INSTRUCTIONS
for OPERATORS

Burroughs Computing-Billing Machine
Style 72 03 01

Burroughs Adding Machine Company
Detroit, Michigan



This is part of the operator's manual of the Burroughs Computing Billing Machine. Only those sections of interest for collectors of mechanical calculators are included.

Table of Contents

Introduction3
General Information4
The Calculating Sections4
The Keyboard and Other Controls6
The Carriage9

Operating Instructions
Setting the Machine to a Form10
Using Roll Paper11
Clearing the Machine11
Addition:
Single Column Addition11
Transferring from one Section to Another12
Duplex Addition in one Column12
Duplex Addition in Three Columns13
Duplex Addition in Four Columns14
Printing and Adding Fractions15
Subtraction:
Subtraction in Crossfooter15
Subtraction in Registers16
Listing Debits and Credits and Obtaining Difference16
Multiplication17
Division17

Fundamental Billing Operations
Writing and Computing an Invoice18
Use of the Full Cent Bar19
Fractions in the Price Which Can be Printed
with the Calculating Mechanism19
Use of the Point-Off Key20
Fractions in the Quantity20
Table of Decimal Equivalents of Common Fractions21
Fractions in the Price Which Cannot be Printed
with the Calculating Mechanism22
Calculating Discounts23
Use of the Decimal Discount Key23
Chain Discounts24
Table of Chain Discounts25
Adding Quantity-Calculating Freight26
Rules for Correcting Operating Errors27

Special Billing Problems
Quantity Larger than the Price and Extra
Charges Added to the Total28
Both Discount and Net Shown29
Quantity in Units - Priced per Hundred30
Quantity in Units - Priced per Thousand30
Plus Percentage and Deductions from the Net30
Quantity in Units - Priced per Dozen31
Quantity in Dozens - Priced per Unit31
Quantity in Units - Priced per Gross31
Quantity in Pounds - Priced per Ton32
Calculating Net Weight32
Calculating Long Tons - Quantity in Pounds32
Quantity in Feet and Inches - Priced per Foot33
Table of Inches and Fractional Inches as Decimals of One Foot33
Calculating Lumber - Priced per Board Foot34
Lumber Table35
Calculating Surface - Priced per Square Foot36
Calculating Surface and Weight - Priced per Hundred Pounds36
Calculating Lineal Feet and Weight - Priced per Hundred Pounds37
Calculating Weight of Paper - Priced per Pound - Quantity in Sheets37
Calculating Interest38
Interest Table38
Calculating Bushels - Priced per Bushel - Quantity in Pounds39
Table of Reciprocals for Bushels39

Additional Features
Transfer to Register from First Product Key40
Clear Multiplier Key40
Simultaneous Addition40
Positive Register Control40
Automatic Extension40
Overdraft Light Signal40
Other Styles of Billing Machines40

Introduction

Figures comprise the most important part of billing and accounting. The calculating mechanism is constructed to handle figures in the most convenient and efficient way possible. In fact, the Burroughs Computing-Billing Machine is the only machine that performs all the operations of invoicing - typing, adding, subtracting, multiplying, accumulating several totals at one time, handling fractions, figuring discounts and extending the net amounts.

The arrows point to a few of the remarkable results obtainable with the Burroughs Computing-Billing Machine. These promote speed, accuracy and simplicity in billing.
  1. Billing typewriter combined with a compact calculating keyboard.
  2. Automatic alignment of dollars under dollars and cents under cents - no decimal tabulating keys to select and depress.
  3. Extensions are computed by direct multiplication - not repeated addition.
  4. Fractions are added or multiplied as easily as whole numbers.
  5. Error key is used for correction of amounts before printing and calculating, and also for restoring result keys incorrectly depressed.
  6. Full cent feature takes advantage of half cent or over.
  7. The long line above the total is printed by a single key depression - saves five operations.
  8. Totals are accumulated automatically and printed by the operation of the total key - not copied, figure by figure, from dials.
  9. Discounts are quickly and easily calculated.
  10. By the touch of a key, the carriage is electrically returned to the starting point and the paper is automatically spaced up for the next line of writing.
  11. Freight or other allowances are calculated and either added or subtracted.
  12. Net amount is accumulated automatically and printed by the operation of the total key - not copied, figure by figure, from dials.

General Information

The Burroughs Computing-Billing Machine has several departments which are so co-ordinated that they form one complete, compact, versatile billing machine.


Typing Unit

The typing unit has the standard billing type which prints in large, easily-read capital letters.
The typing unit is used to type addresses, shipping data, description and other information in conjunction with the adding, subtracting or multiplying mechanism, but operates entirely independently of these mechanisms.

Calculating Unit

There are four separate adding machines, three Registers and a Crossfooter. A separate group of figures may be added and printed in each of these and a total of each obtained, as well as a grand total of all groups. Amounts may be transferred from any register to the crossfooter or vice versa, without copying the figures from dials.
Direct Subtraction is performed by using the Subtract key.
Multiplication comprises a very large part of billing work. On this machine, multiplication is performed quickly and easily. One factor is set up on the Red keys of the calculating mechanism and the other factor is depressed on the Multiplying (black) keys.
All results of addition, subtraction and multiplication are printed by the depression of a result key - not copied from dials. The results of separate calculations may be automatically accumulated to obtain a total.

The Calculating Sections


Register No.1 active

There are five sections in the Calculating unit of the standard machine, namely: the Multiplier-Subtractor, the Crossfooter, and three Accumulating Registers.

The Multiplier-Subtractor - The Multiplier-Subtractor is not an adding, or accumulating register, but indexes the subtrahend for subtraction, or one of the factors for multiplication.
Amounts are indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor by setting up the figures on the Red keys and depressing the Extend key and the Motor Bar. An amount in a Register may be indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor by depressing the Register Total and Extend keys, then the Motor Bar.

The Crossfooter - The Crossfooter may be used for adding horizontally or vertically. The results of multiplying or subtracting enter directly into this section of the machine. The answer, whether of addition, subtraction or multiplication, may be printed by the use of one of the Product keys.
Amounts are added in the Crossfooter by setting up the figures on the Red keys and holding the Add Crossfooter key depressed while operating the Motor Bar. An amount in a Register may be added in the Crossfooter by depressing the Register Total key and holding down the Add Crossfooter key while the Motor Bar is operated.
The Multiplier-Subtractor and the Crossfooter are always in active position.

The Accumulating Registers - The three Registers are used for adding figures set up on the Red keys or for accumulating amounts which are automatically transferred from the Crossfooter. The Register Total key is used for totaling any Register.
An amount set up on the Red keys adds in the active Register when the Motor Bar is operated, unless the Add Crossfooter, Extend or Non-add key has also been depressed.
An amount in the Crossfooter may be transferred to the active Register by depressing the Final Product key and the Motor Bar.

Capacities-The largest amount that can be entered in the machine and the largest total that may be printed is 9 999 999 999.


Register No.2 active


The Keyboard and Other Controls


1. Tabulate Bar - Depressing this bar causes the carriage to tabulate to the next stop position.

2. Subtract Key - Subtraction is performed by this key. The larger amount is added in the Crossfooter by setting it up on the Red keys and holding down the Add Crossfooter key while operating the Motor Bar. The amount to be subtracted is indexed in the (Multiplier)-Subtractor by setting it up on the Red keys, depressing the Extend key and the Motor Bar. The Subtract key is then operated. Depressing the Final Product key and the Motor Bar prints the difference and transfers it to the active Register.
An amount may be subtracted from the active Register by indexing it in the (Multiplier)-Subtractor, operating the Subtract key, then depressing the Final Product key and operating the Motor Bar. The Non-Print key should be held down while the Motor Bar is operated.

3. Register Total Key - This key is the total key for any Register. Depressing this key and operating the Motor Bar prints the amount and clears the active Register.
If the Register Total key is held down while the Motor Bar is operated, and then restored with the Error key, it acts as a Sub-Total key for the Register, printing the amount but not clearing the register.
Depressing the Register Total and Extend keys together and then operating the Motor Bar, clears the active Register, prints the amount and indexes it in the Multiplier-Subtractor.
Depressing the Register Total key and holding down the Add Crossfooter key while the Motor Bar is operated, clears the active Register, prints the amount and transfers it to the Crossfooter.

4. Extend Key - To index an amount in the Multiplier-Subtractor, the amount is set up on the Red keys, the Extend key is depressed and the Motor Bar is operated. The amount thus indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor may be subtracted from an amount in the Crossfooter by depressing the Subtract key, or the amount indexed may be multiplied by another amount by using the Multiplying keys.
A second amount cannot be indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor until the first amount has been cleared out by depressing the Final Product key and the Motor Bar. The Extend key is locked if the Multiplier-Subtractor is not clear.
An amount may he added in the active Register at the same time it is indexed in the Multiplier Subtractor if the machine is set to "Add on Extend." (See paragraph 34.)
By depressing the Register Total and Extend keys together, and operating the Motor Bar the active Register is cleared, the amount is printed and at the same time is indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor.
The Extend key should never be held down while the Motor Bar is operated. If held down the amount will not be indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor.


5. Fraction-Add Crossfooter Key - This key has three separate uses:

  1. It is used to add tenth fractions. By holding down the Fraction-(Add Crossfooter) key while a Red Numeral key, representing a fraction, is depressed, the fraction is set up, and it is added when the Motor Bar is operated. Register No. 1 must be in active position when it is desired to print fractions. Fractions can be added only in Register No. 1 and in the Crossfooter.
  2. It is used to add amounts in the Crossfooter. After an amount is set up on the Red keys, holding down the (Fraction)-Add Crossfooter key while the Motor Bar is operated will cause the amount to add in the Crossfooter.
    By depressing the Register Total key and holding down the (Fraction)-Add Crossfooter key while operating the Motor Bar, an amount in the active Register is transferred to the Crossfooter.
  3. The third use of the Fraction-Add Cross- footer key is in combination with the Non-Add key. (See following paragraph.)


6. Non-Add Key(small steel key behind Fraction-Add Crossfooter key) - An amount set up on the Red keys may be printed without adding in any of the registers. This is done by holding down the Non-Add key in conjunction with the Add Crossfooter key while operating the Motor Bar.


7. First Product Key - This is the total key for the Crossfooter. It does not transfer the amount to the Register, and does not clear the Multiplier-Subtractor. If the key is held down while the machine operates, it prints a sub-total of the Crossfooter, that is, it prints the total but retains it in the Crossfooter. It is then restored with the Error key.
In case the machine is equipped with the optional feature "Add on First Product," this key functions as a Transfer Total key, transferring the amount from the Crossfooter to the active register. It does not clear the Multiplier-Subtractor, however.


8. Final Product Key - This key clears the Multiplier-Subtractor and the Crossfooter, prints the amount which is in the Crossfooter, and transfers it to the active Register.
If this key is held down while the Motor Bar is operated, it clears the Multiplier-Subtractor, prints but retains the amount in the Crossfooter, and transfers the amount to the active Register. The Final Product key is then restored with the Error key. This is called a sub-transfer total of the Crossfooter.


9. Shift Key-Non-Print -This key has two functions when depressed:

  1. It shifts the carriage so that the upper characters of the typewriter keys may be printed.
  2. It prevents the printing of amounts by the calculating section of the machine.


10. Shift Lock - This key locks the Shift key in a depressed position. Touching the Shift key releases it.


11. Margin Key Lock - The Margin Release key, when depressed, remains down until restored by depression of the Margin Key Lock.


12. Ribbon Shift Key - This key is used to shift the ribbon from black to red.


13. Ribbon Shift Lock - The Ribbon Shift key may be locked into shift position with this button.


14. Margin Release Key - When it is desired to print to the left of the usual margin, depressing the Margin Release key releases the Releasable Margin Block and permits the carriage to pass the Releasable Margin Block until stopped by the Margin Block.


15. Typewriter Keyboard - The typewriter is used for writing headings, description and other data.


16. Register Trip Key - Registers No. 2 and No. 3 may be tripped into active position by pressing this key. (See pages 4 and 5.)


17. Register Indicator -The position of the pointer indicates which one of the three Registers is in active position.

18. Back Spacer - Depressing this key moves the carriage one space to the right.


19. Point-off Key - When the factors in a multiplication contain decimals, each depression of this key moves the decimal point in the answer one place to the left. The maximum of places that can be pointed off is the same as the number ot Multiplying keys which have been depressed in multiplying.


20. Decimal-discount Key - One depression of this key points off as many places as there were Multiplying keys depressed. It is always used to point off after multiplying by a discount or a decimal which does not have a whole number preceding the decimal point.


21. Line Key - One stroke of this key prints a line five spaces long. It is used immediately before printing the total under a column of figures.


22. Carriage Return Key - Depressing this key causes the carriage to return to the starting point and automatically space up the paper to the next writing line.


23. Typewriter Space Bar - This is used for moving the carriage one space to the left.


24. The Red Keys - These keys are used for setting up amounts to be added either in the Crossfooter or in one of the Registers. They are also used in conjunction with the Extend key for indexing amounts in the Multiplier-Subtractor.


25. Multiplying Keys - After one factor is indexed for multiplication (Red keys-Extend key), the Multiplying keys are depressed for the other factor. The machine automatically enters the result of the multiplication into the Crossfooter.


26. Space Motor Bar - Depressing this bar operates the machine and spaces the paper. If the machine does not have this bar, spacing from the regular motor bar is obtained by turning up the vertical adding machine space lever.


27. Motor Bar - Depressing the Motor Bar causes the machine to operate but does not space the paper.


28. Error Key - An amount set up on the Red keys in error may be cancelled before operating the Motor Bar by using the Error key. The Error key will also restore the Extend, First Product, Final Product, or Register Total key.


29. Full Cent Bar - If the result of a multiplication contains a fraction of a cent amounting to five mills or more, depressing the Full Cent bar increases the fraction to a whole figure. If the result of a multiplication contains a fraction of less than five mills, depressing the Full Cent bar has no effect on the result. This bar should be used after a multiplication involving a fraction in the quantity or the price, or whenever the Point-off or Decimal-discount key is depressed.
The Full Cent bar should never be used when the result is to be printed with Register No. 1 in active position as fractions print and add when that register is active.


Controls on Left Side of Machine

30. Spacing Pawl - See paragraph 31.


31. Carriage Return Spacing Cams - When the carriage returns by the depression of the Carriage Return key, the paper automatically spaces up. This is caused by the spacing pawl (30) passing over the spacing cams. Double spacing is obtained when both spacing cams are turned up. If only single spacing is required, one cam is turned down, as in the illustration.
In order to space automatically, it is necessary for the carriage to travel far enough to permit the pawl to pass the spacing cams.


32. Vertical Adding Machine Space Lever - See paragraph 26.

33. Ribbon Adjustment - After a portion of the ribbon becomes worn, it may be shifted with this adjustment so that the entire width of the ribbon may he utilized.


34. Non-add and Add on Extend - This lever, located on the left side of the machine, is usually set for "Non-add on Extend." If it is desired to accumulate a total of amounts as they are indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor, the lever should be set to "Add on Extend." When this is done, amounts indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor from the Red keys add in the active Register. If the lever is set to "Add on Extend" and it is desired to non-add an amount indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor, the Non-add key must be held down while the Motor Bar is operated. (See paragraph 6.)


The Carriage


1. Paper Release - Depressing the rear Paper Release lever releases the pressure rolls so that the paper can be adjusted. The front lever, when depressed alone, locks the Paper Release mechanism in released position. To unlock, the rear lever must be pressed.


2. Margin Block - The Margin Block is generally used in invoicing to stop the carriage at the left margin. The carriage cannot pass the Margin Block.


3. Releasable Margin Block - This block is used to stop the carriage at the left margin. Depressing the Margin Release key permits the carriage to pass the Releasable Margin Block until stopped by the Margin Block (2). The Margin Release key is locked in active position until released by depressing the Margin Key Lock key. The Releasable Margin Block is inoperative when the small lever at the front of it is depressed and latched in position. On some machines it is made inoperative by raising and turning a knurled knob at the top of the block. The Releasable Margin Block should be set (gauging from its right side) four spaces to the right of the position desired, as indicated on the Front Scale (12-13).


4. Tabulator Stops - These can be set to stop the carriage at any point when it is tabulated. The scale on the tabulator stop bar corresponds with the Front Scale (12).


5. Register Trip Pawl - See Register Trips (6).

6. Register Trips - When a Register Trip strikes the Register Trip Pawl (5) as the carriage tabulates, the next Register, No. 2 or No. 3, is automatically shifted into active position.


7. Control Bar - On this bar are located the Margin Block, the Releasable Margin Block, and the Register Trips.


8. Adding Machine Space Control - The position of this control determines whether the Platen spaces up one or two spaces when the Space Motor Bar is operated. If it is pushed in, as in the illustration, the Platen turns up one space. When it is pulled out, the Platen turns up two spaces.


9. Carriage Release - Depressing this lever permits free movement of the carriage by hand.


10. Platen Lift - This is used for raising or lowering the platen.


11. Paper Fingers - These fingers hold the paper smoothly against the Platen. They are movable for different widths of paper. Small pointers on the sides of the paper fingers indicate the position of the writing line.


12-13. Front Scale and Pointers - This scale corresponds to a scale under the Platen (not illustrated) and with the scale on the Tabulator Stop Bar. The right-hand Pointer (13) indicates the typewriter printing position; the left-hand Pointer indicates the printing position of the units of cents of the calculating mechanism.


14. Platen - This provides a writing surface.


15. Platen Space Lever - This may be used to return the carriage to the right, by hand, at the same time spacing up the paper either one or two spaces, according to the position of the Typewriter Space Control (16). The Carriage Return key eliminates the necessity of using the Platen Space Lever after completing a line of invoicing.


16. Typewriter Space Control - The position of this control determines whether the platen spaces up one or two spaces when the Platen Space Lever (15) is used. When it is rearward as in the illustration the Platen turns up one space; when forward the Platen turns up two spaces.


17. Variable Line Spacer - By pulling out the Variable Line Spacer, the Platen may be turned a fraction of a regular space.


The sections with detailed instructions are omitted here. We jump to page 40.

Additional Features

There are numerous additional features with which the Burroughs Computing Machine may be equipped for efficiently handling special types of figure problems involving multiplication. The following are a few of the most commonly used features which affect the operating instructions in this book:


Transfer to Register from First Product Key
The First Product key is so constructed that it will function as a Transfer Total key for the Crossfooter, automatically transferring the amount to the active Register, without affecting the amount indexed in the Multiplier-Subtractor. To print a total of the Crossfooter and non-transfer, when the machine is constructed to transfer to the register from the First Product key, depress the First Product key and hold down the Non-add keys while operating the motor bar.

Clear Multiplier Key
The Final Product key is displaced by the Clear Multiplier key. Depressing this key and then the Motor Bar clears the Multiplier-Subtractor without in any way affecting the amount in the Crossfooter. The First Product key is displaced by the Product key, which is a transfer total key for the Crossfooter. (See above.) In order to print the result of a multiplication, transfer it to the active Register and clear the Multiplier-Subtractor, (the same operation for which the Final Product key is used on the regular machine), depress the Product and Clear Multiplier keys together and then the Motor Bar.

Simultaneous Addition
When a machine is equipped with this feature, it may be adjusted so that when an amount is entered on the Red Keys and the Motor Bar operated, the amount adds in both the Crossfooter and the Register simultaneously.


Positive Register Control
This feature is usually, but not necessarily, furnished on machines with simultaneous addition. It provides automatic control of addition so that an amount may be added in the Crossfooter only, added in the active register only, or non-added in any column in which an appropriate control is placed, by merely entering the amount on the keyboard and operating the Motor Bar. This feature may also be used to prevent results from transferring from the Crossfooter to the Register in certain positions or to cause register totals to automatically transfer to the Crossfooter in certain positions.


Automatic Extension
The manual operation of depressing the Extend key is eliminated by some machines which are constructed so that amounts entered in certain positions are automatically indexed in the multiplier. The amount (usually the price in billing) is merely entered on the Red keys and the motor bar operated. Otherwise, the operation is unchanged. The extend key is used in the usual way for indexing amounts in the multiplier in positions where the automatic control does not function.


Overdraft Light Signal
Many billing machines are also used for bookkeeping or other purposes. For such applications the machine may be equipped with a signal light which indicates when a credit balance has been created. When this occurs, the balance is in the crossfooter as a complementary amount. To convert it to the true credit balance, it is transferred to the Subtractor and the Subtract key operated.


Other Styles of Burroughs Typewriter Billing Machines
Some styles of machines have more than three registers. Some are equipped with eighth instead of tenth fractions and some are not equipped with fractions.
On machines with eighth fractions, the fractions are handled in the same manner as tenth fractions on the style described in this book. It is not necessary to use the decimal equivalent of the eighth fractions except when they occur in the factor used on the multiplying keys.
On machines without fractions, the operation of the Full Cent bar is changed as follows:
The Full Cent bar is used during, instead of after, the multiplying. It is operated after depression of the key for the first figure to the right of the decimal point. For example, in multiplying by 4 1/4, (4.25) the 4 and 2 keys are operated, then the Full Cent bar is depressed, followed by the 5 key. The Point-Off and Decimal-Discount keys are used in the normal manner.


Notes:
  1. This manual was HTML'ized by Andries de Man.


Andries de Man 1/1/1999