US3373933A - Multiple-column setup system - Google Patents

Description

March 19, 1968 F. w. PFLEGER MULTIPLE-COLUMN SETUP SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. FREDERICK W PFLEEER Filed March 28, 1966 March 19, 1968 F. w. PFLEGER MULTIPLE- COLUMN SETUP SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 28, 1966 INVENTOR. FREDERICK W. PFLE GER BY March 19, 1968 F. w. PFLEGER 3,373,933

MULTIPLECOLUMN SETUP SYSTEM Filed March 28, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet CS COLUMN 8 COLUMN 7 COLUMN COLUMN 5 COLUMN 4 COLUMN 3 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 1 SELECT ppg M p p ACTUAT/ON GPA 1H POGPAM II PPOG AM I SWITCH I NVEN TOR. FREDERICK W. PFLEEER March 19, 1968 F. w. PFLEGER 3,373,933

MULTIPLE"COLUMN SETUP SYSTEM Filed March 28, 1966 4 Sheets-$heet 4 TO US E I? l i EQUIPMENT 102 a 1 1% fl F INVENTOR. I FREEERIEK W PFLE r551 my M 3,373,933 MULTIPLE-COLUMN SETUP SYSTEM Frederick W. Pfleger, 1152 Barbara Drive,

Cherry Hill, NJ. 08034 Filed Mar. 28, 1966, Ser. No. 538,009 19 Claims. (Cl. 235-61) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is concerned essentially with a multiplecolumn setup mechanism wherein a plurality of setup members are respectively provided with operating members independently movable into and out of operative position. A cyclical drive is arranged for driving relation with the operating members in operative position, while control means effect movement of the operating members into and out of operative position and stop means are selectively locatable to interrupt shifting movement of the settable members.

This invention relates generally to character-setup systems. It is particularly concerned with such a system which will accept character information and, by means of various preselected programs, install the character in the selected column of a group of columns as preestablished by a program. The information may then be visually observed, mechanically or photographically reproduced, and/or electrically sensed for use as input or output information to other equipment.

One prior technique for setting character information is that used in adding machines and calculating machines, requiring pin carriages, settable discs, etc., all well known in the art. Systems of this type do not afford programming flexibility, usually operating to justify from the right or from the left. In equipment using these techniques variable entry of characters in columns is impractical clue to the mechanical complexities. The use of pin carriages in many of these applications acts as a secondary memory device located between the characterinsertion mechanism and the final-output mechanism.

In computer-type equipment, entering multiple columns of character information is accomplished by the use of column wheels, column slides, or character keys for each column of information. Since the recording of variable information is a major requirement of data-gathering or computer equipment, many of these equipments utilize keyboards with a plurality of columns of character keys, character slides or character wheels. As a result, it can be seen that as more variable information is required the larger the input panel or keyboards will get. In keyboards using multiple columns, the reading of the multiple character inserted becomes difiicult. As a result, various techniques have been employed to make it earier for the operator to re-examine the data which is inserted. Some of these techniques include illuminating the key after it is depressed, latching the key down after it is depressed, providing visual digit displays for each column, etc. In all of these techniques, except the visual indicators, it is, at best, still difiicult for the operator to examine. Visual indicators as utilized in these systems become very expensive, since they become an added cost to each full bank of keys. Read back from character wheels and character slides is generally easier, but the manual insertion of the information is slower than for key insertion.

In modern-day input equipment, it also may be desirable to have the display of the digits selected displayed in a location remote from the insert equipment and still retain the flexibility of the variable input program.

As a result, it is an object of this invention to provide a multiple-character setup system in which the columns United States Patent of information can be set up according to a fixed or variable sequence such that after preselecting a program, the operator is not required to position the information in preselected columns as it is inserted.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a fixedor variable-sequenced multiple-column charactersetup system in which the characters of information for all columns can be selected from a single character selector.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a fixedor variable-sequenced multiple-column charactersetup system which utilizes in-line character display for ease in re-examining the information inserted.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a fixedor variable-sequenced multiple-column charactersetup system in which the selected setup character can be imprinted on hard copy.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a fixedor variable-sequenced multiple-column charactersetup system in which electrical information can be sensed which is related to the selected information.

It is still another further object of this invention to provide a fixedor variable-sequenced multiple-column character-setup system in which the input device can be in close proximity with the display, print, and electrical sensing mechanism or can be remote from the display print and electrical system.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a fixedor variable-sequenced multiple-column setup mechanism which does not require an intermediate memory between the selector mechanism and the output mechanism.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following specifications and accompanying drawings which form a material part of this disclosure.

This invention, therefore, consists of features of construction, and combination and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the following description and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of basic elements pertaining to the selection, display, electrical sensing, and printing in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective drawing showing a drive mechanism for operating various components of the mechanism;

FIGURE 3 is an electrical schematic showing a selection technique which enables the selection of one of the various sequences;

FIGURE 4 is a side view of a cam showing the construction of the cam which is utilized with remote operation;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective drawing showing the column-selection mechanism associated with variable-Se quence multiple-column setup system;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of character keys used with a multiple-column setup mechanism;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 77 FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view showing an electricalsensing arrangement; andv FIGURE 9 shows the wiring diagram pertaining to FIGURE 8.

In the insertion of a multidigit number into a computer, this number may be broken into segments such that each segment is a group of digit columns representing a specific requirement. For example, the 10-digit number 3,987,- 210,654 may be entered into a computer asa single multicolumn number representing a quantity. It could also be a number in which columns 1, 2, and 3, in this expression numerals 3, 9, and 8, represent date; columns 4 and 5, in this expression numerals 7 and 2, not utilized; columns 6 and 7, in this expression numerals 1 and 0, may represent an area code; column 8, in this expression numeral 6, may not be utilized; and columns 9 and 10, in this expression numerals and 4, may represent quantities. Or columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, in this expression numerals 3, 9, 8, and 7, may indicate a persons identification; columns 5, 6, 7, and 8, in this expression, not utilized; and columns 9 and 10, in this expression, may represent a purchasing authorization. Or columns 1, 2, and 3, in this expression, not utilized; columns 4, 5, and 6, in this expression, may represent an area code; column 7, in this expression, not utilized; and columns 8, 9, and 10, in this expression, time of day. In the insertion of these numbers into the proper columns in conventional type of equip ment, the operator must know the exact location in which each column has to be installed on the input device. If serial entry is used the operator will install blanks or voids in order to properly position the columns for the computer program, for the reader of the visual display or for the printed forms. These void or blank insertions will be required for the proper interpretation of the number. In the example 1, described above, in which all columns of information specified are utilized, a fixed-program mechanism can be used. The mechanisms described will be for fixed-program mechanisms and variable-program mechanisms.

As shown in FIGURE 1, settable members or bars 101 are provided with stop members or lugs 102 which act in conjunction with abutments or pins 104 on cams or wheels 106. In a 10-column unit, there would be ten bars 101 and ten cams 106. The number of bars 101 and number of cams 106, therefore, are variable and are determined by the number of columns in any one application. The cams 106 are fixed to shaft 108 which runs perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bars 101. At one end of shaft 108 is a rotary driven member or gear 110 which meshes with and reacts to the movement of a drive member or rack gear 112 which can be selectively set according to the principles of my copending patent application Ser. No. 452,146 filed Apr. 30, 1965. As shown in FIGURE 4, pins 104 of cams 106 are arranged at equal angularly spaced positions about shaft 108 and are positioned at successively increasing radii from the shaft. The radial pin distances determine the amount of movement that each bar 101 is required to move to represent the various information settings of each column. The minimum radial difference between any two pins 104 must be sufficient so that any stop lug 102 of a settable bar 101 will miss the adjacent pin 104 as it is rotated past the set position on subsequent column settings since all cams 106 are secured to shaft 108 and all cams 106 rotate for each input from rack gear 112. As shown in FIGURE 1, detent arms 132, spring-loaded by springs 115, retain the bars i101 in any set position. Each bar 101, as shown in FIGURE 1, has on its forward lower surface a type font 120 and at its lower center section the detent teeth 130 which cooperate with a detent pin 134 on detent arm 132. On the upper surface of each bar 101 are rack teeth 140 which engage a respective gear 142 secured to and rotatable with indicator wheels 144. Each bar 101 has a type font 120, detent teeth 130, rack teeth 140', and indicator wheel 144 associated with it. As a result, it can be seen that for each column of information, printing and visual indications are obtainable.

Each bar 101 has a depending arm 151 located rearward of the areas associated with printing and detenting. This depending arm 151 has a series of steps 152 each located progressively farther from the main body of bar 101. These steps act as stops for an electrical sensing system which senses the stopped position of bar 101. A full description of this function will be described later.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the power required to provide input motion to the bars 101 is obtained from a singlecycle clutch 210. This clutch can be an electromagnet clutch, a spring clutch, etc., all well known in the art. The input to the clutch can be a motor of any type, not shown. The output of clutch 210 drives a crank 212 and drive pin 214. Drive pin 214 is in rotational engagement with link 216 at one end. The other end of link 216 is pivotally connected to a bracket 218 per manently mounted to a U-shaped drive member 220 which is pivotally mounted on fixed shaft 222. As a result, operation of the single-cycle clutch 210 causes the U-shaped member 220 to oscillate in a forward-andrearward motion. It is obvious that a unitiz'ed singlecycle :motor could be substituted for the single-cycle clutch 210. The cross portion of U-shaped member 220 under normal conditions is free to oscillate under yielding members 170 as shown in the right column of FIGURE 1. Yielding members 170 are mounted on a pivot pin 172 which is free to slide in a slot 103 of bar 101. A depending arm 171 of yielding member 170 is provided with an aperture for securing one end of a spring 174. The other end of spring 174 is connected to a depending arm of bar 101. The spring 174 nor mally urges the yielding member 170 in counterclock wise position, as shown in FIGURE 1, and in the rear most position of slot 103. A link 180 is pivotally mounted to a fixed shaft 182 in the machine such that clockwise rotation of link 180 causes clockwise rotation of yielding member 170 through a pin 184 securely mounted to link 100. As a result, link 180 controls the rotational position of yielding member 170. If link 150 is rotated clockwise and yielding member 170 is consequently rotated clockwise, the rearmost position of yielding member 170 is moved into interference relatiom ship with the cross bar of U-shaped member 220. As a result, if single-cycle clutch 210 is operated during the time that a selected link 180 is rotated clockwise, the cross member of the U-shaped member 220 causes the yielding member 170 tobe moved to the left. Since spring 174 retains the bar 101 through slot 103 in engagement with pivot pin 172, the bar 101 is moved to the left an equal distance to that of yielding member 170'. Movement of bar 101 to the left moves the type font to the left and through rack teeth rotates the visual-indicator wheel 144. Energizing of the single-cycle clutch 210 is controlled by the logic which controls the positioning of rack gear 112. The rack gear 112 through spur gear 110 positions all of the cams 106 to the selected position after which the single-cycle clutch 210 is energized. As previously described, the bar 101 of the column in which a link 180 has been rotated clockwise is moved to the left until the stop lug 102 meets the selected pin 104 of cam 106. Since the U-shaped member 220 has a fixed oscillation, the yielding member also has a fixed movement. As a result, when the stop lug 102 of bar 101 is held by a pin 104, the spring 174 is tensioned for the remainder of the forward movement of U-shaped member 220 and the yielding member 170. On the rearward movement of U-shaped member 220, the spring 174 causes the yielding member 170 to follow U-shaped member 220 rearwardly until pivot pin 172 again engages the rearward end of slot 102 of bar 101. At this time, the detent mm 132 retains the'bar 101 in the set position. In order to insure that the pin 104 will not strike stop lugs 102 on subsequent cycles of the machine, the detent teeth 130 are positioned such' that their neutral axis is a short distance to the left, FIGURE 1, of the detent pin 134 on detent arm 132. As a result, when detent arm 132 fully engages the bar 101, the bar 101 is moved to a corresponding distance away from the pin 104 of cams 106.

In order to accomplish printing, an ink ribbon 121 runs transversely of the settable columns between the type fonts 120 and the paper 122, shown broken away in FIGURE 1. Mounted below the type fonts and the paper:

are print hammers 123 pivotally mounted to shaft 124. A spring 125 is mounted to provide energy to rotate the print hammers 123 in clockwise direction for printing operation. A plurality of latches 126 are secured to and rotate with shaft 127. The latches 126 are normally rotated in a clockwise direction by a spring 128, in which position they hold the printing arms 123 against clockwise movement. A solenoid 129 is mounted in operative engagement with a forward-projecting arm 126A of one of the latches 126. At a given command to print the information established by the type fonts 120 on the settable members 101, the solenoid 129 is energized. Energizing of the solenoid 129 causes the latches 126 to rotate counterclockwise, allowing the hammers 123 to strike the paper 122 and cause a printed impression. Resetting of the hammers, as well as advancing of the ribbon, can be accomplished by many well-known techniques, and is performed during the resetting cycle of the entire mechamsm.

As shown in FIGURE 6, keys 901 are positioned in one of the conventional arrangements for ten-key digitalinput keyboards. Other arrangements could be ten keys in one row; ten keys distributed three, three, three, and one; or ten keys distributed five and five can be used as stop members in place of pins 104. As shown in FIG- URE 9, the keys 901 are constructed such that any one key can cooperate with a plurality of bars 101. Each depending leg 902 is equivalent to a cam 106 and each key 901 is equivalent to a pin 104 on cam 106. As a result, if it is desirable in a non-remote mechanism to provide a nonvariableor variable-program insertion of characters, keys, for operator use, can be utilized in place of the cams 106.

As previously described, the rotational movement of control link 180 causes the engagement of the yielding member 170 with the drive arm 220. As a result in a variable-program machine, selective control of control links 180 is required. A solenoid 502, as shown in FIG- URE 5, is positioned with respect to link 180 such that energization of solenoid 502 causes link 180 to rotate clockwise. The rotation of link 180, or a plurality of links 180 by energization of solenoids 502, therefore can be controlled by a program which controls the energizing of solenoids 502. FIGURE 3 shows an electrical embodiment of the circuit for control of a set of solenoids so utilized. The solenoids 502 as shown in FIGURE 3 are connected to function in a three-program machine. If Program I of FIGURE 3 is selected, contact 301 is closed in the selection function. A select-actuation switch 302 may be mounted adjacent to rack 112, FIG- URE 1, and controlled as a response to energization of rack gear 112, or mounted in operational relationship with bail 904, FIGURE 6, and controlled by the depression of one of the keys 901 of FIGURE 6. The switch 301 is connected to the common terminal of a wafer switch 310. The multiple outlets of wafer switch 310 are connected to the solenoid coils 502 in a preselected pattern. The wafer switch is designed to advance one position subsequent to a column positioning, As a result as shown for Program I, position #1 is connected to coil #7. When the wafer switch 310 is advanced to output 2 it is connected to column 6, solenoid 502; when it is advanced to output 3 it is connected to column 5, solenoid 502, etc. As a result, in Program I, it can be seen from the wiring of wafer switch 310 to column solenoids 502, information from rack gear 112 or keys 901 will be inserted into column 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 8, successively. Analysis of Program II, as shown in this schematic, FIGURE 3, shows this program will insert the information into column 6, 5, 4, 2, 1; and Program III will insert information into column 8, 7, 6, 3, 2, and 1. It can therefore be seen that, by adding wafer switches 310, the number of different programs can be varied. In order to index the wafer switch 310 from position to position as just described, U-shaped member 220, FIG- URE 2, has a pin 230 which drives a detent pawl 232. Detent pawl 232 is mounted with respect to a ratchet wheel 234 such that rearward movement of U-shaped member 220 will rotate the ratchet wheel 234 one index. The amount of rotation is equal to that required to rotate the wafer switch 310 one position. A retainer pawl 236 is used to prevent the ratchet wheel 234 from rotating in reverse direction during the forward stroke of U-shaped member 220. As a result, it can be seen that the wafer switch 310 can be made with any number of positions corresponding to the number of columns in the machine provided the ratchet wheel 234 has a corresponding number of positions.

During the clockwise rotation of ratchet wheel 234, FIGURE 2, a clock spring 238, which has one end mounted to ratchet wheel 234 and the other end fixed to the machine frame, is energized. The energy thus stored in clock spring 238 is used to rotate the ratchet wheel 234 counterclockwise during clearing operation of the mechamsm.

In certain applications of this type of input mechanism, the column-selection program may be fixed in nature. In these mechanisms cams 190, FIGURE 1, are mounted on shaft 250 in plaace of the rotary-common terminal of wafer switches 310. The cams 190 have lobes 192 which in one index position of shaft 250 are in engagement with pin 184 of link causing the link 180 to rotate to position the yielding member 170 of the column to be in interference engagement with U-shaped member 220. The cams 194 are positioned on shaft 250 such that their operating lobes 1% provide a sequence for engaging the pins 184 and thus establish a fixed program of column selection for the information to be inserted. In actual machines these arrangements could vary for information justifying from the left or justifying from the right or random combinations of the above. When cams are positioned on shaft 250, the program is not variable as was previously described in conjunction with the solenoid version of the disclosure.

As was previously described, electrical sensing of the set position is sometimes required as input information to user equipment such as computers. The usual method of sensing is to provide a contact closure for each position. Since a multiple-position machine with this type of electrical sensing would require ten wires for each column, it can be seen that a machine with a large number of columns would contain massive wiring. In order to avoid the use of massive wiring, an electrical-sensing technique for which only two wires are required per column is shown in FIGURE 8 in order to avoid further complication of FIGURE 1.

The bar 101 of each column is provided with steps or stops 812, FIGURES 1 and 8, such that each step is unique to the position that it represents. Mounted in sensing relationship to the steps 812 is a bell crank or link 820 having mounted on one end a sensing pin 822. Bell crank 820 is pivotally mounted on shaft 824 which extends across the machine and holds the bell cranks for each column. A rearward-projecting leg 826 of link 820 is provided at its rear end with a switch 828. This switch 828 can be of many varieties, including the more commonly termed toggle-type switches. Between switch 828 and the pivot shaft 824 is an offset arm 830 to which is attached to one end of a tension spring 832. Adjacent to the bell crank 820 and pivotally mounted on shaft 824 is another arm 850. Arm 850 is provided, adjacent to the offset arm 830, with a corresponding offset arm 852 to which is attached the other end of tension spring 832. Adjacent to the switch 828 on the arm 850 is a camming surface 854 which acts on the yielding portion of the switch contact 828. Offset arm 830 overlies the up per edge of the arm 850 such that, in normal position, the tension spring 832 normally holds the bell crank 820 and the arm 850 in fixed angular relationship. A pin 856 secured to arm 850 is arranged to engage with a cam 860 securely mounted to shaft 862. Shaft 862 extends across the machine and contains one cam 860 for each column of the assembly. At one of the extreme ends of shaft 862 is a sensing drum 880. The surface of sensing drum 880 is provided as shown in FIGURE 8 with camming lobes 882 which are used to energize the yielding members 886 of four switches mounted adjacent to the sensing drum 880. The camming lobes 882 are so arranged on the surface of the sensing drum 880 such that each angular position represents a unique code for that position. The sensing drum 880 can be provided with radial zones such that the required number of codes may be located in each zone and the zone arrangement repeated around the drum such that the number of zones equals the number of columns in the machine. Each zone on the drum would be unique to the rise portion of cams 860. The rise of cam 860 in radial distance is equal to the movement required to move pin 822 its maximum distance for sensing steps 812. on bars 101. The angular displacement of the rise of cam 860 is equal to the angular displacement between codes in each zone of sensing drum 880. As a result, each revolution of the sensing drum 880 will provide actuation of the contacts of switches 886 equal to the number of columns in the assembly times the number of positions in each column. Consequently, a unique code can be sensed for each digital step 812 of each bar 101.

FIGURE 9 shows the wiring arrangement of switches 886 wired with the switches 828. As shown in FIGURE 9 all switch contacts 828 are connected in parallel and this parallel arrangement is connected in series to the parallel inputs of the switches 886.

The outputs from switches 886 are cabled to the user equipment. As shown in FIGURE 9, a fifth switch 890 also is connected to the user equipment. This switch 890 is operated by the sensing drum 880 such that each actuation represents a change in zone.

In the sensing operation a specific switch 828 will provide outputs on lines of switches 886 when a switch 828 is closed. Each switch 828 is closed at one unique point during the cycle of the sensing drum 880. As a result, it can be seen that for any particular column only one unique combination of code bits will be sent to the electronic user equipment. In order for the switch 828 to be closed for the short duration at the proper position of the cycle to represent a code, rotation of a cam 860 rotates the corresponding arm 850 in synchronism with the sensing drum until pin 822 contacts step 812. Since arm 850 will continue to-rotate clockwise during the entire time that cam 868 is on the rise portion of its cycle a tension spring 832 is as the means for coupling arm 850 to arm 820. This spring 832 normally holds arm 820 and arm 850 in fixed annular relationship controlled by the engagement of the offset arm 830 with the top surface of arm 850. The spring 832 therefore causes the bell crank 820 to rotate wth the arm 850. At the point in the cycle when the sensing pin 822 will engage the step related to the position to be sensed on bar 101, the arm 820 is no longer free to rotate in angular rotation with arm 850. As a result, when arm 850 continues to rotate, the camming surface 854 moves past the yielding member of switch 828 and momentarily closes its contacts. The duration of the contact closures of switch 828 can be controlled by the relative configuration of the switch yielding member and the camming surface 854. It will be seen that, for any specific step on bar 101, the arm 850 will close the contacts of switch 828 in time relationship with a specific closure of the cont-acts of switches 886. Therefore, each specific step of bar 101 has the unique output from the switches 886. Rotation of the camming drum 880 can be accomplished by clutching to the output of the single-cycle clutch 210 with a separate drive from the motor which powers the clutch.

Energizing of the single-cycle clutch 210 can be accomplished by the closing of contacts 302 responsive to the key depression in FIGURE 6, or responsive to the energization of any of the column solenoids 502 (FIGURE 3) which closes the clutch switch 320.

In many applications there may be more columns than would be desirable to distribute around camming drum 880. In these cases, each cam 860 would be arranged in the same angular position and the camming drum 880 would be rotated a number of cycles equal to the number of columns. In this case, it would be required to provide clutching for multiple rotation in place of the single cycle as just described. Sensing multiple columns is accomplished as described with a single pair of wires associated with each column in a unique arrangement of timing and wiring with code-generating switches. It will be appreciated that the switches 828 may be considered as input switches to the sensing circuit of FIGURE 9, while the switches 886 may be considered as output switches to the user equipment.

From the foregoing description we have described and shown a mechanism which, from a single bank of keys or from a single positioning mechanism as described in my copending application Ser. No. 452,146, filed Apr. 30, 1965, that a multiplicity of columns of information generated by the keyboard or positioner mechanism can be set up by a fixed or variable program such that each column set up will be able to present its setup in visual form, in form capable of electric sensing, and in form capable of producing hard copy such as printing. Although this disclosure describes in detail the description and function of this mechanism, it is not the only practicable embodiment which could achieve the described characteristics and is illustrative rather than in limitation.

What is claimed is:

1. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a settable member for each column and each shiftable between extreme positions, a cyclically movable drive member, an operating member yieldably connected to each settable member and movable relative thereto into and out of operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt shifting movement of each settable member at predetermined locations, and control means for moving said operating members in a predetermined sequential program into and out of their operative positions for shifting of said settable members in said predetermined sequential program upon successive cyclical movements of said drive member.

2. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 1, in combination with input means, said stop means being selectively locatable responsive to operation of said input means in timed relation with said cyclical drive-member movement.

3. A multple-column setup mechanism according to claim 1, said control means comprising cam means operatively connected to said operating means for effecting movement thereof in predetermined relation.

4. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 1, in combination with sensing means for sensing the set positions of said settable members.

5. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 1, in combination with input means for positioning said stop means.

6. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, and control means for moving said operating members into and out of said operating positions, said control means comprising solenoid means operatively connected to said operating members for eifecting movement thereof in any desired relation into and out of their operative positions.

7. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 6, in combination with switch means connected to said solenoid means for energizing the latter in programmed relation.

8. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 7, said switch means comprising a rotary switch, and step means for stepping said rotary switch in the intervals between shifting movement of said settable members.

9. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of an operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, control means for moving said operating members into and out of said operative positions, and sensing means for sensing the set positions of said settable members, said sensing means comprising visual-output members respectively connected to said settable members for movement therewith, said output members carrying indicia positioned for visual access responsive to the said set positions.

10. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of an operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, control means for moving said operating members into and out of said operative positions, and sensing means for sensing the set positions of said settable members, said sensing means comprising printing means respectively connected to said settable members'for movement therewith, to print in accordance with the set positions of the respective settable members.

11. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each'mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of an operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, control means for moving said operating members into and out of said operative positions, and sensing means for sensing the set positions of said settable members, said sensing means comprising a plurality of output switches operative in a programmed relation, a plurality of input switches connected to said output switches and respectively associated with said settable members to be set thereby, and input-switch actuating means operative in timed relation with respect to said output-switch program for producing signals responsive to the set of said input switches.

12. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 11, said output switches being connected in parallel with each other, said input switches being connected in parallel with each other, and said output switches being connected in series with said input switches.

13. A multiple-column setup mechanism according to claim 11, said actuating means comprising a linkage associated with each input switch to actuate the latter and positionable responsive to the set of the respective settable member, and linkage-operating means movable in predetermined relation with said output-switch program for operating said input switches in accordance with said program and the set of said input switches.

14. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of an operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt the shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, control means for moving said operating members into and out of said operating positions, and input means for positioning said stop means, said stop means comprising rotary abutment elements of different radii movable into the path of shifting movement of said settable members.

15. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of an operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt the shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, control means for moving said operating members into and out of said operating positions, and input means for positioning said stop means, said stop means comprising a plurality of abutment members located along the paths of settable-member movement and selectively shiftable into said paths for abutting engagement with said settable members.

16. A multiple-column setup mechanism comprising a plurality of settable members each mounted for shifting movement between extreme positions, a movable drive member, a plurality of operating members each yieldably connected to a respective settable member and movable into and out of an operative position to be driven by said drive member for shifting the associated settable member, stop means selectively located to interrupt shifting movement of respective settable members at predetermined locations, and controls means for moving said operating members into and out of said operating positions, said settable members comprising laterally spaced bars mounted for longitudinal shifting movement, and said operating members each being connected to a respective settable member for rotational and limited longitudinal sliding relative thereto and urged in one direction of its relative rotational movement out of its operative position, said control means being engageable with said operating members to move the latter into their operative positions.

17. In combination, a plurality of settable members, a plurality of spaced stops carried by each settable member, a yieldable linkage mounted adjacent to each settable member for movement into abutting engagement with a particular stop thereof according to the position of the respective settable member, an input switch carried by each linkage to be operated thereby upon linkage movement into said abutting engagement, electrical-connection means connecting said input switches in parallel with each other, a plurality of output switches each connected in series with said input switches and operative in a programmed sequence, and actuating means for moving said linkages in a predetermined relation with respect to said programmed sequence, whereby said input switches are operated in a unique relationship with respect to said programmed sequence according to the set of said settable members.

18. The combination according to claim 16, said linkages each comprising a pair of pivoted links resiliently connected together for unitary swinging movement, said actu- 1 1 12 ating means being engageable with one of said links to driving said drum, and cam means on said shaft configured effect said swinging movement, the other link being ento move Said 11nkage5- gageable With one of said stops to limit its swinging move- References Cited ment While said one link contmues its swinging move- 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS ment relative to said other link against the force of said resilient connection, and said input switches each being g -g1 lofcatesl $011; operation by said relative swinging movement 2:996:978 8/1961 Sharpe et a1. Sal 3,066,866 12/1962 Kittel at al. a 23561 19. The combination according to claim 16, said output 10 switches comprising a rotary drum having contacts there- RICHARD WILKINSON: 'y Examine/'- on, and said actuating means comprising a rotary shaft STANLEY A. WAL, Assistant Examiner.

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