“MEMORY MACHINE” KEEPS TAB ON NUMBERS FOR POLICE (Jun, 1935)

It’s not exactly clear from the description but it seems like this machine stores one number at a time. Then you punch in a list of numbers and if one of them matches it rings a bell. I’m not sure how this is better than just writing the number down and comparing it to a list.

“MEMORY MACHINE” KEEPS TAB ON NUMBERS FOR POLICE

Once “told” to remember, a new machine gives a “reply” in less than two seconds, helping police to keep tab on automobile license-plate numbers, serial figures on money and fingerprints. To use it, the operator punches out a pattern containing the number which is to be “remembered” by the machine. Then, if the number is that appearing on the license plate of an automobile, an officer stationed at any location desired manipulates the eight rows of keys. The license number of each car passing is recorded. When the automobile for which the police are hunting appears, and its license number is registered, the machine rings a bell and flashes a lamp. In fingerprint work, the device compares suspects’ fingerprints with every print on file.