GB1165712A - Improvements relating to Teaching Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,165,712. Educational appliances. P. D. WATSHAM. 6 Feb., 1967 [6 Nov., 1965], No. 47161/65. Heading G5G. A teaching machine comprises a casing having a compartment 10 for programme-bearing members, means operable to display the members individually, an electrical circuit including a signal device and a plurality of switches each actuable so as to operate the device, a selection device operable externally of the casing in any one of a plurality of alternative selected positions to actuate a corresponding switch, and a plurality of feelers for sensing a displayed member, the feelers corresponding to respective selected operable positions of the selection device and being individually movable by operation of the selection device at a corresponding position, movement of each feeler serving in use to actuate a corresponding switch so as to operate the signal device when the feeler engages an aperture in a displayed member. In the illustrated machine the casing has transparent windows 19, 20 through which a question and four possible answers on a programme card can be viewed. Four pivotally mounted selection assemblies 13, 27, which comprises the selection device, carry rocker plates 29 (Fig. 4) which comprise the feelers, and each correspond to an answer. Each card includes a notch adjacent the correct answer such that if the correct assembly is selected its rocker will be pivoted to engage the upper of two projecting prongs, and thus make a circuit for the " correct " indicator lamp 22. An incorrect selection will cause the rocker to engage the lower of the prongs and thus actuate an error counter 23. After use the uppermost programmed card is removed to a used card position by a slide (15) (Fig. 3, not shown). An adjustable barrier (18) prevents removal of more than one card.