US422891A - rhines - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. W. RHINES. VOTE RECORDING MACHINE.

Patented'Mar. 4, 1890.

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2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Patented Mar. 4, 1890.

J. w. RHINES. VOTE RECORDING MACHINE.

(No Model.)

' UNITED STATES JOHN W. RHINES, OF .T. PAUL, MINNESOTA, ASSIGNOR TO THE RHINES V PATENT OFFICE.

BALLOT SYSTEM COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

VOTE-RECORDING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 422,891, dated March 4, 1890.

Application filed December 7, 1888. Serial No. 292,887. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN V. RHINES, of St. Paul, in the county of Ramsey and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vote- Recording Machines, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to furnish a votin -machine for general election purposes, and for the use of legislative bodies and-other organizations, which shall permit'each voter to cast his own Vote wit-h absolute secrecy, which shall record and tabulate each vote as it is cast, and which shall furnish ample and unfailing provision for detecting with certainty and dispatch any intentional or accidental erroneous voting.

To these ends the machine comprises a keyboard, a cover closing said key-board, which must be raised by each elector before he casts his vote and must be closed by him before the next elector votes, a hell or sounding device which is sounded by the raising of the cover, a registering mechanism operated by the raising of the cover,which registers the total number of electors voting, a series of push-buttons or keys on the key-board, representing the several candidates, which are manipulated by the elector, and which, when'once depressed, are locked in their depressed position and remain locked until released by the closing of the cover, numbering and recording devices operated by each key, and paper strips which are fed by the operation of the cover and on which the votes are recorded and tabulated by the depression of the keys.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in Which Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation of the machine. Fig. 2 is an end elevation with the casing in cross-section. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a portion of the lower part of the frame, showing more clearlythe signal-bell mechanism. Fig. 4 is a plan view, the cover being shown in horizontal section. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section in a plane immediately below the key-board. Fig.- 6 is a view of a portion of one of the paper strips removed from the drum.

A is the casin g or frame,which may be constructed in any suitable form or size, and

across which are journaled by shafts B in frames B a series of receiving or winding-011 drums B upon each of which one end of a strip of paper a is adapted to be wound, the other ends of all the strips being wound from one common delivery-drum B in the lower part of the casing A. Adjacent to each of the drums B is a rubber or other flexible impression-roller D, each of the paper strips being passed around its respective roller D on its way from the large drum B to the smaller drums 13*, as shown. On one end of each of the shafts B of each of the drums B is a ratchet-wheel E and lever E each lever having a pawl E and each lever connected to a horizontal rod E. The casing A is provided with a hinged cover A the pintle b of whose hinge is secured to the cover and revolves with it when the cover is raised, so that arms Z2 attached to the pintle, will be operated when the cover A is raised and lowered, the object to be hereinafter explained. Springbrakes F on the lower drum B' keep the paper strips taut and prevent undue looseness.

Above each of the im1:)ression-rollers D are a series of stationary frames G, in each of which a series of movable frames G carrying numbering-wheels G are mounted and are adapted to be operated by pushing buttons or keys G, which are arranged beneath the cover A and pass through a key-board A which constitutes the top of the casing A. Each set of the numbering-wheels is provided with pawls G attached to the stationary frames G, so that when the buttons G and frames G are moved upward by the springsjGr the pawls will turn the nu mberin g-wheels to the next 11 umber. I have shown three sets of three each of these numbering-wheels and their push-buttons 5 but of course it will be un derstood that as many sets may be provided as maybe required. I have shown merely the outlines of these wheels G as their construction is so well known that it is not necessary to show or describe them further. I do not wish to be limited to any precise form of the construotion of the numbering-wheel mechanism, as I am aware that many forms may be employed. Suitable numbering wheels are mal'iufactured and for sale largely, and can be easily adapted to my system and machine.

IOC.

In Fig. 2 I have shown the set of numbering-wheels at the left hand, with the pawls in place; but in the other two sets the pawls are removed to exhibit more fully the arrangement of the wheels. In Fig. 1 also the set of wheels at the left hand and their frames are shown complete, whilein the other two sets the frames G are shown in section to exhibit more fully the arrangement of the wheels and pawls. In Fig. the set of frames Jr at the left hand are shown complete, while in the other two sets the frames G are in section, the shafts of the push-bnttons being in section on all the sets. Each of the frames G is shown provided with a small projecting arm or pin 6, each adapted to catch beneath the foot 6 of a small crank-arm e the rear of the latter being provided with a downwardly-projecting lug e Secured by bearings H in the ends of the frames G are two bars H H, connected between each set of the frames G by cross-rods H". In Fig. 5 these bars H H and their cross-rods H are shown more fully. Each of the p ash-buttons or keys has a spring G surrounding its stem, by which the numbering-wheels will be moved upward when released.

As before stated, the pintle b of the hinge of the cover A is provided with arms b which move with it, and each of these armsis connected by connecting-rods H H with the bars H H so that when the cover A is raised and lowered the bars H 11 will be moved backward and forward in the bearings H, and correspondingly move the rods II" backward and forward beneath the horizontal ends of the crank-arms 6 By this arrangement when the cover is raised the cross-rods H are moved beneath the lugs e, thus elevating the hori zontal arms of the crank-arms and drawing the lower ends or feet 6 of the perpendicular arms backward and releasing the pins 0. Then when the cover is lowered down again the cross-rods will be moved backward again and cause the rods to again act upon the crankarms and throw the feet 6 backward. By this construction when the but-tons G are pushed down the pins 6 will catch beneath the feet e of the crank-arms e and thus retain the numbering-wheels locked in their downward position; but when the cover is lowered down the push-buttons which are locked downward will be released, ready for action again. One end of the rod E is connected to the lower end of a lever B, pivoted at E to an extension of the frame B and is provided with aforked upper end E in which a pin (Z on the bar If acts to move the lever back and forth every time the cover A is raised and lowered, to cause the ratchetwheels E to be actuated, and thereby wind up a portion of each of the paper strips every time a vote is east to prevent two votes being recorded on the same spot on the strips a. The paper strips are ruled with cross-lines at regular intervals, as shown in Fig. 6, the distances between the rule-lines corresponding to the throw of the ratchet-wheels E, so as to more readily read the record when the votin g is completed, and also to more readily detect errors or attempts at fraudulent voting.

K is a bell, which is adapted to be sounded every time the cover is raised to signify that fact to the person having charge of the voting.

The bell is sounded by the following mechanism: On the shaft or pintle b of the cover A is a crank-arm n, to the lower endof which a hanging rod 0 is pivotally suspended. This rod passes through a slotted guide-bracket p, and carries on its lower end a horizontallyextending finger r. \Yhen the cover A is closed,'there rests upon the finger r the end of a crank-arm s on a rock-shaft t, which carries the bell-hammer w. lVhen the cover is raised, the crank-arm n is lifted, thus lifting the rod 0, finger r, crank-arm s, and bell-hammer 10 until the crank-arm s swings clear of the finger 0, thus releasing the bell-hammer and sounding the bell. W hen the cover is lowered, the finger '7' rides upon the beveled end of the crank-arm s, and is guided thereby beyond the end of the crank-arm so as to pass below it. Whenthe finger 4 has thus passed below the crank'arm s, it is drawn therebeneath by the spring M represents a registering mechanism adapted to be operated by the action of the rod H to register the number of times the ratchets are operated. The forward movement of the rod H, which is effected by the lifting of the eove1-A causes its forward end to abut against the end of a sliding rod M, connected with the registering mechanism. The movement of the rod M by this means causes the register to be moved. This register maybe of any well-known pattern, such as are used in connection with printing and numbering machines.

N represents an inking-ribbon adapted to be moved beneath the numberin gavheels, and by which the numbers may be impressed upon the paper strips when the push-buttons are moveddownward. The keys or push-buttons are arranged in parallel rows extending crosswise of the machine. The keys or push-buttons in each row are arranged to designate the candidates of the several parties for the same office, and by always arranging the candidates of the same party for differentoffices in the same order in each cross-row of the keys the lengthwise rows of keys will designate the ticket of each party. There are as many of the recording-strips as there are parallel cross-rows of keys, so that there will be as many strips as there are oflices to be voted for, and consequently the several candidates for each ofiice will have their respective votes recorded on the same strip. Provision may also be made for the insertion of a photograph or other picture of the candidate, or other means adopted for denoting his personality, as at P in Fig. 4.. The groundwork of the buttons may also be of different colors to designate the political parties,'or any other means adopted to designate them.

\Vhen the elector wishes to vote, he raises the cover A which sounds an alarm on the bell K and notifies'the inspectors, and at the same time causes the register M to operate and register the fact that a vote is to be cast. The elector then pushes down one of the buttons in each row, or as many as he may wish to vote for, but must never push down two buttons in the same row crosswise of the easing, as in that event he would be voting twice for candidates for the same oifice. The buttons that are pushed down remain down by the coaction of the pins 6 and crank-arms a so that the same button cannot be operated twice, and the voter can tell at a glance just what vote he has cast, when the cover is again closed, which releases all the locked buttons, the upward movement of the buttons and their attached frames Gr causing the springpawls G5 to turn the numbering-wheels which have becn operated, so as to set them ready for the next vote, and moves-the paper strips a ahead one space by the action of the ratchets E, so that the numbers will not be struck twice in the same place. After the polls close the paper strips will denote at a glance the total vote for each candidate individually, and also by means of the registering apparatus M the total number of electors who have voted may be noted as a check.

I do not wish to be limited to the specific mechanism shown for operating the parts, as I am aware that it may be varied to a very large extent. The top A of the casingA is hinged thereto at one end, and the bottom A is likewise hinged to the casing.

The numbering-Wheels and their frames and the inking-ribbon N are connected to the top A", while the frame B and the paperstrip drums and the signal-bell are attached to the bottom A, so that all the mechanism is easily accessible by turning back the cover A top A and bottom A.

The three parts of the casing will be secured by locks R of any suitable form.

In Fig. 6 is shown a portion of one of the paperstrips removed from the machine after the vote has been cast, illustrating the main nor of recording and tabulating the vote. The paper is ruled across its face, the distances between the rule-lines corresponding to the throw of the ratchets E, the lines rendering the positions of the numbers more easily discernible, and errors or attempts at fraudulent voting more easily detected. Each of the strips will have printed or otherwise noted across the end next to the drum on which it is wound the title of the ofiice to be voted for and the names of the eandidates,or the title of the political party to which they belong, or marked in any other manner to designate and identify the vote. The strip shown in Fig. 6 is marked Presidential Electors, and also with the Words Rep, Dem, and Pron, being the ablilreviations of the closing the cover A words Republican, Democrat,? and Pro-.

hibition. In the first space between the rule-lines, beneath Dem, is a figure 1, denoting that the first vote cast was for the Democratic electors, and in the second space, beneath Pron, is a figure 1, denoting that the second vote cast was for the Prohibition electors, and so on-down the strip, each column showing at a glance the vote as it is cast, the last nnmberdenoting the total vote less those stricken out for errors or fraudulent votin i To illustrate how errors or attempts at fraudulent voting are detected it will be noted that after the fifth Republican Vote was cast the figure l and figure .3 appear in the same space, one in the Dem. and onein 'the Pron columns, clearly showing that two of the buttons Gr were pressed down at stroke and in moving upward, so that after the button has been once pushed downward. and the frame Gr caught and held by the catches c c any further manipulation otthe same button and its attached numberingwh'eel is impossible until it is released by Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is I 1. In a voting-1nachine, a key-board, a lid covering said key-board and a series of keys or push-buttons on said key-board, in co1n binationwith locking mechanism which looks said keys or push-buttons when the same are depressed, and which, is actuated by the movement of said lid to unlock and release said keys or push-buttons, substantiallyas set forth.

2. In a votinganachine, a keyboard, a lid covering the same, a series of keys or push b uttons on said keyboard and recording-strips on the opposite side of said key-board from said keys or push-buttons, in combination with feed-rolls on which said strips are wound, said feed-rolls being actuated by the movement of said lid, substantially as set forth.

In a voting-machine, a keyboard and a plurality of keys or push-buttons on said key-board arranged in a line or row, in combination with separate recording devices act: uated by each of said keys or push-buttons, and a single recording strip adapted to rcceive records from said several recording de vices, substantially as set forth.

4. In a Votin g-n1achine, a key-board and a series of keys or push-buttons arranged in parallel rows or lines on said key-board, in Z tons, and a series of recording-strips corresponding in number with the number of said parallel rows orlines of keys or push-buttons, substantially as set forth, whereby the records from each row or line of keys or push-buttons are recorded upon I a single recording strip.

5. In a voting-machine, a key-board, a plurality of keys or push-buttons arranged 011 said key-board in a row or line, and separate 'recording devices actuated by each of said keys or push-buttons, in combination with a single recording-strip adapted to receive records from said several recording devices, and feeding mechanism for feeding said strip, said feeding mechanism being actuated each time a key or push-button is operated, substantially as set forth.

6. In a voting-machine, a key-board, a series of keys or push-buttons arranged in parallel rows or lines on said key-board, and separate recordingdevices actuated by each of said keys or push-buttons, incombination with a series of recording-strips corresponding in number with the number of said parallel rows or lines of keys or push-buttons, and feeding mechanism for feeding said strips, said feeding mechanism being actuated each time a key or push-button is operated, substantially as set forth.

7. In a voting-machine, a keyboard, a lid covering said key-board, a plurality of keys or push-buttons arranged in a row or line on said key-board, and separate recording devices actuated by each of said keys or pushbuttons, in combination with asingle recordin g-strip adapted to receive records from said several recording devices, and feeding mechanism for feeding said strip, said feeding mechanism being actuated by the movement of said lid, substantially as set forth.

8. In a voting-machine, a key-board, a lid covering said key-board, a'series of keys or push-buttons arranged in parallel rows or lines on said board, and separate recording devices actuated by each of said keys or push-buttons, in combination with a series of recording= strips corresponding in number with the number of said parallel rows orlines I of keys or push-buttons, and feeding mechanism for all of said recording-strips, said feeding mechanism being actuated by the movement of said lid, substantially as set forth.

9. In a voting-machine. a key-board, a lid covering the same, a register actuated by the movement of said lid, a sounding device actuated by the movement of said lid, a series of keys or push-buttons on said key-board, and locking mechanism which looks said keys or push-buttons when the same are depressed, and which is actuated by the movement of said cover to unlock and release said keys or push-buttons, in combination with recordingstrips, feed-rolls on which said strips are wound, which are actuated by the movement of said lid, and numbering devices acting upon said strips and actuated by said keys or push-buttons, substantially as set forth.

10. In a voting apparatus, a casing A, having a cover A top A and bottom A", each independently hinged thereto and inclosing a series of paper strips wound upon drums, anda series of sets of immberingdevices corresponding in number to the candidates to be voted for, said top carrying and supporting said numbering devices and said bottom carrying and supporting said paper strips, whereby all parts of said apparatus are easily accessible, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In a voting-machine, a series of keys or push-buttons arranged in parallel rows, and a series of recordin -strips corresponding in number to the number of the rows of keys, in combination with a delivery-drum on which all of the blank strips are originally wound, a series of impression-rolls over which the strips respectively pass, and a series of receiv; ing or winding-on drums on which the strips are respectively wound, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

J OIIN IV. RHINES.

Witnesses:

C. N. WooDwARD, II. S. WEBSTER.

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