GB396504A - Improvements in and relating to statistical machines - Google Patents

Abstract

396,504. Controlling apparatus by light. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd., Crown House, Aldwych, London. -(Assignees of Handel, P. W.; 94, South 5th Street, Newark, Ohio, U.S.A.) April 27, 1932, No. 12119. Convention date, April 27, 1931. [Class 40 (v).] A statistical machine comprises means (cards 1) bearing characters (numbers 2), a movable member (disc 5) bearing similar characters, means for imaging one of the first characters on to the movable member and photo-electric devices (15) which respond, when the image coincides with the corresponding character on the movable member, and actuate registering or recording mechanism. The image of the printed member 2, of a series of such numbers on the card or sheet 1, is formed on the margin of disc 5 by a light source 10 and lenses 11, 12. This disc is rigid with a shaft 6 driven by worm gear 7, 8 by hand or by an electric motor. The numerals 1 .. 9 are stencilled at 14, so that when the number on the disc corresponding to the number being read on card 1 reaches and exactly coincides with the image, the light passing through the disc is a minimum, or zero. In between stencils 14, holes 17 allow some light to pass through. This coincidence shuts off the light from photo-electric device 15 which, through amplifier 16, causes an electric arc discharge device 20 to become conductive and deliver current from line 18 to solenoids 23 to actuate the latter. Synchronously with the passage of stencils 14 through the image, an arm 25 rigid with shaft 6, makes contacts with plates 26 connected to the solenoids 23 of a denomination of the adding machine 22. When the appropriate stencil number exactly coincides with the image, device 20 is affected and at the same time the circuit is completed at 25, 26 to the solenoid 23 corresponding to the number read from card 1. The plungers 24 of solenoids 23 engage the keys of any suitable known construction of adding machine. A plurality of columns of figures on card 1 may be added by using a corresponding plurality of stencil discs, photo-electric devices, amplifiers and switches. Between the passage of stencilled numbers 9, 1 past the image, an unperforated part of disc 5 shuts off the light to energize (contacts 25, 27) a solenoid 28 which thereupon actuates ratchet and pawl 30, 31 against spring 32 to move the card-feed rollers 3, 4 one step so that the next number in the column is read. Alternatively, contact 27 may be omitted, solenoid 28 being in series with the main supply circuit of commutator 21. Lamp 10 and cell 15 may be reversed in position so that images of the stencil numbers are thrown on the card 1 ; or an unperforated disc may be used having white figures on a black face which faces the card 1, the cell 15 receiving light reflected from the disc. The stencilled characters on disc 5 may be letters of the alphabet ; machine 22 being a typewriter. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 288,580, [Class 106 (i), Calculating &c.].