US2353083A - Recording machine - Google Patents

Description

July 4, 1944.

R. l. ROTH RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 FIG.2.

10 Sheets-Sheet l 36 INVNTOR.

ATTORNEY.

July 4, 1944. R. I. ROTH 2,353,083

RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3.

FIG. 16.

czar: 01 6/7665 IN VEN TOR.

A TTORNE Y.

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July 4, 1944. R L ROTH 2,353,083

RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2'7, 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 5- II I II I I I I I I I IIIIIII I II I I I I I I I I IIIIIII I II IIIIIII IIIIII II I I II I I I I IIII I I I I IIIIIII IIIII II I III II II II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 6 5 IIIII IIIIIII II II 3 3 W V I IIIII IIIIIII 1/ 4/ A. I I I I I 5 I m I I I 6 I I I I I m v I I IIIII I W 7 IIIIIII m 6 IIIIIII I I III I I IIIIIII I IIIIIII IIIIIII W I IIIIII 1" I I m I I I I .u I IIIIII 9 IIIIIII z I I r I I I IIIIIII I I IIIIIII I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I m IIIIIII IIIIIII II I in? 9 IIIIII IIIIII I I I I I I I I I A TTORNE Y.

FIG.13.

, July 4, 1944. R. l. ROTH RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 //7ABC.DEFGHIJKLM/VQPQRSTl/VWXYZ123456783 W OR.

July 4, 1944. R. l. ROTH RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2'7, 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 ATTORNEY.

July 4, 1944. R. I. ROTH RECORDING MACHINE 1 0 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 2'7 1942 A TTORNE Y.

July 4, 1944. R L ROTH RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 1.0 Sheets-Sheet 9 LrqggNTon.

July 4, 1944. R ROTH RECORDING MACHINE Filed Aug. 27, 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 ATTORNEY.

Patented July 4, 1944 2,353,083 naooanmo moms Robert I. Both, Valley Stream, N. Y.. aasignor to International Business New York, N. Y.,

Machines Corporation,

a corporation or New York Application August 27, 1942, Serial No. 456,355 20 Claims. (Cl. 17H) This invention relates to recording machines, and more particularly to record controlled machines wherein recording is effected by the application of electrical potentials to a prepared sheet, or other recording medium, in such manner as to mark the same in accordance with the sensed data.

In record controlled accounting machines of the types now in use, the recording mechanisms usually comprise diilferentially settable type elements, such as bars or wheels, each of which is provided with a plurality of type characters. Furthermore, it is customary practice, in power actuated accounting machines, to provide a separate type element for each column of data to be recorded. Such type elements must be individually positioned or set and, after an impression is taken therefrom, must be restored to a home position before they can be reset for succeeding printing operations. Such operations are necessarily time consuming. The weight of the movable type elements is considerable on account of the. number of type characters on each element and the number of columns of data to be recorded. The foregoing factors all contribute to limit the possible maximum speed of operation of the recording mechanism.

The present invention has for one of its objects the provision of an improved record controlled recording machine which enables recording to be effected at relatively higher speeds by disposing with differentially movable and settable type elements, and employing instead noiseless and inertialess recording elements.

To this end, provision is made whereby certain character representing means of a plurality of groups are selectively rendered operative, under control of the record sensing means, for selectively establishing predetermined circuit connections to related groups of stationary recording elements, thereby permitting the latter to be energized in predetermined combinations, at successive intervals, during the recording operations. An especially prepared recording medium is provided, so that when electrical potentials are applied thereto, it is capable of undergoing chemical changes to produce a record of the subject matter.

A group of character representing means is provided for each column of data to be recorded, and each group consists of an individual character representing means for each character to be recorded in each column. Each character representing means comprises generally a movable group of circuit connecting or switching elements, which normally are disposed in close proximity to related electrically conducting elements or wires. Two groups of electromagnetically controlled devices, such as magnets, are provided for each group of character representing means. Upon the sensing of alphabetical or numerical character designations, the groups of magnets are selectively controlled, whereby certain magnets of one group are selected and energized for controlling the operations of a related set of permutation bars, and certain magnets of the other group are selected and energized for controlling the operations of related seeker elements cooperating with the said permutation bars. The joint operations of the permutation bars and cooperating seeker elements are effective to selectively render the individual character representing means operative to establish difl'erent combinations of circuit connections which are representative of the characters to be recorded.

Cyclically operable means, operated in timed relationship with the recording medium feeding means, are provided to energize successively a group of control circuits, which, in turn, are connected to the established circuit connections, thereby causing the related recording elements to be energized in predetermined combinations, at successive intervals during the recording cycles,

to record the characters on the said recording medium.

Accordingly, another object of the present invention resides in the provision of an improved recording machine wherein stationary recording elements are selectively rendered effective, in predetermined combinations, at successive intervals, during recording cycles, to eilect recording of the subject matter.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of an improved recording machine wherein a group of character representing means are provided for each column of data to be recorded, which are selectively conditioned for controlling the recording operations of the recording elements.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of an improved recording machine wherein the selectively controlled character representing means are effective to establish predetermined combinations of circuit connections, in accordance with the characters to be recorded, for controlling the recording operations of the recording elements.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of an improved recording machine wherein the selectively controlled character representing means are effective to connect the recording elements in predetermined combinatims to different control circuits which are energized at successive intervals, during the recording cycles, to effect recording of the characters.

Still another object of the present invention resides in the provision of electromagnetically controlled permutation elements and cooperating seeker elements for selectively rendering the related character representing means operative.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a detail showing a portion of a standard tabulating card having the different character designating perforations formed thereon.

Fig. 2 is an outside view of the card feeding and analyzing mechanism showing the card feed declutching devices.

Fig. 2a is a detail section taken along the line Iii-Ia of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the driving and operating mechanism of the recording section of the machine.

Fig. 4 is an end view of the driving mechanism shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the recording elements of the machine.

Fig. 6 is a plan detail showing the arrangement of the recording elements.

Fig. 'l is a plan view of a circuit selecting control unit including a plurality of character representing means.

Iflg. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-4 of P18. 7.

Fig. 9 is a detail view showing the arrangement of the set of permutation bars and related control magnets.

Fig. 10 is a detail showing the individual permutation bars and diagrammatically the arrangement of the latter and the cooperating seeker elements.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the unit shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 12 is a section detail taken along the line lI-II of Fig. 8.

Fig. 13 shows a complete set of alphabetical and numerical characters as recorded by the present machine.

Figs. lid-14d, arranged as shown in Fig. 15, is a circuit diagram of the machine.

Fig. 15 is a layout diagram for Figs. 140-1411.

Fig. 16 is a timing diagram.

GINIML Dsscarrnon Before describing in detail, the structural elements of the improved recording machine, a brief statement of the functional operations of this machine will be given.

Individual control records, such as tabulating cards C, provided with alphabetical or numerical character designations are presented by a cyclically operable picker 2! (Fig. 2) to a sensing station, whereat individual sensing brushes LB are provided for each column of data designations formed on the cards.

Each said brush sensing the difierentially positioned designations is effective, by means of a related emitter device EM! (Fig. 141)), (1) to select and energize a certain one of the magnets of the group AMI-AMI, and (2) to select and energize a certain one of the magnets of the group BM--BM4, each machine cycle. Each cycle, the selected magnet of the group AMI-- AMI controls the operation of the set of permutation bars H1 (Figs. 8-10), and the selected magnet of the group BMl-BMl controls the operation of the related seeker elements I" cooperating with the operated permutation bars, so as to select one of the character representing means generally indicated by the reference character 99 in Figs. 8, and 14d. An individual character representing means is provided for each character to be recorded in each column, and upon operation is effective, by means of the positioned circuit closing means, such as conducting segments H2 and related wires 91, to establish predetermined combinations of circuit connections between the group of recording circuits ill-481 and the group of control circuits I'll-411.

Each recording circuit includes a recording element or electrode 40, which circuits and electrodes are connected in certain combinations to the individual conducting strips l i l, which strips, in turn, are connected to the related control circuits ill-I11. Thus, upon operation of the cyclically operable emitter device EM! (Fig. 14a), electrical impulses are transmitted, in succession, over the control circuits Ill-411 and the related conducting strips Hi, through the different combinations of circuit connections, established by the conducting segments III and wires 91, to the different recording circuits of the group i8ll6l, thereby causing the related recording elements to be energized, in different combinations, at successive intervals, to effect the recording of the characters (Fig. 13) on the prepared recording medium H.

The card feeding and sensing means of the present invention, as well as the driving connections therefor, and the driving connections of the recording mechaninsm are similar to those shown in detail in U. 8. Patent No. 1,976,617 issued October 9, 1934, and U. 8. Patent No. 2,126,621 issued August 9, 1938. For this reason, it is believed that the following brief descriptions of these well known mechanisms are sufficient.

Connor. Rrcoan With reference to Fig. 1, the control record is shown to comprise a well known tabulating machine record card, generally designated C, of the type quite commonly used in the Hollerith electric tabulating systems. Differentially positioned control designations, such as perforations l8, are used to represent the various data and character representations. The perforations are differentially positioned in various columnar areas or fields of the record card, and by the differential positioning thereof different data values are imparted thereto. It is seen that the letters of the alphabet are designated by pairs of control designations or perforations, each perforation of a pair being located in one of the twelve index point positions of a columnar area. Commonly, the index point positions indicated as .R" and X are referred to in the tabulating systems as the 12 and "11 index point positions, respectively.

The Hollerith character code shown in Fig. 1 is quite an arbitrary one and different well known codes which have been used in statistical systems may be employed in the present recording assaoss 3 system. It will be noted, by reference to the said code in Fig. 1, that the alphabet is divided into three groups. The letters of the first group A to I are designated by different combinations of a perforation in the "R or 12" index point position with perforations in the one to nine index point positions. The letters of the second group J to R are designated by perforations in the "x" or "11 position and combination of perforations in the one to nine positions, while the letters of the third group 8 to Z are identified by combinations of a perforation with perforations in the two to nine index point positions. The individual numerical characters are represented by a single perforation in the corresponding zero to nine index point positions. The record cards may have as many columnar areas for the reception of the data designating perforations as may be desired. The description to be set forth hereinbelow relates to mechanism commonly used in tabulating systems employing the standard eighty column record card.

Record feeding and sensing means Referring nowto Fig. 2, well known mechanism is shown for advancing the individual record cards C from a stack by means of a reciprocating picker 20 to pairs of feed rolls 2|, secured to and driven by gears 22, which serve to advance the cards past the usual upper and lower sensing brushes UB and LB in succession. The various card feed rolls are gear driven in unison in the customary manner. From a main driving gear 23, freely mounted upon a shaft 24, sleeve 25 (see also Fig. 2a) affords a driving connection from gear 23 to an arm 26 which carries a spring pressed clutching dog 2'! norm-ally held in the position shown in Fig. 1 by an armaturelatch 25 controlled by a card feed clutch magnet CMI.

Disposed between gear 23 and arm 25 there is a gear 35 and a clutch driving disk 3| freely rotatable upon the sleeve 24. Gear 35 meshes with gear 32, the latter, in turn, being driven by the main drive shaft 33 through gears 34, 35 and 35. Shaft 33 is driven by means of a motor M (see Fig. 14a) through a customary clutch drive (not shown) controlled by the clutch magnet CM2 (Fig. 14a).

Upon energization of the clutch magnet CM I, the dog 21 is released by latch 28, to engage disk 3|, and be driven by the latter, thereby causing the said picker and feed roll mechanism to function. The cards C are advanced past the sensing brushes so long as magnet CMI remains energized.

Recording means Figs, 3 to 6 show the construction of the recording means which includes a plurality of groups of stationary recording elements, such as electrodes 40. The expression stationary recording elements is used herein to distinguish from the well known differentially settable type elements. A group of the said recording electrodes is provided for each column of data to be recorded; and each group, in the instant disclosure, is shown to consist of seven individual electrodes disposed adjacent to each other in a single plane transversely of the recording medium ll (see Figs. 5 and 6).

Each individual recording electrode comprises an L shaped member of suitable electrical conducting material, each said electrode member being pivotally disposed on a common rod 42 made of insulating material. One end of each electrode member is suitably arranged in a guide frame 43 suitably secured to guide block 44, the latter also made of suitable insulating material. The said guide block is provided with a plurality of fixed individual contact terminals 55, each of which is connected to a related recording electrode by individual resilient means, such as an electrically conductive spring 45. The said cooperating springs, in addition to affording electrical connections to the recording electrodes, also urge the related electrodes in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 5) against the recording medium 4|, thus insuring positive contact engagement with the latter.

The individual recording electrodes 40 are covered by a thin layer of suitable insulating material, as indicated by the reference character 41 (Fig. 5), so that the adlacently arranged electrodes of each group are insulated from each other. The points or tips 48 of the individual electrodes engaging or contacting the recording medium I obviously remain uncovered and uninsulated so that an electric current flow can be established through the said recording medium. As shown in Fig. 5, all the recording electrodes 40 are arranged to engage the same side of the recording medium. A common conducting electrode I5 is provided to engage the opposite side of the recording medium, and is arranged to extend transversely of substantially the entire width of the recording medium, as indicated in Fig. 6.

The said common electrode is supported by, and suitably insulated from, the arms 50 pivotally connected to the side plates 5| at 52. The said arms are connected together at their free ends by a bar 53. Each arm has pivotally fastened thereto a spring-urged, double-armed member 54, which members carry a suitably journaled pressure roll 55. The positionable pressure roll 55 and common conducting electrode 49 are provided in order to facilitate the insertion of, or access to, the recording medium at the recording station. The pivoted arms 50 carrying the said pressure roll and electrode can be swung manually in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, thus permitting readily any access to the inserted recording medium, or enabling a new recording medium to be easily inserted at the recording station.

The recording medium is arranged to be fed from a supply roll 55, disposed on shaft 5! suitably journaled in side plates 51, under an idler roller 58, between the individual recording electrodes l0 and common electrode l9, and between the pressure r011 55 and feed roll 59. Locking means are provided to cooperate with the arms 50 to hold the latter in the position shown in Fig. 5, so that the recording medium is held frictionally against the feed roll 59 by the springpressed pressure roll 55, and so that the common electrode 49 is held in contact engagement with the recording medium. This locking means comprises a U-shaped bar 50, pivotall secured to the side plates 5i, which is urged in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 4) by means of individual springs 5|. Each side arm of the U-shaped bar 50 is provided with a locking shoulder 52, which shoulder engages an extension stud 53, secured to each arm 50, to latch the arms 50 in the position shown in Figs. 4 and 5. In order to position the arms 50 to the left, as viewed in Fig. 5, the U-shaped bar is manually moved upwardly to clear the said extension studs, thus permitting the said arms to be released.

- The driving means for the feed roll 59 for advancing the recording medium past the recording electrodes will now be described. The said main shaft 38 (Figs. 2 and 3) is arranged to drive shaft ll (Fig. 3), suitably journaled in side frames 00, by means of the gearing generally designated II. A drive connection from shaft II to shaft 12 is also provided by a gear ll. secured to the right end (Fig. 3) of shaft I, meshing with an idler gear II, the latter, in turn, meshing with gear H secured to one end of shaft 12. Shaft 12, suitably Joumaled in one of the side plates I, has secured thereto, at its other end. a gear 13 meshing with gear I4 secured to one end of shaft II, the latter also being suitably iournaled in the said side plate II. Secured to the other end of shaft II is a gear ll meshing with gear 11, which gear 11 is secured to a single-toothed disk ll rotatably mounted on shaft II.

From the description of the driving connections up to this point, it is seen that gear 11 and disk I! are rotated continuously by means of the main drive shaft is and the described gearing. A conventional clutch arm 80 is secured to shaft II and is provided with the usual pivoted, springurged clutch dog OI. The said clutch dog is pre-- vented from cooperating with the rotating disk II by a well known type of spring-pressed latching armature '2 controlled by clutch magnet CMI. Upon energization of the clutch magnet cm, the dog is released to cooperate with the rotating notched disk II and drive the shaft 18 so long as magnet CM! remains energized. Shaft II, at its right end (Fig. 3), has secured thereto a gear I! meshing with gear ll fastened to sleeve ll rotatably mounted on stud Ila. Sleeve II is also provided with a gear I! meshing with gear ll, the latter being secured to the feed roll 59. Thus, it is seen that, upon energization of magnet CMI, the described driving connections are rendered operative to drive the feed roll 5! for effecting continuous advancement of the recording medium past the recording electrodes at a constant speed. It should be stated, that the ratio of the described gearing is such that for a single revolution of shaft 1! the recording medium is advanced one line space. The intended meaning of a line space, in the instant case, will be understood as the description progresses.

It was mentioned hereinabove, that the recording medium comprises a prepared sheet, which, when electrical potentials are applied thereto, is capable of undergoing chemical changes to produce a record or the subject matter. The recording specifically referred to herein is effected by electrolytic effect of the current passing through the prepared sheet or web. That is, the sheet or web is treated with suitable substances so that the application of electrical potentials thereto (as in the instant case, to cause passage of current therethrough) produces color changes or other marking effects on the record medium. It is to be understood, that the invention need not necessarily be limited to the mentioned electrolytic type of recording, since the principles to be set forth hereinbelow equally apply to electrostatic type of recording such as disclosed in U. 8, Patent No, 2,113,741 granted to R. J. Wise et al., or U. S. Patent No. 2,178,989 granted to I. W. Conrad.

The recording medium ll may comprise. paper, or other suitable carrier medium, impregnated or otherwise treated with an electrolytic substance. For example, sodium nitrate dissolved in triethylene glycol has been found to be a satisfactory impregnating medium for paper. when the mentioned electrolytic solution is employed, it is preferred to coat the surfaces of the prepared paper with lead thiosulphate. Treating the paper accordingly results in a sharper definition of the subject matter recorded because the passage of the marking current through the sheet or web is facilitated. Crosley "Reado" paper also has been found to be a satisfactory recording medium.

According to the present invention, it is preferred to employ the described groups of stationary recording electrodes, one group for each column of data to be recorded, and selectively render the electrodes of each group effective as the re cording medium is advanced past the said groups. Means are provided for impressing successive electrical potentials on predetermined electrodes of each group for certain fixed time intervals as the recording medium is advanced continuously therepast at a constant rate of speed. In this manner, certain defined areas of the recording medium are marked as the latter is advanced past the recording electrodes, which areas in predetermined combinations delineate the various characters or symbols of the subject matter to be recorded. For example, in Fig. 13, alphabetical and numerical characters are shown which are built up by, and comprise, various predetermined combinations of the elemental marked or defined areas.

Suitable circuit controlling devices for effecting the selection and energization of the recording (potential applying) circuits will now be described.

CIRCUIT SELICIING CONTROL MEANS Referring now to Figs. 7 to 12, the structure of one type of circuit selecting control unit will be explained. It will be understood from the description in connection with the circuit diagram, that one of these units is provided for each column of data to be recorded. Each unit comprises a plurality of character representing means, generally designated by the reference character I! in Figs. 8, 140 and 14d, one for each character to be recorded, which are selectively rendered operative, under control of the magnets AMI- AM! and magnets BMi--BM4, to complete predetermined circuit connections.

Each unit is substantially contained between side plates 90, SI and end plates 82, 93 (Fig. 'l). Secured to each end plate 82 and 93 is an insulating block 94 and 95 respectively, each block being provided with a plurality of rows of electrically conductive anchor studs 96. Each row contains seven studs, and seven such rows of studs are provided in each .block. To each corresponding pair of opposing studs, an individual piece or section of an electrically conducting element, such as wire 81, is fastened, each piece of wire 91 being maintained at the desired tautness by a coiled end thereof, indicated by the reference character 9|. The said wires of each row are maintained in their correct positions by means of a pair of separated insulating guide plates 99 suitably secured to side plate SI and an insulating member I", the latter being secured to end plates 92 and 83. Each guide plate 9! is provided with a plurality of correspondingly spaced holes through which the wires 91 extend, which holes are made just large enough for the wires to pass therethrough. It should be mentioned that the vertical columns of studs associated with insulating block 84 are electrically connected together, and in turn connected to a related conducting terminal a. That is, one terminal 94a is provided for each vertical column of wires 01 and studs 90, and each column of wires and studs is connected to an individualterminal 9611, the purposes of which will be understood presently.

slidably mounted between the side plate and the insulating member I00 are the plurality of character representing means, each comprising an individual insulating frame IOI, one frame being provided in each unit for each character or symbol to be recorded (also see Fig. 8). The said frames are arranged adjacent to each other as shown in Fig. '7, and are maintained in vertical alignment by means of pins I02 secured to side plate 0| and pins I03 secured to the insulating member I00, as shown in Fig. 8. Each frame IN is normally held in a raised position, as viewed in Fig. 8, by means of a spring I04 secured thereto and to a rod I05 extending from one end plate 92 to the other end plate 93.

Slidably mounted in individual, vertically spaced channels H0 in each frame IIII are individual cross members I06 made of suitable insulating material. There are seven channels and related cross members provided in each frame in the instant case. Extending through substantially the entire length of each cross member I06 is a relatively small conducting rod I01 (see Fig. 12) which is connected at one end of each cross member to a conducting terminal I00. Each cros member is urged to the left, as viewed in Fig. 8, under the influence of a related compression spring I09, (inserted in the related channel IIO) so that each terminal I08 constantly engages a related elongated conducting strip III disposed in insulating member I00. The individual conducting strips extend substantially throughout the entire length of the insulating member I00 so as to engage all the correspondingly arranged and related terminals I08 of the frames IN. The individual strips III are electrically connected to individual conducting terminals IIIa (Fig. 7).

Each cross member I06, in the lower section thereof, is provided with one or more conducting segments II2 which are allocated at certain predetermined transverse positions in each of the cross members, as shown in Fig. 8. The lengths of the said conducting segments vary so as to span one, two, three or more of the underlying wires 91, for purposes which will be understood as the description progresses. The conducting segment or segments II2 of each cross member are electrically connected to the common conducting rod I01 of the related cross member.

Normally, the said frames IOI are in raised positions, as indicated in Fig. 8, so that the conducting segments I I2 are not in engagement with the wires of the related underlying row or group. However, whenever the frames IOI are lowered suiflciently, by suitable control means to be described presently, for the cross members I06 to engage the underlying wires 91, certain wires of each underlying group are electrically connected to the related individual elongated strips III by means of the said difierently positioned conducting segments II2 of the cross members. In this manner, upon the selection and depression of an individual frame IIII, certain wires 91 of each of the seven rows or groups are selectively connected to the related conducting strips for suitable control purposes.

It is to be understood, that for each frame IOI, the conducting segments II2 ofthe cross members I08 are diflerently arranged, so that, upon the depression of various frames, different combinations of wires 91 are connected by the conducting segments I I2 of the cross members to the related conducting strips III. For example, the arrangement of the conducting segments in the frame shown in Fig. 8 is such as to represent the numeral 9. With reference now to Fig. 14c, a diagrammatic representation of the connections of this particular frame IOI, representing the numeral 9, is shown at the extreme right of the center row. The interconnected vertical columns of wires 91, in Fig. 8, are represented by the interconnected enlarged dots, designated 91 in Fig. 14c, whereas the movable conducting segments I I2, in Fig. 8, are represented by the horizontal rows of interconnected arrows, designated II: in Fig. 140. Now, upon depression of the frame IOI, in Fig. 8, it is seen that the circuits connected to the dots 01, in Fig. 140, are connected to those circuits connected to the arrows I I2. This arrangement of representing the connections of the individual frames IOI in the circuit diagram is preferred, since it is believed that by this arrangement the required connections of the remaining frames representing the additional characters are self evident by reference to the remaining detailed connection representations in Figs. 14c and 14d.

The mechanism comprising the means for selecting certain frames IOI from the plurality of frames in each unit will now be described. Suitably secured to the side plate of each unit is a group of nine individual selecting magnets AMI to AM9; each magnet being provided with an armature II5 pivotally supported by a stud IIG secured to the said side plate. Each armature H5 is provided with a fixed depending arm IIBa. arranged to cooperate with one of the permutation bars I ll of a set or group of nine (designated Nos. 1 to 9 in Fig. 10).

The said permutation bars are arranged one above the other (Figs. 8 and 9) and are slidably supported in the unit by having their forward ends (Fig. 7) inserted through individual slots (not shown) formed in the end plate 93, and their rearward ends inserted through individual and correspondingly spaced slots (not shown) formed in guide combs H8 and I I9 secured to plates 90 and 92 respectively. The permutation bars are arranged o that, in Fig. 9, the bottom one of the stack is the permutation bar designated No. 1, in Fig. 10, the next to the bottom one is No. 2, etc., and finally, the top one of the stack is the permutation bar designated No. 9. Each of the said permutation bars is provided with a plurality of the usual diiferently allocated selecting fingers or stops I20 (if other types of permutation bar systems are preferred, the usual selecting slots may be employed instead of the mentioned fingers). I

As shown in Fig. 9, the magnets AMI--AM9 are disposed in a staggered arrangement so that the depending arms IIIia of armature Hi can be inserted through elongated slots I2I formed in the permutation bars II I to engage the corresponding relatively smaller slots I22. Each said slot I22 is just slightly larger than the free end of arm IIGa (Fig. 9), so that upon energization of any one of the magnets AMI to AM9 and displacement of the corresponding armature H5 and arm Ilia, the related corresponding permutation bar III is moved a short distance to the left, as viewed in Fig. 9; and due to the relatively larger slots I22 surrounding the arms II6, the unrelated permutation bars remain undisturbed and in their normal positions. In this manner,

the permutation bars are selectively displaced upon energization of th related control magnets.

A plurality of cooperating seeker elements or slides I22 are provided, one for each frame IOI (Figs. '7 and 8), which are slidably mounted in suitably spaced slots in side plates III and 2|. Each seeker element is normally urged to the right, as viewed in Fig. 8, by means of an individual compression spring I22. In addition thereto. each seeker element is provided with an elongated upright arm I21 and a relatively short depending arm I22 having a pin I29, the former being arranged to cooperate with the opposing selecting fingers I22 of the permutation bars I I1, and the latter with a related bell crank lever I20 through a pin and slot connection. Each bell crank lever is pivotally mounted on a common rod I2I. Individual levers I22, each having a pin I22 secured to one end thereof, are provided to cooperate with the individual bell crank levers, also by means of pin and slot connections. The said levers I22, in turn, are pivotally connected in predetermined groups, to different ones of the elongated pivoted armatures I22 of selecting magnets BMI to BM (Fig. 11). Each said armature has secured thereto a pair of spaced ears or members I25, said members carrying a rod I22 to which are pivotally connected certain ones of the said levers I22. Each lever I22 is also pivotally connected to an individual frame IIII by a related interconnecting link I21.

It is preferred to operate the levers I22 in groups, by magnets BMI-BMI, and accordingly the levers I22 connected to the frames IIII identiindex point position of a card will cause the magnet AM! to be energized, a perforation in the "8 index point position will cause the AMI magnet to be energized, and so on; and that a perforation in the R. or 12" index point position will cause the BM magnet to be energized, a perforation in the "X" or "11 position will cause the 3M2 magnet to be energized, a perforation in the 0" position will cause the BM2 magnet to be energized, and that magnet BMI will be energized'any time a single perforation representing the numerical data one to nine is sensed.

Normally, with the magnets AMI-AM2 deenergized, and consequently the related permutation bars II! in their normal positions, the selecting fingers I22 are positioned out of the paths of the arms I21 of seeker elements I22. This condition is represented diagrammatically in Fig. 10, wherein the light vertical lines represent the various seeker elements, and which are identified accordingly (by the row of alphabetical and nu.-

merical characters at the bottom of Fig. 10) to indicate which frames the said elements are connected to. It is seen, in Fig. 10, that all the fingers I20 are positioned out of the paths of the seeker elements, since none of the lines cross the delineated fingers.

Thus, it will be understood, that, upon energization of one of the said magnets BMI-BMI,

assaoss for example, magnet BMI shown in Fig. 8, with the permutation bars III in their normal positions, the related armature I2 is moved in a clockwise direction to lower all those levers I22 which are pivotally connected to the mentioned armature. with the paths of arms I21 of the seeker levers I22 unblocked, thereby permitting the latter to be moved to the left, asviewed in Fig. 8, the said levers I22 are pivoted about the point designated III to partially rotate the corresponding bell crank levers I22 in a counterclockwise direction which movements of the bell crank levers cause the connected seeker elements I22 to be displaced against the actions of springs I22. However, had one of the permutation bars II'I been displaced so as to position one of its selecting fingers I22 in the path of the arm I2'l of the particular seeker lever I 22 shown in Fig. 8 (namely, the No. 9 permutation bar), it is seen that the latter seeker lever would be held in a locked position, due to the placement of one of the fingers I20 in the path of the said arm, thereby holding the connected bell crank lever |22 in a locked position. In this case, the pin I22 acts as a pivot for lever I22, and depression of the latter causes the connected frame IOI to be lowered against the action of spring I, thereby causing the conducting segments II2 thereof to engage certain wires of each of the seven rows of wires 21.

Now, for further illustrative purposes, let us assume that perforations in the 5" and 12" or R index point positions of a card, representing the character "E," are sensed to cause the magnet AM! to be energized first, and then the magnet BM. Due to the energization of the AM! magnet, the No. 5 permutation bar III is displaced, and as can be seen in Fig. 10, the selecting fingers thereof are moved in the paths of the seeker elements I22 associated with the frames IIII representing the characters E," "N," V" and "5." Upon energization of magnet BMI, the levers I22 connected to the frames representing the characters A to "I" are operated causing those seeker elements associated with the frames IIII representing the characters A to D" and "F" to "I" to be displaced (to the left as viewed in Fig. 8), and consequently retaining those frames in their normal raised positions. But, the movement of the seeker element associated with the frame III representing the character "E" is blocked by one of the fingers I2II on the displaced No. 5 permutation bar, thereby causing the related lever I22 to lower the connected frame IIII, and effect engagement of the conducting segments I I2 thereof with certain of the wires 91 of the diiferent rows. The specific wires 21 engaged by the said conductins segments are indicated in Fig. 14d. In this manner, the different character representing means, such as frames IBI, can be selectively operated, whereby the associated conducting segments H2 (or circuit closing or switching means) are rendered eflective to select certain wires 81 in each of the rows of wires for control purposes.

MISC. CIRCUIT CONTROLLING DEVICES In Fig. 2 is shown the usual cam shaft I" which is driven from the gears of the card feeding mechanism and rotates only when cards are being advanced. Controlled by suitable cam means are contact devices which are designated by the letter F, indicating that they are associated with the feeding mechanism and operative only when the feeding mechanism functions (also see Fig.

In Fig. 3 are shown a plurality of cam controlled contacts whose operations are controlled by cams carried by (or may be driven from) the shaft 85. These cam controlled contacts are designated by the letter L, and are in constant operation so long as the driving motor functions (see Fig. 14a).

Also in Fig. 3, shaft I8 carries a switching device I4 I, which can take the form of a cam wheel or commutator device, for cooperating with con tacts I42 (or brushes), thereby forming a circuit breaker device, which in Fig. 14a is indicated by the letters CB1." This device is operative only when the recording medium feeding mechanism functions, and the timing is such that the contacts are closed successively each time a defined area of the recording medium to be recorded is presented to the recording electrodes. A similar circuit breaker device is provided on shaft I48 of the card feeding mechanism, and is indicated in Fig. 14a by the letters FCBI; and the timing is such that the contacts are closed successively each time an index point position of the record card is presented to the sensing station. Also, carried by shaft I9 are rotatable brushes I43 of the usual emitter" device, generally designated EM2, and the timing is such that the conducting segments I44 (Fig. 14a) thereof are engaged successively by brushes I43 each time a defined area of the recording medium to be recorded is presented to the recording electrodes.

In Figs. 3, 4 and 14a, carried by a stud I48 is a pair of electrically connected brushes I49, one of which engages successively conducting segments I50 while the other wipes over a common arcuate conducting strip I 5|. The brushes are carried by a gear I41 driven through an idler I48 from a gear I45 carried by the constantly running shaft 65, and the timing is such that a brush I 49 engages successively each of the segments I5Il as an index point position of the record card is presented to the sensing station. An emitter device of this type is provided for each column of data to be sensed and recorded, and are generally designated EMI. 7

Circuit diag am Referring now to Figs. 14a.-14d, arranged as indicated in Fig. 15, the operation of the machine will be described in conjunction with the circuit diagram shown therein. I

The sensing brush LB for each column of data to be sensed is connected by an individual conductor I 55 to the common conducting strip I5I of each emitter EMI, the individual conducting segments I50 of which are, in turn, connected by individual conductors I56 to the coils of magnets AMI-AMS and BMI-BM4. As mentioned hereinabove, this arrangement of the emitter and control magnets is provided for each column of data to be sensed and recorded.

The individual vertical columns of wires 9'! of each imit are connected to a group of recording circuits, such as the common conductors I8 I-ISI, which, in turn, are connected to the individual recording electrodes 40 of each column. The individual rows of conducting segments II2 of each frame of the related unit are connected by the individual conducting strips I II to a group of control circuits, such as conductors I'II-I'II, the latter, in turn, being connected to the individual conducting segments I44 of emitter EM2.

Now, in order to simplify the following, the description will be limited to the sensing and recording of data in one column, since it will be umns is effected in precisely the same way. Accordingly, let it be assumed, that the record cards are properly positioned in the machine so that the "9 index point positions are fed first, that the recording medium H is properly inserted and positioned in the machine, that the main switch S is closed, and that the start key SK is held depressed until the cards are automatically fed through the machine.

Upon depression of the start key, the contacts I88 are closed to complete a circuit from conductor l8l, connected. to one terminal of the power supply, to the coil of relay R3, said contacts I88 to conductor I82 connected to the other terminal of the power supply, energizing the said relay. Upon closure of contacts R8a, a circuit is completed from conductor I82 to contacts I 88 of the stop key, said contacts Rla, coil of relay R2, contacts CM2a, and coils of the clutch magnet CM2 to conductor I8I, energizing said relay and clutch magnet. Energization of the clutch magnet, in turn, eflects coupling of the drive motor M to the main drive shaft 33 mentioned hereinabove; also, its contacts CM2a are opened, whereupon the coil of relay RI is connected in the series circuit through clutch magnet CM2 to close contacts RIa and complete a circuit from the power supply to the said motor M. A holding circuit for relays RI, R2 and clutch magnet CM2 is established upon closure of contacts R2a through the normally closed cam contacts LI (see Fig. 16). The card feed clutch magnet CMI is also energized through the normally closed cam contacts L2, thereby causing the individual record cards to be fed successively from the supply hopper. As the first card is advanced to the lower sensing brushes, the well known card lever controlled contacts LCL are closed to complete a circuit from the power supply to coil of relay R4. Relay R4 is constantly energized so long as cards are presented to the lower sensing brushes. A shunt holding circuit through cam contacts L8 and R40 is provided to maintain relay R4 energized at the time in each cycle when contacts LCL are opened (see Fig. 16).

Upon closure of contacts R4d, the start key SK can be released (whereupon relay R8 no longer is energized), since a circuit for the clutch magnet CM2 and relay RI is completed from conductor I 8| to said magnet CM2, relays RI and R2, and contacts R2a, R411 and I83 to conductor I82. This circuit is maintained until cards no longer are presented to the lower brush station (opening contacts LCL) or until the stop key is operated to open contacts I83. In this manner, the card feeding mechanism is rendered operative, and maintained so, until one of the said conditions Just mentioned occurs. Closure of contacts R4b permits a circuit to be completed to the clutch magnet CM: oi the recording mechanism, when cam contacts L4 close near the end of each cycle. Closure of contacts R4d permits a circut to be completed to the sensing brushes LB when cam contacts FI and FCBI are closed.

Assume now, that in the one of the columns of data sensed, on the first card presented to the sensing brushes LB, perforations in the 5 and "12 or R" index point positions are formed for representing the character E." Accordingly, at the 5 cycle point, a circuit is completed from conductor I82 (one terminal of the power supply) to cam contacts FCBI, contacts R4d, cam contacts Fl, sensing roller I85, one of the sensing brushes LB. related conductor I55, common evident that the recording of data in other 001- conducting strip I5I, brushes I48, the 5" conducting segment Ill, related conductor Ill, coils of magnet AMI, and conductors I" and ill to the other terminal of the power supply, energizing said magnet. A holding circuit is immediately established through cam contacts Ll, conductors Ill and ill, contacts AMlc, coils of magnet AMI and conductors Ill and I". which holding circuit is maintained until cam contacts Ll are opened (Just before the end of each cycle, as indicated in Fig. 16)

Also, as the card is advanced at the sensing station, at the "12 cycle point, a circuit is completed from the said sensing brush to emitter EMI as traced hereinabove, which at this time is extended to the 12" conducting segment I", related conductor I", coils of magnet BM and conductors I" and I81, energizing said magnet. A holding circuit for magnet BM! is established through its contacts BMla precisely as traced herelnabove for magnet AME.

Upon energization of the magnet AM! followed by the energization of magnet BM, as described, the No. permutation bar H1 is displaced and the levers I82, connected to the frames Ill representing characters A" to "1," are lowered to cause the selection of the frame llll representing the character E, as described in detail hereinabove.

At the 12" cycle point, cam contacts Ll are closed to energize the clutch magnet CM! of the recording mechanism, rendering the feeding mechanism of the latter operative as well as the mentioned emitter EM! and circuit breaker CBI. During the time the recording medium feeding mechanism is operated to continuously advance the recording medium, one line space, the recording operations are eflected. From the timing diagram in Fig. 16, it is seen that the recording medium feeding mechanism is rendered operative shortly after the "13 cycle point, at which time the dog ll engages the single tooth in disk III of the clutch of the recording mechanism (Fig. 4) It is preferred to have the dog ll disengaged shortly after the end of the machine cycle, thus rendering the associated feeding mechanism inoperative at that time. During this continuous feeding operation, the circuit breaker CBI and emitter EM! are rendered effective seven times in succession to complete the following recording control circuits. The gearing of the recording medium feeding mechanism can be arranged so that dog Ii is disengaged at any desired cycle point of the machine cycle, upon completion'of the recording operation. As indicated in Fig. 16, the recording operation is completed between the 15 and 16 cycle points of the machine cycle. The length of the remaining period of operation of the said feeding mechanism is dependent upon the length of spacing desired between the lines of recorded characters. Obviously, if a short spacing between the lines of characters is suitable, the feeding mechanism can be rendered inoperative, for example, at the end of the said machine cycle.

The first recording control circuit completed can be traced from one terminal of a suitable power supply m to contacts CBi, brush ill and the first engaged conducting segment I of emitter EM2, conductor ill, the connected conducting strip Ill, the contacts established by the conducting segment III of the first row, of the said selected frame lfli, engaging the underlying wires .1, conductors Iii-l, related resistors m, the connected recording electrodes 15 4|, recording medium ll, and the common electrode I to the other terminal of the said power supp y.

Current is passed through the recording medium ll so long as contacts CBI remain closed to effect recording of the first row of elemental areas, which row for the character "E" constitutes five elemental areas, as shown in Fig. 13.

By means of the emitter EMI, operating in timed relationship with the feeding of the recording medium 4|, the circuits I12 to I" are completed successively to energize different combinations of the conductors ill-4" and the connected recording electrodes 40, in accordance with the circuit connections established by the remaining rows of conducting segments ii! of the said frame Ill engaging the underlying wires II, for eflecting recording of the remaining rows of elemental areas of the character E as shown in Fig. 13.

In view of the detailed description up to this point, it is believed that the principles of operation for recording the diflerent characters shown in Fig. 13 are self-evident, and that further remarks are not necessary, possibly, with the exception of the following, which relate to the recording of numerical characters including zeros.

As mentioned hereinabove, the numerical data are represented by single differentially positioned perforations in the various columns of the cards. Accordingly, provision must be made for energizing the magnet BM! whenever such data are sensed. It is remembered, in order to select the individual frames IUI representing the characters 1" to 9, that the individual magnets AMI to AM! are energized to displace the related permutation bars, and that the magnet BMI must be energized thereafter to complete the selection of the desired numerical frames.

To this end, a thirteenth conducting segment I" is provided in each emitter mm, which is engaged to complete a circuit, at the "13 cycle point, as follows: conductor I82, cam contacts FCBI, contacts Rld, cam contacts Fl, sensing roller 5 and sensing brush LB (at the 13" cycle point, the trailing edge of each card is advanced beyond the sensing brushes LB), conductor I, conducting strip III, brushes I" and the "13 conducting segment I" of emitter EMI, conductor I92, series connected contacts BMIb, BMIb and BMlb, conductor I93, coils of magnet BMI and conductors I88 and Ill, energizing the said magnet. A holding circuit for magnet BMI is established immediately through contacts BMia. precisely as traced hereinabove. Thus, it is seen, that whenever numerical data are sensed, the magnet BMI is automatically energized to effect the selection of the comsponding numerical frames lfll. Obviously, this circuit cannot be completed at any other time, in view of the series connected contacts BMIb-BMlb, since one of these contacts is opened at the "13" cycle point, whenever alphabetical data are sensed. Recording of numerical characters is effected precisely as described hereinabove.

With respect to the recording of zeros, it is noted that a frame ill for representing zero is not provided. Whenever zeros are to be recorded, provision is made for selecting the frame Ill representing the alphabetical characer "0. Assume that a zero perforation is sensed in the card, a circuit is completed, at the cycle point,

as follows: conductor I82, cam contacts I 'CBI, contacts Rid, cam contacts Fl, sensing roller I88, sensing brush LB, conductor I88, conducting strip III, brushes I48, the "0" conducting segment engazed by one of the brushes I48 at this time, conductor I88, series connected contacts AMIb-AM8b, conductor I88, coil of relay R8 and conductors I 88 and I81, energizing said relay. A holding circuit for this relay is established immediately from conductors I88 and I88 through contacts 38a and cam contacts L8, as described hereinbefore.

Now, shortly before the "11 cycle point, a, circuit is completed from conductor I82 to cam contacts L8, conductors I88 and I81, contacts Ric, conductor I88, coils of magnet Am, and conductorsl88 and I", energizing said magnet, thereby effecting displacement of the "6 permutationbarll'l.

Shortly before the "12" cycle point, cam contacts L1 are closed to establish a circuit from conductor I82 to said cam contacts L8, conductors I88 and 288, contacts Rib, conductor 28I, coils of magnet BMI and conductors I88 and I81, energizing said magnet, thereby effecting operation of the levers I82 connected to the frames I8I representing the characters "J" to "R," and completing the selection of the frame representing the character "0. It is understood that the usual holding circuits are provided for magnets AM8 and EMS, as traced hereinabove. Thus, it is seen, that whenever numerical zero data are sensed, magnets AMI and BMI are energized to effect selection of the frame IIII representing the alphabetical character 0. Recording of this data is eifected precisely as described hereinbefore. Furthermore, it is seen, that the traced circuit for relay R5 cannot be eflected unless a single perforation is sensed at the "0 index point position, for under other conditions when the "0", perforations are employed in combination with other perforations, the corresponding magnets of the group AMI--AM8 are operated to maintain the described circuit open, by means of the operated series connected contacts AMIbAM8b.

From the above, it is seen that the individual character representing means 88, for each column of data to be recorded, are selectively operated, under control of the related sensing brushes LB and groups of magnets AMI-AM8 and BMIBM I, for establishing different combinations of circuit connections between the recording circuits I6I--I6'I (and electrodes 48) and therecording control circuit I'II-II'I, where- I upon the emitter device EM2' is rendered effective to control the energization of the said control circuits I'll-I11, at successiv intervals, to render difierent combinations of the recording elements effective, at successive intervals during the recording cycles, to record the characters on the prepared recording medium M.

The expression character representing means," as used throughout the specification and, claims, is meant to relate to structure capable of controlling the establishment of predetermined combinations of circuit connections which are representative of the characters to be recorded.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a single modification, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A cyclically operable recording machine controlled by records bearing alphabetical or numerical character designations, mean for sensing, each cycle, the designations on the records, a plurality of character representing means, one for each character to be recorded, two groups of control means, means cooperating with the sensing means for selectively controlling one or the control means of each group, each cycle, upon sensing alphabetical or numerical character designations, means selectively controlled by the selected control means of each group for conditioning certain ones of the said character representing means, a group of stationary recording elements, and means cooperating with the conditioned character representing means for selectively rendering the recording elements operative, thereby effecting recording of the characters represented by the sensed designations.

2. A cyclically operable recording machine controlled by records bearing character designations comprising means for sensing, each cycle, the character designations on the records, a plurality of character representing means, one for each character to be recorded, two groups of control means, each group selectively controlled by the said sensing means each cycle, means selectively controlled by the selected control means of each group for conditioning certain ones of the said character representing means, a group of stationary recording elements, and means cooperating with the conditioned character representing means for selectively rendering the recording elements operative, thereby effecting recording of the characters represented by the sensed designations.

3. A recording machine controlled by records bearing character designations comprising means for sensing the character designations on the records, a plurality of character representing networks, one for each character to be recorded, a group of control means, less in number than the said networks, selectively controlled by the sensing means in accordance with the sensed designations for conditioning certain ones of the said networks, a. group of recording electrodes, and means cooperating with the said conditioned networks for routing electrical impulses through the latter for selectively energizing the electrodes of the said group, thereby effecting recording of the characters represented by the sensed designations.

4. A recording machine controlled by records bearing character designations comprising means for sensing the character designations on the records, a plurality of character representing means, one for each character to be recorded, a plurality of control means, less in number than the character representing means, selectively controlled by the sensing means in accordance with the sensed designations for conditioning certain ones of the said character representing means, a group of stationary recording elements, and means cooperating with the conditioned character representing means for selectively rendering the recording elements operative, thereby efl'ecting recording of the characters represented by the sensed designations.

5. A recording machine controlled by records bearing character designations comprising means for sensing the character designations on the records, a plurality of character representing means, means selectively controlled by the sensing means in accordance with the sensed designations for conditioning certain ones of the said character representing means, a group of stationary recording elements, and means cooperating with the conditioned character representing means for selectively rendering the recording elements operative, thereby effecting recording of the characters represented by the sensed designations.

6. A machine for recording characters on a prepared recording medium comprising cyclically operable means for feeding said medium, at a constant rate, during recording operations, a group of recording circuits, each circuit including a recording element, which elements are arranged to cooperate with the said recording medium, a plurality of groups of circuit closing means for establishing circuit connections with certain ones of the said group of recording circuits, control means for selectively operating the said groups of circuit closing means, in accordance with the characters to be recorded, and selectively establishing said circuit connections and means cooperating with the said groups of circuit closing means and operated in timed relationship with the said feeding means, said coopcrating means including means for routing electrical impulses through the said established circuit connections, at successive intervals, during a recording cycle, for energizing certain ones of the recording circuits and related recording elements, thereby rendering the said related recording elements effective at predetermined times, during the recording cycle, to record the characters on the said recording medium.

7. The invention set forth in claim 6 wherein a group of circuit closing means is provided for each character to be recorded, and the said control means includes two groups of electromagnetically controlled devices for effecting selective operation of the said groups of circuit closing means.

8. The invention set forth in claim 6 wherein a group of circuit closing means is provided for each character to be recorded, and the said control means for effecting selective operation of the said groups of circuit closing means comprises a set of permutation bars, a group of electromagnetlcally controlled devices for selectively displacing the said permutation bars, a set of cooperating seeker elements, one element for each group of circuit closing means, and another group of electromagnetically controlled devices for causing the displaced permutation bars to be effective to render certain ones of the seeker elements operative for controlling the operations of the related group of circuit closing means.

9. The invention set forth in claim 6 wherein a group of circuit closing means is provided for each character to be recorded, each said group comprising a plurality of sets of switching means, which switching means of each set are arranged for establishing circuit connections to different ones of the said group of recording circuits upon the operation of each said group of circuit closing means.

10. The invention set forth in claim 6 wherein a group of circuit closing means is provided for each character to be recorded, each said group comprising a movable frame having a plurality of rows of diiierently positioned conducting segments, and a plurality of rows of electrically conducting elements, one row of conducting elements for each row of conducting segments, said conducting elements being common to each group of circuit closing means and disposed in close proximity to the related rows of conducting segments, so that, upon operation of each group, circuit connections are established between the said rows of conducting segments and related rows of conducting elements.

11. A machine for recording characters on a prepared recording medium comprising cyclically operable means for feeding said medium, at a constant rate, during recording operations, a group of recording circuits, each circuit including a recording element, which elements are arranged to cooperate with the said recording medium, a group of control circuits, a plurality of character representing means, one for each charactor to be recorded, each character representing means having a plurality of groups of circuit control means, one group for each control circuit of said group, said groups of circuit control means comprising normally ineffective means to connect their related control circuits to predetermined combinations of said recording circuits, means for selectively rendering said character representing means effective individually, and means operated in timed relationship with the said feeding means for energizing said control circuits sequentially thereby rendering certain of the recording elements effective at predetermined times, during a recording cycle, to record the characters on the said recording medium.

12. A machine for recording data on a prepared recording medium comprising cyclically operable means for feeding said medium, at a constant rate, during recording operations. a group of recording circuits, each circuit including a recording element, which elements are arranged to cooperate with the said recording medium, a plurality of circuit control means for selectively conditioning the said group of recording circuits in accordance with the data to be recorded, and means cooperating with the said conditioning means and operated in timed relationship with the said feeding means, said cooperating means including means for rendering certain of the said circuit control means effective, at successive intervals, during a recording cycle, and energizing certain ones of the said conditioned circuits and related recording elements, thereby rendering certain of the recording elements effective at predetermined times, during the recording cycle, to record the data on the said recording medium.

13. A machine for recording data. on a prepared recording medium comprising cyclically operable means for feeding said medium, at a constant rate, during recording operations, a group of recording circuits, each circuit including a recording element, which elements are arranged to cooperate with the said recording medium, means for selectively conditioning the said group of recording circuits in accordance with the data to be recorded, and means cooperating with the said conditioning means and operated in timed relationship with the said feeding means for successsively energizing the conditioned circuits and related recording elements, thereby rendering the recording elements effective at predetermined times, during a recording cycle, to record the data on the said recording medium.

14. A machine for recording characters on a prepared recording medium comprising cyclically

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