US546076A - Votings-machine - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.) v 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. MGTAMMANY.

VOTING MACHINE.

Patented Sept. 10, 1895.

INVENro L m (mi AN DREW BGRAHAM. PHDTOM'I'NO.WASHINGTONv DL.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

J-. MG'I'AMMANY.

VOTING MACHINE Patented Sept. 1o, 1895.

UUUJJUU UUUUU UUUUU UUUUU UUUUU INVENTUR L Janvww? WTNESSES:

ANOHN BLRHAM. PHUTULmiWASHINGTUfL D.C.

UNITED. STATES PATENT @rr-ries.

JOHN MCTAMMANY, OF SPENCER, MASSACHUSETTS.

voriricr-vlAci-iINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 546,076, dated September 10, 1895. Application filed November 95,13%. sem No. 491.969. dampen `To a/ZZ whom, it may ooncerm Be it known that l, JOHN MCTAMMANY, of Spencer, in the county of Vorcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new c. and useful Improvements in Voting lla chines, of which the following is a specification. i

This invention relates more particularly to that class of voting-machines which employ mechanical counters; and one object of the invention isl to reduce the size, weight, and number of parts in a voting-machine and to adapt the recording or registering mechanism for a regulation ballot or voting list.

A further object is increased efficiency in guarding against fraud by preventing repeating, preserving secrecy, and rendering the machine proof against ballot-box stuiing and manipulating.

A further object is to provide improved registering mechanism, whereby more speedy and accurate returns are obtained.

To the above ends the invention consists in the novel constructions and combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention.

Figure l shows atop plan view of the machine with the lid orcover removed, one of the ballot-covering plates and ballot-sheets being omitted and its supporting-traine broken away to disclose the registering-wheels. Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the inclosing box or casing with the registering mechanisms in elevation, with the exception of one, which appears in section. Fig. 3 shows acrosssection on line 3 3 of Fig. l. Figs. l and 5 show details of parts of the registering mechanism. Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of an implement designed foruse by the voter.

The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in all the figures.

ln the drawings, the letter a designates the outside inclosing box or casing, which is provided vtith a hinged lid or cover a. A series of transversely-extending supports or frames l) is suitably fastened within the box, and their flat top sides b are formed with ridges b2, extending from end to end, the object of these ridges being to guide the voter to the actuating parts of the registering mechanisms, which parts appear alongside the ridges,

the ballot-sheets showing between the same. The transverse supports are formed below their top sides b with grooves, which receive transparent plates c, and said plates support ballot-sheets d, each being inscribed with groups of names of the dilferent candidates for different offices. It will be observed that the plates and ballot-sheetsare confined laterally by the supports b. KThe ballot-sheets are covered and thoroughly protected, while at the same time freely exposed to view, by means of transparent plates e, which t between the transverse supports and are flush with thetop surfaces b thereof. Said plates are confined at their ends between side bars of a rectangular frame, said side bars also extending over the ends of the transparent under plates o. (See Fg.) Each side baris composed of two metal. strips e2 and a separating-block e7, connected by rivets e3. The side bars are adjustably supported by screws e4, entered through lugs e5 on the inter-ior of the box sides. The machine here shown is designed to accommodate four ballot-sheets, which constitute a complete ticket of each party. Of course this number may be Varied to suit the circumstances.

The registering mechanism for each ballotsheet is of the same construction, and hence a description of one only will suiiice. A series of gear-wheelsf, having smooth peripheriesflo, marked with graduated series ot' numbers, are mounted looselyon a shaft f', within the box, and arearranged in groups, according to the number of candidates for each office, the groups being separated by collars f2. The numbers composing the groups may be varied to suit the circumstances. A push-piecej'13 is operatively connected with each registeringgear and extends through the top of the support b opposite the name of the particular candidate whose votes are to be registered by the wheel with which that push-piece connects.

The means of connection between leach push-piece and a registering-gear are as follows: The push-piece is both longitudinally movable and rotatable in a bearing in the support Z) and is on the upper end of a spindle f4, which is yieldingly supported by a spiral springf, surrounding its lower part and bearing` at one end against a collar on the spindle and at the other against a part of the support IOO h. The upward movement of the spindle is limited by a collar f upon it, abutting the support The push-piece is formed with a double spiral groove f7, (see Figs. et and 5,) and said groove is engaged by a pin f8, fixed in the support h. Normally the push-piece stands with the pin below the corner ff), formed by the meeting ot' the lower ends of thcspiralgrooves. Upon pressing down said push-piece the contact of one side of one spiral groove with the pin produces one-half of a complete revolution of the spindle by reason ot the fact that said groove extends half-way around the push-piece. Upon the return of the spindle and push-piece the revolution is completed by the engagement ot the other spiral groove with the pin.

To insure engagement of the pin throughout the complete circuit of the grooves, one of the grooves is extended beyond its intersection with the other, as shown at fig, this construction being employed at the lower and the upper ends. The pin is normally in the lower extension, and the latter rounds into the intersecting groove, as at fw, to insure clearance of the cornerff, the said intersecting groove receiving the pin. Under depression of the push-piece the latter is carried through somewhat more than a half-revolution, which carries the upper extension f12 into engagement with the piu and insures the engagement of the intersecting groove with the pin on the return of the push-piece and the continued turning of the push-piece in the proper direction to complete its revolution. A worm g is splined to the spindle f4, so that it turns therewith,but does not move longitudinally, and said worm meshes with the gearf. The worm rests upon a portion ofthe support l). It will now be seen that depression of the push-piece produces one complete revolution ot the spindle. rlhis complete revolution ofthe spindle moves the gear through one tooth and registers one vote on the periphery of the wheel. Means are provided for locking the spindle after one depression to prevent repeating', and with such means are combined meansforsimultaneouslylockingallthe pushpieces of a group. Each spindle is formed with an annular shoulder g', which will be termed a dliving-shoulder, for the reason that it acts against the carriage, hereinafter described, and drives the same to its locking position. The spindle is also formed with an annular groove g2, producing a shoulder,which will bo called the loclring-shoulder,7 for the reason that locking means, hereinafter described, engage it, and thereby lock the spindie. A carriage 71, is supported in the frame l) by a spring 71,', surroundingr a stem h2, fastened to said carriage,and the latteris adapted to move both longitudinally-z'. e., up and down-and laterally and is confined laterally on the outerside by a lat spring h3. Sliding pins 7L" in said carriage project under the driviiig-shoulders ofthe spindles, and are held in that adjustment by springs h5. Upon depressing any one of the spindles its drivingshoulder, by bearing on the pin of the carriage, impels the latter downward until its other pins reach the locking-shoulders ol the other spindles and spring behind the same, and thereby loclt these spindles. By this action the carriage is detained in its depressed position, so that upon the return of the dcpressed spindle which actuated it downward the locking-shoulder of that spindleis brought: to engagement with a pin of the carriage and the spindle thereby locked. rlhe design is to release the looking means bythe operating device whereby access is gained to the ballot, and this maybe effected in dil'l'crent ways. I prefer, however, to combine the locking means with the hinged lid a in such a manner that the raising ot' the lid releases thclocl: andrestores the parts to their normal condition. Therefore the regulations governing the use of the machine will demand that the cover be closed between each vote.

It will be observed that in the construction here shown a number of series of locking-carriages are arranged in line,and it is'desirahlo to restore all parts of the machine to normal adjustment at once. To this end the following construction is employed: A rock-shaft `1I extends behind each series ol` carriages and at a point behind each carriage is provided with a cam 2", against which the carriage is held by the spring 7b3. Normally the carriage stands against a lat side ol the cam and slides over the same in its up-and-down movement. @ne of the rock-shafts carries a drum l?, and a cord i3, attached thereto, is connected with the hinged lid a. A voter having voted and the lid having been closed, upon raising the lid for the next voter the drum will bo turned, and consequently the rock-shaft to which it is affixed, and the cam on said rockshaft will push the carriages outward and withdraw their pins from engagement with the spindles, so that all the push-pieces are freed and the voter may depress any one ot each group. Connection with the other rockshafts is el'lected through cranks 2, allixed to all the rock-shafts, and a rod ff, connect ing said cranks. A spring i, acting against a pin on the rod d, restores the rock-shafts and their cams and winds the cord on the drum when the lid is closed.

As an indicator to show the voter that he has depressed a push-piece to the proper extent I arrange a gong in connection with the spindles which carry the push-pieces. A frame j', pivoted to the sides ot the box, extends along under the lower ends of all the spindles ot one serios, which project through the bottom of the support b. An arm of this frame extends under an arm of a pivoted strikerj, so that upon depression ol' any one ofthe spindles the gong will be struck. One

gong is'made to sull'ice for two series ot spindles by the following arrangement: A second and larger frame 7o is pivotcd to the sides ot the box and extends under the spindles ot' IOT) IIO

another series, and also extends under the strikerj, and upon depression of any one of the spindles of this other series the gong will be struck.

When the voting is to begin, the registering-wheels are all set at zero. The voting is done, as already made apparent, by depressing the push-pieces which stand opposite the names of the candidates to be voted for, and a special implement is provided to accomplish the depression of the push-pieces, said implementJ being illustrated in Fig. 6. It comprises a handle n, in which is rotatively supported a spindle n', ball-bearings n2 being arranged in the handle, so that the spindle may turn readily. The upper end of each pushpiece is preferably made with a conical socket o, and the end of the spindle is correspondingly tapered, as at 0,-to engage said socket. It will be seen that with this form of implement the part held in the hand Adoes not turn, while the part engaging the push-piece may turn therewith.

Vhen the voting has been completed, the cover comprising the transparent plates and supporting-frame is removed, as are also the ballot-sheets, and the registering mechanisms are -visible through the transparent plates which have been supporting the ballot-sheets and the vote can be quickly counted and Will be absolutely correct.

The numerous advantages possessed by a machine v embodying my invention Will be readily recognized. The machine is compact and the parts are comparatively few, while at the same time the capacity is very large and a ticket of any size can be accommodated.

The operation required of the voter is exceedingly simple and easily explainable to the most ignorant. The implement used to depress the push-pieces Will be connected by a chain or other suitable means With the box and will be always at hand. The voter is notified by the sounding of the gong When a push-piece has been depressed to the required. extent to register his vote, and hence there is no likelihood of a vote not being registered. Each vote is registered by positive mechanical means and absolute accuracy insured. The ballot-sheets are thoroughly protected and rendered inaccessible, so that there is no possibility of their extraction or mutilation. At the same time they are completely visible. The vote being registered as taken insures speedy returns. The returns are read Without gaining access to the registering mechanism through the transparent ballot-supporting plates, and tampering with the mechanism cannot be accomplished `Without detection. Absolute secrecy is established. The lid of the box, which conceals all the ballot-sheets and the mechanism, must be closed down after each voter has voted and raised again for the next voter, and in raising the lid all the parts are restored to normal adjustment, so that it is impossible to tell hoW'the preceding voter voted. The operating implement adapted for insertion in the orifices containing the pushpieces enables said push-pieces to be compactly arranged, because they do not require individual heads large enough to sustain the pressure of the operators finger, the handle n and its spindle serving as a head for every push-piece.

In order to facilitate the setting of the registering-wheels at zero, each Wheel is Weighted at a point opposite the zero-mark, (see e', Fig. 2,) and the shaftf, which supports the wheel, engages slots t in the frame, so as to be capable of sufficient movement to disengage the Wheels from the gears or worms and allow them to be rotated to their initial or zero position by the Weights z, set-screws t regulating the adjustment of the shaft.

When the machine is not in use, the registering-Wheels are locked in their zero adjustment by means of rods m, inserted through registering openings in the Wheels. These rods are Withdrawn by the supervisor When the machine is to be put in use.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as neW,'and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. In a voting machine, the combination of a suitably constructed inclosing casing having provisions for supporting an elongated ballot sheet; registering Wheels Within the casing said Wheels having a common axis which extends in the direction of longitudinal extent of the ballot-sheet support, and each Wheel being rotatively independent of all the others; and actuating pieces, one for each Wheel, and arranged in line at one side ot' the ballotsheet support so as to register with the names in the ballot-sheet.

2. In a voting machine, the combination of a suitable inclosing box or casing, registeringmechanism on suitable supports therein and having actuating means accessible at the top of the casing, and a transparent cover extending over the registering-mechanism and supporting a ballot-sheet adjacent to the actuating devices of the registering-mechanism, the latter being visible through the transparent cover When the ballot-sheet is removed.

3. In a voting machine, the combination of a suitable inclosing box or casing, registeringmechanism on suitable supports therein and having actuating means accessible at the top of the casing, a transparent cover held by the supports of the registering-mechanism and carrying a ballot, and a transparent cover extending over the ballot.

4. In a voting machine, the combination of an inclosing box or casing having a number of transversely-extending supports on the interior, registering-mechanism Whose actuating devices extend through said supports at the top, transparent plates resting on said supports and confined laterally thereby, ballotsheets on said plates, and a cover having ltransparencies extending over the said bal- IOO IIO

lot-sheets between the transverse supports, said cover confining the ballot-supporting plates longitudinally.

5. In a voting machine, the combination with au inclosing box or casing having a transversely-extending interior support, of a plurality of registering-wheels loosely mounted on a common shaft and each rotatively independent of the others, and headless pushpieces operatively connected with said wheels respectively and extending through the transverse support, in which they are countersunk.

G. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality of registering mechanisms, pushpieces operatively connected therewith respectively, a carriage having locking pieces for engagement with each push-piece when in its outermost ornormal position, said carriage adapted to be moved to its locking position by an inward movement of any one of said push-pieces, and means for releasing the earriage, substantially as described.

7. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality of registering wheels, springpressed push-pieces operatively connected therewith respectively and each having a driving shoulder and a locking shoulder, a springpressed carriage having spring-pressed pins projecting behind the driving shoulders ol the push-pieces and adapted for engagement with the locking-shoulders thereof, and means for releasing the carriage from its locking adjustment.

S. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality of registering-wheels, push-pieces operatively connected therewith respectively, a carriage having locking-pieces for engagement with each push-piece when in its outermost or normal position, said carriage adapted to be moved to its locking position by an inward movement ot any one of said pushpieces, and means for releasing` the carriage, which means control access to the ballot.

9. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality of registeringwheels, springpressed push-pieces operatively connected therewith respectively and each having a driving-shoulder and a locking-shoulder, a spring-pressed carriage having spring-pressed pins projecting behind the driving-shoulders et the push-pieces and adapted for engagement with the locking-shoulders thereof, and means for releasing the carriage from its loching adjustment, which means control access to the ballot.

l0. In avoting machine, the combination of a plurality of registering wheels, springpressed push-pieces operatively connected therewith respectively and each having a driving-shoulder and a locking-shoulder, a spring-actuated longitudinally and laterallymovable carriage havin g spring-pressed pins projecting behind the driving-shoulders ol the push-pieces and adapted for engagement with the locking-shoulders thereof undcrlongitudinal movement of the carriage, and means for moving the carriage laterally to disengage the pins from said locking-shoulders, said means controlling access to the ballot.

ll. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality ot' registering wheels, spring pressed push-pieces operatively connected therewith respectively and each having a driving-shoulder and a locking-shoulder, a spring-actuated longitudinally and laterallymovable carriage having spring-pressed pins projecting behind the driving-shoulders ol' the push-pieces and adapted for engagement with the locking-shoulders thereof under longitudinal movement of the carriage, a spindle carrying a cam to acton the carriage and move it laterally to release its pins from the locking shoulders of the push-pieces, a drum on said spindle,` and means for operating' said drinn, which means control access to the ballot.

l2. In a voting machine, the combination with an inclosing box or easing having a hinged lid, ot a plurality of registering-wheels within the box, push-pieces operativelycon neeted therewith respectively and cach having a drivingshoulder and alocking-shoulder, a spring-actuated longitudinally and laterally-movable carriage having spring-pressed locking-pins projecting behind the drivingshoulders of the push-pieces and adapted for engagement with the locking-shoulders thereof under longitudinal movement ot the earriage, and suitable connections between the carriage and the box-lid whereby the raising of the lid moves the carriage laterally and releases its locking-pins from the shoulders of the push-pins.

13. In a voting machine, the combination with an inclosing box or casing having a hinged lid, of a plurality ot' registering-wheels within the box, push-pieces operatively connected therewith respectively and each having a driving-shoulder and a locking-shoulder, a spring-actuated longitudinally and laterally-movable carriage having spring-pressed locking-pins projecting behind the drivingshoulders of the push-pieces and adapted for engagement with the locking-shoulders thereof under longitudinal movement et the carriage, a spindlehaving a cam to act against the carriage and move itlaterally, a drum on said spindle, and a flexible connection between the drum and the hinged box-lid.

lit. In a voting machine, the combination of a registering-wheel, a spring-pressed longitudinally-movable and rotatable spindle having a spiral groove, atixed pin engaging said groove, and a worm on the spindle and in gear with the registering-wheel, said worin being rotatively engaged with the spindle but held. from longitudinal movement.

l5. In a voting machine, the combination of two or more sets or rows ot' push-pieces longitudinally movable to operate on the registering mechanism, a bell, a pivoted striker, and bars extending across the rows ol push-pieces respectively, and each having an arm engaging an arm of the striker.

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16. A voting machine, comprising in its construction a series of countersunk push-pieces movable in orifices or guides in the casing of the machine, and a single independent pusher insertible in and removable from either oriiice for operating said push-pieces.

17. A voting machine comprisinginits construction a series of countersunk push-pieces movable in orifices or guides in the casing of the machine and socketed in their outer ends, and a single pusher having a tapering end for engagement With the sockets of the pushpieces and insertible in and removable from any one of the orifices, substantially as and for the purpose described.

18. In avoting machine, the combination with registering mechanism, and a rotatable and longitudinally movable push-piece for operating the same, with provisions for converting longitudinal into rotary movement thereof; of a push-piece comprising a handle to be grasped by the operator, and a spindle rotatable in said handle and adapted to act on the push-piece, substantially as described. In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses, this 20th day of November, A. D. 1893.

,lOl-IN MCTAMMANY.

Witnesses: A. D. HARRIsoN, F. PARKER DAVIS.

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