GB944041A - Typographical composing computer and indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

944,041. Strip-perforating machines; justifying type. P. J. B. ASTIER. Dec. 29, 1960 [Dec. 29, 1959], No. 44631/60. Drawings to Specification. Heading B6W. Each key of a keyboard, of the kind used in a typographical composing machine, for punching code holes in a tape for controlling a composing machine, actuates, through a modified cam as described in Specification 938,294 having an actuation time of 3/ 1000 -1/ 30 seconds, two pairs of electrical contacts, which are in the place of the matrix escapement device of a composing machine, one pair of contacts actuating the punch mechanism and the other pair actuating a device for indicating when the composed line is in the justification range. Signals from the latter pair of contacts pass to the decimal input leads of a programmer, and thence to binary output leads representing character width. The output signals are fed into a computer comprising a plurality of relays, acting as a binary counter and memory device, each 32 counting units consisting of three typographical units. Output signals from the counter stages from 25 upwards energize selectively a series of relays controlling a " tree " circuit, whereby current from another source is passed to a selected one of 120 lamps positioned behind a translucent character width scale at intervals of three typographical units, thereby indicating at any moment the length of the composed line. A space indicator scale is positioned above the zero end of the character width scale. Signals from the space key pass directly to relays controlling a further " tree " circuit for lamps behind the space scale. If the minimum space is 3 units and the maximum 6 units, the scale is graduated according to the difference of 3 units (i.e. possible expansion for justification), there being 16 lamps spaced 3 units apart. If the maximum is 9 units, only the even numbered lamps are used, a manually operated switch transferring the signals a stage up the binary scale, there being seven further lamps, numbered 18-30, even numbers only, spaced units apart beyond lamp number 16. When lamps in the two scales aligned with each other are lit, the line being ready for justifying, pairs of relays each in parallel with its corresponding lamp are energized, and the contacts thereof, being in series with each other, close a circuit to an alarm bell or lamp. Actuation of an " end-of-line " key returns all relays to their original states.