| 摘要 |
A data retrieval device, operable to retrieve a datum responsive to insertion of a datum selecting card into a data containing unit, has a drawer containing a stack of data sheets each having a different respective recess in an edge thereof. A number of selecting cards, equal to the number of sheets in the stack, are provided, and each card has a sheet releasing characteristic, such as an aperture, a projection, or recess, at a location respective to a different one of the data sheets. When a card is inserted into the unit, its releasing characteristic is engaged by a tension member in accordance with the lateral location of the characteristic, and the tension member is pulled along with the card through a distance corresponding to the spacing of the characteristic from the leading edge of the card. The tension member pulls a connected downturned hook toward the stack of sheets to engage all of the sheet edge recesses aligned with the hook, the hook being drawn to a recess corresponding to the distance of the characteristic from the leading edge of the card. When the card is fully inserted, it closes a switch to energize a motor rotating a crank which lifts all the hooks, with the drawn hook dividing the stack of sheets into two partial stacks. The lower partial stack remains in the drawer and the upper partial stack is engaged with latching pins entering holes in the sheets. Upon further rotation of the crank, a detent is released providing for a spring to project the drawer with the lower partial stack of sheets. The selected sheet is the top sheet of the lower partial stack, so that the retrieved data is exposed. When the drawer is reinserted in the unit, the two partial stacks are recombined into the original stack and another switch is operated to actuate the motor to rotate the crank in the reverse direction lowering the hooks, and releasing the detent to engage the drawer. The hooks are retracted by associated springs. In addition to, or in place of, the retrieved data being presented visually, it may be presented audibly by a tape recorder connected to the unit.
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