GB1052639A - Improvements in or relating to counting mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

1,052,639. Printing apparatus. GESTETNER Ltd. Dec. 6, 1963 [Dec. 21, 1962], No. 48469/62. Heading B6C. [Also in Division G4] In a counting mechanism, e.g. for a duplicating or like machine, a ratchet-wheel is adapted to be advanced by a tooth for every operation of the machine, there being means controlled by the ratchet-wheel for stopping the machine when it reaches a predetermined position, means for setting the ratchet-wheel to a selected position and a releasable adjustable abutment lockable in a preset rotational position, a pawl rotatable with the ratchet-wheel being engageable with the abutment for preventing movement of the ratchet-wheel past the initial adjusted position of the abutment. In the form described there are two ratchet-wheels 102, 104, Fig. 4 (not shown), each with one hundred teeth, there being a carry mechanism between the units wheel 102 and the hundreds wheel 104. A mechanism operable when both are in their zero position stops the machine. Each wheel is set by a knob, the knobs 14, 16 being arranged concentrically on spindle 100. Numeral dials 26, 28 connected to each ratchet-wheel indicate concentrically on spindle 100. Numeral dials 26, 28 connected to each ratchet-wheel indicate their positions through a window 18. A pawl 118 on the units wheel assembly co-operates with an abutment tooth mounted on a washer 106 concentric with the wheels. The washer is carried round during an initial setting of the units wheel and may be locked in the set position by a nut 112 tightened on thread 114 by rotation of a knob 116. Thereafter the setting is repeated by rotation of knob 16, until the pawl 118 engages the abutment tooth. The setting of the units wheel may in a second embodiment be repeated automatically by a mechanism, Fig. 2 (not shown) having a plate 30 movable axially on shaft 44 and having a projection 36 adapted to be engaged in one of a hundred recesses mounted on a circle. The plate 30 is moved axially to lock or unlock by a linkage 54, 60 and cam 66 controlled by knob 24. The plate 30 has a projection whereby it is carried round by a pin 34 mounted on the units wheel during initial setting. The plate 30 is then locked by movement of knob 24. A plate 70 co-axial with shaft 44 is connected by a spring 78 with plate 30. Plate 70 has a projection co-operating with pin 34, whereby it is carried round relatively to plate 30 as the ratchet moves during the counting process. When the zero position is reached and the machine stopped, the counting wheel is released and spring 78 rotates the plate 70 and, with it, the units wheel until it reaches the projection on plate 30. This resets the units wheel to the initial setting. The hundreds wheel does not have the repeat setting since it is provided only for the purpose of making a small number of copies of each of a series of master sheets.