US570812A

US570812A - Voting-machine

Info

Publication number: US570812A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1896-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 1913-11-03

Description

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

L. Y. MOGONNBLL.

I VOTING MACHINE.

No. 570,812. Patented Nov. 3, 1896.

ms moans PETERS co. woruumo. wAswnc-Ypu. by c (N0 Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

L. Y. MoOONNELL.

VOTING MACHINE.

No. 570,812. Patented Nov. 8, 1896.

WITNESSES Q (2. ana

A TTOHNE Y.

ms annms warms co. PHDTO-UTHO wAsuwu'roN. n c.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

L. Y. MQGONNBLL.

VOTING MACHINE.

No. 570,812. Patented N0v.3, 1896.

WITNESSES (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

L. Y. MQOONNELL.

VOTING MACHINE.

Patented Nov. 3, 1896.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

LOUIS Y. MCCONNELL, OF ROCHESTER, NElV YORK.

VOTING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 570,812, dated November 3, 1896.

Application filed July 31, 1895. Cerial No. 557,799. (No inodelf To all LUhOIIL it nuty concern:

Be it known that I, LoUIs Y. McCoNNELL, a citizen of the United States. and a resident of the city of Rochester, in the county of Menroe and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Voting-Machine, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in Which Figure 1 is a rear elevation of one of my machines. Fig. 2 is an elevation of a portion of the front thereof. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of one of the handles. Figs. at, 5, and G are respectively rear, side, and front elevations of one of the register-actuating disks. Figs. 7 and 9 are respectively rear elevations of one of the independent balloting devices, shown in different positions. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of one of the independent balloting devices, shown in the same position as Fig. 9, with the guard-plate removed. Fig. 10 is a cross-section on the line 10 10 of Fig. 1, but showing the register and name-holder in side elevation. Fig. 11 is a rear elevation of a portion of the questionvoting devices. Fig. 12 is a side elevation of one of the independent balloting devices and the connected parts. Fig. 13 is a central section of an independent ballot-case. Figs. 14. and 15 show modifications of the mechanism for releasing the registeractuatng disks, and Figs. 16, 17, 1S, and 10 show modifications of the look-out and returning mechanism.

The object of my invention is to produce a simple and efficient voting-machine having, among other things, means for selective voting, group mechanism, question-votin g mechanism, and independent balloting mechanism.

My invention consists in the mechanisms, combinations, constructions, and arrangements of parts hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In the drawings, A is a vertical plate, preferably of iron or steel, which supports all the parts and which is perforated by a series of holes, through which the stems or bolts 7) of the keys or handles B are passed, and which is also perforated, when independent balloting devices are used, by a series of apertures '3, Fig. 2, for the insertion of the ballotcases hereinafter described. The plate A supports the working parts and divides the voting-booth into two parts, one of which is accessible to the voter and the other of which is accessible only to the inspectors or other authorized officials. Each key or handle B is provided with a pin 1), Fig. 3, which moves in a curved slot 72', (see Fig. 2,) in the outward face of a boss B fixed upon the front face of the plate A. The ends of the slot form stops to limit the movement of the handle. Through the handle B and boss B passes a bolt b having a square shank, which is fixed in a square hole through the handle B, and passes through a round hole in the boss B and plate A. On the end of the bolt 1) is fixed a register-actuator composed of a disk 0, (see Figs. 4c, 5, and 0,) which bears two lugs, which I prefer to make as pulleys O O to decrease friction, arranged on opposite sides of the center of the disk. These pulleys are pivoted to the disk by bolts 0 and turn freely upon the bolts. 0n the face of the disk, opposite to the face bearing the pulleys U, is a stop or cam 0, (see Figs. 5 and 6,) which actuates the mechanism which operates the registers or counters, as hereinafter explained.

An equivalent for the disk and pulleys is found in any device in a register-actuator which bends the band or chain hereinafter described so as to take up all the slack thereof.

The register-actuators are arranged on the back of the plate A in proper relation to the keys or handles B and are preferably arranged in horizontal lines, as best shown in Fig. 1, so that the series of register-actuators in the highest horizontal line represent the candidates of one political party, such as the Republican, the second line the candidates of the Democratic party, the third line the candidates of the Prohibition party, and so on, according to the number of parties having candidates in the field. The lowest horizontal row of disks in Fig. 1 represents a row of independent balloting devices for the use of voters who do not wish to vote for any of the regular nominees of any party. In Fig. 1 the live disks to the left in the lowest row represent such independent balloting devices. Upon the plate A are fixed a series of brackets D. (Shown in Figs. 1 and 10.)

These brackets are set vertically above the centers of a vertical row of the disks 0, and to each bracket is fastened a flexible band or chain D. This chain passes between the pulleys C O of each of the disks. At the bottom of each chain is fastened a suitable tension device, such as the weight D which serves to keep the chain taut. lVhen the chain is taut and straight, the weights 1) are at their lowest positions.

The series of actuators, with each of which a band or chain engages, represents the several candidates of all the parties in the field for the same oifice, as, for instance, the vertical row marked 1, to the left in Fig. 1, represents the candidates for mayor of the three parties, Republican, Democratic, and Prohibition, and an independent balloting device for other persons for the office of mayor. Rows Nos. 2, 3, 4;, and 5 represent the candidates for other offices, with a like independent balloting device in each row. On the plate A and below the independent balloting devices are a series of guides (Z, through which the chains D pass, and which also serve as stops for the upward movement of the weightsD If new one of the disks representing a candidate for mayor is turned by means of the handle B in the direction shown by the arrows, the chain D is flexed by the pulleys C, as illustrated in Fig. 1, and the corresponding weight D is lifted. The weight D is adjustably fixed upon the chain D by the set-screw d and is so set thereon that when any one of the disks 0, engaging with a chain in the rows or series Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, is turned to the limit of its motion the weight will abut against the guide (Z and cannot be further raised. It will thus be seen that when the weight D is properly adjusted upon the chain only one of the series of actuators engaging with that chain can be turned, for after one actuator has been turned the chain will be taut and another actuator in the series is prevented by the taut chain from further flexing the chain, since all the slack of the chain has been taken up by the operation of the first actuator. Hence the flexible band or chain D is capable of being flexed only to a fixed degree, and each actuator is adapted to flex the band to a definite extent, and when the band is flexed to said fixed degree by the operation of any actuator the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement.

In Fig. 16 is shown a pair of weights D holding the band D under longitudinal tension, and a pair of stops d for guiding the band and for limiting the extent of its movement, according as the weights D are adjusted thereon. On each register-actuating disk 0, instead of the pulleys O, is a plate C havin g a slot through which the band passes and which, when the disk 0 is turned, flexes the band by bending it at its two separated points of emergence from the slot at the ends of the plate. In this modification the weights D are adjusted upon the band D, so that the total possible flexing of the band is only sufficient to permit the turning of one or more of the disks as predetermined by the ad j ustment of the weights thereon.

In Fig. 17 is shown a modification wherein the disks C engage a band D, passing through stops (I, fixed upon the plate A, and 011 one or both ends of the band are fastened clips (1", which, by coming in contact with the stops d, serve to limit the amount of flexing of the band. In the clips cl are also fastened sprin (Z which are fastened in fixed brackets (1". These springs keep the band under longitudinal tension, but may yield to the extent permitted by the clips and stops to allow the predetermined number of disks C (one or more) to be turned to actuate the register.

In Fig. 18 the band D' is shown havingits ends adj ustably fixed in stationary brackets cl. The slack in the band is sufficient to permit one or more of the disks C to be turned as predetermined. A weight or spring (Z is attached to a yoke (Z which carries a roller d, resting on the band, and I thus apply the tension for returning the disks to initial position in this form of my device.

Fig. 19 shows a modification of my device when applied to a voting-machine having push-buttons as register-actuators instead of the rotary disks hereinbefore described. In this case I provide the flexible band D, the stop (Z, and the weight D as before. Upon the plate A are fastened a series of guides )I, preferably bearin g antifriction -rollers m. The shank N of the push-button is slotted to permit the band D to pass through it, and also preferablybears an antifriction-roller n. IVhen the band is taut and straight, the shank of the push-button is forced outward and the parts have the position shown with respect to the lower push-button in the figure. \Vhen a p ush-button is pressed in, the band is Ilexed by the pressure of the roller it upon it. The weight D is lifted and comes in contact with the step d. A suitable retaining device, such as is well known in this art, holds the operated push-button against a second operation until properly released, while the remaining taut portion of the band D prevents the operation of any other push-button in the series. The pawl E is pivoted to the plate A, the shank N has a notch 17., into which the pawl drops when the push-button is operated, and a bar or band 0 provided with stops 6", operates the tails c to release the pawls, sub stantially as shown in Fig. 1%.

Each of the disks 0 has a notch c in its periphery. Suitably pivoted to the plate A are a series of pawls E, arranged above the several disks and so placed that when the disk C has been moved to the proper extent the pawl will drop into the notch c and will prevent a backward rotation of the disk, whereupon, the disk being locked against fur ther rotation in the direction of the arrows in Fig. 1, by reason of the weight D abutting against the stop (7, and since the pawl E, en-

gaging in the notch 0 prevents backward movement, the disk becomes locked against further movement in either direction.

F F are a series of vertical releasing-rods moving in suitable guides uponthe plate A and bearing a pair of pins ff for each pawl E, one pin above said pawl and one below. (See Figs. 10 and 11.) The upper pin prevents any accidental throwing of the pawl too far away from the disk 0, and the pin f is so set as to prevent the pawl from dropping fully to the bottom of the notch 0 but permitting it to engage sufficiently in said notch to hold the disk 0 against backward rotation. This arrangement is for the purpose of preventing fraudulent jarring of the pawl out of the notch 0 The rods F F are pivoted to a series of arms F, (see Fig. 10,) which are connected to a transverse bar F capable of rotation in suitable bearings f fastened to the plate A above the whole series of voting devices. If the rod F is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 10, all the rods F will be lifted and the pins f, pressing against the pawls IE, will release all the operated pawls from the operated disks 0 in the ma chine, and the weights 1) will, by their tension upon the chains D, straighten all the flexed chains, which. acting upon the pulleys G, will automatically return all the operated disks 0 to their initial positions. Hence each flexible band and the tension devices cooperating with it constitute a lookout and returning device for the actuators. The rod F is actuated by an attendant in charge of the voting-booth, which contains the voting-machine, or it may be operated in a manner well understood by the movement of the door of the booth. A lever F upon the shaft F is provided for the purpose of actuating the shaft.

In Fig. It is shown a modified form of the retaining-pawls for the register-actuatin g disks and of the mechanism for releasing the pawls therefrom. The disk 0 has the notch 0 as in the-form heretofore described. The pawl E is pivoted directly upon its own register G and has an upwardly-extendin g tail 6, which is perforated near the end. Through the tail of each pawl of a series passes a bar or band 6 bearing a series of adjustable stops a IVhen the bar or band c is moved in the direction of the arrow, the stops c come in contact with the tails c of the pawls and lift the pawls E out of engagement with the notches This bar or band 6 may be operated in any suitable manner, as, for instance, if it is a flexible band, such as a chain or wire cable, it may be wound upon a pulley 6 upon a shaft ei'which is rotated to an extent sui'licient to release the pawls by the opening of the door through which the voter passes out of the booth. A tension device, such as a spring or a weight passing over a pulley, is used to keep the bar or band pulled in the direction opposite to that of the arrow, or the bar or band e may be continuous and have flexible portions passing around two pulleys, like c one at each side of the machine, and being connected to the pulley the stops are positively moved both to release the pawls from the disks and to allow the pawls to drop back into normal position. A pin c for each pawl prevents the pawl from dropping too far into the notch 0 The form just described is my preferred form.

In Fig. 15 the disks C are of the same form as hereinbefore described, but the pawls E for engagement therewith are pivoted to a bar E which extends. transversely across the machine and moves in slotted guides E The slots in the guides not only permit the bar to move longitudinally, but also to rise and fall to the proper degree. Upon the bar E there is a guide E for the free end of each pawl to limit its motion. At each end of each bar is a link E, which is pivoted to the bar and to the plate A. These two links E are parallel and guide the bar so as to cause it to move both longitudinally and vertically, as shown in full and dotted lines in Fig. 15. To the end of the bar E is also fixed a pair of togglelinks E and E one of them, E being pivoted to the plate A. A lug E upon one of these links, as IE rests upon the other link E when the two are in line, and thus holds the links in line, as shown in full lines in Fig. 15, and holds any operated pawl rigidly in place against the pressure of its disk. A releasing-bar E operated in any suitable manner by the door through which the voter passes out of the booth, is connected to the toggles E and 1 at the point where they are pivoted together. If this bar is pulled upward, it bends the toggles, and as the end of the link E is fixed to the plate A the toggles move into the position shown by dotted lines and at the same time pull the bar E in the direction shown by the arrow, thus pulling the pawls in a direction to disengage them from the notches c of the disks 0, and at the same time the links E being pivoted to the plate, compel the bars to rise, thus assisting in this disengagement.

Upon the plate A and adjacent to each disk 0 (except in the independent balloting devices) is a register G. This register is of any suitable construction adapted to count the number of times which the key or handle B is operated. In the form shown in the drawings an arm g extends outward from the interior of the register-ease, so placed that when a disk C is turned so far that the pawl E can drop into the notch c the plate or lug c presses the arm 9 upward and actuates the register. The notch c in the disk 0 is made with one side in a radius extending from the center of the disk and with the other side at an angle to said first side, as shown in Figs. 4, G, T, and 9, and the disk is capable of revolution so far as to allow the pawl to fall into the notch and then to permit a slight further movement of the disk. The movement of the disk between the point where the pawl first IIO falls into it and the pointto which it may l not connected with the straight-ticket mechfurther be moved preferably measures the extent of movement from the first engagement of the plate 0 with the arm g to the position of full movement of the arm 5 to opera-tether register; but the actuator maybe adjusted so as to operate the register as soon as the pawl engages the disk.

Vith the constructions thus far des a voter may vote for any one of a se (:i'lbOt ries of candidates for the same office, but for no;

more than one of such camlidates.

I also provide what is called strai htticket mechanism for voting for all the candidates of any particular party by the opera tion of a single handle or key, as follows: 'iransversely across the machine and adjacent to the row of disks 0, representing ti o candidates of a single party, are a series of longitudinally-s1iding rods if, moving in suitable guides 7r. At one side of the machine each rod H is provided with a rack h, (shown in Fig. 1,) and with this rack meshes a segment 11, which is operated by a handle or key on the front of the machine conn cted with a short shaft if, wh'ch bears the nient ll. of levers C which must turn whenever the disk turns. These lovers (1 pass through the rods 11 and against bearings 71?, formed in or on the rods. (See Fig. 5.) If n ow one of the segments ll is turned in the direction of the 3 arrow in Fig. '1, the levers will press aga it the bearings 7i" and will turn the disks with which the lovers are connected until the pawls E fall into the notches o. This opera tion actuates all the registers corresponding to the disks which have levers upon them.

The so-called group mechanism is for use where a party has a series of candidates in the field for a single office, as l fMllXSt't-KDCC, four constables may be nominated by each party, of which only tw can ie elected. it becomes necessary therefore for a fre i ballot that two of the whole number of candidates of the several parties for the office of constable may be selectively voted for. i therefore arrange a single band or chain if), passing through the pull ys of all the disks used to vote for constables, as rows 6, 7, S, and 9 of Fig. 1, and so arrange the steps that when any predet rmined number of actuators shall be turned the stop prevents further operation of any other disk. accomplish this, as shown in hig. 1, by fix'i the chain at one end or both ends to brackets D and by arranging th stops 0. the bottom, passing the chain around pulley D D D and connecting the weights i) to yokes D on the lower pulleys. The adjust mentof the weights D may be made so as to The group mechanism is Jpon disks C are fastened a series 1 shown in the anism for obvious reasons.

The independent balloting mechanism is shown at the bottom of the vertical rows Nos. 1, 2, I}, -;t, and 5 in Fig. .l, and the specific details thereof are shown in Figs. 7, 8, fl, and 1;. It disk .1, provided with a handle l3 and bolt U is con ected, as in the case of the balloting devices hercinbeforc described. The disk J" has a notch c, the pulleys C t), which engage the band or chain i), as with the other voting devices, and pawl. i of the same kind and for the same purposes as above described. Each disk I' has a perforation j through it, which is partir. ly surrounded by a curved shelf (Shown in full lines in Figs. 8 and 9 and in dotted lines in Fig. 7.) The perforationjregisters with the perforation ii in the front plate ii. when the devices are in readiness for voting. These perforations are of. suitable size to admit the ballot-lu'ilderii. (Shown in if this ballot-holder is inserted Fig. l through the perforation I), so as to rest upon the shel the 'disk .T may be rotated just e disks C. After the rotation of the disk .i has occurred to the extent of the limit of its motion the curved shelf j is turned so far as to permit the ballot-holder I; to fall into a receiving-box ii. A curved shield J prevents the baliot-holder h: from falling out or frombeing pushed off the shelf until the disk J has been sufficiently turned. The turning of the dim; .l pulls up the weight D until it is arrested by the stop (Z, whcreu 'wn none of the other disks G, which engage with the same chain i)", can be turned. Consequently a voter, after voting an independent ballot for his candidate for an of'iice, cannot vote a second time for the s-iamc candidate or for another inde 'iendent candidate or for one of the regular nominees for that office. When a voter desires to vote for an independent candidate, he writes the name of his candidate upon suitable piece of paper, which is inserted in the opened ballot-holder K, the cover of the ballot-holder is applied, and the whole ballot-holder 's inserted through the perforation ii, the handle corres ionding to that independent balloting device is turned, the vote is discharged into the receptacle L, and the regular and independent devices are all locked as to the opportunityof. voting for another czindidate for that office.

in independent ballotingdcvice is considered as the full mechanical equivalent for any one of the registers set forth in the claims,

so far as the operation of the key and of the lock-out and returning devices are concerned.

it the right hand of Fig. 1 are two columns of dev'ees for ipiestion-voting, and in 11 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the same. These devices are for use where questions, such as constitutional. amendments, are to be voted for. G is the register for registering the votes for one of such questions, and G." is the register for registering the votes against that question. These IlO registers are actuated by disks C, having the same attachments, retainers, and releasing mechanism as the disks for the registers G. The band or chain D is, however, preferably arranged horizontally, and each chain is attached to a lug D and passes between the pulleys O O of each disk relating to the same question, passes over a pulley D and thence downward through a guide and stop D to the weight D which is adjustable on the band or chain. As shown in Fig. 11, if the upper right-hand disk is turned the weight D will be raised until it strikes the stop D when the upper left-hand disk cannot be turned. The turning of the disk operates the register, and the pawl E, engaging with the disk, prevents further voting for or against that question until the pawl is released by the movement of the rod F, as hereinbefore described.

I provide also a stationary indicator for each key or handle. On the face of the plate A and immediately above each handle I is a card-holder, (see Figs. 2 and 10,) which in the form shown is a continuous bar having a series of perforations for displaying the names of the candidates or for a proper indication of the subject-matter to be voted for by means of the adjacent handle. This bar 0 is held to the plate A by means of bolts 0, which are fastened by means of nuts on the rear side of the plate, the boltheads on the front of the plate being smooth, so that they cannot be unfastened by a voter. A lip 0' (see Fig. 10) on the lower side of the bar 0 rests in and behind a groove in a bar 0, which is held to the plate A by means of bolts 0 which are, like the bolts 0, fastened at the back of the plate, so that a voter cannot unscrew the same. The bar 0 contains a series of glass plates, behind which the cards having the names of candidates or other subjectmatter for vote are placed, so as to be changeable for different elections. Each register G is provided with lugs g for holding a card which bears mattercorresponding to the matter upon the card on the front of the machine adjacent to the handle B for operating the register.

The independent balloting devices may have card-holders on the front of the plate A like those above mentioned, but simply indicating the office, and they may have cardholding lugs 9 but it is unnecessary to show these arrangements.

It is obvious that a weight need not be used as a stop for limiting the amount of the possible flexing of the band or chain, but that a separate stop, adjustable on the band, may be employed. It will be observed that in my device the bands or chains can be changed from one part of the device to another part thereof in order to adapt the machine to the varying circun'rstances of different elections, including enlargement or reduction of the number of actuators included in a group For instance, the group-chain mechanism.

may be fastened in any of the brackets D, and the yokes 1) may be set in any of the stops d, as tapped holes are provided for changing the positions of the stops. These holes may be filled with screws when not used. A series of supports D for wheels D permit the enlargement or diminution of the scope of the group mechanism.

It is thus seen that my voting-machine is extremely simple in its construction, is very strong, is certain in its action, is easily capable of enlargement or adjustment to suit any number of candidates or questions to be voted for, and is provided with devices for voting for regular candidates, with devices for voting for candidates selected from a single group or from a series of groups of plural candidates for the same office, with mechanism for voting for constitutional or other questions, and is further provided with independent balloting devices. Thus my machine has all the functions which are required in a voting-machine for any purpose at present known, and it cannot be cheated when properlyadjusted. All the functions of these devices are performed by simple mechanism.

It is not intended to limit my claims to the specific forms of devices shown and described, but that the scope of claims should correspond with the novelty which my machine possesses as compared with the prior state of the art, and the claims are therefore not to be limited to the exact forms or combinations stated in them, but are to be as broadly construed as their terms and the doctrine of equivalents will permit..

hat I claim is- 1. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band normally held in tension and capable of being flexed only to a fixed degree, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator adapted to flex said band to a definite extent in order to operate its register, said band being located directly in the path of movement of each actuator, but free from fixed connection therewith, whereby, when said band is flexed to said fixed degree by the operation of a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated registers are prevented from being operated, and means for preventing a second actuation of any operated actuator until every operated actuator is returned to its initial position.

2. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band normally held in tension and capable of being flexed only to a fixed degree, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator adapted to flex said band to a definite extent, in order to operate its register, said band being located directly in the path of movement of each actuator, but free from fixed connection there with, whereby, when said band is flexed to said fixed degree by the operation of a pre- IIO determined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, retaining means for holding each actuator when operated and said band and means for releasing said retaining means.

3. In a voting-1nachine, the combination of a flexible band normally held in tension and capable of being flexed only to a fixed degree, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator adapted to flex said band to a definite extent, in order to operate its register, said band being located direetly in the path of movement of each actuator, but free from fixed connection therewith, whereby, when said band is flexed to said fixed degree by the operation of a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, retaining means for holding each actuator when operated and said band, means for releasing said retaining means, and means for automatically returning every operated actuator to its initial position.

+L. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, devices cooperating with said band for limiting the amount of the possible flexing thereof, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator e11- gaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent, in order to operate its register, whereby, when said band is flexed to its full limit by the operation of a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, a key and a fixed indicator for each actuator, a pawl for engaging each actuator and for holding the same when operated, means for releasing each operated pawl, and tension apparatus for actuating said band, to return each operated actuator when released, to its initial position.

5. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, devices cooperating with said band for limiting the amount of the possible flexing thereof, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent,in order to operate its register, whereby, when said band is flexed to its full limit by the operation of a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, a key and a fixed indicator for each actuator, a pawl for engaging each actuator and for holding the same when operated, means for releasing said pawl, and-means, of which said band is an element, for returning each operated actuator when released, to its initial position.

6. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, adjustable devices cooperating with said band for limiting and varying the amount of the possible flexing thereof, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one [or each register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to 'flexisaid band to a definite extent, in order to operate its register-,uhereby, when said bandis flexed by a predetermined number of said actuators to the full extent predetermined by said adjustable devices, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, and means for preventing a second actuation of any operated actuator until it is returned to its initial. position.

7. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, adjustable devices cooperating with said band for limiting and varying the amount of the possible flexing thereof, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each. register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent, in order to operate its register-,whereby, when said band is flexed by a predetermined number of said actuators to the full extent predetermined by said adjustable devices, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, retaining means for holding each actuator when operated, means for releasing the operated retaining means, and means for automatically returning each operated actuator to its initial position.

S. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, a fixed stop, a stop moving with said band and adapted to engage said fixed stop for limiting the amount of the possible flexing of said band, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuaters, one for each register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent in order to operate its register, whereby, when said band is flexed by a predetermined number of said actuators to the full extent predetermined by said stops, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, and means for preventing a second actuation of any oper ated actuator until its return to its initial position.

9. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, a fixed stop, a stop moving with said band and adapted to engage said fixed stop for limiting the amount of the possible flexing of said band, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent in order to operate its register, whereby, when said band is flexed by a predetermined number of said actuators to the full extent predetermii'ied by said stops, the unoperated actuators are held. against operative movement, retaining means for holding each actuator when operated, means for releasing the operated retaining means, and means for automatically returning each operated actuator to its initial position.

lOO

10. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, a fixed stop, a stop moving with said band and adjustable thereon and adapted to engage said fixed stop for limiting and varying the amount of the possible flexing of said band, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent in order to operate its register, whereby, when said band is flexed by a predetermined and variable number of said actuators to the full extent predetermined by said stops, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, and means for preventing a second actuation of any operated actuator until its return to its initial position.

11. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, a fixed stop, a stop moving with said band and adjustable thereon and adapted to engage said fixed stop for limiting and varying the amount of the possible flexing of said band, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator engaging said band and adapted to flex said band to a definite extent in order to operate its register, whereby, when said band is flexed by apredetermined and variable number of said actuators to the full extent predetermined by said stops, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, retaining means for holding each actuator when operated, means for releasing the operated retaining means, and means for automatically returning each operated actuator to its initial position. 7

12. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, means for yieldingly holding said band under tension, devices cooperating with said band for limiting the amount of the possible flexing thereof, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator engaging said band and capable of flexing said band to a definite extent, in order to operate itsregister, whereby, when said band is flexed to the limit of the possible flexing thereof by a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, a key and a fixed indicator for each actuator, retainin g means for holding each actuator when operated, and means for releasing the operated retaining means, whereby the means for holding said band under tension returns each operated actuator to its initial position upon release of the retaining means.

13. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band, capable of being flexed only to a fixed degree, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of rotary register-actuators, one for each register, each actuator having means for engaging said band at two separated points and thereby adapted to flex said band to a definite extent when operated, whereby, when said band is flexed to said fixed degree by a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement, retaining means for holding each operated actuator, means for releasing said retaining means, and means for rotating each operated actuator to its initial position.

11. In a voting-machine, the combination of a flexible band capable of being flexed only to a fixed degree, a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of rotary register-actuators, each having a pair of pulleys, as C, thereon, one being at one side of the center of rotation of said actuator, and having said flexible band between said pulleys, whereby, when said band is flexed to said fixed degree by the rotation of a predetermined number of said actuators, the unoperated actuators are held against operative movement.

15. In a voting-machine, the combination of a series of independent registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, each having means of engaging with a retainer, a retainer attached to each register and adapted to engage the corresponding actuator, alock-out and returning mechanism engaging each actuator of said series and adapted to permit the operation of a predetermined number of said actuators and to prevent the operation of the unoperated actuators in excess of said predetermined number and to return said actuators to initial position, a bar or band adapted to engage said retainers to release the same from said actuators, and operating mechanism for moving said bar or band.

16. I11 a voting-machine, the combination of a series of independent registers G, a corresponding series of pawls or retainers, as E, each having a tail 0 and each pivoted to its register,a corresponding series of registeractuators having means, as a notch, for engaging, when operated, with said pawl or retainer, a bar or band a passing through perforations in the tails c and carrying adj ustable stops 6", means for moving said bar or band to cause said stops to engage said tails and to release said pawls or retainers from said notches, means for preventing the op eration of all except a predetermined number of actuators in said series and means for returning the operated actuators to initial position.

17. In a voting-machine, the combination of a series of registers, a corresponding series of register-actuators, a flexible band engaged and flexed by each actuator when operated to actuate its register, and means for yieldingly holding said band under longitudinal tension, whereby, upon releasing an operated actuator, the actuator is automatically re turned to its initial position by said band and tension device.

18. In a voting-machine, the combination of a series of registers, representing all the IIO candidates ol;' the diilferentparties for election to an otiice,a COII'CSPOHCUHQ' series of registen ing adapted to return all the operated actuators of the series to their initial positions;

upon release of said aetuatoru and hciore any other actuator can be operated.

15). In a Yoting'anachine, the combination of'aseries of registers, representing all the candidates of the different parties tor-election v rotating with said actuator, for eiosiug said to an o:l'fiee,a corresponding series of re" 1 actuators, an automatic lock-out and rtiurning' device engaging each ac uator in said rice, the lock-out and returning derice hen adapted to return all the operated ac of the series to their initial positions upon release of said actuators and before any other actuator can be operated, devices for helding' each actuator when operated and means for releasing said holding devices.

tn ators tures a it in a voting-niaelline having a support lllfi plate-hearing toting apparatus and pro \ided with a series of apertures for the insertion oi'hallot-casea, an iiulependentballoting mechanism consisting of a rotary actuator on one "d0 of said plate, haringa shcli' thereon noru'iaily registering with one of said aper nd adapted, when the actuator is in normal 1)O::1ltlt)il,t0 receive a single ballotcase and when rotated to discharge said case, a handle or heron the other side of said plate attached to said actn or, means, as a plate aperture when the actuator is iotated, a reeeiver i'or said ballot-cases, and means for uitmnatically returning: said actuator to its nernial poaitien.

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