GB339338A - Improvements in or relating to counting devices - Google Patents

Abstract

339,338. Norballe, H. J. Sept. 3, 1929. Counters for checks, coins, tokens, &c. - The operations of a plurality of counting mechanisms are registered on a single counter by the operation of a token or ball release device comprising a storage receptacle with a plurality of outlets therefrom each controlled by an appropriate counter for delivering a ball to a common chamber and provided with means for agitating and guiding the tokens to the outlets. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, an electromagnet 10, associated with each counter, is operated on the actuation of the counter and through its spring- controlled armature 11 operates an apertured slide 7 so as to effect the delivery of a ball 1 from a storage-chamber 2 through an apertured plate 12 and tube 12a to a V-shaped run-way 13 common to all the counters. The storagechamber 2 is formed as a long and narrow vessel with a bottom plate 3 having holes 4 corresponding in number to the number of counters and slightly larger in diameter than the balls. Jamming of the balls in the chamber is prevented by agitating a bar 5 with slots 6 registering at times with the holes 4. The balls pass from the run-way 13 to an outlet 14 at which position a spring-controlled lever 17 permits one ball at a time to be delivered to a rotatable star wheel 16 whereby the balls are forced into a tube 15 and conveyed by a flexible tubular member 24 made of spiral spring wire back to the storage-chamber. During the feeding of the balls, the balls operate a bell-crank lever 19 which by mechanical or electrical means effects the actuation of a totals counting-mechanism. Return of the balls is prevented by a spring 38 acting on the bell-crank 19 or by means of a spring-controlled ball 39 extending into the tube. The rotation of the wheel 16 is effected through reduction gearing 26 - - 28 from a motor 25. A pinion 29 in gear with the wheel 28 operates an eccentric 30 and link 31 to effect the oscillation of a lever 32. The lever 32 carries a pawl 33 which drives a toothed wheel 34 provided with an eccentrically mounted pin 36 coupled by a connecting rod 37 to the agitating bar 5.