US2073417A

US2073417A - Selective control device

Info

Publication number: US2073417A
Application number: US725790A
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard T Fox; Vernon I Hullett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1934-05-15
Filing date: 1934-05-15
Publication date: 1937-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 1954-03-09

Description

March 9, 1 93 7.

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 15, 1934 March 9, 1937. R. T. Fox ET AL SELECTIVE CONTROL DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 15, 1934 March 9, 1937. R. T. Fox ET AL SELECTIVE CONTROL DEVICE Filedmay 15, 1954 4 sheets-sheet s March 9, 1937.

R. T. FOX ET SELECTIVE CONTROL DEV'ICE Filed May 15, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 REG AuT

Vernon I. Hallett :inventor K. Cttornegfs/ Patented Mar. 9, 1937 PATENT OFFICE SELECTIVE CONTROL DEVICE Richard T. Fox and Vernon I. Hullett, Louisville, Ky.

Application May 15, 1934, Serial No. 725,790

9 Claims.

The present invention relating as indicated to a selective control device, is more particularly directed to a means for controlling a series of circuits in a pre-arranged manner, both as to the particular circuit and the period of time that such circuit is controlled. It is to be distinctly understood that the device is not limited to use in conjunction with a radio receiving set and that a radio receiving system is used merely as an example of one Wayin which the present invention may be used.

The invention is especially adapted to operate lighting systems as of an airport or building, and it will control bell signal systems and change electric signs, such as an electrical flashing clock.

It is also designed to control a plurality of electrical circuits or furnish a plurality of mechanical impulses on a pre-arranged schedule.

Heretofore radio receiving sets have been oper- 0 ated manually in a manner that requires the attention of an attendant every fifteen or thirty minutes.

'I'he present invention has particular applicability to restaurant usage Where it is desired to have a rather lengthy sequence of musical programs. As stated previously, heretofore, in order to receive such programs it has been necessary to tune the set every fifteen or thirty minutes, but this invention is designed to overcome this difliculty and makes it possible to manually set the condenser of a radio receiving set to the desired wave lengths, and at the same time to accurately time the reception so as to receive desired programs. Stated in other words, it is an object of our invention to make it possible to pre-set a radio receiving system so that the condenser will be mechanically actuated for a deflnite period of time through a desired sequence of programs.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims; the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain mechanism exemplifying this invention, such disclosed mechanism constituting, however, but one of various applications of the principle of this invention.

In said annexed drawings:-

Fig. 1 is a front elevation taken immediately behind the panel of a radio set, showing certain parts in section;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation With certain parts in section of the device applied to an ordinary radio set;

(Cl. Z50-20) Fig. 3 is a detail vertical section through the clutch mechanism for the condenser;

Fig. 4 is a partial section of Fig. 5, taken on line 4 4;

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the discs l, shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a partial plan View taken from below Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a plan View taken from above the brush shaft 21 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a plan view with parts in section taken on a variable line in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the panel of a radio set embodying the present invention.

The present invention is designed for use with l5 a conventional radio receiving set and is very small and compact. It is placed preferably immediately beneath the condenser of an ordinary radio receiving set. However, the exact location is immaterial and the terms above and below are used merely as an aid to description and not in any sense as limiting terms. The term synchronous rotor is also used in the same sense and is the equivalent of the term clock or any clock-like mechanism. 25

The device is composed of several portions which will be treated under separate headings and mainly consists of means for automatically setting a frequency dial, which shall be termed automatic frequency dial for convenience, in a 30 pre-arranged sequence of wave lengths having variable time periods.

Briefly, the device consists of means including a clutch for actuating the condenser of a radio receiving system automatically through a desired 35 sequence of programs. inasmuch as this result is dependent mainly upon a series of discs, such discs will be first described.

Setting discs 40 Referring now to Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6, it will be seen that a plurality of conductive discs I are each composed of two substantially semi-circular elements 2 and 3 having their

straight edges

4 and 5 bevelled and slightly spaced so as to be 45 in overlapping relation, yet making no electrical contact. These discs preferably have their peripheral edges milled in order to prevent slippage. The semi-circular elements 2 and 3 are assembled upon Vhubs 6 of insulating material with 50 brass bushings 1 inside and with rings 8 of conductive material around the outside of them, which bushings are in turn loosely journalled in spaced relation upon a shaft 9 as shown in detail in Figs. 4, 5, and 6. At one of the two 55 r movement.

peripheral points where the semi-circular elements overlap, a notch vI9 is formed by removing material from each element, thus breaking the continuity of the circumference. On a squared shaft I4, parallel to the disc shaft 9, a roller I is mounted so as to move longitudinally thereon for registration with the periphery of any of the discs I to impart to the latter a rotational movement about the disc axis upon turning of the squared shaft I4 by means of the knob 5I mounted thereon at the front of a suitable panel 48. Parallel to the squared shaft is' double spirally grooved rotatable shaft I6 con-v nected through gears D, C, and B with shaft G. This shaft is movable manually since it is provided With a knob 2U at the front of the panel.

The shaft IB carries a travelling nut I1 provided with a fork 22 which engages a grooved circular collar 23 fixed to the roller I5, as shown in Fig. 8. Thus, when the double spirally grooved shaft I6 is rotated in one direction its nut I1 moves longitudinally through the length of the grooved portion of the shaft I6, then returns carrying the roller I5 on the squared shaft I4 through a like When the roller comes into registration with the periphery of the desired disc l,

the squared shaft I4 is then rotated to moveA formed in the discs I when they are neutrally disposed, is a travelling brush 25 carried by a nut 26 on a threaded shaft 21, which shaft is rotated as a function of time, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7. The nut also slidably travels along shaft 21a which'prevents rotation thereof. When the discs are in any but neutral position, the travelling brush 25 electrically engages one ofthe semicircular elements 2 or 3, each disc I having one segment always electrically connected with the disc shaft 9 and the other segment with a collector ring 8 and a stationary brush 28. Brushes 28 are set with enough pressure on rings 8 to prevent any disc being moved by friction between it and adjacent discs. The manual setting assembly, namely, the double spirally grooved shaft I6 and the squared shaft I4 for predetermining time and angular displacement respectively, has a counterpart for reversing these movements, termed for convenience, threaded power shaft and squared power shaft (see Fig. 8). The threaded power shaft 29 carries a travelling nut 36 which is provided with a bifurcated element 31 for engagement with a roller 38, mounted for Vlongitudinal movement on the squared power shaft 30. The threaded power shaft 29, as well as the travelling brush shaft 21, is driven by a synchronously operating rotor 35, imparting uniform longitudinal motion to the power roller 38 and to the travelling brush 25. Thus the roller 38 and brush 25 simultaneously and sequentially engage the various discs I so that when the brush 25 completes a circuitV through one of the semi-circular elements 2 or 3 to a reversible motor 39 mounted on the squared power shaft 30, the power roller 38 is rotated, and correspondingly rotates the particular disc I, until the notch I0 arrives opposite the travelling brush 25 and the motor circuit is broken,

The driving means for simultaneously actuating the shafts 21V and 29 comprise a, synchronous rotor 35'which may be of conventional design and need not be shown in detail. The casing for such rotor is designated 35 and in order to avoid confusion the mechanism within the casing is A shaft 55 driven by means within the casing 35 projects rearwardly therefrom, as shown in Fig. 2, and has mounted thereon a pinion 33 meshing with large gear 32 that in turn meshes With the small gear 3l mounted upon .shaft 21, and the small gear E on shaft 29, thereby producing uniform movement of both

shafts

21 and 29.

Travelling brush The travelling brush shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 7 is composed of a travelling nut 2.6 with arm II insulated from it and extending downwardly, hinged on a pin perpendicular to the direction of travel so that it may swing through a small arc in the plane of direction of travel. It is centered vertically downward by a spring (not shown). This arm II is of proper dimension to contact the discs I when their notches I0 are moved from the neutral position and to slip through their notches when in Vneutral position. Projecting from this arm at its hinge, at an angle of slightly less than 90, areY two arms I2 and I3. When the vertical arm II cornes in contact with the side of a disc I it is caused to lag behind its center position, thus pushing one of the two arms I2 or I3 upward against one of two spring contacts I8 and I9 in the travelling nut 2E. This completes an electrical circuit between the disc I and the travelling nut 26, thence through shaft 21 to power. The spring contacts I8 and I9 are adjustable so that contact is completed just when the center of the hinge of the vertical arm II'is over the center of the disc I, travelling either Way.

The motor 39 has two sets of field coils for reversing rotation, one set being connected to one group of semi-circular elements through slip rings 8 and brushes 28, the other set being connected to the other group through the disc shaft 9. The travelling brush 25 is common to both field windings as it engages only one semi-circular element for any one setting. It is to be understood that means other than a motor may be used and that the particular drive from the motor to the various shafts may be changed for equivalent devices.

Pre-setting means of the discs rI in setting. Having teethon part of the periphery of dial 2| prevents` notches in discs I being turned more than 177 from their neutral positions. Another dial 42, marked with equally spaced numerals from one up to the number of discs used and with an extra suitable space marked between the highest number and one, is connected through the medium of what is termed a Geneva movement, that is slots 43 are engaged by the finger on plate 44. Shaft G may be rotated manually by means of a knob 20,

and the small gear B on such shaft rotates small gear A which is fixed on shaft K to which plate 44 is also attached. Likewise, gear C, mounted upon stub shaft H, is rotated inasmuch as it meshes with B and then C rotates shaft I6 by means of D. Thus, every time the shaft G receives an impulse the setting roller I is moved to engage the next disc I. As the setting mechanism operates from opposite ends of the device each successive whole operation while the double spirally grooved shaft I6 is always turned in the same direction, this numbered dial 42 indicates which disc I is engaged, counting them from the end at which setting started. The extra space between the highest and lowest numerals is provided so that the double spirally grooved shaft may be turned enough after the highest number shows to bring the setting roller out past the last disc after setting, allow for lost motion at the end of the double-spiral groove, and bring the setting roller back in contact with the disc when the number one shows. Two time dials 52 and 53, one to indicate the hour and the other fifteen-minute intervals, respectively, are geared in the proper relation to each other and friction driven with the proper relation from the disc indicator dial 42 above described. They are provided with a manual setting knob 54, mounted upon shaft 51, and, in setting, after the disc indicator dial 42 has been brought to its number one position, they may be set to the time at which a desired sequence of programs is to start, so that thereafter they will indicate the time being set for.

Movement of the

dials

52 and 53 is obtained through the medium of friction wheel 5U that peripherally engages the inner annular surface 56 on dial 42. The friction wheel 50 is fixed upon shaft 51, and the gear 58 is likewise fixed upon this shaft. Movement of gear 58 is translated into movement of hour time dial 52 through gear teeth, as shown in Fig. 1, and at the same time movement of fifteen minute time dial 53 is obtained through pinion 60 on shaft 1I, which shaft has small gear 59 mounted thereon in mesh with the teeth of disc 53. Thus, it will be seen that as the dial 42 rotates, the time dials 52 and 53 are correspondingly rotated. l

The dial 6|, Fig. '7, of 180 arc marked with properspaces from zero at its middle upward toward each end, has one end connected to a rod 62 in turn connected to the ends of two

levers

63 and 64, one near each end of the device pivoted so that their opposite ends 65 Vand 66 lie in the path of the travelling brush nut 26 as it nears the end of any operation in either direction. This dial 6I is held at its zero position by a spring 61 and the

levers

63 and 64 are so placed that as the travelling brush passes the contact point at which the last disc on either end is operated it will begin to displace one of the levers turning the dial 6I to indicate how many minutes must elapse before the synchronous rotor 35 would bring the travelling brush 25 backward to that same point when the rotor is started in the opposite direction. Also, marked on each side of the zero point of this half-dial 6I is a curved arrow, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 9, which indicates in which direction the starting knob should be turned to start the rotor for the next operation of the device. Since the direction of travel of the travelling brush 25 and power roller 38 depends on which way the synchronous rotor 38 is started these curved arrows and the double sprally grooved setting shaft I6 with its disc indicator dial 42 provide means for utilizing the device from eithrend, all discs having been realigned inl their zero position during the preceding operation. It is not necessary to know in which direction the device is being operated.

A double throw single contact switch 68, similar to a telephone switch, in the power supply source of the synchronous rotor 35 has its lever 69 located with respect to the rod 62 that transmits the motion between the

levers

63 and 64 in the path of the travelling brush nut 26 and half dial 6|, so that when the travelling brush nut 25 reaches a suitable point near either end of the threaded shaft 21 on which it moves, the circuit through the synchronous rotor will be broken and the device stopped. This switch does not affect the operation of the radio set.

The position of the travelling brush 25 in terms of time until the next operation will start is then indicated on the half dial 6I. This position may be adjusted and the device thus set to begin operation after arcertain elapsed time by turning the synchronous rotor through its manual starting knob 16 or other knob geared thereto.

Condenser control The motion of the square power shaft 36 is applied to the condenser shaft 40 of the receiving set by a revers-ely geared connection, such as gear 11, pinion 18, shaft 15, pinion 8D and gear 5I. Such gearing is shown in Figs. l, 2, and 8, as extendng through the synchronous rotor casing 35, but it will be understood that it acts independently and may, if desired, be brought around such casing. The arrangement as shown merely affords amore compact device.

A special type dial including a clutch, provides for disconnection and independent operation of the receiv`ng set from the device at this point. This clutch, as seen in Fig. 3, consists of two discs 32 and 4i, one (4I) being fastened tightly to the condenser shaft 46, the other (82) being connected with the gear 8l by a sleeve integral therewith having a projection 84, said sleeve being loosely journalled on the condenser shaft, and said projection being received in a slot 85 in sleeve 86 connected to gear ,8|. The rectilinear position of the driving gear is fixed; the jointed sleeve permits the rectilinear position of the adjacent disc 82 to be changed without breaking its connection with gear 8|. A coiled spring 81 on the sleeve presses the rubber face 83 of the movable disc 82 against the axially fixed disc 4l. A shaft 83 projecting through the panel I5 ending in a suitable knob 89 outside and a ball bearing 90 in the end resting against the 4rrlovalole disc 82 operates against this spring to separate the discs 82 and 4l. Rotational motion of the knob is translated into axial motion of the shaft when the frequency dial 4I is mounted parallel to the panel I5. If the frequency dial is placed perpendicular to the panel, the same shaft may terminate in an eccentric pin working n a grooved collar at the disc end of the coiled spring. With the former placing of the dial, the shaft 8B projects through an arcuately shaped hole 9| in the Xed disc or dial 4I, such hole being disposed around its shaft through an arc long enough to permit 180 turning of the condenser shaft and dial. The knob 89 is appropriately mark-ed, as shown in Fig. 9, to indicate regular or automatic tuning. When the discs 82 and 4I are pressed together, the automaticde- -dial and condensers operate.

vice tunes the set, when they are apart, as vshown in Fig. 3, it can betuned manually; Y

The movable disc 82v is slightly smaller in diameter than the-axially fixed disc 4|.. This provides clearance and the axially fixed disc. 4| has a short pin 91 perpendicularly mounted to the face of such disc. A toggle switch 98, Fig. 1, parallel with the master switch of the receiving set, has its lever 99 ending in a fork |00, one side longer than the other, so disposed near the edge of the disc 4| that the pin 91 in passing will catch in the fork |00 and throw the switch to its olf position, when the pin will be between the forks of the switch so that when the disc is turned in the opposite direction the switch will be turned on. The switch 98 and pin 91 should be so disposed that this occurs preferably near one end of the through which the frequency Suicient space should be marked with the word off on the frequency scale to provide for the operation of this switch. By eliminating stops from condensers and gearing dials 2| and 4| with proper ratio to discs it is possible to provide for tuning to full 180. The pin 91 and the word off will ,then be placed past the end of the frequencyl scale.

peratzon Suppose that it is desired to bring in the following succession of programs: 5:30 to 6:15- WLW; 6:15 to 6:30-silent; 6:30 to 6:45-WSM; 6:45 to 7:00-silent; 7:00 to '7:30-WTAM; '1:30 to 8:00-WHAS; 8:00 to 8:30-WMAQ. The master switch of the receiving set is turned off and the clutch knob 89 is turned to automatic, Suppose that the frequency dials 2| and 4| are marked off in kilocycles from left to right and that the dial 4| is now at 900 kc. Set the auto.- rnatic frequency dial 2| to the same setting, turn the automatic time set knob 20 until the numeral one appears on the disk indicator dial 42, and while holding knob 20 turn the time dials 52 and 53 to indicate 5:30. Turn the automatic frequency knob 5| until '700 kc. appears on the automatic frequency dial 2|. This adjusts the first disc from its neutral position counter-clockwise through a proportionate angle. Then turn the time set knob 54 until 6:15 appears on the time dials. Turn the automatic frequency knob 5|, moving the automatic frequency dial 2| clockwise to the limit of its rotation, where off appears. 'Ihis adjusts the fourth disc from its neutral position clockwise through a proportionate angle. Turn the time Vset knob 54 until 6:30

appears on the time dials 52 and 53 and turn the automatic frequency knob; 5| until 650 appears on the automatic frequency dial. This adjusts the fifth disc from its neutral position counterclockwise through a proportionate angle. Turn the time set knobuntil 6:45 appears on the dials and turn the automatic frequency knob until off appears on the automatic frequency dial. This adjusts the sixth disc from, its neutral position clockwise through a` proportionate angle. Setting for the rest of the programs continues in like manner until all available discs have been used and the letter X appears on the disc indicator dial 42. Assuming, for example, that it is now 5:21 and as the rst program is to start in nine minutes turn the synchronous rotor starter 10 until the ligure 9 appears on the start indicator dial 6|, then give the starter a twirl inthe direction indicated on that dial.

amaai? The operation of the device will now be followed. Y

Although the master switch of the radio re,- ceiving apparatus has been turned off the switch 98 operated by the dial 4|, connected inv parallel, is on. as long as this dial indicates a frequency. The apparatus, therefore, continues to operate at its setting of 900 kc. If it is desired that the apparatus be silent until 5:30, both frequency dials 4| and 2| are turned to the off position, and the radio set will turn on automatically when the first program is selected.

The synchronous rotor 35 turns the two threaded shafts 21. and 29 until at 5:30 the travelling brush 25 and the power roller 38 simultaneously reach the operation point of the first disc I. This is when the hinge of the brush arm is directly above the center of the first disc An electrical circuit is completed through the travelling brush 25, the right half of the disc l, the stationary brush 28 tapping it, and eld coil B- of the ,reversible motor 39. Y 'Ihe power roller 38 is thus caused to rotate and correspondringly rotates the particular disc clockwise through -an angle equal to its adjustment in setting, and the condenser shaft 40 receives a proportionate angular adjustment counter-clock- WlSe'.

This is what has happened-the dials 2| and 4| having originally been set at 900 kc., the rst disc I was adjusted counter-clockwise through an angle proportionate to the difference on the dials between 900 kc. and 700 kc. The power roller 38 now reverses that adjustment but gives an adjustment to the condenser shaft 40 identical in angle and direction to that of the setting through reverse gears.

When the notch l0 of the first disc coincides with thearm 25 `of the travelling brush the arm of the brush dropsl into it and the circuit is broken. The travelling brush 25 and power roller 38 move on to the left as viewed in Fig. 2. As the second and third discs were left in their neutral positions the arm of the brush passes through their notches without completing a circuit. When the brush 25 and roller 38 reach the operating point of the! fourth disc at 6:15 a circuit is completed through the brush 25, the left side of the disc, the disc shaft 9, and field coil A of the motor 39. 'I'he power roller 38 reverses the adjustment given to the disc in setting, as above, turning it through an angle proportionate and with opposite direction to the difference on the dials between '700 and off, This adjustsl the condenser shaft 40 through an angle identical in degree and direction to that through which the automatic frequency dial 2| and the fourth disc were adjusted in setting. This causes the pin 91 on the frequency dial 4I to operate the automatic switch 98, turning off the set. The yfourth disc is returned to its zero position, the brush arm 25 falls into the notch I0 and the brush and power roller 38 move on until at 6:30 they reach the operation point of the fth disc. (The distance between. operation` points of two adjacent discs is called an interval and the travelling brush and powerroller traverse an interval in exactly fteen minutes.) 'I'he condenser shaft 40 now receives an adjustment identical in direction and degree to the differenceon the dials between off and 650. This was the same adjustment given to the automatic frequency dial 2|, and fth disc in setting.

` Suppose that it is nowwishedl to interrupt` the predeterminedsequenee of frequencies for some other frequency later decided upon. Turn the clutch knob 89 to regular and tune the set as desired. If a frequency that lies in a portion of the dial mark oif is desired, turn on the master switch of the radio set. (This operation can be combined with that of the clutch knob.) To resume the prearranged sequence turn the frequency dial 4l of the set to the frequency arranged for at that time and turn the clutch knob 38 to automatic,

The travelling brush 25 and roller 38 move on through a complete operation, adjusting the condenser shaft as described above, and bring all discs back to their neutral positions. At the end of the operation the travelling brush presses against the lever 65, causing the half-dial 6| to be displaced from its zero` position. This continues until the rod 62 of the start indicator is moved far enough to move the toggle arm 69 of the double throw switch 68 from its central on position, when the circuit through the synchronous rotor 35 is broken and the device stops. The receiving set is left in the status achieved by the last disc. Obviously, this can be off if desired.

In combination witha cam or combination of cams the device will operate lighting systems as of an airport or building; will control bellV signal systems;` will change electric signs as of an electric flashing clock; will control a plurality of electrical circuits or furnish a plurality of mechanical impulses lon a pre-arranged schedule. The length of the interval in time may be Varied.

Variations A variation of the device is formed by governing the power supply so that the square power shaft and the power roller are driven at constant speed. The degree through which the discs` are displacedifrom their neutral position will then supply the time element and the direction of displacement will supply a choice between circuits. rFne synchronously operating rotor is eliminated and for it isxsubstituted either (a) a constant pressure as that given by a spring forcing a brush of solid construction to pass through the notches in the discs as they are returned to their neutral positions by the power roller (which is moved simultaneously with the brush), or (b) a spring-opposed electro-magnet on each end of the assembly to operate alternately on whole successive operations of the device, pulling the travelling brush and power roller towards them through one interval each time the circuit is broken by the turning of a notch to zero position.

This variation permits greater flexibility in the period of time any electrical circuit is held closed but sacrifices the degree of individual setting. The lattercan be supplied outside the device by means of rheostats or by combination with the device as described in the rst part.

1. If the surface of the shaft on which the discs are assembled is built up of insulated segments, each tapped, and the stationary brushes vare tapped, .a choice will be afforded between a plurality of circuits each time the stationary brush and power roller engage a disc, and the same circuit will be kept until the power roller, now time controlled, returns the disc to its neutral position. These taps from each disc can be made available to a plurality of jacks, each part of the circuit or circuits to be controlled.

2. If the choice desired is between timed operation of only two circuits, or elements, the circuits between the stationary brushes and iield coil B of the motor and between the disc shaft and eld coil A of the motor can be used.

Under application (1) this variation can be used to control either by direct electrical contact a moving object such as a robot, a ship, an airplane, a torpedo, directing it through a planned maneuver. In conjunction with radio remote control it can be made to control a group of such units, putting them through a planned maneuver, permitting exact charting and planning of a. contemplated movement based on calculations of speed and drift with allowance for influence of external forces. It can also be made to control bell signal systems, airport or plant lighting systems, or any multiplicity of electrical circuits.

Under application (2) this variation is especially adaptable to the operation of safe combinations, as in the opening of a number of safes in branch banks from a central point.

Conclusion It will now be seen that the present device when applied to a radio receiving set will automatically complete the power supply source to the set and will tune the set to predetermined frequencies or turn it 01T or on all at predetermined times. That the setting of the device to accomplish this purpose requires no more time than would be consumed in setting the apparatus in the ordinary way. That the setting of this device is accomplished by turning knobs outside the panel of the set without the necessity of getting inside to adjust complicated mechanism,

and that this setting is a simple combination as i of an ordinary radio receiving apparatus in conjunction with a clock. That it requires less skill and effort in use than any other existing device that will accomplish the same purpose. I'hat it is simpler and cheaper in construction and easier to maintain than any other such device. That it can be attached to any radio receiving set merely by substituting its special type dial for the orthodox dial on the condenser shaft of the radio set. That in order to accomplish its purpose it does not change or tap in any way the electrical circuits within the radio set (it may use current from the set to light its dials as is customary in orthodox radio sets.) That it takes up a smaller amount of space per unit of time over which it will function than any other such device. That the length of time over which it will function is limited only by the number of discs, additional discs and stationary brushes and a lengthening of the longitudinal parts being all that is necessary to increase the time of operation. That after each operation it is ready without preliminary adjustment, to be set for the next operation. That it is not affected by temperature changes. That it will set` the condensers at any angle within their normal range of operation, so that the choice of possible frequencies is limited only by the capacities of the set. That it will select such frequencies as have been arranged for with extreme accuracy limited only by the accuracy of the manual setting operation. That after the device has been set and started no further attention is required during the time of its operation. That a radio receiving set to which the device is attached may be operated independently of the device by simply turning a knob. That a pre-arranged program may be interrupted and resumed during the operation of the device. That a single frequency may be held without interruption for any multiple of fifteen minutes Within the limits of the device.

Other modes o f applying the principle of our invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the -mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

We therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention:-

1. In apparatus of the character described in combination, a radio receiving system and a `tuning-mechanism therefor, means manually ac- 2. In apparatus of the character described inv combination, a radio receiving system and a tuning mechanism therefor, means manually actuated to time said system to a pre-arranged sequence of Wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune said system to a corresponding vsequence of wave lengths,V said mechanical means including a series of discs having peripheral recesses therein, there being manual and power means for rotating said discs, said power means including a threadedshaft, a square shaft and a roller slidably mounted thereon. 3. In apparatus of the character described in combination, a radio receiving system and a tuning mechanism therefor, means manually actuated to time said system to a pre-arranged sequence of'wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune said system to a corresponding sequence of wavelengths, said mechanical means including a series of discs having peripheral recesses thereinQthere being manual and power means for` rotating said discs, said manual means including a double spirally threaded shaft and a squaref'shaft with a roller on said square shaft for sequentially engaging each'of said discs in said series of discs.

4. In apparatus of the character described in combination, a radio receiving systemV and Va tuning mechanism therefor, means Vmanually ac` tuated to time said system to a pre-arranged sequence of wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune'said system to a corresponding sequence of wave lengths, said mechanical means including a series of discs having periph# eral recesses therein, there being manual and power means for rotating said discs, said manual tuated to time said system to a pre-arranged se- Y Vaora/4.17

`quence of wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune said system to a corresponding sequence of wavelengths, said mechanical means including a series of discs having peripheral recessestherein, there being manual and power means for rotating said discs, saidpower means including a threaded shaft and a square shaft with a roller mounted on'said square shaft for engaging the discs in said series of discs in a desired sequence.

6. In apparatus of the character described in combination, a radio receiving system and a tuning `mechanism therefor, meansmanually actu ated to time said system to a pre-arranged sequence of wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune said system to a corresponding sequence of wave lengths, said mechanical means including a series 4of discs having peripheral recesses therein, there being manual and power means for rotating said discs, said power means including a `threaded shaft and a square shaft with a roller mounted on said square shaft for engaging the discs in said series of. discs in a desired sequence, and a nut on said threaded shaft for moving said roller longitudinally of said square shaft.

7. In an apparatus of the character described in combination, means for manually tuning a radio receiving system, and mechanical means for tuning said system, said mechanical means including a series of discs supported on a disc shaft, a square manual setting shaft, a sp-irally grooved shaft, a square power shaft and a threaded shaft, all of said shafts extending substantially parallel l to each other.

8. In apparatus ofthe character described in combination,.a radio receiving system and atuning mechanism therefor, means manually actuated to time said system to a pre-arranged sequence of wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune said system to a corresponding sequence of wavelengths, said mechanical means including a series off discs having peripheral recesses therein, and a travelling brush mounted above said discs, said brush being movable upon a member extending transversely to said discs and passing through said recesses during `such movement. Y

9. In apparatus of the character described in combination, a radio receiving system and a tuning mechanism therefor, means manually actuated to time said system to a pre-arranged sequence of Wave lengths, and means mechanically actuated to tune said system to a corresponding sequence of wave lengths, said mechanical means including a series yof, discs having peripheral recesses therein, and a travelling brush mounted above said discs, the path of travel of said brush extending through the peripheral recesses in said discs when such recesses are aligned at the top of said discs, said brush being secured to a screw threaded nut mounted upon ra rotatable screw threaded shaft.

RICHARD T. FOX. VERNON I. HULLETT.