GB228332A - Improvements relating to the conversion of vibratory into rotary motion - Google Patents

Abstract

228,332. Down, P. B. Jan. 21, 1924. Machinery, utilizing inertia to obtain movements in.- Oscillatory movements set up in a spring mounted weight by external vibrations are converted through ratchet gearing into uni-directional rotary motion, and the ratchet-actuating member is adjustably attached to the spring between the fixed and weighted ends thereof. The position of the weight on the spring may also be adjusted to adapt the natural period of oscillation of the device to the normal frequency of the external vibrations, which may be set up in or by moving bodies such as ships, trains, motor or other vehicles, &c. The apparatus may be utilized to actuate moving advertisements or to wind up a clock or otherwise store up energy in positions exposed to vibration, or as a toy to set mechanical figures in motion. In the advertising device shown in Fig. 1, the weight 13 is adjustably attached to the free end of a flat spring 8 of wood, metal, or other suitable material, the fixed end of which is clamped between blocks 9 on a support 10 secured in required position on a base board 1. A ratchet wheel 19 is engaged by pawl members 17, 18 pivoted at 16 to a bracket 12 adjustably secured to the spring 8 between the weight 13 and the fixed end. The device serves to drive an endless chain 3 passing round sprocket wheels 2 and carrying advertising figures &c. which may be viewed through an opening or window in a cover plate. A screen 24 may be interposed between the figures &c. and the actuating parts. Sagging of the chain may be prevented by intermediate sprockets 7. In a modification, Fig. 5, the plate or bracket 12 carrying the ratchet actuating members is attached to a block 23 adjustably secured to a vertically arranged coiled spring 20 between the fixed point of support and the lower end which adjustably carries the weight 21. A number of springs of the forms referred to and of the same or different natural periods of vibration may drive separate ratchet wheels secured to the end or intermediate chain wheels in the arrangement shown in Fig. 1.