-

1. * GB786049 (A)
Description: GB786049 (A) ? 1957-11-13
Improvements in or relating to signal storage devices digital data
Description of GB786049 (A)
PATENT SPECIFICATION
786,049 Date of Application and filing Complete Specification June 23,
1950.
No 37231/54.
Application made in Germany on Oct I, 1948.
(Divideu o of No 786,021).
Complete Specification Published Nov 13, 1957.
Index at Acceptance:-Class 106 ( 1), C(I 1 D: 2 G: 4 A: 5).
International Classification: -GOOL CONIIPLETE SPECIFICATION
Improveraents in or relating to Signall Storage Devices Digital Data
I, GERHARD DIRKS, of Moerfelder Landstrasse, 44, Frankfurt on Main,
Germany, of German Nationality, do hereby declare 'the invention, for
which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by
which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by
the following statement: -
This invention relates to digital data signal storage devices in which
signals are stored on 11 a magnetisable surface.
In my co-pending Application No 15773/ (Serial No 786,021) there is
described a calculator employing a rotatable drum or disc, with a
magnetisable surface, as a signal storage member The surface of the
storage member has a number of tracks, each of which may be used for
storing numbers etc, each track being provided with recording, sensing
and erasing heads so that signals may be entered into, and extracted
from, the storage.
Each track is divided into a number of storage locations in which
signals may be recorded.
In addition to merely recording or sensing signals in a particular
storage location or locations, it is convenient to be able to transfer
a recorded signal from one storage location to another, since this
facilitates the performance of various operations such as addition,

2. multiplication etc.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide means for
transferring signals from one storage location to another of a
magnetic storage member.
It is a further object of the invention to provide means for
transferring signals from one storage location selectively to any one
of a plurality of other storage locations.
According to one feature of the invention, digital data signal storage
apparatus includes a rotatable storage member with a magnetisable
signal storage surface having a plurality of signal storage locations,
a sensing head and a recording head, the relative positioning of the
two heads being such that when the sensing head is sensing one storage
location, the recording head is adapted to record in a different
storage location, electric signal amplifying and gating means
interconnecting and sensing and recording heads, and control means
synchronised with the rotation of the storage member and adapted to
operate said gating means to pass electric signals selectively from
the sensing to the recording head to effect transfer of stored signals
from one storage location to another.
According to another feature of the invention, digital data signal
storage apparatus includes a rotatable storage member with a
magnetisable signal storage surface, a plurality of signal storage
tracks on said surface, each track containing a plurality of signal
storage locations, a signal sensing head positioned to sense the
storage locations of one of said tracks, a plurality of recording
heads for recording on said tracks, electric sifnal amplifying and
gating means interconnecting said sensing and recording heads, and
control means synchronised with the rotation of the storage member and
adapted to operate said gating means to pass electric signals
selectively from said sensing head to a selected one of said recording
heads to effect transfer of signals from one storage location to
another.
According to a further feature of the invention, digital data signal
storage apparatus includes a rotatable storage member with a
magnetisable signal storage surface having a plurality of signal
storage locations, a plurality of sensing heads and a recording head,
the relative positioning of the heads being such that when the sensing
heads are all simultaneously sensing different storage locations the
recording head is adapted to record in a further one of said
locations, electric signal amplifying and gating means interconnecting
said sensing and recording heads, and control means synchronized with
the rotation of the storage member and adapted to operate said gating
means to pass electric signals selectively from the sensing heads to
the recording head 786,049 to effect transfer of a stored signal from

3. one storage location to another.
The calculating apparatus described in this specification is also
described wholly or in part in Specifications Nos 15773/50, 37226/54
and
37227/54 (Serial Nos 786,021, 786,044 and 786,045) but the scope of
the claims differs in each case.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig 1 is a diagrammatic view of
a signal storage disc with a magnetisable surface, various signal
storage positions being indicated for the purpose of explanation; Figs
2 a-2 e show various forms of magnetic signal heads; Fig 3 shows
diagrammatically various signal sensing and recording heads in
association with the disc of Fig 1; Figs 4 a and 4 b and 5 ce-5 c are
schematic representations of signal tracks to illustrate the transfer
of values between tracks; Figs 6 a-6 c illustrate the recording of a
value on a signal track under the joint control of another track and a
keyboard; Figs 7 a-7 c illustrate the recording of an intermediate sum
value on a signal track; Figs 8 e-8 c illustrate an arrangement for
recording a digit on either of two tracks in accordance with whether
or not a carry is required; Figs 9 a-9 c illustrate the recording of
the final sum value on a result track; Figs 10 a-l Oc show various
forms of amplifier and gating circuits for selectively operating a
plurality of recording heads; Figs 10 d-l Of, are views of a
distributor arm and an inductive distributor; Fig l Og show another
form of amplifying and gating circuit employing the distributor of Fig
10 f; Figs 11 a-11 d show amplifvin and grating circuits used for
selective recording in accordance with the presence or absence of a
carry; Figs 12 a-12 c show further amplifyving and gating circuits for
effecting addition; Figs 13 a-13 c show amplifying and gating circuits
utilised in effecting subtraction; and Figs 14 a and 14 b show
amplifhing and gating circuits for handling a subtractive carry.
Fig 1 shows a magnetic signal storage device in the form of a disc 7
The disc is mounted on a shaft 18 which is continuously driven by a
suitable motor, for example, in the manner shown in my co-pending
Application No.
15773/50 (Serial No 786,021) The disc has a magnetisable surface,
which may be in the form of a magnetisable layer on the disc if the
disc itself is of non-magnetic material.
As Fig 1 shows, the disc must be thought to be sub-divided not only
into the said different sectors I-XIII corresponding to the different
denominations of a given number, but also in such a way, that each
sector is subdivided into digit areas or fields representing different
digit values The denominational area of sector I is for the recording
of the digit values in the last denomination of a number; sector II is

4. for the recording of digit values 70 in the penultimate denomination
of that number; sector III is for the recording of digit values in the
ante-penultimate denomination of the number, and so on.
Fig 1 shows also that, within each denomi 75 nation area or sector
there are different groups of digit-areas or fields, these being
indicated in sector 1 as fields 0-9; 10-19; 20-39 To illustrate the
way in which signals of different digit-values in any denomination in
a number 80 are recorded on the magnetisable disc 7, one must
understand that, in each sector, the digitvalue " O " will always be
in the field "c O "; digit-value " 1 " will always be in the field " 1
"; digit-value " 2 " will always be in the 85 field " 2 "; digit-value
" 3 " will always be in the field " 3 " digit-value " 4 " will always
be in the field " 4 "; digit-value " 5 " will always be in the field "
5 "; and so on, and digit-value " 9 '" will always be in the field " 9
" The 90 fields 10-19 are provided for intermediate recordings and the
fields 20-39 to allow for processing time.
The number 28 therefore, would be recorded in track a as shown in Fig
1 in such 95 a way that there is an " 8 " digit-value signal recorded
within the field " 8 " in track a of sector r, whereas a digit-value
signal " 2 " is recorded in the field " 2 " track a of sector II, and
digit-value " O " is recorded within field 100 "O" track a of sector
III, and further digitvalues " O " are recorded within the fields " O
" of all the remaining sectors of the said track a.
It is further to be seen from Fig 1 that the magnetisable layer may be
regarded as divided 105 into side-by-side concentric tracks a-e; f,m
and n, the said digit-value signals corresponding to " 28 " being
shown in track a.
During relative movement between the disc 7 and signal heads, the said
different tracks are 110 traversed by these heads, which have
recording, sensing and erasing means, the respective heads being fixed
within the stator in appropriate positions.
Whereas the tracks a, c, d and e are repre 115 sented generally as
single tracks in the example now being described, the tracks b and
f,-f, are shown as a plurality of sub-tracks, each being traversable
by a recording, sensing and erasing head, these heads being either
movable 120 from track to track or more usually there being signal
heads for each track which can be switched on and off as required The
sub-dividing of track b is illustrated fully in Figs 4 a and 4 b 125
Within the tracks c and d there are interruptions in the magnetisable
layer Within each sector a magnetisable layer is present within track
c only within the fields 0-9, whereas it is present within track d
only within 13 C recording head 30 and therefore with the same ligit
value, since the slots 26 and 26 ' are not displaced angularly
relative to each other as shown latssr on in Fig 5 b If the slots 26

5. and Z 61 are mutually displaced angularly, then with 70 such a
transfer of a signal from the sensed tack to the track under the
recording head 30 i change of position angularly of the disc will take
place in the same sector, and therefore with a change of digit value
of the signal (see 75 Fig 5 c).
Fig 2 b shows two signal heads 29-30 positioned side-by-side in such a
way that the slot 26 of the sensing head 29 is distant from the slot
26 ' of the recording head 30 by one field 80 in the direction of the
relative movement between the heads and the magnetizable layer.
Fig 2 c shows a combined set of one sensing head 31 with slot 310 and
ten recording heads 32 with slots 32 '-32 ' by means of which the 85
transfer of signals from one track to other tracks can be effected in
such manner that any pre-determined changing of the position of the
signal on the signal-carrier, e g, the magnetizable disc 7 can take
place The slot 310 of the 90 sensing head 31 is in the same angular
position as the slot 320 of the first of the recording heads 32, the
slots 311, 322 329 of the other recording heads being progressively
advanced angularly with respect to that of the 95 I previous recording
heads by the extent of one digit value field.
Fig 2 d represents the same set of heads as shown in Fig 2 c but in
the working position relatively to a magnetizable signal carrier or
100 rezord means in the form of a disc, namely disc 7, this set of
heads being able to change the position of signals in dependence on
switches (not shown) and operating with one sensed track a and a track
b divided into ten sub 105 tracks arranged side-by-side.
Fig 2 e shorws an alternative arrangement in which such a set of heads
operates with only two tracks a and b, track b not being subdivided
The disc lies in the slots of the heads, '10 these being in line and
signals are sensed in track a and recorded in track b The arrangement
shown in Fig 2 d has the advantage that the several slots can be
arranged much closer to each other, whereas the arrangement shown 15
in Fig 2 e is that it requires, no more space for track b than for
track a.
As shown in Fig 3 the signal heads are arranged as a stator over the
rotating disc 7.
There are different sets of signal heads to be 120 seen The signal
head 31 is for the sensing of signals within track a, from whence
these signals are Dicked up and are transferred by signal-transmission
means, which are switchable, to the recording heads 32 -329 over the
res 125 pective sub-tracks in tract b These elements for transferring
signals from track a to track b are the digit-value-processing means.
The sets of signal heads 33-38 are the signal heads of carry-over
means Of these the 130 the fields 10-19 The non-magnetisable por r
tions of these tracks are shown cross hatched c In addition to the

6. tracks a-e, which are c used for the processing of digit-value signals
E there are two further tracks m and N which contain permanent signals
In track N in each sector there is such a signal in field 0, and in 1
track m in each sector there are permanent signals in the fields 0-9
These permanent i signals are sensed by a sensing head, whereby from
track N in each sector a zero signal can be put into the field " O "
of for example track a, and track m provides registering signals for
use during computation proceedings as described below.
The recording, sensing and erasing of the magnetic signals on to and
from the disc can be carried out in any manner known from magnetic
tape sound technology and the like.
Examples of signal heads and their manner of use are described in my
copending Application No 37214/54 (Serial No 786,033).
Fig 2 a shows a usual magnet head in diagramrnatic representation In
particular, the iron core 25 is shown with a slot 26 and a winding 27,
the head overlying the magnetic layer 28 of the disc 7 A magnetic flux
in the head induced by an electric current within the winding 27 flows
through the arms of the iron core 25 and partly through the magnetic
layer 28 and thereby brings about an increased magnetic saturation of
this layer, and the remanent magnetising-effect within the
magnetisable layer 28 constitutes a signal which may be of any of the
known recordable types.
The sensing of such magnetically recorded signals takes place in the
reverse manner, by means of sensing heads or sensing windings in the
same heads as the recording windings A magnetic signal which passes
the slot 26 of a sensing head brings about a change of voltage within
the winding of that head, which constitutes a signal and which when
amplified can be used for computation or control functions or the
like.
Erasing takes place mainly by means of energizing an erasing head by a
high-frequency current Alternatively, the erasing could take place by
a suitable direct current erasing head, which would saturate the
magnetic layer and again demagnetize it to bring about the original
condition of such layer The sensing and recording heads may, as shown
in Figs 2 b2 c, be mechanically united into a set of two or more heads
In this case the sensing can take place with the aid of a sensing head
and the subsequent recording with the aid of a recording head if they
are connected to each other over signal transmission means, for co
example, an amplifier If the sensing and recording slots 26 and 26 '
of this combination of heads are in alignment radially of the disc
then a magnetic signal passing the sensing head is transmitted from
the sensed track to the corresponding field in the track under the
786,049 signal heads 33-34 are for separating or distinguishing
between signals on track b which are equal to or lower than a

7. denominational limit value, for example, digit value 9, and those on
track b which exceed that liniting value, the former being recorded on
track c and the latter on track d Signal heads 35 are for the
performance of the carry-over of the digit value " 1 " from the
preceding denomination.
The transfer from the tracks c and d to the track e is effected by the
signal heads 36-38.
When transferring from track c to track e there is no change of
digit-value, whereas when 1 5 transferring from track d to tract e
value diminishing means are provided comprising signal heads 37-38
There are provided also means which determine whether, within the next
denomination, the recording heads 34 or 35 shall operate, dependent
upon whether or not there are signals in track d for transfer to track
e Only one arrangement of these sets of signal heads is provided
irrespective of the number of sectors on the rotating disc such one
arrangement processing different denominations in succession.
The tracks f-#; of Fig 1 are for the recording of the results of 12
numbers, that is to say, for example, the calculator with twelve
tracks fi-fl is a twelve-number calculator.
By enlarging the size of the disc or by arranging a second or more
discs moving together in synchronism it is possible to have as many
signal-tracks as are required for any number of numbers.
As there is high-speed relative movemnent between the record means and
the signal heads, there is an air gap between the relatively moving
parts preventing friction, but determining a recording and/or sensing
of signals in the required frequency and intensity.
Fig 4 a shows diagrammatically the different fields on the rotating
disc in which signals can be recorded -whereas Fig 4 b shobws in which
different fields of the stator the sensing, recording and erasing
heads are prodived Both these diagrams show the different sectors as
rectangles in order to have enough room to show exactly the different
fields in which the signals are to be recorded, and in which the
different signal heads are arranged For convenience the tracks f,-f
are omitted from Figs 4 a and 4 b their purpose being similar to that
of track e.
Fig 4 a also shows diagrammatically the different sectors, fields and
tracks of the manetizable disc 7, used as a signal carrier or record
means Four sectors of a thirteen-sector disc are shown, placed next to
one another as r O rectangles, the third from the left representing
the identical sectors m 11-,II The comnplete signal carrier comprises
the thirteen sectors, of which the sectors I-XII are used as record
means, for processing up to twelve denominations The diagram shows
sector II at the right of sector I, but it is to be understood that on
the disc sector II is arranged in sequence to sector I, so that the

8. fields 0-40 of the sector I have their continuation in the fields 0-40
of the sector II, which lead again in continuation to the 40 fields of
a sector III, and so on and finally to the fields of the sector
XII and then to the switching sector XIII.
The permanent signals for " zero " in track n and for registering
purposes in the fields 75
0-9 of track 7 t which are used as signal generators in combination
with sensing heads, are indicated by stroke markings with the fields
of the track mn and n Within track a is shown the recording of the
number 028 by 80 means of signals within the field 8 of sector I,
being the sigral for the lasc denomination 8 of this number 028, and
within field
2 of sector II bcing the nonel for the nenultimate denominat on c'o
such number: 85 both such signals being indicated in the diagram Fig 4
a by hatched fields in the track a In' th' fo 11 v'-ino sectors IIIX 1
T there would be signals onlv in the fields 0 of track a, ?nd the
comeote reccrdin wo O lcd 90 therefore represent the number
00900000028.
Corresponding in pesition to the ten recording heads 32 of the digit
value disp larcement arrangement the track b is made up into ten
sub-tracks, this as above stated allowing of 95 an easier construction
and arrangement of the sets of signal heads with their slots in a
small angular distance.
Within the fields 0-9 of the tracks c and d there is a magnetizable
layer in track c only, IOC whereas in track d the said fields are not
magnetizable, the layer being absent The crosswise hatched lines
indicate that there is no Possibility for recording within the fields
as indicated, as in these the layer is removed M( 19 in order to
separate signals having a digit value equal to and lower than 9 and
which are recorded on track c, from those whose digit value is higher
than 9 and are recorded on track d For the same reason there is no mag
1 netizable layer within the fields 10-19 in track c, whereas the same
fields in track d can magnetized Finally track e constitutes the
result track.
Fig 4 b shows diagrammatically an example " 1 of the arrangement ofr
the signal heads within the stator For indicating the different types
of signal head the following symbols are used:-I+ a recording head o a
sensing head I 3 a non-switching erasing head, and O a switchable
erasing head.
This diagram makes it possible to describe by means of symbols the
exact position of the signal heads within the stator, and the dif 175
ferent kinds of signal heads.
To facilitate the description, the following symbols will be used A
signal head of the stator within sector I, track a, field 9, is

9. symbolized e g in all the following diagrams by: 13 C 78 'S CA,q
786,049 I a 9; a signal head of the stator within sector I, track b,
field 9 is symbolized e g in all the following diagrams by I b 9 etc.
In order to simplify the description of the position of the signal
heads arranged within the stator, their position is indicated by a
combined symbolism of letters and figures The Roman figure indicates
the sector of the stator, in which the signal head is to be found, the
small following letter indicates the track in which the signal head is
situated, and the figure finally indicates the field within the sector
of the track in which the slot of the signal head is situated.
" I a 9 " indicates, therefore, that the slot of this signal head is
in sector I, track a and field 9 of the stator.
In the stator there are provided sensing and recording heads for the
following processes: COMPUTING PROCESS ( 1): DIGIT VALUE PROCESSING.
This process effects the change of the digit value of a signal in
dependence of another digit value The means for this process comprise
sensing heads 32 in the stator fields
I b 0 to I b 9 for the signal transfer from track a to track b, see A
in Fig 4 b.
COMPUTING PROCESSES ( 2)-( 5): CARRYOVER PROCESSES.
COMPUTING PROCESS ( 2) Within this process is effected the statement,
whether the resulting sum of the digit values of the respective
denomination exceeds the limiting value, and further, on the carryover
forwarding by a correction of the resulting digit value by " 1 " in
dependence on a carryover pre-mark signal of the preceding
denomination.
The means for this computing process comprise sensing head 33 in
stator position I b 19, recording heads 341 and 342 in stator
positions I c 19 and I d 19 and the recording heads 35 ' and 35 ' in
stator positions I c 18 and I d 18 for the signal transfer from track
b to track c or d.
(B of Fig 4 b).
COMPUTING PROCESS ( 3) The unchanged transfer of the digit value
signals, if the sum of the digit values does not exceed the limiting
value, the means for this process 3 comprising sensing head 36 in
stator position II c 5 and recording head 38 in stator position II e
5, for the signal transfer from track c to track e (C of Fig 4 b).
COMPUTING PROCESS ( 4) The digit value diminishing within the same
denomination and the pre-marking of a carryover as correction of a
resulting digit value in the following denomination is effected by the
means of this process, if the resulting sum of the digit value exceeds
the limiting value.
The means of this process comprise sensing head 37 in stator position
I d 35 and recording head 38 in stator position II e 5 for the signal

10. transfer from track d to track e (D of Fig 4 b).
COMPUTING PROCESS ( 5) The addition of the " fugitive one " in
subtraction and the re-transfer to track a The means for this process
are the sensing head 58 in stator position XIII e 19 and the recording
heads 59 and 60 in stator positions XIII a 19 and XIII a 18 for the
signal transfer from track e to track a (E of Fig 4 b).
Erasing heads are provided in the stator positions II a-d 19 and XII e
39 The erasing heads in the tracks b and e are uncontrolled.
They automatically erase the signals from these tracks after they have
been processed.
The erasing head in track a is effective only during addition or
subtraction processes It is provided with a compensation winding, by
which the erasing effect can be moved if no further addition or
subtraction is to be effected, for several rotations may run through
without processing, for instance, in multiplication or division or if,
instead of computing, sensing for indicating the result is to be
effective.
During a co-operation with the selective storage it is likewise
necessary to make use of controlled erasing heads in tracks which are
to receive signals from the selective storage or are to deliver
signals for the result and the like into storage.
COMPUTING PROCESSES FOR ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION.
1 DIGIT VALUE PROCESSING IN ADDITION 95 Computing by means of such a
signal carrier or record means and signal heads depends on the
changing of the position of signals on the signal carrier, in this
case the magnetizable disc 7 The description of the computing pro 100
cesses therefore requires first an explanation as to how the signals
representing the digit values in a number are recorded A part of the
tracks a of the signal carrier is therefore shown enlarged and
elongated in the various 105 diagrams of Figs 5 a-5 c.
Fig 5 a shows two sectors of the track a (sectors I and II) for the
recording of the last and penultimate denominations of the number 028,
and the subdivision of these two sectors 110 into four times ten
fields The sectors are noted with Roman figures I and II, starting
with the last denomination of a number which is to be represented
Thus, for example, for the recording of the number 028 sector I is
provided for 115 the recording of the signal of the last denomination,
which is in this case the digit value 8, whereas the signal which
represents the digit value 2 of the penultimate denomination of this
number is recorded within the sector II 120 The next sectors II/IV etc
record only signals in the fields for the digit value 0.
The recording of a signal representing the digit value 8 takes place
within the field 8 of the first quarter of the sector I by means of an
increased or otherwise altered remanence of the magnetizable layer or

11. in any other suitable known manner (e g a change of amplitude,
frequency, phase, etc) The recording of the digit value 2 (penultimate
digit) takes place in a corresponding manner by means of a magnetic
signal within the field 2 of the first quarter of the sector II With
numbers which contain more than two denominations signals for the
corresponding digit values are recorded in the remaining sectors; in
this example (" 028 ") the digit value 0 is recorded in the remaining
sectors.
For the transfer of signals in a sector from one track to another, for
instance from track a to track b a sensing head is located within the
track a and a recording head is located within the track b In Fig 5 b
two such signal heads are connected over an amplifier, being
symbolized by the usual amplifier symbol If the slot of the sensing
head 29 and of the recording head 30, as shown in this example, are in
the tracks a and b respectively but in the same line of stator fields
and within the same sector, signals recorded in tracks a with the
record means rotating in the direction of the arrow, are sensed from
track a, and transferred to track b without a change of their digit
value position In Fig 5 b the signal 8 is being sensed within the
track a in exactly the same moment when the field 8 of track b passes
below the slot of the recording head 30 as the two slots of the
sensing and recording heads are in the same line of fields, whereby
the sensed signal for 8 on track a is recorded again as a signalfor 8
on track b With further movement of the signal carrier to the extent
of one sector, the digit value 2 in the track a in the sector II, that
is the penultimate denomination of the number 028 is likewise
transferred unchanged in value on to track b as a magnetic signal in
field 2 of the sector II, since sector II, field 2, track a of the
rotor passes below the slot of the sensing head 29 just at the moment
when sector II field 2 of the track b is below the slot of the
recording head 30.
If, however, as demonstrated in Fig 5 c the slot of the sensing head
29 is displaced from the slot of the recording head 30 by one field,
for example, if the slot of this recording head is just over the field
9 oft the sector I, then the magnetic signal of track a in field S
induces a voltage in the sensing head, and the recording head produces
a magnetic signal in the magnetizable layer, of track b and in a
position altered by one field compared with the original signal in
track a.
By means of this displacement of the heads by one field, the signals
when being transferred from track a to track b are changed in position
so that the digit value of the signal sensed on track a is increased
by " one " on transfer to track b.
Figs 6 a-6 c shows the computing process C'e i CC 9, 35-Sg G 023 5 =c

12. 02 i" 8 The T g 6 a shows the keyboard 1 with the different vertical
and horizontal rows of contacts The horizontally connected contacts
16-165 indicate the different digit-values 0-9, - wviereas the 70
vertical rows of contacts 15 15 ' indicate the different
denominations, for example, 151 is the row of contacts for the last or
unit denomination of a number, 152 is the row for the penultimate or
tens denomination of the number, 75 152 is the row for the hundreds
denomination, and so on In Figs 6 a-6 c the full keyboard 1 shows that
in the last denomination there is pressed down the key " 8 ", which
has made a contact between the horizontal contact line 80 16 ' and the
vertical contact line 15 ', such contact being maintained so long as
-this key is kept down In the contact row for the penultimate
denomination, there is pressed down the key " 2 " which connects the
horizontal contact 85 line 162 for the digit value 2 with the vertical
contact line 152 Therefore within the full keyboard, the number 28 is
introduced into the calculator As there are no keys pressed down in
the preceding vertical rows of contacts 153 go ' there is indicated an
" O " because contacts below row 16 are normally connected but are
separated when and so long as another key in the same vertical row is
pressed down Also, Fig Ga show,7,rs the sector switch 22 with peri 95
pheral contacts 39 '-39 ' and a centre contact This contact 40 is
connected to the anode circuit of the amplifier 41 which amplifies
signals from the sensing head 31 which, as shown, is sensing a signal
in track a at slot 31 The lbc peripheral contacts 391-39 ' are
connected to the respective vertical contact rows 15 '-151 as shown
and are wiped by the contact 42 which rotates with the sector switch.
In Fig 6 a the arm 42 is wiping the peri 105 pheral contact 391 and at
that instant only digit values in the vertical row 151 can be
processed.
Fig 6 a also shows that the sensing head 31 over track a of the
rotating disc 7 is sensing the signal " O " in the digit value field "
O " li C of sector I, which signal is transferred over the amplifier
41 to the centre contact 40 of the sector switch 22 and wiping arm 42
to the peripheral contact 39 ' thence to the vertically connected
contacts in row 151 and through the 115 closed contact below the
depressed key " 8 " via the horizontal connection 16 ' to one side of
the winding of the recording head having the slot 32 ', see also Fig 2
c-2 d There is thus recorded in track b a signal in field 8 of sector
12 (
I representing the computation " O + 8 = 8 ", effected by the digit
value processing means.
The other side of the winding of the recording head is connected back
to the amplifier 41 again Instead of zero signals being sensed from
125 track a they may be, in certain cases, sensed on track N and

13. conveyed to the amplifier 41, the alternatives being determined by the
switch 43.
Fig 6 b shows the same processing means for 13 C 786,049 786,049
dealing with the digit values " O + 2 = 2 " or " 00 + 20 = 20 " of the
penultimate denomination of the number 028 There is again shown the
keyboard 1 with pressed down keys " 20 " and 8 " so that, within the
penultimate vertical contact row 152 the key 2 " is pressed down to
close the contacts below it By this means there is a connection
between the vertical contact row 152 and the horizontal contact row 16
' Within the sector I 1 the sensing head 31, after passing over the
area of sector 1, senses a signal 0 in the track a (or n) which,
through the amplifier 41, the sector switch 22 and the contacts 39 of
the depressed key is transmitted to the recording head with slot 32 ',
whereby a signal is recorded in track b in field 2 representing the
computation " 00 + = 20 " In the same manner, sectors IHI, IV and V
and so on in track b receive a zero signal transmitted through an
amplifier 41, sector switch 22 and the normally closed contacts in
rows 153-15 ', representing the computations " 000 + 000 = 000 "
according to Fig 6 c.
Figs 7 a-7 c show the digit-value processing (without subsequent
carry-over) for the addition of the numbers:" O 2: 8 + O 9 1 -0 11 9 "
within the sectors III, II, I for the three last denominations of
numbers 028 and 091.
Fig 7 a shows sector I of the tracks a and b during that instant of
the relative movement between signal carrier and signal heads, when
sector I field 8 of track a is below the slot
310 of the sensing head which is in the position I a 9 in the stator
(see Fig 4 b).
Over the track b there is again shown the set of the ten recording
heads with their slots 32 -329 each displaced by one field from the
next within the stator positions I b 9 to I b 0.
These recording heads receive electric signals induced in the sensing
head 31 and transmitted via the amplifier 41, the sector switch 22 and
the contacts of key " 1 ", (representing the last denomination of the
number 91) and the horizontal connection 161 to recording head with
slot 321 representing the computation " 8 + 1 = 9 " As the slot 32 '
of the energized recording head is displaced from the slot 310 of the
sensing head by one field, the magnetic signal of the recorded digit
value on to track b will in this case be " 9 ", instead of the sensed
digit value " 8 " The displacement by one field effects an addition of
" 1 " by these processing means These processing means are referred to
in the following description as "amplifying circuit A ".
With the further relative movement of the rotor with respect to the
signal heads, a magnetic signal in the sector II, field 2, of track a

14. (digit value of the penultimate digit of the number " 28 ") passes
under the slot 31 of the sensing head This moment is shown in Fig 7 b.
As 20 and 90 are now to be added tne record 65 ing head 32 ' is
switched in within the sector II of the disc 7 so that the magnetic
signal " 2 " in sector II track a is changed in position by 9 fields
when transferred from track a to track b and is recorded as " 11 " in
sector II 70 of track b.
As on the further relative movement of the rotor by one sector, the
recording head becomes effective in sector ill, in dependence on the
connection of the horizontal line 16 ' to 75 the vertical row 15 ' for
the third-last denomination of the number, and the sensing head 31 in
the position I a 9 of the stator is connected with the recording head
32 ' in position I b 9 via the amplifier 41, sector switch 22 and the
zero con 80 tacts in row 16 ' of the keyboard 1, so that there is no
changing of digit value position during the signal transfer from track
a to track b.
The means for changing the digit value position of signals during
transfer from track to 85 track are called in the following
description value-processing means They operate within the example so
far described during a transfer from track a to track b The result
received on track b by an addition of " 0: 2: 8 to 0: 9: 90 1 " by
means of the set of signal heads 31-32 in combination with the digit
value switches in lines 16 -16 ' and the amplifier 41 will be " 0:
11:9 " These signals are recorded in track b as an intermediate result
of the corm 95 puting processes effected by the processing means as
shown in Figs 7 a-7 c In order to transform this intermediate result "
0:11:9 " into the final result " 1: 1:9 " a carry-over is still
essential and is effected by carry-over 100 means operating in this
example during signal transfer from track b to tracks c and d and from
those tracks to track e.
The several phases of these processes may be brought together by
corresponding switch 105 means and the like As it is possible,
however, to demonstrate in this example the different operations in
different phases, the following description will explain this.
2 CARRY-OVER The carry-over means which is illustrated
diagrammatically in Figs 8 a-8 c and 9 a-9 c consists of
signal-separating means, valuediminishing means, and signal-forwarding
means.
a CASES EXCEEDING THE LIMITING VALUE AND FORWARDING THE CARRY-OVER
INTO THE NEXT DENOMINATION.
The separating means are for separating signals representing resulting
digit values equal to or lower than a predetermined digit value (e.g,
" 9 ") from signals representing resulting digit values which are
higher than such predetermined digit value They comprise, in the

15. example now described, means for a signal transfer from track b to
tracks c and d; usually sensing head 33, the recording heads 341342,
the amplifier, 44 non-magnetizable areas in the fields " 10-19 " of
track c and nonmagnetizable area 46 in the fields " 0-9 " of track d,
and also two recording heads 35 '352, being distant from the recording
heads 34 I-342 by one field in each case and being effective as
forwarding means, if a carry-over oef 1 " into the next sector has to
be efected.
The transfer of signals from track b to the track c or d takes place
via " the amplifier circuit B " which consists of the amplifier 44,
the forwarding switch 47 having two ways 48 and 49, a sensing head 33
in the position E b 19 n the stator, two recording heads 341-34 ' in
the positions I c 19 and I d 19 within the stator for the separating
of signals and two further recording heads 351 J 352, being distant
from the recording heads 341-34 by one field in each case and being
efiiective as means for forwarding the value " 1 " if a carry-over
into the next sector has to be efflected The recording heads 34 '-34
are connected in parallel and connected to switch way 48 whilst 351352
are in parallel and connected to switch way 49 of the forwarding
switch 47 All the signal heads are suitable mounted fixedly on the
frame 21.
By means of the chequered arrangement of magnetizable and
non-magnetizable areas 4546 of the tracks c and d, the recording of
any one signal can only take place either in the track c or in the
track d since at any one instant there is only one of the slots in
each pair of the recording heads 341342 and 35 L 352 over a
magnetizable layer Within the tracks c and d signals of digit values
lower than or equal to 9, are therefore always recordable only on the
track c, whereas digit value signals exceeding " 9 " are always
recordable only on the track d.
In Fig 8 a the separating of the signal " 9 " sensed from the track b
in sector I is effective during the transfer of that signal from track
b to tracks c and d only in track c, notwithstanding that it is
presented to both tracks, and the effect is that the signal " 9 " of
track b is now recorded in the field position " 9 on the track c
whilst on track d no recording can take place.
If the forwarding switch 47 were in switch c position 49, it would
connect the amplifier 44 with the second pair of recording heads
351352 In such event a forwarding of the signal " 9 " fromn track b
would take place, so that there would be a change of digit value
position by " 1 " and a signal " 10 " in track d would result This
forwarding switch 47 as is described later may consist of a plurality
of electronic tubes but alternatively could consist of relays or other
suitable switch means.

16. Fig 8 b shows the separating of the magnetic signal " 11 " sensed from
track b in sector II, after a rotation of the disc 7 by one sector.
As a magnetizable layer in field " 11 " is provided in the track d
only, a transfer of a signal " 11 " from the track b to the tracks c
and d can only be efective on track d, in field " 11 " in sector II of
that track.
With the procedure described hitherto in the example 02 t;+ 091 = 119
", the first sum 028 is still in track a During the transfer from
track a to track b, namely, during the value changing by the
processing means, there has taken place a changing of the digit value
position by one field because of the pressed down key '" i in the last
denomination row 151 of the keyboard 1 having been effective within
sector I of the magnetizable disc, as controlled by the sector switch
22 (see Fig 7 a).
Alter a relative movement by one sector there has taken place within
sector II a changing oi the digit value position of the signal 2 in a
by " nine fields because of the pressed down key " 9 in the
penultimate denomination row 152 of the keyboard i, " 028 + 091 =
0:11:9 " having been erected within the sector II as controlled by the
sector switch 22 (Fig 7 b).
Within sector III no change of signal position has taken place during
this transfer from track a to track b as the sector switch 22 has made
only zero contacts esective (see Fig 2 c).
After the separating means has been effective in the three different
sectors, according to Figs 8 a-8 c during a transfer from track b to
tracks c and a, the signals are now to be found in the tracks a, b, c
and d as follows: Track a b c d Sector III 0 0 Sector II 2 Sector I 8
9 t b NON-DIMINISHING OR DIMINISHING THE DIGIT VALUE IN THE SAME
DENOMINATION.
To complete the processing a diminishing 10 o means is required Such
means is operated during a transfer of the signals from the tracks c
and d to the result track e, as shown in Figs.
9 a-9 c This transfer is effected in such a way that two sensing heads
36-37 are connected lie respectively via the amplifiers 50 and 51 to
the windings of the recording head 38 The sensing head 36 is in
position Ii c 5 over track c, whereas the recording head is in the
stator position II e 5 over the track e Therefore, sig 115 nals on the
track c are transferred to the track e with the same digit value For
example, in Fig 9 a, the transferring of the signal " 9 " in sector I
from track c to track e is shown.
The diminishing means consists of two 120 amplifier circuits, the
amplifier circuit C, by which those signal are transferred from track
c to track e when no diminishing is to take place, and the amplifier
circuit D for transferring signals from track d to track e, whilst 125

17. at the same time diminishing them in digit value by a corresponding
change of digit value position The extent by which diminishing 786,049
786,049 takes place (diminishing value) depends upon the limiting
value For example, in decimal notation it would be by 10 fields, and
in converting pence to shillings it would be by 12 fields, and so on.
The amplifier circuit C consists of a winding of the recording head 38
in the stator position II e 5, the amplifier 50 and the sensing head
36 over the track c in position II c 5 The amplifier circuit D
consists of another or the same winding on sensing head 38 in the
stator position II e 5, the amplifier 51 and the sensing head 37 which
is distant by 10 fields from the recording head 38 over track d in the
stator position I d 35 The amplifier circuit D controls the carry-over
forwarding switch 47 of circuit B and which moves over from position
48 to position 49, dependent upon whether signals As the n of the D,
th d to digit so th:
recor " 1 ", fer ei tube energ switc so th or 11 next TI withi 7 c ti
proc ings acc OI On t show' over over sectc ing s N, III f meai chan
the 0 erase posii resp oper so t foun T These result signals may
either be transferred back to track a for further processing, or
transferred to one of the tracks f,-f,,, or transferred to output
means.
Subtraction may be effected by utilising complementary values, the
transfer of signals between heads being effected in a manner similar
to that already described for addition.
Further examples of addition and examples of subtraction are set out
in detail in my copending Application No 15773/50 (Serial No.
786,021).
For a better understanding these are described in the following
electric switching means for the different single processes 1-5, which
connect the sensing heads with the recording heads.
ire being sensed from track c or track d 1 DIGIT VALUE PROCESSING
MEANS FOR PROwith the further rotation of the disc 7 CESS 1 IN
AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT A.
iagnetic signal " 11 " runs below the slot The processing means, which
are in prim 85 e sensing head 37 of the amplifier circuit ciple
described above (the Figs 5-7) ere takes place, on the transfer from
track effect the transfer of a signal from track a to track e, a field
displacement (change of track b In Fig 10 a the arrangement is shown
value position) of the signal by ten fields by means of symbols The
transfer of signals at the magnetic signal " 11 " on track d is from
track a by the sensing head 31 in stator 90 ded in track e diminished
to the value field I a 9 to one of the recording heads in field 1 of
track e (Fig 9 b) This trans 32 in stator fields 1 b 9-0 effects the
fects also the ignition of the gas discharge change of the position or

18. displacement of the 52 of the forwarding switch 47 and by computing
signals for digit values This transgizing the relay winding 53 effects
a fer is effected via a low frequency amplifier 41 95 hing over from
the way 48 to the way 49 as an equivalent for the losses of the
airslot, of at on the transfer from track b to track c the leakage
field and magnetizing losses, etc, rack d the signal is forwarded into
the at the transfer and via the digit value switches sector m (and
denomination switches 540-D).
he transfer from tracks c and d to track e In Fig l Ob the contacts of
the horizontal 100 in sector III is shown in Fig 9 c In Fig contact
rows 16 '-', which are arranged below iere has been shown the
operating of the the keys of the full keyboard 1, correspond to assing
means with amplifier circuit A dur- the above-mentioned switches 54
The cona signal transfer from track a to track b tacts are made
effective beginning from the last :ding to the computation: " 0 + 0 =
0 " denomination successively by the sector switch 105 he transfer
from track b to tracks c and d 22 with the single distributor contacts
391 to in in Fig 8 c the forwarding of the carry 39 In the example
shown the number 028 is signal " 1 " was controlled by a tens carry
pressed down within the keyboard in similar signal from the previous
denomination in manner with reference to Fig 6.
Dr II, via the switch way 49 of the forward At the full keyboard the
distributing con 110 switch 47 tacts 39 ' are connected with the
vertical Cow the transfer of the signal " 1 " in sector denomination
contacts 151-15 ' (compare also rom track c to track e, takes place by
Fig 6 and 7).
is of the amplifier circuit C without any When using a tens keyboard
of one of the ge of digit value position, and therefore usual
book-keeping machines the denomina 115 signal " 1 " is recorded in
track e tion contacts 15 '-15 ' would have to be subrn the further
rotation of the disc 7 the stituted, however, by denomination contacts
r heads 61-64 (see Figs 3 and 4 b stator controlled by the
denomination position of the dions II a-d 19) of the tracks a, b, c
and d booking-carriage or the like whereby these ectively which are
permanently effective, denomination contacts are adjustable 120 ate to
remove the signals in those tracks, The denomination switches (sector
switches) hat only in the track c are signals to be can be as the Figs
lob to l Og show, electroid, as follows: mechanical, or electronic
distributing switches.
rack Sector III Sector II Sector I Electronic switches for instance
can be disa charge tubes, which are switched on succes 125 b sively
according to the relative position of the c rotor to the stator.
d On the other hand there can be used e 1 1 9 switches which are
practically without inertia -10 736,049 directly as the digit value

19. switches 54 o-549, for instance by means of a tens keyboard or the
like, wherein the digit value signals are not switched directly, but
are first recorded for instance in a magnetic storage or record means.
For the understanding of the digit value processing at higher speed it
is sufficient to know that the unit is provided with a practically
inertia-less control device, which makes effective those digit values
for the different denominations which are recorded in the
corresponding sectors I, II, III, etc.
a AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT BY CONTACT SWITCHING.
The operation of the amplifier circuit by contact switching and full
keyboard is as follows: The sensing head 31 in stator field I a 9
(corresponding to the stator diagram of the Fig.
4 a) is connected according to Fig lob with the control grid and the
cathode resistance of the pentode 67 of the amplifier 41 The voltage
surge, which is generated within the sensing head 31 by the passing
magnetic signal, is made effective after its amplification via a
coupling capacitor 69 at the control grid of the discharge tube 68 The
capacitor 70 is loaded via the resistance 71, so that its voltage is
only a little below the ignition voltage of the discharge tube 68, as
the discharge tube is biassed by means of the resistance 72 Due to the
high resistance 71, only a single discharge occurs within each sector.
A signal, coming from the sensing head 31 and amplified by the pentode
67 effects the ignition of the discharge tube 68 and subsequently the
discharge of the capacitor 70 The current surge resulting from the
discharge of the capacitor 70 is conveyed to one of the recording
heads (Fig lob recording head 32 ' in stator field I b 1) via the
contact below the pressed down key " 8 " of the keyboard 1 which
connects the vertical row 151 with the horizontal row 16 ', via the
contact 391 of the sector switch, wiping contact 42 in sector I
position and central contact 40 of the sector switch 22 The bias is
preferably stabilized by an electronic stabilizer (not shown) In case
a transfer process according to Fig 6 a the magnetic signal " 8 " is
recorded by the discharge tube 68 via the recording head 325 in stator
field I b 1 at the instant, when the magnetic signal in field 0 sector
I track a of the rotor passes the slot of the sensing head 31 and in
track b the field 8 passes the slot of the recording head 328 in
stator field I b 1, whereby this recording head is switched on by the
pressed down coordinated key of the last denomination on the keyboard
By this means the magnetic signal " 8 " is recorded as the resulting
signal of the addition of the "zero-signal" plus " 8 " on track b ( 0
+ 8 = 8).
In order to ensure that the signals receive a defined position within
track b, which is independent of the exactness of the position of the
6 signals sensed within track a, at the transfer from track a to track

20. b an electronic " registering " is provided This registering effects
the recording of the resulting signals at defined fields regardless of
little inaccuracies which 7 may occur in a longer row of additions.
In this case the electronic registering records the result according
to computing process The amplifier circuit A which is co-ordinated to
this process is also designed for a higher counting 7 speed by the
arrangement of reliable electronic means.
Fig 1 Oc shows this modification of the switching diagram of this
amplifier circuit It effects by means of an additional registering 8 (
circuit, that during one computing period at the transfer from track a
to track b the signals for the results are recorded at defined fields
by signal switching control means, which are operating either with
photo-sensing or an 8 ' inductive signal generator.
In this figure the sensing head 31 is connected with the control grid
and the basic point of the cathode resistance of the amplifier tube 74
Photo-cell 79 makes it possible to take 9 c from punchcards the
computing signals in a photo-electric way Voltage signals occurring in
the sensing head 31 in stator field I a 9 cause the pre-amplifier
pentode 74 to ignite the pre-relay discharge tube 73 via the coupling
9 ' capacitor 75 and open hereby the pentode 67, which then receives
the required screen grid voltage as a voltage drop at the resistance
77 in the discharge circuit of the discharge tube 73 on discharge of
the capacitor 86 loi The opened pentode 67 is the amplifier tube for
the signal markings (magnetic or optic on the signal carrier), whereby
in case of magnetic markings the sensing is effected by the sensing
head 76 in stator field XIII nz 19 or in 10:
case of optic markings by photocell 78 Hereby either the sensing head
76 is excited by magnetic signals within track m or the photocell 78
is excited by corresponding optical markings Both means, signal head
as well as photo 1 ii cell, effect in the same way, via the pentode 67
the discharge of capacitor 70 via the discharge tube 68 This discharge
will become effective by that recording head, which is switched on by
its co-ordinated digit value switch 54 (see 11 l Fig l Ob) and hereby
effects the recording of signals on track b displaced according to the
computing process 1 (" processing ").
b AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT A BY ELECTRONIC SWITCHING 12 C In Figs ld and 10 e
are shown as modifications of the sector switch 22 (compare Figs 6, 7,
and lob), designed as a contact distributor, a rotating magnetic yoke
as an inductively effective signal distributing arm Such 12 i a signal
distributor arm will be preferably used at speeds, at which contact
distributors like the sector switch 22 are unreliable The signal
disvia the pentode 87 and the discharge distributor tubes 88 '', of
which there is provided one for each denomination of the full keyboard
1 Such discharge distributor tubes 88 s operate together with the

21. contact rows 151-15 ' 70 Only at the ignition of one of these
distributing tubes 881-888 the full keyboard will be effective in that
vertical denomination row, which is co-ordinated with the ignited
tube.
Therefore all the discharge tubes 88 W-88 75 have a defined voltage
drop between anode and cathode, which is below the ignition voltage
(it is to be preferred to stabilize the voltage by stabiliser 89) The
control grids of the discharge tubes 881-88 ' are adjusted negatively
80 compared to the cathode by means of the voltage division between
resistance and secondary coil 82 of the respective discharge This
voltage drop (low ohmic coil) has such a dimension that at the
ignition of one of the discharge 85 tubes 88 '-88 ' the voltage at all
the other discharge tubes is decreasing almost to the arcvoltage, so
that ignitions of other discharge tubes 881-88 ' of this circuit is
prevented.
Before the "zero "-position of a sector is 90 reached during the
rotation of the signal carrier disc 7 the discharge tube which
corresponds to this particular value must be ignited.
Immediately after the sensing head 31 has been excited in stator field
I a 9 (see above), 95 the capacitor 70 is discharged by the
registering signals via the discharge tube 68 and resistance 90.
The voltage drop, which is effected at resistance 90 " opens " the
pentode 87 and loo effects a strong current surge in its plate
circuit.
The discharge tube 88 ', which is ignited, tries to keep its
arc-voltage despite the enlarged current of the pentode 87, and
therefore a volt 105 age surge in the switched-on recording head 323
in stator field I b 1 (pressed down key " 8 " of the last denomination
of the keyboard)is effected, which in turn effects the recording of
the resulting digit value signal 110 By means of pentode 91 and
discharge tube 92 the extinction of the discharge tubes 88188 ' is
precisely controlled at the end of the passing of each sector For this
purpose there is sensed either a permanent magnetic signal 115 by a
signal head or, as a variation, a permanent optic signal sensed by a
photocell is used as an extinguishing signal This signal, which is
preferably the permanent "zero "-signal in each sector in track n, is
sensed by the sensing 120 head 93 and effects an ignition of discharge
tube 92 via a coupling capacitor By the resistance 94, the cathode of
pentode 87 will be for a short time strongly positive compared with
the voltage on the control grid Thus 125 pentode 87 will be closed for
a short while and the ignited discharge tube 881 will be extinguished
by the blocking of the plate current.
According to the position of the switch 121, an output can be obtained
via a distributor 23 a 130 tributing arm 80 is fixed on shaft 18

22. (compare Fig 1) in a position defined by key 84.
Eig l Of shows the distributing arm in a stator 85.
In the stator, primary coils 81 "-" and secondary coils 82 '-",
magnetically connected at one side as pairs, by the stationary yokes
83 are arranged If the primary coils are connected electrically in
series, as it shall be presumed for the cause of simplification and if
during the rotating of the rotor these primary coils are constantly
energized, f i direct current, the secondary coils, by the passage of
the distributor arm 80, receive voltage surges.
These voltage surges are generated within those secondary coils, which
are co-ordinated to the corresponding sector, for instance, the
secondary coil 821 for sector I, the secondary coil 82 ' for sector
II, the secondary coil 82 ' for sector III and so on by an inductive
effect at the changing or cutting of the magnetic field by the
distributor arm and therefore the changing of the magnetic coupling
between coils 81 and 82.
In total the stator contains 13 pairs of primary and secondary coils,
whereby each sector of the signal carrier 7 has a co-ordinated pair of
these coils.
The signal distributor arm 80 connects magnetically in turn the
primary coil with the secondary coil of each pair of coils and the
connection is effected at the beginning of each sector During the time
of the passing of the signal distributor arm 80 over a pair of coils
this forms an amplified coupling and therefore a lower resistance via
the signal distributing arm 80 and the closed magnetic circuit acts as
a transformer.
Fig l Og shows the wiring of the amplifier circuit A with electronic
denomination or sector switches operated inductively by the signal
distributor arm.
In detail (as in Fig lic) the pentode 74 of amplifier circuit A
amplifies the signals sensed in the signal head 31 in stator field I a
9 The amplified signals are led via the coupling capacitor 75 to the
discharge tube 73 and effect its ignition to discharge capacitor 86
The screen grid voltage of pentode 67 is effected by a voltage drop at
resistance 77.
The electronic registering is effected by means of the permanent
signals in track m, whereby the signals are sensed from the signal
carrier by means of sensing heads 76 As an alternative there can also
be used a photocell 78 for sensing optically marked permanent signals
in a track corresponding to track m but in an optical way After the
amplification by the pentode 67 they effect the ignition of the
discharge tube 68.
The recording heads 32 in stator fields I b 9-0 are not directly
connected with the discharge circuit of the discharge tube 68 as in

23. Fig l Oc via a contact sector switch 22 The discharge tube 68 control
only the recording 786,049 or a visual indicating unit (flash tube 150
utilised as a stroboscopic light source).
It will be appreciated that in an arrangement such as that shown in
Fig l Ob or l Oc, the lines from the keyboard which are shown
connected to the heads 32 o-1 may instead be connected to the grids of
a plurality of gas tubes The firing of such gas tubes under control of
the keyboard setting is then used to control the energising of the
appropriate head.
This arrangement avoids any direct connection between the keyboard and
the recording heads.
THE DIGIT VALUE CARRY-OVER MEANS.
The digit value carry-over means comprise:
amplifier circuit B, the separating means, which distinguish between
resulting digit values of the computing process 1 below or equal to
those above a limiting value, and the forwarding means, which effects
the carryover forwarding into the next denomination by a displacement
of the resulting digit value within the said denomination by " 1 "
These carryover means are effective at a signal transfer from track b
to track c or d.
Amplifier circuit C operates to transfer an unchanged signal from
track c to track e.
Amplifier circuit D includes diminishing means for the diminishing of
the resulting digit values within the same denomination and means for
the forwarding of pre-mark signals to the next denomination at the
signal transfer from track d to track e.
Amplifier circuit E includes means for retransfer of signals from
track e to track a and for taking regard of the " fugitive one ".
2 THE SEPARATING AND FORWARDING MEANS.
The arrangement is shown by symbols in Fig 11 a The transfer of digit
value signals is, as already described in Figs 8 a-8 c effective from
track b by means of sensing head 33 in stator field I b 19 to track c
or d via the recording head pairs 34 ' and 342, in stator fields I c
and d 19 or 35 ' and 35 ' in stator fields I c and d 18 connected in
parallel, whereby at any time only one of these recording heads can be
effective within one of the tracks c or d, as at any time there is
only in one of these tracks a possibility for magnetizing In track c
only signals for digit values smaller than 10 can be recorded and in
track d only signals for digit values which exceed " 9 " can be
recorded By such an arrangement the separating is effected, dependent
on whether the respective sum of digit values of this sector is within
the limit digit value " 9 " or whether it exceeds it.
The digit value signals recorded on track d are transferred to effect
the diminishing and the forwarding of pre-mark signals into the next

24. denomination The digit value signals recorded in track c, are
transferred without any further change of value.
If at the preceding denomination the gas discharge tube 52 of the
pre-mark switch has been 65 ignited in process 4 by a pre-mark signal
for a necessary carry-over forwarding into the next denomination, then
the signal transfer from track b to track c or d is effected via
sensing head 33 in stator field I b 19 to the pair of 70 recording
heads 351 and 35 ' in stator field I c and d 18.
The ignition of the tube 52 operates switch 47 and therefore the
signal is displaced by one field and recorded on track c or d by 75
recording head 35 ' or 352 thus effecting the forwarding of the
carry-over by changing the digit value by " one ".
The transfer is effected via the amplifier 44 and via one of the two
switching ways of the 80 carry-over pre-mark switch 47 (symbolically
shown as an electromechanical relay 47), whereby in the resting
position of this relay (if no carry-over forwarding was to be
effected) in its switching position 48 (Figs 11 a and 85 lib) the
signals are led to the pair of recording heads 34 ' and 34 ' of the
tracks c and d in the digit value fields 19, and in the operation
switching position 49 (if a carry-over forwarding has to be effected)
supplied to the go pair of recording heads 351 and 35 ' in the digit
value fields 18 of the tracks c and d.
At speeds which are higher than 200 denomination additions per second
electronic relays instead of telegraphic relays are to be 95
preferred, which can be designed for instance with a wiring diagram
according to Fig llc and d or with a wiring diagram corresponding in
its effect, for instance by controlled ring modulators or the like
Such electronic relays 100 operate practically without inertia and can
operate very reliably even at high speeds, for instance 50,000
denomination additions per second etc.
As the electronic relay operate with two 105 pentodes or the like and
one gas discharge tube according to Fig llc, they effect at the same
time the amplification in the required degree, and a separate
amplifier can be omitted.
a AMPLIFYING CIRCUIT B BY CONTACT 110 SWITCHING.
Fig llb shows the amplifying circuit B which effects the transfer from
track b to track c and d with an electro-mechanic (telegraphic) relay
The sensing head 33 above the track b 115 in stator field I b 19 is
connected via the amplifier 44 and the carry-over pre-mark switch 47
with one of the groups of the recording heads 341 and 342 or 35 ' and
352 connected in series or respectively in parallel 120 In the resting
position 48 of the carry-over pre-mark switch 47 both recording heads
341 and 342 will be effective in the stator field I c and d 19,
whereas after a switching over of the carry-over pre-mark switch 47 to

25. switch 125 ing way 49, both recording heads 351 and 35 ' in the stator
field I c and d 18 are switched
786,049 786,049 on, whereby a digit value signal displacement is
effected by one field and thus a carry-over forwarding from the
preceding denomination by a change of the digit value by " 1 " At the
transfer to track c or d respectively the signals, which have resulted
from the counting process 1 are separated according to whether the
resulting digit value is equal or lower than the limit digit value or
whether it exceeds it, whereby there is taken regard already of
carry-over forwarding by one from the preceding denomination.
Signals with a digit value which does not exceed the limit digit value
(in the example " 9 " according to a decadic number-system) and which
are recorded in the rotor fields 0-9, are recorded in track c, as
track d has no magnetizable layer in the rotor fields 0-9.
The signals, the digit value of which exceeds the limit digit value
(higher than 9), are recorded in track d, as the alternative track c
has no magnetizable layer in its rotor fields 10-19, and therefore
fields of track d can only be magnetized with resulting digit values
from 10-19.
The sensing head 35 is connected to the control grid of the amplifier
pentode 98 In the pentode plate circuit is an electro-mechanical
(telegraphic) relay 47, which has a definite bias to the resting
position 48 and which is used as carry-over pre-mark switch This
switch has two switching ways 48 and 49, the alternative position of
which switches in one or other of the two recording head groups 34 ',
342 or 351, 352.
b AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT B WITH ELECTRONIC RELAY.
Figs llc and lid show two designs of the switching diagram of
amplifier circuit B with electronic relay, which can be used for
higher speeds of the calculator and which can be used in combination
with the amplifier The sensing head 33 in stator field I b 19 is
connected via the amplifier pentode 98 of the amplifier 44 and to the
carry-over pre-mark switch, which in this case is an electronic
two-way switch of a special design Such relay in its resting position
is connected to the recording heads 341 and 342 in stator fields I c
and d 19, and in the operating switch position to the recording heads
351 and 35 ' in stator fields I c and d 18 according to the carry-over
pre-mark signals from the preceding denomination in the winding 99.
Such a pre-mark signal is supplied to the grid of the discharge tube
52 (compare also Fig 8 a-c) and it ignites this tube When this tube is
ignited, the pentode 101 is opened and the pentode 100 is closed On
the contrary, if it remains extinguished, the pentode 100 is opened
and the pentode 101 is closed.
This opposite and mutual opening and closing of the pentodes is

26. effected by the resistance 102 and 103, which are connected into the
discharge circuit of the gas discharge tube 52, whereby the junction
regulates the potential of the cathode and whereby the positive side
is connected to the screen grid of the pentode 101 and the negative
side is connected to the suppressor grid of the second pentode 100 70
If the gas discharge tube is extinguished, the cathode and the
suppressor grid of the pentode 100 have the same potential, so that
the tube 100 is effective, it is opened.
If the discharge tube is ignited, there is a 75 voltage drop at the
resistance 102, 103 according to the current of this tube Thereby the
screen grid of pentode 101 receives a positive voltage, whereas the
suppressor grid of the second pentode 100 is negatively biassed In 80
consequence of it and contrary to the preceding state, the pentode 101
is now opened, and the pentode 100 is closed.
Both groups of recording heads are connected into the plate circuits
of the pentodes 85 and 101, whereby the groups of signal heads
becoming effective are selected by the switching condition of the gas
discharge tube.
-The effecting of a carry-over forwarding into the next denomination
(next sector) depends 90 therefore on whether the discharge tube 52 is
ignited or not The extinguishing of the discharge tube 52 is shown in
Fig lic by means of the discharging of the capacitor 104 An
extinguishing can also be effected in a different 95 timing instant by
the known means of breaking down the plate circuit The description of
the amplifier circuit A in Fig l Og shows an electronic solution for
it The pentode is not required if two discharge tubes are directly 100
coupled.
A further modification of the design according to Fig lid shows as
electronic relay, two coupled electronic tubes instead of the use of
gas discharge tubes The signals which are 105 induced in Fig lid in
the sensing head 33 are in this case amplified as usual by the pentode
98 of the amplifier 44 and hexodes 105, 106, the control grids of
which are connected in parallel via the capacitors 107, 108 In the 110
plate circuit of the hexode 106 are the recording heads i 51 and 35 '
of the positions I c and d 18 and in the plate circuit of the hexode
are the recording heads 341 and 342 in the positions I c and d 19 115
If a current flows within the hexode 105, the cathode resistance 109
of the hexode 105 supplies the negative bias of suppressor grid of the
hexode 106 Alternatively, if there is a current in the hexode 106, the
cathode resist 120 ance 110 delivers a negative bias to the hexode
Thereby the opened hexode delivers by its cathode resistance the block
voltage by which the other hexode is closed By this way only one of
the two hexodes can be opened at any 125 instant The control of this
electronic relay is effected by means of negative signals, which are

27. supplied to the relay either from the amplifier circuit C or D at the
transfer of computing signals 130 The switching over from the
electronic tube to the other electronic tube 106 or vice versa is
effected in this case by the suppressing of the current in the
electronic tube 105 or 106 for a short instance, either by a negative
impulse to the control grid itself or-as in Fig lld-by a negative
signal to a second control grid So long as a current flows in one
tube, the other one is blocked by the bias of its suppressor grid of
the cathode resistances 109 respectively 110 If by a negative impulse
the hexode 105 is closed for a short while, in this instant no bias is
delivered, and hexode 106 is opened by the blocking of the hexode 105
until the hexode 105 will be opened again by a negative impulse onto
the control grid of the hexode 106.
3 AMPLIFYING CIRCUIT C.
An unchanged transfer of digit values is effected by means of the
amplifier circuit C, symbolically shown in Fig 12 c The transfer is
effected from sensing head 36 in stator field
II c 5 to the recording head 38 in stator field
II e 5 via the amplifier 50 without any alteration of the digit value
This transfer is effective, if the resulting digit value of the
computing process ( 1) does not exceed the limiting value Special
switches deciding whether the transfer process ( 3) or the transfer
process ( 4) will be effective are not required, as by the arrangement
of the tracks c and d this separation is already effected on the
rotor.
The signal heads 36 and 38 are in the fields of the stator which
correspond radially one to another, so -that the digit value signals
are transferred with the same digit value Fig.
12 b shows a modification of the amplifier circuit C The digit value
signals sensed by means of sensing head 36 are amplified by tube 111
For the control of the digit -alue pre-mark switch, designed as an
electro-magnetic (telegraphic) relay, an additional repositioning
winding 53 c is provided at the output side of the amplifier.
Fig 12 c shows the same wiring diagram for co-operation with Fig 13 c,
that is without the operation of such a repositioning winding.
4 CIRCUIT D.
A diminishing of the digit value signals in the same denomination is
effected during the signal transfer from track d to track e in the
amplifying circuit D in combination with the forwarding pre-mark
signal of a carry-over as shown in Fig 13 c.
The means which transfer signals of the sensing head 37 track d in
stator field I d 15 to the recording head 38 in stator field II e 5,
are of a similar design, but regard must be taken of the radial
displacement of the signal heads by ten fields, by which the

28. subtraction of " ten " is effected The circuit is provided with a
usual low frequency amplifier 51.
The plate circuit of the tube 113 of the amplifier 51, is via a
transformer 112 which is 6 directly connected to the ignition
electrode of the discharge tube 52 (compare Figs 8, 9 and 12 c), the
discharge current of which effects the carry-over pre-mark switch by
its winding 53 71 Fig 13 b shows a practical example of the amplifier
circuit D The signals sensed by sensing head 37 are amplified by the
pentode 113, the plate current of which excites the winding 53 b of
the carry-over pre-mark 7 switch and simultaneously effects the
recording of computing signals by its recording head 38.
The transfer from track d to track e is effected acording to Fig 13 c
via the sensing 8 ( head 37 which supplies the signals via the
amplifier tube 113 to the recording head 38 in stator field II e 5 By
means of the additional winding 99, this recording head 38 effects the
ignition of the gas discharge tube 8 52, (amplifier circuit B, Fig 1
ic), for the purpose of the forwarding of the carry-over to the next
denomination By this means the transfer of the signal from track d to
track e representing the resulting digit value is displaced 9 ( by ten
fields according to the difference between the position of the sensing
head 37 in stator field I d 35 and the position of the recording head
38 in stator field II e 5 Hereby the discharge tube 52 of the
amplifier circuit 9 ' B will be ignited for switching over the
carryover pre-mark switch 47.
AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT E.
From track e signals of digit values can be re-transferred for the
purpose of further addi 10 tions to track a These signals can also be
transferred to and recorded on other tracks (for instance to a
selective signal carrier storage of signal carriers in form of tapes
as output means) 10.
The re-transfer to track a can be effected without any displacement If
during subtractions by complementary additions there is given the
carry-over signal for a "fugitive one ", the transfer in the last
denomination is 111 effected by the relay in the amplifier circuit
according to Fig 14 a This relay can be designed in full accordance
with the electronic pre-mark switch of the amplifier circuit B of Fig
llc 11 ' The amplifying circuit E of Fig 14 a, via the amplifier 66,
connects the sensing head 58 in stator field XIII a 19 to the
recording head
59 in stator field XIII a 19 for an unchanged transfer, or to the
recording head 60 in stator 12 ( field XIII a 18 if regard has to be
taken to a fugitive " 1 ".
With computers of medium or greater capacity the amplifier circuit E
effects the addition of the fugitive " 1 " without addi 12 ' tional

29. cycles of operation, whereas in slower operating computors requiring
further cycles of operation in computing process ( 2) the fugitive " 1
" is forwarded from the first 786,049 hat when the sensing heads are
all simulsensing different storage locations the record 65 Ing head is
adapted to record in a further one f said locations, electric signal
amplifying and gating means interconnecting said sensing and recording
heads, and control means synchronisd with the rotation of the storage
70 member and adapted to operate said gating means to pass electric
signals selectively from the sensing heads to the recording head to
effect transfer of stored signals from one storage location to another
75
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* GB786050 (A)
Description: GB786050 (A) ? 1957-11-13
Improvements in or relating to electric calculators
Description of GB786050 (A)
PATENT SPECIFICATION
786050 Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: June 23,
1950,
No 37232/54.
Application made in Germany on Oct 1, 1948.
(Divided out of No 786,021).
Complete Specification Published: Nov 13, 1957.
Index at acceptance:-Class 106 ( 1), A( 1 X: 2 A: 2 B: 2 C: 5 A: 5 B:
6 C: 7 A: 8 B: LOB).
International Classification:-GO 6 f.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

30. Improvements in or relating to Electric Calculators I, GERHARD DIRKS,
of Moerfelder Landstrasse 44, Frankfurt on Main, Germany, of German
Nationality, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray ithat a
patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be
performed, to be particularly described in and by the following
statement: -
The present invention relates to a novel assemblage of magnetic
elements and to a system of computation (in particular, of addition or
subtraction and of multiplication or division by successive addition
or subtraction) making use of the novel assemblage.
The novel assemblage of the present invention is simple, and may be
made small in size and yet robust, and is particularly suitable for
use in combination with magnetic storage means (such as is described
in my co-pending Applications Nos 37214/54 and 37215/54, Serial Nos
786,033 and 786,034) By the use of the computing system of the present
invention, using the novel assemblage, mathematical operations may be
performed directly upon quantities sensed from such a magnetic storage
means, and the result recorded directly upon such a storage means; and
this may be done inter aria with quantities recorded in decimal
notation, thus avoiding translation between decimal and binary or
other notations at the input and output of ithe machine.
The computing system of the present invention is made possible by
using my novel assemblage as a result element: that is to say a device
which may be influenced by two digit values jointly to: deliver a
result In particular, my novel assemblage is suitable for use as an
addition table for use in addition or lsubtraction.
The invention provides an assemblage of magnetisable elements with
electrical conductors magnetically linked thereto, in which the
conductors form two sets such that each conductor is linked to a
multiplicity of elements and each element is linked to one and only
one conductor of each set whilst no two of the elements to any
onductor of one set are linked to the same conductor of the other set;
the assemblage being provided with means for passing current along
selected conductoris of the two sets so as to set up magnetic flux to
determine the magnetic state of the elements linked therewith, and
with means for detecting that or those elements which have a
particular magnetic state Each such element may have a further or
secondary conductor associated therewith, the assemblage having means
for causing signals to appear in the secondary conductor associated
with any element in dependence upon that element having the said
particular magnetic state.
The invention also provides a system of computation using an
assemblage as above set forth, in which are provided storage means
individual to each of the conductors, each such storage means when

31. receiving an input signal energising the conductor connected with it.
The invention may be provided with input means as set forth in my
co-pending Applications Nos 37214/54 and 37215/54, (Serial Nos 786,033
and 786,034) and/or with output means as set forth in, my co-pending
Applications Nos 37205/54 and 37206/54, (Serial Nos 786,026 and
786,027).
The calculating apparatus described in this specification is also
described wholly or in part in Specification Nos 15773/50 and
37230154, (Serial Nos 786,021 and 786,048), but the scope of the
claims differs in each case.
Examples of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, wherein: Fig 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating one
arrangement of computing system utilising an assemblage of magnetic
elements; Fig 2 is a circuit diagram of another arrangement of
computing system, adapted for addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division; Fig 3 is a subsidiary circuit diagram relating to a "
carry " operation; Figs 4-7 are diagrams illustrating various methods
of computing with the systems illustrated in Figs 1-3; 21 /<> Fig 8 is
a side view of one form of distributor for use in the computing
systems illustrated; Fig 9 is an edge view of the rotor shown in Fig
8; Fig 10 is a diametral section through the stator shown in Fig 8;
Fig 11 is a part-sectional elevation of a plurality of the
distributors shown in Figs.
8-10; and Fig 12 is a perspective view of a distributor which also
includes commutator switches.
Referring to Figs 1 and 2, there are shown examples of a computing
arrangement with inductive result elements comprising magnetisable
elements, for example cores, having one or more conductors forming
windings whereby the magnetic saturation of the cores may be varied.
The cores are shown in horizontal rows representing one set of digits
0-9, and in vertical rows representing another set of digits 0-9 Each
core is shown in two parts In the drawing, the cores are designated
260 Ta to 260 Ta down the left-hand vertical row and 2600 a to 2690 a
along the topmost horizontal row In this arrangement, for example, the
two parts comprising the core 263 a would lie in the sixth horizontal
row from the top and the fourth vertical row from the left.
The respective vertical rows of the elements 260 a to 2699 a may be
switched directly by a full keyboard but, in the case shown, control
of these groups of elements by the discharge tubes 95 D has been
provided.
The arrangement illustrated is such that the magnetisable elements
have primary coils each having two windings for control purposes, and
the windings are insulated from each other.
For example, the one part of the core 260 Wa carries the primary

32. windings 260 and 2700.
The windings of each set of primary windings 2600-9, 261 -D etc are
connected together and arranged in vertically-connected rows in the
anode circuits of the discharge tubes 950, the latter being operated
in accordance with one of the digit values which is to control the
arrangement The windings of the other sets of primary windings 2700-D,
271 etc, are connected together and arranged in horizontal rows in the
anode circuits of the discharge tubes 244 -D, these being controlled
in accordance with the second digit value.
The arrangement of the windings on their cores is such (as will be
apparent from the drawing) that the conductors forming the windings
are in two sets such that each conductor is linked to a multiplicity
of the elements and each element is linked to one and only one
conductor of each set, whilst no two of the elements linked to any
conductor of one set are linked to the same conductor of the other
set.
For each element with its primary windings, there is a secondary
winding, and these are sub-divided or separated-except the row 280
co-ordinated to the result digit value " 0 "-each into two groups,
which are identrfied by the indices a and b By this arrange 7 ( ment,
the energising of a coil marked with index a indicates a result
without diminishing of the digit value by ten within the same
denomination and without forwarding of a carry-over pre-mark signal
into the next 7 ' denomination, whereas the actuation of the coils
with the index b effects the diminishing of the digit value and the
forwarding of the carry-over pre-mark signal into the next
denomination will be effected 8 ( All the elements are suitably
provided with an additional winding (not shown) by which a magnetic
flux will be induced in one direction, and which exceeds by a small
amount the magnetic flux generated in the other direc 8 ' tion by the
current of the discharge circuit of one of the gas discharge tubes 244
or 95-9 Thus an effective magnetic flux can only be induced by
igniting two gas discharge tubes at the same time to excite the two 9
( primary windings on a single element.
Computation according to this system may be carried out as follows In
Fig 1, a digit representing signal is sensed by sensing head 311 from
track a which is a magnetisable 9 ' storage track as set forth for
example in my co-pending Applications for Patent No.
15773/50 and 37214/54, Serial Nos 786,021 and 786,033 Switch 47 is in
position 48 during this sensing and the signal is amplified IC by
amplifier 41 prior to being fed to all the primary coils 304 of cores
304 a 9 of the input distributor The signal will pass to only that
secondary coil 305 which is connected to its primary coil by one of
the magnetic 1 C yokes 304 b-' completing the magnetic circuit between

33. the two parts of the related core 304 a at the instant of sensing, and
thereupon ignite the co-ordinated gas discharge tube 95-9 As a result
of this ignition, a current 11 flows through all the co-ordinated and
interconnected primary windings in the corresponding one of the
columns of elements 260 Ta2699 a.
A second digit representing signal, say from 11 a keyboard or from
another storage track, is now conveyed (by means not shown) to the
control grid of the correspondingly valued tube of the series of
discharge tubes 244 connected respectively to the rows 270 -, l U 271
etc of primary windings, and therefore only in that element in which
the two primary wvindings on a common coil are energised is there
sufficient current to induce a voltage surge in the corresponding
secondary 1 L winding 280-289 on the passage of one of the sensing
yokes 200 - The surge is conveyed to the co-ordinated gas tube of the
gas discharge tubes 407 or 408 dependent on whether the digit value
result is below or 1 786,050 effect an ignition of the gas discharge
tube 235 through one or other of the tubes 4080-s By means of the
displaced recording heads 179 and 181 in the discharge circuits of the
tubes 234 and 235, the diminishing is effected in 70 the same process.
Corresponding to the excited recording heads, (either 179 or 181), the
switch 47 will be in one or other of its two positions Each time the
signals are given via the discharge 75 tube 234 to the recording head
179, the sensing head 311 will be connected to the amplifier 41 by
switch 47 (in its position 48) If, however, the recording is effected
by the signal head 181, because the sum of the digit values 80 exceeds
the limiting value, the sensing head 312 will be connected to the
amplifier 41 by switch 47 in its other position.
The head 312 is displaced from the head 311 by a distance equal to
adjacent digit re 85 cording positions on the track a, so that a digit
representing signal on the track is sensed one digit time later by the
head 312 than by the head 31 ' For example, a signal which is sensed
by the head 311 at such a time that the 90 output from the head
represents the value " 8 ", is sensed by the head 312 at such a time
that the output from that head represents the value " 9 " Thus,
ignition of the tube 52 in parallel with the tube 235 by a signal from
95 a secondary coil suffixed b causes shifting of the switch 47 from
the position shown,so that the sensing of the next denomination will
be effected by the head 312 The value sensed from track a will
therefore be increased by 100 unity, so taking account of the carry.
The discharge tube 234 will be ignited by exciting the secondary coils
280 a, 281 a, 282 a, 283 a, etc The co-ordinated capacitor will be
discharged and by means of the recording head 105 179 will effect a
recording of the result in track e of the signal carrier.
When one of the secondary coils 281 b289 b is excited, the discharge

34. tube 235 will be ignited, and a recording by the recording 110 head
181, as well as operation of the switch 47 will be effected The
recording heads 179 and 181 are displaced against one another by ten
digit recording positions in order to effect the diminishing of the
digit value if above the 115 limiting value.
Referring now to Figs 2 and 3, the discharge of tube 234 performs at
the same time a repositioning of the carry-over pre-mark switch In
this arrangement, the 'carry-over 120 pre-mark switch is shown as an
electronic relay 292 which is reset by the transformer 254, the
primary winding of which is situated in the discharge circuit of the
discharge tube 234.
The discharge of tube 235 effects the switch 125 ing on of the
electronic relay 292 of the carry-over pre-mark switch by the
resulting signal induced in the secondary winding of the transformer
255 The digits of one of the values which is to be added are taken
from 130 equal to or in, excess of the limiting value of the
denomination (namely " 9 " in a decimal notation) and such tube when
ignited, effects the recording of a result signal on track e either by
recording head 179 or 181 according to its value, that is to say
according to whether the result is above or below the limiting value.
This discrimination of values is explained in detail in my co-pending
Application for Patent No 15773/50, (Serial No 786,021).
There are ten yokes co-operating with the distributor cores 304 'a and
ten yokes with each of the groups of cores 2600 a-2690 a to 260 'a-269
'a The digit values are sensed from the track a and recorded on the
track e serially with only a small distance between the recording
positions allocated to adjacent digit values of a denomination The
physical position of the yokes co-operating with each group of cores
is staggered in relation to the position of the cores so that although
the yokes are driven in synchronism with the movement of the tape, the
separation of the cores is greater than the separation of
corresponding positions on the tracks.
The yokes associated with each row of cores are staggered in relation
to the other rows, the yokes for three rows being shown in Fig 1 The
relative positions of the yokes is such that all the cores which
represent a particular result value will have their magnetic circuits
completed at the same time The construction of the yokes is described
in more detail hereinafter in connection with Figs 9 to 12.
The spatial relationship between the yokes and the distributor yokes
304 b is such that the particular tube 95 is ignited under control of
the distributor before the yokes 200 complete the magnetic circuits of
any of the cores 260 -a to 2690 'a.
In the secondary coils it will be seen that coils 281-289 are
sub-divided into coils a and b, the subdivision being progressively

35. shifted from row to row.
The operation of the sub-divided secondary coils is as follows: The
secondary coils 280 are all connected together and to the tube 407 ,
since a digit value carry-over cannot be effected, as the highest of
the digit value sums, coordinated to this set of coils is less than
the limiting value.
In the next set of coils 281, the right-hand secondary coil 281 b
however, is separated, as it represents the result value " 10 " which
requires a digit value carry-over In the next set of coils, the last
two coils at the righthand end of the row are separated in order to
forward the digit value carry-over of the result values " 10 " and "
11 " The secondary coils, suffixed a, at the left-hand side of the
subdivision effect an ignition of the gas discharge tube 234, through
one or other of the tubes 407 -, whereas the secondary coils, suffixed
b, at the right-hand side of the sub-division 786,050 track a by means
of the sensing heads 311-2 (Fig 2), displaced progressively by one
denomination relatively to each other Via the step-switch 321 and the
switch 247, i e t e "multiplication-division" switch, the signals will
be conducted to the transformer 296 and the tubes 291/293 of the
electronic relay in Fig 3 Depending on the ignition or extinction of
the gas discharge tube 292 effected by the transformers 254/255 which
are part of the recording circuit, one or other of the two pentodes
291,293 is effective The digit value signal is amplified and via the
corresponding transformer is led to vthe gas discharge tubes 297/299
and 298 which will be ignited The main discharge circuit of the
discharge tube 297 is led over the windings 3020, but the current
through the discharge tube 298 is led over the windings 302 ' (Fig 2)
These windings are arranged in such a way that the windings 3020
correspond to an addition of the digit value " O ", but the windings
302 ' correspond to the addition of the digit value " 1 " to perform
the digit value carry-over from the preceding denomination, i e they
are equivalent in effect to the windings 260 and 261 of Fig 1.
By the yokes 1260/0 to 126 "' is provided a sequential magnetic
connection between the cores carrying the windings 3020 and 302 ' and
the cores carrying the horizontal connected winding rows 303 O' so
that by excitation one of the winding rows will ignite the coordinated
discharge tube 244 and so energise a related primary winding 270 to
279.
The second digit value to be added is taken from storage track c by
means of one of the heads 311 and imparted via the transformer 317 to
pentode 295 controlled by the gas discharge tube 294 When the gas
discharge tube 294 is ignited, pentode 295 amplifies the computing
signal and effects, via the transformer 246, the ignition of the
discharge tube 300, which causes a current surge in the windings 304

36. By means of the co-ordinated row of yokes 3232 an impulse will be
induced in the co-ordinated coil of the secondary coils 305 to
energise one of the gas tubes 95 In the main discharge circuit of
these gas discharge tubes are situated the primary coils 260 1 to
269-90.
The vertically connected windings in Fig.
2 (which are shown horizontally in Fig 1), are shown in Fig 2 as long
and narrow rectangles ( 270-279) The horizontally connected primary
windings (which are shown vertically in Fig 1) are represented by
small rectangles.
In each case, for the sake of clearness only some of these windings
are shown Also represented as long and narrow rectangles are the
secondary coils 280-289.
This arrangement is the same as that shown in Fig 1 with the exception
that the remaining details of the switching means according to Figs 2
and 3 deal with the means for the processing of the multiplication and
the division, the automatic rounding-off operations, the stepping
arrangement for automatic tabulating of denominations, and the setting
of the decimal point 70 When a key of the keyboard 54 in Fig 3 is
depressed, a circuit is completed through one of the wires in the
cable k (Figs 2 and 3) to the ignition electrode of the corresponding
tube of the group 95 o-95 ' ir, Fig 2 At the 75 same time, through a
circuit not shown, the tube 2440 is also fired The cross coil
arrangement is then effective to add " O " ito the digit entered by
the keyboard 54, so that the tube 234 will be fired at a time
representative of the 80 digit value, in the manner already described
in detail in connection with Fig 1 The firing of the tube 234 produces
a pulse which is fed through the switch 245 in the intermediate
position, the recording head 311 ", the contact 85 arm of the switch
320 and the switch 319 in the position shown, so that the appropriate
digit value is recorded in the first denominational position of track
c Each time a key of a keyboard is operated the relay 317 of Fig 3 90
is energised, and this operates the stepping switch 320 after the
recording of a digit has been completed.
Consequently, when the next digit is entered on the keyboard, the same
addition 95 process in the cross-coil arrangement takes place, but the
pulse due to the firing of the tube 234 is now applied to the head 311
' and so on for subsequent digits so that the multiplicand digits are
recorded in successive 100 denominational areas in the track c.
The multiplier is recorded in the track d in exactly the same way
except that the switch 245 is set to the extreme right-hand position
(Fig 2) so that the pulses from the tube 234 105 are fed to the heads
313, which are again selected in turn by the stepping switch 320
During multiplication the track a is used for accumulating the partial