An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Determining the Positions of Points from their Co-ordinates, applicable also for use in Effecting Multiplication in Type Casting Machinery, and the like.

摘要

29,574. Clarke, E. R., and Debenham, E. R. Dec. 23. Multiplying and dividing apparatus; tabular calculators.-In apparatus wherein it is desired to move the member to be set from its normal position to a position determined by movement to the extent of a selected number of units parallel to one axis of co-ordinates, together with a similarly-selected movement parallel to the other axis of co-ordinates, the effect is produced by the provision of guides whereby rotation of the member is prevented together with two other guide-edges formed in or secured to the member and parallel to the axes of co-ordinates (usually rectangular) which cooperate with a row of key-depressible stops, placed and numbered according to the successive units, of which two are depressed for a setting. In the multiplying-apparatus shown in Fig. 5, the various positions on the set member are caused to select from a table of the products of the numbers " 1 " to " 9 " by themselves, the table having the triangular dotted outline indicated, and the product for which the apparatus is set being disclosed through a reading- aperture C2. To set the apparatus, the plate C is pushed rearwards against the action of spring-arms H' by means of a key N, which becomes locked by a catch O when the plate reaches normal position. Two keys K are depressed to raise corresponding stops B, and the catch O is displaced so as to allow the plate to move forwards and sideways, as controlled by the rod H and guides M, until arrested by the contact of guide-edges E D, E F, which are parallel with the lines of the multiplication table, with the selected and raised stops. Equivalent arrangements are described.in which the table may move and the reading-aperture remain stationary, or the tens and units may be read from separate tables through separate reading - apertures, either the tables or the apertures moving together, or in place of visible numerals the various positions may be assigned to depressions or projections of various depths, heights, or lengths, forming the partial-product representation-devices of complex multiplying-machines provided with differentially-movable parts for feeling or taking-off the partial products. The moving member may also be a cylindrical surface.