US3881092A - Voting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A compact, versatile voting machine is disclosed having adaptability for use with various vote registering devices such as tally counters and punch card apparatus. The voting machine includes a selector mechanism having a series of parallel columns housing voter operated key slides. A vertical interlock mechanism includes ball housing blocks which are alternately disposed between the key slides and house displaceable interlock balls in a tool line. The cam blocks are adjustable to limit the effective length of the tool line to establish groupings of candidates from which a single selection can be made. A magazine at the top of each column is adjustable to permit multiple selections from a grouping. Actuation of a key cams the interlock balls into the tool line, and when a predetermined number of voter selections have been made no additional keys can be actuated as they are blocked by the tool line. A row of adjacent horizontal keys can also be interlocked to established selection groups as typically found on a general election ballot. A bar is moveable to horizontally interlock adjacent columns by introducing locking pins into a position to be cammed by actuation of a key. A drive mechanism associated with each column permits the voter to vote straight party and clears the machine to ready it for another voter. The drive mechanism includes cam controlled clutches that operate four-bar linkage elements to depress or return the key slides. A judge controlled mechanism locks the machine between voters. For various voting requirements, judge operated cam arrangements are cooperable with the horizontal locking pins and the four-bar linkage to selectively lock out partial or entire columns or rows of key slides. The key slides are provided with a voter viewable button that registers a visible, luminescent X when a key is voted.

Description

United States Patent [191 ONeal et a].

[ VOTING MACHINE [76] Inventors: Cothburn M. ONeal, 251 l Wedglea Dr., Dallas, Tex. 7521 1; Alfred M. Mayo, 1 1125 Ridgemeadow Dr., Dallas, Tex. 75218; George William Childs, deceased, late of Dallas, Tex.; by Patricia M. Childs, executrix, 4216 Calculus Rd., Dallas, Tex. 75234 [22] Filed: May 28, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 473,921

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 309,174, Nov. 24, 1972.

[52] U.S. Cl 235/54 R; 235/51; 235/54 C [51] Int. Cl. G07c 13/00 [58] Field of Search 235/54 R, 54 A, 51, 54 C [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 856,997 6/1907 Cutter ct al 235/55 A 3.168.240 2/1965 O'Neal 235/54 R 3,191,859 6/1965 Lord 235/54 R 3,312.390 4/1967 Shoup 235/54 R 3,524,969 8/1970 O'Ncal... 235/54 R 3,630,434 12/1971 ONeal 235/54 R Primary E.raminerStephen J. Tomsky Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Hubbard, Thurman, Turner & Tucker [57] ABSTRACT A compact, versatile voting machine is disclosed having adaptability for use with various vote registering 1 Apr. 29, 1975 devices such as tally counters and punch card apparatus. The voting machine includes a selector mechanism having a series of parallel columns housing voter operated key slides. A vertical interlock mechanism includes ball housing blocks which are alternately disposed between the key slides and house displaceable interlock balls in a tool line. The cam blocks are adjustable to limit the effective length of the tool line to establish groupings of candidates from which a single selection can be made. A magazine at the top of each column is adjustable to permit multiple selections from a grouping. Actuation of a key cams the interlock balls into the tool line, and when a predetermined number of voter selections have been made no additional keys can be actuated as they are blocked by the tool line. A row of adjacent horizontal keys can also be interlocked to established selection groups as typically found on a general election ballot. A bar is moveable to horizontally interlock adjacent columns by introducing locking pins into a position to be cammed by actuation of a key. A drive mechanism associated with each column permits the voter to vote straight party and clears the machine to ready it for another voter. The drive mechanism includes cam controlled clutches that operate four-bar linkage elements to depress or return the key slides. A judge controlled mechanism locks the machine between voters. For various voting requirements, judge operated cam arrangements are cooperable with the horizontal locking pins and the four-bar linkage to selectively lock out partial or entire columns or rows of key slides. The key slides are provided with a voter viewable button that registers a visible, luminescent X when a key is voted.

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PATENTEDAPRZSBYS SHEET lEflF 1 1 VOTING MACHINE This is a division of application Ser. No. 309,174, filed Nov. 24, 1972.

This invention relates to voting machines and more particularly is directed to improved voting machines of the general construction described in prior US. Pat. No. 3,168,240 and 3,524,969.

A large number and variety of mechanical voting machines can be found in the prior art. Machines most commonly found in use today are of the type as shown in the US. Pat. No. 3,408,002 and the patents referred to therein.

These machines are generally referred to as levertype voting machines and have found general acceptance and are widely used. In lever machines, multiple horizontal or vertical rows of selector levers are interconnected by cranks or similar mechanisms to counter mechanisms which register the number of votes cast for a particular candidate or issue.

Machines of this general type have a number of disadvantages. One of the foremost disadvantages of the lever-type machines is their extreme size and weight, often in excess of 500 pounds. Because of the weight, a single machine requires the effort of several men to transport the machine from its place of storage to the polls. Further, the large size requires an extreme amount of storage space when it is considered that a city of, for example, one million people may own or lease several thousand voting machines. Transportation and storage of the machines during periods of non-use can constitute a major financial burden on a governmental unit.

Aside from the above-mentioned problems of storage and transportation, the lever-type machines require complex procedures on the part of the custodian to prepare the machine for voting, particularly when the machine is to be used in primary elections. In primary elections it is common that one or more candidates will be selected by the voter from a larger group running for the office and, accordingly, the columns must be broken down into subgroups of the correct number of candidates. The subgroups are established by various interlock arrangements which usually require that grouping pins or compensators be inserted in the columns to serve as barriers to permit only a selected number of voting keys to be depressed within the column. This can be a difficult operation requiring skill and much preparation time on the part of reelection officials in order to insure proper machine functioning.

Another disadvantage of the lever-type voting machine is that the accompanying ballot is often confusing and difficult for the voter to understand because it does not duplicate the format of the traditional paper ballot. This is especially true of machines having horizontal selection rows which require a specialized ballot format to adapt to the machine. It is generally accepted practice for conventional paper ballots to display the candidates in a vertical rather than a horizontal arrangement.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a simple to operate, console type voting machine of substantially reduced size and weight to facilitate handling and storage. The present invention employs a very efficient, compact selector mechanism using displaceable steel balls arranged in columns which permit lists of candidates for more than one office to be placed in a single column. Further, the columns can be set so that one or more selections from that list can be made by the voter. Such an arrangement would be typically used in a primary election. The voting machine of the present invention also permits adjacent vertical columns to be mechanically interlocked so that the selection groups on the ballot can be arranged horizontally as is necessary in a general election.

The present invention further has provision for straight party, write-in, and random voting procedures and insures that the voter cannot disenfranchise himself by casting two opposing votes. The voting machine of the present invention also makes chain voting impossible. A unique clutch mechanism performs multiple functions including a clearing and locking function after each voting cycle and when a straight party selection is made.

The present invention also permits insertion of a computer compatible card into the machine on which card is recorded the voters selections. This card may then be processed by computer to expedite computation of the election results and minimize decoding and transcription. The machine adapts to the requirements of almost any election and the ballot can be arranged in a format familiar to most voters. The buttons are depressed and the voted buttons are easily identifiable to the voter by and X appearing at the voted button. In summary, the present invention provides a voting machine having improved interlock systems to render the machine simple, efficient. lightweight, and yet at the same time highly versatile and applicable to a variety of voting procedures and adaptable to the various voting laws and requirements in effect in the various jurisdictions throughout the country. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparant from the following drawings and descriptions in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the voting machine of the present invention with a representative ballot in place:

FIG. 2 is a front view of the voting machine with the ballot removed;

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are elevational views ofa voting key;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are enlarged detail views of the end of the voting key;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail view of the voting key and associated button;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the button shown in FIG. 8;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are opposite side elevational views of the individual voting machine columns, FIG. 10 being inverted; FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view showing the end of the lockout bar mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a partial detail view showing a cam arrangement;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a ball housing block and cam;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the ball housing block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a partial detail view showing the relatonship of a key overlying a ball housing block;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along lines 18-18 of FIG. 16;

.FIG. 19 is view of the drive assembly as seen from the top end of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 20 to 22 are detail views of drive assembly clutches;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along lines 23-23 of FIG. 19 with the mechanism shown in a locked position;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23 but with the mechanism shown in a voted position;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along lines 2525 of FIG. 19 with the straight party mechanism in a nonvoted position;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 but with the straight party mechanism in a voted position;

FIG. 27 is a detail view of a part of the straight party mechanism;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a portion of the column assembly as seen along lines 28-28 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 29 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 2929 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29 but with the main voting button mechanism shown in an alternate position;

FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view generally taken along lines 2525 of FIG. 19 with structure removed to more clearly illustrate the motor control switch;

FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 31 showing the motor control switch in an actuated position;

FIG. 33 is a partial sectional view generally taken along lines 2525 of FIG. 19 with structure removed to more clearly illustrate the actuation of the motor control switch in the straight party cycle;

FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIG. 33 showing the switch in an actuated position;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart representation of the clear cycle operation; and

FIG. 36 is a flow chart representation of the straight party cycle.

The voting machine is shown in FIG. 1 and is generally designated by the numeral 10. The machine would generally be incorporated in an appropriate voting machine cabinet, not shown, when placed in use. The cabinet would provide for either a vertical or horizontal mounting of the mechanism for voter access depending on preference and voting requirements. The machine generally has a basic frame structure comprising opposite side members 12 and 13 and opposite end members l4 and 15. A top panel 16 is carried by the frame structure and has provision for mounting of the ballot 20. The ballot is divided into a series of eight vertical selection columns identified 18a through 181'. It should be noted, as used throughout this description, the term horizontal means a plane parallel to ends 14 and of the machine. The term vertical refers to a plane parallel to sides 12 and 13.

Ballot is not a typical ballot one would find when voting but rather is a representative ballot to illustrate the operation of the machine. Left hand columns 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are set up in a format corresponding to that used in most general and some city elections in which several political parties offer candidates for the same offices as are listed in column 18A. As shown, the voter would make a choice for the office of president from either columns 18b, 18c, or 18d and, once having voted one of the selections, is not permitted by the interlock system of the present invention to make another selection for that office. Column 18h illustrates a typical primary election ballot wherein one selection is chosen from several candidates to be the particular partys candidate in the general election. It will be appreciated that any other number of rows could as well be provided. At the top of each of columns 18b to 18d is a straight party button 21 which, as will be more fully explained hereafter, when depressed will cause all the voting keys in the associated vertical column to be depressed, clearing all other buttons on the machine. A slot 25 in the upper right hand of the machine is provided to accept a data processing card which is punched in response to the voting operation. A resetting lock 26 is used to lock or release the mechanism after each vote is recorded preparing the machine for the next voter. Lock 28 operates the column lockouts to lock out of operation certain selected columns or partial columns. The keys for lock 26 and 28 are retained by the election judge or official on duty at the election location. When the voter has completed making selections, main vote button 44 initiates the machine through its operative cycle. A tray 30 accessible through front 15 contains the tally counters and a public counter. On tally counter is provided to correspond to each of the voting buttons on the machine. For a more complete description and understanding of the operation of the candidate counters and the card insert and card punching mechanism, please refer to commonly assigned co-pending application entitled Punch Assembly and Method of Making Same, U.S. Ser. No. 309 192, and commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,522, granted June 28, 1974, entitled Counter, both filed concurrently herewith.

FIG. 2 illustrates a machine of the present invention with the balot 20 and cover plate 16 removed to expose the basic components of the machine. The rectangularly arranged frame members 12, 13, 14, and 15 support eight vertical column members 31 through 38. Each of the columns 31 to 38 are similar in construction and each is generally elongate and provided with a vertical row of slots 39 therein which slidably receive the end key slides 40. Slot 146 provides access to a cam device for setting up vertical selection subcolumns. The details of the key slides are shown in FIGS. 3 through 6 and are discussed in the following paragraphs. The purpose of the present brief description is to outline the interaction of the main components so that the operation of the voting machine will be more easily understood. To make a selection, key slides 40 are manually depressable through a voting button 23 extending through the panel 16 and ballot 20. Tray 30 containing the tally counters is horizontally positioned subjacent columns 31 to 38 and depression of a key slide 40 will engage a corresponding counter in the tray 30 through plunger 54 at the terminal end of slide 40. The counters may be of the well known star wheel type or similar to those disclosed in the co-pending application referenced above.

Also operatively engaging each of the key slides is a rod 48 which extends transversely of the columns and is received in punch bank selector 42. Rods 48 are horizontally displaced to the right by actuation of the corresponding key slide by cam surfaces 55 on the slides 40. Rightward movement of a transverse bar 48 into the punch bank selector 42 will block a corresponding punch selector bar 49 so that upon actuation of the voting cycle by main voting button 44, the card inserted in slot 25 of card punching mechanism 43 will be perforated in a pattern corresponding to the voter's choice. Clearing of the machine and actuation of the straight party cycle is by virtue of the multiple clutch drive mechanism 50 shown at the upper portion of the machine. An electric motor 45 powers the mechanism through the clearing and straight party cycles as will be explained. Provision can be included for manually driving the machine by a crank in case of a power failure.

The foregoing is just a brief description of the various main components to the machine so that their relative location and interrelationship may be appreciated. The operation and mechanism of the counter assembly and the punch mechanism form no part of the present invention but rather are the subject of the separate aforementioned patent applications. The present invention concerns itself with the voter selection mechanism and more particularly with the interlock arrangement for setting up and limiting voting selections and the clutchdrive mechanism for clearing the machine and for voting a straight party ticket.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, the voting key slide 40 is shown in detail. The key slide 40 comprises an essential part of the machine which is operative to register the voters selections. Key 40 extends laterally in slots 39 in each of the columns and each is manually depressable through button 23 by the voter. Each key 40 includes an upper generally rectangular shank portion 52 and a lower extension 51 having opposite sides 77 and 78. Opposite transverse slots 65 and 66 extend across the intermediate portion of the key 40. Angular cam surfaces 55 are provided on one edge of the key. The cam surface 55 on each slide is associated with the end of transverse punch actuator bars 48. The longitudinal position of cam surfaces 55 along extension 51 varies with the column in which the key slide 40 is located. For example, cam surfaces 55 on the key slides located in column 38 are immediately adjacent the shank 52 and the loction of the corresponding cam surfaces 55 is displaced downwardly for the slides in each leftwardly successive row. In this way, all rods 48 that are associated with the keys in a horizontal row of key slides are in vertical alignment beneath the columns. The rods 48 are configured to avoid interference with the adjacent key slides.

Inward of the lower end of the key 40 a shoulder 59 projects laterally. Shoulder 59 is adapted to be engaged by a clear bar of the drive mechanism 50 to return the key to a non-actuated position. Extending from the opposite side of the key is projection 58 which is adapted to be engaged by a bar in drive 50 to pull the associated key 40 downwardly when a straight party button 21 is actuated on the machine. The clear and straight party mechanism is actuated by drive mechanism 50, as will later be explained.

An important feature of this invention is the vertical interlock arrangement which limits the number of voting buttons a voter can depress within a column by blocking the remaining slides when the predetermined number of selections has been made. The vertical interlock is achieved by camming accurate steel balls in a tool line extending through the columns along a cam surface on the keys 40. Each key is provided with cam means 56 including adjacent circular bores 67 and 68 extending through the shank of the key slide. A semicircular camming surface 69 extends approximately at a 30 angle from the edge of hole 67 at surface 77 toward the edge of bone 68 at surface 78. Axial slot 70 extends between bores 68 and 69 through the intermediate cam surface 69.

The vertical interlock mechanism permits the election official to set up the machine in vertical selection column as. for example, would be necessary in a primary election. Other elections may require that the machine be programmed horizontally as in a general election. Accordingly, an important feature of the present invention includes means to selectively interlock adjacent horizontal keys to define a selection group and so that only one key can be voted within the group. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a cam 79 is provided on the upper end of the slide 40 in opposite sides which cooperate with horizontal locking pins to prevent actuation of more than one key within a group. The cam means include bore 71 that extends transversely through the shank portion 52 of the slide 40. Cam 79 includes generally V-shaped surfaces 72 and 73 which intersect bore 71 at the longitudinal centerline of the shank portion. As best seen in FIG. 7, surfaces 72 and 73 diverge outwardly to oppositely arranged lands 74 and 75, respectively, which are all commonly defined within recess 76 in the opposite edges of the key 40.

FIGS. 9 to 11 and 16 to 18 best show the relationship of the slides 40 in the columns. Keys 40 are all received in adjacent vertical columns 31 to 38 aligned vertically and horizontally. Each column contains a selected number of keys. The following description is with reference to column 33 which is typical. Column 33 is a generally elongated rectangular section and has an aligned series of slots 82 which receive the main body portion of keys 40. Enlarged slots 39 aligned with slots 82 extend to the surface of the column. A shoulder 84 at the bottom end of each slot 39 serves as a stop to engage outwardly extending flange portion 60 of the associated key. Thus, looking at FIG. 11, which is a sectional view through a portion of adjacent columns, key 40 is shown in a normal unactuated position; when actuated it will be moved inwardly until flange 60 contacts shoulder 84 at the bottom of slot 39. An over center toggle pin, not shown, may be associated with each key slide 40 to give the key a positive action. Cross bore 85, approximately corresponding in diameter to the cross bore 71 in the shank portion of key slide 40, intersects column slot 82 and terminates in rectangular slot 86 which extends longitudinally in column 33. Horizontal interlock bar 90 is slidable in slot 86. Another longitudinal channel 91 extends the length of column 33 perpendicular to the axis of key slide 40 and intercepts slot 82 and houses vertical interlock ball housing blocks 110 which, as will be described later, are interposed between and cooperate with vertically adjacent keys 40 in the vertical interlock mechanism.

As seen in FIG. 11, a pair of plungers 92 and 93 in the form of pins having rounded ends are positioned in cross bore 85. The pins are dimensioned so that pin 92 extends from the center line of the slide key at the apex of the cam surfaces 72 and 73 to the edge 89 of the column 33 next adjacent column 34. Similarly, plunger 93 extends leftwardly from the center line of slide 40. Column 32 next abuts column 33 at edge 88 having bore a in direct alignment with slot 86 of column 33. Similarly, at side 89, adjacent column 34 has its interlock bar b in direct alignment with bore 85 of column 33. The subcripts a, b, b, etc. here and throughout the specification, designate identical or similar elements.

lnterlock bar 90 extends the vertical length of column 33 in slot 86. A number of cross bores 95 are provided in bar 90 and are spaced so that the distance between bores 95 is half the distance between adjacent vertical cross bores 85 in the columns. Every other bore 95 houses a compression spring 96 forming a socket 97. A slidable plunger 94 extends in bores 95 not housing a spring.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the interlock oar 90 is vertically shiftable relative to the associated column to move either a plunger 94 or a spring socket 97 in axial alignment with column cross bores 85. An actuating handle 100 is connected to the lower end of bar 90 and projects into recess 101 in the column. Manually moving actuator handle 100 will displace bar 90 to position the bar in accordance with the election requirements.

It will thus be understood, referring to FIG. 11, that as key 40 is depressed in response to a voter operation.

.the cam surface 79 will be urged between adjacent plungers 92 and 93 parting them in opposite directions. If it is desired to horizontally interlock adjacent vertical columns, as for example when the machine is set up as shown in ballot columns 18b, 18c and 18d of figures, actuator 100 in column 33 is moved to position interlock bar 90 to align plungers 94 in the bar with bores 85 of the column. The interlock bars in columns 32 and 34 are similarly positioned. For example, when a key 40 in column 33 is depressed, associated plunger 93 will move leftwardly urging adjacent plunger 94 in bar 90 leftwardly into engagement with pin 92a located in the adjacent column. Pin 92a in adjacent column 32 will be moved into blocking engagement beneath the apex of associated cam 79a of the key slide in that column.

Column 34 located immediately adjacent side 89 of column 33 has been preset having its interlock bar 90b positioned with spring sockets 97b in axial alignment with cross bores 84 of column 33. Upon depression of a key slide 40 in column 33, pin 92 will simply move into engagement in socket 97b causing spring 96b to be depressed. The axial motion of plunger 92 will not be transferred across interlock bar 90b to prevent the actuation of the key slides in column 34. Therefore, looking at an arrangement of FIG. 1, it will be seen that by selectively positioning interlock bar 90, horizontal listings of condidates may be made and the selection limited to one candidate from the preselected row or group across the columns. The interlock bar between adjacent columns can be positioned to either interlocking or isolate the columns, as the case may be. An entire or partial horizontal row of key slides 40 may be locked out by virtue of cams 102 as seen in FIG. 13. Cams 102 are rotatively mounted on cam shaft 103 immediately adjacent column 38. Each cam aligns with cross bore 85 i in that column. To lock out a horizontal row of keys, associated cam 102 is rotated into engagement with pin 921' to move the horizontal interlock pins 92 in each column into blocking engagement with the keys 40. A partial horizontal row can be locked out by interrupting the movement of pins 92 by moving interlock bar 90 to align spring sockets 97 with the pins 92. The horizontal lock is particularly useful in accommodating more unusual election requirements. The operation 'of cam shaft 103 is controlled by the election judge.

The present invention also has provision for selectively interlocking the voter selections in a vertical column and for establishing subcolumns or groups. As seen in FIG. 9, a series of ball housing blocks are received in channel 91 and form part of a vertical interlock system that limits the selections that can be made in a column. Blocks 110 are alterantely interposed between adjacent key slides 40. The construction of the individual ball housing 110 is best seen in FIGS. 14 and 15.

Each block 110 consists of a main body portion 111 which is generally rectangular having flanged portions 112 and 113 extending at right angles from top surface 114 and bottom surface 116, respectively. Flanges 112 and 113 are each of a depth approximately one-half of the width of the keys 40. A slot 115 extends along one side of the block to receive a corresponding transverse flange in column channel 91 to serve as a guide for lateral adjustment of blocks I10. Projecting from the back of block 110 are legs 118, 119, and 121. A U-shaped opening 122 is defined between upper legs 118 and 120 and a similar opening 123 is defined between legs 119 and 121. Transverse slots 124 and 125 extend in the opposite sides of the block between the upper and lower legs.

Biasing spring 128 extends from the center of the front face 129 of the block. A bore 130 vertically extends between top side 114 and bottom 116 of the block. Spaced from bore 130 is a socket or blind bore 131. Bore 130 and blind bore 131 are of the same diameter. Socket 131 houses a biasing spring 134 which is compressible to accept a single interlock ball. Parallel guide members 132 and 133 at one edge of surface 114 are respectively aligned with the center of bores 130 and 131. At the other edge adjacent the bores 130 and 131, keeper members 135 and 136 are biased outwardly by virtue of a spring, not seen, acting within a receiving bore in the block. Keepers 135 and 136 serve to maintain alignment in the row of interlock balls as will be more fully appreciated.

Slots 124 and 125 at the end of cam housing block 110 receive cam member 140 which carries cam 142. Eccentric actuator shaft 144 adapts the cam for manual actuation. As seen in FIG. 11, cam 140 is positioned with shaft 144 supported in slot 124 and 125 so that cam member 142 abuts block end 147. Shaft 144 extends parallel to the keys 40 in holes 146 in each of the columns. Cam 140 is adjustable by insertion of a tool into hole 146 to rotate the cam through shaft 144.

Ball housing blocks 110 are sequentially arranged and oriented in the columns so that face 114 of a block 110 abuts surface 77 ofa key slide 40 and opposite surface 78 engages the surface 116 of the next adjacent block 110 with the longitudinal axis of slide 40 transverse to block 110. Spring 128 extending from the ball housing blocks engages side wall 89 of the next column to bias the blocks into channel 105. Thus, it will be observed that block 110 can laterally be displaced by rotation of shaft 144, causing cam 142 to bear against surface 147 moving the block against the force of biasing spring 128.

In the normal position, blocks 110 are oriented with hole 67 of key slide 40 in line with bore 130 of the cam blocks 110. Projection 133 on the side 114 of the adjacent ball housing block 110 aligns with slot 70 on the surface 77 of the key slide 40. Thus, in the assembled position, there is a pattern as disclosed in FIGS. 16 to through the column. The outer hole 68 in each key slide 40 also contains a steel ball 152 identical to balls 151 contained within the tool line 150.

By laterally displacing a ball housing block 110 relative to the associated key 40, a column can be divided into several subcolumns. As is the case in many primary elections, a single candidate is to be selected from a number of primary candidates. One voting key slide 40 would be associated with each of the candidates for the particular office. A subcolumn would be indexed by moving the cam block 110 adjacent the keys defining the group in the subcolumn to a blocking position relative to the associated key slide 40. For example, looking at FIGS. 17 and 18, upper and lower blocks 110 and 1100 have been moved to separate a subcolumn of candidates for a particular office. To accomplish this, cam shaft 144 was rotated 180 by an appropriate tool causing cam member 142 to bear against surface 147 of the cam block and urge the block against the bias of spring 128 to the position relative to the respective keys shown in FIG. 18. In this blocking position, socket 130 of ball housing block 110 and 110c now align with tool line 150. This establishes a three candidate subgroup with a voter being able to select one of the three keys 40, 40a and 40b.

To understand what occurs when a key in a subcolumn is voted, assume that the voter has made a selection on the voting machine causing key slide 40b to be depressed. As the key slide 40b is moved inwardly, ball lb in hole 67b of key slide 401) will be forced or cammed upwardly by cam 56b into bore 13011 of the next upper adjacent ball housing block 11011. When the key 4012 is fully depressed ball 1521; will have been introduced into the tool line 150 causing the tool line to advance upwardly by one ball diameter against the action of spring 134 in socket 131 in the upper terminal ball housing block 110. Spring 134 in the terminal ball housing block will not allow the tool line to advance more than one diameter into the socket 131, so that it is impossible for more than one additional ball to be introduced into the tool line. Ball 15215 in bore 68b of the key slide will now occupy a position in the tool line. Should the voter attempt to actuate another key slide, such actuation will be resisted as there is not room in the tool line for any additional balls, hence only one key can be moved in each series or subcolumn.

If it is desired to vote for more than one candidate out of a series, as for example in an election for city council, the upper end of the columns are used to index a subcolumn. Referring to FIG. 9, a receiver assembly 160 is provided to permit multiple selections to be made. A number of adjacent ball housing blocks corresponding to the number of candidates are positioned having their bores 67 in alignment so that a continuous column of balls extends in the tool line. Receiver passageway 161 aligns with bores 67. A guide passagway 162 extends in the column parallel to the receiver passageway. A slider 164 has a tubular stop 165 in passage 16] and tubular guide member 166 in passage 162. Web 166 interconnects the tubular members. The inner end of stop 165 engages the uppermost ball in tool line 150. Slider 164 is spring biased by spring 170. Adjusting pin 168 abuts the upper end of slide 164. Pin 168 is inseted into vertically spaced grouping holes 169. By vertically adjusting the position of pin 168, the effective length of the tool line can be changed so that a predetermined number of balls can be introduced into the tool line. For example, if it is desired that three candidates be selected from the series, pin 168 is moved upwardly a corresponding number of grouping holes 169 to permit slider 164 to be displaced upwardly to admit three additional balls 151 into tool line 150. As explained above, each time the voter depresses the voting key, the action of the associated cam surface 56 will cause an additional ball to be moved into the tool line. When three candidates have been voted, a continuous column of balls will be formed in the tool line extending between the lower terminal ball housing block and slider 164 of the receiver 160. No additional selector keys can be depressed as they will be opposed by a solid chain of balls. It will be noted that the arrangement of the present invention has several advantages in that if a voter changes his mind he may simply pull the voting key out of its original position which will effectively remove one ball from the tool line thus permitting another selection to be made. Similarly, since the actuation of any one key in the series does not block the tool line at that position, the selections do not have to be made in any order. That is, the voter does not or is not required to vote for a number of candidates in ascending or descending order as was necessary with certain prior art types of verical interlocks.

Clutch drive system 50 of the voting machine controls the registering operation of the machine and clears or depresses predetermined voting keys in accordance with the operational mode. Functionally, the drive system cooperates with the keys in the individual voting columns to perform the following functional operations:

1. Prevents actuation of the main voting button until at least one key in any of the columns has been depressed;

2. Automatically depresses all the keys under a party heading if the voter selects a straight party ticket;

3. Clears all previously depressed selector keys when a straight party button is actuated;

4. Automatically locks all voting keys and all remaining straight party buttons during a straight party voting cycle;

5. Clears all voting keys on the machine and restores them to an up position at the completion of the voting cycle;

6. Automatically locks out all voting keys in the machine after the completion of each voting cycle;

7. Provides a key controlled lock to be operated by the election judge to release all buttons to prepare the machine for the next voter; and

8. Permits selected columns or partial columns to be completely locked out by the election judge in accordance with the requirements of the particular ballot.

The mechanism of the main drive system 50 will best be understood by understanding operational sequence of events that occur in the voting cycle. When inactive, before the beginning of an operational voting cycle, the voting machine is in a locked condition which does not permit operation by a voter until the machine is placed in a ready condition by an appropriate election official or judge outside the voting booth.

All the voting keys are locked in an up position by means of the clear mechanism, a bar which extends the full length of each vertical column and engages each of the voting keys. The clear bar, as will be explained in more detail hereafter, is actuated by a clutch mecha-

Claims (13)

1. A voting machine comprising: a plurality of columnar frame members; a plurality of selection keys arranged in said frame in alignment in vertical columns and horizontal rows, laterally moveable between a first non-voted and second voted position; tally means actuable by said keys; vertical interlock means for limiting the number of selections that may be made within a vertical row of keys, said vertical interlock means comprising first cam means associated with said keys including a through bore in said keys, block means vertically interposed between adjacent keys, saiD block means having a through bore, said block means shiftable from a first position relative to said vertical keys wherein said block means through bores align with the through bores in said keys to a second blocking position, shiftable interlock ball means in said key through bores and associated with said key cam means and said block means through bores, whereby said keys and block means define a continuous ball column in said respective first positions, means for establishing a vertical subcolumn in which a preselected number of vertically aligned keys may be voted, said means including means for shifting preselected block means to said second position to intercept said ball containing column at a predetermined location to establish one limit of the subcolumn and ball receiving means located at the other limit adapted to accept a predetermined number of balls, whereby movement of selected keys to said voted position will cam a predetermined number of additional balls into said ball column and said ball receiving means thereby preventing actuation of additional voting keys when said predetermined number of balls have been caused to move into said ball receiving means; horizontal interlock means including second cam means carried on said voting keys, horizontally displaceable plunger means associated with said second cam means and actuable whereby movement of a key will cause said second cam means to cam said associated plunger means toward siad adjacent keys, and transfer means for selectively transferring the displacement of said cammed plunger to the plunger associated with said adjacent key to move said adjacent plunger into blocking engagement with its key thereby preventing actuation of said adjacent key; a drive system including a clearing mechanism for each of said rows of keys, said clearing mechanism including abutment means on said keys, first linkage means in operative engagement with said abutment means and moveable with said keys and adapted to return said keys to said first non-voted position, power means for said drive system including a drive shaft, clutch means including a driver member connected to said drive shaft and a driven member connected to said first linkage means and adapted to drive same, means for selectively engaging said clutch to actuate said bar to return said keys, registering means actuable by said keys to register voter selections; said drive system further including a straight party mechanism at selected rows of keys having second abutment means on said keys, second linkage means adapted to engage said second abutment means to move said keys to a voted position, second clutch means including a driver member connected to said drive shaft and a driven member connected to said second linkage means and adapted to drive same; and means for selectively engaging said second clutch means to actuate said second linkage means.

2. The voting machine of claim 1 further including cam means adapted to sequentially control the operation of said drive system clearing and straight party mechanisms.

3. The voting machine of claim 2 including lockout means engageable with said first linkage means to hold said first linkage in a position corresponding to said key first position thereby preventing actuation of said keys.

4. The voting machine of claim 3 including key actuated lock means operatively controlling said lockout means adapted for operation by an election official.

5. The voting machine of claim 4 wherein said first and second linkages are parallel pivotal linkages and said means for selectively engaging said clutches comprise yoke means adapted to bring said driver and driven members into operative engagement.

6. The voting machine of claim 5 wherein said transfer means comprise a bar interposed between adjacent vertical column of keys slidable relative to said vertical keys, said bar extending longitudinally and having first and second positions relative to said keys, said first bar position placing a pin in Alignment with the adjacent key associated plungers and a second position wherein compressible means are aligned with said adjacent key associated plungers to isolate the movement of one key from the next adjacent horizontal key.

7. The voting machine of claim 6 including control means to operatively cycle said machine to register said voter selections on said tally counters.

8. The voting machine of claim 7 including means interlocking said clear mechanism to said control means whereby said main control means remain inoperable until movement of a selected key to said voted position clears said interlock means through said clear linkage.

9. The voting machine of claim 8 wherein said tally means comprise mechanical counters.

10. The voting machine of claim 9 further including selective column lockout means associated with said vertical column of keys, said column lockout including latch means having a first position engageable with said first linkage to prevent displacement of keys in said vertical row of keys and a second non-latching position, and cam means associated with said latch means adapted to selectively position said latch means.

11. The voting machine of claim 1 wherein said power means include an electric motor and a motor control circuit, switch means in said circuit, pivotal arm means carrying said switch, voter operable means adapted to move said switch arm to a position energizing said motor, and spring means adapted for returning said pivot arm to a position de-energizing said switch upon completion of said clearing cycle.

12. The voting machine of claim 11 wherein said straight party mechanism includes voter actuated means adapted to pivot said switch arm to a position energizing said motor to sequentially admit the clearing and straight party mechanism, and locking means securing said switch in said actuated position after completion of said clearing cycle until said straight party cycle is released.

13. The voting machine of claim 12 wherein said spring means are secured to said pivotal arm at one end and at the other end to a member positionable by means engaging and positioned by said clearing mechanism wherein said spring is tensioned to return said arm only when all said rows of keys are cleared.

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