US549901A

US549901A - davis

Info

Publication number: US549901A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1895-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 1912-11-19

Description

(No Modal.) 10 Sheetsf-Sheet 1.

S. E. DAVIS.

VOTING MAGHINB.

No. 549,901 Patented Novl 19, 1895.

1..; J Il 1 I ---JV (No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 2.

S. E. DAVIS.

VOTING MACHINE.

Patented Nov. 19

AN DREW B.GRAHAM, PHUTOLITHQWSHINGTDN, ILC.

Rw t Du .e h S. s t Dv e h S N S I V A D E S d. d 0 M 0 m VOTING MACHINE.

Patented Nov. 19, 1895.

11 muflfl.

10 Sheets-Snead 4.

(No Model.)

s. B. DAVIS. VOTING MACHINE.

No. 549,901. Patented Nov. 19, 1895.

(No Mom.) 1o sheets-sheet 5.

s. E. DAVIS. l VOTING MAGHINE. No. 549,901. Patented Nov. 19', 189599 (No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 6.

S. E. DAVIS. VOTING MACHINE.

mail

mili.

ANDREW BLIAKAM.PHUYOUHIQWASIIINTNMDL.

Model.)

S. E. DAVIS. VOTING MACHINE.

' PatentedNo'v. 19,1895.

Willi/T55 n AN lDREW EGMHAM. PHOTO-LITHU- WASHiNTUPLD C.

10 Sheets-Sheet 7.

(No Model.) 1o sheets-sheet 8.

S. E. DAVIS. VOTING MACHINE.

No. 549,901. Patented Nov. 19, 18951 (No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 9. S. E. DAVIS. VOTING MACHINE.

Patented Nov. 19,1895.

\\\ \\\LQ`N AN DREW BRMIAM. PHUTO-LITHUWASMI NGTON. D-Q

(No Model.) 1o sheetssheen 10. S. E. DAVIS. VOTING M-AGHINB.

Patented Nov. 19,1895..

lGRANAM. PMUTO-LTTHO.WASHINGTON.D (lv UNITED STATES APATENT OFFICE.A

SYLVANUS E. DAVIS, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR, BY DIREOT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, OF SEVENTY-ONE ONE-HUNDREDTHS TO DANIEL B. PLATT, GEORGE B. SELDEN, JAMES F. IIUTOHISON, AND ALEXANDER K. HONE, OF SAME PLACE.

VOTING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 549,901, dated November 19, 1895.

Application filed March 4, 1895. Serial No. 540,466. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SYLVANUS E. DAVIS, a

citizen of the United States, residing at Rochester, in the county of Monroe, in the State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in Voting-Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings. My invention relates tol certain improvements in the type of voting-machines described in my Patent No. 526,668, dated September25, 1894,which improvements are fully described and illustrated in the following specification and the accompanying drawings, the novel features thereof being specified in the claims annexed to the said speciiication.

In the accompanying drawings, representing my improvements in voting-machines, Figure l is a horizontal section of the votingbooth, showing door and the key-plate. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the booth as seen from the left hand in Fig. l. Fig. 3 represents the revolving door detached. Fig. 4 is a vertical section through the booth on the line 4 4, Fig. 1, showing the manner of supporting the revolving door. Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of the booth, the top being omitted, and showing the means for operating the resetting-bar from the revolving door. Fig. 6 is a partial side elevation of the toothed ring at the top of the revolving door, showing the mechanism for releasing the door to permit the entrance of a voter and the counter which indicates the number of voters admitted to the booth. Fig. 7 is a partial plan view of the same. Fig. 8 is aside elevation of the locking-plate of the door-releasing mechanism and bell-crank lever detached. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the same as seen from the right hand in Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the locking-dog and locking- Vplate of the door-releasing mechanism. Fig.

11 is a side elevation of the same as seen from the right hand in Fig. 10. Fig. l2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 13 is a side elevation of one of the pushes, the counter-operating lever, and the locking mechanism. Fig. 14 is a vertical section of the supportingplate on the central line of one of the vertical lines of pushes, showin g the counter-actuating mechanisms in side elevation and also the irregular balloting device and the questions-voting mechanism. Fig. 15 is a partial rear elevation showing, also,the irregular balloting devices andthe questions-votin g mechanisms. Fig. 16 is a partial rear elevation showing the mechanism for operating the locking-plate and the irregular balloting devices. Fig. 17 is a side view of the same. Fig. 1S represents the connection between the straightticket push and rock-shaft in side view. Fig. 19 is a rear elevation of the same. Fig. 2Q is a sectional side elevation of the irregular balloting device. Fig. 21 is a rear elevation of the same. Fig. 22 represents the irregular ballot-holder. Fig. 23 is a side elevation of one of the counters of the multicandidate group, showing the interlocking door. Fig. 24 is a partial rear elevation of the multicandidate group. Fig. 25 is a front viewof one of theinterlocking doors of the multicandidate group. Figs. 26 to 31, inclusive,lrepresent modified forms of locking devices. Fig. 32 is a side view of the counter which Aindicates the total number of votes cast for any particular candidate. Fig. is a front elevation of the same.

A voting-machine embodying my present improvements comprises a suitable supporting-plate, a series of movable slides or pushes adapted to be operated by the voter, a corresponding series of counters which registers the votes cast, counter-actuating mechanisms, interlocking mechanism whereby the actuation of more than one push in any one vertical line by any one voter is prevented, mechanical locking mechanism controlling the counters, and devices whereby the apparatus is reset or restored to normal position when the voter leaves the booth. Irregular balloting devices and questions-voting mechanism may also beemployed, if desired. v y t The general appearance of my improved machine to the voter in the booth is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 of my said Patent No. 526, 66S, the supporting or key plate being provided with a series of openings through which the pushes slide, such openings being arranged in horizontal rows comprising the pushes representing all the candidates of any one political party and in vertical lines comprising all the candidates for any one oice.

The irregular ballotin g devices, if used, are preferably arranged in a row below the rows of pushes representing the regular candidates, and the questions-voting mechanism may be arranged either above or below the rows of pushes. A push is provided, preferably, at one end of each horizontal row of pushes, whereby the counters of the candidates of any one political party are actuated at once, such device being employed for straight-ticket voting.

Suitable name-plates are arranged on the support, indicating to the voter the names of the candidates and the titles of the ofiices to which they are to be elected, and similar plates are used on the back plate to indicate the counters corresponding to the pushes devoted to the diiterent candidates. The irregular balloting devices are also provided with placards indicating their use, and each pair of questions-voting mechanism is provided with a placard indicating the particular amendment or question to which it is devoted, and the pushes of each pair are labeled For and Against7 or Yes7 and No, or words of similar meaning.

In the accompanying drawings, A represents the key plate or support; B, the pushes; C, the push-rods 5 D, the counter-actuating levers; E, the toothed wheels of the counters, and F the locking-rods, which are also used for interlocking the different pushes in any one vertical line against each other. G represents the irregular balloting device, which is also interlocked against the regular pushes in the same vertical line by the rod F.

H represents a rock-shaft, one for each horizontal row of pushes, by which the movement of theV straight-ticket push I is transmitted to all of the corresponding rows of pushes.

The operation of the counter actuating mechanism will be understood from Fig. 13, in which the movements of the various parts are indicated by full and dotted lines.

The push B may project beyond the keyplate, as shown, or it may be arranged to slide in a tube attached to the plate. The voter in casting a vote pushes in one of the pushes B, as indicated by the dotted lines.

The push-rod C bears against the upper operated is shown in Fig. l-that is, the

end a of the counter-lever D, and the movement of the push swings the counter-lever from the position shown by the full lines in Fig. 13 to that indicated by the dotted lines. The counter-lever is pivoted at b, and it is provided with the pallets c c", having inclined surfaces, which engage with the teeth e oi3 the counter-wheel E and impart to it a step-by-step motion at each movement of the counter-lever. The complete to-and-fro oscillation of the counter-leverD imparts to the toothed counter-wheel E one-tenth of a revolution.

The iirst or units disk or wheel o, Fig. l5, of the counter J is attached to the toothed wheel E and revolves with it. The second or tens wheel or disk o of the counter is operated from the first, and the third or hun.- dreds wheel o2 is operated from the second. l/Vhen wheel o makes a complete revolution, the second wheel o makes one-tenth of a revolution, and the same relation obtains between the second and 'third wheels. The wheels or disks o o 02 are provided with a series of numerals, extending from O to 9, which show through horizontal slots d in the back plate K, Figs. 13, ll, and l5, thereby indicating the number of votes cast for the different candidates. lt will thus be understood that each oscillation of one of the counter-levers will actuate its corresponding coun.- ter, so as to change the numbe s showing through the slot and increasing the total of the number indicated by one unit. It will also be perceived that since the pallets c c/ of the co unter-lever are always engaged between the teeth c of the wheel E on one side or the other such movement of the counters is positive and certain, being produced by parts which are always in mechanical engagement with each other. Onlythe first inward movement of the push is transmitted to the counter, and any subsequent movement of it, if such could be produced by the voter, would not affect the counter, since the rods C are not attached to the levers D. The voter therefore cannot vote more than once for any one candidate. The wheels or disks of the counter are connected together by operating mechanism, which is also mechanically posithe position it occupies when a vote has been cast and before the voter leaves the booth. The parts are restored to normal position and the count completed by the voter as he passes out of the booth by mechanism hereinafter described.

Supposing two hundred and twenty-two votes already registered on the counter J, which corresponds to the push B', the condition of the counter after the push B has been units-indicatore has been moved so as to conceal the iigure EZ behind the edge of the slot d in the plate K,but not far enough to uncover the figure 3, the blank surface of the indicator between the figures showing through the slot. The counting, therefore, is not completed until as the voter leaves the booth the counter-lever and the push are restored to normal condition, and the units-indicator is moved so as in the supposed case to display ICO IIO

IZO

the figure 3 through the slot. The counter will then indicate two hundred and twentythree votes. A similar operation takes place for each vote cast. The fact that in my invention the counting is not completed until the voter has left the key-plate and passed outside of the booth absolutely prevents the possibility of fraudulent voting inside the booth.

The counters and counter-levers are supported in any suitable manner from the plate "A. In the accompanying drawings the counters and counter-levers are supported by a series of plates or bars L, attached to the plate by suitable arms or brackets. Some of these plates L are made wide enough to support the straight-ticket rock-shafts II at suitable intervals along their length. At their lower ends the plates L L are sustained by the arms M, Figs. 14: and 15, which also serve to carry the plates N of the questions-voting mechanism. At the upper part the plate A is bent over, as indicated at A, Figs. 13 and 14, so as to afford support to the plates L IJ, which are attached thereto by means of rivets through suitable ears on the plates or in any other suitable manner. The inner ends of the push-rods C slide in holes in the horizontal bars r, which are attached to the narrow plates L by angle-clips or are supported by being passed through openings in the wide` plates L. The inward motion of the pushes B is limited by the counter-levers or by any suitable stops-such, for instance, as lugs or shoulders n on the rods C, abutting against the bars fr. The counters are supported so as to revolve freely on the studs h, secured to the plates by nuts or other suitable devices. Each stud is provided with a pivoted eccentric z' or other suitable device, by which the counter-wheels and the toothed wheel E are permitted to be moved laterally on the shaft to disengage the counter-wheels from each other or the toothed wheel from the pallets of the counter-lever, so that the counters can be set at zero previous to the commencement of an election.

Instead of being supported on separate studs the counters may all be carried by a shaft extending lengt-hwise of the plate and supported by the plates L and provided with any suitable devices for disengaging the counters when it is desired to return them to zero.

The counter-levers are pivoted at l) to the plates L by any suitable form of bolt or stud. A counter is omitted at E, Fig. 14.

The straight-ticket rock-shafts II are provided with a series of arms Z, which operate the push-rods C when a straight-ticket is voted. The push-rods C are provided with pins, lugs, or collars n, against which the arms l bear. rlhe rock-shafts and arms move the push-rods in one direction only, the rods moving independently of the arms when the voter operates one of the pushes; but when the straight-ticket push I is operated the rockshaft Il is given a partial rotation and the arms on it actuate the push-rods and counters of the whole row or of any particular section thereof for which arms are provided. Thus by using two or more pushes I for each row, arranged at different points, and making the rock-shaft II in corresponding sections, provision may be made for voting at one operation for any particular class of candidatessuch as Federal, State, county, city, (to. The push I may be arranged so that its outer end is normally flush with the plate, or, as shown, it may project in front of the supporting-plate as a plain rod or cylinder adapted to slide in the oriiice in the plate. The inner ends of the pushes I are supported in any suitable way-such, for instance, as an angle-ironattached to one of the plates L or L. The push I slides through an opening in the angle-iron, a suitable stop being provided which prevents the outer end of the push being forced in too far. The mechanism by which one of the pushes I is arranged to operate its corresponding rock-shaft II is represented in Figs. 1S and 19. The rock-shaft II is provided with an arm j, which is operated by the pivoted lever k, connected with the push I. L2 is a vertical bar or plate, which carries the pivot m of the straight-ticket mechanism. The movements of the various parts are represented by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 18. The inward movement of the push, through the lever 7c and army', imparts a partial rotation to the rock-shaft II, which movement, through the arms l, actuates all the push-rods and counters of any one horizontal row oi' pushes, thus enabling the voter by a single motion to vote for all the candidates of his party.

The counter-levers D are provided with angularly-arranged arms q, to which the locking and interlocking rods F are pivoted, as indicated at Qc, Fig. 13. The locking-rods F are provided with positive mechanical locking devices of a character similar in certainty of action to that which has characterized all my improvements in this class of machinery. Then one of the pushes is pushed in by a voter, it actuates the corresponding counter-lever and counter, the corresponding rod F rises, and its return movement is prevented by a device which is mechanically positive and certain in action and is not dependent on springs or friction. For this purpose I have devised a number of devices, one of which is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.

The locking-rod F when forced upward opcrates a mechanical lock, which absolutely prevents any movement of the rod and its counter-lever after the voter has actuated the pushes until by passing out of the booth he operates mechanism which completes the counting and restores the parts to normal position ready for the next voter. It is necessary that when one of the rods F has been thrust upward by the voter pushing in the ICO IIO

push such rod cannot be returned by skill, dey sign, or accident until the voter has moved out of the booth. rlhis requirement is an indispensable requisite in this class of machines, which must give absolutely accurate and reliable results. It must be a matter of absolute mechanical certainty that the voter can only vote once for a candidate for any particular office. In order to secure this degree of certainty, l have devised the construction shown in Figs. 1 3 and 14. In this case the rods F are each provided with a pivoted dog s, which as it moves upward makes contact with a stop Q, by which its lower end t is swung over the upper edge of theV bar R, with which it makes a positive engagement, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 13. e is the pivot on the rod F, on which the dog swings. The dog is provided with a projection u, which as the rod rises, by contact with the stop Q, swings the lower end t of the dog over the bar R. A positive engagement is thus formed between the rod and the bar, and the rod remains in its elevated position, with the dog s locked on the bar R and the pallet c of the counter-lever D engaged between the teeth ofthe counter-wheel E, and the counter thus locked until the voter on passing out of the booth actuates mechanism by which the bar R is swung upward by its shaft w, so as to release the dog s, the rod being forced down and the push returned by the same mechanism.

lt will be understood that the weight of the lever q and the rod F will act to return the push to normal position at any time before ready described.

the actual locking of the dog` on the bar has taken place, so that any weak or partial movement of the push has no eifect on the counter. The voter is instructed that he must push the pushes in until they remain and do not return, and then when they do remain in their inward position he has the assurance that his vote is duly cast, the dog s being engaged with the bar R. The bar R is provided with a longitudinal groove y, Fig. 13, in which the point t of the dog s engages, said point passing over the ledge .e as the rod F rises and the projection u makes contact with the stop Q. The surface of the bar R between the ledge ,Z and the rock-shaft w is smooth and may be slightly inclined, so that the point of the dog slides freely over it.

Above the upper ends of the interlocking tal line of the center of the shaft.

shaft w is supported in any convenient manl ner, as by arms or brackets attached to the rods F is placed the resetting-bar O, which extends the whole length of the key-plate A and receives an up-and-down movement from the door of the booth, as hereinafter described. The resetting-bar is arranged to slide in suitable ways or guides attached to the casing F of the booth., and its downward movement is utilized to unlock. the rods F by swinging the locking-plate R, as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 13, and to push the raised rods F downward,'thereby completing the counting movement of the counters and restoring the pushes to their normal positions. of the resetting-bar is also used to operate the irregular balloting devices and to restore the Q metal.

The downward movement stood from Figs. 13 and 16.

questions-voting mechanisms to normal condition, as hereinafter more fully described.

The operation of the resetting-bar in moving the plate R, so as to unlock the dogs and allow the rod F to descend, will be understood from Figs. 15, 1G, and 17. Attached to the resetting-bar is one or more vertical bars S, which reciprocate up and down with the resetting-bar. These bars S are preferably arranged one at or near each end of the keyplate. The rock-shaft w, which carries the locking-plate R, is connected to the reciprocating bar S by the lever h2 and the arm Z2, Figs. 16 and 17. The lever 7b2 is pivoted at m2 to any convenient part of the machine or an arm attached thereto, and at n2 it is connected to the bar S by a pin and slot. The arm Z2 is fastened to the rock-shaft fw and connected with the lever h2 by a pin p2. As the bar S descends, the locking-plate is swung about the shaft w, so as to unlock the dog' s by disengaging its point t from the groove y, the movements of the parts being represented by the full and dotted lines in Figs. 13 and 17. The locking-plate R is restored to its normal position (indicated by the full lines) by the ascent of the bar S. The stop Q is carried by arms r2, which extend upward from ,the locking-plate R. The shaft w and rod Q extend behind the locking-rods of all the vertical lines of pushes, and the shaft w may be connected to a reciprocating bar, like S, at

each end by mechanism similar to that al- It will be understood that each of the locking-rods F, and also the locking-rod F of the irregular voting device, is provided with its locking-dog s, arranged to engage with the locking-plateRwhen the rod is raised in the manner already described.

The locking-plate may extend tlie whole length of the rods, or it may be made in sections. The locking- )late is fastened to the rock-shaft w -in any suitable manner. As shown, it is secured thereto by a piece of sheet metal u2, Fig. 13, which is bent around the shaft and fastened thereto by pins or riv- The locking-plate is riveted to the sheet It may, however, be secured to the shaft in any other suitable way, and it may be located either above or below the horizon- The rockets.

key-plate, or by the vertical bars or plates L l L2, Figs. 15, 16, and 17, L2 being also used to support the pivots m of the straight-ticket I mechanisms, of which there is one for each horizontal row of pushes, as indicated in Fig. 15. The rock-shaft w may be supported at suitable distances throughout its length.

The plate L2 may extend from the top to the l bottom of the key-plate, being supported in i any suitable way.

The interlocking mechanism will be under- The interlocking rods F and F are provided with a thinned IOO IIO

upper end g2, below which there is a beveled shoulder or shoulders q2. At the upper ends of the interlocking rods is placed a suitable frame T, having an opening through which the rods slide and in which are located the beveled interlocking blocks r2. In the form of machine represented in the accompanying drawings there are seven interlocking rods, one for each of six regular candidates for a given office and one for the irregular balloting device. The frame T] is consequently in this case arranged to interlock the rods in groups of seven-that is, suitable stops Q92, Fig. 1G, are secured in the frame at suitable distances apart, so as to limit the lateral movements of the interlocking blocks, so that only one rod in every group of seven can be thrust upward at any one time. The beveled surfaces q2 on one of the interlocking rods spread the blocks r2, so as to fill up the whole space between the stops m2, so that when one rod in any group has been raised the other rods are prevented from being raised by their shoulders q2 coming in contact with the blocks, which cannot be spread any farther. Since the interlocking rods are operated by the levers D from the pushes after one of the pushes has been actuated and its rod forced through between the blocks tithe other pushes cannot be operated, because their rods cannot be forced between the blocks; nor can the irregular balloting device be used in case one of the regular pushes has been operated; nor in case the irregular balloting device has been operated can any of the regular pushes be actuated.

The casing or frame T is constructed and supported in any suitable manner for the purposes described, and the stops x2 are secured therein in any suitable way. The frame may be continuous the whole length of the keyplate, or it may be made in suitable sections, or a separate frame may be employed for each group of interlocking rods representing a vertical line of pushes and the corresponding irregular voting device. As shown, the frame T is supported by the top plate A and the stops x? are secured in the frame by pins or screws. At the right hand of Fig. 1G one of the rods F is shown as thrust through the interlocking blocks v2 in the frame, after which, the blocks being spread as far as the stops allow them to go, none of the other rods of that particular group can be operated, their corresponding keys or pushes being locked until the voter on leaving the booth restores the parts to their normal position ready for the next voter. The interlocking blocks are made somewhat wider than the rods, as shown, so that they are supported by their ends in the frame or frames. The rods are always guided between the blocks by the thinned ends c2. The distance between the stops x2 is equal to the thickness of all the blocks and the thinned ends g2 plus the thickness of one of the rods. Then only one rod can be thrust between the blocks, and the remaining rods of the group are interlocked until the parts are restored to normal position by the descent of the resetting-bar as the voter passes out of the booth. It is obvious that insteadof being placed above the line of pushes the frame T and its interlocking blocks might be placed at one side or belowthe pushes. The advantage of placing these parts above the pushes is that the gravity of the rods tends to restore the pushes to normal position until the pushes are moved far enough to lock the rods; but counterweights might be employed to secure a similar advantage in any other location of the interlocking frame and blocks.

It will of course be understood that rollers or other suitable shapes may be employed instead of the beveled blocks herein shown; but I find from practical experience that such blocks are smooth and certain in action and afford greater wearing surface than any other form.

In some cases,for economy of space,the rods F are thinned to receive the dogs s, as represented in Figs. 13 and 16.

The relation between the locking devices and the interlocking devices is such that when one of the rods F or F has been forced upward to the position where itis locked by the dog s and the locking-plate R the shoulder q2 has been thrust through between the interlocking blocks, and the rod is not only locked against any return movement, but also the other rods and pushes of t-he group are interlocked, so that they cannot be operated until the voter on leaving the booth depresses the resetting-bar.

The construction and operation of the irregular balloting` device will be understood from Figs. let, l5, 16, 17, 20, 2l, and 22.

The voter who desires to cast an irregular ballotsay for himself or any other person not a regular nominee of any of the political parties-or who desires to split a ticket, such as the electoral ticket at presidential elections, can obtain either outside, on application to the proper authorities, or inside the booth a ballot-holder similar to that shown in Fig. 22. Such ballot-holder consists of a metallic case, preferably cylindrical, which can be opened, so as to admit of the insertion therein of any desired ballot, written or printed on on paper or partially written and partially, printed. The irregular voter places his ballot, however prepared, in the ballot-holder described, and, being admitted to the votingcompartment, inserts the holder in an opening in the key-plate arranged, preferably, below the pushes for the regular candidates. The ballot-holder O', Fig. 22, is inserted by the voter through the orifice V,Fig. 20,in the keyplate A, and in so doing the rod C2, Fig. 20, is thrust inward, operating the lever D2, which raises the interlocking rod F, so that all the pushes for the regular candidates for this particular office in question are locked against this particular irregular voter. An irregular voter cannot vote for any regular candidate for the office for which he has chosen to vote ir- IOO IOS

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regularly. "When the ballot-holder O is inserted in the oriiice in the plate, it pushes back the rod C2. This operates the lever D2,and this in turn raises the rod F, and bythe interlocking mechanism lalready described prevents the irregular voter from voting for any of the regular candidates for the oiiiee in question. Any suitable mechanism may be employed for the purpose, and the ballot-holder may be ot' any suitable shape, square or round, the irregular balloting devices being adapted to such shape. In the construction shown in the accompanyi n g drawings, the ballot-holder O being cylindrical the parts of the machine are given a corresponding form. W is a semicylindrical case attached to the key-plate and forming the upper half of the receptacle into which the ballot-holder O is inserted. The lower part of the receptacle is movable, and arranged so that when the voter leaves the booth the ballot-holder is discharged into a suitable box, to remain there until counted by the election authorities. X', Figs. 1G, 17 20, and 21, represents the lower or movable part of the ballot-holder receptacle, which as the voter leaves the booth is depressed by the movement of the resetting-bar and the rod or rods S, so that the ballot-holder is discharged into a suitable box or compartment, where it remains until the election authorities at the close of the polls open it and count the vote therein contained. The lower half of the irregular ballot-holder receptacle is swung downward by the descent of the resetting-bar O and its rod or rods S, so that the ballot-holder falls into a suitable ballot-holder box, there to remain until at the close of the election the vote therein contained is counted by the proper election authorities. The lower part X of the ballot-holder receptacle is pivoted at Y, Fig. 17, to any suitable part of the machine and connected with the rod S by the arm y2.

The movements of the parts are indicated by the full and dotted lines in Figs. 1G, 17, and 20. M', Figs. 2O and 21, represents a passage or chute down which the ballot-holders are delivered to a suitable box or receiver. The lower movable part X' of the ballot-holder receptacle is attached to a rock-shaft Y,which extends along behind all the irregular balloting devices, and is connected with the bar S by the arm y2, Figs. 16 and 17 The rod G2 extends inside the ballot-holder receptacle and prevents the insertion of a ballot-holder in case any of the regular pushes in the same vertical line have been operated, since the rod F is thereby locked against movement by the interlocking devices. The parts are so is empty-that is, it swings down when a voter is passing out of the booth through the door and is returned to place before the next voter enters. Both the upper and lower parts of the ballot-holder receptacle may be conveniently made by being struck up out of sheet metal. a2, Figs. 2O and 2l, represents ears by which the stationary part w is attached to the key-plate. The shaft Y is supported by the plates L at suitable distances apart. The rod C2 is supported in any suitable way, so as to slide freely, as by the ear Z2 on the casing lV and the ear llon the plate L or L. e is the widened end oi' the lever D2, against which the rod C2 bears. The lever D2 is pivoted at b4 to the plate L. The arm q2 ot' the lever is bent or offset, so as to allow of its being pivoted to the lower end oi' the interlocking rod F. In fact, the arms q of all the counter-levers D are bent so as to make the proper connections with their corresponding interlocking rods F. b2 is a guard at the upper end of the chute lll. rlhe ballot-holder is made separable in any suitable manner, as represented in Fig. 22. It will of course be understood that the mechanism for voting for regular candidates may be used without the irregular balloting devices.

The questions-voting mechanism will be understood from Figs. 14:, 15, 1G, and 17 and the following description: It consists, essentially, of two pushes B2, Figs. 14E and 16, two counters J J2, Fig. 15, and suitable locking and interlocking mechanisms, substantially similar to the devices already described. One of the pushes B2 is used to vote afiirmatively on the question and the other to vote against it. Each of the pushes B2 is provided with a push-rod C2, acting on a palleted counter-lever D, pivoted to the locking-rod F2, which also acts as an interlocking rod.

The counter-levers D are pivoted at b5, Fig. 14E, to the plate N, which carries the stud of the counter J lThe rod F2 is provided with the dog s2, which engages with the lockingplate R2 in a manner similar to that already de- .Scribed with reference to the locking mechanism of the regular pushes. The locking-plate R2 is swung upward to unlock the dog S2 and the locking-rod by the downward movement of the bar S, as represented in Fig. 17. locking-plate R2 is attached to the shaft Y2, provided with an arm Z5, connected with the le ver h2, which is pivoted to the rod S. When the rod S descends, the shaft Y2 is turned and the locking-plate R2 is swung upward,as indi- The IOO

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cated by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 17,

and the point of the dog s2 is disengaged therefrom. p2, Fig. 17 is a stud which connects the arm Z5 and the lever h2, passing through a slot in the plate L2. A stop Q2 is arranged to co-operate with a lug or projection u on the dog S2 to insure its engagement with the locking-plate R2. The stop Q2 is supported from the locking-plate by the arms r2. rlhe rods F2 F3 of each oi` the counters J :nageur 'A J2 are provided with the pivoted dogs s2, and these rods serve also to interlock the counters against each other, as indicated in Fig. 1G. T2 is a frame, containing in this case a single interlocking block r2. lVhen one of the rods F2 F3 is thrust upward, the whole space in the fra-me T2 is occupied, and the unused counter of the questions-voting mechanism cannot be operated. The frame T2 is supported by a suitable plate 102, carried bythe bars M, or in any other suitable manner. lt will of course be understood that any suitable number of questions-voting mechanisms may be employed, and that they will all be reset or restored to normal position by the descent of the resetting-bar O2, attached to the bar O by the rod or rods S or other suitable connections. The shaft Y2 is supported by the plate L2 or by any of the other upright plates at suitable distances apart. The horizontal parts of the levers D are bent to bring them in the proper relation with the locking-rods F2 F2, or the rods themselves may be offset for this purpose, as may also be practiced for the rods F of the pushes for the regular candidates. Suitable apertures are made through the back plate K, through which the counters J J2 may be read, and suitable placards are placed on the plate to indicate the question voted on and the number of votes cast for or against it. The counters J J2 are provided with toothed wheels operated by pallets on the levers D/ in the same way as already described.

The construction and operation of the multicandidate group will be understood from Figs. 23, 24, and 25. In this case, where two or more candidates for the same office are presented by the saine political party, the pushes are protected by interlocked doors, which are moved to one side by the voter before he can obtain access to the pushes. The pushes, counters,counter-levers,and straightticket mechanism are of the same construction as already described. Thus in Figs. 23, 24, and 25, B3 represents the keys or pushes; C4, the push-rods; D2, the counterlevers; E", the toothed counter-wheels; H2, the straightticket rock-shafts, and F2 the locking-rods. The pushes Bgare protected by the doors S', in connection with the plates or flanges U2,which are attached to the key-plate and extend along over the pushes B3. The doors S are pivoted to the key-plate at V2, Fig. 25, and are connected with the interlocking rods F2. The doors S are given a suitable form, adapted in connection with the flanges U2 to entirely surround the pushes B2. They are provided with curved flanges g2, Fig. 25, which surround the pushes, extending from the pivotal point V2 to the 'lianges U2. Inside the keyplate the studs V2 of the doors are provided with arms R2, connected by links z2 with the interlocking rods F2. These rods are bent or offset at their lower ends, as shown atpl, Fig. 25, to meet the links The interlocking rods F are separate from the locking-rods F2, and move independently of the latter. The upper with the locking-plate R7.

ends of the interlocking rods F9 are thinned and shouldered, as already described, and arranged to co-operate with the interlocking blocks in the frame T5 in a manner similar to that already described. The rods F8 are simple locking-rods. They do not interlock, the interlocking being effected between the doors S', which protect the pushes B2 of the multicandidate group. The rods F8, which are operated by the pushes B2 through the rods C'1L and the counter-levers D2, are provided with locking devices similar to those already described-viz., the dogs 35 and the locking-bar R7. The interlocking rods F2 are provided With locking-dogs s, which also engage with the locking-bar R7. w'T is the rock-shaft, which operates the -lockin g-bar RT in the same manner as that already described with reference to the rock-shaft w. When the voter desires to vote for one of the candidates in the multi-candidate group, he swings the door S of the proper push downward, as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 25, and this movement raises the corresponding interlocking rod F9 and causes its dog s to engage with the notch in the locking-plate RT, so that the rod is locked in its elevated position. He then actuates the push B2, and this by the rod Cl and lever D2 operates the toothed wheel F.4 and its counter, and raises the locking-rod F2 and engages the dog S5 lVhen the door S is opened and the interlocking rod FJ operated, the upper end of the rod is thrust in between the interlocking blocks t5. lf there are two candidates offered by the same party for the same office in the multicandidate group, the frame T5 is so arranged for two of the adjacent lines of pushes that their corresponding series of' interlocking blocks o5 o, Fig. 24, will permit two of the interlocking rods F9 to be inserted between the blocks, which rods may be either both in the same vertical line or one in each of the lilies. In this case the wedge or block 72, Fig. 24, between the series of blocks o5 o6, will be movable laterally in the frame, and the blocks '4 fixed in place sufficient space being left .i .7 7

between the blocks j* and to permit the insertion of two of the interlocking rods F9. The stationary blocks, asjtj, in the case mentioned, are secured in place by pins or screws 7a4, Fig. 24. The irregular voting device for each vertical line of pushes is arranged as already described, its interlocking rod F10, Figs. 23 and 24, extending upward and engaging with the interlocking blocks. The rod F10 is provided with a locking-dog similar to those on the other rods, arranged to engage with the locking-plate. An arm p5, Fig. 23, may be placed on each of the locking-rods F2, adapted to engage with a pin in the corresponding locking-rod, so the locking-rod is returned to place by the interlocking rod, or the resetting-bar may be made wide enough to contact with both the locking and interlocking rods. The locking-rods are of the IOO IIO

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same thickness throughout their lengths, being arranged to slide through suitable openings in the frame T5. In case there are three candidates for an ofiice in the multicandidate group, the stopsjl between three of the series of interlocking blocks would be removed and space allowed between the stops at the ends of the series of three for the insertion of three of the interlocking rods, and a similar arrangement is made in case the multicandidate group has to be arranged for four or iivc candidates.

The construction and operation of the revolving door will be understood from Figs. l to 5, inclusive. The door consists of a hollow cylinder T, arranged to revolve on a vertical axis, and provided with an opening U, Fig. 3, through which the voter enters the booth.

The voter passes into the revolving door at U, Fig. l, and then turns Vthe door partially around so that he can enter the booth from the door when the opening U is opposite V, Fig. l, after which he leaves the booth by entering the cylindrical door and then turning it so that he can pass out through the opening U at U. The revolving door an d its opening are made of suitable dimensions. The door is formed of sheet metal, being provided with suitable depressed hand -holes g5 by which it is revolved. After a voter has passed out the inspector or other election official turns the door so as to admit the next voter. The casingP of the booth is provided with suitable openings through which the voters enter and pass out, the sides of the door projecting beyond the casing, if preferred, or the casing may extend inward at the edges of the openings to meet the surface of the door. A single opening through the casing of the booth may be used for the entrance and the egress of the voters, but it is preferable to have two openings, as rapid voting is facilitated by keeping the line of intending voters separate from those who have already voted. Inside the booth the cylindrical door is surrounded by a casing WV, Fig. l, provided with an opening V through which the voter enters the voting compartment. The revolving door is supported on a series of antifriction balls or rollers p, Fig. 4. A ring f is attached to the top of the door, and m is a corresponding ring supported from the booth by the arms X. Each of the rings f and m is provided with a groove in which the balls or rollers p are placed, so that the door T may revolve freely, its weight being sustained by the ring m. The opening in the ring m is closed by a cover Y,which may be made cone-shaped, and which prevents a voter while inside the cylindrical door from interfering with any of the mechanism. A lamp may be hung from the top of the cone to illuminate the interior of the cylindrical door. In order to prevent the door from turning backward, I provide a suitable ratchet and pawl-sueh, for instance, as the toothed ring Z attached to the upper part of the door,

inclusive.

` to the bar p.

and the ratchet a' pivoted to the casin or a bracket. The arms X are attached to the top of the booth or to the cross-bars b Z1 eX- tending from the casing YV to the side of the booth. The ring Z also carries the cam C, which operates the resetting-bar O through the levers G H. The cam C is provided with a cam-groove into which the end of the lever G projects. The lever G is pivoted at z" to the bar l, and the lever lil is pivoted at f to the bar K. The levers G Il are connected together by a suitable joint at i, Fig. 5, and the lever li is attached to the resetting-bar O by a suitable connectionj, Fig. 4. The bars I and l are attached to the casin gs P and XV so as to sustain the levers in proper positions. The levers should be protected from persons inside the booth by a suitable casing, or they may be placed above the top of the booth and protected in any suitable manner.

The mechanism for controlling the operl ation of the revolving door and for indicating the number of voters admitted to the booth is shown in Fig. 2 and in Figs. 6 to l2, On the side of the booth is placed a push Zo, which serves to unlock the door to permit the entrance of a voter and to actuate the counter Z, Figs. 6 and 7 which shows the number of voters who have entered the booth. The push 7c slides in a suitable support, its inner end bearing against a bell crank lever m, pivoted at n and connected At its upper end the bar p is pivoted to the lever q", which, when moved upward, releases the door T and actuates the counter Z. The inspector, when ready to admit an intending voter to the booth, pushes in the push Zt, thereby operating the counter Z and raising the lever q, so as to disengage the stop r from the lug s on the door, thereby permitting the door to be turned. The parts remain in this position until, as the door revolves, the stud Z on the door restores the parts to their first positions. A locking device, similar to that already described, retains the rod p in its elevated position until, as the door revolves, the stud t', striking against the bell-crank lever u', releases the lock on the rod p and the rod is then allowed to fall, completing the count on the counter Z and restoring the push 7s to normal position. To the upper end of the rod p is pivoted the locking-dog s2, the point t2 of which engages in a groove or notch y in the locking-plate R, when the rod p is raised, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 10. As the door T revolves, the stud t trips the bellcrank lever u, raises the locking-plate R, as shown by the dotted lines in Figs. S and 10, and disen gages the locking-dog` s2, so as to permit the bar p to fall and restore the push Zt to normal position. An arm fv, connected to the locking-plate R, rests against the horizontal part of the bell-crank lever u. Zhen the stud Z on the door strikes against the depending part of the bell-crank lever u', the

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other part elevates the arm 114 and the locking-plate R', and the dog s2 is released, so as to allow the rod p to fall to its original position. The point t2 of the dog s2 is disengaged from the notch in the locking-plate R when the latter is lifted by the shaft g4, and the rod p is then allowed to fall by its own grav- Y l', which is of a construction similar to that already described and is arranged to show the total number of voters admitted to the booth through a slot (Z4, Fig. 2, in the casing. Vhen the stud t trips the locking-plate R, the lever q falls and the stop r is projected into the Y path of the lug s', thereby arresting the door in the locking-plate R.

with the openingU in position to admit a voter into the door, as indicated in Figs. l and 2. The locking-plate R and the bell-crank lever u are supported by any suitable bracket attached to the casing P-such, for instance, as the bent bar Z22, Fig. 7. c2, Fig. 7, is an arm attached to the casing XV, which supports the pivot d2 of the lever q. The bell-crank lever u is pivoted to the bent arm b2 at f2, Figs. 7 and 9. g is a shaft to which the lockingplate R and the arm o are fastened. The shaft g turns in the bent arm b2. A stop Q is provided for the dog s2, which insures the engagement of the point t2 with the notch in the locking-plate R4. The dog s2 is provided with a projection u2, Fig. l0, which, as the dog is carried up by the upward movement of the rod p, comes in contact with the stop Q4 and thus insures the engagement of the point 252 of the dog with the notch or groove The stop Q is supported from the locking-plate by one or more arms As the locking-plate swings on the shaft g', the stop Q is moved out of the Way of the dog s2. The plate 5', which supports the counter Z and the pivot of the counterlever a, is attached to the casing of the booth in any suitable manner. It will be understood that various changes may be made in the mechanism for controlling the operation of the revolving door, or that any other suitable devices may be employed for this purpose.

g2, Figs. 2 and 5, is a speaking-tube, by which communication maybe had between the voter inside the booth and the inspector.

7a2, Fig. l, is a door in the casing of the booth, which may be employed, if circumstances require, to obtain access to the voting-compartment without operating the resetting-bar.

In Figs. 26 to 3l, inclusive, I have shown modilied constructions of the locking devices for the locking-rods. Their construction will be readily understood from the description engages with the locking-bar R4, as indicated by the dotted lines. The dog s4 is pivoted to the rod F4 at o4, and its lower end-t4 engages over the edge of the bar R4 when the rod is raised. 104 and :r4 are guides attached to the top plate. As the dog rises with the rod, an inclined projection g4 on the dog comes in contact with the guide x4 and throws the lower end t4 of the dog over the locking-bar, the upper end a4 of the dog being guided by the guide 104. The rod will thus. be locked on the bar until the bar is rocked by a connection with the resetting-bar, in a manner similar to that already described. The shaft w3, carrying the locking-bar R4, is operated in the same way as the rock-shaft w, Figs. 16 and 17. The movement of the rock-shaft w3, as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 26, releases the rod F4, and the parts are then restored to normal position. The interlocking frame T4 and blocks @5.are the same in all the modified forms of locking devices as those already described.

In the form of locking device shown in Figs. 28 and 29, the rod F6 is locked by the sliding locking-plate e2, which as the rod rises is pushed into a notch or recess cl3 in the rod bythe arm G2, having the inclined surface is. The locking-plate c2 slides through one or more suitable supports n3. The arm G2 is pivoted to the rod at q2 and isbent so as to extend parallel to the rod, being provided near its upper end with the inclined surface i3, which engages with an opening .z2 in the sliding locking-plate c2. As the rod rises, the inclined surface t3 forces the locking-plate e2 toward the left in Fig. 28, and engages it in the recess d3, by which the rod is locked against any return movement. The arm G2 is held in place by the stop N', which is carried by the arm or arms f3, secured to the rock-shaft '105, the movements of which are controlled by the resetting-bar inthe manner already described. To unlock the rod F5 the rock-shaft w5 receives a partial rotation, the stop N' swings downward, and the bar R5, attached to the rock-shaft, swings the arm G2 away from the rod, draws the locking-plate e2 out of the recess d3, and by unlocking the rod permits the parts to be restored to normal position. The locking-plate e2 may be provided with a' lip r4, which secures its engagement with the rod.

A locking device which operates by a differential movement is represented in Figs. 30 and 3l. In` this case the locking-rod F is provided with a pivoted cross-bar P', to one end of which is attached the interlocking rod F7 and to the other end the arm G3, which operates the locking-plate e3. n4 is a suitable support for the locking plate c2. A notch or recess d4 is formed in the rod F7 for the locking-plate. When the rod FG is thrust upward, the cross-bar P swings on its pivot IOO IIS

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255, the rod FT is forced upward until the interlocking is effected, and the further upward movement of F7 being arrested by a lug or pin h3, or other suitable device, the arm G2 rises and its inclined surface 4 moves the locking-plate e3 to the left and engages it with the notch d4, so as to lock the rod F7 in place. The rod F6 will be also locked, a stop 04 being provided for the cross-bar P. It will be understood that the arm G3 may also be used to insert the locking-plate e3 in a recess in t-he rod F6. The arm G3 is supported by the stop N2, carried by the arm b on the rockshaft w. The bar R" is attached to the rockshaft w, which is operated from the resetting-bar, as already described. The movement of the rockshaft w withdraws the locking-plate e3 from engagement with the notchv d4 in the rod F7, and the parts are then restored to normal position by the continued movement of the resetting bar. Various other modified. forms ofl locking devices may be employed in connection with my improved Voting-machine.

The resetting-bar may be given a sufficient range of movement so that the locking-rods are unlocked before the bar comes in contact with their upper ends. In case the rods do not then descend by their own weight they are forced down and the pushes returned to normalposition bythe resetting-bar, which is operated positively by the power of the voter. on the door. This feature of the positive restoration ofl the parts is important, as any resistance produced by dust or corrosion is thereby overcomea result which cannot be secured where the parts are restored by springs or gravity. ItA will. be understood that the resetting-bar may be operated by any other suitable form of entrance or exit door, or other suitable device, such as a turnstile. The push I of the straight-ticket mechanism renders the operati on of voting' straight similar to the operation of voting selectively, the voter pushing a rod into the plate in each case, while the larger and longer push at one end of the horizontal row is readily recognized, aside from special designations by placards, colors, or emblems to indicate the political party to which any particular push belongs. The casing I around the revolving door may be brought close up to the surface of the door at g4, Fig. 7, so as to prevent a person outside from looking into the booth, or an additional guardv or shield may be located at this point for this. purpose. The lower part of the door may be guided so as to run true by the rollers c3, Fig. 5, supported by the easing in any suitable manner. The placards or name-plates e4 are preferably placed immediately above the pushes orcounters to which they correspond, both on the key-plate and the back-plate. The number of the horizontal rows of pushes, &c., is madel to correspond with the number of political parties. Any of the pushes which are unnecessary at any given election can be covered by suitable plates attached to the keyplate. The speaking-tube j? is fitted with wire-gauze 0r other suitable material, which will permit sound to pass, but will not allow the voter in the booth to be observed. It will be understood that under certain arrangements of the parts herein shown a lockingbar without the notch y may be employed. The pushes may be arranged to be used as pulls, the member which is moved by the voter being in either case a slide. Under certain arrangements the locking-bar may itself act as the lockingV device, the principle of returning the push to normal position by the gravity of the rod or parts connected therewith being retained, so that the voter is iny formed-he has not voted until the push or slide remains in the position to which the voter has actuated it. 7o, Fig. 7, is an interior casing which covers the counter Z4, and which may be provided with a suitable lock. In case pushes are used which come flush with the plate, the doors S/ may be simple plates or covers.y

In order to assure the voter while inside the booth that his manipulation of the pushes has operatedthe voting mechanism, I provide the counter shown in Figs. 32 and 33, which is arranged so as to be visible through a slot in the key-plate or any convenient extension thereof. The counter J3, Figs. 32 and 33, is of the same construction as those already described, being provided with the toothed wheel and palleted lever Dit. The teeth e5 of the wheel E5 are, however, preferably made with a greater inclination on one side than the other, the pallets being formed to correspond, so that in the particular arrangement shown in the drawings the counterwheel receives nearly its whole motion from the upwardy movement of the lever D1, such construction serving to bring the figures on the counter in suitable alignment. The counter-lever D4 is operated by the locking or interlocking rods or other suitable moving part of the machine actuated by the voter at the time he manipulates one of the pushes or slides, so that he perceives from the movement of the counter that he has actuated the mechanism of the machine and that his vote is recorded. There is one counter for each line of pushes for each office, and the counter is arranged to be operated by any one of the pushes in such line or by the irregular balloting device. In case the straight ticket is voted all the counters which are visible to the voter will be operated simultaneously, and these counters at the close of the election will indicate the total vote cast for the regular candidates for any particular ofce. In the arrangement shown the lever D4 is provided with an arm or bar I2, which extends over the lockingrods of the line of pushes and is adapted to be thrust upward by any one of them. The descent of the bar and The lockiu g ICO IIO