA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:BURROUGHS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:005012/0501

Effective date: 19880509