US1748936A - degener - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 25, 1930.

G. C. DEGENER COMPUTING MACHINE Original Filed Aug. 18, 1921 2 Sheets-Sheet W li.

INVENTOR aafieyqzer BY ATTORNEY Feb. 25, 1930. G. o. DEGENER COMPUTING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 18, 1921 INVENTOR G. 0176961261 BY CXQZM (0 hyfiv ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 25, 1930 PATENT OFFICE GUSTAVE O. DEGENER, OF NEW YORK, N.

Y., ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF T MAURICE SAMBURG AND ONE-HALF T0 JULIUS C. HQCHMAN, BOTH OF NEW YORK, N. Y

COMPUTING MACHINE Application filed August 18, 1921, Serial No. 493,395. Renewed July 30, 1927.

My present invention relates to computing machines and in its more specific applications to hand-operated adding machines.

As conducive to a clear understanding of the objects of the invention, it may be noted that if the weight of the finger or hand is allowed to retard the speed of return of the hand-operating element after the completion of its operative stroke, unless the spring or equivalent element which effects such return is sufficiently powerful to overcome such drag and correspondingly hard to operate, some of the parts of the mechanism may not be completely restored to home position, thus rendering the machine unreliable.

It is accordingly an object of my invention to provide a computing machine which shall.

be easy to the hand or touch and in which the parts of the mechanism shall unfailingly return completely to correct or home position after the completion of each operative stroke, even if the operator allows his hand or finger to linger on the operating member duringits return.

The invention has a broad range of application to various types of computing machines, both to the type in which the number is first set up on the key-board and trans ferred to the totalizer by the operation of a 0 single hand-operating member, such as a lever, and to the type of machinein which the totalizer is actuated directly by the operation of the number keys, the latter being the hand-operating members.

In a preferred embodiment, the object is achieved by providing means for automatically interrupting the mechanical connection between the hand-operating means and the computing mechanism after the completion .of the operative stroke, so that the mechanism will be automatically returned to home position regardless of the position or rate of movement of the operatin means.

In the preferred specific embodiment, a pawl transmits the thrust upon the operating member to the transmission of the computing mechanism and tripping means is so related with respect to sai pawl-as to disengage the latter prior to commencement of the subsequent stroke'and preferably at the end of hand-operating element.

the operative stroke, thereby allowing the computing mechanism to return to home position independently of the position of the g In the preferred application to the type of apparatus in which the number key operates the mechanism for advancing the totalizer, each key has associated therewith a separate pawl.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of means to return the hand-operating element into correct coaction with respect to the transmission mechanism after each operation to assure that upon a subsequent actuation of the operating member, the computing mechanism will be effectively associated therewith to be operated thereby. In the preferred embodiment, a safety mechanism is provided'to lock the hand-operating element against displacement in the operative direction unless it coacts properly with the transmission mechanism for actuating the latter. Preferably this mechanism comprises a square-tooth rack extending intermediate the extremities of the range of pawl displacement, the portion of the transmission mechanism with which the pawl normally coacts being arranged to keep the pawl separated from said rack throughout its travel, said rack, however, acting as a stop to prevent operative displacement of the pawl and of the hand-operating element, if the latter is disengaged from the transmission mechanism.

More particularly in the type of machine in-which the number keyactuates the totalizer, means is preferably provided for automatically returning the operating key to home position after it has been released with respect to the transmission mechanism. In a specific application to a computing machine mounted upon and coacting with a typewriter in a combination in which, upon operation of the former, the latter machine will perform the printing, it is preferred to mount the computing machine keys in direct alignment and in contact with the corresponding number key members of the typewriter, so that after any operation of the computing key and the automatic return of the computing mechanism independently of said key, the automatic'return movement of the cor- 100 respondingly depressed typewriter key will effect the return of the computing key that coacts therewith.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a rod is extended transversely of all of the key members and in the path of displacement thereof, and urged by a spring into proximity of said keys, whereby upon actuation of any said key, the rod will be displaced against the resistance of said spring and the latter will return the rod together with the key to home position after completion of the operation.

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown one or more of various possible embodiments of the several features of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fi 2 is a transverse section taken along the line 22 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is an end view illustrating a modification,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another modification illustrating the device in home position,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 illustrating the device in the course of operation, and;

Fi 7 is a similar view illustrating the position of the parts at the end of the operative key stroke.

Referring now to the drawings, I have shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a typewriter of ordinary or conventional construction having a keyboard including a bank 1 of. number i keys, the levers 2 of which extend rearwardly, there being a spring 3 to return the keys to their uppermost or home position after operation. Preferably mounted upon the name plate of the typewriter is a computing machine unit, the detailed construction of which is not material to the present invention. It may sim ly be noted here that in the preferred em odiment, the computing mechanism includes a base plate 4 secured.

against the name plate of the typewriter, a casing cover 5 for housing the computing mechanism within, and a bank of operating number keys 6 having brackets 7 secured to the shanks 8, the latter slidably guided along the base plate preferably in grooves as at 9. The lower end of each key shank referably rests directly upon the upper ge of the corresponding typewriter number key lever 2.

In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism within the computing machine includes a control plate 10 and an operating plate 11 parallel thereto each extending substantially the width of the casing 5. Each key 6 has movable therewith in the operative direction,

' a tongue 12 overlapping the upper edge 13 of the control plate to cause the latter to move downwardly with the key, the operating plate 11 having a succession of stepped, preferably struck-up projections 14 in the path of the free edge of the tongue 12, so that upon the depression of any key, the control plate will be displaced through a definite uniformrange and the movement of the operating plate will start only when the tongue of the actuated key engages the struck-up stop, the displacement of the latter plate being proportional to the number value of the actuated key for setting up the corresponding number in the totalizer 15 through transmission gearing 16, not material to this invention and, therefore, not described.

The control plate in the preferred construction of this general type, performs'substantially at the end of its return stroke, a

variety of functions, such as actuating or releasing safeguarding mechanism to prevent excessive advance by inertia. By way of example, the drawing shows a link 17 connected to the pawl 17 which holds the master wheel of the totalizer in locked position throughout the return movement of the mechanism, the control plate substantially at the very extremity-of its return stroke striking a tongue 18 on the link, raising the latter, and thereby freeing the pawl from the master wheel, so that the latter will again be free to turn to setup the digit in response to the succeeding operation.

Throughmechanism not material to this invention and, therefore, not shown, the actuation of any key and the corresponding-- depression of the plates 10 and 11 serves to store energy in a return spring 19, which energy is released after com letion of the stroke to return the plates to ome position with sufficient power to erform the various functibns and particular y to perform those taking place substantially at the end of the return stroke such as the release of the master wheel locking pawl, above referred to.

It will be seen that with the use of the mechanism thus far described, if, after depression of a key with correspondin depression of the operating and control pfates and advance of the totalizer, the finger is not speedily removed from the key but allowed to remain on the key while the spring 19 returns the mechanism to home position, then, unless the spring is made sufliciently strong,

the drag thereon may retard the returnjof the control plate to such extent that the latter has not suflicient momentum atthe end of its return stroke to accomplish the various functions for which the plate is provided, with the result that the machine would operate incorrectly, if at all.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the more pertinent details of which are more clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4, I have provided a releasable connection between each of the computing machine operating keys and the transmissionmechan'sm. Preferably, there is pivoted as at. 2 upon each operating key bracket 7, a pawl 21 having a tooth 22 with an inclined upper. edge 23 and normally urged by a small coil spring 24 into coaction with a tongue 25 at the lower end of a link 26 slidable in the upper part of the corresponding key groove 9, the tongue 12 by which the control and operating plates are P actuated being formed as an integral projection at the upper end of the link. Preferably a tripping stop 27 is provided in the path of a lateral extension 28 on the pawl tooth and beyond the link 26, said tripping stop being so disposed thatit is engaged by the pawl tooth when the corresponding key is depressed to the limit of its operative stroke.

Upon the depression of any key 6, the pawl 21 moves therewith and by its engagement with the tongue 25 on the link 26 will transmit the thrust to th e control plate 10 and to the operating plate 11 to acutate the totalizer 15 and to store energy within the return spring 19. When the operating key reaches the end of its stroke, the tripping stop 27 en gages the extension 28 on the pawl tooth and trips the pawl, disengaging its tooth 22 from the tongue 28, so that the spring 19 in its eX-. pansion will return the plates 10 and 11 and the associated operating mechanism to its upper or home position independentlv of the position or movement of the key 6. The key 6 is then preferably caused to rise and the pawl 21 restored to coaction with the tongue 26'on the link. In a preferred application, this result is performed by the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Since in the embodiment here shown, the corresponding typewriter number key is depressed to print the digit upon actuation of any computing key,

- it follows that upon release of the finger from the computing key, the spring 3 in its return movement of the typing number key to home position will raise the computing key, the load of the computing key being a small one well within the range of power of the typewriter spring. It will be observed that as the key rises, the inclined nose 23 of. the pawl 22 engages the edge of the tongue 26 on the link and is thereby forced outwardly against the resistance of the spring 24, the latter thereupon pressing the pawl backwardly to engage the upper surface of the tongues 26 in the manner indicated in Figs. 3 and 4. The device is now connected for the succeeding operation.

If in the embodiment just described, the

key were a second time de ressed after a first operation before it ha been'returned completely to home osition, printing on the typewriter would ta e place without the de- .of displacement.

sired computing operation, since the key would be operated alone unconnected to the computing mechanism. In order to eliminate the possibility of this occurrence, a mechanism is preferably provided to lock the key against operative displacement from any position between the ends of its range This mechanism preferably comprises square-tooth racks 30, one for each pawl, the rack teeth being preferably 7 in the plane of the tooth extension 28 and the awl when operatively engaged with the shoulder 26 of the link being held out of the range of said pawl teeth, as shown in Fig. 3. After the key is depressed to its limit and the pawl has been tripped out of engagement with the connecting link 26 and the transmission mechanism returned tq home position, the inclined'nose 23 of the pawl will, when the finger pressure is released, ratchet over the square-teeth 30 until it becomes reengaged with the link tongue in the manner previously described. Should it be attempted to depress the key before the latter has become re engaged with the link tooth, the pawl tooth 22 coacting with a tooth of rack 30 willbe retained thereby against downward depression, thus blocking movement of the corresponding number key, thereby preventing any printing action. When the operator has ecome aware offthe resistance to depression of his finger, he naturally. releases the finger and the key willthen be returned by the-typewriter return spring 3 to the position indicated in Figs. 3 and 4, and properly reconnected to the link. 7

In the preferred embodiment, the squaretooth rack 30 and the tripping stop shoulder 27' are formed from an integral sheet metal blank 3-1 secured to the base plate by screws 32 all as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

In the case of combined computing and typewrit'ing machines, in which, for any rea-' son the action of all parts of the computing mechanism including the key return, is to be self-contained and independent of the typewriter mechanism, and also in the case of computing machines not associated with typewriters, special key-return means is provided.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the 2 key return means comprises a bail having legs 29 extending within the casing 5 and projecting from the bottom thereof and having a cross-piece ,33 extending lengthwise of the base plate and below and preferably in contact with the bottom of each of the key brack- It will be seen that upon depression of any key, the bail will be depressed therewith, rtating the number wheel shaft 34 and, therefore, storing energy in the spring 38, which energy is released to again raise the bail and with it the depressed key as soon as the restraining force of the finger is either removed or suiliciently relaxed.

In Figs. 5, 6 and 7, I have shown an alternative form of construction. In this case I provide for each computing key a compound pawl 41, preferably pivoted to a pin 42 in the key shank and, therefore, movable with the key. Each pawl comprises a U-shaped blank, one leg 43 of which has a recessed tongue 44 for straddling a correspondingly struck-up rearwardly extending tongue 45 near the upper edge of the control )late, the other leg 46 constituting a pawl having a tongue 47 for enga ing the corresponding struck-up lug 14 011 the rear of the operating plate.

In the preferred embodiment, the leg 43 of the compound pawl has a recess 48 near the base thereof within which extends the length of a leaf-spring 49 secured as at 50 in the base of the recess and pressing against a stud 51 projecting from the base plate 4 into the recess 48. The spring normally holds the compound pawl against displacement and disconnected both from the control plate and the operating plate. The edge of the pawl 43 immediately above the recess 48 is oblique as at 52 and above said edge is provided a lateral tail 53 extending obliquely downwardly, a recess 54 being formed between said tail and the body of the pawl.

In peration, upon depression of any key 6, the.compound pawl moves downwardly therewith. At the commencement of the downward stroke, the pressure exerted by stationary stud 51 against spring 49 causes the pawl to rotate about its pivot and thereby brings the recess 44 into coaction with the struck-up lug 45 on the control plate to straddle the same. In the continued downward movement, the stud 51 will pass from spring 49 to the oblique shoulder 52 of the pawl leg which in pressing against said stud tends to firmly retain the pawl tooth operatively straddling the lug 45 on the control plate, avoiding any danger of disconnection and compelling the movement of the control plate with the key. As the downward movement of the key with the pawl proceeds, the tooth 47 of the other pawl leg 46 will move into engagement with the corresponding struck-up tooth 14 on the operating plate, and thereupon the displacement of the latter will proceed in normal manner. At the end of the downward stroke of the key, the oblique edge 52 passes the stud 51 and the oblique tail 53 will engage said stud. By the continued depression of the key the tail 53 will travel along the stationary stud 51, thus shifting the compound pawl about its axis 42 toward the right to the position shown in Fig. 7, disengaging the recessed tooth 44 from the lug 45 on the control plate and concurrently therewith disengaging the tooth 47 from the lug 14 on the operating plate, whereupon the operating mechanism will be snapped by its return spring to home position independently of the return of the key.

The key may be returned either by mechanism such as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or by that shown in Figs. 3 and 4 or by the cross-rod 54 extending below all the keys and retained in position by coil springs 55 anchored as at 56 to the adjacent part of the base plate 4 and below the computing mechanism housing 5.

Thus by my invention a relatively weak return spring, correspondingly light to the touch, will impart sufiicient momentum to the control plate to causeit,substantially at the end of its return stroke, to release the master wheel locking pawl and to actuate other safeguarding or control mechanism, where, for dependable operation, a stronger spring, harder to the touch, would be required in a machine in which the pressure of the fin er may retard the natural return of the mec anism.

The invention is obviously not limited in its applicability to combined typewriters and computing machines, such as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but may be applied to any of a wide variety of computing machines, either of the type in which the digit is set up in the totalizer as each computing key is de ressed or to the type in which the number is rst set up on the key-board and then transferred to. the totalizer by a special operation. In the latter application, obviously, the disconnecting apparatus would be'disposed between the operating lever and the mechanism.

It will, of course, be understood that many variations are possible within the range of the present invention in the connection and disconnection of the operating key or other member with respect to the computing mechanism. In the preferred forms of pawl connection, it will be apparent that, if desired, the construction may be reversed, the pawl being mounted upon the frame structure and the tripping element therefor carried by the key. It will also be understood that the invention may be applied to constructions in which the operating keys are in the form of pivoted levers rather than longitudinally reciprocating elements. Although the invention has been shown in a preferred application to a computing mechanism involving longitudinally reciprocating control and operating plates, it is apparent that the invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of computing machine constructions having rotating instead of reciprocating elements.

I claim 1. In a computing machine, in combination, manually actuated operating means power transmission mechanism actuated thereby for operating a totalizer and means for automatically rendering inoperative the connection of said operating means with respect to said transmission mechanism after the completion of the operating stroke.

2. In a computing machine, in combination, manually actuated operating means,

totalizer operating mechanism actuated by force from said operating means and means for automatically releasing said mechanism from the restraining effect of the operating means after completion. of the operating stroke to allow the mechanism to freely return to home position independently of the return movement of the operating means.

3. In a computing machine, in combination, a totalizer, a manually actuated set of keys, transmission means between said manually actuated keys and said totalizer for operating the latter by force transmitted from said keys, spring means for resisting displacement of said transmission in operation and serving to return the same to home position after actuation thereof, and means for automatically releasin said transmission means from the operated ey to efiect return thereof to home position independently of the return movement of the key.

4. In a computing machine, in combination, a totalizer, a set of keys and a transmission interposed between said totalizer and said set, said transmission including an element connected to be operated by each of said keys and through a range proportional to the number value thereof, spring means for resisting operation of said element and serving to return the same to home position, and means for automatically releasing the operated key with respect to said transmission element to allow said spring to return the same to home position independently of the return movement of said key.

5. In a computing machine of the type comprising a totalizer, transmission mechanism, hand-operated means for actuating said mechanism to effect displacement or the totalizer, a spring for effecting the return movement of the transmission mechanism and safeguarding mechanism actuated near the extreme of the return path of said transmission mechanism; the combination' therewith of means for automatically dis connecting the transmission mechanism irom the hand-operating means at the end or the operative stroke thereof, whereby the spring wili efiect return of the transmission mechanism and actuation of the safeguarding iii-echanism unrestrained by the hand.

6. Ina computing machine of the type comprising a bank of operat 5 keys. taiizer, transmission mechanisi between said keys and said totalizer and having an element operable through a range proportional to the number value of the actuated key, spring means for returning the transmission mechanism to home position after each operation, and safeguarding mechanism actuated near the extreme of the home stroke of said transmission mechanism; the combination therewith of means for automatically releasing the connection between the actuated operating key and said transmission mechanism at the end of the operative key stroke to allow the spring to urge the mechanism to home position and to operate the safeguarding mechanism unrestrained by the finger.

7.'In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, a transmission member operatively connecting each key of said bank to said totalizer, spring means for returning said transmission member to home position after each actuation, a pawl connecting means between each of said keys and said transmission member, and means to trip the corresponding pawl at the end of the operating stroke of th actuated key to permit return of the transmission member independently of the return movement of said key.

8. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, a transmission mechanism operatively connecting each key of said bank to said totalizer and including an element displaccable through a range proportional to the number value of the actuated key, spring means for returning said transmission mechanism to home position after each actuation, a pawl connection between each key and said transmission member including pawl elements. tripping elements therefor, one of said set of elements being carried by the keys andthe other in the path of displacement thereof to effect tripping of the corresponding pawl for disconnecting the operated key from the transmission member after completion of the operative key stroke.

9. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, a

transmission member operatively connecting each key of said bank to said totalizer and displaceable through a range proportional to the number value of the'actuated key, spring means for returning said transmiss on member to home position after each actuation, a set of pawls, one corresponding to each key and displaceable therewith for actuating said transmission member, and stationary tripping means in the path of displacement of said pawls for releasing the pawi corresponding to the operated key to permit the spring to return said transmission member to home position independentiy or the return movement or said key.

1G. a computing machine, in combina-- sis tion, a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, a transmission member operatively connecting each key of said bank to said totalizer and displaceable through a range proportional to the number value of the actuated key, spring means for returning said transmission member to home position after each actuation, each key having a pawl pivoted thereon, connection means movable with said transmission member and coacting with said pawl, and stationary tripping elements associated with said pawls to trip the latter out of coaction with said connection means at the end of the key-operating stroke.

11. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of longitudinally reciprocating keys, a totalizer, a translatable transmission member operatively connected to said totalizer, means connecting each of said keys to said transmission member, said means comprising pawls, one corresponding to each said ey and )ivoted thereto, tongues associated with said member and coacting with said pawls to cause the transmission member to shift upon operation of any key, and stationary tripping means for tripping said pawl at the end of the operative key stroke.

12. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of reciprocating number keys, a totalizer, a longitudinally reciprocating transmission plate operatively connected to said totalizer, means for operating said plate from any of said keys, said means comprising stops in stepped relation, one corresponding to each key, means connecting each key to the corresponding stop, said means inclu ing pawls, one carried by each key, and tongues movable one with each said pawl into coaction with the corresponding stop to shift said plate. and stationary tripping means for each pawl to release the latter with respect to the corresponding tongue at the end of the operative key stroke. I

13. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of number keys, a totalizer, transmission mechanism including a control element operable in identical manner in response to the actuation of any key and a totalizer actuating member operable through a range proportional to thenumber value of the actuated key, a single member for coacting with both said control member and said totalizer actuating member, and means for automatically disconnecting the operated key from both the control member and the totalizer actuating member upon completion of the operating key stroke to allow return of said control and actuating members unrestrained by the force applied manually to the key. y

14. In a computing machine of the type comprising longitudinally reciprocating number keys, a totalizer, transmission mechanism including a longitudinally reciprocating control plate displaceable through an equal range for each key and an operating plate displaceable through a range proportional to the number value of the actuated key; the combination therewith of a pawl member for transmitting the thrust of an actuated key to both of said plates, and means for tripping said pawl at the end of the operative key stroke to allow return of said plates independently of the key return.

15. In a computing machine, in combiuation, operating keys, computing mechanism within the range of operation of said keys, means for automatically releasing said mechanism from the influence of said keys at the end of the stroke thereof to effect return of said mechanism to home position, and means for returning the keys into operative relation with respect to the computing mechanism.

16. In a computing-machine, in combination, a bank of number keys, a totalizer, transmission mechanism interposed between said keys and said totalizer and including a spring to return the parts to home position after each actuation, means for automatically disengaging the operating key from said mechanism at the end of the operating stroke to allow the mechanism to return to home position independently of the key return, and se arate means to return the key.

17. n a combined typewriter and computing machine, in combination, computing machine number keys, typewriter number keys interrelated for operation upon actuation of any computing key of the corresponding typewriter ke in unison therewith and for operation o the typewriter key inde endently of the computing machine key, sai computing machine comprising a totalizer and mechanism connectin the computing number keys thereto, sai mechanism including a return spring, and means for automatically disconnecting the operated computing key from the transmission mechanism at the end of the operative ke stroke to allow return of the mechanism independently of the key, whereby the return movement of the correspondin typewriter number key will thereupon e ect the return of the actuating number key.

18. In a combined typewriter and computing machine, in combination, a typewriter, having a succession of number keys and including means to return each said key to home position after operation, a computing mechanism mounted onsaid typewriter and having a succession of number keys, each ar.- ranged in alignment with the key of corresponding number value on the typewriter, so that actuation of any computing machine key will effect actuation of the corresponding typing key and the actuation of the latter will be independent of theoperation of the former, said computing machine including a totalizer and a mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer, and means for automatically disconnecting the operated computing key at the end of its stroke from said mechanism to permit automatic return of the latter to home position independently of the return movement of the key, said key return being eifected by the key-return means of the typewriter.

19. In a combined t pewriter and computing machine, in combination, a typewriter having number keys, a computing machine having a totalizer and computing keys coacting with said number keys, transmission means connecting said computing keys to said totalizer, automatic means for disconnecting the transmission mechanism from the operated computing key near the end of the stroke thereof, separate return mechanisms for the typewriter and the computing mechanisms to bring respective parts thereof to home position after each operation, the typewriter returning mechanism eifeeting the return movement of the computing key independently of the return of the transmission mechanism.

a 20. In a computing machine, in combination, a totalizer, hand-operated means, trans mission mechanism connecting said elements, said transmission mechanism including a return spring, means for automatically disconnecting the hand-operated means from the transmission mechanism, and means to prevent an operating stroke of the hand-operated member beginning at a point intermediate the extreme ends of its stroke, whereby the hand-operated means must be reconnected to the transmission mechanism before a repeated operation can take place.

21. Apparatus of the character described including a computing mechanism having a totalizer, a printing mechanism associated therewith for printing the digits concurrently with the operation of the totalizer, handoperating means for said apparatus. spring means for returning the computing mechanism to home position after each operation, means for automatically disconnecting the hand-operating means from the transmission mechanism after the completion of the operative stroke, said means being constructed and arranged to automatically effect a reconnection with the transmission mechanism for the subsequent operation of the handoperating means and means to lock the handoperating member against substantial movement from a point other than that at which it reengages, whereby actuation of the handoperating member to effect printing inde pendently of totalizer operation is prevented.

22. In a computing machine, in combinavtion, a group of operating keys, pawls movable with said keys, transmission mechanism actuated by said pawls, stationary tripping means for said pawls to release the same from coaction with said transmission mechanism at the end of the operative key stroke to permit return of said transmission mechanism to home position independently of the return movementof the key, and full stroke mechanism to lock the keys against operation from any position intermediate the extreme ends of the stroke thereof.

23. In a computing machine, in combination, a group of operating keys, pawls movable with said keys, transmission mechanism actuated by said pawls, each said pawl having an extension. stationary tripping means coacting with said extension to trip said pawl at the end of the operative key stroke for allowing return of the transmission mechanism independently of the key. and rack teeth intermediate the extreme ends of the key stroke for coaction with said extension to lock the key against operative i'novement from any point intermediate the ends of the key stroke.

24. In a con'iputing mechanism, in combination, a bank of operating number keys. at totalizer, a transmission mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer, a pawl connection between each of said keys and said transmission, means for interrupting said connection at the end of the operative stroke of each key and a stationary locking mechanism extending intermediate the ends of the pawl stroke to restrain operative movement of the pawl when the latter is disengaged from the transmission mechanism. said parts being so constructed and arranged that the pawl will clear said locking mechanism throughout its movement when in mierative connection with the transmission mechanism.

25. In a manually operated computing ma chine, in combination, computing mechanism. a computing key for actuating the same having an automatically releasable connection therewith, and means for locking said key against operative movement when (list-(mnected from the computing mechanism.

26. In a computing mechanism, in combination. a. succession of longitudinally reciprocating keys, paw ls carried by said keys and movable therewith, transmission mechanism including a longitudinally reciprocating part, links connecting said pawls to said longitudinally reciprocating part to operate the latter from the former, each link having a tongue with which the corresponding pawl normally coacts, and stationary tripping means coacting with the pawl at the end of the key stroke to shift the pawl out of engagement with the tongue in order to allow the return movement of the transmission mechanism independently of the key return.

27. The combination set forth in claim 26 in which stationary stop means is arranged intermediate the extreme ends. of the pawl stroke to arrest the pawl against operative movement when it is disconnected from'the transmission mechanism.

ISO

35 plates to home position.

28. In a computing machanism, in combination, a succession of longitudinally reciprocating keys, a totalizer, a transmission mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer, pawls carried by said keys, links connecting said pawls to said transmission mechanism, trip means arranged in the path of each pawl to disengage the same from its link in order to permit return movement 10 of the transmission mechanism independentsolongitudinally reciprocating control plate and a longitudinally reciprocating operating plate having stops in stepped relation, connecting means between each of said keys and said plates, said connecting means including :5 an integral link having a lug overlapping the upper edge of the control plate, the end of said lugcooperating with the corresponding stop on the operating plate, each said key carrying a pawl overla ping an integral 3 tongue at the lower end 0 the corresponding .link, and tripping means engaging said pawl when the operating key reaches the extremity of its operating stroke to release said key from said transmission to allow return of said 30. The combination set forth in claim 29 in which the pawl has a spring urging it against the link, in which the tripping means coacts with a lateral extension on the pawl tooth and in which a square-tooth rack is provided to be engaged as a result of the spring action on said pawl tooth, when said pawl. is disengaged from said link.

31. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, a

transmission mec anism connecting said keys to said totalizer, a releasable connection between said keys and said transmission mechanism, and means for maintaining an opera- :0 tive connection between saidelements for the operative stroke of the key, and automatically disengaging said connection u n the termination of said operative stro e to allow return of the transmission mechanism inde- 53 pendently of the return of the operated key.

32. In a computing machine, in combination, a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, a transmission mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer, a releasable connection between said keys and said transmission mechaanism, and means for maintaining an operative connection between said elements for the operative stroke of the key, automatically disengaging said connection u on the ter- 65 mination'ofsaid operative stro e to allow return of the transmission mechanism independently of the return of the operated key and for automatically re-establishing the connection upon return of the various parts of the operating mechanism to home position.

33. In a computing mechanism, in combination, an operating member, a totalizer, transmission mechanism for conveying the impulse from the operating member to the totalizer, means for automatically effecting an operative connection between said key and said transmission mechanism upon commencemcnt of the operative stroke, and means for automatically releasing said connection at the end of the operative stroke to allow the transmission mechanism to return to home position independently of the return of the operating member.

34. In a computing machine of the type in which the transmission mechanism is automatically disconnected from the operating key at the end of the operative stroke thereof; the combination therewith of auxiliary means to return the key to home position and into correct registry with the transmission mechanism for the succeeding operation. t

35. In a computing machine of the type comprising a bank of computing keys, and provided with means for automatica ly disconnecting a key at the end of the operative stroke thereof to permit return of the mechanism independently of the return movement of the key; the combination therewith of a single rod extending in the path of all of said keys, and means independent of the transmission return mechanism for returning said Lod upon cessationof the force acting on the 36. In a computing machine of the type comprising a bank of computing keys and provided with means for automatically disconnecting the key at the end of the operative stroke thereof to permit return of the mechanism independently of the return movement of the key; the combination therewith of a rod normally extending in the path of movement of all of said ke s, -a s ring for urging said rod to a position ad acent all of said keys, whereby upon actuation of any operated key, said rod will be displaced against the resistance of said spring and upon release of the key, said spring will return said rod and said key to home position.

37. In a computing mechanism, in combination, a bank of longitudinally reciproeating keys, a totalizer, transmission mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer, means operating at the end of the operative stroke of any key for automatically disconnectglg the same from the transmission mechanism to allow return of the latter independently of the key, a rod extending transversely in the path of all of said keys and tendingto urge the same to home position, whereby after actuation of any said key, the transmission mechanism will begin its return movement and upon release of the key, the rod will return the key to home position. I

38. In a computing machine, in combination, a casing, computing mechanism en closed therein, a bank of keys on the exterior of said casing for operating said mechanism, a bail extending outwardly from said casing and transversely across the path of operation of all of said keys, and spring means tending to retain said bail in the position corresponding to home position of said keys, whereby upon operation of any of said keys, the bail will be displaced against the resistance of said spring and upon release of the key, the spring will return the bail and with it the key to home position.

39. In a computing mechanism, in combination, a base plate, a casing mounted there on, a bank ol longitudinally reciprocating key members slida'ole with respect to said casing to actuate the computing mechanism, said keys having their linger-engaged portions accessible below said casing, a bail in said casing having spring means for urging it to upper position and having a transverse rod portion substantially in contact with the lower edges of the key members, whereby upon operation of any key, the bail will be displaced therewith against the resistance of the spring and upon release of the key, the bail will be raised and with it will raise the depressed key to home position.

40. ln :1. combined typewriter and computing machine the combination of a totalizer, keys for operating the totalizer and concurrently causing typing of the selected num her, a transmission interposed between said keys and said totalizer, a spring for returning the transmission, and means for automatically releasing the operated key .t'roin the transmission to allow said spring to return the latter to home position independently of the return movement of said key.

41. In a combined typewriter and computing machine, the combination of a totalizer, keys for operating the totalizer and concurrently causing typing of the selected number, a transmission interposed between said keys and said totalizer, saidtransmission including an element operated by each of said keys through a range proportional to the number value of the selected key, a spring for returning the transmissionand means for automatically releasing the operated key from said transmission to allow said spring to return the latter to home position independently of the return movement of said key.

42. A combined typewriter and computing machine including the combination of operating keys, computing mechanism within the range of operation of said keys, means for automatically releasing said mechanism from the influence of said keys at the end of the stroke thereof to effect return of said mechanism to home position, and means for returning the keys into operative relation with respect to the computing mechanism.

43. In a combined typewriter and computing machine, the combination of a bank of operating keys, at totalizer, transmission mechanism interposed between said keys and said totalizer and including a spring to return the parts to home position after each actuation, and means for automatically disengaging the operating key from said mechanism at the end of the operating stroke to allow the mechanism to return to home position independently of the key return.

it. In a combined typewriter and computing machine the combination of a succession of operating keys, means to return each said key to home position after operation, .a totalizer, a mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer and means for automatically disconnecting the operated key at the end of its stroke from said mechanism to permit automatic return of the latter to home position independently of the return movement of the key.

45. In a combined typewriting and computing machine a totalizer, hand operated means, transmission mechanism connecting said elements and including a return spring, means for automatically disconnecting the hand operated means from the transmission mechanism and means to prevent an operating stroke of the hand operated member beginning at a point intermediate the extreme ends of its stroke, whereby the hand operated means must be re-connected to the transmis sion mechanism before a repeated operation can take place.

46. A combined typewriting and computing machine comprising a totalizer, and typing mechanism associated therewith for printing the digits concurrently with the operation of the totalizer, operating keys for said mechanism, spring means for returning the computing mechanism to home position after each operation, means for automatically disconnecting the selected key from the transmissionmechanism after the completion of the operative stroke, said means being constructed and arranged to automatically elieet a re-connection with the transmission mechanism for the subsequent operation of the key, and means to lock the key against substantial movementfrom a point other than that at which it re-engages the transmission mechanism, whereby actuation of the keys to effect typing independently of totalizer operation is prevented.

47. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, computing mechanism, an operating key for actuating the same having an automatically relasable connection therewith, and means for locking said key against operative movement when disconnected from the computing mechanism.

48. In a combined typewriting and computing machine, the combination of a bank of operating keys, a totalizer, transmission mechanism connecting said keys to said totalizer, a releasable connection between said ke s and said totalizer, and means for maintaming an operative connection between said elements for the operative stroke of the key,

and automatically disengaging said connection upon the termination of said operative stroke to allow return of the transmission mechanism independently of the return of the operated key.

49. A combined type writer and computing machine comprising operating keys, typing mechanism under control thereof, a totalizer, and transmission mechanism through which the operative impulse on the keys is transmitted to the totalizer, means automatically disconnecting the transmission mechanism from the operated key at the end of the operative stroke thereof, said key on return thereof to home position, automatically entering into corres onding registry with respect to the transmlssion mechanism for the succeedin operation.

Signed at New ork, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 11th day of August, A. D. 1921.

' GUSTAVE O. DEGENER.

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