Scholastic test and grading apparatus

Test grading apparatus for grading the answer markings on an answer sheet having a circular series of equi-angularly spaced rows of radially-spaced answer spaces thereon, comprising

• a sensing panel having a circular series of sensing elements arranged in angularly-spaced positions for registry with the angularly-spaced rows of answer spaces and in radially-spaced positions to sense correct answers in selected ones of the answer spaces of the rows,
• said sensing panel thereby defining a circular reference code of correct answer positions and being adapted to sense the set of answers on an answer sheet in any of a plurality of orientations of the answer sheet with respect thereto,
• orientation means for selectively orienting a particular answer sheet and the sensing panel in a particular orientation with respect to each other,
• and means for bringing the answer sheet into sensing relation with the sensing panel in such orientation.

A test grading machine for grading answer sheets having a circular pattern of indicia thereon defining a circular series of equi-angularly spaced rows of radially spaced answer spaces, comprising

• a housing having a sensing panel mounted thereon, said housing and panel defining a slot therebetween for receiving an answer sheet in any of a plurality of angular orientations therein,
• a sensing board mounted in said panel and facing said slot, said board having a circular pattern of sensing elements thereon corresponding to a pattern of correct answer markings on an answer sheet, said pattern of sensing elements being engageable by answer sheet in any of a plurality of angular orientations so as to provide different angular positions of the correct answer pattern on differently oriented answer sheets,
• a platform movably mounted in the housing, facing said circuit board and on the opposite side of the slot from such board,
• positioning means for locating and orienting an answer sheet in said slot in a selected one of a plurality of angular orientations with respect to the sensing board and platform,
• means for moving the platform toward the sensing board to carry an oriented answer sheet into sensing contact with the sensing elements thereon,
• and indicating means responsive to said sensing elements for indicating correct answers on an answer sheet.

A test grading machine for grading answer sheets having a circular pattern of indicia thereon defining a circular series of equi-angularly spaced rows of radially-spaced answer spaces, and on which answers are to be indicated by marking selected ones of the spaces with electrically-conductive material, comprising

• a base housing and a sensing panel mounted as a cantilever over the housing to define a horizontal slot for receiving an answer sheet to be graded,
• a sensing board mounted in said panel and facing the slot, said board having electrical contacts thereon defining a circular pattern of electrical gaps thereon corresponding to a pattern of correct answer markings on an answer sheet, said gap pattern being engageable by answer sheets in any of a plurality of angular orientations so as to provide different angular positions of the correct answer pattern on the differently oriented sheets,
• a platform movably mounted in the housing below the slot and movable upward to carry an answer sheet thereon into contact with the gap pattern on the sensing board,
• locating pins mounted laterally beside the sensing panel and projecting upward from the housing, in position for engagement in punched openings or the like in an answer sheet so as to hold the same in a particular orientation relative to the sensing board,
• means for lifting the platform toward the sensing board and resiliently pressing an oriented answer sheet into sensing contact with the gap on the board,
• manually operable arm connected for controlling the position of the platform,
• and a circle of lamps mounted on the sensing panel above the sensing board, and circuit means connecting said lamps in parallel with the respective gaps on the sensing board and operative to light each lamp when its connected gap is bridged by a correct answer marking on an answer sheet.