Numerical registering device
Apr. 1, 1975 United States Patent [191 Alexander et al.  
 3,234,546 2/1966 Ellner et al. 235/1 C 3,821,521  
 [ NUMERICAL REGISTERING DEVICE Inventors: Donald R. Alexander, RR BOX 6/1974 235/119 291, Conway, Ark. 72032; Carl W. Johnson, Neenah, Wis.  
 Primary ExaminerStephen J. Tomsky Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James E. Nilles [73] Assignee: said Alexander, by Johnson Apr. 17, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT Concentric decimal rings are rotated step by step by successive pivotal advance strokes of an oscillating indexing arm. The arm is selectively coupled to the rings by means of a control system which is adjustable ei- [22] Filed:  
 Appl. No.: 461,645  
 [52] U.S. 235/1 C, 235/91 R, 235/133 R [51] Int. Cl. 606 1/00, 60 15/26 ther to an automatic operating condition or to any one [58] Field of Search............  
  235 133 A, 133 R 115 of several alternative operating conditions. Adjust- 235/119, 1 C, 1 R, 23, 91 R, 92 C, 92 H, 93,  
 ment of the control system to its automatic operating 103 condition provides for step by step rotation of the rings in predetermined order, and adjustments of the Refe e Cit d control system to the alternative operating conditions UNITED STATES PATENTS provide for automatic step by step rotation of any selected decimal ring independently of the others.  
 235/133 A 235/133 A 12 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures 2,302,001 Bryce....,............ 2,786,631 3/1957 Hewitt et al.  
 2 31mm APR 1 i875 SHEET EEUF H msmzn 11% 3,874,585  
 SHEET &#39;2 3 3F 1 1 FIG. 3  
  ATENIEB APR 1 I975 SHEET CSUF 11 I 9ATENTEBAFR 1191s SHEET FIG. 8  
  MENHEIW 3874.585  
 SHEET 07 0F 1 1 FIG. 9  
  ATENTED APR 1 I975 SHEET CSGF 11 NP 0E ATENTED 3.874.585 SHEET DSDF 11 FIG. 13  
 @5 AUTO MAN I @533 P81 P83 P84 PBS M 0 d d d NUMERICAL REGISTERING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to numerical registering devices of the type wherein multi digit numbers are formed in progressive order by means of relatively rotatable decimal ringsv More specifically, the invention is concerned with a registering device of the mentioned character which incorporates the well known operating principle of rotating the first decimal ring through a full turn before rotating the next decimal ring one step, and of rotating each of the following decimal rings one step upon completion ofa full turn of the preceding decimal ring.  
  In order to provide for such successive rotation of the decimal rings, indexing mechanisms have heretofore been used incorporating an oscillating indexing arm which is pivoted on the common axis of the decimal rings, and a series of selectively engageable and disengageable motion transmitting devices between the indexing arm and the decimal rings. In an indexing mechanism of this type as heretofore developed, coupling pawls have been mounted on the indexing arm and provisions have been made to interconnect the coupling pawls with each other so that the first decimal ring will be advanced step by step by its associated coupling pawl upon successive forward swinging movements of the indexing arm. and so that the following decimal rings will each be rotated one step by their associated pawls upon completion of a full turn of the preceding decimal ring.  
  If the decimal rings are advanced in the above mentioned manner by interconnected coupling pawls on the indexing arm the operating sequence of the registering device is fixed, that is, the multi-digit numbers are automatically formed in progressive order upon continued back and forth swinging movement of the indexing arm. Such fixed operating sequence, however, will render the registering device somewhat impractical for certain uses, as for instance in embossing presses, where the registering device should be resettable to any desired multidigit number after it has been run up to some other number in the regular manner by continued back and forth swinging movement of the indexing arm. Resetting of the fixed sequence registering device from any previously formed number could then only be accomplished manually and such manual resetting would obviously be unsatisfactory for practical reasons.  
 SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Generally, the present invention provides an improved numerical registering device of the type having concentric decimal rings and a back and forth swingable indexing arm.  
  More specifically, the present invention provides a registering device of the mentioned character which willbe operable automatically to form multi digit numbers step by step in consecutive order, and which will also be operable automatically to advance any selected one of the decimal rings step by step independently of the others.  
  In order to provide such an alternately operable registering device the invention contemplates to establish and interrupt individual driving connections between the indexing arm and the decimal rings by means of separate clutch units on the indexing arm, one clutch unit for each decimal ring, and to control the clutch units electrically so that their back and forth movement in unison with the indexing arm will either turn the rings step by step in predetermined order, or will turn any selected ring step by step independently of the others.  
  The invention further contemplates the provision of electrically controlled lock units which will positively secure all the rings in indexed positions during the return strokes of the indexing arm, and which will automatically release any ring which has been coupled to the indexing arm by its associated clutch unit.  
  The invention further provides a driving mechanism for the indexing arm, which will steadily accelerate and decelerate the indexing arm during its pivotal advance and return strokes, and which will provide a suitable time interval at the end of each stroke during which the clutch units may be actuated as needed to establish and interrupt the driving connections between the indexing arm and the decimal rings and to lock and unlock the rings from their indexed positions.  
  The invention further provides an improved numerical registering device of the hereinbefore outlined character which may be operated with utmost precision at relatively high speeds such as more than cycles per minute.  
 THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent as this disclosure proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein FIG. 1 is a top view of a numerical registering device embodying the invention;  
  FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. I but showing the device in a different condition of adjustment;  
  FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view partly in section on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;  
  FIG. 4 is a top view similar to FIG. I, but with parts omitted to expose structure hidden in FIG. 1;  
  FIG. 5 is an elevational view partly in section on line 5-5 of FIG. 2;  
 FIG. 6 is a section on line 6-6 of FIG. 5;  
  FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view, partly in section, on line 7-7 of FIG. 4;  
  FIG. 8 is a view, partly in section, on line 8-8 of FIG. 7;  
 FIG. 9 is an elevational view on line 9-9 of FIG. 4;  
 FIG. 10 is a top view of FIG. 9;  
  FIG. 11 is an elevational view, partly in section, on line ll-1l of FIG. 9;  
  FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of a pneumatic circuit and associated parts for the registering device shown in FIGS. l-ll;  
  FIGS. 13 and 14 are operating diagrams corresponding, respectively to FIGS. 1 and 2; and  
  FIG. 15 is a diagram of an electrical control circuit and associated parts for the registering device shown in FIGS. 1-11.  
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The principal structural components of the registering device shown in FIG. 1 are a stationary main frame 1, a shiftable subframe 2, a concentric radial assembly of four decimal rings W, X, Y, and Z, an indexing arm 3, and a drive mechanism for the indexing arm generally designated by the reference character 4.  
  A rack and pinion drive is operable by a hand wheel 6 to shift the subframe assembly back and forth within the main frame. Suchadjustment of the subframe is provided for purposes of adapting the registering device to environmental structure, not shown, and has no effect upon its operation.  
  In FIG. 4, the subframe 2 is shown without the decimal rings to expose an anvil 7 and two radial support rails 8 and 9 which are secured in fixed positions on the subframe 2 and on which the concentric decimal rings W, X, Y, Z are supported in rotatable relation to each other. Each of the decimal rings has a circular groove 99 (FIG. at its under side, and these grooves are engaged by guide rollers 11 on the anvil 7, and by corresponding guide rollers 12 and 13 on the support rails 8 and 9, respectively, to keep the rings centered on a common axis. Radial holddown rollers 14 and 16 are suitably mounted on the subframe 2 in contact with the upper sides of the decimal rings to prevent upward separation of the rings W, X, Y, Z from the guide rollers 11, 12 and 13.  
  The indexing arm 3 (FIG. 5) has a hub sleeve 17 and a bracket end 18 extending radially outward from the sleeve 17 below the decimal rings W, X, Y, Z. Conical roller bearings 19 and 21 mount the arm 3 on the king pin 22 which is flanged to the subframe by cap screws 23 and extends axially of the rings W, X, Y, Z on the common axis of the latter.  
  The drive mechanism 4 for oscillating the indexing arm 3 about the axis of the king pin 22 is best shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 12. It comprises an electric motor 24, a speed reduction unit 26 connected to the motor 24 and having a rotary output shaft 27; a counter shaft 28 mounted on the subframe 2 in bearings 29 and 31 (FIG. 3) for rotation on an axis extending parallel to and spaced radially from the axis of the kingpin 22. A pulley 32 (FIG. 12) on the output shaft 27 of the speed reduction unit 26 is connected by a belt 33 with a sheave 34 which is keyed to the counter shaft 28. The transmission ratio between the motor 24 and the counter shaft 28 is so proportioned that the counter shaft 28 rotates in the direction of arrow 36 at a speed which is substantially lower than the armature speed of electric motor 24, a suitable speed for the counter shaft 28 being, for instance, 80 RPM. A disc 37 (FIG. 3) is keyed to the shaft 28 for rotation therewith in a plane somewhat below the bracket end 18 of the indexing arm 3. The disc 37 (FIG. 4) mounts an eccentric pin 38, and a connecting rod 39 is pivotally connected at one end to the eccentric pin 38, and at its other end to a wrist pin 41 on the indexing arm 3.  
  The radial spacing of the eccentric pin 38 from the axis of the counter shaft 28, and the radial spacing of the wrist pin 41 from the axis of the king pin 22 are so proportioned that a 360 turn of the disc 37 swings the indexing arm 3 in forward and rearward directions about its pivot axis on the king pin 22 through angular range of 36.  
  FIGS. 1, 4, 12 and 13 show one of the dead center positions of the connecting rod 39 which places the indexing arm 3 at one end of its 36 degree swinging range, and FIGS. 2 and 14 show the other dead center position of the connecting rod 39 which places the indexing arm 3 at the other end of its 36 swinging range.  
  A forward stroke of the indexing arm 3 from the FIG. 1 position to the FIG. 2 position will take place upon a 180 clockwise turn of the disc 37 from its FIG. l3  
 position to its FIG. 14 position; and a further 180 clockwise turn of the disc will subject the indexing arm 3 to a return stroke from its FIG. 2 position to its FIG. 1 position. The electric motor 24 drives the disc 37 at constant angular velocity, and during the first 180 clockwise turn of the disc 37 the indexing arm will be gradulaly accelerated from standstill to maximum angular velocity, and it will then be gradually decelerated to momentary standstill at the end of the forward stroke. During the next 180 clockwise turn of the disc 37 the indexing arm will again be gradually accelerated from standstill at the beginning of the return stroke to maximum angular velocity and during the second half of the return stroke it will again be declerated to standstill at the end of the return stroke.  
  In FIG. 13, the dash dotted line 42 designates the radial position to which the indexing arm 3 is swung by a clockwise turn of the eccentric pin 38, and the dash-dotted line 43 designates the radial position to which the indexing arm is swung by a clockwise turn of the eccentric pin 38. A short time interval is therefore provided during which the indexing arm remains almost at standstill at the end of its forward stroke while the counter shaft 28 continues to rotate at constant angular velocity. The same explanations apply to FIG. 14 where the dash dotted line 44 designates the radial position to which the indexing arm is swung by a 165 clockwise turn of the eccentric pin 38, and the dash dotted line 46 designates the radial position to which the indexing arm is swung by a 180 turn of the eccentric pin 38. Another short time interval is therefore provided during which the indexing arm remains almost at standstill at the end of its return stroke while the counter shaft 28 continues to rotate at constant angular velocity.  
  As will presently be explained in detail, driving connections between the indexing arm and the decimal rings, and locking connections between the decimal rings and the subframe are automatically established and interrupted during the short time intervals at which the indexing arm remains almost at standstill while the counter shaft continues to rotate at constant angular velocity, If, as mentioned previously, the counter shaft rotates at and 80 RPM, only microseconds will of course be available for the establishment and interruption of the mentioned driving annd locking connections.  
  As shown in FIG. 5, a bank of four clutch units W-l, X-l, Y-l and Z-l are mounted on the bracket end 18 of the indexing arm below the decimal rings W, X, Y, Z, respectively. The clutch unit X-l provides an engageable and disengageable driving connection between the indexing arm 3 and the decimal ring X by means of a reciprocable clutch pin 47 (FIG. 6) which is connected to the piston rod 48 of a pneumatic cylinder 49. Cap screws 51 secure the cylinder 49 to the under side of the end bracket 18, and hose lines 52 and 53 lead into the cylinder above and below the piston 54 therein. A guide bushing 56 (FIG. 6) for the clutch pin 47 is secured axially within the end bracket 18, and the upper end of the clutch pin 47 is tapered for axial entry into anyone of a circular series of ten equally spaced holes 57 in the decimal ring X.  
  The foregoing explanations of the clutch unit X-l analogously apply to the clutch units W-l, Y-l and Z-l. which comprise clutch pins 58, 59, 60, respectively (FIG. 4) and are operable by associated pneumatic cylinders each having a pair of hose lines 52 and 53. The decimal ring W has a circular series of ten equally spaced clutch pin receiving holes 61; the decimal ring Y has a circular series of ten equally spaced clutch pin receiving holes 62; and the decimal ring Z has a circular series of ten equally spaced clutch pin receiving holes 63, all of these clutch pin receiving holes being each lined with a bushing 64 as Shown in FIG. 5.  
  During each return stroke of the indexing arm from its FIG. 2 position to the position which is indicated in FIG. 14 by the dash-dotted line 44, all of the clutch units W-l, X-l, Y-l and 2-1 are kept in disengaged condition by air pressure admitted to their respective pneumatic cylinders through the upper hose lines 52 (FIG. 6), as will be explained more fully hereinbelow. At the same time all the decimal rings are secured against rotation from their indexed positions by means of four lock units W-2, X-2, Y-2, and Z2 (FIG. 7) which are mounted on the subframe 2 in the space between the anvil block 7 (FIG. 4) and the ring support rail 9.  
  The lock units W2, X-2, Y-2 and Z2 are substantially duplicates of the clutch units W-l, X-l, Y-l and Zl. The lock unit W-2 provides an engageable and disengageable locking connection between the subframe 2 and the decimal ring W, and the lock units X-2, Y-2 and Z2 similarly provide engageable and disengageable locking connections between the subframe 2 and the decimal rings X, Y and Z, respectively. The lock unit W-2 comprises a reciprocable locking bol 58 (FIG. 8) which is connected to the piston rod 67 of a pneumatic cylinder 68. Cap screws 69 secure the cylinder 68 to a mounting block 71 which in turn is secured by cap screws 72 to a platform 73 of the subframe 2. Hose lines 52&#39; and 53&#39; lead into the cylinder 68 above and below a piston 76 therein. A guide bushing 77 (FIG. 8) for the lock bolt 58&#39; is secured in the mounting block 71 and the upper end of the lock bolt 58&#39; is tapered for axial entry into any one of the holes 61 of the decimal ring W.  
  The foreging explanations of the lock unit W-2 similarly apply to each of the lock units X-2, Y-2 and Z2. A lock bolt 47&#39; (FIG. 7) of the lock unit X-2 is shiftable axially into and out of any of the clutch pin receiving holes 57 of the decimal ring X; a lock bolt 59 is shiftable axially into and out of any of the clutch pin receiving holes 62 of the decimal ring Y; and a lock bolt 60&#39; is shiftable axially into and out of any of the clutch pin receiving holes 63 of the decimal ring Z.  
  The mounting block 71 (FIG. 4) for the lock units W-2, X-2, Y-2 and Z2 is secured on the subframe in such a position that the lock bolts 58, 47&#39;, 59&#39; and 60 will register with overlying clutch pin receiving holes of the decimal rings W, X, Y, Z, respectively, whenever the indexing arm is in position at the end of a forward stroke (FIGS. 2 and 14).  
  FIG. 12 is a simplified diagrammatic showing of a pneumatic control system for the clutch units W-l, X-l, Y-l, Zl and for the lock units W-2, X-2, Y-2 and Z2. The indexing arm 3 is shown in FIG. 12 as in FIG. 13, in the starting position for a forward stroke; the clutch pins on the indexing arm are in retracted positions except the clutch pin 58 of the W-l unit which is in its projected ring W engaging position; and the lock bolts on the subframe are in their projected ring locking positions except the lock bolt 58 which is in its retracted ring W unlocking position. A bank of four solenoid valves W-3, X-3, Y-3 and 2-3 are mounted in fixed positions on the subframe, each valve having two solenoid coils which may be alternately energized by an electrical control circuit as shown in FIG. 15 and which will be discussed more fully hereinbelow.  
  The solenoid valve W-3 has an air inlet port, an air outlet, and a shiftable valve body, not shown, which in one position, when the solenoid coil SlA is energized, connects the inlet and outlet ports with conduit lines 81 and 82, respectively; and which in another position, when the solenoid coil 51B is energized, connects the inlet and outlet ports with the conduit lines 82 and 81, respectively. The same explanations apply to the solenoid valves X-3, Y-3 and Z3. The inlet ports of the valves W-3, X-3, Y3 and 2-3 are connected by a manifold 83 with a source of air pressure 84.  
  The conduit line 81 of the valve W-3 branches into the hose lines 52 and 53 of the clutch and lock units W-l and W2, respectively, and the conduit line 82 of the valve W3 branches into the hose lines 53 and 52&#39; of the clutch and lock units W-1 and W-2, respectively. Accordingly, admission of air pressure to the conduit line 82, as shown in FIG. 12, projects the clutch pin 58 and simultaneously retracts the lock bolt 58&#39;; and admission of air pressure to the conduit line 81 would retract the clutch pin 58 and simultaneously project the lock bolt 58. In other words, the clutch and lock units W-l and W-2 are interconnected for seesaw operation, that is, when the clutch pin is up the lock bolt is down, and vice versa.  
  The foregoing explanations of the clutch unit W-l, the lock unit W-2 and valve unit W-3 are equally applicable to the X-l, X-2, X-3 units, and also to the Y1, Y-2, Y-3 units, and to the Zl, Z 2 and 2-3 units. The clutch unit X-l and its associated lock unit X-2, as well as the clutch unit Y-l and its associated lock unit Y-2, and the clutch unit Z-l and its associated lock unit Z2 are operable seesaw fashion the same as the clutch unit W-l and its associated lock unit W-2.  
  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the decimal rings W, X, Y, Z is provided at its obverse side with a circular series of digits 0 to 9 at 36 degree circular spacings from each other. The read-out station of the registering device is designated by the radial line R, and in the condition of the device as shown in FIG. 1, the ciphers of all rings are radially aligned so that the readout will be 0-000.  
  A change from the O-000 readout of FIG. 1 to the 0-001 readout of FIG. 2 is effected as follows. In the FIG. 1 condition of the device the W ring is coupled to the indexing arm by the projected clutch pin 58 (FIG. 12); the remaining clutch pins are retracted; and all rings are locked by the projected lock bolts except the ring W which is unlocked due to the retraction of lock bolt 58. A forward stroke of the indexing arm 3 from the FIG. 1 position to the FIG. 2 position will therefore turn the ring W one step and thereby bring its number 1 digit into the readout station.  
  During the last phase of the first forward stroke of the indexing arm, that is, while the arm moves from the line 42 position of FIG. 13 to the line 43 position, the solenoid coil SlA of the valve W-3 is de-energized and at the same time, the coil SlB of the valve W-3 is energized with the result that the driving connection between the indexing arm and the ring W will be interrupted and the locking connection between the subframe and the ring W will be established.  
  The indexing arm will then start its return stroke from the FIG. 14 position and while it moves from the line 44 position of FIG. 14 to the line 46 position, the solenoid coil 81B of the valve W-3 will be de-energized and at the same time the coil 81A of the W-3 valve will be re-energized. As a result, the driving connection between the indexing arm and the Wring will be re established and the locking connection between the W- ring and the subframe will be interrupted so that the indexing arm may move through another forward stroke and thereby bring the number 2 digit of the W-ring into the readout station.  
  The described step by step advancement of the W- ring will automatically repeat itself in endless succession as long as the driving motor 24 is kept running. However, when the indexing arm 3 moves through the last phase of its ninth return storke and its driving connection with the W ring will be re-established, the indexing arm will at the same time be coupled to the X- ring so that the subsequent forward stroke will advance not only the W ring but also the X ring one step, and the readout will then be -010. Such simultaneously advance of the rings W and X by the tenth advance stroke of the indexing arm is obtained by the transmission of an energizing signal simultaneously to the solenoid coil 51A of the valve W-3 and to the solenoid coil 52A of the valve X-3.  
  The energizing signal which causes the valve X-3 to couple the indexing arm 3 to the ring X at the end of the ninth return stroke of the indexing arm is produced by a counting switch 3LS (FIG. 9) which is mounted on the subframe 2 below the decimal ring W. The counting switch 3LS has an actuating arm 86 (FIG. 11) which is spring biased to urge a roller 87 on the arm 86 against the underside of the ring W. A notch 88 at the underside of the ring W permits the switch 3LS to close when the number 9 digit of the W ring moves into the readout station. The switch 3LS opens when the cipher digit of the W ring moves into the readout station and remains open during each successive step of the ring W until the number 9 digit of the ring W again moves into the readout station. The second closure of the 3LS switch causes the ring X to advance one step bringing the number 2 digit of the ring X into the readout station. Continuous step by step advancement of the ring W thus causes the ring X to advance one step after each full revolution of the ring W.  
  Additional counting switches 4LS and 5LS (FIG. 9) corresponding to the counting switch 3LS are mounted on the subframe 2 below the rings X and Y, respectively. The ring X has a notch like the notch 88 of the ring W, which causes the switch 4LS to close after each full revolution of the ring X; and the ring Y has a similar notch which causes the switch SLS to close after each full revolution of the ring Y. The switches 3LS, 4LS and 5LS are wired into the control circuit (FIG. for the solenoid valves W-3, X-3, Y-3 and 2-3 in such a manner that continuous rotation of the countershaft 28 will automatically advance the readout of the device step by step from 0-000 to 9-999. The electric control circuit for the solenoid valves W-3, X-3, Y-3 and Z-3 also includes provisions for selectively establishing any desired readout by operation ofthe indexing arm, as will be explained more fully hereinbelow.  
  The clutch units W-l, X-l, Y-1 and Z-l provide selectively engagable and disengagable motion transmitting means which are operatively interposed between the indexing arm 3 and the decimal rings W, X, Y and Z, respectively. A control system for engaging and disengaging the motion transmitting means W-l, X-l, Y-l and Z-l includes the solenoid valves W-3, X-3, Y-3 and Z3 whereby the rings may be rotated step by step upon successive forward strokes of the indexing arm and are left in indexed positions during the return strokes of the indexing arm. The motion transmitting means W-l, X-l, Y1, Z-l are selectively operable so as to either rotate the decimal rings automatically step by step in predetermined order, as has been explained hereinbefore, or so as to rotate any selected decimal ring step by step independently of the others.  
  Independent step by step rotation of the W ring is obtained by back and forth oscillation of the indexing arm and coordinated seesaw operation of the clutch and lock units W-1 and W-2 and by maintaining the coil 52A of the solenoid valve X-3 de-energized regardless of closure of the counting switch 3LS.  
  Independent step by step rotation of the X ring is obtained by back and forth oscillation of the indexing arm and coordinated seesaw operation of the clutch and lock units X-l and X-2, by maintaining the coils SIB, 83B, and 84B of the valves W-3, X-3 and Y-3, respectively, energized and by maintaining the coil S3A of the valve Y-3 de-energized regardless of closure of the counting switch 4LS.  
  Independent step by step rotation of the Y-ring is obtained by back and forth oscillation of the indexing arm and coordinated seesaw operation of the clutch and lock units Y-l and Y-2; by maintaining the coils SIB, S23 and 54B of the solenoid valves W-3, X-3 and Z-3, respectively, energized and by maintaining the coil 53A of the solenoid valve Y-3 de-energized regardless of closure of the counting switch 5LS.  
  Independent step by step rotation of the Z-ring is obtained by back and forth oscillation of the indexing arm and coordinated seesaw operation of the clutch and lock units Z-l and Z-2, and by maintaining the coils SIB, 82B, and S3B of the solenoid valves w-3, X-3 and Y-3 energized.  
  The counter shaft 28 as shown in FIG. 12 and as explained hereinbefore is eccentrically connected with the indexing arm 3 so that one full revolution of the counter shaft causes a 36 forward stroke and a 36 return stroke of the indexing arm. In addition to this eccentric driving connection with the indexing arm, the counter shaft 28 has a chain and sprocket connection with a rotary switch unit RCS (FIG. 3) on the subframe 2. The switch unit RCS is of a type well known in the art such as shown for instance in Us. Pat. No. 3,120,595 issued on Feb. 4, 1964 to G. H. Cork et al. for Adjustable Rotary Switch. Briefly, the switch unit RCS comprises a vertical assembly of limit switches and associated actuating cams which are mounted on a rotary shaft forrotation in unison therewith. Chain sprockets 91 and 92 of equal pitch diameters are keyed, respectively, to the shafts 28 and 90, and a roller chain 93 is trained around the sprockets 91 and 92 so as to connect the counter shaft 28 in a 1:1 driving connection with the switch shaft 90.  
  The rotary switch unit RCS, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 12, includes two cam operated limit switches CS1 and CS2 which in turn are incorporated in an electrical control circuit for the solenoid valves W-3, X-3, Y-3 and Z-3 as shown in detail in FIG. 15.  
  Generally, the control circuit of FIG. comprises a manually operable two-position mode selector switch SSS which enables operation of the device either in the automatic mode or in the manual mode. Switch SSS is shown in FIG. 15 as positioned in the automatic mode in which the advance of the rings W. X, Y, Z is automatically effected in progressive sequence in response to operation of the rotating cam switch assembly RCS. In its manual mode position. switch SSS enables each ring W, X, Y, Z to be advanced individually to a desired position by manual operation of appropriate ring advance pushbutton switches PBl (for ring W), PB3A (for ring X), PB4A (for ring Y), PBSA (for ring Z).  
  FIGS. 13 and 14 show the switches SSS and PBl, P83, PB4, PBS as physically located on an operators control panel CP. For convenience, certain relay coils and their associated relay contacts are designated in FIG. 15 by the same reference numeral.  
 As FIGS. 12,13,14 and 15 show, cam switch lCS of the rotating cam switch assembly RC8. is effective,  
 when operation of the registering device is in the automatic count mode. to initiate operation of the clutch units and lock units and consequent advancement of an appropriate ring or rings, and the cam switch 2CS effects operation of the clutch and lock units and conse quent locking of the advanced ring or rings preparatory to a return stroke of indexing arm 3.  
  In operation, cam switch lCS closes to energize relay coils RI and R2 having hereinafter described contacts which operate, as hereinafter described, to enable the ring operated counting switches 3LS. 4L5, SLS, if and when actuated closed by a respective. ring W, X, Y, to operate the counting relays R5, R6, R7, respectively. In the automatic mode, the counting relay R4 operates directly in response to energization of relay coil R1 and closure of its relay contact RlA. In the manual mode, the counting relay R4 operates in response to manual closure of pushbutton switch PBl (relay contact 28 being closed when manual select relay coil 28 is energized by closure of selector switch contact 5551). Operation of the counting relays R4, R5, R6, R7, effects operation of the clutch unit relays CR4, CR1, CR2, CR3, respectively, and the lock unit relays Cr4A, CRIA, CR2A, CR3A, respectively. Operation of the clutch unit relays CR4, CR1, CR2, CR3, in turn, effects operation of the clutch unit solenoid coils 81A, 52A, S3A, S4A, respectively. Operation of the lock unit relay CR4A, CRlA, CR2A, CR3A, in turn, effects operation of the lock unit solenoid coils SIB, 82B, 83B, 848, respectively. The clutch unit and lock unit solenoid coils, in turn, operate the solenoid valves W-3, X-3, Y-3, Z-3 for the clutch units W-l, X-l, Y-l, Z-l and the lock units W-2, X-2, Y-2, 2-2.  
  As FIG. 15 shows, the cam slots or depressions in the cams lCS and 2CS (which cam slots each subtend an angle of about 30) are l80 out of phase. The operating cam for switch ICS is angularly fixed on the shaft 90 in such a position that the switch lCS closes just before indexing arm 3 is at the starting point of its cycle, i.e., just before it starts its forward stroke. Switch lCS remains closed for a short period after the forward stroke has begun. The operating cam for the switch 2CS, on the other hand, is angularly fixed on the shaft 90 in such a position that it closes just before indexing arm 3 reaches the midpoint of its cycle, i.e.,just before the end of its forward stroke, and remains closed for a short period after the return stroke has begun.  
  The clutch unit solenoid coils 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A and the lock unit solenoid coils 51B, S23, S38, 54B are energizable from a source of volt alternating current comprising supply lines ALl and AL2. The clutch unit solenoid coils 81A, 82A, 53A, 54A are connected across the lines AU and AL2 in series with normally open clutch unit relay contacts CR4, CR1, CR2, CR3, respectively. The latter contacts are operated by clutch unit relay coils CR4,- CRl, CR2, CR3, respectively, which are energizable from a source of 24 volt direct current comprising terminals DL] and DL2. The lock unit solenoid coils 81B, 82B, 83B, 54B are also connected across the lines ALl and AL2 in series with normally closed lock unit relay contacts CR4A, CRlA, CR2A, CR3A, respectively. The latter contacts are operated by lock unit relay coils CR4A, CRlA, CR2A, CR3A, respectively, which are energizable from the terminals DH and DL2. In practice, it is preferred that a clutch unit relay be physically associated with its corresponding lock unit relay to insure seesaw action and this is indicated by dashed linkes in FIG. 15.  
  The clutch unit relay coil CR3 is connected across terminals DL] and DL2 in series circuit with a nor mally open counting relay contact R7A, a (shown closed) ring advance pushbutton contact PBSB, a normally open counting relay contact R6A. a (shown closed) ring advance pushbutton contact P848, and a normally open counting relay contact RSA.  
  The clutch unit relay coil CR2 is connected between the terminal DLl and a point between contacts P858 and R6A. The clutch unit relay coil CRI is connected between terminal DLl and a point between contacts PB4B and R6A. The remaining coils CRlA. CR2A, CR3A, and CR4A are connected across lines DLl and DL2 in series with the counter relay contacts RSB, R6B, R7B, R4A, R4B, respectively, which are all normally closed contacts, except for contact R4A.  
  The counting relay coils R4, R5, R6, and R7 are energizable from the direct current terminals DLl and DL2. More specifically, the counting relay coils R5, R6, R7 are connected between terminals DL] and DL2 in series with the normally open counting switches 3L8, 4LS, SLS, hereinbefore described, and the closed contacts 5558, 5586, 5884 of the two-position count mode selector switch SSS, shown as disposed in the automatic count mode. The counting relay coils R5, R6, R7 are alternately connectable during manual mode operation to terminal DL2 through the normally open manual advance pushbutton switches BP3A, PB4A, PBSA, respectively, which are in series with the open contacts S557, S585, 5553, respectively, of count mode selector switch SSS.  
  In the automatic mode, the counting relay coil R4 is connected between terminals DLl and DL2 in series with the normally open relay contact RlA and the closed contact 5552 of selector switch SSS. In the manual mode, coil R4 is connectable in series between terminals DLl and DL2 through normally open manual counting pushbutton switch FBI and normally open manual select relay contact R28. The manual select relay coil R28 for operating relay contact R28 is connected between terminals DLl and DL2 in series with the contact 5881 of count mode selector switch SSS.  
  One side of relay coils R5, R6, R7 is alternately connectable to terminal DL2, (through normally closed relay contact R3C) through the relay holding contacts RSC, R6C, R7C, respectively.  
  The control circuit shown in FIG. 15 operates as follows. Assume that the lines ALl and AL2 and DLl and DL2 are energized and that all contacts are initially in the condition shown in FIG. 15. Further assume that indexing arm 3 is undergoing its oscillating motion as hereinbefore described. Also assume that the clutch unit relay coils CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4 are de-energized (because the relay contacts R4A, RSA. R6A, R7A are open) and that the lock unit relay coils CRlA, CR2A, CR3A, CR4A are energized (because the relay contacts R48, RSB, R68, R78 are closed).  
  If manual operation is desired, selector switch SSS is moved to its manual position thereby closing its contacts 5551, 5553, 5585, 5587 and opening its contacts 5852, 5854, SS6, 5558. In this condition, manual closure of the pushbutton switches P81, P83, P84, or PBS effects energization of the relay coils R4, R5, R6, or R7, respectively, and this in turn, effects encrgization of the clutch unit relay coils CR4, CR1, CR2, or CR3, respectively, and de-energization of the lock unit relay coils CR4A, CRlA, CR2A, or CR3A, respectively. Energization of a clutch unit relay coil and de-energization of its corresponding lock unit relay coil effects energization of a corresponding clutch unit solenoid coil (51A, 52A, 53A, 54A) and deenergization of a corresponding lock unit solenoid coil (SIB, 52B, 53B, 84B) and this. in turn, effects operation of a corresponding solenoid valve W3, X-3, Y-3, Z3 for the rings W, X, Y, Z, as hereinbefore explained.  
  lf automatic operation is desired, selector switch SSS is moved to its automatic position shown in FIG. thereby closing its contacts 5SS2, 5SS4, 5888 and opening its contacts 5551, 5553, 5855, 5587. In this condition of switch SSS, the manual pushbutton switches PBl, PB3A, PB4A, PBSA are rendered ineffective and ring advance depends on the operation of cam switches lCS and 2CS and the counting switches 3LS, 4L5, SLS. More specifically, as cam lCS rotates to close cam switch lCS (as arm 3 approaches its start of forward stroke position), relay coil R1 is energized and closes its contact RlA (to energize relay coil R4) and closes its contact RIB (to energize relay coil R2).  
  When relay coil R4 is energized, it closes its relay contact R4A (to energize clutch unit relay coil CR4 and thereby enable ring W to advance and opens its relay contact R48 (to de-energize lock unit relay coil CR4A and therby unlock ring W so it can advance). When relay coil R2 is energized it closes its relay contact R2A (to hold coil R2 energized) and opens its relay contact R28 (to insure de-energization of relay coil R3). As cam lCS rotates to a position wherein cam switch lCS reopens, the indexing arm 3 has advanced the ring W through an angle of substantially 36 degrees and the clutch pin 58 is withdrawn and the lock pin 58&#39; is inserted in a hole 61 in ring W. When cam 3C5 rotates to a position wherein ti closes cam switch 2CS (i.e., as arm 3 approaches the end of the forward stroke), relay coil R3 is energized and opens its contact R3A (to insure de-energization of relay coil R2), closes its holding contact R3B, and opens its relay contact R3C (to disable the counting switches 3L5, 4LS, SLS). This process is repeated until, during the tenth advancing step of ring W, the counting switch 3LS closes to energize relay coil R5.  
  When relay coil R5 is energized it closes its holding contact R5C, closes its contact R5A (to energize clutch unit solenoid relay coil CR1) and opens its contact RSB (to deenergize locking unit solenoid relay coil CRlA). The relay coils CR1 and CRlA then operate respectively to close the relay contact CR1 and open the relay contact CRlA, wherby ring X advances. Cam switches lCS and 2CS operate repeatedly as hereinbefore described and ring X is repeatedly advanced until, during its tenth step, the counting switch 4CS closes to energize relay coil R6.  
  When relay coil R6 is energized it closes its holding contact R6C, closes its contact R6A (to energize clutch unit solenoid relay coil CR2) and opens its contact R63 (to de-energize locking unit solenoid relay coil CR2A). The relay coils CR2 and CR2A then operate respectively to close the relay contacts CR2 and open the relay contact CR2A, whereby ring Y is advanced. Cam switches lCS and 2CS operate successively as hereinbefore described and ring Y is repeatedly advanced until, during its tenth step, the counting switch SCS closes to energize the relay coil R7.  
  When relay coil R7 is energized it closes its holding contact R7C, closes its contact R7A (to energize clutch unit solenoid relay coil CR3) and opens its contact R7B (to de-energize locking unit solenoid relay coil CR3A). The relay coils CR3 and CR3A then operate respectively to close the relay contact CR3 and open the relay contact CR3A, whereby ring Z advances. Cam switches lCS and 2CS operate successively as hereinbefore described and ring Z is advanced step by step until, after its tenth step, and after the rings W, X, Y have rotated a sufficient number of times to exhaust the combination of digits available (i.e., 9-999), the registering device may start a new series of counts beginning with the digit configuration 0-000 of FIG. 1, or with any desired other digit configuration which may be obtained by rotation of the decimal rings to selected positions independently of each other in response to selective manipulation of the pushbutton switches P81, P83, P84 and PBS.  
 We claim:  
  1. A numerical, registering device comprising a support; a concentric radial assembly of decimal rings mounted on said support for relative rotation about a common axis; an indexing arm mounted on said support for pivotal advance and return strokes about the axis of said decimal rings; selectively engageable and disengageable motion transmitting means operatively interposed between said indexing arm and said decimal rings; a control system for engaging and disengaging said motion transmitting means whereby said rings may be rotated step by step upon successive forward strokes of said indexing arm and left in indexed positions during the return strokes of said indexing arm; and selector means for adjusting said control system to either an automatic operating condition which will provide step by step rotation of said decimal rings in predetermined order, or to any one of a number of alternative operating conditions which will provide step by step rotation of any selected one of said decimal rings independently of the others.  
  2. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said control system comprises an electrical circuit including solenoid operated actuating means for engaging and disengaging said motion transmitting means.  
  3. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control system comprises a pneumatic 13 circuit including valve units for engaging and disengaging said motion transmitting means; and an electrical circuit including solenoids for adjusting said valve units.  
  4. A numerical registering device comprising a support; a concentric radial assembly of decimal rings mounted on said support for relative rotation about a common axis; an indexing arm mounted on said support for pivotal advance and return strokes about the axis of said decimal rings; selectively engageable and disengagable clutch units mounted on said indexing arm and operatively associated, respectively. with said decimal rings; and control means selectively operable to engage and disengage any one of said clutch units independently of the others, whereby advance strokes of said indexing arm may be transmitted individually from the latter to said decimal rings and return strokes of said indexing arm may leave all of said decimal rings in indexed positions.  
  5. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said clutch units comprises a reciprocable clutch element mounted on said indexing arm for shifting movement into and out of clutching engagement with its associated decimal ring, and a shift mechanism for said clutch element; said control means being operatively interrelated with the shift mechanism of each of said clutch units.  
  6. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said shift mechanism of each of said clutch units comprises a pneumatic cylinder. and a pneumatic circuit operatively associated therewith, said control means including valve units for admitting operating pressure to and emitting it from the pneumatic cylinder of said clutch units.  
  7. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said control means comprises an electric circuit including solenoids for actuating said valve means.  
  8. A numerical registering device comprising a support; a concentric radial assembly of decimal rings mounted on said support for relative rotation about a common axis; an indexing arm mounted on said support for pivotal advance and return strokes about the axis of said decimal rings; selectively engageable and disengageable clutch units mounted on said indexing arm and operatively associated. respectively, with said decimal rings; selectively; engageable and disengageable lock units mounted on said support and operatively associated. respectively, with said decimal rings; and operatively interrelated control means for said clutch and lock units whereby said decimal rings may be rotated step by step in prdetermined order of said indexing arm and all of said decimal rings may be locked in indexed positions during return strokes of said indexing arm.  
  9. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of said clutch units comprises a reciprocable clutch element mounted on said indexing arm for shifting movement into and out of clutching engagement with its associated decimal ring, and a shift mechanism for said clutch element; and wherein each of said lock units comprises a reciprocable bolt element mounted on said support for shifting movement into and out of locking engagement with its associated decimal ring. and a shift mechanism for said bolt element.  
  10. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 9, wherein each of said shift mechanism com prises a pneumatic cylinder and a pneumatic circuit including valve means operable to admit operating pressure to and emit it from said cylinder.  
  11. A numerical registering device as set forth in claim 10 and further comprising an electric circuit including solenoids for actuating said valve means.  
  12. A numerical registering device comprising a support; a concentric radial assembly of decimal rings mounted on said support for relative rotation about a common axis; an indexing arm pivoted on said support coaxially with said decimal rings; an eccentric rotatable on an axis extending parallel to and spaced radially from said common axis of said decimal rings, a connecting rod pivotally connected at its opposite ends, respectively, to said eccentric and to said indexing arm; and selectively engageable and disengageable motion transmitting means operatively interposed between said indexing arm and said decimal rings. whereby said rings may be rotated step by step in predetermined order upon continued unidirectional rotation of said eccentric and accompanying advance and return strokes of said indexing arm.