GB434499A - Improvements in or relating to machines for producing records on statistical cards - Google Patents

Abstract

434,499. Punching statistical record cards. GREGORY, C. W., 7, Mersham Road, Thornton Heath, and ENGLISH, F. G. S., 42, Lavender Road, West Croydon, both in Surrey. March 6, 1934, No. 7180. [Class 31 (ii)] A machine for producing records on statistical cards is provided with means for displacing the card laterally to one of two or more positions combined with means acting freely on the rear edge of the card to push it step by step under a set of record - forming elements. The invention is shown as applied to a machine for punching sterling money amounts having eleven keys 6 which operate six punches 3, the even numbers being represented by a single punch and the odd numbers by the next higher even number punch together with the number 11 punch. A card is fed step by step under the punches by a carriage 21 which has escapement mechanism and a pusher 22 for freely engaging the rear edge of the card. A spring finger 23 may engage over the front edge of the card. The card is moved laterally to bring another part thereof under the punches by parallel bars 8, 8<a> which are moved by pinions 11 co-operating with racks 10 fixed to the bars; the pinions are coupled to a handle shaft 12 by loosely engaging dogs 14, 15 which allow limited independent adjustment of the ends of the bars 8, 8<a> to abut against adjustable cam stops 9 under the action of springs which act on the pinions 11 and are movable over a dead centre. Depression of an even number key rocks a lever 5a which by a lug 32 co-operating with a lever 4 actuates the corresponding punch 3. Depression of the next lower odd number key rocks a lever 5b which by a projecting pin 33 cooperating with the lever 4 lowers the same punch 3 and by a pin 27 co-operating with a collar 26 on a shaft 24 rocks the latter so as to lower the number 11 punch by the interaction of an arm 25 on the shaft with a lever 4<a>. To render the " touch " of all the keys the same, the levers 5a, 5b being of different length, the projections 27, 32 are differently positioned, and stronger return springs are provided for the keys actuating only one punch. The machine may be modified for decimal amounts by omitting the number 11 punch and replacing it by a number 9 punch. Instead of punches, record-forming elements may be provided to print spots.