US2684199A - Counting or number registering mechanism - Google Patents

Description

July 20 1954 R. w. sTARREvl-:LD

COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 24. 1951 On' @Q m. O.'

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July 20, 1954 R. w. sTARREvELD 2,684,199

COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 24, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 l 2 33 3 O 3 46 43 45 4 4 Q July 20, 1954 Filed Feb. 24, 1951 R. W. STARREVELD COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 July 20, 1954 R. w. sTARREvELD 2,684,199

COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 24, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 20, A1954 R. w. sTARREvELD 2,684,199

couNTING oR NUMBER REGISTERING MEcHANIsM Filed Feb. 24, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIGS FIGAO Patented July 20, 1954 COUNTING E NUMBER REGISTERING` MECHANISD Remmer- W. Starreveld, Amsterdam, Netherlands, assignor to Theodorus Reumerman, Zandvoort, Netherlands, and Willem Hendrik Theodorus Helmg, f Leiden, Netherlands Application February 24, 1951, Serial No. 212,637

Claims priority, application Netherlands February 28, 1950 12 Claims.- 1

The invention relates to aA counting or number registering mechanism, and in particular to a counting mechanism or a similar device, comprising normally juxtaposed figure wheels (npartite for a numerical system based on powers of n), each intendedv for one of the positions to be occupied by a digit,. andV generally coupled by means for carrying the multiples of n.

More in particular, counting mechanisms for the decimal system will be considered, although the invention may also be used for other numerical systems after having been adapted thereto.

In arithmetics, it is known to check the correctness. of arithmetical operations, inter alia, by casting out the nines, or by casting out the elevens. Inn casting out the nines, the so-called g-function isdetermined for each of. the numbers to be subjected to` the operation; this function is equal to the sum of the digits, diminished by a multiple oi 9 sol as to leave a positive number less than 9.

In arithmetical operations (additionsand subtractions, multiplications, divisions), the result of the operation has the same 9-function as the result obtained by applying the same operation to the 9-functions of the numbers involved in the operation. if adifierence occurs between the 9-functions of both the results, a check must be. made, as an error has crept into the calculations.

In casting out the elevens, a similar procedure is followed; however, the ll-function is equal to the sum oithe digits appearing in the odd positions, diminished by the sum of the digits ap pearing in the even positions and further decreased or increased, if necessary, by a multiple of ll so as to leave a` positive number less than 11.

The above-mentioned checking methods are based on a more general rule, to the effect that, if numbers are subjected to an arithmetical operation and if the remainders obtained on divisionof'these numbers by a certain key'number S (i. e. the S-functions are' subjected to the `same operation, the S-function of' the result will correspond with the S-function of the result of the operation applied to the S-functions of thenumbers. In thisl connection, the S-function oi` a number isunderstood' to be equalI to the difference between the number and the` next smaller multiple of? the selected"` key number S.

It is to be pointed out that casting outA the nines brings to light 8.0i any 9 arbitrary errors; not however the transpositions of directly adjacent iigures' which.l are frequently occurring in practice, nor any other errors resulting in a difference divisible by 9. Casting out the elevens reveals. 1) of any 1.1 arbitrary errcrsg' not hown ever equal errors in directly adjacent figures or transpositions. between units. and hundreds, tens and thousands, etc., nor any other errors resultingl in a difference divisible by il. A greater certainty maybe obtained by casting out the nines and the elevens in combination, or by making use of one or more other key numbers affording a greater probability of iinding an error. For instance, the numbers 7, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, etc. may be considered as key numbers.

The idea is obvious to introduce the procedure of casting out the Ss in automatic calculating methods. In particular, it would be of importance to check the numbers inserted in an automatic calculating device in this manner, i. e. to check whether a number selected, for instance, by means of a plurality of keys, is right. For

this. purpose, the Sfunction of each number to` be inserted in the machine could be separately determined, and the counting mechanism could be provided with a special checking wheel (f5-partite for the S-functions). Upon striking a number, the corresponding S-function is struck on the checking wheel or wheels. As a consequence, the said S-functions are treated in the same manner as the numbers inserted in the machine. Assoon as a result is obtained, it is possible to check whether the S-function of this result corresponds with the S-function displayed by the checking wheel at the same time. If there is afdisagreement, an error has been made, and it is highly probable that this is an error made in striking the numbers. In any case, a

continuous supervision wouldr be obtained in this.

According to the invention, the normalV computing therefrom the S-function of the number displayed by the normal iigure wheels, and registering this function. Thus, the desired S-functicn is automatically computed for each number displayed by the mechanism at any time, so that this S-function may be compared with the S-function displayed by the checking wheel in question.

Strictly speaking, the separate checking wheel could be replaced by another device, on which or by means of which the S-function of the result of the operation applied to the S-unctions oi the various numbers is registered. However, in order to obtain a continuous supervision, it is essential that the S-function of the result appearing in the normal counting mechanism is automatically computed.

As a further development, the invention provides a comparing device automatically signalising a disagreement between the position of the checking wheel as mentioned hereinbefcre, and the result obtained by the said calculating device. At the same time, the comparing device may cause the mechanism to be locked, or`its driving to be interrupted.

Preferably, the said calculating device will be an electric one, but mechanical calculating devices are also conceivable and practicable for this purpose.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings; in this embodiment, the nines and eievens are cast out in a decimal system.

Fig. 1 is a somewhat schematic plan view of a simple calculating machine. Figs. 2-10 are schematic cross sections of the counting mechanism of the machine shown in Fig. l, which is provided with electric auxiliaries embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a plate carrying a plurality of contact brushes or ieelers, arranged at the left of the counting mechanism, as viewed from the left.

Fig. 3 comprises, at the left, a front view of the left-hand side of the first iigure wheel from the left, and at the right, a projection of the right-hand side of the same iigure Wheel. Both sides of the figure wheel are provided with contacts and with conductors interconnecting these contacts: the left-hand side cooperates with the brushes shown in Fig. 2, and the right-hand side with the brushes shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 shows a feeler plate arranged between two successive figure wheels; a front view of the left-hand side is shown at the bottom, and a projection of the right-hand side at the top.

Fig. 5 comprises a front View of the left-hand side and a projection of the right-hand side of a normal figure wheel.

Fig. 6 shows a feeler plate arranged at the right of the counting mechanism; the right-hand side of this feeler plate, shown at the top in the figure, carries a plurality of brushes cooperating with a checking wheel for the 9-function, which is represented in Fig. '7.

Fig comprises a front View of the left-hand side and a projection of the right-hand side of the said checking wheel for the Q-unction.

Fig. 8 comprises a front View of the left-hand side and a projection of the right-hand side of a feeler plate arranged at the right of the wheel shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 comprises a front view of the left-hand side and a projection of the right-hand side of a i checking wheel for the ll-function, arranged at the right of the reeler plate shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. l0 is a front view of the left-hand side of a feeler plate arranged at the right of the checking wheel shown in Fig. 9.

The counting mechanism shown in Fig. 1 is enclosed by a casing I2, provided with a slot I3, through which one figure of each of the figure wheels lil-IM is visible. The counting mechanism is shown in its zero position, wherein all gure wheels display a zero before the slot I3. A key board, comprising 7 10 keys, indicated at Iii, serves for selecting numbers to be supplied to the counting mechanism.

A window I5, placed in alignment with the slot I3, displays a checking wheel for the 9- iunction, whereas a checking wheel for the 1lfunction is placed behind a window I'i. A row of 9 keys I8 is associated with the first-mentioned checking wheel, and a row of 1l keys I9 with the second checking wheel.

ln operation, when a number is selected by means of the key board I5, the 9-function of this number must be selected by means of the key group I3, and the ll-function by means of the key group I9. Thus, these functions are treated in the same manner as the number itself, and ii the selection and calculation are correctly performed, the Q-iunction and the ll-function of any number visible through slot I3 will correspond with the figures displayed by windows iii and I'I, respectively.

The apparatus further comprises a row of nine signal lamps 2e and a row o1" eleven signal lamps 2i. The S-function and the ll-function of each number displayed by the slot I3 are automatically computed, but not visibly shown. However, ii these functions do not correspond with the gures shown at the Windows I6 and Il, a lamp indicating the diiierence is lighted in row 26 and/or in row 2I. As long as the lamps 0 are lighted in both rows, there is no difference, i. e. no error occurs.

Fig. 2 shows a disc 25, bearing a plurality of brushes 26 divided over radii indicated at 0, I, II IX. Moreover, a brush 21 is more inwardly arranged on the O-radius, and a brush 23 is arranged outside the circle of the brushes 2S. All these brushes are stationary.

Brush 27 is connected with the current supply 29, whichis controlled by a switch 3i?. The ten brushes 28 and the brush 28 are each connected with a signal lamp 2I (cf. Fig. l), these lamps being grounded at 3|, or connected with the other terminal of the voltage source.

Brushes 26, 21 and 28 cooperate with contact members on the left-hand side of the rst gure wheel 141 as shown in Fig. 3. Brushes 25 cooperate with ccntact segments 32 arranged in a circle, brush 28 cooperates with a contact ring 33, and brush 2'I either with contact ring 34, or with a contact segment 35 placed in an interruption of ring 34.

Contact members are also provided on the right-hand side of gure wheel III1 as shown in Fig. 3 at the right. These contact members are contact rings formed in such manner that each ring extends over part of its circumference in one circle, and over the remainder of its circumference in another circle, so that two different contact rings lie in each complete circle. Nine of these Contact rings are provided and shown at 43 in the drawing. They are connected by means of electric conductors 4I with the contact segments 32 on the left-hand side of the -lwe figure wheel |41; fhoweventhe contact segment 32 lying on the O-radius 'is connectedl With-the innermost contact ringL 43on .the right-hand side ofthe figure wheel |41, this contact ring 43 being closed, i. e.. extending through. 360.

The innermost contact `ring 3.4 on the lefthand side is connected with a contact segment 46:1ying. on the G-.radius outside Athe contact rings 40 on-the right-'hand .side ofthe vfigure wheel. The contact ring 33 at the leftfisconnected with a large contactsegment 44 .at the right, arranged in the interruptionof contact rings 40, and the small inner segment 35^at .the left is connected with*4 an outside segment 45 at the right, placed on the 9-radius opposite to'the large segment 44.

Astationary disc A5|),'shown inFig. 4, ispfacing the right-hand side of the figure .wheel |41` shown in Fig. 3. The left-'hand Vside of this'disc, cooperating with the right-hand side of figure Wheel |41, is provided Withaplurality'of brushes divided over ten radii, indicated at 0, II IX. The brushes 5|-are arranged in aspiraland cooperate with the contact rings 40 and with the large ycontact segment- 44; whereas the brushes 52-arranged in a large circle, cooperate, for instance, -With the contact segment in Fig. 3. Moreover, a brush 53 cooperates with the innermost contact ring 43 in Fig. 3.

The other side of disc is likewise provided with stationary contact brushes. on the left-handside is electrically connected with a brush 55 arranged on the O-radius on the right-hand side. At the same distance from the centre, but divided over ten radii (O, I, II IX), brushes 56 are provided, which are connected with the spirally arranged brushes 5| on the left-.hand side in suchmanner that brushes on corresponding radii are interconnected.

The nine brushes 52 on the left-hand side, arranged on the outermost circle, are connected with nine brushes 51 on the right-hand side, which are arranged in a spiral, brushes lying on corresponding radii Vbeing interconnected.

At' the right of the disc 50 shown in Fig. 4, a normal gure wheel 60 as shown in Fig. 5 is arranged. At the right of this figure wheel, a discas shown in Fig. 4 follows; this disc is again followed by a iigure Wheel, and so on, according to the Vnumber of ligure wheels pertaining to the counting mechanism.

Both sides ofthe figure wheel 60 are again pror vided with `contact rings of the same kind as shown on the right-hand side of Fig. 3. However, the rings on the left-hand side are provided with interruptions at different places, and

the rings on the right-hand side with interruptions at the same place. The rings 6| on the left-'hand side are electrically connected with the Contact segments y62, which are circumferentially spaced with respect to each other on the largest circle of the right-hand side. The left-hand side also comprises a plurality of contact segments 63, which are circumferentially spaced with respect to each other, and which are connected With the contact rings -|54 on the right-hand side. The outermost uninterrupted contact ring on the left-hand side is connected with the large contact segment l66 on the right-hand side of figure wheel 60.

Atthe rightof the rst figure Wheel from the right (I47 in Fig. 1.), a disc 10 is provided, of whichV the left-hand and right-hand sides are showninFig. 6. Theleft-hand side .is provided Withfa plurality vof `contact brushes cooperating with .the right-:hand .side `of figure .wheel ..60

The brush 53 1 lli (Fig. 5), y-to wit a'brush 1| 'arranged on .the O-radius at a small distance from the `centre,:and ten brushes 12, arranged in a spiral. These brushes are connected with contact brusheson a further disc 90, shown in Fig. 8, and arranged between the checking .wheels It and Il vshown in Fig. 1. Thus, the conductors .13 'in :Fig 6 are continuedby the conductors i3 in Fig. .8.

The disc v'I0 further comprises nine .contact brushes 1.4,. arrangedzin-alarge circle and :divided over nine of the ten radii. These contactbrushes are connected through conductors Vi5 with nine Contact brushes 'I6 von the right-hand side .of disc 10,'which aredivided over nine v'concentric circles.

,.At the right-handside of disc l0 (Fig. 6)the 9-whee1 |6 shown inFig. 1 is arranged. This wheel is only provided with nine concentric contact rings 8| on `the left-hand side. and with nine contact segments 82, electrically connected with the said concentric rings .,8|, and arranged in a large circle, von the'right-hand side.

At the right of the 9-Wheel I6, as shown in Fig. 7, the above-mentioned disc is arranged. The left-hand side of this disc is provided with nine contact brushes, each connected with one of the nine signal lamps 20, the remaining terminals of these lampsbeing grounded at 9|, or connected with one of the terminals of theelectric mains. The right-hand side of disc 90 carries eleven contact brushes divided `along .-a large circle, and connected through conductors '.'3 with the contact brushes 1|, 12 of disc 10, as shown in Fig. 6.

The ll-wheel I1 shown in Fig. 9 is facing the right-hand side of the contact disc 9|).shown in Fig. 8. On its left-hand side, the ll-wheel carries only one Contact segment 9|, arranged on the 0radius and engaging the brushes of disc 90 as shown in Fig. 8, whereas the right-hand side of the ll-Wheel carries only one contact ring .92, electrically connected With said segment'Sl.

Opposite to contact ring S2, a single contact brush 93 is arranged on an end wall S4 of casing |2,vas shown in Fig. 10. Contact `brush .93 is connected with the mains through a switch S5.

In Figs. 2-10, all figure wheels display the figure zero, as shown in Fig. l. Hence, thesfunction and the ll-function ci the figure Wheels are both equal to zero, which corresponds with the zero positions of the checking Wheels I6 and IT. The circuit is as-follows:

In Fig. 2, the current flows from the current source through conductor 29 and switch VIii) to contact brush 21, and thence to the ring segment 34 on the left-hand side of the first figure wheel from the left, as shown in Fig. 3. From `this segment, the current flows to the outermost segment 46 on the G-radius on the other side of figure wheel |41, soas to be taken up by brush 52 on the 0-radius of the stationary -disc 5.0 shown in Fig. 4. From thisbrush, the current flows to the innermost brush 57 on the G-radius of the right-hand side of disc 56, and thence to the innermost ring 6| on the left-hand side oi the rst figure wheel 66 as'shown in Fig. 5. From this ring, the current :flows to segment 62 on the 0-radius of the right-hand side of the same gure wheel.

After that, the circuit as described from brush 52 on the 0radius of disc 50 (Fig. 4) to the next gure Wheel is repeated, until all gurewheels have been passed, and eventually, disc 'I6 as shown in .'Fig. 6, Yat the right of the last gure wheelis reached. On V.this disc, the 4current dis taken up by brush 14 on the O-radius, so as to be conducted to the innermost brush 16 on the O-radius of the right-hand side of disc 10. This brush transfers the current to innermost contact ring 8| of the 9-wheel I6 as shown in Fig. '7. From this ring, the current flows to Contact segment 82 on the O-radius of the right-hand side of the 9-wheel l5, and thence through the 0- brush of disc 9) in Fig. 8 to the 0-lamp 20, which indicates that no dilerence of the 9-functions is present.

In opposite sense, a current flows through switch 95 in Fig. 10 to brush 93, and thence to contact ring 92 on the right-hand side of the l'l-wheel shown in Fig. 9. From this ring, the current flows to contact segment 9| on the righthand side of the ll-wheel, so as to be taken up by the O-brush on the right-hand side of disc 90, as shown in Fig. 8. Thence, the current liows through the lirst conductor 13 from the right to the first conductor T3 from the right in Fig. 6, so as to reach brush 1|, which transfers the current to the innermost uninterrupted contact ring on the right-hand side of the ligure Wheel shown in Fig. 5. From this ring, the current flows to segment 63 on the O-radius on the lefthand side of the ligure wheel and now the same circuit is repeated for all figure wheels, as the current flows from said segment 63 on the 0- radius to brush 55 as shown in Fig. 4, and thence to brush 53 on the left-hand side of disc 56 as shown in the same gure, so that it reaches the innermost contact ring on the right-hand side of the next figure wheel. This procedure is repeated until the current reaches the innermost contact ring 43 of the lirst ligure wheel from the left as shown in Fig. 3. From this ring, the current iiows to contact segment 32 on the -radius of the left-hand side of the lirst figure wheel from the left |41, so as to be taken up by contact brush 26 on the O-radius of disc 25 as shown in Fig. 2. Thence, the current llows to the -lamp 2|, indicating that no difference of the l1func tions is present.

' Now, a case will be discussed, wherein a difference of the 9-functions and the ll-functions exists. For the sake of simplicity, it will be assumed that the counting mechanism comprises only two wheels, to wit the lirst ligure wheel from the left |41 as shown in Fig. 3, and one further ligure wheel 6i) as shown in Fig. 5. Suppose that the left figure wheel displays the figure 1 and the other ligure wheel the ligure 2, so that the g-function is equal to 3.

The circuit for the Q-function will now be as follows:

From switch 3|) in Fig. 2, the current liows to the innermost contact brush, and thence through contact ring 34 in Fig. 3 to segment 46 in Fig. 3, which now faces the contact brush 52 on the I- radius as shown in Fig. 4. From this brush the current flows to contact brush 51 on the I- radius of the right-hand side of disc 50 as shown in Fig. 4, and thence to the second contact ring 6| from the inside on the left-hand side of ligure wheel 60 as shown in Fig. 5. This contact ring is connected with contact segment 62 on the 9-radius of the right-hand side of ligure wheels 60 as shown in Fig. 5, which now faces brush '14 on the III-radius in Fig. 6. Thence, the current liows to brush '16 on the IV-radius in Fig. 6, so as to reach the third annular segment 8| from the outside on the left-hand side of the 9- wheel I6 as shown in Fig. 7. From this segment,

the current liows to segment 82 on the S-radius 8 of the right-hand side of the 9-wheel, if the latter still occupies its zero position. Thence, the current flows through brush III in Fig. 8 to the 3-lamp, which is lighted. This obtains for the case that the 9-wheel as shown in Fig. 7 has been left in the zero position. The Q-wheel then indicates a 9-function zero, whereas the ligure wheels produce a 9-function 3. The diffeernce between the 9-funotions is 3, which is shown by the 3lamp 20.

If the 9wheel l5 would also have been rotated over three steps so as to indicate a 9-function 3, brush 82 on the 3-radius in Fig. '7 would have reached the position of the O-radius, so that the O-lamp 20 would have been lighted, indicating that no difference occurs between the 9-function produced by the figure wheels |4 and the 9- function displayed by the checking wheel I6. In other words, as long as the O-lamp is lighted, no errors have been made.

For the ll-function, it is to be noted that the figure values of the odd ligure wheels must be added together, and decreased by the sum of the ligures appearing in' the even positions. Of course, the contacts on the ligure wheels have been arranged so as to comply with this requirement. In fact, the connections between the input and output brushes of consecutive figure wheels are complementary, so that the right one is always subtracted from the left one. Suppose that the standard figure wheel as shown in Fig. 5 and the first figure Wheel from the left as shown in Fig. 3 both occupy an odd position. Thus, the values displayed by these ligure wheels must be added together. For the sake of simplicity, it will further be assumed that the intermediate ligure wheels for the even positions occupy their zero positions. This assumption is made because the ligure wheels have been drawn in their zero positions, and not because the circuit would be simpler.

It will again be assumed that the left ligure wheel displays the ligure 1 and the other ligure wheel the ligure 2, so that, for instance, the number 102 is displayed by the counting mechanism. The 11-function of this number is equal to 3. The circuit for the ll-function is as follows:

First, it will be assumed that the ll-wheel as shown in Fig. 9 occupies its zero position. The dilierence between the ll-functions is equal to 3 in this case, so that the B-lamp in Fig. 2 will be lighted.

The current flows from switch in Fig. l0 to contact brush 93, and thence through contact ring 92 in Fig. 9 to contact segment 9| in the same ligure. After that, the current is taken up by the contact brush on the O-radius in the top half of Fig. 8, so that it flows through conductor E in Fig. `6 and reaches contact brush on the innermost circle on the left-hand side in Fig. 6. Thence, the current passes on to the innermost contact ring at the right in Fig. 5, so as to reach the contact segment on the O-radius on the second circle from the outside at the left in Fig. 5. This contact segment has been rotated over two steps, so that it occupies the position of the B-radius, and the current is taken `up by the contact brush shown at the top in Fig. 4 on the Z-radius on the second circle from the outside. Thence, the current flows to the contact brush shown at the bottom in Fig. 4 on the 2-radius on the third circle from the outside. Through the next ligure wheel, which occupies its zero posiv tion, the current reaches brush 5| shown at the bottom in Fig. 4 on the IX-radius on thethird circle from the inside, and passes on to the third contact ring from the inside at the right in Fig. 3, so as to reach the contact segment 32` on the -radius at the left in Fig. 3. This segment has been displaced over one step, so that the current is taken up by the contact brush on the III-radius in Fig. 2, and flows through the 3-lamp as required.

However, if the ll-wheel as shown in Fig. 9 would have been rotated over threesteps, the circuit would have been as `follows:

From contact brush 93 in Fig. lil, thecurrent again reaches segment 9| in Fig. 9-through contact ring 92. However, segment 9| occupies the position of the 8-radius, so that the current is taken up by the contact brush on the S-radius at the top in Fig. 8, and flows through conductor 8 to contact brush 12- on the S-radius in Fig. d on the fourth circle from tie outside; transfers the current to the segment 5E at the right in Fig. 5 in the position of the l-radius (the iigure wheel has been rotated over two positions) and thence the current iiows to contact ring 65 on the Z-radius at the left in Fig. 5, which occupies the position of the O-radius. Thence, the current flows to contact brush 55 on the O-radius at the top in Fig. 4 on the innermost circle, so as to reach contact brush 5I onthe O-radius on the second circle from the inside at the bottom of Fig. 4. Now, the current flows to the next figure wheel, which occupies its zero position, so that reaches the secc-nd contact ring from the inside. Thence, the current ilows through a contact segment 63 on the 9-radius .and brush 56 on the I-radius at the top in Fig. d to the contact brush 5I on the '-radius at the bottom in Fig. 4, and thence to the contact segment on the second circle from the outside. After that, the current flows to the second contact ring from the outside at the right in Fig. 3, which occupies the position of the O-radius (the figure wheel 41 has been rotated over one posiw tion), and thence to segment 32 on the l-radius at the left in Fig. 3, which occupies the position of the O-radius. Thus, the current is taken up by the brush on the O-radius in Fig. 2, so 'that the O-lamp 2D is lighted. As long .as the O-lamp is lighted, no errors have been made.

In the appended` claims, the term S-iunction of a number designates the remainder obtained on division ci said number by a key/.number S.

I claim:

l. A counting mechanism, comprising a plurality oi" figure wheels each having n different positions, means for displacing the said gure wheels each over a number of steps corresponding with one of the digits of a number to `be inserted in saidcounting mechanism, and an electric computing device receiving the setting of the said figure wheels and computing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained on division by a key number S different from n of the number registered in the said gure wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises a plurality of sets of n electric contacts each xedly coupled with one of the said figure wheels so as to be rotated. upon rotation of the associated figure wheel, a plurality of sets of S xed contacts each cooperating with one of the said first-mentioned sets oi contacts, and connections between the Contacts of the said first-mentioned and the last-mentioned sets, whereby an electric circuit corresponding with the check symbol of the num- This brush 10 ber registered in the said iigure wheels is formed through the contacts of the said sets.

2. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an S-partite checking wheel, and means for displacing said checking wheel over a number of steps corresponding with the value of a check symbol accompanying a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, wherein the said computing device further comprises a set of S electric contacts xedly coupled with said checking wheel so as to be rotated upon rotation of said checking wheel, a set of S fixed contacts cooperating with the contacts of the said rst-menticned set, and means connected with the said iixed contacts for signalizing any discrepancy between the check symbol of the number registered in the said ligure wheels and the setting of said checking Wheel.

3. A counting mechanism comprising a plurality of iigure wheels each having n different positions, means for displacing the said figure wheels each over a number oi steps corresponding with one of the digits of a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, and an electric computing device receiving the setting oi the said figure wheels and computing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained on division by a key number S different from n of the number registered in the said gure wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises a plurality of rotatory sets of n radially spaced electric contacts each ixedly coupled with one of the said figure wheels so as to be rotated upon rotation oi the associated iigure wheel, a plurality of rotatory sets of n circumferentially spaced electric contacts each iixedly coupled. with one of the said ligure wheels so as to be rotated upon rotation of the associated iigure wheel, connections between the radially spaced contacts of each set and the circumferentially spaced contacts of the related set, a plurality of sets of S radially spaced iiXed contacts each cooperating with one of the said rstmentioned sets or" radially spaced contacts, a plurality of sets oi' S circumferentially spaced iixed contacts each cooperating with one of the said Inst-mentioned sets of circumierentially spaced contacts, and connections between the radially spaced xed contacts associated with each iigure wheel and the circumferentially spaced iixed contacts associated with the next igure wheel, whereby an electric circuit correspending with the check symbol of the number registered in the said figure wheels is formed through the contacts of the said sets.

d. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 3, .further comprising an S-partite checking wheel, and means for displacing the said checking wheel over a number oi steps corresponding with the value oi a check symbol accompanying a number to be inserted in the said counting mechanism, wherein the said computing device further comprises a rotatory set of S radially spaced electric contacts iixedly coupled with said checking wheel so as to be rotated upon rotation or said checking wheel, a rotatory set of S circumfercntially spaced electric contacts xedly coupled with said checking wheel so as to be rotated upon rotation of said checking wheel, connections between the said radially spaced and the circumferentially spaced contacts, a set of S radially spaced iiXed contacts cooperating with said first-mentioned set of radially spaced contacts, a ci S circuniierentially spaced ilxed contacts cooperating with said rst-mentioned set of circumferentially spaced contacts, connections between the contacts of one of the said sets of i'iXed contacts and the contacts of one of the sets of fixed contacts associated with the adjoining iigure wheel, indicating means for signalizing any discrepancy between the setting of said checking wheel and the check symbol of the number registered in the said figure wheels, and connections between the contacts of the other one of the said sets of iiXed contacts and the said indicating means.

5. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim ll, wherein the said indicating means comprise a set of glow lamps each connected with one of the contacts of one of the sets of fixed contacts associated with said checking wheel.

6. A counting machine, comprising a plurality of gure wheels each having n different portions, means for displacing the said iigure wheels each over a number of steps corresponding with one of the digits of a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, and an electric computing device receiving the setting of the said iigure wheels and computing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained on division by a key number S different from n of the number registered in the said iigure Wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises a plurality of sets of n radially spaced contacts each arranged on one of the said figure wheels, a plurality of sets of 1L circumferentially spaced contacts each arranged on one of the said figure wheels, connections between the radially spaced contacts and the circumferentially spaced contacts on each of the said :ligure wheels, a plurality of sets of S radially spaced fixed contacts each cooperating with one of the said irstmentioned sets of radially spaced contacts, a plurality of sets of S circumferentially spaced Xed contacts each cooperating with one of the said first-mentioned sets of circumferentially spaced contacts, and connections between the radially spaced xed contacts associated with each ngure wheel and the circumferentially spaced contacts associated with the next ligure wheel, whereby an electric circuit corresponding with the check symbol of the number of registered in the said ligure wheels is formed through the contacts of the said sets.

7. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an S-partite checking wheel, means for displacing said checking wheel over a number of steps corresponding with the value of a check symbol accompanying a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, wherein the said computing device further comprises a set of S radially spaced electric contacts arranged on said checking wheel, a set of S circumferentially spaced electric contacts arranged on said checking wheel, connections between the said radially spaced and the said circumferentially spaced contacts, a set of S radially spaced fixed contacts cooperating with said first-mentioned set of radially spaced contacts, a set of S circumferentially spaced xed contacts cooperating with said first mentioned set of circumferen tially spaced contacts, connections between the fixed contacts of one of the said sets and the rlxed contacts of one of the sets associated with the adjoining gure wheel, indicating means for signalizing any discrepancy between the setting of said checking wheel and the check symbol of the number registered in the said gure wheels, and connections between the xed contacts of the 12 other one of the said sets and the said indicating means.

8. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim '7, wherein the said indicating means comprise a set of glow lamps each connected with one of the contacts of one of the sets of fixed contacts associated with said checking Wheel.

9. A counting mechanism, comprising a plurality of ligure wheels each having n different positions, means for displacing the said figure wheels each over a number of steps corresponding with one of the digits of a number to be inserted in said counting machine, and an electric computing device receiving the setting of the said ngure wheels and computing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained on division by a key member S different from n of the numb-er registered in the said ngure Wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises a plurality of rotatory contact members, each coupled with one of the said ligure wheels, each adapted to be set in n dilerent positions according to the position of the associated iigure wheel, and each comprising n radially spaced annular contacts each extending through part of a circle, n circumferentially spaced contacts, and means electrically connecting the said radially spaced contacts each with one of the said circumferentially spaced contacts, a plurality of sets of S` radially spaced stationary contact brushes each associated with one of the said contact members and cooperating with the said radially spaced contacts thereof, a plurality of sets of S circumferentially spaced stationary contact brushes each associated with one of the said contact members and cooperating with the said circumferentially spaced contacts thereof, and means electrically connecting the said radially spaced contact brushes of each set with one of the said circumferentially spaced contact brushes of an adjacent set, whereby an electric circuit corresponding with the check symbol of the number registered in the said gure wheels is formed through the said contact members and the said stationary contact brushes.

10. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a checking wheel having S different positions, and means for displacing said checking wheel over a number of positions corresponding with the value of a check symbol accompanying a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, wherein the said computing device further comprises a rotatory contact member coupled with said checking wheel, adapted to be set in S different positions according to the position of said checking wheel, and comprising S radially spaced annular contacts, S circumferentially spaced contacts, and means electrically connecting the said radially spaced contacts each with one of the said circumferentially spaced contacts, a set of S radially spaced stationary contact brushes cooperating with the said radially spaced contacts, a set of S circumferentially spaced stationary contact brushes cooperating with the said circumferentially spacedv contacts, means electrically connecting the contact brushes of one of the saidsets each with one of the contact brushes of one of the sets associated with the adjoining iigure wheel, indicating means for signalizing any disagree ment between the setting oi said checking wheel and the check symbol of the number registered in the said figure wheels, and means connecting the contact brushes of the other set with the said indicating means.

11. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the said indicating means comprise a set of glow lamps each connected with one of the contact brushes of one of the sets associated with said checking Wheel, and indicating the diierence between the setting of said checking Wheel and the check symbol of the number registered in the said figure wheels.

12. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the said contact members are each formed as a plurality of contacts arranged on lo Number Name 5 other side face.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Date 2,241,591 Gates May 13, 194i

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