US3039260A - Alarm clock - Google Patents

Description

June 19, 1962 D. MORRISON ETAL ALARM CLOCK 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 11, 1959 MINUTES mmvrons DAVID Moamsou y RALPH C. Rosmsou June 19, 1962 Filed Sept. 11, 1959 D. MORRISON ETAL 3,039,260

ALYARM CLOCK 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 nvmvrozzs DAvm Mokmsou By RALPH C RoBlNSoN June 19, 1962 D. MORRISON ETAL ALARM CLOCK 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 11, 1959 ....lllll.

A V a INVENTORS DAVlD MORRISON C. RosmsoN United States Patent 3,039,260 ALARM CLOCK David Morrison and Ralph C. Robinson, Athens, Ga., assignors to General Time Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 11, 1959, Ser. No. 839,410 11 Claims. (Cl. 58-2112) The present invention relates to alarm clocks and more particularly to clocks having a delayed-alarm feature which may be manually operated upon the initial sounding of the alarm in order to enable the user to have a few minutes additional sleep before the alarm is finally sounded.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alarm clock having a novel delayed-alarm mechanism and which is well suited for operation by a drowsy, justawakened individual without necessity for intentional or directed elfort and without risk that the alarm clock will be knocked off the bedside table as a result of the fumbling efforts of the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alarm clock having an easily operated delayed-alarm mechanism which provides for selection of two different time intervals, for example, five minutes or ten minutes, at the will of the user. It is a related object to provide a delayed-alarm mechanism having a single actuator permitting the selection of two different time intervals .and which requires simple downward movement regardless of which interval is selected. It is another object to provide a delayed-alarm mechanism of the above type in which the selection is brought about simply by feel as an automatic reaction without necessity for the user being completely awake at the time the selection is made. More specifically, it is an object to provide a delayedalarm mechanism in which the actuator projecting above the top of the clock casing is in the form of a horizontal, centrally pivoted lever; pressing down on one side of the lever gives five minutes additional time, while pressing on the other side of the lever gives ten minutes additional time.

It is a related object to provide an alarm delay arrangement which in spite of the selection feature, is inexpensiveand in which the same mechanical elements are utilized for measuring out both the long and the short time interval.

It is still another object to provide a delayed-alarm mechanism which is accurate and precise and which gives an accurately measured time interval following operation of the actuator, an interval which is defined within a fraction of a minute. Thus the unit is to be compared to conventional delay arrangements in which the interval is largely indeterminate and subject to wide variations. In this connection it is an object to provide a delayedalarm mechanism in which the term interval is measured out by positive mechanical means, which places no reliance upon frictional effects, and in which the interval measuring characteristics are accurately maintained over the life of the clock in spite of changes in incidental friction, degree of lubrication, collection of dirt, or the like.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an alarm clock having a novel delayed-alarm mechanism which may be used to secure successive intervals of delay simply by repressing the actuator each time the alarm begins to sound. It is still another object of the invention to provide an alarm clock having a delayed-alarm mechanism under the control of an actuator projecting above the top of the clock casing but which is pleasing and nonmechanical in appearance, adding to, rather than detracting from, the appearance of the clock.

It is a still further object of the present invention to 3,039,260 Patented June 19, 1962 provide a delayed-alarm mechanism which may be applied to existing designs of alarm clocks.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reference to the attached detailed description and to the drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 shows the external appearance, as viewed from the front, of an alarm clock employing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a distorted perspective of an alarm clock mechanism embodying the alarm delay feature;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective of the alarm delay mechanism viewed from the rear;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the condition of the mechanism upon pressing the operator for a ten minute delay interval; and

FIG. 6 shows the delayed-alarm mechanism in the alternate condition, i.e., when pressed for a five minute delay interval. 7

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that we do not intend to be limited to the embodiment shown but intend to cover the various modifications and alternative constructions included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an alarm clock having a casing 10 of plastic or the like, and a dial 11 covered by a transparent lens 12.

Projecting upwardly from the casing .10 is an alarm delay actuator 15 having a five-minute lobe 16 and a tenminute lobe 17 identified by a minutes legend which may be included directly on the clock dial. Conveniently the casing 10 may be offset upwardly as indicated at .18 in order to provide a narrow horizontal space 19 for carrying the identifying markings. Moreover, the upward extension 18 tends to be identified with the actuator 15 so that there is clear association between the legend and actuator. The actuator 15 serves to control an alarm delay mechanism which has been indicated in the remaining figures at 20. However, prior to discussing the mechanism reference may be made to FIG. 3 which shows a typical clock train to which the present invention may be applied. While the latter is familiar to those skilled in the art, it may nevertheless be reviewed briefly as follows:

Cooperating with the dial are a sweep second hand 21, a minute hand 22 and an hour hand 23. Also provided is an alarm setting hand 24. For the purpose of driving the clock train, a motor is used having a pinion 31 which engages a fiber gear 32 which, in turn, carries a pinion 33. To reduce the speed to one revolution per minute required for the second hand 21, speed reduction is brought about by a gear 34 connected to a pinion 35 which meshes with 2. seconds gear 36. The latter is connected to a seconds shaft 37, the extreme end of which carries the second hand 21.

In order to provide a 60:1 reduction required for the driving of the minute hand 22, the seconds gear 36 has a pinion 37a which meshes with a gear 38 having a pinion 39. The latter pinion meshes with a minutes gear 40 connected to a shaft 41 which carries the minute hand 22 .at its forward end.

Rotation of the hour hand 23 is brought about by a pinion 45 which meshes with the speed reduction gear 46 having a pinion 47 which in turn meshes with the hour gear 48. The latter is joined to a shaft 49, the front end of which carries the hour hand 23. The components described thus far are capable of operating the hands of the clock for correct time indication.

For the purpose of sounding of an alarm, an armature 50 is provided which is arranged adjacent poles P coupled to the magnetic field of the motor 30 in accordance with conventional practice. Vibration of the armature 50 is normally restrained by means of a follower member 51 which is held in blocking position by means of a dropoff gear 55. The drop-off gear 55 isaxially movable, carrying an operating cam 56 which serves to hold the drop-off gear in the left hand position except when the mechanism is triggered for the sounding of the alarm. The drop-off gear 55, and the cam 56 associated therewith, is driven from the gear 46 previously referred to.

For determining when the dropoff occurs a settable pawl 60 which may be referred to as a drop-ofi pawl, cooperates with the cam 56. The pawl is carried on a shaft 61 which mounts a gear 62 at its forward end. The latter meshes with a pinion 63 which in turn is coupled to an alarm set gear 64 which carries the alarm set hand 24.

To adjust the alarm set hand 24 to a desired alarm position, an adjusting knob 70 is provided having a shaft 71 carrying a gear 72 which meshes with the gear 62. Turning the knob 70 rotates the setting gear train 62-64 so that the alarm set hand 24 and the drop-off pawl 60 are rotated in step with one another with the pawl being deposited in the desired time position.

The adjusting knob 70 and the gear 72 coupled thereto are movable axially into an alternate or pulled out position for adjusting the hour and minute hands 22, 23. Thus as will be apparent from FIG. 3, the gear 72 may be pulled out into position 72a Where it engages the gear 46 which is meshed with the pinion 45 on the minute hand shaft 41. During the setting operation the motor driving train remains stationary because of a friction clutch 40a provided between the pinion 45 and the ad jacent gear 40.

The operation of the above-described mechanism will be apparent to one skilled in the art and it will suflice to review the operation briefly as follows: The hands of the clock are normally driven by the motor 30 through the driving train indicated by the numerals 32 through 48. It will be assumed that the drop-off pawl 60 has been set to a desired alarm position by rotating the knob 70. The drop-off gear 55 rotates on a 12-hour cycle with the driving train and when the cam 56 thereon rotates into register with the pawl 60 drop-oif occurs, with the gear 55 moving to the right thereby releasing the follower 61 and permitting the vibration of the armature 50. The sounding of the alarm continues until manual shut-off or until the gear 55 and cam 56 rotate around into a non-registering position.

In accordance with the present invention, an alarm delay mechanism is provided including an alarm delay member having a manual actuator which is pressed fol lowing initial sounding of the alarm in order to cockingly engage the member to the clock train for measuring out a predetermined timed interval and for temporarily disabling the alarm during the time interval. More specifically, in carrying out the invention, an alarm delay member is provided which is normally disengaged from the timing train but which may be manually moved into overlapping, cocked engagement with respect to the driving train with the extent of the overlap, and hence the length of the timed interval during which the alarm is disabled, being under the control of a manual operator conveniently disposed at the top of the clock. Turning to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the alarm delay mechanism generally indicated at 20, is mounted between the regular frame plates 81, 82 of the clock, only a small portion of these frame plates being shown in the drawings. Pivoted between the frame plates on a pivot 91 is an alarm delay member 90 which, in the present instance, is in the form of a flat plate of metal of irregular outline arranged for rocking through a small angle. For the purpose of biasing the delay member in the countercloclo wise direction as viewed in FIG. 4 and out of engagement with respect to the driving train, a biasing spring 95 is provided mounted on a post 96 which is secured to the clock frame,

In order to cock the the delay-member in engagement with the clock train for the measuring out of a short precise time interval, a rack member 100 is provided which is pivoted to the control member at a pivot 101 and which cooperates with a rack pinion 102 which is coupled to the clock driving train. The rack pinion 102 is close-coupled to a drive pinion 103 which is driven by a gear 46 (see FIG. 3) which is tirningly driven by the clock train. The rack member 100 and the racking pinion 102 have teeth of ratchet shape so that the pinion may properly be referred to as a ratchet wheel.

In order to provide clearance for the pinions 102, 103, an arcuate slot 105 is formed in the delay member. For the purpose of normally positioning the rack member 100, a stop 106 is provided, and the rack member is biased against the stop by utilizing the same spring which biases the delay member counterclockwise. Specifically, the end of the spring 95 is hooked under a laterally bent arm 107 which forms a part of the rack member. Thus it will be apparent that under normal standby conditions the device occupies the condition shown in FIG. 4, with the rack member out of engagement with the rack pinion 102 and with the latter turning idly. Under such circumstances the alarm operates in the usual way under the control of the regular alarm tripping mechanism and the follower member 5 1.

For the purpose of cocking the delay member 90 with respect to the driving train, coupling means are provided between the manual actuator 15 previously referred to and the delay member 90. Such coupling means will be referred to in greater detail at a later point. It will suffice for the moment to say that pressing the operator rotates the delay member 90 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 5, thereby engaging the rack mem ber with the rack pinion. The extent of the engagement, in other words, the amount which the rack member overlaps the rack pinion 102, depends upon the angle through which the delay member is rotated. As shown in FIG. 5 the two members are engaged to the maximum extent. When manual pressure is released the delay member remains in the cocked or overlapping position illustrated. It will be noted in FIG. 5 that the rack member 100 has left the stop 106 so that the force of the biasing spring 95 is effective to hold the rack securely against the pinion 102.

It is obviously desirable to have positive engagement between the rack and the pinion while minimizing the force which must be manually applied to cock the mechanism. Consequently, we prefer to employ teeth on both of the members of the angled, ratchet shape oriented as shown. Thus during the cocking operation the teeth are enbaled to slide easily with a clicking action one over another, while movement in the return direction is positively prevented except upon timed rotation of the rack pinion 102. Each tooth thus represents a precise increment of time. In the drawing for simplicity only a limited number of rack teeth have been shown but it will be understood by one skilled in the art that a relatively larger number of fine teeth may be employed where it is desired to further refine the timing accuracy.

Upon passage of a predetermined time interval, which may be ten minutes, sufiicient rotation of the rack pinion 102 occurs so that the rack is walked to the end of the teeth thereon, following which the delay member 90 is freed for bodily rotation back to its idle position under the influence of the biasing spring 95.

In accordance with one of the aspects of the invention, novel alarm disabling means are employed to silence the alarm during the time interval that the alarm delay mem ber is in its cocked position. Thus in carrying out the invention a control rod is provided extending at right angles to the delay member 90, fulcrumed in the clock frame and received within an angled slot formed in the delay member so that upon rotation of the delay member the slot engagement serves to cam the rod about the fulcrum to move the tip of the rod toward or away from the vibrating armature.

Referring to FIG. 4, the alarm disabling rod indicated at 110 is fulcrumed in the frame plate 32 at 111 to define a tip portion 112 and a base portion 113. The intermediate portion of the rod is telescoped into a slot 115 which is formed in the delay member and which has an upper end 115a, and a lower end 1151;. With regard to the specific shape of the slot, it is preferably of curved or dog-leg shape having a break point at 1150 so that most of the movement of the rod occurs during the initial portion of the movement of the delay member. For the purpose of constraining the movement of the base portion of the rod, a slot 120 is formed in the frame plate 81, and the end of the rod is loosely received therein. The direction of orientation of the slot 121 determines the direction of movement of the tip 112 of the rod. Since, in the present instance, horizontal movement of the tip is desired to release and disable the armature '50, the slot 120 is oriented parallel to the desired direction of movement, in other words, in the horizontal direction as shown.

When the delay member 90 is in the idle position illustrated in FIG. 4 rotated fully into its counterclockwise position, the rod 119 occupies the upper end 115a of the slot 115, and the base portion of the rod occupies the left hand end of the slot 120. Under such circumstances the tip of the rod is fully retracted away from the armature and the armature is therefore exclusively under the control of the follower 51.

However, when the manual operator 15 is pressed, ro-

tating the delay member 90 in the clockwise direction, the wall of theslot 115, being arranged at an angle, cams the rod 110 inwardly along the slot as shown in FIG. 5. The base portion of the rod moves from the left hand end to the right hand end of the slot 120 and the tip is fulcrumed for horizontal movement against the vibrating armature. Thus the armature is held away from the magnetic poles which induced the vibration. It will be apparent that since the lower end 11% of the slot is arranged at a shallower angle, the movement of the rod 110 in the silencing direction will occur rapidly at first into engagement with the armature following which there will be very little additional movement as the delay member is rotated fully into the position shown.

While a particular rod mounting is illustrated, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that this invention resides in its broader aspects in the concept of a control rod having a body which has three spaced points of support, namely, a fulcrum and two angled slots, with the movement at one of the points of support producing movement at the end of the rod along a predetermined path.

Having understood the cocking means and the disabling means associated with the delay member 90, attention may next be given to the novel coupling arrange ment between the manual actuator 15 and the delay member. In accordance with the present invention, two modes of operation are possible, depending upon which end of the actuator 15 is depressed, the coupling means being so arranged as to provide an unlike extent of advancement of the delay member, with unlike, but precisely determined, amounts of overlap thereby to produce two selectable delay intervals. Thus the ends 16, 17 of the operator 15 may be considered as two operators independent in function and which may be selectively used. In the preferred embodiment the operator 15 is in the form of a centrally pivoted lever mounted on the horizontal pivot pin 122 which is secured to a bracket 121, which may in turn be anchored to the frame plate 81. In order to move the member fill the maximum distance a cam 13% is formed on the underside of the actuator 15. Arranged in the path of movement of the cam 13d is a cam follower 131 in the form of an arm integral with the member and carrying an anti-friction roller 132 at its outer extremity. Thus, as will be apparent from FIG. 5, pressing the end 17 of the operator causes the cam to engage the cam follower, following which the cam follower rides down into the valley or root portion of the cam. This is accompanied by clockwise cocking movement of the member 90, with the rack member clicking over the teeth of the rack pinion 102 so that the latter two elements are engaged to the maximum extent. As this movement takes place, the rod is cammed by the slot so that the tip portion 112 thereof rotates around into disabling or blocking engagement against the alarm armature 50.

In carrying out the present invention, a second cam and cam follower are provided, operated by pressing the opposite end of the actuator 15 to produce cocking of the delay member 90 through a smaller angle, an angle which may be approximately half of that achieved in FIG. 5. Thus on the underside of the end 16 of the member 15 is a second cam surface cooperating with a cam follower 136 having a roller 137. The cam surface 135 is so shaped so as to produce limited follower movement and the movement of the actuator is, in any event, limited by a stop 138 which may be conveniently formed by bending out a portion of the bracket 121 previously referred to.

Thus, when only a five minute alarm delay is desired, the end 16 of the member 15 is pressed as shown in FIG. 6. This rotates the member 90 to a point Where the rack pinion 102 engages the central portion of the rack 190. The movement is, however, sufiicient so as to cause the disabling rod 110 to ride down the initial portion of the slot 115 to approximately the 'break point 115a thereof to produce appreciable movement at the tip 112 of the disabling rod. This movement is adequate to positively block the armature 50' against vibration and, upon expiration of the five minute period, the rack 100' will be walked clear of the rack pinion, allowing the delay member 90 to snap back to inactive position and thereby freeing the armature 50 for sounding of the alarm.

The advantages of the above construction will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The clock first of all gives an accurately timed interval which is important to those who must live by the clock, with a close morning schedule. Nevertheless, the device is characterized by its simplicity, having a minimum number of moving parts and occupying only a small space within the clock mechanism. The nature of the device is such that it may be added to conventional alarm clock mechanisms with very little additional expense and with only minor modification. The operation of each portion of the device is inherently trouble-free and may be expected to outlast the remainder of the clock mechanism. Wear is no problem and the device may be cycled many thousands of times without change in characteristics or elfectiveness. Experience shows that the novel alarm disabling means operates freely and without any tendency toward binding. This is true even though appreciable force must be applied to the armature 50 to pry it away from the poles P which drive it. At the end of the timed cycle, release is positive and immediate.

The simplicity and effectiveness of the construction is particularly noteworthy in view of the flexibility which it provides. Thus while it is possible for the operator to select delay intervals of either five minutes or ten minutes, such selectability has been brought about with minimum complexity or expense. All that is required for the second interval is the addition of a second cam surface and cam follower, all the other elements are used in common. I r

The actuator 15, which is of butterfly shape not only lends attractiveness but the selective operation of the device is immediately apparent to the user without necessity for understanding detailed instructions. In this connection it is one of the features of the device that the dial 11 of the clock is extended upwardly to form a space 19 immediately adjacent and parallel to the horizontal actuating lever 15. The space includes a legend Which is self-explanatory, indicating to the user that five minutes additional time may be had by pressing on the left hand end of the lever and ten minutes on the right. This may be easily accomplished by feel even in darkness and since the pressure is applied downwardly through the body of the clock there is no tendency toward displacing the clock along its supporting surface, in other words, no risk of knocking the clock oif of the night table due to fumbling with the manual actuator. In short, the device is ideally suited for operation by the person who is still half asleep.

In normal operation the regular alarm mechanism will initially sound. The user then presses one side or the other of the actuator to quiet the alarm, and at the end of a selected interval the alarm will again sound. When the alarm sounds a second time, the user may operate the manual shut-oil device indicated at S in FIG. 3 upon arising so that the alarm is turned off until it is again needed. Or the user may press the actuator again to secure an additional time interval, and this may be repeated, if desired, to secure a succession of accurately timed intervals.

While the invention has particular application to an alarm clock, it will be understood that certain subcombinations of the disclosed mechanism are not necessarily limited thereto but are usable in other devices having a controlled element operated by a driving train. Thus in the claims the term controlled mechanism has been employed to describe that which is controlled by the rod assembly.

We claim as our invention:

1. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train for operating the alarm at a pre-set time, auxiliary alarm disabling means, alarm delay means coupled to the alarm disabling means, said alarm delay means having first and second manual actuators at the top of the clock and so arranged that when either actuator is depressed the alarm delay means is cocked with respect to the driving train with the extent of cocking movement diifering in amount depending upon which of the two actuators is depressed, the coupling with the driving train being self releasing following rotation of the driving train sufficient to use up the cocking movement for disengaging the alarm disabling means thereby to re-sound the alarm.

2. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train for operating the alarm at a pre-set time, auxiliary alarm disabling means, alarm delay means including a movable alarm delay member having a normal position and having manually operated actuating means for moving the same into cocked engagement with the driving train, the alarm delay member being coupled to the disabling means and so constructed and arranged that the degree of engagement with the driving train is dependent upon the degree of movement thereof so that the alarm is disabled over a corresponding time interval, and individual manually operated camming means accessible at the top of the alarm clock and selectively engageable by the operator to move the alarm delay member through two different displacements to secure two difierent delay intervals prior to the re-sounding of the alarm.

3. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a housing, a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train for operating the alarm at a preset time, alarm delay means for delaying the sounding of-the alarm following the initial sounding thereof under the control of the alarm mechanism, said alarm delay means including an alarm delay member arranged for coupling to the driving train to an extent which depends upon the amount of displacement of the control member, a manual actuator for said alarm delay member, said manual actuator being in the form of a horizontally arranged centrally pivoted lever having opposite end portions extending through the top of the clock housing and coupled to the delay member so that the delay member is displaced an unlike amount depending upon which of said end portions of the actuator is depressed, thereby to produce short or long time delay for said alarm.

4. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a housing, a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train for operating the alarm at a preset time, aiarm delay means for delaying the sounding of the alarm following the initial sounding thereof under the control of the mechanism, a manual actuator for said alarm delay means, said manual actuator being in the form of a horizontally arranged centrally pivoted lever having upwardly extending lobes of butterfly shape projecting through the top of the clock housing and coupled to the delay means for pressing of one end or the other by an operator depending upon the length of the desired delay time interval, and indicia arranged adjacent the ends of the lever for indicating the time delay interval corresponding thereto.

5. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train for operating the alarm at a pre-set time, alarm delay means for delaying the sounding of the alarm following the intial sounding thereof under the control of the mechanism, said alarm delay means including a movable alarm delay member having provision for cocked engagement with the driving train to an extent which depends upon the amount of advancing movement thereof, a manual actuator for said alarm delay means, said manual actuator being in the form of a horizontally arranged centrally pivoted lever having opposite end portions extending through the top of the clock housing, first and second cams of unlike throw having respective cam followers interposed between the actuator and the alarm delay member and arranged for alternative use to advance the delay member an unlike amount depending upon which of said end portions of the lever is pressed.

6. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a driving train. an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train, said alarm mechanism including a vibrating armature, a centrally fulcrumed rod having a first end arrangement adjacent the armature, an alarm control member in the form of a flat plate of metal movable in its own plane between an alarm-released position and an alarm-disabling position and having a slot therein at an angle with respect to the path of movement of the member for engaging the rod, means providing a fixed slot for engaging the second end of the rod, said fixed slot being oriented in a direction such that the first end of the rod moves in a direction toward and away from the armature in response to movement of the alarm control member.

7. In an alarm clock the combination comprising a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train, said alarm mechanism including a vibrating armature, a centrally fulcrumed rod having a first end arranged adjacent the armature, an alarm control member in the form of a flat plate of metal movable in its own plane between an alarm-released position and an alarm-disabling position and having a slot therein at an angle with respect to the path of movement of the member for engaging the rod, means providing a fixed slot for engaging the second end of the rod, said fixed slot being oriented in a direction such that the first end of the rod moves in a direction toward the armature in response to progressive movement of the alarm control member, means for moving the alarm control member through two different displacements, the slot in said control member being curved or bent so that most of the movement of the rod takes place during the initial portion of the movement of the control member.

8. In a clock the combination comprising a driving train,

a controlled mechanism, a centrally fulcrumed rod having a first end arranged adjacent the mechanism, a control member in the form of a flat plate of metal movable in its own plane between limit positions and having a slot therein at an angle with respect to the path of movement of the member for engaging the rod, means providing a fixed slot for engaging the second end of the rod, said fixed slot being oriented in a direction such that the first end of the rod moves in a direction toward and away from the controlled mechanism in response to movement of the control member between its limit positions.

9. In an alarm clock, the combination comprising a driving train, an alarm mechanism coupled to said driving train, said alarm mechanism including a vibrating armature, a control rod having a movable end arranged adjacent the armature, means providing a fulcrum for said rod, an alarm control member movable between limit positions, said alarm control member having a slot formed therein at an angle with respect to the path of movement of the member for engaging the rod, a fixed member having a slot for engaging the rod, said slots and said fulcrum being spaced along the body of the rod, the slot in said fixed member being oriented in a direction such that the end of the rod moves in a direction toward and away from the armature in response to movement of the alarm control member.

10. In a clock, the combination comprising a driving train, a controlled mechanism, a control rod having a movable end arranged adjacent the controlled mechanism, means providing a fulcrum for said rod, a control member movable between limit positions, said control member having a slot formed therein at an angle with respect to the path of movement of the member for engaging the rod, a fixed member having a slot for engaging the rod, said slots and said fulcrum being spaced along the body of the rod, the slot in said fixed member being oriented in a direction such that the end of the rod moves in a direction toward and away from the controlled mechanism in response to movement of the control member for operation of the controlled mechanism following predetermined rotation of the driving train.

11. In a clock, the combination comprising a driving train, a controlled mechanism, a control rod having a movable end arranged adjacent the controlled mechanism, said control rod having three points of engagement spaced along the body of the rod, a control member engaging said rod at the first point of engagement, said control member being coupled to the driving train and movable generally perpendicular to the rod between limit positions, fixed members engaging said rod at said second and third points of engagement, two of said members having slots which captively engage the rod and the third member engaging the rod so as to present a simple fulcrum, the slots being arranged at an angle with respect to one another so that the end of the rod moves with respect to the controlled mechanism upon movement of the control member incident to rotation of the driving train.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,541,817 Gordon Feb. 13, 1951 2,920,438 Phaneuf Jan. 12, 1960 2,946,182 Boyles et a1. July 26, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 588,559 Germany Nov. 27, 1933

Images