Superimposed punching of numerical codes on hand‐sorted punch cards

Both the users and processers of information–particularly in the realm of science and technology–have long been aware of the fact that the information in a patent, paper or similar document will be characterized by a variety of features, such as various entities (substances, devices, apparatus, etc.), their attributes, one or more processes or interactions, attendant circumstances and the results of interaction. The multidimensional nature of information has been the basis for successful application of sorting devices permitting information to be selected on the basis of any one feature or combination of features. (1) Experiments with newly developed IBM equipment, (2) have demonstrated that grouping concepts into arrays sometimes called abstraction ladders is a convenient method for making generic terminology available as a basis for conducting searches. The present paper outlines a punching system which would permit abstraction ladders to be coded for handsorted punched cards. The punching system is undergoing test at the present time. The results of these tests will be reported subsequently.