GB887912A - Recording devices - Google Patents

Abstract

887,912. Recording-apparatus; speedometers. CASIGLIA, F. Dec. 13, 1957 [Dec. 14, 1956; Dec. 22, 1956], No. 38935/57. Classes 106 (3) and 106 (4). A temporary recorder comprises a transparent rotatable disc 13, a stylus 20 bearing against the disc and movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the disc and a reservoir of finely-divided powder, applied as a layer of dust to the disc anew in each revolution thereof as it comes into contact with the reservoir and removable by the stylus upon relative movement to leave a visible trace on the freshly coated disc. The disc 13 forms the front closure of a drum 12 rotatably mounted on a fixed bearing 11 which carries a stationary support 16 within the drum 12. The stylus 20 is carried by a pivoted axle 18 to which is fixed a sector 19 meshing with a toothed wheel 4 on a spindle 9 journalled in the bearing 11 and deflected against the action of a spring 3 to an extent proportional to the speed of rotation of a vehicle driven shaft 1. The drum 12 is rotated at a speed proportional to the speed of the vehicle through reduction gearing including a toothed wheel 14 meshing with external teeth on the drum 12 and an externally-threaded brass cup 5 secured to the shaft 1. The reservoir of powder is contained by the drum 12. As the drum rotates anticlockwise, Fig. 4, any powder adhering to the disc 13 is removed by a sponge buffer 22 carried by an axially-extending wing 23 of the support 16. The powder falls and tends to be carried towards the right, the wing 23 preventing any from spilling on the toothed wheel 4 and sector 19. In another embodiment the stationary support within the drum also carries a number of electromagnets each controlling a subsidiary stylus to record the operation of auxiliary devices such as turn indicators, brakes, lights and horn. Suitable powders are talcum, metal and graphite and greater adhesive power may be achieved by incorporating a finely-powdered acid fat, e.g. stearic acid or oleic acid, or a finely-powdered wax with similar characteristics, it being essential that this added material should have a melting-point high enough to ensure that the powder remains dry at normal working temperatures. Phosphorescent or fluorescent powders may also be added. The drum may be driven at constant speed instead of by the vehicle. The stylus 20 has a fibre drawing point.