US759164A - Computing-machine. - Google Patents

Description

No. 759,164. PATENTED MAY '3, 1904. 0. W. DRAPER & w. H. ROBERTSON;

COMPUTING MACHINE.

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PATENTED MAY 3, 1904. c. W. DRAPER & W. H. ROBERTSON.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

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PATENTED MAY 3, 1904.

G. W. DRAPER & W. H. ROBERTSON.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION TILED JUNE 25. 1903.

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No. 759,164. PATBNTED MAY 3, 1904. G. W. DRAPBR &. W; H. ROBERTSON.-

COMPUTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION II LED JUNE 25, 1903.

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PATENTED MAY 3, 1904. G. W. DRAPER & W. H. ROBERTSON.

COMPUTING MACHINE.

v APPLICATION FILED sum: 25, 1903.

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COMPUTING MACHINE. APPLiOATION FILED JUNE 25, 1903.

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Patented May 3, 1904.

.UNITEI STATES PATE T OFFICE.

CHARLES W. DRAPER AND WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON, OF WASHINGTON,

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

COMPUTING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 759,164, dated May 3, 1904.

Application filed June 25, 1903. Serial No. 163,019. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLns W. DRAPER and WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON, residents of VVashingtomDistrict of Columbia, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Computing-Machines, which invention is fully set forth in the following specification.

This invention relates to computing and analogous machines and to that particular type of such machines wherein numbers or characters representing the desired result are displayed upon movement of cooperating slides.

Our objects are to generally improve upon machines of this character, but more particularly to provide a readily-operable computer of relatively large capacity, simple construction, and minimum cost, especially adapted to use in stores, market-stands, and other sales places Where it is desirable to quickly and accurately ascertain the result of multiplying one number or mixed number by another number or mixed number and to displaythe result without possibility of confusion with other displayed numbers, as in the case of computing-scales, for example.

With these and other objects in view our invention comprises various features of improvement hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrating one of the many mechanical embodiments of which our invention is susceptible, we have shown a machine adapted to the special uses indicated above. The calculating mechanism is in this instance associated with a cashdrawer, and the machine resembles an ordinary cash-register in its general appearance, outline, and arrangement.

Figure 1 is a front elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan view with the cash-drawer partly open. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view on line 3 8 of Fig. 2, parts being omitted and other parts broken away to clearly show the arrangement and operation of the slides. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of the character-plates, one of the vertical slides, and the key-operating mechanism therefor. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective of one of the vertical slides. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the upper end of the same. Fig. 7 is a full-size horizontal section through the slides and character-plates on line 7 7, Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a full-size detail perspective of one of the horizontal slides. Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are a series of views each showing part of a face-plate, part of. a vertical slide, and a character-sheet moved in each figure to a different one of its three display positions. Fig. 12 isa detail view of parts of the slide-releasing mechanism. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the two overlying vertical slides (shown at the extreme right of Fig. 3) and key-operating mechanism therefor. Figs. 14, 15, 16, and 17 are a series of elevations, each showing a different one of the four relative positions to which said two overlying vertical slides may be moved. Fig. 18 is a detail view of one of the character-plate plungers. Fig. 19 is a rear elevation (from the rearof Fig. 1) of the upper part of a modified construction. Fig. 20 is a rear elevation of one of the character-sheets employed in this vmodified structure, and Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the twooverlying vertical slides.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, 25 is an ordinary cash-drawer separated from the mechanism above by partition 26. p

27 is a thin uppermost part of. the machine containing the slides and character-plates, which when moved cooperate to display the desired character in an opening in a perforate face-place 29, Fig. 3. There are two such face-plates 29, (only one of which is shown in the drawings,) one at each side of the chine, covered, respectively, by beveled glass, plates 24 24, Figs. 1 and 2, the latter being" 5 surrounded by a frame 28. In the machine shown in Figs. 1 to 18 operation of the keys" causes similar characters to be displayed directly under slides and hereinafter designated horizontal slides.

61 to 68 are a series of superposed perforated sheets or plates located directly beneath the horizontal slides and bearing on opposite sides numbers (representing ascertained results) in proper relation to the openings there in. These sheets or plates, which may be of any suitable material, but are preferably of stiff cardboard, which is light and can be easily printed upon, are hereinafter designated character-plates. I

In order to effect display of a similar number or numbers at both sides of the machine, the numbers on one side of each character-plate are duplicated in corresponding positions on the other side thereof, and each of the vertical and horizontal slides is a double slide, having like parts extending both across the front and back of the group of characterplates. (See Figs. 4 to 8.) As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, each of the slides 30 and 31 is in the form of a continuous flattened open framework, having similarly perforated opposite sides. We prefer to form these slides from blanks stamped or cut from sheet-aluminium of suitable thickness. Each blank is doubled at its middle over a plate 33. A smaller plate 34 is then clamped against the opposite side of the aluminium strip by bending down the flanges 35 at the ends of plate 33. The ends of the aluminium blank are then connected by a similar arrangement of plates 33 and 34. The perforations in the vertical slides are disposed in vertical alinement and alike on both sides with intervening lands, which latter in the normal positions of the slides are beneath the openings in the two face-plates 29. A single form of blank and slide con structed therefrom serve for all of the ten vertical slides 30; but the positions of alternate slides are reversed, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. This is necessary in view of the disposition of the openings in the face-plates 29 in horizontal row with the openings in each intermediate rows beneath lands separating openings in the row immediately above and above lands separating openings in the row immediately below. Each character-plate 61 to 68 has the same arrangement of openings as face-plates 29, and in the normal position of all of the character-plates their openings register with the openings in the face-plates. This special arrangement of openings, which constitutes an important feature of the invention, affords sufficient surface for a plurality of numbers on the character-plates above and below each opening therein. In the machine illustrated there are three numbers to each opening, one above and two below, adapted to be displayed by different movements of the plate, as described hereinafter. The four horizontal slides 31 are alike in structure and disposition, each having two horizontal rows of openings, the openings in the lower row being located below lands separating the open ings of the upper row.

At its upper end each vertical slide 30 em braces a bar 35, constituting part of the framework and works on a pin 37, passing through an opening in plates 34 and 35 and screwthreaded into bar 36. (See Fig. 6.) A coiled spring 137, surrounding pin 37 and bearing at one end against the under side of plate and at its other end against the bar 35, tends to normally maintain each slide 30 in an elevated position against a bar 38, (constituting part of the framework) which passes horizontally through the lower ends of all of the slides 30. The lower ends of these slides are guided by depending rods 39, each working in an eyelet 40 and in an opening 41 in the upper flange 42 of a trough-like plate 43, secured to the rear wall of the machine. The ten slides 30 are actuated by ten keys 45, respectively, each having a bent stem 46, penetrated at the end by its corresponding rod 39 and bearing against a shoulder 47 on said rod.

Horizontal slides 31 work at their left-hand ends, Figs. 3 and 7, on rods 50, which latterpass through a bar 51 of the framework, through plates 33 and 34, and are screw-threaded into a bar 52 of the framework. Bar 52 passes through the left-hand ends of all of the horizontal slides. A coiled spring 150, surrounding rod 50, bearing at one end against bar 52 and at its other end against the inner side of plate 33, tends to cause the left-hand extremity of each slide to bear against the bar 51. At its other end each of said slides works on two rods 53 and 54, extending between bars 55 and 56, Fig. 3, of the framework, bar 55 passing through the right-hand ends of all of the slides 31.

Each horizontal slide is operated by a key 57, the stem 58 of which passes through a slot 59 in the frame 28, Fig. 1, and is threaded into the edge of plate 34, Fig. 8.

The character-plates, whichin their normal positions have their openings in register with the openings in the face-plate 29, as already stated, are in the particular embodiment of the invention herein shown separately and independently vertically movable to three differ ent display positions, as illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, and 11, their vertical edges being in close proximity to bars 52 and 55, Figs. 3 and 4, which assist in guiding and keeping them in proper position. Each plate is provided with an operating and guiding stem 60, Figs. 3, 4, and 8, riveted or otherwise secured thereto, said stem working at its upper end in a notch in bar 35 and at its lower end in a notch in bar 38. As clearly shown in Fig. 7, these eight stems are so disposed and secured to the plates as to require only four spaces between the plates, each of a width equal to the thickness of one stem. Thus the plates 62 and. 63,

64 and 65, and 66 and 67 fit closely against each other at one side, the two stems secured to plates 61 and 62 are both in the space between said plates, the two stems on plates 63 and64 are both in the space between said plates, the two stems on plates 64 and 65 are in the space between said plates, and the two Stems on plates 66 and 67 are likewise in the space between said plates. This arrangement is conducive to compactness, reducing the thickness of this part of the machine by the thickness of four stems, over an arrangement wherein a separate space is provided for each stem.

Jointed to the lower end of each stem 60 is a plunger 70, passing through notches or recesses 71 and 72 in flanges 42 and 44, respectively, of the trough-like frame 43. (See Fig. 4.) For a portion of its length plunger is of reduced diameter, Fig.18, forming an upper shoulder 73 and a lower shoulder74. This reduced portion is encircled bytwo washers 75 and 76, freely movable thereon, and is surrounded by a coiled spring 77 bearing at opposite ends against said washers and tending to force washer 75 against shoulder 73 and the under side of flange 42 and washer 76 against shoulder 74 and the upper side of flange 44. It follows that the spring 77 acts through the plunger (to which the actuatingkeys are connected, as presently described) to maintain the character-plate and its actuatingkeys in their normal position and to return them to such position after their operation upon release of the catch mechanism presently described.

A slot 78, Fig. 4, in the lower end of each plunger 70 is loosely engaged by the end of a key-lever 80, fulcrumed at about its middle at 81 in a bracket 82, secured to the floor of the machine. Three keys 83, 85, and 87 are associated with each key-lever 80. The stem of key 87 is pivoted to the front end of lever 80. The lower forked end of the stem of key embraces said lever at a point between its front end and fulcrum 81 and engages between guidepins 88, and the stem of key 83 is pivoted to said lever between its rear end and fulcrum. As shown in Figs. 9, 10, and 11, there are three numbers or characters on each character-plate associated with each opening therein, one above said opening andtwo belowfor example, the number 1.05 is above the opening 89 in plate 61 and the numbers 1.71 and 2. 85 are both below said opening. Remembering that in the normal position of the character-plate its opening 89 registers with opening 90 in face-plate 29, it will be appar ent that any one of said three numbers may be displayed through the opening 90 by proper movement of the character-plate and provided, of course, that the particular horizontal slide and the particular vertical slide,(not shown in Figs. 9 to 11,) which cross each other beneath opening 90, have been actuated to bring openings therein in line with said opening. To display number 1.05, the character-plate is moved downward, as shown in Fig. 9, by depressing key 83, (see dotted line, Fig. 9,) at the same. time compressing spring 77, which by pressing against waslrer 75, which latter bears against shoulder 73, tends to return the character-plate and key to their normal posi* tions. To display number 1.71, the charactor-plate is moved upward, as shown in Fig. 10, by depressing key 85, at the same time compressing spring 7 7, which by pressing downward against washer 76, which latter bears against shoulder 74, tends to return the character-plate and key to their normal positions. To limit the upward movement imparted to the charactenplate by key 85, otherwise the number 2.85 might be displayed instead of 1.71, the downward movement of said key is limited by a stop-pin 91, Fig. 4, passing through its stem and adapted to contact with a bar 92, extending across the interior of the machine beneath that part of the casing through which the key-stems protrude. To display number 2.85, the character-plate is moved upward, as shown in Fig. 11, by depressing key 87, the spring 77 being compressed and acting in the same manner as in Fig. 10.

From the construction thus far explained it will be apparent that upon release of any operated key 57, 45, 83, 85, or 87 and movement of a corresponding slide or characterplate the springs, compressed upon such movement, would upon release of the key and unless prevented immediately return the operated slides or plates to their normal positions. Means for catching and retaining the operated slides and character plates in the position to which they are moved is furthermore desirable, for the reason that in operating certain combinations of keys it would be inconvenient if not impossible for the operator at the same time to hold the operated slides and characterplate in the position to which they are moved to display a desired number. Catch mechanism is therefore provided for engaging and holding the slides and plates in the different positions to which they are moved by the respective keys and for releasing the same, so that they will be automatically returned to their normal position after the desired number has been displayed.

Referring to Fig. 3, two standards are mounted upon partition 26 and rigidly connected by bars 101 and 102. 103 represents a series of ten dogs pivoted on opposite sides of bar 102 and each having a tooth 104, adapted upon depression of the corresponding key 45 to hook over the horizontal portion of the stem 46 of said key by virtue of the weighted portion 105 of the dog acting to impart the desired movement thereto as soon as the stem passes from the inclined edge of the dog to a position below its tooth. As shown in Fig. 3, one of the vertical slides 30 has been moved downward by operating its corresponding key 15 and is held in this position by engagement of dog 103 with the stem 16 of the key. 106 represents a series of eight dogs pivoted to bar 101, each having a tooth 107 and a weighted portion 108, similar to dogs 103. Upon downward movement of any characterplate by depressing its key 83, and hence the inner end of key-lever 80, the tooth 107 of the corresponding dog 106 will hook over said inner end of the key-lever, and thereby hold the character-plate in the corresponding position. Above the tooth each dog 106 .is provided with two offsets or shoulders 108 and 109. Upon moving a character plate upward by depressing key 85 the shoulder 108 will engage under the inner end of the keylever and hold the plate in the corresponding position. The key-lever 80 at the extreme right in Fig. 3 is shown thus engaged by shoulder 108. Upon moving the charactor-plate to its extreme upper position by de pressing key 87 shoulder 109 will engage under its key-lever.

Referring now to the means for catching and holding the horizontal slides, 110, Fig. 3, is a vertically movable bar having four notches or recesses in its edge and in each notch a tooth or projection 111, having an inclined edge. Upon movement of any one of the horizontal slides to the right, Fig. 3, the stem 58 of the key 57 acts against the inclined edge of corresponding tooth 111, lifting the bar 110, which drops by gravity after the stem passes behind the tooth. The latter then acts to hold the slide to the right against the action of the return-spring.

The means for releasing the slides and charactor-plates,permitting their springs to return them to their normal positions, are as follows: 112 is a horizontally-reciprocating frame comprising parallel horizontal bars or plates 113 and 114, the former having therein a series of slots 115, in which the upper ends of the dogs 103 respectively engage, and the latter having therein similarslots in which the upper ends of dogs 106 engage. hen the dogs are in their inactive positions, their upper ends occupy the right-hand ends of these slots, so that no movement is imparted thereto upon movement of the frame 112 to the right, as hereinafter explained; but when in an active position, holding one of the slides in a desired position, the upper ends of the dogs oecupy the left-hand end of the slots. Hence upon movement of the frame 112 to the right the active dogs are moved on their pivots and disengaged from the key-stems or key-levers, permitting the springs to return the corresponding slides to their normal positions.

A bell-crank lever 170 acts upon movement of frame 112 to the left to simultaneously move bar 110 upward to release any operated slide 31. One arm of said lever works loosely in an opening in the lower end of said bar, and

the other arm works loosely in an opening-in an extension of bar 113 of frame 112.

In the machine illustrated in the drawings means are provided for imparting release movement to the frame 112 upon closing of the cash-drawer 25. Said means consist of a lever 171, Figs. 3 and 12. fulcrumed near its middle in a bracket 116 and pivoted at its upper end to frame 112. A portion 117 of the lower end of the lever is pivoted at 118 to the other part of the lever, so as to swing on said pivot toward the front of the machine, but not toward the rear thereof. 119 is a block secured to the inner face of one side of the drawer and having an inclined face adapted to act upon the lower end of the lever to swing it on its fulcrum and move frame 112 to the right. The operation of this mechanism is as follows: \Vhen the drawer is closed, the position of the lower end 117 of the lever is in front of block 119, the inclined surface of which is toward the rear end of the drawer. Upon opening the drawer by movement in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 12, the forward end of the block strikes the lower end 117 of the lever, swinging the same on its pivot 118 (see dotted line-position, Fig. 12) and permitting the block to pass without movement of frame 112; but upon closing of the drawer the inclined face of the block acts against the lower end of the lever, swinging the same on its fulcrum and imparting su 11icient movement to the frame to release the slides and character plate in the manner above indicated. Before the drawer reaches its completely-closed position the block 119 will have passed the lower end of the lever, and the spring 120, Fig. 3, will return frame 112 to its normal position.

The operation of the mechanism of Figs. 1 to 18 as thus far described is as follows: As shown, the ten keys 15 are marked respectively. The eight keys are marked 2 21- l 1 to respectively, and the eight keys 20 8'7 are likewise marked 0 to c respectively.

Keys 59 are marked 0 T and lb. lb. lb. 11).,

respectively. The character-plates bear numbers representing computed results, the numbers on one plate only being shown in the 1 drawings, Fig. 1. To ascertain the cost of l nine and one-half pounds of anything at eightmark and the key 85, bearingthe mark 0 I and moves key 57, hearing mark thereby actuating the proper vertical slide, characterplate, and horizontal slide and'causing the result, $1.71, to be exhibited in an opening in the face-plates 29 at both front and rear of the machine. The operated keys will be caught and held and the number $1.71 continue to be displayed until the cash-drawer is closed, releasing the catch mechanism, as already described. Any desired combination of keys may be operated in like manner.

As will be noted, the mechanism thus far described will give the cost of one-fourth tonine and three-fourths pounds at from four to thirty cents. Additional mechanism is provided, which, cooperating with the characterplates, displays at both sides of the machine through openings in the face-plates 29 the cost of ten, twenty, thirty, or forty pounds at from four to thirty cents per pound.

As clearly shown in Figs. 3, 13 to 17, 125 and 126 are two double vertical slides,.one overlying the other and both overlying and crossing the horizontal slides 31. These slides resemble in construction the other vertical slides except as to the arrangement of the openings therein. The under. slide. 126 has four openings 127, 128, 129, and 130,. similarly disposed in each of its sides or plates.

(See Fig. 13.) The outer slide 125 has four openings 131, 132, 133, and 134, similarly disposed in each of its sides or plates. In the normal position of the slides, as shown in Fig. 13, the holes in each are closed by a solid portion of the other. The slides are normally held in and returned to this position by two springs 135 and 136. 138 is a rod projecting upwardly from bar, 35 and passing loosely through openings in the upper ends of the slides. Spring 135 surrounds said rod and bears at one end against the under surface of the end of slide 125 and at its other end against a nut 175, fast on rod 138. Spring 136 also surrounds said rod, bearing at one end against the under surface of the end of slide 126 and at its other end against bar 35. Slide 125 is movable downward to two positions by keys 139 and 140, respectively, and slide 126 is likewise movable by two keys 141 and l42. Rods 143 and 144, depending from these slides, respectively work in openings 145 in the flange 42, and each rod passes through the end of akey-lever 146 147 and has a shoulder 148, against which its lever bears. Said key-levers are fulcrumed at their other end in notches in a plate 149, constituting part of the framework. The stems of keys 140 and 142 (which move the slides to the limit of their downward movement) are pivoted to the key-levers, respectively. The

lower ends of the stems of keys 139 and 141 (which impart onlya partial downward move ment to the slides) are forked to embrace the levers. Stop-pins 152 on the stems of keys 139 and 141 act against a bar 151 to properly limit the downward movement of these keys.

Referring to Fig. 3, 153 and 154 are two dogs pivoted to bar 1.02, one for each key-lever 146 and 147, each dog having two teeth adapted to hook over its lever to hold the same and the corresponding slide in either of their two depressed positions. Movement of the frame 112 acts to disengage said dogs from their levers upon closing of the cashdrawer in the manner heretofore described.

Figs. 14, 15, 16, and 17 illustrate, respectively, the four relative positions of movement of the slides 125 and 126, a portion of one of the character-plates, supposed to be depressed by depression of the eleven-cents key, Fig. 2, being shown in each figure. Each horizontal slide 31 has elongated openings 155, Fig.- 8, in its right-hand end under the vertical row of openings in the extreme right of face-plates 29, so that whatever the position of said slides they'present an open space beneath said openings in the face-plate. It follows that the horizontal slides have no cooperative action with the vertical slides 125 and 126 in display ing numbers upon depression of the keys 139, 140, 141, and 142. Fig. 14 represents the positionof the slides when the ten-pounds key.

141 is depressed, the slide 126 being moved downward and openings 127 therein brought into register with openings131 in slide 125, displaying therethrough the number $1.10 on the depressed eleven-cents character-plate, said number representing. the value of ten pounds of anything at eleven cents per pound. In Fig. 15 the thirty-pounds key is depressed,

moving slide 126 downward'still farther,

bringing the openings 129 therein into register with openings 133 in slide 125 and displaying therethrough the number $3.30

thirty pounds at. eleven cents per pound. In Fig. 16 the twenty-pounds key is depressed, moving slide 125 downward, bringing openings 132 therein into register with opening 128 in slide 126, displaying therethrough the number $2.20-twenty pounds at eleven IIO cents per pound. In Fig. 17 the forty-pounds key is depressed, moving slide still farther downward and bringing openings 134 therein into line with opening in slide 126 and displaying therethrough the opening $4.40 forty pounds at. eleven cents per pound.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, in addition to the nine-pounds key, the one-half-pound key, andthe eighteen-cents key the thirtypounds key is also shown as depressed, displaying $5.40 as the result of multiplying eighteen cents by thirty pounds. By mentally adding the displayed 9:55.40 to the displayed $1.71 the operator readily ascertains the cost-seven dollars and eleven cents of thirty-nine and one-half pounds at eighteen cents per pound.

hile in Figs. 3 and 7 the vertical slides are shown as being outside of the horizontal slides, this arrangement may be reversed, or the horizontal slides may be outside at one side of the machine and inside at the other, without in any way altering the operation.

- The object of the modified construction shown in Figs. 19, 20, and 21 is to display at the rear or purchasers side of the machine the number of pounds and price per pound, so that the purchaser may, if desirable, compute the result mentally. e prefer, however, to employ in conjunction with this modification of the construction at the rear of the machine indicating and registering mechanism, such as described and claimed in our companion application for patent, filed June 25,1903, Serial No. 163,018, and operable upon sale "for example, of thirty-nine and onehalf pounds at eleven cents per poundto display the result in the opening 201 of faceplate 200, Fig. 19.

The structure of Figs. 19 to 21 differs from that of Figs. 1 to 18 only in the construction and arrangement of the rear sides of the double Vertical and horizontal slides, in the manner in which the rear face-plate is perforated, and in the numbering on the rear sides of the character-plates. As shown in Fig. 19, the horizontal slides are over the vertical slidesat least at the rear side of the machine. Nine of the ten double vertical slides 202, which are imperforate at their rear sides, have inscribed thereon the numerals 1 to 9, respectively, (shown in dotted lines, Fig. 19,) in such position as to be normally covered by solid parts of the face-plate 202. Downward movement of any slide by depression of its corresponding key 15, Fig. 2, displays in one of a series of openings 203 in face-plate 200 the number on the slide. In Fig. 19 the vertical slide 202 at the extreme left has been moved by depressing the nine-pounds key 15, displaying the numeral 9 thereon. The uppermost double horizontal slide 20a has therein a series of elongated openings 205, which register with openings 203 in the face-plate irrespective of the position of said slide. Otherwise this horizontal slide would prevent proper display of the numbers on the vertical slides. In the rear side of each of the double horizontal slides 206 207 208 is an elongated opening 209, registering, respectively, with openings 210 in the face-plate whatever the position of said slide. Slides 206, 207, and 208 have inscribed thereon the fractions lr, and 3, respectively, adapted upon movement of said slides to be displayed in three openings 211 in the face-plate. In Fig. 19 the slide 207 has been operated by the one-half-pound key 57, Fig. 1, displaying the fraction 1 in the corresponding opening 211. 212 is an opening in the face-plate through which the price per pound, written on the character-sheets, is to be displayed. The horizontal slide 207 has therein an elongated opening 213 and the vertical slide 202 a large opening 214, which openings 213 and 214 always register with opening 212 in the face-plate irrespective of the position of the slides. In this modification each character-sheet instead of having the numbers on its front face duplicated on its rear face has only three numbers on said rear face corresponding to the numbers on its three actuating- keys 83, 85, and 87, Fig. 2. Thus the charactcrplate 215 (shown in rear elevation in Fig. 20) bears the number 11 above opening 216 therein and the numbers 18 and 30 below said opening. In the normal position of all of the plates their opening 216 registers with opening 212 in the face-plate. Depression of the eleven-cents key 83 moves character-plate 215 down to display number 11, while depressions of the eighteen-cents key 85 or thirty-cents key 87 will elevate characterplate to display numbers 18 or 30.

The two overlying vertical slides 220 221 differ from those(125 and 126) shown in Figs. 1 to 18 in the following respects: The rear part or plate of slide 221, Fig. 21, is imperforate and has inscribed thereon the numbers 10 and 30 in appropriate positions. The rear part or plate of slide 220 has two perforations 222 223 and has inscribed thereon the numbers 20 and 10, all in appropriate positions. Depression of the ten-pounds key 141, moving slide 221 downward, exposes the numeral 10 on said slide through opening 222 in slide 220 and an opening 210 in the face-plate. Depression of twenty-pounds key 14:2 moves slide 221 still farther downward, displayingnumber 30 thereon through opening 223 in slide 220 and an opening210 in the face-plate. Depression of the twenty-pounds key 139 or forty pounds key 1 10 will in like manner-move slide 220 downward to display numbers 20 or 10 through openings 210 in the face-plate.

What we claim is 1. In a computing or analogous machine,the combination of two or more characterplatcs arranged over each other and each movable relatively to the others to bring characters thereon into position to be displayed, one of said plates being perforated, a plurality of perforated slides crossing each other over said character-plate and movable relatively to each other to expose characters on the plates.

2. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of perforated character-plates arranged over each other and each movable from its normal position to two or more positions relatively to the others to bring characters thereon into position to be exposed, a plurality of slides crossing each other over said character-plates and movable relatively to each other to expose characters on the plates.

3. In a computing or analogous machine, the

combination of a character-plate, a plurality of longitudinally-movablc perforated slides crossing each other over said plate, all of the slides and the plate being relatively movable from their normal position to a plurality of positions to bring characters on the plate into position to be exposed by the relative movement between the slides.

4. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of perforated character-plates arranged over each other and each movable relatively to the others to bring characters thereon into position to be exposed, and a plurality of longitudinally-movable perforated slides crossing each other over said character plates and movable relatively to each other to expose characters on theplates.

5. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of perforated character-plates arranged over each other and each movable from their normal position to two or more positions relatively to the others to bring characters thereon into position to be exposed, and a plurality of longitudinallymovable perforated slides crossing each other over said character-plates and movable relatively to each other to expose characters on the plates.

6. Inacomputing or analogous machine, the combination of a face-plate having displayopenings therein, a plurality of independentlymovable perforated character-plates arranged over each other, and two sets of perforated longitudinally-movable slides crossing each other between the face-plate and the character-plates.

7. In a computing or analogous machine. the combination of a face-plate having displayopenings therein, a plurality of perforated character-plates arranged over each other and each independently movable to a plurality of positions to bring different characters thereon into position to be displayed, and two sets of perforated longitudinally-movable slides crossing each other between the face-plate and the character-plates.

8. In acomputing or analogous machine, the combination of a face-plate having displayopenings therein arranged in rows, the openings of each row being opposite lands separating the openings in the adjacent row or rows, a character-plate, and two sets of longitudinally-movable perforated slides crossing each other between said character-plate and the faceplate.

9. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a face-plate having displayopenings therein arranged in rows, the openings of each row being opposite lands separating the openings in the adjacent row or rows, a plurality of similarly-perforated independently movable character plates arranged over each other, and two sets of perforated longitudinallvmovable slides crossing each other between the face-plate and the character-plates.

10. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a face-plate having displayopenings therein arranged in rows, the opening of each row being opposite lands separating the openings in the adjacent row or rows, a plurality of similarly-perforated character-plates arranged over each other and each independently movable to two or more positions to bring different characters thereon into position to be displayed, and two sets of perforated longitudinally-movable slides crossing each other between the face-plate and the character-plates.

11. In a computing-machine, the combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set at an angle.

12. The combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set at an angle and one or more of the slides of one set being perforated on one side.

13. The combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set at an angle and one or more of the slides of one set being perforated on both sides.

14:. The combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set at an angle and one or more of the slides of both sets being perforated on one side.

15. The combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set at an angle and one or more of the slides of both sets being perforated on both sides.

16. The combination of a character-plate, and two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set on both sides of the character-plate.

17. The combination of a character-plate, and two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set on both sides of the character-plate one or more of the slides of both sets being perforated on one side.

18. The combination of a character-plate, and two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other set on both sides of the character-plate one or more of the slides of both-sets being perforated on both sides.

19. The combination of aplurality of perforated movable character-plates arranged over each other, and two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other on both sides of the character-plates.

20. The combination of a plurality of perforated character plates arranged over each other, and each independently movable to two or more positions to bring difierent characters thereon into position to be displayed, and two sets of donblemovable slides, the slides of one set crossing the slides of the other set on both sides of the character-plates.

21. The combination of aplurality of perforated movable character-plates arranged over nally-movable slides perforated on both sides and the slides of one set crossing the slides of the other set on both sides of the characterplates.

22. The combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other at,their opposite sides and one or more of the slides of one set being perforated on one side, and two perforated faceplates over the slides at their opposite sides respectively.

23. The combination of two sets of double movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other at their opposite sides and one or more of the slides of both sets being perforated on one side, and two perforated face-plates over the slides at their opposite sides respectively.

24;. The combination of a ph'n'ality of movable perforated character-plates arranged over each other, two sets of double longitudinallymovable perforated slides crossing each other on both sides of the character-plates, and two perforated face-plates over the slides at their opposite sides respectively.

25. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of two slides of approximately the same width one perforated and disposed lengthwise over the other and each longitudinally movable independently of the other.

26. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination with a series of parallel perforated longitudinally-movable slides, of two perforated longitudinally-movable slides disposed lengthwise one over the other across the series of parallel slides.

27. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of two slides, one perforated and disposed lengthwise over the other and each independently longitudinally movable from its normal position to a plurality of positions relatively to the other.

28. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of two perforated slides dis posed lengthwise one over the other and longitudinally movable from normal position to a plurality of different relative positions.

29. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a character-sheet, two perforated slides disposed lengthwise one over the other and longitudinally movable from normal position to a plurality of different positions to expose characters on the character-plate.

30. The combination of a plurality of independently-movable perforated characterplates arranged over each other, two perforated slides disposed lengthwise one over the other and longitudinally movable to a pl urali ty of different positions to expose characters on the character-plates.

31. The combination of two double slides, one perforated and disposed lengthwise outside of the other and each longitudinally moveach other, and two sets of double longitudiable independently of the other.

32. The combination of two double perforated slides disposed lengthwise one within the other and longitudinally movable to a plurality of different relative positions.

The combination of two double perforated slides disposed lengthwise one within the other and longitudinally movable to a plurality of different relative positions, and a characterplate over the opposite sides of which said slides extend.

34:. The combination of a plurality of independently -movable perforated characterplates arranged over each other, and two double perforated longitudinally -movable slides extending over opposite sides of said plates and disposed lengthwise one outside of the other.

35. In a machine of the character described, a double movable slide, a guide-pin on which said slide works at one end, a spring bearing at one end against the end ,wall of the slide, and a fixed part against which the other end of the spring bears.

36. In a machine of' the character described, the combination of a double movable slide, a guide-pin on which said slide works at one end, a coiled spring surrounding the rod and bearing at one end against the end wall of the slide, and a fixed part against which the other end of the spring bears.

37. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a double movable slide, a guide-pin on which said slide works at one end, a coiled spring surrounding the rod and bear ing at one end against the inner face of the end wall of the slide, and a fixed part of the framework passing through the slide and against which the other end of the spring bears.

38. The combination of a series of longitudinally-movable double vertical slides, a series of longitudinally-movable double horizontal slides, lixed bars constituting parts of the frame passing through said slides, guide-pins on which the slides work projecting from said bars, coiled springs surrounding the pins bearing at one end against the fixed bars and at their other end against the slides.

39. In a computing or analogous machine, a perforated character-plate, and operating means for moving said plate from its normal position to a plurality of predetermined positions.

40. In a computing or analogous machine, a perforated character-plate, and operating means for moving said plate from its normal position in different directions to a plurality of predetermined positions.

41. In a computing or analogous machine, a plurality of perforated character-plates arranged over each other, and operating means for moving each of said plates from its normal position to a plurality of predetermined positions.

42. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of acharacter-plate, a spring for holding the same in its normal position, and operating means for moving said plate to a plurality of predetermined positions against the tension of said spring.

?&8. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a character-plate, a spring for holding thev same in its normal position, and operating means for moving said plate in difierent directions to a plurality of predetermined positions against the tension of said spring.

44:. The combination of a movable character-plate, a plunger connected to the plate for imparting movement thereto, two washers working loosely on the plunger between opposing shoulders thereon, a spring around the plunger between said washers, fixed flanges or stops one adapted to prevent movement of one washer when the plunger is moved in one direction and the other adapted to prevent movement of the other washer when the plunger is moved in the opposite direction, and operating means for moving the plunger in opposite directions.

45. The combination of a movable character-plate and means for moving said plate to a plurality of predetermined positions comprising a key-lever, and keys acting on said lever on opposite sides of its fulcrum.

46. The combination of a movable character-plate, and means for moving said plate to a plurality of predetermined positions comprising a key-lever, and two keys acting on said lever on one side of its fulcrum.

47. The combination of a movable character-plate, and means for moving said plate to a plurality of predetermined positions comprising a key-lever, two keys acting on said lever on one side of its fulcrum, and a third key acting on the lever on the other side of its fulcrum.

48. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a character-plate, a spring for holding the same in its normal position, and operating means for moving said plate in diiferent directions to a plurality of predetermined positions against the tension of said spring, comprising a key-lever engaging the plunger, and keys acting on said 'lever on opposite sides of its fulcrum.

49. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of movable slides, springs for holding the slides in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the slides against the tension of their springs, detent means for detaining the slides in their shifted position after release of the operating means, and means for throwing the detent means out of action to release the slides.

50. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of movable character-plates, springs for holding the plates in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the plates against the tension of their springs, detent means for detaining the plates in their shifted positions after release of the operating means and means for throwing the detent means out of action to release the slides.

51. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of movablecharacter-plates, springs for holding the plates in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the plates against the tension of their springs, detent means for detaining the plates in their shifted positions after release of the operating means and means for throwing the detent means out of action to release the plates.

52. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of a plurality of movable character-plates, springs for holding the plates in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the plates each to a plurality of different positions against the tension of their springs, detent means for detaining the plates in each oftheir shifted positions after release of the operating means, and means for throwing the detent means out of action to release the plates.

53. In a computing or analogous machine, two sets of movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other, a plurality of movable character-plates operating in conjunction with the slides, springs for holding the slides and character-plates in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the slides and plates against the tension of their springs, detent means for detaining the slides and plates in their shifted positions after release of the operating means, and means for throwing the detent means out of action to release the slides and plates.

54. In a computing or analogous machine, two sets of movable slides, the slides of one set crossing those of the other, a plurality of movable character-plates operating in conjunction with the slides, springs for holding the slides and character-plates in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the slides and plates against the tension of their springs, detent means for detaining the slides and plates in their shifted positions after release of the operating means, a cash-drawer, and means actuated by movement of the cashdrawer for throwing the detent means out of action to release the slides and plates.

55. In a computing or analogous machine, the combination of movable elements, springs for holding the same in their normal positions, operating means for shifting the elements against the tension of their springs, a cash- TIC drawer, and means actuated by movement of In testimony whereof We have signed this the cash-drawer for throwing the detent means specification in the presence of tWo subscrib- [0 out of action to release the elements. ing Witnesses.

56. In a computing or analogous machine, C. WV. DRAPER. 5 the combination of movable slides crossing WVM. H. ROBERTSON.

each other and cooperating to simultaneously Witnesses: display a character or characters at opposite REEVE LEWIs,

sides of the machine. WVM. B. KERKAN.

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