US3780939A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selective punch
Assignee: AMERICAN TOTALISATOR CO
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Filing: 1972-11-06
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Granted: 1973-12-25
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Expires: 1992-11-06
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for producing variable, information-bearing patterns of perforations on parking lot tickets comprises an array of punches and an assembly of electrically selectable interposers which is movable as a unit whereby selected interposers operate corresponding punches. The interposers are arranged in layers, each layer of interposers being associated with a different row of punches. The interposers are guided in slots formed in individual blocks of an assembly of blocks, and are operated by solenoids mounted on circuit boards which are slidable into a mounting so that the circuit boards and interposers can be readily replaced. Maloperation of the solenoids produces an electrical signal by means of armatureoperated switches utilizing foil elements on the circuit board as contacts.
Inventors
- 👤 P Woodie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:44
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K1/00; G06K1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
Apparatus for producing a variable, information-bearing pattern of perforations on a ticket comprising a die having a plurality of punch receiving openings arranged in a pattern of rows and columns, a plurality of punches arranged in corresponding rows and columns, each having an operative end adapted to be moved into one of said openings to produce perforations in a ticket, in each column the punches being progressively longer from a first row to a last row, means for maintaining said die and punches in separated relationship to provide a space for the insertion of a ticket between them, a plurality of interposers for each column of punches, the interposers for each column being arranged in layers, there being one layer for each punch in the column, and each interposer in each layer being adapted to move in the columnwise direction into and out of registry with a corresponding punch, means for mounting all of said interposers for simultaneous movement in the layerwise direction so that any punch having an interposer in registry with it is moved into its corresponding die opening, and means for effecting columnwise movement of selected interposers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
Apparatus for producing a variable, information-bearing pattern of perforations on a ticket comprising a die having a plurality of punch receiving openings arranged in a pattern of rows and columns, a plurality of punches arranged in corresponding rows and columns, each having an operative end adapted to be moved into one of said openings to produce perforations in a ticket, in each column the punches being progressively longer from a first row to a last row, means for maintaining said die and punches in separated relationship to provide a space for the insertion of a ticket between them, a plurality of interposers for each column of punches, the interposers for each column being arranged in layers, there being one layer for each punch in the column, and each interposer in each layer being adapted to move in the columnwise direction into and out of registry with a corresponding punch, means for mounting all of said interposers for simultaneous movement in the layerwise direction so that any punch having an interposer in registry with it is moved into its corresponding die opening, and means for effecting columnwise movement of selected interposers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for mounting all of said interposers comprises means providing a plurality of guide slots, one for each interposer, said guide slots allowing columnwise movement of said interposers, but restraining said interposers against movement with respect to one another in the row-wise and layerwise directions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for mounting all of said interposers comprises a block comprising a plurality of component blocks fastened together, each of said component blocks having columnwise slots in one of its surfaces which engages an adjacent block, said slots forming guide passages for interposers, and said blocks having layerwise passages for receiving the punches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for effecting columnwise movement of selected intErposers comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each board corresponding to a row of punches, and each having mounted thereon a plurality of electromechanical solenoids having armatures arranged to move in the columnwise direction, each armature being arranged to effect columnwise movement of one of said interposers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
147 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for effecting columnwise movement of selected interposers comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each board corresponding to a row of punches, and each having mounted thereon a plurality of electromechanical solenoids having armatures arranged to move in the columnwise direction, each armature being arranged to effect columnwise movement of one of said interposers, and in which said means for mounting all of said interposers comprises means providing a plurality of guide slots, one for each interposer, said guide slots allowing columnwise movement of said interposers, but restraining said interposers against movement with respect to one another in the row-wise and layerwise directions, and means providing a plurality of pairs of opposed mounting slots extending in the columnwise direction, said mounting slots being adapted to support said circuit boards against row-wise and layerwise movement with respect to one another.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for effecting columnwise movement of selected interposers comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each board corresponding to a row of punches, and each having mounted thereon a plurality of electromechanical solenoids having armatures arranged to move in the columnwise direction, each armature being arranged to effect columnwise movement of one of said interposers, and switch means mounted on said circuit board, said switch means comprising a plurality of switches, one for each solenoid and each switch being operable by the armature of its solenoid whereby the condition of each switch provides an electrical signal indicating the condition of the corresponding armature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for effecting columnwise movement of selected interposers comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each board corresponding to a row of punches, and each having mounted thereon a plurality of electromechanical solenoids having armatures arranged to move in the columnwise direction, each armature being arranged to effect columnwise movement of one of said interposers, a plurality of conductors one connected to each solenoid on at least one of said circuit boards for selectively applying electrical power to the solenoids, normally closed switch means operable by the armature of each solenoid and having one terminal connected to the conductor for applying power to the solenoid, a common output line for conducting an error signal, a plurality of diodes, each connected between said common output line and one of the opposite terminals of one of the switch means, said diodes being connected to conduct current from said conductors to said common line when any solenoid fails to operate upon being energized and to isolate the solenoids from said common output line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for effecting columnwise movement of selected interposers comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each board corresponding to a row of punches, and each having mounted thereon a plurality of electromechanical solenoids having armatures arranged to move in the columnwise direction, each armature being arranged to effect columnwise movement of one of said interposers, and a switch associated with each armature, each switch comprising at least one conductive element on the circuit board and a spring element fixed to its corresponding armature and bearing against said conductive element, each switch being operable by its corresponding armature whereby the condition of each switch provides an electrical indication of the condition of its corresponding armature.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3263914A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-24 | 1977-06-25 | 1977-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-24 | 1981-06-25 | 1981-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-06-25 | 1985-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |