US973550A - Voting-machine. - Google Patents

Description

0.11. OCUMBAUGE I VOTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 3,1902.

Patented Oct. 25, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEETI.

G. H. OGUMPAUGH.

VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JULYB IQOZ.

Patnted 0011.25 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

W G m NORRIS TERS c0, wAsnnvcr G. H. OOUMPAUGH.

VOTING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED JULY 3, 1902.

973,550. Patented 0011251910.

4 smms snzm s.

77 I; 0" Inn' 0 H. OGUMPAUGH. VOTING MACHINE.

- APPLICATION I'ILBD.JULY3,1902. 973,550. Patented Oct. 25, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

CHARLES HERBERT OCUMPAUGH, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

VOTING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 25, 1910.

Application filed July 3, 1902. Serial No. 114,301.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES HERBERT OCUMPAUGH, a resident of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Voting-Machines; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same.

The invention relates to voting machines of the so-called linear type, and has for its object to increase their efficiency and capacity, secure simplicity and economy of construction, and attain other obvious advantages, and it consists in the construction herein described and pointed out.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a perspective showing two machines inclosed each in a case with its cover raised, exposing the face plate, the mechanism of each being connected so that the two may be operated as one; Fig. 2 is a plan of the face plate with a small portion broken away to show part of the operating mechanism; Fig. 8 is a cross section of the mechanism; Fig. a is a partial plan of the straight ticket shaft having on it several sleeves; Fig. 5 is an elevation of a sleeve such as shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a partial plan of the interlocking mechanism; Fig. 7 is an elevation of one of the indicators; Fig. 8 is an elevation of a part of a straight ticket mechanism in which a straight ticket shaft or bar, shown in section, is used to actuate indicators that represent more than one party; Fig. 9'is a partial plan of the straight ticket or lock-out shaft shown in Fig. 8, with adjustable sleeves for adapting it to either operate or look out any indicator as may be predetermined; Fig. 10 is a partial plan of the straight ticket or lock-out shaft shown in Figs. 8 and 9, and illustrates the marks or symbols for designating the proper position or place for the lugs or feathers for placing the endwise adjustable sleeves shown in Figs. 8 and 9; Fig. 11 is a partial plan of the face of the machine, the cover and a part of the case being cut away and indicator mechanism omitted. It shows spaces on the ballot sheet for inserting, after an election, the number of votes cast on the registers corresponding with each candidates name; and also the symbols on the balals on the vote indicators, both sets of symbols corresponding with the symbols on the straight ticket or lock-out shaft; Fi 12 is a section of a portion of the face plate, ballot sheet, and easing, the registers being indicated. The dotted lines repre sent the position in which the ballot sheet and face plate are moved in order that the record of the registers may be copied on the ballot sheet in the space corresponding with the proper registers; Fig. 13 is a partial plan of the construction shown in Fig. 15, the record of the corresponding register at the close of an election being indicated opposite each candidates name; Fig. 14 shows in section two straight ticket or lock-out shafts with their adjustable mechanisms connected to be operated simultaneously; Fig. 15 is a partial plan of the face plate and indicator for operating a straight ticket indicator shaft having adjustable mechanism to indicate the selected votes for any one of two or more parties; Fig. 16 is a partial plan indicating the operation of devices shown in Figs. 6 and 15; Fig. 17 is a partial plan indicating the operation of a universal lock-out bar; Fig. 18 is a partial plan of modified interlocking devices.

Numeral 1 indicates the machine case, 2 its cover, 3 its face plate, and a the machine support.

7 denotes a lock-out handle on a shaft 8, and 5 a registering, resetting and unlocking handle on a shaft 6. Each machine will be provided with these handles unless a plurality of machines are coupled and operated in series, as indicated in Fig. 1, in which case an end machine of the series only will be so provided.

9 denotes shaft-couplings whereby two machines are joined in one.

The machine in its case 1 is placed on a table or suitable support and so that the cover 2 acts as a screen between the voter who occupies a place in front of the machine and the election officials and other voters.

The terms ballot sheet and face plate are used interchangeably in this specification to indicate the part or parts that normally cover the voting and registering mechanism and on which the names of candidates are inscribed and without regard to particular material or construction except as particularly set forth and pointed out.

As the voter approaches the machine from lot sheet which correspond with the numerl the rear, he passes to his left around the end of the machine and draws the resetting handle 5 toward him. This through the medium of the shaft 6, and connecting arm 10 having a pivot connection 12 with a movable bar 11 sliding on a support 12 situated in a slot 12 carries a resetting bar 13 away from contact with the cut out portion let (see Figs. 3 and 7) of the indicators 16 having enlargements 15 which extend through openings 17 in the ballot sheet 17. The bar 13 which has been acting as a lock against the manipulation of the indicators 16 on shaft 16, is thus removed, and any of the indicators are free to be operated. The bar 13 which connects the two movable or sliding members 11 at one end of the latter, is parallel to a register actuator 32 also connecting the said sliding members, and constitutes a holder or support for an irregular ballot situated in any one of a plurality of ballot chutes as will be more particularly described. After operating the handle 5 the voter passes to the front of the machine and there finds a ballot sheet 17 on the face of the machine with the names and indicators arranged in parallel lines, one indicator for each candidate. The ballot sheet has on it the names of offices, candidates and numbers corresponding to candidates. It is preferably made in two parts having a flexible or hinge connec tion as indicated by the double lines near and to the left of the candidate numbers. It is slotted to permit the extension therethrough and operation of the indicators 16 and it has an opening for the deposit of an irregular ballot as indicated in Figs. 2 and 11. A chute 42 may be and preferably is provided in line with each indicator which can be used by suitable openings provided in the sheet by the ofiicials corresponding receptacles 43 being also provided. Should the voter make such perforation and improperly deposit a ballot therein it would drop to the bottom of the case and would be disregarded in the count. Each key or indicator is also numbered to correspond with the candidate numbers and thus aid the voter in his selection. The voter moves toward the face of the machine any indicator 16, one or more, that correspond with a candidate or with candidates for whom he wishes to cast his vote. The indicator enlargements 15 have each a stud 18 entering a slot 19 in a movable register-carrying bar 20, which bar has a part or notch 21 which cooperates with a lock-out arm 22 fixed to an endwise adjustable sleeve 23 secured on shaft 8 by means of a lug or feather 24 on the inner side of sleeve 23 entering a slot 25 in said shaft, as indicated in Fig. 3. If said lock out devices are inoperatively situated the indicator being actuated moves the register bar or carrier 20 by means of the stud 18 on the part 15 of the indicator key and the slotted bearing 19 in the movable bar 20 toward the face of the machine which bar carries the registers comprising the wheels lettered O, O, O. The registers, however, are not actuated by any movement of the indicators 16, but the latter are freely movable into and out of voted position and are not at any time locked at any point of the movement.

The first column on the ballot sheet states the name of the office for which a candidate is to be selected and also how many candidates a voter is allowed to vote for. In order that a voter may not leave in voted position more indicators than represent the number of candidates he is entitled to vote for for each office, I use interlocking mechanism including in the present instance interlocking wedges 26 connected by pins 26 to the bar 20, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 6.

The interlocking mechanism is so arranged that if but one candidate is to be elected for an office, the space between two stops such as 27, each held adjustably in position on a shaft 28' by a set screw 29 as shown, is such that but one interlocking wedge 26 can be moved by a register-carrier 20. If a voter is entitled to vote for two candidates for the same office, as for two aldermen, as indicated in F ig. 11, then the space between the stops 27 on the shaft 28 is so arranged as to permit two of the interlocking wedges 26 to be moved by two register-carriers 20. These carriers or bars 20 are each supported by the shaft 30 at one end, and by their attachment to the rotary interlocking wedges at their other end.

31 denotes a slot in the carrier to permit the movement of bar 20 on shaft 30.

A modification of the wedge construction is shown in Fig. 18, in which 26 denotes annular wedges or hubs fixed on a shaft 28 by set screws and adjustable thereon. Each wedge 26 has a screw hole 26 for a set screw by means of which it can be fixed on the shaft to act as an abutment, and thus used to limit the number of indicators that p can be actuated by a voter.

26 denotes wedges adapted to be rotated on the shaft by means of loose connections 20 pivoted to the bar offsets 20 The nonrotatable intermediate hubs 26 prevent any hub 26 from moving another or other contiguous hub or wedge by friction. The pivoted connections 2O provide for the necessary small movement of the wedges 26 lengthwise the shaft.

After a voter has manipulated the indicators to his satisfaction to indicate the candidates for whom he wishes to vote, the indicators having at all times been freely movable into and out of voted position without actuating the. register, he leaves the face of the machine passing around the same end of the machine as when he approached its face and as he nears the handle 5, he draws it toward the front of the machine. This movement, through the medium of the shaft 6, the arms 10, the movable parts or slide bars 11, and the register-actuating bar 32 connected to said slide bars, actuates the unit wheel having teeth 32 one number in all the registers whose indicators have been left in voted or selected position and restores the indicators that have been moved through the medium of the bar 13 attached to the slide bar 11.

The carrier or bar 20 and the indicator 16 are returned to their normal position by the bar 13 coming in contact with the faces 14 of the cut-away portion of the parts 15 of the indicators. The indicators that have been left in voted position are not returned to normal position until after each corresponding register has been actuated. The resetting bar 13 thus operated by the out-going voter remains in contact with the face 14: of the part 15 of the indicator, thereby looking all the indicators against action until the handle 5 is operated in the opposite direction by an incoming voter.

If a voter wishes to vote a straight ticket he may do so by means of any one of the straight ticket indicators or handles 32 rigidly fixed on a shaft 33 (see Figs. 2 and A straight-ticket indicator-shaft may be operated to select all the candidates representing any party, by moving its indicator 32 representing the party for whom it is desired to vote a straight ticket, toward the cover 2 as the voter stands in front of the machine, the mechanism and its operation being as follows:

Each shaft has two classes of sleeves, both of which are movable and adjustable on the shaft, one class of the sleeves being blank, and the other having a feather, or lug 35 on the sleeve 36 entering a slot 3% in the shaft. This shaft 33 has also numbers or marks thereon (Fig. 10) corresponding to, and in alinement with, the corresponding numbers or marks on the indicators 16 or on the ballot sheet or on both as indicated in Fig. 2. The candidates for a given party have each a sleeve 36 on which is an arm or extension 38 situated, as shown by numbers on the shaft, in the right position, when the inclicator 32 is moved, to bring said arm or extension 38 in contact with the inclined face 37 of a bar 20, and thus move a bar which carries the register pertaining to the candidate for whom it is wished to vote. The spaces on the shaft 33 not occupied by the sleeves 36 that have extensions 38 thereon, are filled by blank sleeves on the shaft similar to sleeves 36 but without extension 38, so that the movement of a straight ticket indicator 32 will select only the bars 20 that carry the registers pertaining to the candidates represented by that particular straight-ticket indicator 32 Or if preferred, all of the sleeves 36 on any shaft 33 may have the extensions 38, in which case only the sleeves that correspond with the party represented by the corresponding shaft 33 will have the extensions 38 placed so that they can be brought into contact with the faces 37 of the bars 20. The remainder of the sleeves 36 will in such case have their extensions 38 so directed that they cannot be brought into contact with the corresponding faces 37 on the bars 20.

I also provide means (see Figs. 8, 9 and 15) by which a single indicator or handle 39 and its shaft 33 may be used to indicate or select the candidates for all the offices for either of two or more parties, in which case the sleeves 36 will be arranged on the shaft 33 so that all of the extensions 38 pertaining to the same party will be in alinement, and this alinement will be such that when the straight-ticket indicator 39 is moved to indicate a selection of any particular party, it will turn its corresponding shaft 33 to bring the proper extensions 38 into contact with the faces 37 of the bars 20, and move the bars 20 to move the individual indicators 16 to voted position and at the same time carry the registers on each of the selected bars 20 to a selected position. To enable this operation the shaft 33 (see Fig. 16) is made movable lengthwise for a distance equal to that between two adjacent bars 20 so that when said shaft is so moved out of its normal position none of the projections 38 will register with the bars but will be freely movable when the shaft is rotated and movable in planes passing between the bars. hen the shaft has been thus adjusted it can be freely turned by the handle or indicator 39 until said handle points to a position corresponding to a selected party (see Fig. 15), and the arrangement is such that upon returning the shaft 33 endwise the projections 38 corresponding to that party only are in operative situation with respect to bars 20 and such that a slight further rotation of the shaft operates the bars 20 which carry the registers for the party.

Obviously a similar construction and arrangement of a shaft such as 33 provided with circumferentially adjustable sleeves such as 23 having extensions 22 (see Fig. 17) could be employed for locking various bars 20 according to the exigencies of any particular election. This construction would obviate the necessity of a lock-out shaft for each bar 20. The shaft being adjustable endwise, as described in connection with shaft 33, as represented in Fig. 16, can be moved endwise from its normal situation to permit sufficient rotation to place any desired projections in proximity to notches such as 21 in bars 20 (see Fig. 3) so that when the shaft is returned endwise such selected projections will be in operative relation to the desired bars 20. The sleeves 23 will be provided with screws or other means of securing them in any position to which they may be adjusted.

I also show (Fig. 14) means for using two shafts to be operated by one straightticket indicator, their extensions 38 being connected by pivots 38" to a connecting bar 38. This particular use is adapted to a con struction of this same machine, in which two or more parties have the names of their candidates for different ofiices arranged in a oluralitv of columns the arran ement of l a e.

of shafts indicated in Fig. 14 the same bar 20 will be moved and the same register finally actuated; or the arrangement of the parts 28 may be such as to actuate two bars 20 whichever shaft is rocked thereby finally counting the total vote for an indorsed candidate on separate registers one for each party. And these results will be the same whether both shafts have an indicator handle or only one.

If the voter wishes to vote for a party whose name does not appear on the ballot face of the machine, he can do so by writing the name of the party for whom he wishes to vote on a blank ballot (designated as 40 in Fig. To cast this ballot, he suitably moves the indicator 16 which corresponds with the space on the printed ballot sheet marked Irregular or Unnominated, provided, if he is only entitled to one vote for the oflice, he has not already moved an indicator that belongs to a candidate for the same oflice. The movement of the indicator 16 carries with it the bar 20 and its extension 41, which movement of the extension uncovers the chute or channel 42 and permits the voter to deposit his prepared irregular ballot 40 in the chute 42 through the opening 44 of the ballot sheet. This ballot 40 is of such a length that on account of the slide 13 for locking or closing the irregular vote passage 42, the vote when deposited extends above the face plate 3 and thus prevents the extension 41 being -returned to its normal position, and also prevents movement of the bar 20 and its corresponding indicator 16, so that as long as the irregular ballot 40 remains in the channel or chute its corresponding indi cator 16 cannot be returned to normal position, thus preventing the voter from vot ing for two persons for the same office when he is 'only entitled to vote for one,that is, preventing him from voting for a nominated candidate and at the same time for an irregular candidate. The voter, however, is at liberty to withdraw his ballot 40 from the irregular chute 42 and reset its corresponding indicator 16 to normal position, and vote for any other candidate that he may wish for the same oflice. If the voter leaves the ballot 40 in the irregular chute 42, it is moved into the receptacle 43 on his departure from the machine by his moving the resetting handle 5 through the medium of the shaft 6, arms 10, slide bars 11, and slide 13. The removal of the slide 13 from the opening 45 in the irregular chute 42 allows the ballot 40 to pass into the receptacle 43. The dimensions of the opening 44 and chute 42 are such that but one irregular ballot can be cast for any candidate at one time. The relation of the slide 13 to the chute 42 is such that the ballot 40, on the moving of the slide bar, passes into the receptacle 43 before the part 13 comes in contact with the face 14 of the part 15 of the indicator l6, and therefore the cover 41 of the bar 20 does not cover the chute 42 until after the ballot 40 has passed out of the path of the part 41.

The same indicator 16 can be used either to vote for a nominee or for an unnominated candidate, which choice must however be predetermined. lVhen this key is used for a nominated candidate, the ballot sheet has printed opposite the key, the name of the candidate, and the ballot sheet or card does not have an opening cut through it to permit the use of the chute. If a hole were punched through the card directly over the chute and a ballot improperly inserted therein, when the voter left the machine the ballot would drop to the floor, as there would be no receptacle attached to the bottom of the chute corresponding to the key of a nominated candidate. When a key is to be used for an unnominated candidate, the space on the ballot sheet opposite the key is marked either Irregular or Unnominated and the ballot sheet is perforated to permit the placing of a ballot in the chute corresponding to the key. In this case a bag or receptacle is attached to the bottom of the chute so as to receive the irregular ballots. The register corresponding to the irregular key would be actuated when the voter leaves the irregular key in voted position whether or not there was a ballot placed in the opening or chute, but no attention would be paid by the officials to the count of the registers in connection with that key. The irregular vote would undoubtedly be very much split and represent different persons, and the different irregular ballots inserted in the chute 130 would be counted and tabulated irrespective of the registers on the machine. It will. be understood that the irregular lever cannot at the same moment or at the same election represent both av nominated and unnominated candidate and that the machine must be arranged previous to the election to agree with the ballot sheet.

In some cases it is desirable to lock the keys representing a particular oflice or offices against operation by a certain class of voters and to permit them to select or vote for a candidate or candidates for some other office. I provide for this, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5, and more particularly in Figs. 2, 3 and 5. 7 indicates a lock-out handle which when actuated moves the shaft 8, which shaft has the two classes of sleeves, one with and the other without extensions such as described in connection with the straight ticket shaft 33, clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 10. The sleeves 28 having extensions 22 thereon are so placed on the shaft 8 as to bring extensions 22 into a notch 21 in the bar 20 when the handle 7 is actuated. lVhen the handle 7 has been so actuated, the indicators 16 are locked against movement by means of the mechanism con necting it with the bar 20, the latter being held against movement by extensions 22 being in the notch 21 of the bar 20.

It is of course understood that there could be series of handles 7 and corresponding shafts and sleeves with lock out extensions each handle representing different groups of indicators, or there can be one shaft arranged with the sleeves 23 and extensions 22 that can be brought either successively or as desired into operative relation with the proper indicators 16, the construction and arrangement being such is shown in Figs. 8,9,10 and 13 for the straight ticket mechanism.

Heretofore it has been customary to read the count of the registers from the rear of the machine, which method is liable to error in that if the counters are not properly labeled with the candidates names, a candidate might be given credit for a count that belonged to some other candidate. In order to avoid this I provide a removable face plate, as shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, the ballot sheet on the face plate having a blank space 17" opposite each candidates name for the insertion of the count as shown by the registers at the close of an election, each can didate having a blank space for the insertion of his count in alinement with the reg ister which indicates the total number counted. By this construction the face plate, and the printed ballot sheet on it, can be moved from over the registers, and so that the blank spaces before mentioned are brought in close proximity to the registers whereupon the figures on the registers can be copied on said spaces, thus reducing the chances of error. The printed ballot sheet on the face of the machine is thus made to show the state or result of the voting. After all of the registers have had their count copied on the ballot sheet, it is removed and taken charge of by the proper officials as the oflicial record of the result of the election.

It is also possible, as before indicated, to join two machines end for end by coupling the resetting shaft 6, the look-out shaft 8, and the straight ticket shaft or shafts 33, as indicated in Fig. 1.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to unessential particulars, nor to the particular forms and arrangements illustrated. For example, the horizontal arrangement of the face plate is not important in all cases, neither is the arrangement of candidates or of indicators in a single column. It is preferred, however, that the several party candidates for each ofiice or for several oflices be arranged in a column as shown, and that the indicators be similarly ar ranged, one for each candidate, the candidates and indicators being numbered serially on the ballot sheet. Other like modifications can be made and equivalents employed without departing from the invention.

I claim:

1. In a voting machine, a series of indicators, one for each candidate, a series of registers each having two or more numbered wheels whose axes are parallel, the registers being movable into operative position by the movement of their corresponding indicators, a register actuator, and means whereby the actuator is moved nearer and transversely to the line of the movement of the registers to actuate those in operative situation, said actuator being actuated by the outgoing voter and without the aid of the indicators.

2. In a voting machine, a face plate provided with a series of lines or spaces for names of nominated candidates and for unnominated candidate voting as predetermined by the face plate ballot, registers one corresponding to each of said spaces, indicators one corresponding to each of said spaces, and ballot-receiving openings 111 11116 with said spaces, whereby any of said lndicators can be used to vote either for nomi nated or unnominated candidates as predetermined, the count of votes for nominated candidates being shown by the registers and votes for unnominated candidates being shown by the deposited ballots in the selected lines.

3. In a'voting machine, a face plate provided with a series of lines or spaces for names of nominated candidates and for unnominated candidate voting as predetermined by the face plate ballot, registers one corresponding to each of said spaces, indicators one corresponding to each of said spaces, ballot-receiving openings corresponding to said spaces, and means controlled by any of said indicators designated for irregular voting for admitting ballots to corresponding openings.

4. 111 a voting machine, individual registers one for each of several candidates of several parties. a list of the candidates of the parties, individual indicators, a straight ticket indicator, means intermediate the straight ticket indicator and the several individual registers representing candidates of the party corresponding to the straight ticket indicator, whereby said straight ticket indicator may be used to actuate the individual candidate registers of a straight ticket of either party at the will of the voter.

5. In a voting machine, a plurality of in-,

dividual registers, individual indicators, a straight ticket indicator, straight-ticket-indicator-opelated-mechanism comprising a shaft, and interchangeably adjustable parts thereon, whereby said straight-ticket-indicator-operated-mechanism may be put in operative relation to different registers corresponding to different tickets at the will of the voter, said indicator and said mechanism being operable and returnable without operating the registers.

6. In a voting machine, individual indicators having each a distinguishing mark, and a straight ticket mechanism having marks thereon corresponding with the marks which designate the individual indicators, said straight ticket mechanism comprising operating devices adjustable to correspond with selected individual indicators, and registers put in voted condition by such adjustable devices.

7. In a voting machine, a ballot sheet having candidates names thereon each name provided with a distinguishing mark, a straight ticket mechanism having corresponding marks and comprising operating parts located by such latter marks, and registers put in voted position by said parts.

8. In a voting machine, individual voting devices, vote-indicating mechanism having a support provided with a plurality of marks for indicating the proper position thereon of adjustable parts, said parts, and means for fixing the parts 011 the support, the marks and parts corresponding with nominees to be voted for, and the support being movable by the voter to select a part of said nominees.

9. In a voting machine, registers, voteindicating mechanism having a support having a plurality of marks for indicating the proper position thereon of adjustable register-operating parts, said parts, and

means for fixing the parts at selected points against movement in any direction on said support, the marks and parts corresponding with nominees to be voted for, the support being movable by the voter to select a part of said nominees, and an indicator whereby to move the support.

10. In a voting machine, the combination of individual indicators, corresponding voting mechanism comprising a shaft or bar having marks thereon corresponding to nominees and individual indicators, parts adapted to putvoting mechanisms in voted condition adjustable on the shaft to correspond with said marks and nominees, devices for fixing the parts on the shaft, and means to put selected parts fixed on the shaft in operative contact with devices connected to predetermined indicators.

11. In a voting machine, the combination of adjustable parts, a shaft or bar having marks indicating proper places thereon for adjustable parts, means for fixing the parts on the shaft, registering mechanisms, an indicator to move said shaft to put selected parts in operative relation to selected registering mechanism, and a face plate with marks to denote difierent voting positions of the shaft-moving indicator. 12. In a voting machine, a face plate, a straight ticket bar or shaft, devices constituting parts of the voting mechanism adjustable lengthwise on said shaft at will to select any or all of the nominated candidates of a party irrespective of the location of the names of the candidates on the face plate, and means to fix the devices against lengthwise movement on the shaft at selected points.

13. In a voting machine, a series of indicators representing candidates for different parties arranged in a column, and irregular vote receptacles arranged in a separate column, and a lock-out shaft or bar for the indicators parallel to the two columns and having adjustable attachments to lock out predetermined selected indicators.

14:. In a voting machine, the combination of a series of registers and a corresponding series of regular-candidate-indicators, each indicator freely movable into and out of voted position without registering, and an irregular voting mechanism operatively c011- nected to a predetermined one of said indicators, whereby all the indicators may be used for regular voting, and whereby a part of said indicators when thus. prearranged may be used for irregular voting.

15. The combination of a ballot sheet having nominees designated thereon, corresponding indicators, registers, a register actuator, a straight ticket mechanism com prising a support for indicator-moving attachments, such attachments, said attachments being adjustably connected with said support and movable into and out of operative relation to selected indicators.

16. In a voting machine, the combination of a face plate having a plurality of nominees for each of a plurality of parties for a plurality of offices noted thereon, a plurality of like voting devices including indicators for each office, irregular voting devices corresponding to said indicators, and means operated by said indicators adapted to render operative the irregular voting devices, whereby either a nominated or an unnominated candidate may be voted for by either indicator as predetermined.

17 In a voting machine, the combination of registers, a face plate having thereon the names of nominees and normally concealing said registers, the face plate being movable relatively to the registers to uncover the latter, such movement leaving the names on the face plate in line with the corresponding registers and in proximity, whereby they can be easily read together.

18. In a voting machine, a face plate having thereon names of candidates and having a space thereon adjacent each name for the insertion of the total of votes registered for each, and having marks to correspondingly denote indicators, said space being adjacent both its corresponding name and mark.

19. In a voting machine, indicators, registers, a face plate having thereon the names of candidates and having a space adjacent each name for the insertion of the total of votes for each candidate, and having marks to designate the indicators corresponding to the different candidates, said space being adjacent both the name and the mark, said face plate normally concealing the registers and movable to disclose them.

20. In a voting machine, indicators, regis tors, a face plate having thereon names of candidates and having a space adjacent each name for the total of votes for each, and having marks to indicate corresponding indicators and candidates, said space being adjacent both its name and mark, said face plate normally concealing the registers but movable to disclose them, and slots in the face plate to provide for moving the indicators lengthwise of the plate in voting.

21. In a voting machine, a series of registers, a corresponding series of indicators, a face plate having thereon names of candidates and having a space adjacent each name for the total of votes for each, and having marks to designate during an election indicators corresponding to the different candi dates, said space being adjacent both the name and the mark, said face plate normally concealing the registers and movable to disclose them, slots in the face plate to provide for moving the indicators lengthwise of the plate in voting, and means whereby movement of the indicators is automatically and suitably stopped.

In a voting machine, a straight ticket shaft, a lock out shaft parallel to the straight ticket shaft, and a register carrier in direct cooperative relation to each shaft.

In a voting machine, a face plate having thereon the names of nominees representing a plurality of parties and for a plurality of ofiices arranged in a column, an individual indicator and a register for each candidate. and a straight ticket shaft adapted to put said registers in voted condition, and a lock out shaft, both said shafts being supported parallel to the column of names.

2i. In a voting machine, a plurality of individual candidate registers and corresponding indicators, a straight ticket shaft parallel to the column of registers, and a register actuator parallel to the straight ticket shaft and common to two or more registers in such column.

25. In a voting machine, a series of indi cators representing at least two parties and two offices arranged in a column, an irregular votereceiving means con'iprising a movable part extending parallel with and behind the indicators preventing the irregular vote when desired.

26. I11 a voting machine, a face plate having a plurality of registers one for each opening, means for actuating the registers, an indicator for each opening and freely movable into and out of voted position without actuating the registers to count, said means for actuating the registers comprising a single device for moving the same.

27. In a voting machine, a face plate having a plurality of openings for irregular ballots, a movable cover for each of said openings, as many registers as openings, an indicator for each register, said registers being freely movable into and out of voted position without being actuated to count, operative connection between one or more selected indicators and corresponding covers to permit deposit of irregular ballots, and means for actuating the registers of voted indicators including those for irregular voting.

28. In a voting machine, a plurality of bodily movable registers in a column, a like number of indicators in a parallel column, each indicator operatively connected to its register to move it, said indicators and registers being freely movable to and from voted position until the voter leaves the machine, means for irregular voting comprising one of said registers and indicators and a face plate having one or more irregular ballot receiving openings, means movable in the same direction as said registers and indintors and operatively connected to a selected indicator to be moved thereby normally obstructing said openings, and means for operating registers of indicators left in vote.

29. In a voting machine, a face plate, a series of registers in a column behind said plate and bodily movable in a plane parallel thereto, an indicator for each register, a shaft supporting such indicators, and an actuator distinct from the indicators and common to more than one register.

30. In a voting machine, a resetting handle, a plurality of indicators, a plurality of registers, and an actuator common to two or more registers, the actuator having two parallel movable supports and connected by means of said supports with the resetting handle.

31. In a voting machine, a plurality of indicators, one for each candidate, in a col umn and representing different party candidates for a plurality of oifices, and an equal plurality of registers, each register having two or more numbered wheels on parallel axes, a register actuator common to the registers, and means comprising a, separate shaft for operating said actuator.

32. In a voting machine, a plurality of indicators pivotally supported in a column, a plurality of registers in a column and each comprising a plurality of number wheels, independent axes for the wheels of each register, said axes being parallel to each other and to the indicator column, and a register actuator parallel to the column and common to several registers.

33. In a voting machine, a plurality of indicators representing different candidates nominated or irregular as predetermined and in a column, a face plate having a plurality of irregular ballot openings in line with and represented by the indicators, a register actuator, registers normally out of operative relation to said actuator, movement of either a regular or an irregular indicator placing the corresponding register in operative relation with said actuator.

34. In a. voting machine, a plurality of individual indicators in a column and representing different party candidates for a plurality of offices, and a plurality of straight ticket indicators situated at unequal distances from the column of individual indicators and each representing a different party.

35. In a voting machine, the combination of registers, supports therefor, a register actuator, a straight ticket mechanism comprising a shaft, and attachments adjustable on said shaft to put them in operative relation to the support of desired registers, said actuator being distinct from the indicators and registers.

36. In a voting machine, registers, a register actuator, a straight ticket indicator distinct from said actuator, a straight ticket shaft or bar and attachments therefor adjustable to operative situations corresponding to any selected party ticket, and an in termediate device whereby any predetermined registers may be placed in operative position with respect to the register actuator by the movement of said straight ticket indicator.

37. In a voting machine, registers, a face plate having party nominees designated thereon, a straight ticket indicator, a mova ble device intermediate the indicators and registers and operable by the indicator, adjustable parts supported on said device and adjustable into and out of operative situation, whereby registers representing any candidate of any party whose name appears on the face of the machine may be put in operative position, a register actuator, and devices whereby the outgoing voter operates said actuator.

38. In a voting machine, registers, a reg ister. actuator, a. face plate having nominees of two different parties designated thereon, and a straight ticket indicator and alternately operating parts intermediate the indicator and registers, whereby said indicator may cause a relative movement between either one of two registers representing two nominees for difierent parties, and an actuator.

39. In a voting machine, a face plate having thereon the names of difi'erent parties, a straight ticket indicator, and alternately operating parts movable by the indicator at will to immediately put a register of any selected party in position to be actuated, whereby said indicator by a single initial movement may indicate a vote for either of the parties.

40. In a voting machine, movable register supports, a straight ticket bar or shaft having thereon adjustable parts, the parts each having a lug or extension arranged on the bar so that the lugs radiate in difierent directions from said bar, selected lugs being operatively situatedwith respect to the register supports, and the bar adjustable to select the lugs.

41. In a voting machine, a series of registers, a series of indicators, interlocking devices for the indicators, and a lock out bar or shaft supporting parts adjustable to lock out any or all of the indicators representing any oflice or question irrespective of their place on the face of the machine.

42. In a voting machine, a series of registers, aseries of indicators, interlocking devices for the indicators comprising longitudinally moving bars, a lock out shaft transverse to said bars, and adjustable attachments movable longitudinally on the shaft and adapted to engage and hold any selected bars and thelr lndlcators.

43. In a voting machine, reglsters, indicators, interlocking mechanism, and a lock out mechanism comprising a bar or shaft, and parts thereon adjustable to bring selected parts into contact with parts of the interlocking mechanism to prevent the movement thereof and of the corresponding indicators.

ii. In a voting machine, a series of registers in a column, a face plate containing names of candidates in a parallel column, the face plate normally concealing the registers and readily removable in a plane transverse to said columns, whereby when uncovered the several registers stand in line with the names of corresponding candidates.

45. In a voting machine, a register actuator, indicators, a resetting device for the indicators having a shaft extending parallel to the register actuator, and connected thereto by parallel members which extend at right angles to the actuator.

46. In a voting machine, registers, a register actuator, and an irregular vote receiving mechanism comprising a ballot-holding part extending parallel to the actuator and connected thereto by parallel members at right angles to said actuator whereby said ballot-holding part is moved simultaneously with the actuator.

47. In a voting machine, a series of indicators arranged in a single column, registers one for each indicator the indicators and registers being freely movable into and out of voted position by the voter up to the final leaving of the face of the machine, means corresponding to each indicator for receiving an irregular ballot selected indicators being connected to render such means operative, and a register actuator common to all the registers, and adapted to register all selected votes simultaneously.

48. In a voting machine, a series of registers, a part having a corresponding series of ballot openings, covers for said openings, a series of indicators one for each register and corresponding opening and cover, the covers being freely movable into and out of normal position, an actuator, and means for operating the actuator, and each register being freely movable by its indicator from inoperative to operative relation with said actuator.

49. In a voting machine, registers, a part having ballot-receiving openings, covers for the openings each adapted to be connected operatively to a corresponding one of said registers, an indicator for each register and corresponding cover, the covers being freely movable out of and into normal position obstructing said openings without actuating corresponding registers, and means for actuating the registers.

50. In a voting machine, a straight ticket indicator, individual vote indicators for all candidates, a receptacle for an irregular vote individual indicator of any party being operative, and a straight ticket indicator adjustable to several operative positions to select at will all the individual candidates for any party irrespective of the location of their names on the ballot plate, the straight ticket mechanism actuating the individual indicators corresponding to the selected names.

52. In a voting machine, a printed ballot plate having party candidates names thereon, individual indicators and corresponding actuating mechanism, and a straight ticket indicator adjustable to select all the individual candidates for a party irrespective of the location of their names on the ballot plate, the straight ticket mechanism actuating the individual indicators corresponding to the selected names.

53. In a voting machine, registers, a register actuator normally out of operative relation with the registers, an indicator for each register, an irregular ballot mechanism for each indicator, whereby the indicators each may represent exclusively and without adjustment either a nominated candidate or an irregular vote as may be predetermined, and means for bringing into cooperative relation said actuator and registers of operated indicators.

54. In a voting machine, a face-plate having ballot-receiving openings in line with a plurality of indicators, such indicators, a part being regular-vote-indicators and a part irregular-vote-indicators, registers, and a single perforable shield imperforate over the openings corresponding to the regularvote-indicators to prevent access to such openings, and perforate over the openings corresponding to said irregular-vote-indicators to permit access thereto, as set forth.

55. I11 a voting machine, a face plate having irregular ballot-receiving openings, and a single stationary perforable shield, said shield being perforate over a part of said openings to permit access thereto, and imperforate over others to prevent access thereto.

56. In a voting machine, the combination of registers, register supports, a register actuator, individual indicators each operatively connected to a register support, a shaft or bar having symbols thereon, and parts corresponding to the symbols adjustable on said shaft, said register supports being movable by their corresponding indicators to carry said registers into operative relation to the actuator.

' 57. In a voting machine, a ballot sheet having the names of candidates thereon constituting a face plate, registers representing the candidates showing the vote that has been recorded thereon for each candidate, said sheet being movable to expose the register, and a space for a corresponding record of votes on the sheet adjacent each name and between it and the register and alined therewith.

58. In a voting machine, indicators freely movable into and out of voted position, registers showing the vote that has been recorded thereon for each candidate, a ballot sheet having thereon the names of candidates, and having spaces between the indicators and names and in line therewith for recording the number of votes disclosed on the register for each candidate, said sheet being removable from over the registers without disturbing the alinement.

59. In a voting machine, a plurality of registers, corresponding mechanism for each comprising an indicator, indicator shafts or bars, and means for connecting the shafts to move in unison upon the actuation of either indicator.

60. In a voting machine, a plurality of registers, corresponding mechanism for each comprising an indicator, indicator shafts or bars, and means for connecting the shafts to move in unison upon the actuation of either indicator, and devices adjustable on the shafts to operative situations corresponding to any selected register or registers.

61. In a voting machine having a ballot sheet on its face containing in a column the names of candidates representing different parties and different offices arranged in a column, a resetting and register actuating mechanism extending transversely to the names, indicators freely movable into and out of voted position, and means for connecting the resetting and actuating mechanism with like mechanism in a duplicate machine, said means comprising rotatable shafts, each operatively connected to said mechanism.

(32. In a voting machine having a ballot sheet on its face containing the names of candidates representing different parties and different ofiices arranged in a column, a straight ticket mechanism extending transversely to the same, indicators freely movable into and out of voted positions, and means for connecting the straight ticket mechanism with like parts in a duplicate machine, said means comprising shafts, each operatively connected to said mechanism.

63. The combination with a plurality of ballot indicators, of a member for operating them consisting of a plurality of detachable sections, means for coupling the sections end to end, and means such as a handle distinct from the coupling and operable without change to actuate any desired number of coupled sections.

64. The combination with a plurality of ballot indicators, of an operating member composed of a plurality of independently supported detachable and alined sections, means for coupling the sections, and distinct means for actuating one 'or more sections, said means being situated at an end of a section remote from any coupling.

In testimony whereof, I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

OHARLES HERBERT OCUMPAUGH.

Witnesses JAMES C. CLEMENTS, GRACE S. BOYD.

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