keypunch machine
A punched-card data entry machine. A deck of blank cards is placed into a hopper, and, upon operator command, the machine feeds one card to a punch station. As characters are typed, a series of dies at the punch station punch the appropriate holes in the selected card column.
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| IBM Keypunch |
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| This is the type of IBM keypunch machine used in the 1960s and 1970s. Operators by the tens of thousands would spend a full shift keypunching orders, time cards and a host of other transactions. (Image courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use not permitted.) |
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| The First One |
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| Throughout the 1890s, data for 60 million Americans was punched into Hollerith cards from information recorded by census takers. The cards were then "automatically" counted. See Hollerith machine for more details. (Image courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use not permitted.) |