US805224A - Cash register and indicator. - Google Patents

Description

No. 805,224. PATBNIED NOV. 21, 1905. I. II. MOOOIIMIOK O I. D. MORRISON. OAysII REGISTI-III ANO INDICATOR.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 2B, 1905.

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J. H. MGGORMIOK & J. D, MORRISON.

CASH REGISTER AND INDICATOR.

APPLICATION FILED SR1-""21 28, 1905.

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No. 805,224. PATBNTBD Nov. 21, 1905. J. H. MUGORMIGK & J. D. MORRISON.

CASH REGISTER AND INDICATOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT, 28, 1905.

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CASH SALES.

APPLIUATION FILED SEPT. 28, 1905.

CASH REGISTER AND INDICATOR.

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JOHN H. MCCORMICK, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO, AND JAMES D. MORRISON,

OF VASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNORS, BY MESNE AS- SIGNMENTS, TO THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTER COMPANY, OF COLUM- BUS, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 21, 1905.

Original application filed April 5, 1895, Serial No. 544,583. Divided and this application filed September 28. 1905. Serial No. 280,549.

To (t/f wtmn it ntf/ty concern:

Be it known that we, JOHN H. McCoRMicK, residing at Columbus, in the county of Franklin and State of Ohio, and J AMES D. MORRI- SON residinoq at VVashinGton, in the District 1 e a of Columbia, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Cash Registers and Indicators, of which the followingyis a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

Our invention relates 'to improvements in cash registers and indicators, the present application being a division of our application Serial No. 544,583, filed April 5, 1895, and it especially relates to that class of cash-registers in which a single keyboard is adapted to control registering devices which while operated by common actuating devices are nevertheless independent so far as the registration of amounts thereon is concerned. The particular invention illustrated and described in this divisional application, however, is capable of use with registers of different types, as will more clearly appear hereinafter.

In the machine shown in the present application theV register-actuating devices are normally retained in a locked or inoperative position.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide means whereby the depression of a key in one of the vertical rows of the keyboard will release the register-actuating device corresponding' with the row of keys in which said key has been depressed and retain said device in this operative condition as long as said key is held depressed.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for retaining the keys in their depressed positions and for subsequently releasing them.

In this type of machine it is also desirable to hold the indicator-wheels in their set or indicating positions between successive operations of the machine.

Afurther object of the invention, therefore, is the provision of means for maintaining the indicator-wheelsin the position to which they have been moved by one operation of the machine and for releasing the same when a key is depressed in the next succeeding operation of the machine.

A further object of our invention is to improve on the constructions set forth in the patents of John H. McCormick, Nos. 570,11 and 610,365.

We attain these objects by the construction shown in the accompanying drawings, in Which- Figure 1 is a transverse sectional elevation of a machine embodyingour invention. Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation of the machine looking in the opposite direction, the parts being shown in their normal positions. Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the parts in their operated position; and Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the machine having our invention applied thereto.

Like parts are represented by similar characters of reference in the several views of the drawings. These drawings, however, show many features of our invention which are not specifically described or referred to herein, as they relate to constructions which are described and claimed in our application, Serial No. 544,583, of which the present case is a division. It is not deemed necessary to spccitically describe any parts in this application which do not directly relate to the features of our invention claimed herein.

The main frame, on which all if the operating devices are supported, consists,essentially, of end pieces c a, which are connected together by a series of rods or shafts, numbered, respectively, from l to 8, and onl which various parts of the mechanism are supported. This frame is placed within a casing, but for convenience the casing has been omitted from all of the views. As in the other patents referred to, a keyboard is provided at one end of the frame, the keys thereon being arranged in series, as shown at c c2 a3 ai, each series being provided with nine keys numbered from l to 9, inclusive. The keys in each series are duplicates of those in the other series and all the keys are alike except in the length of the stems. They each consist, essentially, of a stem having at one end a button b and provided with a spring b2 for holding the key -in and returning it to its normal position. The keys of each series are all slidingly mounted in a curved frame L3, which is supported at each end on the frame-rods Q and l. (See Fig. 3.) Each key has a laterally-projecting pin bf, which projects through a slotted opening b" in the frame. As in the said patents referred to, a swinging` frame e is employed IOS opposite to the series of keys having on its periphery steps c to contact with the respective key-stems when the same are depressed, so as to determine the movement of said frame when released. The projecting pins on the keys are each adapted to contact with a segment plate or detent CZ, having beveled hookshaped projections d, which engage with said pins and retain them when depressed to the limit of their movement. A similar but independent segment or plate Z2 is employed at the side of and adjacent to the segment CZ and has similar beveled projections (Z3, except that they are not hook-shaped. This segment or plate (Z2, which we will term the plain segment, is provided with a projection di, adapted to contact with one arm of a bellcrank lever (Z5, the other arm of which is provided with a hook Z6 to engage a lug` or projection c2 on the swinging frame c, the bellerank lever being mounted on the frame-rod 2. As a key is depressed the projecting pin 5*, contacting with the beveled projections on each of the segments CZ and (Z2, moves said segments simultaneously about the rod 3, on which they are journaled. As soon as the key is depressed to its limit the segment (Z returns by gravity to its normal position and engages the pin or projection on the key and holds it. The segment cl2, however, remains in the position to which it is forced by the depression of the key and by its movement oscillates the bell-crank lever Z5 suiiiciently to cause the hook d to disengage the pin c2 on the swinging frame c and allow it to move until it contacts with the key which is depressed. In the patents referred to a single segment l was employed for retaining the keys when depressed and for releasing the swinging' frame. In this application one segment retains the keys, while the other segment releases the frame, and this arrangement makes it impossible to release the frame, and thereby place the registering mechanism in position for operation, until the key is engaged by the other segment CZ, which we term the hook-segment.

Each of the swinging frames c has connected thereto a bar c3, which extends across the frame and across the different series of registering devices to form intermediate actuating devices, which determine the amount to be registered, as is clearly set forth in the patents referred to. rlhe machines shown in said patents, however, have means for turning the registering-wheels (shown at e in the present application) which are operated upon the closing movement of the cashdrawer. Since the devices which engage with the registering-wheels for turning them form no part of our present invention, it is not deemed necessary to show or describe them in this divisional application, the same being fully described and illustrated in application Serial No. 544,583, above referred to.

Surrounding the bars cs when in their normal positions is a U-shaped frame c4, the ends of which are perforated and journaled on the rod 3. This frame is provided at each end with perforated depending lugs c", through which is extended a rod c, which connects the two ends of said frame and also passes through pivoted levers c7, of which there are two, one at each end of the series of registering-wheels, which are threaded on said rod and constitute, in effect, a .part of said frame, said levers c7 being extended downwardly and backwardly and normally resting on rollers g, journaled in suitable frames g2, attached to the rear of the cash-drawer t. The depression of a key in any series on the keyboard releases a swinging frame, to which is attached the actuating-bar c, corresponding to the denomination of said series.

As is fully shown and described in our application Serial No. 544,583, the cash-drawer is normally held in its closed position, as shown in Figs. l and 2, and is released by the depression of one of a series of special keys f4. But one of these keys is shown in the present application, and the means whereby this unlocks the drawer is not illustrated herein, as it forms no part of the present invention. Enough has been described and shown, however, to make it clear that when a key in the keyboard has been depressed and followed by the depression of a key ff the actuating frame or frames corresponding to such series will be released and the drawer unlocked. When the drawer is thus released, it will be thrown open by a suitable spring, and this will be followed by a movement of the frame c'l and the bar or bars cwhich are connected to such of the graduating frames c as have been released.

Over each series of keys is an indicatingwheel y', having thereon a pinion y", adapted to be engaged by a rack jg. These indicatingwheels have on their peripheries numbers corresponding to the numbers of the keys on each series. The racks are connected to an arm j, pivoted on the frame-rod 3 and resting normally in contact with a pin jl on one of the swinging frames c. Any movement of said` frame therefore produces a corresponding movement of the indicatingwheel, and as the movement of said frame is determined by the key which is depressed the indicating-wheel will expose a number corresponding to said key, it being understood that these indicating-wheels are inclosed in a suitable easing having an opening through which the number on the indicator is displayed in the usual manner. Thenever a key is depressed and the drawer opened, therefore, the value of the key is displayed by the indicating-wheels j. Means are provided by which these indicating-wheels are retained in position to show the last amount indicated thereby, even though the other parts are re- IOO IIO

turned to their normal positions, which occurs as the drawer is closed, as will be more fully described hereinafter. The indicators are retained in any position to which they may be moved by aswinging plate j, which is adapted to engage with ratchet-teeth j on the rack-bar f2, which operates each of the indicating-wheels. Whenever a key is depressed, however, to register a succeeding amount, vall the indicators are returned to their normal positions or to zero. This is accomplished through the following mechanism, which is best shown in Fig. 1: A spur 6221, beveled on the end, is formed on the plain segment d2. The beveled end of this segment contacts with a rod or bar (Z22 on a swinging frame (X23, which is journaled on the same shaft f7 that carries the swinging plate j. A link d2* is pivoted to the frame (ZQB,

having a shoulder 525. This link cl2* extends through a slotted opening]S in the swinging plate f. (See Fig. 4.) Thenever a key is depressed in the series, the movement of the plain segment by reason of the spur d causes the frame CZ23 to oscillate, and thus withdraws the swinging plate f5 from contact with the ratchet-teeth j in the rack-bars, allowing the indicatingwheels to return to Zero, which they do by reason of a springj, which connects the swinging arm j* with the extension of the swinging frame c. The depression of a key in any series therefore simultaneously releases all the indicators that had been set by the previous operation of the machine. Prior to the time when the drawer is opened any key on the keyboard may be depressed. The pressing of any key in one series will release any other key in that series which has been depressed by moving the hook-segment so as to release the pins on said key-stem. When the drawer is open, however, means are provided for positively locking all the keys in all the series. This is accomplished as follows: The hook-segments Z are each provided with an extended leg d10, having at the end a foot du. Journaled on the shaft 6 (see Figs. l and 2) is a vibrating frame 6212, connected by a link connection @Z13 to an oscillating lever ZM on the shaft 7. This oscillating lever d is held in a normal position by a spring (Zw, but is capable of moving in either direction. A backwardly-extending projection 7b2 on the drawer /t is adapted as the drawer is opened to contact with the lower end of the oscillating leverol, and thus draw the frame CZ12 into contact with the legs (Zwon the hook-segments d, a pivoted hook Zw on the rod l being adapted to engage the frame d and hold it in contact with said legs r 10, and thus positively lock the hook-segments d. The end of the link Z13 where it connects with the oscillating lever d is adapted so that said lever is permitted to return toits normal position, while the oscillating frame CZ12 remains lin contact with the legs d10. As the drawer is closed, therefore, the projection 7a2 again contacts with the lever ci on the opposite side and moves it in the opposite direction. Now there is journaled on the rod 4 an oscillating frame Z 17, which has a transverse bar d 1S extending across and under the feet du on the legs (Zw. A link Zw connects the frame (ZU to the oscillating lever ZM on the opposite side of the center from the connection on the link (Z13, so that as said oscillating lever is moved by the closing of the drawer the frame Z 17 is oscillated and raises the legs d10, thus moving' the hook-segments Z out of engagement with the pins on the key-stems. The swinging hook d1 has an auxiliary arm d20, which also rests in contact with the bar CZ of the swinging frame CZ 17, so that the first movement of said frame causes the swinging hook d1 to become disengaged from the U-shaped frame dlg, thus unlocking the hook-segments and permitting them to be moved back to disengage the keys as the drawer is closed. As soon as the projection /L2 passes the oscillating lever (ZH all the parts assume their normal position.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a cash-register, a circular keyboard having a series of keys, and a registering mechanism independent of but adapted to be controlled by said keys, two pivoted segments adjacent said keys, one of said segments having hook-shaped projections adapted to engage said keys when depressed, and the other having beveled projections adapted to be moved by said keys so as to unlock the registering mechanism, substantially as specified.

2. In a cash-register, a circular keyboard, a series of keys thereon each having a laterallyprojecting pin, a hook-segment and aplain segment pivoted so as to lie adjacent to said keys and in line with said projecting' pins, a registering mechanism adapted to be controlled by said keys, a locking device for said registering mechanism, and a connection from said plain segment to said locking device whereby amovement of said segment will unlock the registering mechanism while the other segment engages the projecting pin on either of said keys which is depressed, substantially as specified.

3. In `a cash-register, a normally locked operating member, a key, a detent-plate adapted to hold said key when depressed, a second plate operated by said key, and means controlled by said second plate for unlocking the operating member when the key is depressed.

4. In a cash-register, a normally locked operating member, a key, a detent-plate, hooks on said plate for engaging the key and holding the same depressed, a second detent operated by said key,

said second detent for unlocking the operating member when the key is depressed.

and means controlled by ICO IOS

IIO

ISO

5. In a cash-register, a shaft, a plurality of keys arranged radially with respect to said shaft, a register, an operating' mechanism for said register, means for locking said operating' mechanism, a hooked detent for holding the keys depressed, and a second detent operated by the keys, said second detent being pivoted on said shaft and controlling the locking' means.

6. In a cash-register, a register, a bank of keys, a hooked detent-plate for holding said keys depressed, a second detent operated by said keys, a normally locked operating' mechanism, a pivoted locking device for said mechanism, and connections between said second detent and said locking device whereby, when a key in the bank is depressed, the said second detent will rock the locking device and release the operating mechanism.

7. In a cash-register, a shaft, a plurality of keys arranged radially with respect to said shaft, a register, an operating mechanism for said register, means for locking said operating mechanism, a detent-plate having hooks for engaging and holding the depressed keys, said plate having its edge with the hooks curved with the shaft as a center, a second detent pivoted on said shaft and adapted to be operated by the keys when they are depressed, and connections between said second detent and the locking means for the operating' mechanism, whereby said operating mechanism is unlocked when the key is depressed.

8. In a cash-register, a register, a bank of keys. a hooked detent-plate for holding said keys depressed, a second detent operated by said keys, a normally locked operating mechanism, a pivoted device for locking said mecl anism, and a pin or lug projecting from said second detent and adapted by contact with said locking device to rock the latter and unlock the operating mechanism.

9. In a cash-register, a register, a normallj7 locked operating mechanism therefor, a bank of keys, a hooked segment-plate for holding said keys depressed, a second plate operated by said keys, a pivoted device for locking said operating mechanism, said device being' provided with a hook for engaging a part of said mechanism, and connections between the said second plate and the pivoted'device whereby the latter is rocked to disengage its hook from the operating mechanism when a key in the bank is depressed.

10. In acash-register, a register, a normally locked operating mechanism therefor, a bank of keys, a hooked segment-plate for holding said keys depressed, a second plate operated by said keys, a pivoted device for locking said operating' mechanism, said device being provided with a hook for engaging a part of said mechanism, and a pin or lug projecting from said second plate and adapted by contact with said pivoted device to rock the latter, whereby when a key in the bank is depressed the said device will be rocked and its hook diseng'aged from the operating mechanism.

11. In a cash-register, a register, a bank of keys, a hooked segment-plate for holding said keys depressed, a second plate operated by said keys, a normally locked operating mechanism, a pivoted device for locking said mechanism, a pin or lug projecting from said second plate and adapted by contact with said locking device to rock the latter and unlock the operating mechanism,said second plate and depressed key being adapted to hold the locking' device in its unlocked position until the key is released.

12. In a cash-reg'ister, a plurality of keys, a normally locked operating mechanism, a hooked plate for retaining the keys when depressed, a second plate adapted to be moved by the keys, means operated by said second plate for unlocking the operating' mechanism, and means for positively locking the hooked plate after the operating' mechanism has been moved from normal position.

13. A keyboard having a series of keys adapted to be moved longitudinally, a lateral projection on each of said keys, and a pivoted segment having' beveled teeth on its periphery in line with said projections, an indicator corresponding to said key, said indicator being' normally lield in operated position, a connection from said segment to the holding' device of said indicator, and means as described for releasing the indicators corresponding to the other keys by a movement of said segment, substantially as specified.

14. A keyboard having' a series of keys, a rotatingindicatorhavingnumberscorresponding to the numbers on said keys and controlled by same, a normally locked actuating' device adapted by its movement to operate said indicator, means for releasing the lock of said actuating device, a retaining-lever to hold said indicator in any position to which it may be moved by said actuating' device and means actuated by said keys for releasing said indicator, substantially as specilied.

15. Aseries of keys, and a pivoted vibrating segment adapted to be moved by the depression of either of said keys, an indicating-w heel having numbers corresponding to the numbers on said keys, and a rack for operating said indicating-wheel, and actuating' devices controlled by said keys to cause said indicating-wheel to move to a predetermined posin tion after a key has been depressed, a retaining-lever to eng'age with said rack and hold the indicator after the actuating device has returned to its normal position, anda connection from said pivoted vibrating seg'ment to said retaining-lever whereby a succeeding' movement of said segment releases said indicator, substantially as specified.

16. In a reg'istering-machine, a key, a plate having a beveled tooth for engagement by said key, an indicator having' a number corre- IOO IIS

ISO

sponding to the number on the key, a normally locked actuating device adapted by its movement to operate said indicator, a connection from said plate to the lock of said actuating device, a retaining-lever for holding said indicator in any position to which it may be moved, and a connection from said plate to said retaining-lever whereby said indicator is released by movement of said plate.

17. In a cash-register ofthe class described, the combination with value-keys registering and indicating mechanisms, of rack-bars for the latter, a locking-frame for said rack-bars and a cam for positively forcing said frame in one of its directions said cam being operated by said keys.

18. In a cash-register, a key, a plate having a beveled tooth in line with said key, a normally locked indicator, and means on said plate for unlocking said indicator.

19. In a cash-register, a key, a normally locked registering mechanism controlled by said key, two plates adjacent to said key, one of said plates having means for locking said key when depressed and the other having means Jfor engaging the key to unlock the registering mechanism. k

20. In a cash-register, a key, a plate having a beveled tooth for engagement by said key, an indicator having a number corresponding to the number on the key, a normally locked actuating device adapted by its movement to operate said indicator, a connection from said plate to the lock of said actuating device, a retaining-lever for holding said indicator in any position to which it may be moved, and a connection from said plate to said retaininglever whereby said indicator is released by a movement of said plate.

21. In a cash-register, a key, a detent for said key, a drawer, means controlled by the drawer for locking said detent, and other means controlled by the drawer for unlocking said detent.

22. In a cash-register, a key, a normally inoperative registering mechanism, two members adjacent said key, one of said members having means for locking said key when depressed and the other member being operated by said key to render the registering mechanism operative.

In testimony whereof we alix our signatures in the presence of two witnesses.

'JoHN H. MCooRMIoK. JAMES D. MORRISON.

Witnesses to McCormicks signature' LEo'rA MoCoRMIoK, M. B. SCHLEY.

Vitnesses to Morrisons signature:

S. E. Fours, JOHN B. ECKLOFF.

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