US2217980A - Voting machine - Google Patents

Description

oct. 15, 1940.

A. N, GUSTAVSON voTNG MACH] NE Original Filed Oct. 26, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet l AAABBBCCCABC DDDEEE Oct. l5, 1940. A, N GUSTAVSQN 2,217,980

VOTING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 26, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 L J w rw f/ a y 76 f j l J6 7j- J`4 l (ID 49 HW. 'if' 1;; I [fl JJ 5 I o n I, ,64 6 I ,gg

O n 65/1 l l' 69 l l 4/ .ETE 7 J6 J2 JJ J3 @zug Patented Oct. 15, 1.940

PATENT OFFICE VOTING MACHINE Alvin N. Gustavson, Jamestown, N. Y., assignor to Automatic Voting Machine Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Substitute for abandoned application Serial No.

750,169, October 26,

1934. f This application August 2, 1938, Serial No. 222,695

1 Claim.

This invention relates to an improvement in voting machines and particularly to means providing for cumulative Voting for representatives in general assembly, and is a substitute of my abandoned application, Serial Number 750,169, iiled October 26, 1934.

In its preferred embodiment the invention comprises a mechanism adapted to be mounted as a unit on a voting machine that includes a plurality of indicator operated interlocking straps. Any desired group of these straps may be connected with and controlled by this mechanism for the purpose of causing the voting machine to function in accordance with the voting laws of certain States.

It will be understood that in certain States provision is made for cumulative voting for the purpose of properly proportioning and balancing the relative strength of the political parties as it may be indicated in the ballots for representatives in general assembly. In order that this may be accomplished, each elector is given the right -to cast4 from one to three Iballots for any candidate. It may be that the strongest political party in a given district will have three candidates for representatives in general assembly, the next strongest party two candidates, and the third party only one candidate. The candidates are listed on the voting machine according to their party affiliations, provision being made in the rst party row for the elector, by manipulation of the conventional party lever, to cast one vote for each of the three candidates. ,The second party, having only two candidates, is so arranged that the party lever, when manipulated, will cast one and a half votes for each of the two candidates. The party lever in the third party row is operable to cast three votes for the one candidate. 'I'he voter, by law, is given the right to distribute his three votes in any manner he may desire among the candidates of his party; that is, he may cast two votes for one candidate, one for a second candidate, and none for the third, or may even prefer to cast all three votes for one candidate. Provision is also made by law that a voter may split his ticket and cast one or two votes for one or more candidates in his own party and the remaining one or two votes for a candidate or candidates in one of the other parties. It is still further provided that the voter may cast one and a half votes for any two candidates whether or not theyI are of his political party. It is quite evident that the conventional party lever cannot be used in indicating a voters choice (Cl. 23E-54) when he desires to split his vote in any of the possible ways suggested above.

The means by which any of the above methods of balloting may take place in a Astandard voting machine constitutes the subject matter and objetcs of the present invention.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from a consideration of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in which Figure 1 is a. fragmentary front elevation of the keyboard of a voting machine arranged for balloting on candidates for representatives in general assembly; f

Figure 2 is a fragmentary View from the rear of a voting machine showing the interlocking straps and main grouping channel; f

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary View through the main grouping channel showing the interlocking straps and the location of one compensator;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 3 and shows the method of mounting a compensator in the main grouping channel;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the cumulative mechanism attached to the main grouping channel;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional View taken substantially on the line` 6--6 of Figure 5 and shows the method of mounting and connecting the mechanism with the straps 'of the main grouping channel;

Figure '7 is a perspective view of the cumulative mechanism;

Figure Bis a iront elevation ofthe cumulative mechanism showingv the large group control in position of use; and

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 showing the small group control in position of use.

Reference is now had to the drawings in which is shown a portion of a voting machine keyboard generally indicated by the reference numeral I0. ,The keyboard is of standard construction, being shown with several horizontal rows of indicators. Each indicator Il, through a mechanism well known in the art, is capable of recording a vote on a suitable register subsequent to being` moved from the position shown in the drawings downwardly to a position such that one end of the indicator is directed toward the name of a `candidate foroflice generally indicated by the 1etters-l2in channels I3. In Figure l` of the drawings the voting machine is be set up for one major political party lind two nunor parties. The major party, due

to its representative strength, has three candidates i'or representative to general assembly shown to by the letters A, B, and C. The minor political parties are of unequal strength, the stronger of the two being represented by two candidates D and E and the weaker by one candidate El. It will be noted that each candidates name appears three times on the large group designated L and once each in the small group designated S. rIhe candidates shown on the machine may be voted for through the use of party levers so that an elector, for example, aiiliated with the party listing candidates A, B and C may cast an impartial ballot for his party by manipulating the party lever. Such manipulation actuates one indicator over each name A, and C in group L. The mechanism by which a party evcr of itself actuates certain indicators to vote a straight party ticket forms no part of this invention and therefore is neither shown nor described. The relationship, however, of straight party balloting to cumulative balloting for representatives in general assembly constitutes a part of the invention and will be more iully understood from further description oi the drawings.

That portion of the voting machine connected with the cumulative mechanism comprises a plurality of interlocking straps I5. Each of these straps is formed with a ledge or shoulder I1. The lower end of the strap is formed with a neck I8 which terminates in an enlarged portion I9. The neck and enlarged portions I8 and I9 project into a main grouping channel 20. his channel forms a part of the voting machine and comprises spaced plates 2|. Adjacent the upper edge of each plate 2| and directed inwardly are channels 22. These channels receive the enlarged ends of rollers 2J. Between each pair of rollers (see Figure 3) there is located the neck portions of two straps I5, the enlarged portion l being within the channel and beneath the When one of the indicators on the face o tne machine is manipulated, an interlocking ap l5 is raised causing the enlarged portion to move upwardly between a pair of rollers, moving said rollers laterally apart and limiting,

a predetermined degreel further lateral discement of the rollers upon subsequent raising ci' further interlocking straps. It will be understood that the rollers 24 are not limited in lateral movement except as is required to set up the voting machine for various kinds of elections. Lateral displaceability of rollers 24 and the grouping of interlocking straps |5 and their respective indicators is obtained through the use or grouping pins 25 and compensators 25. As may be seen in Figure 2 of the drawings, a plurality o openings 21 are provided in the plates of the main grouping channel for the purpose of receiving grouping pins 25. These pins project transversely of the channel and are in the lateral path of rollers 24. It will be noted that three or the grouping pins 25 are located in certain of the openings 2'. to provide one large and one small group indicated in Figure 1 as L and S. In group L there are nine lesser groups of interlocking straps. The number of lesser groups in group L is the product of the number of candidates of the majority party and the number of unit votes each voter is allowed, the number of lesser groups in group S is equal to the number of candidates in the major party. The number to piu of straps in each of these lesser groups depends on the number of horizontal rows oi indicators located on the face 0f the machine. In the present instance nine interlocking straps are contained in each of these groups and it is therefore evident that there are nine horizontal rows of indicators on the face of the machine. Each indicator in one vertical row of the machine is connected with one strap in the strap group. As the voting machine is set up in Figure l it is only desirable that each elector be permitted to cast three votes. The spacing of the rollers 24, however, is such that nine interlocking straps may be raised. It is evident therefore that any six straps, depending on the electors choice, should be prevented manipulation, by decreasing the possible lateral displacement of the rollers. This is accomplished by inserting six compensators 26 in group L substantially as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 of the drawings. Each compensator inserted serves to prevent one of the interlocking straps from being raised by occupying the space the strap could occupy between any pair of rollers. With six of these compensators in place it is obvious that only three interlocking straps in group L may be manipulated. It is immaterial which three straps may be manipulated since any three will occupy the only available space between the rollers and prevent raising another strap. Should it have been desired to permit an elector to cast five votes two less compensators would have been provided. Thus it will be understood that an elector entitled to register three votes may, by manipulation of certain of the indicators, cast one, two or three votes for candidates of his party or split his party vote in the same manner.

In group S there are three groups of interlocking straps. The rollers in the group are limited in lateral displacement by two of the' grouping pins 25 and since these pins are located to include three strap groups, only three votes could be cast. However, since it is possible to cast three votes in the large group and there is, as has been mentioned, one party containing only two candidates, it is necessary that provision be made to split three votes into one and a half votes each for' two candidates. This is accomplished by inserting one compensator 26 into the small group. This compensator limits the lateral displacement of the rollers in the group to the equivalent width of two interlocking straps I5.

With these details of construction of the interlocking straps and their grouping in mind, reference is now had to the cumulative mechanism which is attached to the voting machine adjacent the main grouping channel and which provides control of operation of the indicators on the face of the machine for election for representatives in general assembly. The mechanism, indicated by the reference numeral 30, includes a frame 3|. Adjacent the lower edge of the frame is a pair of supporting brackets 32 which terminate in upstanding flanges 33. Adjacent the brackets 32 are longer brackets 35 wln'ch terminate in upstanding flanges 36. Projecting from one face to the frame 3| are spacing studs 31. Elements 39, formed from or attached to the frame 3|, provide pivotal support for hooks 40 which project through suitable openings 4| in ie frame 3 One end of each hook is pivotally joined to a clamping screw 43 which projects through a support 44 on the frame 3|. A portion of the screw adjacent the support 44 is threaded and receives a nut 45. The mechanism 30 is mounted on one face of the main .grouping channel by engaging flanges 36 of brackets 35 with the inner face of one of the channel plates, flange 33 of bracket 32 abutting the other face of the same plate. Studs 31 also abut theouter face of the grouping channel. Suitable slots 46 are provided in one of the channel plates to receive the ends of hooks 4D. When the mechanism is in place the nut 45 is rotated raising the screw 43 and moving the hook downwardly into engagement with the plate through which it projects. In order to locate this mechanism to control any group of indicators, it must be attachable at any place on the main grouping channel. Therefore a plurality of slots 46 are provided in the outer plate of the main grouping channel to permit entrance of the hooks 40.

Included on the frame 3| are two movable members. These members are interlocked to prevent simultaneous actuation. Mounted on the face of the frame 3| remote from the channel 2| are brackets 48 from which supports 49 pro-ject. One pair of supports mounts a shaft 56 on which is xed a pair of spaced arms 5|. These arms extend over the frame 3| lying over the space between said frame and the channel. 20. The ends of arms 5| are connected by a rod 53 which is provided with a plurality of reduced diameter portions 54. Other of the supports 49 pivotally mount a second shaft 55. Secured to this shaft are four arms 56 having their free ends connected by a rod 51. This rod is also arranged with a plurality of reduced diameter portions 56. The shaft 58, arms 5|, and rod 53 constitute one movable member and is associated with that portion of the cumulative mechanism related to group S heretofore mentioned and indicated in Figure l of the drawings. Shaft 55, arms 56, and rod 51 constitute the other movable member and are related in the same manner to group L. It will be noted that the rod 51 is provided with nine reduced portions 58, this number corresponding to the triple listing of the candidates A, B, and C in group L on the face of the Voting machine. Similarly rod 53 is provided with three reduced portions 54 which correspond in number to the candidate listing in group S. It is apparent that this arrangement of the mechanism will be varied as necessary to accord with any variance in number of candidates.

Pivotally mounted on the face of the frame 3|, adjacent the grouping channel 20, are links 60. The upper ends of these links are tted with pins GI which project through curved slots 62 in the frame 3|. These slots permit limited rotation of the free end of each link about its pivotal support. In order that the links 60 may have controlled movement, a sliding link 64 is provided. This link is formed with slots 65 through which pins 66 on the frame 3| project. The link 64 is movable laterally and is provided with end surfaces which are engageable with pins 6| of the links 66. Thus when the link shown at the left in Figure 9 of the drawings is moved to occupy the position shown in Figure 8 by a means hereinafter to be described, pin 6| thereof engages link 64 moving it laterally to the right and ce using the link 66 at the right of the drawings to .he moved from the position shown in Figure 9 to the position shown in Figure 8. The reverse of this operation is initiated by link 60 at the right of the drawings which in turn rotates the other link 66. Pivotally mounted on the same face oi the frame 3| as are the links 60 and 64, are two cam plates 68. These plates are directed -nected by a lug 8|. lstrap Bills formed with a` flange 82. .lug 8| the straps are continued parallel for a .toward each other and comprise cam arms 69 rand iingers 18. vvinclined meeting edges 12 and 13.

The cam arm` 69 is formed with The nger 10 of one of the plates 68 projects into a slot 15 in one of the arms 5|, forming part of the mechanism related to group S. The finger 16 of the .other plate 68 projects through. an opening 16 in Beneath the short distance and then bent inwardly and joined together to form a connecting link 84. The lower end of the link 84 terminates in a hook 85. The straps 80 are spaced apart a distance to enclose a group of nine interlocking straps I5, the ilanges 82 being located to the rear of the interlocking straps. The lug 8| is adapted to rest upon the ledges or shoulders |1 of the group of interlocking straps. The hook 85 is engaged in one of the recesses 54 or 58 of rods 53 or 51.

Having described the structural details of the cumulative mechanism, the interlocking straps and connection with said mechanism, the operation of the device is set forth. It is assumed that an elector belonging to the party having candidates A, B, and C is about to vote. The party lever for this party is connected with one indicator for each of candidates A, B, and C and upon manipulation moves the indicators to set the machine for recording one vote for each candidate. It is possible that the elector may prefer an unequal distribution of his votes and he may, therefore, raise the indicator over candidate C and lower a second indicator for candidate B. Thus B obtains two votes and A one. By raising the indicator over A and lowering the third indicator over B it is possible to eliminate both both A and C and cast three votes for B alone. It is to be kept in mind that once the voting machine is unlocked the elector may distribute from one to three votes as he chooses in his party as above mentioned or may ignore his party and split his vote by lowering one indicator B in the major party, indicator D in one minor party, and indicator F in the second minor party.

It may thus be understood that the elector is enabled to split his vote among the parties represented in :any manner that he may split 'has Vote among the candidates `of his own party. The above set up is in the large group L. Now if an elector belonging to the rst minor party in which only two candidates are listed desires to vote a straight party ticket he manipulates the party lever and lthe indicators above candidates D and E in the small group operate. Thus this eleotors vote is one and a half for each of these candidates. If, however, this elector wishes to split his vote he may raise the indicator E and lower vany other indicator in the small group, such as A, B, C, or F and record one and a half votes for one other candidate in any other party. 'Ilhe small group, therefore, makes possible the splitting of three votes between two candidates.

It is evi-dent that if an elector casts three votes in a one, two or three combination, permitted in group L, he should not be entitled to cast any additional votes by manipulating indicators in group S. The mechanism mounted on Directly above the lug each Cil fname 3l and attached, as above described, serves to control this situation. When lan elector casts three votes in group L the rst vote elevates rod 5l through the connection of link 84 and hook 85. Elevating this rod raises one cam plate 69 causing pin 6l of link 60 .to move off the inclined surface 73. As the pin is moved, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, it strikes the sliding link 64 causing said link to move to the right. The other end of this link engages pin 6I of the other link 60 moving said pin to occupy a position directly over surface 13 of the other cam plate which is connected with the rod 53 of group S. The rod 53 is now locked (see Figure 8) against being elevated and in consequence no one of the indicators on the face of the voting machine in group S may be actuated to raise any of the interlocking straps in this group since these straps are connected through hooks with the rod 53. If the elector had chosen to split his three votes between two candidates and had manipulated any two indicators in group S, the right hand cam plate would have been elevated and the left cam plate locked in lowered position and in turn locked rod 51 to prevent any of the indicators in group L from being actuated. A comparison of Figures 8 and 9 clearly show these two conditions.

Although applicant has shown and described only one mechanism and arrangement for the control of cumulative Voting for representatives in general assembly, it will be apparent that the present invention may be modified or added to accommodate a voting machine for an increase or decrease in the number of candidates or votes cast without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as dened in the hereunto annexed claim.

Having thus set forth my invention what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

A mechanism for use with a voting machine in `cumulative voting and being operable by and serving to control movement of selective nonparty groups of interlocking straps of said machine, said mechanism comprising pairs of straps, a lug spa'cedly connecting adjacent ends of the straps of each pair, said lug and the straps of each pair cooperating to embrace and segregate a number of said interlocking straps into a group, the other adjacent ends of each pair of straps being joined and forming a hook-like portion, a frame located adjacent said interlocking straps, a pair of pivotally movable members on said frame representing two non-party groups, the hook-like portions of certain interlocking strap groups being engaged with one of said members and the hook-like portions of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with the other of said members, and means connecting said movable members, said means being operable by either of `said members to render inoperattive the other of said members and the nonparty groups of interlocking straps connected therewith.

ALVIN N. GUSTAVSON.

Images