GB202516A - An electric striking and chiming apparatus, controlled by an electrically wound, spring-driven device - Google Patents

Abstract

202,516. Elam, A. G., and Sanders, M. Aug. 25, 1922. Striking-mechanism; chimes.-An electricallyoperated striking and chiming mechanism is controlled by a spring-driven train, the spring a of which is maintained in tension by an electromagnet r and lever and pawl d acting on the ratchet wheel b to which the spring is secured. The contact-arm ! l is rotated by the spindle c and springs a and closes by means of contacts in the disc p the various circuits for striking and chiming. The rotation of the spindle c is governed by the air-vane f and is started by pins i on the ratchet b raising and releasing the weighted spring j the vibrations of which free the pivoted catch h from projecting pins g on a wheel of the train. A star-wheel k re-engages the catch h and stops the movement at the appropriate times, i.e. after striking the quarters &c. A commutator disc n with two or more segments connects one or two or more of the hour-striking circuits by contact with the flexible terminals m through the first contact in the disc p as shown in Fig. 7. The commutator is rota.ted to add one more contact each hour and the circuits joined by the commutator successively operate the gong &c. z as the arm l rotates over the contacts on the plate p. A gap is left in the contact disc p between the third and fourth quarter chimes to ensure the correct timing of the. hour striking and to allow the mechanism to recover normal speed after the effort of operating the hour changing mechanism.