US2403006A - Recorder mechanism - Google Patents

Description

July 2, A194:65. c. D. LAKE ET AL RECORDER MECHANISM Filed Sept. 25', 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet l July 2, 1946. c. D. LAKE ET AL RECORDER MECHANISM Filed Sept. 23, 1941' 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5.

Flsgzj FIG. 6.

MILIVETORs BY ZM Mgfmmy July 2,' 1946 c. D. LAKE ET AL 2,403,006

RECORDER MECHANISM Filed Sept. 23, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 2, 1946- c. D. LAKE ET AL 2,403,006

RECORDER MEcHANsM Filed Sept. 23, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIC-3.11.

T557 DEP' T 19.475

INV T RS BY my ATTORNEY.

July 2, 1946. c, D LAKE ET AL 2,403,006`

RECORDER MEcHANsM I Filed sept. 25, 1941 6 sheets-'sheet 5 IN VE TOR 5 H0125. g ff fk@ ATTORNEY July 2, 1946 c. D. LAKE ET AL RECORDER MECHANISM Filed sept. 25, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 MRNEY Patented July 2, 1946 RECORDER MECHANISM Clair D. Lake, Binghamton, and Francis E.

Hamilton, Endicott, N. Y., a'ssig'nors to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N; Y., a corporation of New York Application September 23, 1941, Serial No. 411,964

11 Claims. 1

Tests may be Vmade at different stations. A

. common test result indicator and a common recording unit are provided. The invention is directed, to recording of the test result along with identifying data including the station at which the test was made and the sequence or serial number of the test for the station. The invention resides further in recording of information automatically with respect to any selected one of a plurality of information sources. The invention also contemplates novel means to preselect certain data for recording during a recording cycle of the machine. The invention has for other objects, the provision of:

Electrical cyclically operating means for causing recording of data by a typewriter and operations auxiliary to recording; e. g. tabular spacing and .carriage return operations.

'Serial numbering control means providing for serial numbering of the tests recorded for each test station or of the information pertaining to each infomation source.

Automatic starting and stopping means for the motor` of a motor driven typewriter unit used as the recording unit.

Automatic means for unlocking the typewriter keys when the typewriter motor is under automatic control.

Novel means to preselect serial number counters for resetting and for effecting resetting.

Novel means to eliminate recording of zeros by the typewriter prior to typing of the first signifi-f cant digit.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is an elevational view of the cyclic, clutch driven emitters and contact operating cams,

Fig. 2 is a detail of the clutch,

Fig. 3 shows the timing chart,

Fig. 4 is a vertical side section through a sequence counter,

-Fig. 5 is a front view of Sequence counter orders, showing one in section, i

Fig. 6 is` a section through the carry and zero detecting commutator of a counter order,

Fig. 'I is a section through the value readout 2 Fig. 9 is a. plan view of the typewriter keyboard,

l Fig. l is a detail of an automatic key lock reease,

Fig. 11 shows a portion of a sheet on which the test data of several stations are recorded, and

Figs. 12a, 12b, and 12e constitute the circuit diagram.

Briefly. the niachine comprises a typewriter and arobot for automatically operating the typewriter. The robot control the .typewriter to record information pertaining to tests made at a plurality of test stations. The kind of test made and the calculation of the test result are not subjects of the present invention and will noty l5 be discussed. The computed result of a test at any of the stations is given by a common result indicator. A serial number counter is provided for each test station. When infomation relating to a test 'at a station is to be recorded, the desired station is selected by the operator and clutch driven means brought into operation for a recording cycle. During the cycle, the identity of the station is recorded, unity is added tothe serial number counter of the selected station, the new serial number is recorded, and the test result given by the common indicator is recorded.

The typewriter (Figs. 8, 9, 10)

80 Any suitable well known typewriter may be Sedes the recording means, but it is preferred to use the typewriter known as the Electromatic and the general principles of winch are disclosed in Patents Nos. 1,775,055 and 1,873,512.

Fig. 9 shows the keyboard of which keys I0 are the charac-ter keys, CR the carriage return key, Tab the tabular spacing key. and SP the space bar.

Briefly, referring to Figs. 8 and 9. depression of a key I0 releases latch Il from a. cam I2, permitting a spring-pressed lever I3 to move the cam against the periphery of a friction shaft Il driven continuously .by the regular typewriter motor TM `(shown only in the circuit diagram Fig. 12a). The cam l2 is rotated by the shaft to cause the cam carrier i5 to rock in a direction for depressing a link I8. Through linkage Il, the link I6 impels the type bar Il towards the sheet on platen 20 to type the selected character. In the final increment of movement of the type bar, it strikes a universal bar 22 to actuate escapement lever 23 for releasing the escapement mechanism to effect a character spacing movement of the platen-mounting carriage 24 after the char- 55 ecter has been typed. Depression of space bar a linkage 25 for actuating the esoapement lever y 23 to cause character spacing.

The carriage return mechanism is of the kind i disclosed in Patent No. 1,955,614 and is set in operation by depression o! carriage return key CR. As usual, line spacing occurs as an incident to carriage return operation.

The tabulating mechanism is set in operation by depression of key Tab, and is of the kind disclosed in Patent No. 1,935,436. The usual settable tab stops 2l control the extent of tab spacing upon each tab spacing operation.

Element 2l is the usual settable margin stop to stop the carriage return movement when the left margin position has been reached by the carriage.

For each digit key, for the period or decimal point key, and for the space bar SP, carriage return`key CR, and tab spacing key Tab, a solenoid I is provided. Energization of a key solenoid results in automatic depression of the associated key or space bar. The solenoids may be distinguished by appending the designation oi the function 'of the related key or bar to the common designation 30 of the solenoids; i. e., solenoid BP is the solenoid for operating the space'bar and solenoid lli-i is the solenoidv for operating the key which causes typing ot digit 1. The keys may be manaully operated or. alternatively. may be automatically operated by the solenoids.

The typewriter has the usual bar 32 (Fig. 10)

which moves upwardly to position for locking the key levers against operation when the regular typewriter switch TS is set in ofl" position. When this switch is moved to on" position, it rocks bar 32 down to release the key levers. In the present case the typewriter is not only operable manually but also automatically during certain cyclic periods of operation oi' the robot. To keep the typewriter motor running during these cyclic periods only. when control of the typewriter by the robot is desired, the regular typewriter switch ls rendered ineilective and cyclic means provided to switch the motor on and ofi' automatically. As the locking bar l2 may be initially in locking position, a key unlocking solenoid Il is provided which, upon energization, moves bar 32 down to key unlocking position. The energization of the solenoid Il is eiected during the cyclic periods when the typewriter motor is automatically set running. When it is dired to operate the typewriter manually, the solenoid It is disconnected from circuit and the regular typewriter switch TS is rendered effective.

The robot tooth of which is adapted to engage in the notch'` of clutch collar Il. Normally, the clutch dog 4I is held in disengaged position by a latch lever l! and a rebound latch 4I carried thereby. Upon energization oi a clutch magnet l5, the latch lever releases the clutch dog which is enabled thereby to clutch the gear Il to the gear-3l for common rotation.

Gear I8 is meshed with a gear 41 on a shaft 48. The gear ratio is such that shaft 48 makes two revolutions to one'revolution of the gear 3l. Shaft 48 carries the brushes of emitters A and B of common construction. Also carried by shalt 48 are various Contact closing cams 5l for closing cam contacts CI to 'l in circuits which will be traced later.

The robot includes sequence or serial number counters, one for each of the test stations to count the number of tests made and recorded at the related station. Each sequence counter, in this instance, has three orders; hundreds, tens, and umts orders. The construction of one sequence counter is shown in Figs. 4 to 7. Each counter wheel l! has two duplicate sets oi' digit positions 0 to 9. Fixed to the side of each counter wheel is a twenty-toothed ratchet Il having one tooth for each digit position. Coacting with the ratchet teeth of each ratchet I8 is a detent I'I for preventing clockwise rotation oi the ratchet and indicator wheel (as viewed in Fig. 4). Also coasting with each ratchet is the tooth oi' an actuating pawl 58. The pawi is pivotally carried by the free end oi' the horizontal arm 59a of a. bell crank lever 50. The vertical arm Mb of the lever constitutes the armature of the counter magnet lll. A spring 82 between pawl II and the arm 58a urges the pawl clockwise to maintain its tooth engaged with the ratchet. The back of the upper portion of the pawl Il is inclined and engaged with a bar 83, such engagement holding the pawl in position to inhibit the counterclockwise rotation oi the ratchet when the pawl is in normal, lower position. Upon energization of the magnet 80, the lever I8 rocks clockwise and liits the pawl until its tooth is above the tooth next higher to the one previously engaged thereby. Upon deenergization of the magnet.l a spring Il connected to the arm b of lever M restores the lever in a counterclockwise direction, causing the pawl to descend. During this action o! the pawl, it turns the ratchet through one tooth distance and thereby advances the indicating wheel one value step from one digit position to the next.

Secured to each indicating wheel is a rotor 1l of insulating material. The rotor carries axially spaced, separate brush pairs to coact with contact segments imbedded in a xed moulding ll of insulating material. One brush pair 1l coacts with digital value segments 14-0 to B and a common segment 14C. During each half a revolution of the indicator wheel, or while it is being moved through one set of digit positions, one of the brushes 'll successively engages with the ten value segments while the opposite brush 'll engages the common segment 14C. Two diametricaily opposite similar brush pairs 12 are provided (Fig. 6). When the'indicator wheel is in a 9 digit position, the brushes 12 of one pair bridge the segments 9T and IIT. As the wheel moves on to 0 position, the diametrically opposite brush pair 12 bridges commutator segments 'il and 'l1 for a purpose explained later. It will be evident that the brush pairs 1I alternate in function during successive hall revolutions of the counter wheel.

It is understood that the counter wheels may be left blank in case it is not desired or necessary to visibly show the counter reading.

Other parts of the robot will be described subsequently in the explanation of the circuits and of the operation oi' the machine in selecting, reading out and recording information.

Circuits and operation Before starting operations under control oiA the robot, the operator may manually operate the 1 typewriter to type on a sheet (Fig. 11) the date, other classifying information, and headings such as shown in this iigure. Alternatively, such information and headings may be preprinted on the sheets. To prepare the typewriter for control by the robot, a switch 8U is placed in lower position as viewed in Fig. 12a, rendering the regular typewriter switch TS ineifective to control operation of the typewriter motor TM. The operator closes line switch LS, connecting a relay coil GE to a suitable voltage supply, thereby energizing the coil to close switch GEI. The closure of lthis switch initiates operation of a motor-generator unit M--G to supply direct current to opposite circuit sides 8I and 82.0f the robot.

The present disclosure takes into consideration ten test stations` referred to as stations I to IU. There are ten station relay coils NI to NIU (Fig. 12a) and ten associated plug sockets 88--I to IU for the ten correspondingly numbered sta-A tions. To select a station for which-a record is to be made, the operator connects a plug Wire (not shown) between the common plug hub 88C and the plug socket numbered similarly to the de'- sired station; e. g. to select station 6, the plug wire is connected between socket 83C and the socket 83-8. A circuit is thereupon completed from line side 8I via the socket 83C and the connected socket 88-8 through coil N8 to line side .82. A recording cycle is then initiated by depressing the print key (Fig. 12a) to close its contacts PK. This completes a circuit from lineside 8| via the print key contacts PK and normally closed relay contacts 84a through clutch magnet 85 (also see Figs. A1 and 2). Concurrently, a branch circuit extends from the print key contacts PK via a line 85 through a relay coil 88 toV 6 ply line via now closed relay contacts GEI and a wire 84 through typewriter motor 'I'M and cam contacts C8 and a wire 85 to the opposite side of the main supply line. A parallel circuit proceeds from wire 8l via switch 8U in lower position, through key unlocking solenoid 33 (also see Fig. 1) and via contacts C8 to wire I85. Solenoid I3 now unlocks the typewriter keys for operation while the typewriter motor rotates shaft I4 (ses Fig. 8). During theopen intervals of cam conf tacts C8, the typewritermotor stops running, .but

line side 82.l Another branch circuit is completed from key contacts PK via relay contacts 84a and a line 81 (continue with Fig. 12b) through the pickup coil P'of a duo wound relay magnet 88 this magnet via normally closed relay contacts 88a.

Energizedv relay coil 86 (Fig. 12a) closes-contact; lla to completethe circuit of robot motor' CM (also see Fig. 1).

' At this time, motor CM is in'operation and clutch magnet 48 is energized.. Hence, a clutch cycle is initiated duringwhich the cam and emitter shaft 48 (Figs. 1 and v2) makes two revolutions. To maintain coil 88 energized and motor CM in operation after release koi.' the print key, energized magnet 88 closes contacts 88o (Fig. 12a). shunting .the print key contacts. Another shunt circuit for motor relay coil 88 extends from line side 8I (Fig. 12b) via cam contacts C'I and a line 8U (continue with Fig. 12a) through coil 88 to line side 82.

During each of the two revolutions of shaft 48 occurring during a clutch cycle, the brushes 82 an'd 88 of Vemitters A and B (Fig. 12b) wipe the emitter spots, but during the first revolution only emitter A is rendered eilectiveand emitter B does not become effective until emitter A has' completed its functions.

Shortly after the clutch cycle starts, cam contacts CI (Figs. 3 and 12a) close. A circuit is thereby completed from one side of the main lupduring these periods recording is not to occur. By this means, the typewriter motor is set in operation only during desired portions of the cycle of the robot, and with switch 88 in lower position, the regular typewriter switch TS is prevented rom initiating operation of the typewriter mo- During the nrst revolution of cam shaft 48, f

emitter A is eilective while emitter B is ineffective until the 13th machine cycle point (see Fig. 3). The current feed to brush 82 of emitter A (see Fig. 12b) is through relay contacts 88h and Contacts 88h are closed at this time as a result of energization of magnet. 88 which occurred when the print key was depressed, as explained before. Contacts 88a are normally closed and do not open until the emitter A brush has reached its last spot, i. e., spot I2, as will be described later.

The current feed to the brush 83 of emitter B is through relay contacts 88h and 88h. Contacts 88h do not open until the brush 83 reaches the I2 spot of emitter B. Contacts 9812 will be closed when magnet 8U is energized upon engagement of emitter A brush 82 withspot I2. Thus, contacts '88h close and contacts 88a open at the samea time and emitter A is rendered ineifective while emitter B is made effective.

The operations controlled by emitter A will now be explained. The rst such operation is the ,addition ofunity to the sequence counter of the -ation of one of the coils NI to NIU (Fig. 12a).

The energized coil will close its contacts a (Fig. 12b, lower right) and through these contacts, an impulse willlbe routed to the counter magnet or magnets of the sequence counter for the selected station. The count impulse circuit will be completed upon brush 82 of emitter A reaching emitter spot I. Assume, for example, that station 8 has been selected; hence, coil N6 is energized and contacts "a of this coil are closed. When brush 82 engages spot I of emitter A, the following circuit is completed (Fig. 12b):

Count impulse circuit- Line side 8|, make and break contacts C8, relay contacts 88h and 88a, brush 82, emitter spot I, and wire 88 to the common side of all the a contacts of coils NI to NIU; thence via closed contacts a of coil N8 and a wire 88 through the units order counter magnet 8U of counter 8, to line side 82.

Energization of units order magnet 8U (also see Fig. 4) of counter 8 followed by its deenergization as brush 82 leaves spot I of emitter A, causes the units order of this counter to advance one step,

. adding unity to its previous reading. If the units order is at "9" at the time the count impulse cirasoaooo cuit is completed, the tens order magnet also will be energized to advance the tens order of the selected counter 1 step, thereby taking care of carry from units order to tens order. As previously described, when a counter order is in 9 position, brush pair 12 is bridging contacts 0T and |0T (Fig. 8). Therefore, with the units order in this position. the circuit of tens order magnet will branch off from wire 00 via contacts 0T and IOT of the units order bridged by brush pair 12, thence via one of the normally closed group of a contacts of a reset relay coil Rl and through the tens order magnet 00 of counter 0. If the tens order also is at "9" at the time the count impulse circuit is closed. a branch circuit extends from line 00 via the carry contacts 0T, |0T and l2 of the units order and the contact Ria previously referred to. thence via the carry contacts ci' the tens order and another contact Rta through the hundreds order counter magnet B0. Through the circuit or circuits described above, unity `will be added to the previous count reading of the sequence counter of the selected test station.

After brush 02 of emitter A has engaged spot I to initiate addition of unity to the selected counter, the emitter brush successively engages spots 2 and 0 to initiate automatic recording of the identifying number of the counter in a field of columns under heading "Station" on the sheet (Fig. 11). In the assumed example, counter 0 was selected and coil N0 energized. Coil N0 closed contacts N0b (Fig. 12b). All the Nlb to Nlb contacts are between a common wire |00 and a common wire |02. Wire |02 is connected to a 0" line |00 which leads to the normally closed side of relay contacts a yof a relay coil |04 from which the 0" wire |00 extends to a 0" wire |01 (Fig. 12e). This wire |01 is connected to the common blade of switching contacts ZEa. When contacts ZEa are in normal condition, they lead to the space bar operating solenoid 00SP of the typewriter. When contacts ZEa are in shifted condition, they lead to the 0 key solenoid 30. Contacts ZEa will be shifted. in a manner subsequent- `1y described, as a result of the typing of the ilrst significant digit in a record neld under one of the headings on the sheet (Fig. 1l). Thus, contacts'ZEa and their operating coil ZE are elements of aero eliminationmeans to prevent typing of a mero preceding the first signincant iigure. When any of the test stations l to 0 are selected, the ilrst column of the neld under heading Btation" on the sheet will not contain a significant digit. Hence, upon the emitter A brush 02 engaging spot 2, a circuit will be completed through space bar solenoid 00B? as follows, (start with Fig. 12b): From line side 0|. via contacts C0, 00h, and 00a to brush 02; thence via emitter spot 2 to line |00 and the closedone of the contacts Nlb to Nlb to line |02, "0" line III, the lower side of contacts l00a,` and to connected 0" wire |00. The circuit continues through 0" wire |01 and the left side of contacts ZEa through space bar solenoid 00B?, and via normally closed contacts |00a and make and break contacts Ci and C2 to line side 02.

When counter Il is selected. related contacts Nilb (Pig. 12b) are closed. These contacts connect wire |00 to a wire |I0 leading to the "1" line |00. Hence. when emitter brush 02 reaches spot 2, a circuit proceeds through contacts Nllb to 1" line Ill. which connects to the lower side 0l switching contacts lllb. Fro'lnthere, the circuit continues via l wire Il! and the "lf line |01 through the 1 digit key soicnoid 00| to the 8 common line I |2 of the digit and period key solenoids 00-I to 0 and 30PER. The circuit is completed by way of normally closed relay contacts |00b through a coil ||3 and contacts Cl and C2 to line side B2.

Coil H3, which is energized when any of the significant digit key solenoids ll-l to 00-0 or the period key solenoid ll-PER is energized, closes contacts Illa (Fig. 12b) to pick up zero elimination control coil ZE. Coil ZE closes stick contacts ZEb to provide a holding circuit extending from the side 02 through the coil, its b contacts and a wire ||0 (continue with Fig. 12a) through normally closed relay contacts ilia to line side 0|. Coil ZE shifts contacts ZEa (Fig. 12o). Thereafter, until coil ZE `is deenergized by opening ci its stick circuit, a "0 impulse will be routed through` solenoid 00--0 and cause a "0 to be printed, whereas prior to the shifting ol.' these contacts, thc impulse was directed to the space har solenoid 3053i?.V

The units, order digit of the identifying number of the selected counter is typed when emit. ter A brush 92 reaches spot 3.' Spot l is connected to common wire ||6 (Fig. 12b) connected to one side o! each of contacts Nic to Nilo. Contacts Nlic, if closed, connect wire ||0 to the previously mentioned wire |02 which leads to the "0 line |00. The typing of the tens order digit of counter number I0 has caused zero elimination control contacts ZEa to be shifted. as explained before. Hence, the circuit routed through the c contacts of coil Nil will proceed to the key solenoid 30-0, causing a 0" to be typed in the units column under heading Station" (Fig. 11).

The closure of the c contacts of any of the other coils N to N0 will route a circuit to the correspondingly numbered digit key solenoid 20. For example, with contacts Nic closed, the circuit initiated by engagement of spot I of emitter A with emitter brush 02 will extend from line ||0 through contacts Nic to the "6" line |00, thence through the normally closed side of contacts ist |00g and the 6" line |00 to the "8" line |01 (Pig. 12e); thence through solenoid 00-0 and through the previously traced path to line side 02.

After the station identifying number has been printed on a line of the record sheet, the sheet will be tabular spaced to the first column lmder the heading Test No. The tabular spacing operationis effected under control of emitter A as the brush 02 engages emitter spot 0. A circuit is established which begins as in the previous emitter circuits and continues from spot 0 via a wire ||0 (turn to Fis. 12e) through the tab key solenoid "TAB and by way of contacts |004,

Ci, and C2 to line side 02. Energization of solenoid IITAB causes tabular spacing movement of the carriage to the first column of the Test No. field.

In order to provide for elimination of leros preceding the nrst significant digit in the Test No. field, the zero elimination means is restored to initial condition before typing begins in this lleld. For this purpose, coil ZE which was energlsed andheldasaresultof thetyping oftheflrstlllniilcant digit in the Station held is deenergiled before typing begins in the Test No. field. This is done by opening relay contacts Illa (Hg. 12d) in the stick circuit of coil ZE. To open contacta ||la, coil ||l is energized by a circuit established when emitter A brush 02 engages spot l. This circuit extends from emitter A spot l through normallyclosedrelaycontacts |00e. thenvia l 9 a wire |22 (continue with Fig. 12o) through coil I I to line side 82.

After the tabular spacing of the typewriter carriage to bring the first column of the Test No. eld to typing position is completed, the readout of the test sequence number begins. In order to allow suflicient time for the tabular spacing to be completed before this readout occurs, the readout is not initiated until the emitter A brush 92 reaches spot 8. Meanwhile, the tabular spacing, begun as the spot 4 was engaged by the emitter brush, willbe completed.

The test sequence number is readout of the selected counter. This test sequence number is the number of times the results of tests made at the selected station have been listed. Each time a station is selected, the corresponding counter is stepped ahead one unit, as previously explained, so that the counter corresponding to each station registers the count and sequence of the test records for the selected station. When a counter is selected, the corresponding N coil (Fig. 12a) is energized, as described before. Besides the other contacts closed by the N coil, it closes a group of d contacts (Fig. 12b), each in series with one of the common segments 14C of the selected counter. For example, if coil N8 is energized, contacts N8d are closed and the hundreds, tens, and units orders of the selected counter 8 will be read out by circuits routed through the NSd contacts and completed as brush 92 successively wipes spots 8, 9, and I0. Assume,

for instance, that counter 8 registers 010. The hundreds order readout circuit starts as the other emitter A circuits and proceeds from spot 8 to a line |23, the Nid contacts of the hundreds order, the connected common segment 14C., thel brush pair 1|, the 0 value segment, the "8 line |25; thence through the normal side of contacts |84a and by a previously traced path through the solenoid 30SP. Energization of this solenoid causes character spacing of the typewriter carriage. The "0 preceding the first signiilcant digit of the sequence count is not printed.

The tens order counter readout circuit is formed upon engagement of brush 92 with'spot 9 and, with the tens order in position 1, the circuit is routed via the connected digit 1 lines to solenoid 8|||. The circuit also energizes coil ||8 which causes energization of coil ZE and shifting ofcontacts ZEa (Fig. 12e). Thus, the "0 in the units order of counter 8 will be readout when brush 92 engages spot I0 by a circuit routed through the shifted side of contacts ZEa to solenoid SCI- 0. In the above manner, serial lnumber 010 in selected counter 8 is typed as 10 in the Test No. nem.

The test result in the common result indicator is tobe recorded next. There are four orders of the indicator designated in Fig. 12o by TR.. Each order has ten contacts corresponding to digits 0 to 9, as indicated for the tens order only. One of these contacts in each order is closed to indicate the digit of the result in the order. The means by which the contacts are selectively closed is not part of the present invention. They may be considered as key contacts or as contacts of a relay accumulator.

Before the test result is recorded, the zero elimination relay ZE is deenergized. Upon engagement of brush 92 with spot a circuit isy completed via normally closed relay contacts |88d and wire |22 (turn to Fig. 12c) through coil ||8. Coil ||8 opens contacts ||8a (Fig. 12a), breaking the stick circuit of coil ZE (Fig. 12b).

, and b close.

^ Brush 82 moves on to emitter spot l2 and completes a circuit via a wire |21 through the pickup coil P of a magnety |80. Contacts |3|Ia Contacts I38a complete a circuit from line 8| via make and break contacts C8 through holding coil H of magnet |38. Contacts |3817 complete a circuit from line 8| via contacts C3 and in parallel through the pickup coils P of magnets 84 and 98. Contacts 88e close and establish a circuit from line 8| via normally closed 89a relay contacts through the holding coil H of magnet 96. When cam contacts C3 open tdwardis the l'end of the 12th cycle point (Fig. 3), the holding coil of magnet |38 and the pickup coils of magnets 84 and 98 are deenergized. The holding coil of magnet 86 remains energized until contacts 89a. open subsequently. Coil H (98) maintains contacts 96a open and contacts 96e closed, respectively disconnecting the emitter A brush from circuit and connecting the emitter B brush 98 into circuit.

The pickup coil of magnet 84 has been energized, as explained above, and contacts b and c of the magnet closed. Through contacts b and cam contacts C1, a circuit is completed through holding coil H of magnet 84. This circuit is broken when contacts C'I open near the end of the 14th cycle point (Fig. 3). Coil H (84) opens contacts 84a (Fig. 12a) in the circuit of clutch magnet 45. As a result, if the operator has been unnecessarily holding the print key down, the clutch magnet will be deenergized nevertheless. As long as the operator continues to hold the print key down, another circuit for. coil H (84) is completed from line 8| via the printdrey by contacts PK, wire 98 (turn to Fig. 12b), the b contacts of magnet 84, and through coil H (84) to line 82. In this manner, coil H is energized at about the midpoint of the clutch cycle to open contacts 84a in the clutch magnet circuit and will remain energized if the print key is held down. If the key is held down until cam contacts C1 reclose during the second half'of the cycle, the circuit of coil H (84) through these cam contacts will be re-established. The print key must be released and then depressed again afterv cam contacts C1 reopen near the end of the cycle before the clutch magnet 48 can be energized again to initiate a new cycle.

Emitter B has been rendered effective nowby closure of contacts 98h. Engagement of brush 98 with spot completes a circuit from line 8| via contacts C8, still-closed contacts 88D, and

now-closed contacts 98h to brush 88 and spot' which is connected to line ||8 leading to the tab solenoid 8||TAB (Fig. 12c). Energization of this solenoid causes tabular spacing of the sheet to bring the Result field (Fig. 11) to typing position. Spots 2 and 3 of emitter B are inactive to provide time for tab spacing to be completed before recording of the result begins. When brush 98 engages spot 4, a circuit is completed via a wire |32 (Figs. 12b and 12e) through a magnet |88. Magnet |88 closes the column of contacts 8 to 9 and c' (Fig. 12c) It will be noted that each of the contacts 8 to 8 is connected at one side of the corresponding 0 to 9 lines |81 and at the opposite side to a corresponding 8 f Ind .lb

ll II. For instance. with the I'contacts oi TR tens order closed, the circuit is completed from line II via contacts .III-c, wire III, the I contacts, wire III, contacts III-I and wire III-I through solenoid Il-I.

As soon as brush II o! emitter B leaves spot Ircoil III is -deenergized and the readout circuit-for the tens order of TR is broken.' Engagement of brush II with spot l energizes a coil III (Fig. 12o). Coil III closes a column of contacts to read out the digit in the units time during a reset cycle.

order of TR in the same manner as explained with respect to the relay contacts oi' coil III and the tens order. After the units order digit is typed, a decimal point is to be typed. This is done as brush II engages the I spot, completing a circuit extending from this spot via a wire III (Figs. 12b and 12e) through the solenoid II-PER which operates the period key to print a decimal point. As this circuit includes coil III, zero elimination coil ZE will be energized and contacts ZEa shifted even i! the tens and units orders of TR. both read zero. Thus, a zero in the tenths order or in both the tenths and hundredths orders will be typed as Os even if not preceded by a signincant digit.

Brush II after leaving spot I engages successively with spots 1 and I to cause successive energization ot coils III and III (Fig. 12e). These coils close columns of contacts such as the III column to cause successive readout and typing of the values in the tenths and hundredths orders of the indicator TR.

At certain times, it is desired to return the station counters to zero. Inorder to reduce the maximum current requirements oi the machine. only two counters at a time may be reset. It is thus necessary for the operator to make a selection ot the two counters to be reset at the same Five reset cycles will be required to reset the ten counters. The selection of the counters to be reset is made by manually setting a switch arm I l0 (Fig. 12a) in engagement with one 0f the five terminals designated I-2, 3 4, 8 8, l-I, and I-II. The two counters selected for reset are indicated by the designation of the terminal engaged by arm |50. For instance, if counters I and 2 are to be reset, arm III is set at terminal I-2. The operator then depresses the reset key (Fig. 12a), completing a circuit from line side Il via reset key contacts RK and the normally closed d contacts of coil Il through relay coils III and III in parallel to line side 82.

Coil IUI closes its contacts e, f, g, h, and i (Fig. 12a) and opens its a and b contacts (Fig. 12e, at bottom) and also its c and d contacts (Fig. 12b). The opening of contacts IIIIa and b prevents the making of any key solenoid circuits. The open- Ernitter spot I of emitter B is connected to a I line III which continues in Fig. 12e through the carriage return solenoid IICR. Hence, after recording of the common result read out oi indicator TR, brush II engages spot I to energize solenoid IICR. As a result, the record sheet (Fig. il) is line spaced and brought to position for receiving the next line of information. y

Emitter B spot II is connected to wire |22 which leads to coil I Il (Fig, 12c) Energization oi' this coil opens contacts Illa (Fig. 12a) to break the stick circuit oi' zero elimination coil ZE.

When brush II reaches spot I2, a circuit is completed from this spot via a wire III to the pickup coil P of duo wound magnet II. Contacts IIb close and establish a circuit from line side II through cam contacts CI, contacts IIb. holding coil H (II), to line side II. Magnet II opens contacts IIa to break the main circuits o! the holding coils of magnets II and II.. The exact timing of the deenergization of these holding coils is controlled by cam contacts CI which are in shunt with relay contacts IIa. Upon deenergisation oi' coils H (II) and H (II). contacts IIb open to disconnect the emitter B brush II from line side II. Both emitters are now ineffective until a new cycle o! printing operations is initiated.

As magnet II is deenergixed, relay contacts IIc (Fig. 12a) open, breaking the circuit oi coil II .through these relay contacts When cam con tacts C1 open, coil II is deenergized, and the circuit of motor CM the motor.

Ii' the operator desires to operate the typewriter manually, switch II (Fig. 12a) is shifted to upper position. Closure o! typewriter switch Th then establishes the circuit of typewriter motor TM as follows: Prom one side of the supply line to wire Il. and via the upper blade of switch II and switch TS through the motor TM and via con tacts GII to the opposite line side.

opensto interrupt operationot ing of contacts IIIIc and d prevents making of the circuit of coil III (Fig. 12e) under control of emitter A.

Closure o! the e and l contacts of coil III establishes a stick circuit i'or coils III and III from line side Il via normally closed relay contacts IIIb and contacts e and l o! coil III through coils IIII and IIII to line side I2.

With contacts e, f, and h of coil III closed and the switch arm |50 at terminal |-2, for instance, a circuit is completed from line side II via contacts IIIb, in parallel through contacts IIIe and IIIIf, thence via contacts IIIIh to switch arm III, thence via terminal I-I through a reset relay `coil RI to line side I2. Similarly, if switch arm III were at terminal I-4, reset coil RI would be energized; it at terminal l-I, coil Rl would be energized; if at terminal '1 -I, coil R'I would be energized; and ii' at terminal I--II, coil R-I would be energized.

Closure of contacts f, e, and i oi' coil III completes a circuit from line side II via contacts I IIb, parallel contacts IIIe and f, thence via contacts Iilli to line Il, thence through clutch magnet Il to line side 82. concurrently, a circuit branches Ofi' from the connection of contacts IIIi and line I1 through the pickup coil P of magnet II (Fig. I2b). vContacts' IIa close to establish the circuit of the holding coil H of magnet II extending also through normally closed relay contacts IIa.

.Coil H (II) maintains contacts IIb (Fig. 12b) closed to connect emitter A brush Il to line side Contacts IIc are held closed by coil H (Il) to establish a circuit through motor relay coil II (Fig. 12a). Coil II closes switch IIa (Fis. 12u) to cause motor CM to be set in operation.

With the clutch magnet Il and motor CM now energized, a clutch cycle (Fig. 3) takes place. Within the 2nd cycle point, brush I! oi' emitter A is engaged with emitter spot Lestabllshing a cire cuit from line side Il via contacts Cl, Ninna, brush I2, spot I, a line III (turn to Fig', 12s), contacts q oi energized coil III, and through the pickup coil P of a duo wound magnet III to line side I2. Coil P (IBI) closes related contacts u, completing a circuit from line side II via a wire III nand normally closed relay contacts Illia and now-closed contacts a (III) through holding coil 1H ot magnet III to line side Il. The holding coil maintains the b contacts oi' magnet |53 closed to maintain a circuit through a reset signal lamp L. The signal lamp L will remain lit until the selected two counters are correctly reset to zero positions, in a manner explained later.

In accordance with the setting of switch arm |50 (Fig. 12a) one of the reset relay coils RI, R3', R5, R1, or R9 is energized, as previously explained. Each of these coils controls resetting of the pair of counters designated by the terminals (Fig. 12a) to which they are connected. Assuming, for instance, that switch arm |50 was set aty the terminal -5, coil R5 is energized and controls resetting oi' counters 5 and 6. Referring to Fig. 12b,

coil R5 opens its ka group of contacts and closes its b group. While Fig. 12b shows diagrammatically only counter 5 of the pair of counters 5 and 5, it is understood thaty two more contacts a of lcoil R5 and three more contacts b of this coil are associated with the circuits of counter 5. Likewise, each oi' the other reset relay coils controls .a and b contacts' of the related pair of counters.

Opening oi' the-a group of contacts of the reset relay coil breaks the carry circuit paths between lower and higher orders of the selected counters, since carry is not desired during resetting operation. Closing of the b group of contacts of the reset relay coil for the selected counters prepares counter magnet impulsing circuits for completion under control of the readout commutators oi the selected counters. The counter magnet oi an order will be energized and deenergized as many times as the number of unit steps the counter order must advance to'reach zero Dosition. Thus, a counter magnet will be impulsed nine times if its counter order is at "1.

The reset counter impulse circuits include make and break contacts C5 (Fig. 12b). These contacts are connected between line side 5| and a line |50 common to the upper sides of contacts b to 1 of relay magnet |04. I'he upper sides of contacts |04b to j, when closed, connect line |50 to the 1 to 9 lines |25 of the readout commutators.` At this time, magnet |04 (Fig. 12a) is energized by the stick circuit previously traced; hence, the upper sides of contacts |04b to j are closed. The upper side of contacts |04a are not in circuit so that the "0" line |25 is not connected to line |50.

Reset impulses will be fed to the counter magnets of both selected counters through the C5 contacts, the upper sides of contacts |04b to and the readout commutators of the selected counters and both counters will be similarly reset. Resetting of only one selected counter will be explained.

in detail. Assume, for example, that counter 5 is registering number 098. Since no reset impulse canbe fed through the "0 line |25, the hundreds order of counter 5 will remain in 0 position. With the tens order in "9 position, upon closure of cam contacts C5, a circuit is completed from line side 5I via contacts C5, line |50, the upper side of contacts |047', and the connected 9" line |25 to the 9 value segment of the readout commutator o! the tens order. T he circuit continues through brush pair 1| tocommon segment 14C, thence via a wire |5| and the connected b contacts of reset relay coil R5 through the tens order magnet o! counter 5 and to line side 52. Contacts C5'break shortly after and the magnet 55 is deenergized. 'Ihe energization and deenergization of magnet 50 of the tens order of counter 5 advances this order to zero position where it stays. At the same time as the impulse was fed to counter magnet of the tens order, an impulse is i 14 fed to thel magnet 50 oi the units order. The latter impulse is routed through contacts |04i, "8

line |25, the "8 value segment of the units order of counter 5, the brush pair 1|, segment 14C, and

It isvclear that nine reset impulses are the maximum required to reset any counter order, and resetting will be completed by the time onehalf the clutch cycle has elapsed. After resetting has been eected, brush 92 of emitter A engages emitter spot i2 and completes the circuit of coil P (|30). Contacts |30a close and establish the circuit of coil H (|30). Contacts |3011 also closevand pick up coils P of magnets 55 and 54. Contacts 95c close and establish the circuit of coil H (95). This coil will now maintain contacts 95a open and 96D closed, thereby disconnecting vemitter A from circuit and connecting emitter B into circuit.

Energlzed coil P (54) closes related b and c contacts. As before, closure of contacts b forms a circuit via cam contacts C1 for coil H (54). This circuit will open when cam contacts C1 break near the end of the ilrst revolution of cam shaft 45 (Fig. l) but will be re-established if the operator continues to hold the reset key down until the contacts `C1 reclose. Should the reset key be held down, a circuit for coil H (54) is established from line side 5| via the reset key contacts RK (Fig. 12a), a line |53 (turn to Fig. 12b), the c contacts of magnet 54 and through coil H (54) to line side 82. This circuit will stay closed `until the reset key is released. Thus, coil H (04) will remain closed until the reset ke'y is released and cam contacts C1 open. lWhile coil H (54) is energized, it holds contacts 54d (Fig. 12a) open.

breaking the reset key circuit of coils |04 and*` Ymaintaining coil |05 energized, and a new reset cycle can be initiated only'by releasing the reset key and depressing it again after contacts C1 open near the end of the clutch cycle.

Ernitter B has been rendered eil'ective, as previously explained, since contacts 95h have been closed. Engagement of brush 93 of emitter B with spot |0 closes the circuit of coil ||5 (Fig. 12C). Contacts ||5b open., breaking the stick circuits of coils |04 and |05 (Fig. 12a). 'I'hc parts controlled by these coils are now restored to normal condition.

Engagement of emitter B brush 55 with the |2 spot completes the' circuit of coil P (59). Coil H (59) thereupon is energized by a circuit and 11' when the counter order is in zero position (see Fig. 6). Referring to Fig. 12a, the segment 11 of the units order of the lower number counter of each pair of counters to be concurrently reset is connected to the segment 16 of the tens order, the segment 11 of the tens order is connected to segment 16 of the hundreds order, the segment 11 of the hundreds order is connected to segment 18 of the units order of the second of the pair of concurrently reset counters, and so on 'to segment 11 of the hundreds order of the second ofthe pair of counters which is connected through aline IBB to line side 82. When all the orders of the pair o! counters are properly reset to zero positions, their brush pairs 12 will connect the segments and 'I1 in series to line I". The units order segment 1I of the lower numbered counter of the pair of counters to be concurrently reset is wired to one side of the c relay contacts of the related reset relay coil. Thus, if relay coil Rl is energized to select counters I and 2 for resetting, contacts Ric are closed and if the counters have been properly reset to zero, a circuit will be completed from line side Il via wire I through a magnet I, thence via contacts RIc and the zero commutator elements 1l, 1l, and 'I1 of counters -I and 2, to line I and line side l2. Magnet Ill opens contacts Ilia breaking thestick circuit of coil H (Ill). Contacts Ib open, breaking the circuit of lamp L. It will be noted that in Figs. 12a and 12b, the hundreds, tens, and units orders are diiierentiated, respectively, by letters H, T, and U. In Pig. 12a, the group of zero commutator elements of counter I are designated by #1, the group of such elements of counter l by "#2, and so on.

While there has been shown and described and pointed. out the fundamental novel features o! the invention as applied to a single embodiment. it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without l departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as inydicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In combination. a typewriter `with digit type actions, a motor, and mechanism operated by the motor for effecting power operation of the type actionsupontheirselection forthetypingof data, a robot including selecting means for the type actions and cyclic means for rendering the selecting means elective, a circuit for the type writer motor, and means operated by the cyclic means for closing the circuit to cause the motos'v tooperateduringcyclicpcriodsoloperationof tbe robot and to remain idle at other times.

2. The combination as dened in claim 1. in which the typewriter includes locking means for the type actions and a releasing device therefor and in which said means operated by the cyclic means operates the rel device concomitantlywiththe closure ofthernotorcircuit.

3. In combination, a typewriter, electrical agencies energind to eilect operations of the typewriterintherecordingofdataandinrelated functions including intra line and line spacing operations, arobot including a power drive, a plurality or successively effective emitters concurrently operated by the power drive. means coacting with the emitters for closing circuits of said agencies in succession to cause operation of the typewriter, and means for connecting the emitters into circuit in succession including meanscontrolled by one emitter in a predetermined position thereof for causing disconnection thereof from circuit and connection of the next emitter into circuit.

4. In combination, a typewriter with type actions and a sheet support cooperative therewith for typing data, character by character, `on the sheet. automatic operating agencies for the type actions, a plurality of separate automatically operable multiorder value registers, means [or selecting any one of the registers to have the value registered thereby typed, means controlled by the selecting means for controlling the automatic agencies to operate the type actions to type identii'ying data on the sheet for identifying the selected register, and means coacting with the se-` lected register, order by order, for controlling the automatic agencies to operate ,the type actions for typing the value registered thereby, one digit after another, on the sheet.

5. In combination, digit by digit recording mechanism for recording serial'numbers, digit by digit, on a record sheet and including digit recording actions and automatic operating agencies therefor, a plurality of serial number counters with means individual to each counter for advancing it step by step, means for selecting at will any one of the counters, means controlled by the selecting means for operating the advancing means of the selected counter to advance they selected counter one step to register a new serial number. and means renderedeflective by the sclecting means and coacting with the selected counter after it has been advanced to register the new serial number for operating said automatic agencies to cause the digit recording ac tions to record the new serial number, digit after digit whereby the number of times each counter has been selected is recorded.

6. In combination, a typewriter with digit type actions and a cooperative sheet support for typing numbers, digit by digit. on the sheet. automatic operating agencies for the type actions. several, separate denominational order number registers, means to select any one of the registers for having` its-registered number typed. operative connections rendered effective by the selecting means between the selected register orders and the automatic operating agencies and means for enabling the selected register orders to act in succession, one order after another, through said connections to cause the automatic opent lng agencies to operate the digit type actions to type the number registered by the selected reillter, digit by digit. on said sheet.

'1. In combination, recording mechanism of the column by column recording type including recording elements and automatic electrical operating agencies therefor, a denominational order value register with a readout commutator for each order, a control magnet for each order and means elective upon each operation of a magnet to advance the order one unit value step, circuit connections between the readout commutators and the automatic agencies, means for closing said circuit connections between the agencies and the commutators, order by order, to cause the registered value to be recorded column by coiumn, said connections including switching contacts normally connecting the agencies to the make and break contact means for closing the circuits of the magnets through the commutators and said shifted contacts to cause successive operations of the magnets to advance the register j orders step by step to zero positions.

8. The combination as defined in claim 7, there being several such registers and the circuit connections between the commutators and the control magnets also including normally open contacts, selecting means for the registers, and means controlled by the selecting means for'closing the normally open contacts between the commutators of the selected register only and the control magnets for said register.

9. In apparatus including a common value result indicator and common digit by digit recording mechanism, separate plural order number registers, means to select at will any said register, cyclic recording-sequence control means, selective readout connections between the control means and the different registers, means controlled by the selecting means for rendering effective only the readout connections to the selected register, readout means rendered sequentially effective by said cyclic means, during a cycle thereof, and acting through the effective readout connections for reading out the selected register, order by order, to cause the recording mecha-l nism to record the registered number, digit after digit, and means controlled by said cyclic means in the same cycle for reading out the common valuev result indicator to cause the recording mechanism to record the value result along with the number in the selected register.

l0. In apparatus including a common value indicator for indicating the result value of a test made at any of separate test stations and a corn-` mon digit by digit recording mechanism, separate, plural order serial number registers, each to count the tests made at a different ons or the stations and to register the seriai number c 'e test, means to select at will any said station recording of the value result or' a made the, at and ci the serial number the test, common cyclic recording-sequence control means, seleci tive operative connections between the common cyclic means and the registers for the stations,

means controlled by the selecting means for rendering effective onlythe said connections between the common cyclic means andthe register for the selected station, meansrendered sequentially effective by th'e cyclic means, in a, cycle thereof, for acting through the effective connections to' readout the serial number of the test from the register for the selected station, order by order, to cause the recording mechanism to record this serial number, digit after digit, in a eld of a record sheet, and means controlled by the cyclic means, in the same cycle, to readout the test value result from said indicator to cause the recording mechanism to record the test Value in a contiguous field of the sheet.

11. In combination with a typewriter having zero and significant digit type actions and a character spacing action, a plurality of multidenominational order number representing means, cyclic sequence control means, means controlled by the cyclic sequence control means, during one cycle thereof, for reading out a first one of the representing means and a second of th'e representing means, one after another and order by order, and including means to cause operations of said actions to type the represented numbers, digit by digit, in contiguous iields of a line of a record sheet, shiftable means normally conditioned to disable the zero type action from operating 'and enable the spacing action to operate upon the reading out of a zero from said repren senting means, means automatically effective upon the reading out of a first signicant digit for alternatively conditioning the shitable means to enable the zero type action to operate and disable the spacing action from operating upon subsequent readout of a Zero from the representing means, and means controlled by said cyclic sequence control means for restoring the shiftable means to normal condition after the typing of the number in the iirst number representing means in one cycle and prior to the reading out, in the same cycle, of the second number representing means, whereby the shiftable means after being shifted to alternative condition upon readout ci the first signiiicant digit from the iirst representing means is restored to normal condi tien in readiness to be shifted again to alternative condition upon the readout of the iirst significant digit the second number representing mear-

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