Stepping switch

Abstract: A semielectronic control system for a combination washing and drying machine utilizing a solenoid-actuated stepping switch, each successive position of the switch controlling such functions as water fill, agitate, drain, extract, and dry making up the washer-dryer''s cycle of operation. Energization of the solenoid is controlled either by RC timer circuitry having a number of selective delays or by circuitry responsive to sensed conditions. The stepping switch selects the appropriate delay in the RC timing circuitry or the proper condition responsive circuit which causes energization of the solenoid to advance the stepping switch to the next position.

Abstract: A communication system for the handicapped having a single-input transducer or switch and a dual output for operation of an office machine, typewriter or the like, or a display, or a punched or magnetic storage device, as well as almost any material where data or information is to be stored, printed, displayed, or otherwise used, e.g., through a device which may be a matrix. In a ''''Hold'''' embodiment, upon the first actuation of the input switch, a stepping switch is stepped to provide the first coordinate of the matrix. When the switch is deactivated, the stepping switch stops at a desired row, and a second stepping switch automatically moves to the desired column. Upon reactivation of the input switch, the second stepping switch stops at the desired column, and signals are sent out through the matrix to initiate activation of an element or elements. The activated element or elements may cause a letter on a typewriter to be typed or a lamp to light which displays a symbol, letter, or function, or any combinations thereof. Whereupon, the stepping switches are reset and the system is ready to accept other signals. In a ''''No-Hold'''' embodiment of the invention, upon a first actuation of the input switch, the row stepping switch commences to step. Upon a second actuation of the input switch, the row stepping switch stops at the desired row, and at the same time a column stepping switch automatically starts stepping along the matrix. When the desired column is reached, the input switch is actuated a third time, and a signal is fed to actuate an element in the matrix to type a letter, etc.

Abstract: PURPLE was the designation given by U. S. cryptanalysts to the cipher machine used by the Japanese Foreign Office for secure communications before and during WW 2. We present the structure and internal wiring of the machine, as well as details of the keying procedures and a system of abbreviations, which was used in the messages. We have also written a computer simulation of the PURPLE machine. Operation of the simulator is demonstrated by deciphering portions of the 14-part message delivered to the United States on Dec. 7, 1941. Finally, an automated cryptanalysis method for the PURPLE system is presented.

Abstract: An electrical firing arrangement for the sequential firing of a plurality of mortars stacked in end-to-end relationship within a single launching barrel. The firing arrangement comprises a pulse generator for producing mortar firing pulses and a circuit for applying these pulses to an electro-magnetic stepping switch which applies the pulses in turn over pairs of wires to igniters of the respective mortars as the stepping switch is stepped from one position to the next. The stepping switch comprises normally-open contacts which close when an operating coil is effectively energized by a firing pulse and switch wipers move out of engagement with one pair of associated contacts on the stepping switch towards the next pair of associated contacts on the same switch. The normally-open contacts are restored to their open condition when the operating coil is fully de-energized at the end of each firing pulse so that any short-circuit condition which may exist across a pair of associated contacts due to short-circuiting of a pair of wires to an igniter of a mortar being fired will not deprive the operating coil of current upon the arrival of a firing pulse whereby the stepping switch would fail to step to its next position.