U.S. patent number 3,595,388 [Application Number 04/877,571] was granted by the patent office on 1971-07-27 for random access store for cards, file folders, and the like.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Supreme Equipment & Systems Corporation. Invention is credited to John Castaldi.
United States Patent |
3,595,388 |
Castaldi |
July 27, 1971 |
RANDOM ACCESS STORE FOR CARDS, FILE FOLDERS, AND THE LIKE
Abstract
A random access store for cards, file folders and the like, in
which the folders are stacked face to face. The folders are
optically edge-coated and sensed simultaneously by a plurality of
moving carriages, driven by a single cable, which continuously
compares the sensed code to the command code and ejects the desired
folder. The optical reader senses rectilinearly (along the same
line as the light source) and the coded signal is automatically
negated from mispositioned folders. Folder alignment regardless of
packing density is provided by magnetic clutching in cooperation
with an array of folder guiding slots. Manual entry of the file
folders into the store is random and may take place simultaneously
with the automatic withdrawal. Towards this end, a feed through
access is provided which automatically gates and raises the
magnetic clutches to permit ejection of the desired folder. Further
refinements described include ejected folder collection; automatic
input; a memory adjunct; and remote signalling.
Inventors: |
Castaldi; John (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Supreme Equipment & Systems
Corporation (N/A)
|
Family
ID: |
25370246 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/877,571 |
Filed: |
November 25, 1969 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
680642 |
Nov 6, 1967 |
3519832 |
Jul 7, 1970 |
|
|
430330 |
Feb 4, 1965 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
209/562; 191/12R;
209/583; 209/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K
17/0009 (20130101); G06K 17/00 (20130101); G06K
17/0012 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06K
17/00 (20060101); B07c 003/16 () |
Field of
Search: |
;209/74,111.8,81,80.5,110.5 ;191/12,12C ;340/146.2 ;174/69 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Knowles; Allen N.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a division of my copending application, Ser.
No. 680,642, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,519,832, filed Nov. 6, 1967,/
which in turn is a continuation-in-part of my copending application
Ser. No. 430,330, filed Feb. 4, 1965, and now abandoned.
Claims
I claim:
1. A random access storage system of the type where edge-coded
items are stacked at random in a juxtaposed edge-aligned attitude
in a plurality of racks comprising:
a plurality of assemblies for scanning the code markings on item
edges;
means for traversing each of said assemblies relative the items in
one rack adjacent said coded edges;
a trough disposed below each of said assemblies in a rack and
oriented in the direction of travel thereof;
a cable termination in each of said troughs at one end thereof;
a cable emanating from each of said assemblies and connected to the
cable termination in the associated trough, said cable being
slightly longer than the furthest excursion of said assembly from
said terminal, said cable thereby having a slight belly at said
furthest excursion and lapping itself at any other position of said
scanning assembly.
2. The random access storage system claimed in claim 1 wherein said
cable is in the form of a flat ribbon and wherein each of said
assemblies includes means for orienting said cable with the flat
portion horizontals.
3. A random access storage system of the type where edge-coded
items are stacked at random in a juxtaposed edge-aligned attitude
in a plurality of vertically stacked racks comprising:
a plurality of assemblies each for scanning edge code markings of
items in a rack and producing electric signals representative of
said markings;
means for traversing each of said assemblies relative the items in
one rack;
means for comparing the signals of each of said assemblies with a
code designation representing the desired item;
means for stopping said scanning assemblies upon a coincidence of
being achieved by said comparison means at a location where one of
said scanning assemblies is opposite the desired items;
and means for ejecting the desired item.
4. The random access storage system claimed in claim 3 wherein an
ejection means is disposed on each of said scanning assemblies;
said system further comprising means for initiating the ejection
means on the scanning assembly opposite said desired item.
5. The random access storage system claimed in claim 3 further
comprising
a buffer store for storing a code indication of the desired
item;
means for inserting said code designation in the buffer store;
said comparing means comprising a plurality of comparators, each
coupled to a respective scanning assembly and coupled in common to
said buffer store;
ejection means associated with each of said scanning
assemblies;
and means responsive to a comparator coincidence for energizing the
associated ejection means to eject the desired items.
6. The random access storage system claimed in claim 4 further
comprising:
an annunciator;
and means responsive to a coincidence being achieved by said
comparison means for annunciating a phrase indicative thereof.
7. The random access storage system claimed in claim 6 further
comprising a pair of limit switches disposed at respective ends of
said rack and adapted to be triggered by one of said assemblies
upon traversing to the respective end of the rack;
a logic circuit coupled to said limit switches and responsive to
the travel of said assemblies to both ends of said rack for issuing
a signal therefrom;
and means responsive to said signal for annunciating a phrase
indicative of the fact that the desired item is not in the
rack.
8. In combination with the random access storage system claimed in
claim 3 wherein the item is ejected a predetermined amount from
said rack to jut out therefrom in a horizontally displaced manner,
an ejected item acquisition mechanism comprising:
a sensing standard;
means for traversing said sensing standard longitudinally of said
racks and adjacent thereto;
a plurality of optical read heads mounted in vertical tandem on
said standard each aimed at a respective vertically uniform rack
portion predetermined to be intersected by an ejected file
folder;
reflective tape affixed to said racks at said vertically uniform
portions of said racks;
and means responsive to the output of said read heads for stopping
said standard at a position where the line of sight between one of
said read heads and said reflective tape is interrupted, and means
for acquiring the ejected item.
9. The combination claimed in claim 8 wherein each of said optical
read heads comprises a light source; a phototransducer; and a
semitransparent mirror disposed with respect to said source and
said phototransducer to transmit a portion of the light from said
source to said reflective tape, and return a portion of the
transmitted light from said reflective tape to the
phototransducer.
10. The combination claimed in claim 8 wherein said acquiring means
comprises a carriage vertically movable on said standard;
means also responsive the read head output for indexing said
carriage opposite the ejected item;
and means responsive to the positioning of said carriage opposite
said item for acquiring the ejected folder and removing it from the
rack.
11. The random access storage system claimed in claim 9 further
comprising means responsive to the removal of an item from the rack
for returning said standard to one end of said rack.
12. A random access storage system of the type where edge-coded
items are stacked at random in juxtaposed edge-aligned attitude in
a plurality of vertically stacked racks comprising:
a plurality of assemblies in vertical tandem each for scanning code
markings on vertical item edges in a rack and producing electric
signals representative of said markings;
means for traversing each of said assemblies relative the items in
one rack;
means for comparing the output signals of each of said assemblies
with a code designation representing the desired item;
and means for ejecting the desired item in a directional orthogonal
to said scanned vertical edge toward said scanning assemblies.
13. The random access storage system claimed in claim 12 wherein
said items are inserted in each rack on the side opposite the side
through which they are ejected and wherein said system further
comprises means limiting the movement of an inserted item through
said rack during the insertion thereof; and means responsive to the
initiation of the ejection of the desired item for negativing said
limiting means.
14. In a random access storage system of the type where items
having code designations marked on an edge thereof are stacked in
random in juxtaposed edge-aligned attitudes and scanned by one or
more assemblies which are responsive to the code markings for
issuing electric signals representative thereof, said signals being
compared to a stored code designation of a desired item, and upon
coincidence, effecting the ejection thereof, the improvement
comprising;
a memory;
means responsive to the ejection of a desired item for storing a
designation representative thereof in said memory;
and means responsive to the return of an item to said storage
system for erasing said designation from said memory.
15. The improvement claimed in claim 14 where the designation
stored in said memory is the code designation of said item.
16. The improvement claimed in claim 15 further comprising
means for storing an adjunct code to said code designation, said
adjunct code representing the requester of the desired item.
17. The improvement claimed in claim 16 further comprising;
remote keying means coupled to said memory, for altering the code
adjunct indicating a transfer of said items outside said storage
system.
18. The improvement claimed in claim 17 wherein said keying means
comprises an auxiliary scan assembly for reading the code
designation on the item.
19. The improvement claimed in claim 15 further comprising;
means coupled to said memory for reading out the information stored
therein, thereby indicating an inventory of items removed from said
system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention related generally to data and information
handling systems and more particularly to an apparatus for storing
and retrieving information.
While it is possible to store large masses of information in
conventional computer memories, such as matrices and drums, and
even larger amounts of information on magnetic storage reels, it is
often desirable, if not necessary to resort to the document itself.
Microfilming provides a partial solution but is unsatisfactory
where production of the original is requisite. Examples abound in
today's commerce and include commercial paper of all types,
mortgages, deeds, stock, bonds, notes, proofs of audit, etc.
Additionally, entire files containing 10 or 100 or more pieces of
paper may require review in the form of back-and-forth hunting
which renders computer memorized information impractical.
As a consequence of the foregoing, in recent years there has arisen
a number of treated capable of storing and retrieving information
in its original form. While these arrangements partially obviate
objections to stores of the information-memorizing type, many
endeavors in this direction have created more problems than they
have solved, For example, a majority of the original
document-retrieving systems disposed the informations within
storage racks at addresses memorized by a computer. The computer is
then fed with the information denoting the desired document, and
internally cross indexes to an address to which it directs a remote
searching unit.
Where a large number of documents are involved, this type system is
extremely cumbersome since each file must be returned to its proper
address location. Hence, greater time is spent in returning the
file than in obtaining it.
The documents may be filed at random and the search mechanism
caused to scan each document face for an imprinted code number,
e.g., magnetically or optically, and eject the sought document.
This type of an arrangement requires a complex mechanical feed
system in order to render visible an area on the face of each
document sufficient to store and read the recorded number.
The most recent innovation in the latter type random access system
is mechanisms capable of reading codes which appear upon the edge
of the document or file. Since the codes may be magnetically or
optically recorded, it is possible to scan the file edges at high
speed. While these arrangements are an improvement over those
recited earlier, they are still in their incipient stage and leave
much to be desired in terms of speed, flexibility, alignment
edge-reading capability, document ejection, automation,
synchronization and so on.
While the foregoing discussion has be directed primarily to
original documents and file folders, it will be appreciated that it
applies with like import to almost any material capable of being
stored and acquired automatically. For purposes of simplicity, such
materials shall be generically referred to hereinafter as
"items".
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of this invention to provide an improved random
access storage system capable of identifying and acquiring items
designated by specific code numbers recorded on the edge
thereof.
It is a further object of this invention to satisfy the foregoing
object with a system which is simple and economical to manufacture
and maintain and which is sufficiently flexible in concept to
permit adaptability to various types of stored items.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a sensing
mechanism for the edge coatings which is accurate, reliable, and
which is capable of being sufficiently remote to avoid interference
with the mechanical functioning of the acquisition means.
It is a further object of this invention to increase the access
speed in which the search mechanism finds and acquires the desired
item.
It is still further object of this invention to provide a random
access storage system which may be simply and economically
automated and functionally expanded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the invention is predicated upon the concept of providing
an optical-sensing mechanism capable of rectilinear scanning in
such a manner that the read head always "sees" the coded area
regardless of its distance and its orthogonal alignment within the
stack. Access speed is doubled, quadrupled, etc., by the provision
of a plurality of heads, simultaneously driven by a unique cable
arrangement, searching respective aisles or stacks; the "acquiring"
search head reporting back and being commanded to eject the item.
The items are magnetically clutched to maintain their attitude
regardless of packing density and can therefore be depended upon to
be positioned within predetermined limits. The magnetic mechanism
may be repositioned automatically to permit simultaneous insertion
and withdrawal of items from opposite sides of the stack.
Automation is provided by a return mechanism which acquires on the
basis of read head sight interference by an ejected folder.
Computer-type memories are added which can store the present
posture of items and can be remotely triggered to alter the
memorized data to reflect a change in condition.
The above mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention and the manner of attaining them will become more
apparent and the invention itself will best be understood by
reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the
description of which follows:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of the exterior of a random
access store in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective detail of the file folder, guide slots,
magnetic clutch and scanning assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2a illustrates an alternative arrangement for inserting edge
alignment.
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a single read head.
FIG. 3a shows a practical read head arrangement for achieving the
same functional result as that shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a sectioned read head
assembly according to the invention.
FIG. 5 shows the cable assembly for synchronizing the scan
assemblies.
FIG. 6 illustrates various positions in the umbilical cable linking
a scan assembly to a terminating block in the storage rack.
FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of an acquisition and file
folder return mechanism which may be used in conjunction with the
invention.
FIG. 7a is a block diagram illustrating the electronic control of
the mechanism of FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a second embodiment of the
invention wherein file folders may be acquired and inserted through
opposing sides of the storage rack.
FIG. 8a is a perspective detail of a scanning assembly and rack
portion in FIG. 8.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the electric circuits controlling the
random access store according to the invention, and
FIG. 9a is a block diagram of a portion of the circuit shown in
FIG. 9, modified to provide computerized functions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The general organization of the invention is shown perspectively in
FIG. 1. For purposes of illustration, three vertically stacked
racks 10, 11 and 12 are shown. As will be appreciated from the
description, any number of vertical racks may be simultaneously
treated by the same control panel; further, these racks may be
iterated horizontally.
The racks are separated by spacers 10', 11' and 12' which contain
the scanning assemblies A, B and C(see FIG. 5). The rack ends abut
the proximite and distally located end sections 14 and 16 which
house the scanning assembly drive motors and transmissions (shown
in detail in FIG. 5). The rack ends also include terminating blocks
(such as generally referred to in FIG. 6) for coupling between the
console 20 and the racks, and between stationary rack portions and
the scanning assemblies. The scanning assemblies contain the
scanning or read head assemblies and shuttle between the rack ends
14 and 16 via the opposing spacers (such as 10' and 10", see FIG.
2) which act as guides. The assemblies are driven by a unique cable
drive arrangement (as will be explained) which simultaneously
advances the assemblies in each rack.
FIGS. 6 and 2 illustrate how communication is afforded between a
rack terminal and the uppermost scanning assembly A. In the former
figure, by use of phantom lines, the assembly is shown in three
positions; middle, proximite, and distal. Since the scan assemblies
which house the heads and associated ejection equipment travel the
length of the system as shown, it is important to couple them
electrically (via the rack ends) to the console in such a manner
that the cable is played in and out without tension, regardless of
the position of the scanning assembly.
Such an arrangement is provided as follows. Below each shuttle
assembly is provided a trough 19 in which a ribbonlike
multiconductor cable 21 is laid (as shown in the figures) so as to
double-back on itself when the assembly advances to the cable
termination in the rack end. To insure that a double-back is
initiated and the cable does not kink upon return of the head to
the terminated end, a belly 21' is allowed at the most distant scan
assembly position. Ribbon cable 21, upon exiting from the scanning
head assembly A, is dressed along the L-shaped bracket 62 to a
point above the trough 19 for permitting the double-back cable
lay-in as explained previously.
The described arrangement obviates contact noise normally
associated with commutator-type arrangements. It further obviates
the problem of variable resistance as the head moves from one end
to the other along a transistor, and the necessity of pulleys at
either end to maintain cable tension and position.
Console 20 is the functional hub of the system, and it is here that
the operator sits when controlling the random access store.
Preferably, the console contains the associated electronic
equipment in module plug-in form (e.g. 22) for ease in
maintenance.
The console top includes a keyboard 30 having 10 numeric keys 36
for serial insertion of the code number representing the desired
item. As will be explained hereinafter, the serial input in
converted to binary presentation, to a buffer storage device for
comparison with the optically read signal emanating from the item
scanning assembly.
Aside from the numeric digits, the keyboard also contains an
"on-off" key 31; a tape key 32 (whose function will be explained);
a clear key 33 for negating errors in the number insertion; and a
search key 34 for initiating the search once the desired number has
been properly keyed in.
The console top also contains an annunciator 40 for indicating to
the operator a variety of functions and machine conditions. For
example, one annunciator expression would be "not in file" to
indicate that the search has been completed unsuccessfully.
Alternatively, "folder found" would be annunciated. Other
indications to the operator would be "alignment stop" which, as
will be explained, occurs upon the scanning of a misaligned folder,
stopping the searching mechanism, so that the folder may be
manually aligned to obviate errors. As the system is functionally
expanded, additional annunciated phrases would be added.
The console top may also contain the tape reader 45, commonly
called a TD, for the automatic insertion of several code numbers
representing several desired items. The TD may be any of the known
types with conversion means being supplied to ensure coincidence
with the numeric system being utilized. Magnetic tape, punched
cards, etc. inputs may be used instead of a TD as will be apparent
to those skilled in the art. A detailed explanation of the
functioning of this equipment may be found hereinafter with
reference to FIG. 9.
FIG. 2 illustrates the cooperation between the most significant
parts of the invention. A file folder 49 has been chosen as the
"item." It comprises a plastic frame 41 having mounted therein an
expandable insert 42 for adapting to variably thick records. The
folder's configuration is generally rectangular save for a
depending lip or fin 43 at the bottom of the folder for slidably
engaging one of a series of closely spaced gullies 44 in the
squared corrugated bottom of each rack 35. The squared corrugations
are formed of a hard, low-friction material and appear in edge view
as repetitive square waves.
An elongated magnet 37 is mounted at the rear vertical wall 38 of
each rack to run coextensive therewith. This magnet engaged a
metallic member 46 affixed to the rear side of the folder 49. Upon
insertion of the folder into the rack, the lower fin 43 first
engages one of the gullies in the corrugated rack bottom, the rear
of the folder then becoming secured magnetically to the back of the
rack.
Thus, upon insertion of the full folder into the rack, it will
maintain its initial position regardless of the density of the
folders. That is, notwithstanding that the file folders may not be
contiguous, they will maintain their initial attitude without
falling over. In order to insure that the folder is not inserted in
such a manner as to avoid engagement of the magnetic members, the
fin 43 may be made sufficiently deep (as are the gullies 44) so
that the angular play of the folder top is reduced below that which
would carry the metallic member 46 beyond reach of the magnet 37.
The foregoing arrangement obviates the folders attaining such an
angle from orthogonal that the read heads on the scan assembly are
unalbe to ascertain the information displayed on the folder top
(although this angle has been found to be quite large).
An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 2a where a T-shaped
member 83, 84 is affixed to insert 42 (which may now be deemed the
"item"). The upper horizontal portion of the T, 84, is sufficiently
wide with respect to equispaced rods 81 that the item is caused to
gravitationally depend from the rods. With this arrangement, the
item may be easily slipped in and out of the rack. Magnet 37 and
metal piece 85 can be included to provide a positive backstop, if
desired.
The folder top or crossbar contains the optically coded formation
which describes the items. In the embodiment shown, it has been
chosen to use four groups of binary digits (see dashed lines, FIG.
4), each representing one conventional base 10 digit. Each group of
binary digits is made up of four areas each of which is either
black or white, depending upon its informational content. A white
area (e.g. 47) represents the binary "one" and a black area binary
"zero". Thus, the digital number 5 would be represented by
black-white-black-white. 16 binary areas give a four conventional
digit capability; i.e., the capability to store and search 9,999
file folders. Where this is sufficient, four more binary positions
may be added to multiply the file storing capability by 10.
While straight numeric to binary conversion would permit greater
permutations and hence a greater number of identified file folders
per binary coded bit, the arrangement described has been found more
convenient and more easily interpreted by the personnel
involved.
The actual implantation of the areas may be simply effected by
painting the top black or applying a piece of black tape over the
top area to be scanned by the optical read heads and then applying
a white reflective tape (e.g. 47) at positions where binary "ones"
are to be present. The preferred type of white reflective tape is
one such as "Retroreflective" by 3 M Corporation which contains
millions of nonaligned dispersed reflective surfaces so that
regardless of which direction the incident light falls, reflection
is assured in all direction.
Along with the code on the surface of the folder, there is included
a so-called "read command" bit 48 (FIG. 4). This bit is simply a
thin white area linearly aligned with the folder top and
approximately centrally located between the folder edges. The bit
may be placed anywhere in the binary but is preferably at the end
of the code as shown. It is associated with a particular read head
whose function is to trigger the reading of the entire head
assembly. In other words, rather than depend upon the arbitrary
triggering of the read heads one at a time as they view their
respective area, one head is chosen which is unrelated to the
binary code and which may trigger the entire read head assembly (in
any well-known manner) when the heads are centrally disposed with
respect to the folder.
It will sometimes occur that a folder is not placed sufficiently
far into the rack to engage against the magnetic back stop. When
this happens, one or two situations will occur. Either the folder
will only be slightly removed from its home position so that the
heads will still read correctly, or the folder will be sufficiently
removed from the home position so that bits will be misread. In
order to obviate the latter event, a separate read head is offset a
predetermined distance x from a white indicia area 45 which
precedes the code.
The length x is that length within which the apparatus will still
correctly analyze the folder regardless of slight misalignment. The
width of the white indicia area 45 is that width within which an
error will occur if the reading is taken upon issuance of a read
command signal by the head associated with area 48. As will be
appreciated by those versed in the art, the output from the read
head associated with area 45 may be led to a logical OR circuit of
the exclusive type in conjunction with the read command signal so
that a read command signal is effectively negatived during
misalignment.
When the folder juts out, beyond the area within which the area 45
may be "seen" by the associated read head, the dimensional
relationships are such that the read command signal is also out of
range of its associated head and the folder is treated by the
apparatus as a normally ejected folder; i.e., it is not read. In
other words, within the distance X reading is permitted and within
the distance X plus the width of the bright area 45, no reading
will take place due to a negativing of the read command signal.
It may be noted that no skew-type misalignment is contemplated and
only misalignment in the rectilinear sense is treated. This arises
because the rack height is chosen to be dimensionally insufficient
to permit insertion of the folder in any other manner than with the
folder fin in a gully.
THE SCANNING ASSEMBLY
The scanning assembly, an exemplary one of which is shown in FIG.
2, contains the file ejection mechanism 65, 66 as well as a
plurality of linearly arranged read heads (generally depicted as
68). The latter will be explained in greater detail in a subsequent
portion of this specification. Each scanning assembly rides between
a pair of E cross section guides 10' and 10" (previously referred
to in general terms as spacers), the central horizontal arm of the
E providing bearing surfaces for four pairs of orthogonal guide
rollers, the front two of which (52--55) are shown.
Upon an effective comparison being made between the sought file
folder and that recognized by the reading heads (in a manner to be
described), the lever arm 65 is actuated to eject the file folder.
Since it is the object of the ejection to leave the file folder
jutting out a predetermined distance from the magnetic back stop,
it has been found preferable to use a high-torque, low speed drive.
The reverse, a low-torque, high-speed drive has been found to be
ineffective with heavy folders and overeffective, to the point of
throwing the file folders off the racks, for light files.
The high-torque, low speed combination may be effected by a
motor-lead-screw combination 66 of the conventional type. A motor
speed of approximately 6,000 r.p.m. with a lead screw pitch
suitable to providing a lever advance of 10 inches per second has
been found adequate both as to size and performance. Retrograde of
the lever arm 65 and motor shutoff are effected, for example, by
limit switches 78 and 79 in the well-known manner.
Shuttling of the scanning assembly between the rack ends is
controlled by cables 71, 72, 73 and 74. FIG. 5 traces a cable
arrangement for simultaneously advancing three vertically aligned
scanning assemblies from a single motor drive. Each of the scanning
assemblies is supported in the manner previously described (not
shown in FIG. 5) and are driven in common from a single drive drum
80 which in turn is driven, via the speed-reducing pulley
arrangement 81, by motor 82.
Starting, for example, at the lowermost cable position, the cable
is led around pulleys 91 and 92 disposed in the rear rack end 16 to
points C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 where it is affixed to the lower
scanning assembly C (e.g., by crimping in a lanced assembly portion
as shown). From the points of affixation, a cable is led around
pulley 93 and is then free running through scanning assembly C to
the orthogonally disposed pulley 94. At the front portion of
assembly C, the upper cable is affixed at points C.sub.1 ' and
C.sub.2 ', the lower cable is free running.
The arrangement is similar with respect to the upper scanning
assembly A; the cable again being affixed to the scanning assembly
at diagonally opposite points to drive the scanning assembly in the
same direction.
The relationship of the main driving drum 80 to the cable is
exemplified by the following. The cable affixed to scanning
assembly B at points B.sub.1 ' and b.sub.2 ' is led around pulley
85 under idler-positioning pulley 86 180.degree. about the drum 80,
thence about idler 87, another 180.degree. about drum 80, and
thence via pulleys 88 and 89 free running through scanning assembly
B. The rear end of scanning assembly B is similarly treated with
respect to the driving drum 80 via corresponding rollers (shown
partially). Idler 87 and its counterpart (not shown) at the front
portion of the drum also serve, by varying their axial distance
from the drum also serve, by varying their axial distance from the
drum, as cable tensioning means. The tensioning may be simply
effectuated by a turn screw 77.
The described arrangement allows a single drive drum and cable to
advance and retrograde a plurality of scanning assemblies. The use
of one continuous cable avoids cocking and jamming of the
assemblies in their guides due to unequal cable loads and unequal
cable expansion. The use of the single drive further obviates the
necessity for separate motor control systems which would multiply
by an order of magnitude the auxiliary equipment.
The described arrangement permits the simultaneous and synchronous
advancement of a plurality of scanning assemblies without cocking
and jamming normally associated long runs of driven equipment
having a substantial transverse dimension.
THE SCAN OR READ HEADS
One of the basic components of applicant's invention is the optical
read head system. As previously discussed, the code may be in
either alpha or numeric form with discreet areas, each viewed by a
particular read head. As described, binary notation has been chosen
as preferably with retroreflective tape being applied to those
areas where a binary one is to be indicated.
As indicated generally by the arrow 68 in FIG. 2, the optical read
heads are formed into a linear array of sensing positions. FIG. 3
is a detailed schematic of one such sensing position. A source of
illumination 101 transmits its light through a semitransparent
mirror 102 onto file folder area 103. If this particular area is
coded with the retroreflective tape, light is reflected off the
surface back up to the semitransparent mirror 102 where it is
reflected to transducer 104 which converts the light energy into
electrical energy. It has been found preferable to have the light
source and transducer on orthogonal axes with the semitransparent
mirror being at 45.degree. to each of these axes. The surface to be
analyzed may be along either of these axes.
The described arrangement provides a very significant advantage.
The incident and reflected light beams are substantially along the
same path 105. Consequently, regardless of the distance between the
folder and the sensing device (presuming reflected light is above
the noise threshold of the transducer) sensing may take place.
Further, as will be described, axis 105 need not be perpendicular
to the plane of the reflected area 103. Consequently, the read
heads may be angled to view an area in advance of the scanning
mechanism, thus allowing for great flexibility in the positioning
of the ejection lever, vis-a-vis the scanned file folder.
A similar functional result is achieved by the arrangement in FIG.
3a. A pair of fiber optic bundles 106 and 107 are joined into a
common bundle 108, which presents a common spatial area (the face
of bundle 108) through which transmitted and reflected light pass.
The photocell (or generally "phototransducer") and light source 101
and 104 may be interchangeably directed to the ends of bundles 106
and 107. Preferably the fiber strands of the two bundles should be
interspersed to ensure a greater area of acceptance of reflected
light. As will be described with respect to FIG. 4, a plurality of
fibers 106 and 107 may be "commoned" to a single light source. The
arrangement of FIG. 3a has the advantage that the angle of joining
of bundles 106 and 107 is not critical.
FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a preferred scan head array
for use in the invention. Rather than employing individual light
sources, a single light source 111 is directed onto the planar face
112 of a fiber optic bundle 110. Each of the fiber optic strands is
led through a force fitting sleeve 113 into a linear channel 114 in
block 116. A rectangular semitransparent mirror 117, the
half-silvered side of which is directed toward the file folder, is
disposed at 45.degree. within a channel cut for that purpose in
block 116. A portion of the light from the optic fiber strikes the
surface of the mirror 117 and is reflected through channel 118 and
focusing lens 119 onto the surface of the file folder. Light
reflected from the surface passes through lens 119, channel 118 (a
portion of which 118' is on the other side of the semitransparent
mirror 117) and onto the transducing photocell 120; where a signal
representing the energy transmitted from the top of the file folder
appears as electric energy on leads 121.
Block 116 which is preferably cut from a black body or is later
painted black includes a number of pairs of channels 118 and
orthogonal channels 113 equal to the number of areas to be
evaluated. The output of photocells 121 is led through conventional
threshold limiting and amplifying circuits (not shown) to a
comparator as will be explained.
The described arrangement permits the introduction of a great
number of read heads within a very small area while the single
source concept obviates the possibility of individual sources
burning out and producing wrong indications when white areas are
reported back as black.
OPERATION
The typical operation for the random access store according to the
invention will now be described with reference to the circuit block
diagram of FIG. 9 in conjunction with those figures previously
discussed. In order to aid the reader, that figure which best
depicts the component under consideration will be added in
parentheses.
In order to extract the desired file folder from among the
vertically aligned racks, keyboard 30 is actuated by serially
depressing keys 36; each of which is assigned to a numeral from 0
through 9. Each numeral impression is forwarded to a decimal to
binary converter 130 where the series decimal presentation is
converted into a parallel binary form.
Circuit 130 could be any of the well-known types of
decimal-to-binary converters, and thus will not be discussed at
length. The subsequent depression of "Search" key 35 is
simultaneously triggers drive motor control circuit 131 and causes
the converted code to be entered in a buffer store 133. It is the
function of the buffer store to permit a comparison between the
codes being ascertained by the read head assemblies and the entered
code designating the desired folder. Accordingly, the buffer store
may, for example, comprise a simple matrix of ferrit cores to be
interrogated by the comparators in a conventional manner.
If the number being inserted has been incorrectly entered, the
operator may press a "clear" key 34 which will erase the buffer
store and permit the reintroduction of the correct number.
As mentioned, key 35 also initiates the drive motor control circuit
131 thereby driving each of the scanning assemblies A, B, and C as
shown in FIG. 5. Each of the read head assemblies A', B' and C' is
triggered in the manner previously described by the read command
signal available at photocell 122 from each file folder (FIG. 4)
and transmits a signal to the respective comparators A, B and C.
This signal is a parallel binary presentation of the complete code
designating that file folder.
When a comparison is effected by one of the comparators, the signal
is employed via OR gates 136 and 137 to signal the drive motor
control circuit 131, and simultaneously set a relay corresponding
to the comparator in the ejection control circuit 140.
Since each of the scanning assemblies A, B and C includes
considerable inertia, it is impractical for the drive motor and
drive motor control circuit to be designed in such a manner as to
instantaneously stop the scan. Rather, the comparator's signal is
employed to reverse the voltage of DC drive motor 141. Depending
upon inertia considerations, this may be sufficient to permit the
scanning assemblies (which have not speeded up greatly) to be
stopped instantaneously by cutting off the drive motor voltage when
a second comparison is effected in the reverse direction.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if the inertia
of the scanning assemblies is too great and more damping must
necessarily be introduced, then a reverse voltage may be applied
only instantaneously followed by a lower voltage, thereby
permitting the scanning assemblies to return to the overshot file
folder at decreased speed. Alternatively, the scanning assembly may
be permitted to overshoot the file folder again in the reverse
direction, again reversing the voltage, and finally stopping at the
desired file folder through a series of decreasing oscillations.
Another arrangement would provide a second read head assembly on
each scanning assembly. In this case, the first read head assembly
to reach the desired folder would cause a decrease in speed
allowing the scanning assembly to be stopped without direction
reversal.
These and other methods will be apparent to those skilled in the
art; since the instant invention is not dependent upon the precise
manner in which the scanning assembly is stopped at the desired
folder, and since precise control of DC motors is a well-known art,
these arrangements will not be discussed at greater length.
Presuming now that the scanning assembly has stopped at the desired
file folder, the drive motor is now quiescent. This condition will
be indicated to the ejection control circuit by the drive motor
control circuit 131. Since a relay corresponding to the particular
read head has already been set, the corresponding ejection
mechanism in scan assembly A, B or C may be actuated and via the
motor lead screw arrangement shown in FIG. 2, the lever arm 65
progressed to project the file folder from the rack. The initiation
of the ejection control circuit simultaneously triggers the
annunciator to indicate "folder found" and erases the buffer store;
thus permitting the operator to inject the next code designation
into the equipment. A runner may now proceed down the aisle to pick
up this folder.
If, in the manner described with reference to FIG. 4, one of the
folders is out of alignment, jutting out a predetermined distance
from the rack, this will be discerned by the read head assembly in
the manner described and the alignment stop circuit 142 triggered
through OR gate 143. The alignment stop circuit in turn will cause
the annunciation of the "alignment stop" phrase. The scanning
assemblies meanwhile will come to a halt under the influence of the
drive motor control circuit 131 signalled via OR gate 137 as
previously explained. While the alignment stop circuit may take the
form of a simple mechanical relay, a contactless transistor
switching circuit would be preferred.
Limit switches 132 and 134 shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 are disposed at
each end of the rack for engagement by one of the scan assemblies.
The purpose of the limit switches is to reverse the direction of
the scan assemblies when an excursion extreme has been reached. The
limit switches are coupled to the drive motor control circuit 131
through OR gate 144 to effect this result.
A logic circuit 147 is coupled both to the keyboard search button
35 and limit switches 132 and 134. When the scan has been initiated
and thereafter the scan assemblies traverse both limit switches
seriatum, this circuit will initiate the annunciated phrase "not in
file". Logic circuit 147 may be of a simple AND/OR boolean type
whose logic is reinitiated each time search key 35 is depressed.
The output of logic circuit 147 is also employed to erase buffer
store 133 in a similar manner to that which would follow the
energization of the ejection control circuit 140.
AUTOMATIC INPUT
Where a great number of file folders are being requested, it is
often desirable to have the code numbers introduced automatically.
To this end, a punched tape reader 45 (commonly called a TD) is
provided at the console 20.
Upon the insertion of the tape into the TD, a tape read input 32 on
keyboard 30 is depressed initiating tape feed (via OR gate 150) and
the transmission of signals to a second input on converter 130
which is activated via button 32. This second input is adapted to
react to a different code (generally M out of N), but provides a
similar binary presentation to the buffer store 133.
Upon the occurrence of either the "folder found" or "not in file"
signals, TD 45 again advances the tape by virtue of the signal
appearing on OR gate 150. At the head of each code designation,
there is provided an arbitrary code to initiate the search. This
code is recognized by a decoder 149 which initiates the scanning
circuitry similarly to the keyboard search key 35. The TD is
programmed to stop at the end of each code designation and at the
end of the tape (generally by providing informationless
spaces).
When the folders have been collected and utilized in the manner
desired, they may be replaced anywhere in the system where an open
space exists. This is one of the most significant advantages of the
random access system which reduces to an absolute minimum the time
necessary to return a folder. With conventional file drawers, it
must be remembered that the time it takes to return a folder is
generally the same as that to find it in the first instance.
AUTOMATIC COLLECTION OF EJECTED FOLDERS
FIGS. 7 and 7a illustrate a modification of the invention for
automating the collection of the ejected file folders. The system
is predicated upon the unique ability of the read head to view
rectilinearly.
In front of each vertical array of racks, there is provided a
standard 161 which is advanced between a pair of horizontal guide
rails (only the upper one of which 162 is shown) via cable 164.
Standard 161 bears three individual read heads D, E and F angled
downwardly at an acute angle to horizontal. Each of the read heads
is directed to a strip of retroflective tape (respectively D', E'
and F' ) running the length of the rack.
When the collecting mechanism has been energized, and the manner in
which this is accomplished and the attendant control arrangements
will be discussed presently, standard 164 advances along the rack
each of the heads D, E and F viewing their respective tapes.
An ejected file folder, for example folder 165, will intercept the
line of sight between the read head and the reflective tape. The
reduction of photocell output below threshold is employed via an
inverter circuit to produce a signal, causing the acquiring
mechanism 167 to index over to that read head. Upon reaching its
position, arm 168, having at its end a magnet 169, advances towards
the top of the folder until it engages metallic piece 170; affixed
to each folder for the purpose of automatic collection. At this
point which is coincident with the end of its travel, arm 168
automatically reverses drawing the folder out of the rack and onto
the lower guide rail 171. When arm 168 has been fully retracted,
file folder 165 has cleared the rack and standard 161 may be
advanced to either end of the storage area where the file folder is
removed.
FIG. 7a shows a circuit block diagram for effecting the foregoing
result. The "folder found" signal, which triggers the console
annunciator, may be employed to initiate the horizontal drive
control 180 which in turn causes motor 182 to advance standard 161
via cable 164. Limit switches 184 (not shown in the perspective of
FIG. 7) cause an automatic reversal of the drive when the
folder-acquiring standard reaches either end. Upon an ejected
folder being ascertained by one of the read heads, the horizontal
drive control is signalled through OR gate 186 to stop the scan.
This may of course be in the same oscillatory or damped manner as
described in conjunction with the stopping of the scanning
assemblies. As soon as one of the read heads has recognized the
ejected folder and before horizontal motion has stopped, vertical
indexing of the acquisition mechanism begins under control of the
vertical indexing circuit 188. This circuit is preprogrammed in any
well-known manner to one of three vertical positions. When it
assumes any one of these positions, it automatically triggers the
acquisition circuit 190 which in turn initiates the movement of the
acquisition arm 168.
Since solenoids, servo mechanisms, rachet and lead screw
arrangements are all well known in the art, and each provides
satisfactory results for driving the acquisition mechanism 167
vertically and acquiring arm 168 horizontally (depending upon the
weight of the file folder, advancing speed, etc.) they will not be
discussed further. Suffice it to say that limit and reversing
switches are appropriately placed with respect to such mechanisms
to achieve the desired functional result.
After the acquisition has been accomplished and the acquiring arm
168 has traversed both directions, acquisition circuit 190 triggers
the horizontal drive control 180 to return the acquisition standard
167 in the desired direction to the point of collection or home
position generally at one end of the rack. Unlike the scan
assemblies where the initial direction of advance is left to
chance, here the initial advance is always the same and the last or
first motor control command must be to reverse direction.
SIMULTANEOUS EJECTION AND FOLDER RETURN
Where the system described with respect to FIG. 7 is being used, it
is hazardous to return file folders to the rack while the equipment
is being used since slight miscalculation would certainly produce
injury from the high speed standard.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and 8a obviates the foregoing
problem and adds the significant advantage of simultaneous
collection and return of folders from and to the system. In this
embodiment, the code designations, rather than being written on the
tops of the folders, are written on the sides where they can be
viewed by scanning assemblies traversing in a direction similar to
that described previously but orthogonally disposed in attitude.
This permits the elimination of the scanning assemblies between the
racks and increases the vertical rack area. As a practical matter,
approximately 25 percent saving is effected. The arrangement shown
in FIG. 8 both conceptually and electrically works similarly to
that described in connection with FIG. 9. Instead of three read
head assemblies advancing simultaneously to read the folder tops
(although the embodiment of FIG. 1 may be easily modified to any
number of racks) six read head assemblies simultaneously scan the
folder sides. Alignment problems are virtually eliminated with this
arrangement since a horizontal displacement of a file folder is
ineffective to promote erroneous readings. Thus, the alignment stop
mechanism shown in FIG. 9 is not a necessary feature of this
embodiment.
The file folders are inserted into the racks on the sides opposite
to the traversing scan column 201 (the horizontal dimension of
which has been exaggerated to permit the viewing of both racks
simultaneously in the perspective). The folder is inserted with its
coded area forward until it strikes magnetic bar 203, which is
engaged by a metallic piece 204 affixed to the folder.
Magnetic bar 203 rather than being continuous as was the previous
case is segmented coextensive with each of the rack sections 205,
206, 207, etc. Each magnetic bar rides slots in a pair of
nonmagnetic (for example, aluminum) guides 208 and 209 juxtaposed
to similarly embrace the bar. When the scanning column had stopped
opposite the designated file folder, the read heads, motor control
circuit, etc. operate similarly to that previously described and
ejection arm 210, including a magnetic end piece 211, advances
toward the designated file folder directed at the metallic portion
thereof. Arm 210 is controlled similarly to lever arm 65 by the
ejection control circuit 140. When arm 210 has progressed
sufficiently to intercept a light beam communicating between source
212 and photocell 213, a conventional inverter type circuit is
actuated to energize solenoid 215, which retracts, pricking up bar
203. Arm 210 continues its course, engaging the magnetic stop 204
on the file folder and thereupon reverses, under control of the
ejection control circuit, withdrawing the file folder from the
rack.
Full seating of ejection arm 210 in its extreme retrograde position
has resulted in the file folder being wiped off magnet 211 by the
stop 216 mounted on each read head assembly.
Similar circuit functions and commands thereupon issue to initiate
the next search. The withdrawal of arm 210 reestablishes the
communication between the light source and photocell and
deenergizes solenoid 215 permitting magnetic bar 203 to drop. Since
the ejected file folder is now in the path, the bar will remain up
until the folder is removed by a person collecting the folders.
Since an up position of the bar 203 would allow a folder inserted
from the other side to pass completely through the rack or at the
least assume an improper position horizontally, switch 218 is
positioned to be closed upon the picking up of the bar. This switch
is connected to a light on the reverse side of the rack to indicate
to one replacing file folders to do so in another rack portion.
Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 8 permits not only a greater
efficiency in the manual insertion and removal of file folders, but
it also permits a greater savings of space. At this juncture, it
must be remembered that the scanning standard 201 may have an
extremely small horizontal dimension equivalent to that in FIG.
7.
It is also possible to combine the ejection mechanism of FIG. 8 to
a withdrawal and collection mechanism similar to that shown in FIG.
7. To this end, it is possible to cause the scanning heads to
withdraw the file folders, not only the ejection distance, but
fully off the rack thereafter pivoting 180.degree. by means not
shown ans storing the file folders within column 201 (which will
this time take a more boxlike form).
THE MEMORY ADJUNCT
This system may be functionally expanded simply and economically by
means of a memory adjunct. The purpose of such an adjunct may be
many fold. First, it may contain a recapitulation of those files
withdrawn from the system allowing a higher speed search to be
initiated through the memory than can be physically accomplished by
traversing the file folders. Thus, in a matter of a fraction of a
second the memory could trigger the annunciation of "not in fole".
Second, the memory may serve the purpose of locating removed files
by storing a code representative of the person who last requested
the file folder. These and other functions will become apparent as
the system is explained with respect to FIG. 9a.
FIG. 9a may be considered as a substituted block diagram for those
blocks shown within the dotted lines in FIG. 9. When desiring to
initiate a search for a particular file folder, the console
operator keys in numerals designating the file folder, and also a
code denoting the identity of the requester. This latter
information may be provided by an auxiliary set of keys (not shown)
or by serial keying in of a requester code. Upon initiating the
search key in the manner previously described, the information is
transmitted to converter 151 which presents the information in a
manner acceptable to memory 152. Memory 152 is, for example, a
multihead, multitrack magnetic drum. The converted signal from
keyboard 30' is temporarily stored in a buffer portion 152' of the
drum (one track) in order to interrogate the memory with the code
designation of the file folder. If the memory has no such number
stored after a high-speed scan, it signals the keyboard 30' to
initiate the search. This may be simply accomplished by triggering
the keyboard search key.
When the file folder has been found, and ejected via eject control
circuit 140, buffer store 133 will be erased in the usual manner
under the control of the signal from the eject control 140. This
signal may be simultaneously employed to enter the content of
buffer store 152' associated with member 152, into the memory
thereby storing the designation of the file folder and the
requester.
Assuming now the same folder is requested, subsequently the
interrogation of memory 152 will initiate a recognition of this
file folder as one which had been removed. Memory 152 will
thereupon issue a "display" signal which will simultaneously
trigger the annunciation of "not in file" as well as an auxiliary
annunciation of the person who has requested the file and now has
it in his possession. This may be in either code form which may be
referred to in a cross index or the annunciation may take place by
means of a converter, (not shown), to annunciate the person's
name.
Upon return of the file to the storage rack, it is first placed on
read platform 153 which contains an individual scan assembly. The
placing of this file on the platform causes a scan initiator to
traverse the read assembly over the file folder. The scan initiator
may take the form of a photocell arrangement whose light is
intercepted by a file folder thereby causing a read head assembly
to traverse once over the file folder. Needless to say, a plurality
of file folders may be simultaneously returned. Where the return is
to be generally of single file folders, the read head assembly need
not move. Rather, the file folder may be inserted between guides;
automatically triggering a static read. The signals emanating from
the read head assembly are transmitted to a second buffer 152"
within memory 152. Memory 152 is automatically searched for the
file folder code designation and erased to obviate the "not in
file" annunciation.
Remote read platforms 154, 155, etc. may be placed at arbitrary
locations. These read platforms are intended to modify memory 152
when a file folder is passed between persons without being returned
to the rack. In such a case, the folder is placed upon the remote
read platform and the number of the new file folder possessor keyed
in on the associated key 154', 155', etc. This information is
passed to buffer 152" of memory 152; the memory being interrogated
for an identical code designation and the code number of the new
possessor of the file folder substituted.
The foregoing arrangement is particularly suitable to automatic
inventory control. For this purpose, memory 152 may be provided
with an inventory read out 157 which provides a complete print out
of those file folders which are removed from the system as well as
the names of the persons who possess the folders. The print out
would be initiated and take place in a similar manner to
conventional print outs from memories.
While the principles of the invention have been described in
connection with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood
that this description is made only by way of example and not as a
limitation to the scope of the invention as set forth in the
objects thereof and in the accompanying claims.
* * * * *