GB224281A - Improvements in pigeon timing clocks - Google Patents

Abstract

224,281. Abell, J. E. A. Aug. 3, 1923. Time-checking apparatus, check and token.- Apparatus of the type described in Specification 7342/06, wherein clock-driven record discs are punctured from the rear by mechanism actuated by a ratchet wheel correlated with a series of compartments for the reception of the identifying means, is provided with means for puncturing the discs from the front when the cover of the casing is removed or replaced, and the ratchet wheel is prevented from rotating further after one revolution until the front cover has been removed. The ratchet wheel 30 is fixed to the back cover 8 which is rotatable on the cylindrical casing 1 and has an aperture adapted to register successively with a series of fixed compartments 32, the ratchet wheel being arranged to operate mechanism for pushing forward a needle 34 each time the aperture registers with a compartment, thus puncturing from the rear paper discs 22, 23 driven by a clock 17. The front cover 5 of the casing is fixed by a bayonet joint 25, 26 and on pressing in the cover it pushes back a spring- pressed rod 68 carrying a needle 28 which punctures the discs from the front; turning the cover allows the rod 68 to take into a notch 74 in the cover, thus withdrawing the needle 28. On removing the cover the rod 68 is first forced back by the bevelled edge of the notch 74 when the cover is turned, and the needle 28 is withdrawn when the cover is removed, a pin 72 limiting the return movement of the rod 68. A pin 62 on a ring 15 fixed to the back cover 8 abuts against the end 63 of a lever 64 when the cover has made a complete revolution, to prevent further movement until the front cover has been removed. The lever 64 has a pin-and-slot connection 65, 66 with one of the pillars 13 supporting the clock mechanism, and is acted on by a spring so that the end 63 is pressed against a ring 15 fixed to the back cover. The end of the rod 68 is bevelled and acts on a bevelled part 67 of the lever 64 so that when the rod is pressed backwards in removing the front cover the lever 64 is rocked and its end 63 freed from the pin 62, the lever is then moved bodily by the spring so that the end 63 rests on the pin 62 and the back cover 8 is free to be rotated. On the first movement of the back cover a spring-pressed bolt 27 is forced out of a notch 79 in the ring 15 to lock one of the bayonet joints of the front cover; after one revolution this bolt again springs into the notch and the front cover is unlocked.