US559921A - Liamson - Google Patents

Description

No Model.)

D. O. WILLIAMSON. TABULATOR FOR TYPE WRITING, TYPE SETTING, 0R ANALoGoU's MACHINES.

No. 559,921. Patented May 12, 1896.

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ANDREW B GRAHAM PnUTO-UTHQWASHINGHJM DC NITED STATES ATENT OF ICE.

DAVID CHARLES WILLIAMSON, OF NElV YORK, N. Y.

TABULATOR FOR TYPE-WRITING, TYPE-SETTING, OR ANALOGOUS MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 559,921, dated May 12, 1896.

Application filed December 29, 1894. Serial No. 533,270. (No model.)

To (LZZ whom it 77Zf/j/ con 007 a.-

lie it known that 1, DAVID CHARLES WIL- LIAMSON, acitizen of the United States, resid ing in New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tabulators for Type-lVriting, Type-Setting, or Analogous Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to indicators, guides, or scales for assisting the operator in performin g tabular work on such machines as typewriters, type-setters, printing-machines, and the like, and aims to provide an improved tabulatorfor this purpose.

The invention will be described as applied to a type-writing machine, a use for which it is especially adapted, and for the purposes of illustration it will be shown as used with that type of machine of such class known as the Remington type-writer. In typewriters particularly it is customary to employ a movable platen or paper-carriage bearing the paper on which the impression from the type is taken and movable longitudinally throughout regular predetermined spaces, called letter-spaces, to provide for the succeeding letters or other characters going to make up a printed line, and movable laterally or rotatively to provide for the spaces between the lines known as line-spaces. This carriage moves relatively to a stationary base. On one of the parts is a point or index and on the other a scale or index, these devices being movable, the one relatively to the other, to indicate the point at which the impression will be made. The scale is usually the fixed member and the pointer the movable member, the former corresponding with the length of line printed by the machine and the latter indieating on the former the number of the space at which each succeeding impression will be made. In tabulation on such machines it is necessary to note the number of the space at which the decimal point of the first line of figures or characters is placed or some other point which shall be common to all the succeeding lines, and thereafter, in printing subsequent lines, to compute from this point the number of spaces to be required by each succeeding line and then adjust the carriage accordingly. This requires great care,eonsumes much time, and involves considerable risk of error. To expedite this operation, tabulators have heretofore been applied beyond the end of the carriageand have consisted of plates or levers constituting guides and stops, by operating which the carriage could be stopped at a certain point.

My present invention aims to provide a simple attachment for machines of the class specified which shall be convenient and effective for assistance in the operation of tabulating and shall not interfere with the ordinary use, size, or convenience of the machine.

To this end in carrying out my invention I provide the improvements which will be hereinafter fully set forth, and specified in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of the frame and carriage of a typewriter provided with the preferred form of myimproved tabulator. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tabulator therein shown on a larger scale. Fig. 3 is a side elevation thereof, the scale-bar carrying it being in section.

Referring to the drawings, let A indicate the frame of the type-writer; B, the carriage thereof; O,theprinting-roll; D,thepapercarried thereby; E, the scale on the frame A; F, the carriage-track; G, the antifriction-wheel of the carriage riding on this track, and II the pointer or index on the carriage and cooperating with the scale to indicate the space or point at which the succeeding type-impression will be made on the paper. As thus far described, the parts are or may be of any known, usual, or suitable construction, it bein g only essential that the machine shall have a pointer or indicator and a scale or index, the one movable relatively to the other and jointly serving to indicate the point or points at which succeeding impressions shall be made.

My invention provides an improved tabulating device for facilitating the operation of printing a plurality of lines of figures or characters in a vertical column, and this device comprises an auxiliary scale or index and a pointer, the one movable relatively to the other in correspond ence with the relative movement between the impression-giving and the impression-takin g parts of the machine,

and the one having graduations or suitable marks indicating an initial or prominent point or space to be taken as a guiding point or space in effecting the tabulation. In its preferred form the pointer is the movable member and the scale the normally stationary member, the former carried by the carriage and permanently located relatively thereto and the latter carried by the frame and adjustable thereon. In this form the auxiliary scale is best constructed as a piece I, and the pointer or index utilized may be that ordinarily employed, in the construction shown the pointer H. The piece I according to my invention has distinctive marks or graduations J, those shown being identical in their ordinary construction with the graduations K of the scale E, but the graduations .I are peculiarly arranged or distinguished to represent a certain part or parts of a tabular column. Those shown, which are especially designed for use with the metric system, for example, in the tabulation of sums in dollars and cents, have a distinctive point a, represented by a blank or double space standing over the decimal point, at left of which are two marks or points Z), standing, respectively, for tenths and hundredths of a unit, or dimes and cents, and at right of which are three marks 0, standing, respectively, for units, tens, and hundreds. Following this is a blank or double space or other distinctive portion (Z, representing the division between hundreds and thousands, beyond which are three more marks or divisions 6, representing thousands and tens and hundreds of thousands, followed by another distinctive divisional portion f, indicating the space between hundreds of thousands and millions, and two or more marks g, indicating millions and tens of millions.

In use the auxiliary scale and pointer are relatively adjusted to bring the space a coinciding with the oneimpression position of the impression-taking member of the machine at which it is desired that the decimal point of a column of figures shall be situated, in such manner that when the pointer is opposite this point or space the impression will be correspondingly situated on the paper, and then from this adjustment the starting-point for each line of figures is computed by simply reading on the auxiliary scale the figures of the line to be printed and adjusting the pointer from the decimal point to the commencement of such line of figures by shiftin g the impression-taking member accordingly. If, for example, $0,543.21 is to be written, and the pointer stands at the decimal space a, the operator will shift the carriage to the right until the pointer coincides with the graduation standing for thousands, when he will print 6, and the carriage w ill then feed itself to the adjacent dividing-space (Z,where he may print a comma or simply leave a blank by striking the space-key, thus bringing the pointer to the hundreds-mark, where he will printja 5, bringing the machine to the tensmark, where he will print a l, and then to the units,where he will print a 3, thus carrying the pointer to the decimal mark, where he will print a decimal point, thereby feeding the point-er to the dimes-mark, where he will print a 2, from whence it moves to the cents-mark, where he will print a 1. Now to bring a succeeding line properly beneath the line thus printed, the operator will move the carriage until the pointer coincides with the mark corresponding with the firstv figure in the new line without paying any particular attention to the location of the previous line. If the first figure is in the tens column, he will simply shift the pointer until it reaches the tens-mark and strike in his figures, which we will say are $10. For the next line, which we will say is $100,000, he will shift the earriage until the pointer reaches the hundreds of thousands mark and print in this line without the necessity of observing the others. It follows, from the fact that the first line of the table has corresponded with the graduations of the tabulator, that each subsequent line, so long as the tabulator is undisturbed, is properly disposed relatively to those preceding it. Hence the operator is not put to the necessity of memorizing any point of the column nor of computing the starting-point for any line of figures.

To enable the location of the column of figures at any point on the impression-taking member, the auxiliary scale and the pointer must be relatively adjustable, so that the one can be brought into coincidence with the other at any position of the impression-takin g member, and to facilitate the location of the column at the desired point relatively to the ordinary scale of the machine the adjustable portion of the tabulator should be disposed relatively to the ordinary scale to indicate with what part of the latter its graduations are corresponding. To accomplish both these purposes, I prefer to mount the adjustable part of my improved tabulator on or in proximity to the ordinary scale of the machine and construct this part so that both its graduations and the ordinary graduations shall be visible to the operator. This part is usually the scale-piece I, which, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, consists of a thin plate of elastic metal having a body h, lying flat on and detachable from the scale-plate E, having an outwardly-projectin g handle portion 1 elastic elipsj, frictionally embracing the inner side of the scale-bar E, inwardly-projeeting cars opposite said clips and embracing the edge of the scale-bar E to prevent the displaeem ent of the piece, a guide or indicator L for coinciding with the grad nations K to indicate when the tabulator-scale is in proper position relatively to the ordinary scale, a fastening lock or catch M, snapping into the indentations of the graduations K to assist in checking the auxiliary scale in coincidence with the graduations of the ordinary scale to fasten it thereto and to prevent its accidental displacement, and visual parts a, through which may be seen the numbers of the ordinary scale. These points are preferably all formed from a single integral sheet of metal bent to the proper form and having at front a cut-out place N, through which the minor graduations of the ordinary scale may be seen. To advance the ordinary scale-bar E from the frame A sufficientl y to make room for the clips j, I insert a wire or rod 0 between the bar E and the frame A, passing the looped ends of this rod around the usual fastening-screws P, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

It will be seen that my invention provides an improved tabulator for type-writing and like machines, which can be variously and conveniently availed of, and it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular features of construction and arrangement set forth and shown, as it may be employed according to such modifications thereof as circumstances or the judgment of those skilled in the art may dictate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In machines of the character shown, wherein the scale E is fixed to the frame and the pointer II moves with the carriage, the scale is known as a reverse scale or graduation, because its readings are taken in the opposite direction to those of the resulting printing. To avoid this, it is customary to transpose the ordinary scale and pointer, putting the former on the carriage and the latter on the frame, so that the pointer is stationary and the scale moves past it. This gives what is known as regular indication, the scale and the printed matter corresponding in position and both reading from the same point. This transposition does not effect any material change in the function of these parts and does not present any obstacles to the use of my invention with them.

To facilitate the use of the auxiliary tabulating-scale with an ordinary scale, which is either fixed relatively to a movable pointer or movable relatively to a fixed pointer, my invention comprises as one of its features in its preferred form the construction of the tabulating-scale as a reversible part, which may be employed with the use of either end as the initial or prominent point of the scale. This is best accomplished in the manner shown, wherein in Figs. 1 and 2 the scale I has at each end graduations which are exact duplicates of those at the other end. For example, the prominent point or space a and the prominent point or space f correspond in position and in relation to the remainder of the graduations with each other, and at the outer side of each are two graduations, those I) being at the left of the point a, and those g at the right of the point f. In the use shown in Fig. 1 the graduationsj) would correspond to tens and hundreds of a unit and the graduations g to millions and tens of millions; but were the ordinary scale movable and the pointer stationary, if the auxiliary scale maintained the position shown relatively to the pointer, the graduations 9 would stand for tens and hundreds of a unit and the graduat-ions b for millions and tens of millions. lVhen thus constructed, the scale may be slipped onto the ordinary scale of a machine having either reverse or regular graduations, and can be used with equal facility with either, because of the duplication of graduations at its ends.

It will be understood that any number of auxiliary scales may be employed, it being most convenient to use one for each column of figures to be printedwhen several columns are to be printed side by side; also that the length and the character or relation of the graduations may be varied to suit convenience or the circumstances of use.

hat I claim is- 1. In type-writing and analogous machines, a fixed frame, a movable carriage, an ordinary scale fixed to one of said parts, and a pointer carried by the other of said parts and indicating on said scale the impression-taking position, in combination with an auxiliary sliding scale-piece havingpermanent graduations mounted on, sliding relatively to, and of less length than, said ordinary scale, having graduations adjacent to the graduations of the ordinary scale and exposing the graduations of the latter at a point opposite its own graduations, whereby said pointer indicates the movement of the carriage relatively to both said ordinary and said auxiliary scales and means connecting said ordinaryand auxiliary scales, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In type-writin g and analogous machines, the combination with the frame, fixed scale having grad nations mounted thereon and movable carriage, of an auxiliary scale-piece having permanent graduations mounted on, adjustable on, and of less length than, said fixed scale, and having a visual portion opposite its graduations where the graduations of the fixed scale can be seen, means movably connecting said ordinary and auxiliary scales, and a pointer carried by and moving with said carriage opposite said fixed and auxiliary scales, and indicating on both the movements of the carriage relatively thereto.

3. In type-writing and analogous machines, the combination with the frame, fixed scale thereon and movable carriage, of an auxiliary sliding scale-piece having permanent graduations mounted on, sliding relatively to, and from end to end of and of less length than, said fixed scale, and having a visual portion opposite its graduations where the graduations of the fixed scale can be seen, and a pointer carried by said carriage opposite said fixed and auxiliary scales and indicating on both the movements of the carriage relatively thereto.

at. An attachment for type writing and analogous machines having an ordinaryscale and apointer, amovable carriage and aframe, said attachment consisting of an auxiliary scale-piece having permanent graduations corresponding with those of said scale, said piece of less length than and adjustable relatively to said ordinary scale, having fastening provisions adj ustably engaging said ordinary scale and fastening it thereto, having a portion overlying in use the ordinary scale, and having a visual portion through which the graduations of said ordinary scale can be seen, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. An attachment for application to the ordinary scale of type-writing and analogous machines, consisting of an auxiliary scalepiece having a permanent scale consisting of graduations disposed in use out of line with the graduations of an ordinary scale, having a visual portion through which the graduations of an erdinar T scale can be seen, and having fasteners for movably attaching said piece over the ordinary scale of a machine, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. An attachment for type-writing and analogous m achines eonsistin g of a scale-piece I having graduations 3, clips j, and indicator L, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

'7. An attachment for type-writing and analogous machines eonsistiu g of a scale-pi ece I having graduations J, indicator L, clips j, and catch M, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. An attachment for a type-writing or analogous machine, consisting of an auxiliary scale-piece having graduations, and having means movably connecting it to the scale of a machine, and having a fastening M fixing it in position on such scale.

9. An attachment for the ordinary scales of type-writin g and analogous machines, consisting of an auxiliary scale-piece having a body applicable to an ordinary scale, having graduations adjacent to those of an ordinary scale when the attachment is applied to the latter, having fasteners movably connecting it to an ordinary scale, and having a projecting handle of greater projection than the thickness of said body by grasping which it can be slid on an ordinary scale.

10. An attachment for the ordinary scale of type-writin g and analogous machines, consisting of an auxiliary scale-piece having a body fitting on the graduated face of such scale, permanent graduations on said body adjacent to but out of line with those of the ordinary scale when the auxiliary scale is applied thereto, fasteners holding the auxiliary scale to an ordinary scale, and a cutout part N opposite the graduations of an ordinary scale when the auxiliary piece is applied thereto.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

DAVID CHARLES WILLIAMSON. lVitnesses:

GEORGE II. FRASER, THOMAS F. WALLACE.

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