US950156A - Indorsing device for voting-machines. - Google Patents

Description

W. J. LAUSTERER.

INDORSING DEVICE FOR VOTING MACHINES. APyLIoATIoN FILED JUNE 5, i908. RBNBWBD DBO. e, 1909.

950, 1 56. Patented Feb. 22, 1910.r

2 SHEETS--SHBET 1.

VIII/l W. J. LAUSTERER.

INDORSING DEVICE FOR VOTING MAGHINES. APPLIOATION FILED numey 196s. BENEWBD DB0.- e, 1909.

Patented Feb. 22, 1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.',

ron ron CORONERS CONSTAELES u". n vw. van van -rm l5 v I6 l5 A A A JONES 4.0, WORK |5 1.6 I8 D D D :an 16u y |70 I8 D a, Fun/LER H. CHASE Esmll-ZY Zig-6. 3y

hm/Zag@ ad ATTORNEY.

' interfere with or restrict the operation showing the pin roller used in'the'iirst and.

'UNITED sTArEs PATENT onialion.v

lILl'iIAll/l J'. LAUSRER, 0F JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO'EMPIRE 'VO'.llIN'Q-l` MACHINE COMPANY, OF ROCHESTER AND JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK, A CORPOBA:

'rIoN oF NEW YORK.

INDORSING'DEVICE FOR VOTING-MACHINES.-

' Anulication led'June, 1.908, Serial No. 436,910. Renewed December 6, 1909. Serial No.' 531,.,690.y

To all whom it may concern.'

Be itknown that'I, WILLIAM J. LAUS- 'rnREa, a citizen of the United States, residing vat Jamestown, in the county of Chautauqua and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Indorsing Devices for Voting-Machines, of which. the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to improvements in voting machines, more especially of the type described for example in my prior patent 820,802.

The improvement forming the subject matter of this application is an indorsed candidate interlock which is built into the machine as a permanent part thereof, butwhich isnormally disconnected from the operating parts of the machine so as not to thereof, the parts being so arranged that whenever an ilndorsed candidate occurs in a multicandidate group, the particular voting devices belonging to such indorsed candidate may be interlocked specially against each other', so that only one of said voting devices may be placed in voted position. This auxiliary interlock is in duplicate so that the keys of the indorsed candidate may be. controlled by the interlocking parts of either system, with connections so arranged that the wedge of either system of auxiliary interloeks can be connected to the keys sought to be interlocked, so that said key will not only be interlocked by the maininterlocking system of the machine but by the auxiliary interlock as well. It necessary any one or more of said keys can be locked by both of .the auxiliary interlocks in addition to the main interlock.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a vertical cross section of the power part of the machine, showing the main interlock and the ltwo auxiliary interlocks. Fig. 2 shows a portion ot the keyboard comprising two Imult'icandidate groups with indorsed candidates therein. Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of a key with its main interlocking strap so shaped as to provide for the necessary connections with the auxiliary interlocks. Fig. 4 isa detail showing the solid interlocking rollers used in vall the interlocking channels. Fig.l 5 isa detail third channels. Fig. 6 is a. detail showing the pin roller used in the middle channel ot' those shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross section of the auxiliary interlocking channels and rollers, taken'` on line 7.-7 in Fig. 8, the pin being shown on 'full line. Fig. 8 is a side elevation` of the auxiliaryinterlocking channels and straps, looking at them from the rear of the machine.

Similar reference numeralsy in the several figures in dicate similar parts.

The indicator keys' 1 are pivotally sup-l ported in the front plate f2, and have con; nected to them at the rear end interlocking strap 3 terminating in the interlocking wedge 4. This wedge engages with the rollers 5 carried in the interlocking channel 6, all of which construction is substantiallythe same as that. shown in'my -prior patent 793,666.-

In my present invention-the grouping pins 7, which engage with 'pin rollers placed at predetermined intervals in` the channel, pass throughthe rollers and channel from the front of the machine. That is, they are inserted in their proper place from the front of the machine and not from theback of the machine, and to permit a longitudinall travel ofthe interlocking channel, which may be sometimes necessary asis described in my former patent 793,666, I cut a slot in the Jfront plate running from one end of the machine to the other, so that the pins when placed in the interlocking lchannel may travel sidewise through said slot with the interlocking channel and without interfering with the movement of it. To prevent manipulation of these pins by any unauthorized person, I cover or protect them with a ho'od 8 pivoted to 9. This hood can be locked up against the front plate of the machine in any suitable manner .that will hold it securely against tampering .and still permit it to be turned down by the proper otticial to permit easv access to the grouping pin, y

To permit inspection Aof the grouping pms when the hood is in locked position, may provide that the front of it` 10 consist of a narrow strip of 'glass' through which the grouping pins can easily be seen.

On each of the interlockinfr straps 3 is carried a plate 11,to each of which are riveted the pins or studs 12 and 13. Engaging With'th'e specificati@ or I .etters Patent. Patented Feb. 22, 1910.

1.2 is `free to move up and down in the vertical arm of the slot 141 without disturbing the position of the strap 15. This pin, of course, will move up and down with the Strap 3 ofiwhichA it is an in'tegral part. It,

"however, the strap 15 is moved to the right so that the horizontal ar-m of the sl'otA 111' engages with the pin 127 thepstrapl will then move u and' down with the strap 3, because it w1ll then be positively engaged there-With. The strap 15 can be. held in either ofy these two positions by thelink 16. This link has cut thereinA on its under side at its right hand end,I two notches 19 and 20. Carried on suitable standards 17 in the machine is a Abar 18. It' the notch 19 inthe link 16 engages with the bar 18 the strap lti'will be-held positively in position so as not to be disturbed by the vertical movement of the pin 12. If the notch 20. however, engages with the bar 18, the strap 15 will be pulledto theI right, so that the horizontall portion of the slot 1-t will be positively engaged with the pin 12 and will be moved up and'down by it as it is moved by the strap Rivcted to the strap 15 a pin 21, and the link 16 has a loose engagement therewith by means of the slot 22 stamped in link 16. This loose engagement is made lnecessary because the distance between centers ofthe notches 19 and 2O is greater than the movement of the pin 12 in the horizontal part of the slot 11. and the movement which the link 16 must make inexcess of the lateral movement that. is permitted to the, strap is compensated for by the loose connection between the link 1G 21. It will -be understood. ,of there is one of these auxiliary and the pin course, that interlocking' straps 15 for each main interlocking strapl 3 in themachine, although if advisable .I may only provide these auxiliary interlocking straps for thekeys and interlocking straps of a single office line. or for the keys and interlocking straps of a plurality of single oHice lines. it being understood that the principal use to which these auxiliarv interlocking' straps will be put is when the main interlocking straps and their keys are combined in a, multi-candidate Q'roup in which occur indorsed candidates. The auxiliary interlocking straps 15 each terminate in awedge 21 interlocked by interlocking rollers 25 similar to those carried iu the main interlocking channel. except as hereinafter described.

Pin rollers are provided in the auxiliary interlocking channel at regular intervals, and these pin rollers are held in place in the manner which I will nowdescribe. The pin rollers in question are provided with' trunnions such., as are shown` in Figs. 6 and T. The plates making up the side of the auxiliary channel 35 are pierced at suitable intervals with holes large enough to receive the trunnions of the pin rollers 3G.v The solid rollers and pin rollers are assembled inthe channel35- inproper order with the pin rollers placed with their trunnions engaging4 with the holes in side plates of `the channel. These trunnions are then slightly flattened' outY sothat they-act as rivetshold` ing the sides of the channel together. In so riveting the pin roller the pinholeis lett unobstructed so-that it will' receive the end of the grouping pin when it is used in the adjacent channel. In this w'ay the pin rollers of the channel 35 are always held rigidly in place with the intermediate solid rollers be.- tween them and' sutlicient space is allowed between the rollers of each office line in this channel to pull in one of the auxiliary interlocking wedges 21 and no more. TWhile the' wedges and rollers in the main interlocking channel may be combined into a multicandidate group comprising two o1' more otlice lines, it is the intention that the corresponding straps and wedges of the auxiliary interlocking channel will always remain divided into single oice lines so that of the wedges interlocked thereby only one wedge can be drawn to voted position in each ottice line. If now in the multicandidate group estabished on the main interlock, two or more keys are found to belong to the same candidate, it will be noticed that both of such keys can be voted for the candidate .so indorsed, thus giving two votes to that candidate when the voter should be restricted to but one. In order to prevent this deficient?)l of the main interlock, all that is necessary to do is to connect the auxiliary straps to the main interlocking straps belonging to the keys ofthe indorsed candidate, so that when the main interlocking straps are lifted their auxiliary straps will be lifted as well. As the auxiliary interlock prevents more than one wedge' being moved to voted position.

it will prevent voting twice for the indorsed candidate. lIt will be understood that the keys of the multi-candidate group which do not have indorsed candidates will remain disconnected from their auxiliary interlockingT straps, so thatthe auxiliary strap will remain quiet when the main interlocking strap is raised and lowered.

It sometimes occurs in a single office line that two indorsed candidates occur therein. In such case the second set of auxiliary interlocking straps 28 Aand their wedges 2t) 1 can be used. These straps are connected to 125 the main interlocking strap '3 at the pin 13 in the same way that the straps l5 are connected to the straps 3 at the pin 12. They are also controlled so as to be connected to or disconnected from the-pin 13 by means of, 130

anonce Va link 3() correswonding substantially to link 16which. link .30 is provided with notches 31. and 32, either of which can engage with nel..

the bar 33 to hold the link 30 in either of two positions Similar to those'- described. in

connection with link'` 16. The wedges 29 of the second set of auxiliary .interlocking strapsiriterlock with the rollers 34 carried in ,the second auxiliary interlocking chan- As shown in Figs. 1 and '7, Ithe two ,channels for the auxiliary interlock are builtside by side and are so placed that the group- Itall the names of a single indorsed can- V didate occur in the same office line, eitheroi't the auxiliary interlocks can be used as above described, but as sometimes happens the names' of 'an indorsedcadidate/ are placedl n1 two ad]acent otiicel1nes. In such a case connectionsmust'be made with the wedges of the auxiliary interlock carried in the outer channel as above described, selecting the wedges belonging tothe keys of the indorsed candidate as his name Occurs in thev two or. more oiiice lines of the group. In such case the grouping pin that holds the intermediate 'roller between the two oilice lines 'in the outer auxiliary interlock must be withdrawn, leaving the intermediate roller to travel as it 'would in a multicandidate group. This, 'however, will permit the voting of two wedges in 4that particular group, and to pre-n vent this I would use in the auxiliary intervso lock a compensator similar to that shown in my application No. 281,875 (see Fig. '8) or any other suitable device that would takeup the lost space so as-to prevent the voting of the second wedge therein. In this way it is. possible to apply thisauxiliary interlock to an indorsed 'candidate where the name ot'` said indorsed candidate occurred in. two ad,- jacent oilice lines, or in two' or more oilice lines that were separate to a greater or less extent. Itwill thus be seen that the extra interlock for the indorsed candidate is built into Jthe machine and is always ready for use as indicated by the ballot labels on the machine and needs no other adjustment-than the simple connecting up of the auxiliary interlocking wedges' to the keys that belongv t'o the indor'sed candidate so thatbu'tlone of said keys lcan befvoted. p

Carried on the standard 17 are the lock-- ing bars 40 and'41, which engagewith the links 16 and 80 respectively and hold them llocked in either position in' which'they have been'placed as, abovefdescribed. Each of these bars is mounted toy swing on an axis near its upper edge.V Connected to the upper bar is the handle 42 by which it may be raised. This handle when turned down I in close en ga gement..`

straps, a plurality of auxiliary interlocking holdsl the bar 40. from being swung vout of.

locking position, and while in this position l the links 16 cannot be disengaged from the bar l18'. The handle 42 also bears against the bar 41 and prevents it from being swung up as well. The bar 41 bears against a stud 44' on the standard 17 which prevents'it from being swung rearwardly s o that'between the stud 44 and the handle 42 the bar 41 is held In order to hold the handle 42 in'its locking position, a lug 42v is formed thereon whlch may be made suiiiciently long so that' when the lower back door of the machine is closed ,the handle 42 cannot be raised far enough to permit the releasing of the links 16 and BOL Il claim as my invention as follows:

1. In` a-voting-'machine a plurality of keys with a grouping interlock comprising wedges vor spaces therefor common to all of said keys, a plurality of indorsing interlocking gwedges for each key all forming part of the permanent structure and means for connect-V ing .to or disconnectingfroni the key at will,

one or both of the indorsing wedges.

2. Ina voting machine -a plurality of keys with a grouping vinterlock therefor comprisin er interlocking wedges and straps, a. plu- Iity of studs mounted on each of said straps,each having a right angled slot therein by which each of .said straps engages its stud, the upperend of each of said auxiliary straps being capable oiv botha longitudinal movement and a Swingin which each of said auxillary straps can ,move independently of its main interlock or can be locked to it to move in unison there.

with. l

l3. A plurality of keys each having a main 'interlocking strap connected thereto, studsA mounted on said strap, a plurality of auxil.

iary interlocking straps for eachkey engaging with said stud. to move longitudinal y therewith or to move independently vthereof for a limited: distance, and means for positively holding saidstraps in the one position' or the other.

4. Ina voting machine three rows of parallel interlocking straps, connectionsv between the straps of one of these rows and nections being adjustable to'leave the straps movement by the straps of the other two rows, said vcon-l of the first row free tonlove independent of '4 the straps of the other two rows, lor to con- "nect the straps of the first row tomove in unison with. the straps of either or both of the other rows. l

5. In a voting machine interlock, ainain' interlocking strapv movable longitudinally',

y.having a stud thereon, an auxiliary stra having a slot therein-to engage J with sai- ,stndin either 'of two positions, in vone of 'which positions both straps will move' longitudinally together, and in 'the other position,

i having a stud thereon,

which positions both straps will move longi-4 tudinally together, and in the other position the main strap will move independent of the auxiliary strap, and a lock for positively v holding said auxiliary strap in either of said positions.

7. In a'voting machine interlock a plurality of series of longitudinally movable interlocking straps forming apermanent part of the machine, means for positively iinparting the Imotion of the straps-in one of the series to the corresponding. straps in the other series, said means being adjustable to permit the free -movement of the one series of straps without disturbing the p osition of the straps in the other series.

8. In a voting machine interlock, a main interlocking strap and an auxiliary interlocking strap permanently engaged therewith, both of said straps beingvcapable of longitudinal movement, being capable of adjustment to two positions, in one of which positions it will-be moved positively bythe main strap and in its other position the main strap will be free to move without it.

9. In a voting machine interlock, a main interlocking strapand an auxiliary interlockin strap permanently engaged therewith, both of said straps being capable of longitudinal movement, said auxiliary strap being'capable of adjustment to two positions, in one of which positions itr will be moved positively by the main'strap and in its other position the main strap will be free to move without it, and means for locking said auxiliary.

' positions.

l0. In a voting machine interlock, a main interlocking strap and an auxiliary interlocking strap permanently engaged therewith, both of said straps being capable of longitudinal movement, said auxiliary stra beingv capable of adjustment to two;y osi-l tions, in one of which positions it wil be moved positively by the main strap and in its other position the main'strap lwill be free to'inove without it, and means for locking said auxiliary strap in either of the two positions` said means consisting of a link connected to said auxiliary strap' having-two notches therein. a stationary bar with which said notches can engage to hold said strap in either of its two positions.

l1. In a voting inachineinterlock, a main interlocking strap and an auxiliaryinterlocking strap permanently engaged therewith, both of-said straps being` capable of abutments, said said auxiliary strap/istrap in either of the two longitudinal movement, said auxiliary stra being capable of adjustment to two positions,'in one of whichv positionsit will bemoved positively bythe main strap and in its' other position the main strap will be free t'o move without it, Aand means for locking said auxiliary strap in either of the two positions, said means consisting of a link connected to said auxiliary strap having two nochestherein, a stationary bar with which said lnotches can engage to hold saidA strap in either of its two positions, a slotted connection between the link and its strap.

,12. The combination of interlocking abutinents having endsformed with truiinions, intermediate spacing devices, an interlocking channel to supportsaid abutments, and spacing devices, said channel being pierced at suitable intervals to receive said trunnions to support said abutments.

13. The combination of interlocking' abutments, projections formed on the ends there` of, an-,interlocking channel to support said channel being pierced at suitable intervals to receive said trunnions to support-said abutments.

14. The combination of a pair ot' interlocking channels separated by a dividing plate, 'stationary abutments supported by the one channel, said abutinents having piojections thereon, and said 'ch`aniiel being pierced at suitable intervals to receive said projections, each of said abutments. being piercedto receive a grouping pin from the adjacent'ch'annel. j

15. The combination of a pair of interlocking channels separated by a dividing plate,`stationary abutments supported by the onechannel, and said abutments having, projections thereon, and said channel being pierced at suitable'intervals to receive said projections,- each of said ,abutments beingpierced to receive a grouping pin from the adjacent Channel, movable abutments supported by the adjacentchannel and grouping pins therefor` by which said movable abutments may be made stationary with respect to lthetchannels 16." The combination in a voting machine' of a casing, including ai front plate, an interlocking channel mounted within the casing adjacent to said front plate, Lsaid channel holding the parts of an interchangeable interlock, grouping pins, for controlling said interlock, an ,opening -through the front platetthroug'h which said pins engage said interlock, a removable cover plata for "said grouping pins holding said pms in place..

17.- The combination in a voting machine of acasing, including a front plate,.an in-l terlocking channel mounted within said casing adjacent to said yfrontplate, said channel holding the parts of an interchangeable interlock, grouping pins for controlling said interlock, a slot through the front plato ias tlirougliivvhich said pinsengage-said interlock, a transparent hood for exposing said pins and/holding them in place.

18. 1n a voting machine interlocK, a'rnain' interlocking Strap and @plurality ofauxll- 1 lary interlocking straps permanentlylenga-ged therewith,y alibi said straps being positively.V by- 'ca'pable "of longitudinal movement, each of said auxiliary straps 'beingcapable of ad yi0 jnstinent .to two positions, in one of which ,positions the auxiliary' strap. will be moved the main strap', "and inthe other position the main to lmove Without it.

151i. -An adjusting mechanisni for' an inter-f lolzkconsisting'of a bar, a* plurality of links each ofwhich has @plurality of notches thereon .whereby nit niay enga. e said bar `in aplurality ofpositions, and a 'ocking device common toV said. links "to l'holdthe'm insuch engaged position 2O.` An adjusting mechanism for an interv lock consistingofa bar, a plurality of links strap ,'Will be 4*freie qftthlof which has 'a plurality ffnotche's thereon. Whereb7 it mayA engagesaid bar in .a p-lnralityof positions,`. and a locking. de-

vice coni-mon to said links to hold them suchengaged position, and means lfor. re-

stricting the movement of said locking de- Y vice..A

2l. vThecombinationin a voting machine of a plurality of keys, a pluralitypf inter' locking devices for each.- key forming lpartofnthe permanent structure, any? 'or all of said` devices being capable of being rendered inoperative at will, .the operation of4 each of.

said keys being capable vof being controlled by either one or part or all offits' interlock-.

ing devices;

Iirtestimony whereof I'alfx niy'signature` in 'presence off-two, witnesses.-

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