GB733148A - Improvements in charts or indicators - Google Patents

Abstract

733,148. Indicating apparatus. JACKSON, A. R. June 27, 1952 [July 19, 1951; March 6, 1952], Nos. 17208/51 and 5925/52. Class 3 (1). A chart or indicator includes a frame 1 carrying a plurality of interchangeable units, each unit comprising a casing 5, the casing containing a plurality of coaxially arranged and individually rotatable disc-like components 2 each divided around its periphery into a plurality of segments or divisions, the segments or divisions of each component being contrastingly coloured and/or marked with numerals, letters or other markings, each disclike component having means for locating it in any one of a plurality of predetermined positions, the casing having a frontal aperture 6 through which the segments or divisions it is desired to display are observable. As shown, the frame 1 is provided with a plurality of rails 7 each of which supports a plurality of the casings 5 in side-by-side relationship and each casing 5 contains ten components 2 which are mounted on a spindle 4. Each casing has an upstanding rib 15 on its upper rear edge which engages a downwardly facing channel in its rail 7. The rib 15 is retained in position by means of projections 16 on the rear faces of the casing which engage the top of the next lower rail 7 or in the case of the lowermost rail, a flange at the bottom of the rail. The rails 7 are so positioned that each one of the casings is held by the one above it, the topmost one being held by a hinged part 17 on the frame. The spindle 4 on which the discs 2 are mounted is provided with five flutes 8 and is non-rotatably mounted in the casing 5. The components 2 are mounted side-by-side on the spindle 4 so as to be independently rotatable and the means for locating each consists of two integral arms 9 each having a bead like part at its free end. These beads 10 engage the flutes 8 alternately and so locate the component in any one of ten angular positions into which it may be moved by hand. The periphery of each component is divided by notches 13 into five divisions 3 which are contrastingly coloured and either a single coloured division can be shown in the aperture 6 or half of each of two adjacent divisions. The notches 13 also serve for moving the component by the use of a spade-shaped pointer. Indexes are provided on the frame 1 to the left and above the component carrying casings. These are mounted across the opening of a casing 5 in place of the components 2 by means of a transparent clip which grips the top and bottom edges of the opening 6. As an alternative to the use of casings 5 the left hand indexes may be mounted in holders provided on a single plate which has channel-shaped parts on its rear face to engage two of the rails 7. Clips carrying an index plate may also be affixed to the upper edge of a component carrying casing. In a modification the components 2 may be remotely controlled. This is done by providing each component with a solenoid-operated detent and continuously driving the central spindles 4 in each casing. When the detent engages one of the grooves 13 in the periphery of its component, the component is prevented from moving with the spindle. When the solenoid is engaged, the component is carried round by the engagement of a bead 10 with a groove 8 on the spindles until the solenoid releases the detent.