US3299228A

US3299228A - Mechanism for converting predetermined input speed to random output speed

Info

Publication number: US3299228A
Application number: US428801A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans H Tormolen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-01-28
Filing date: 1965-01-28
Publication date: 1967-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 1984-01-17

Description

J 1967 H. H. TORMOLEN 3,299,228

MECHANISM FOR CONVERTING PREDETERMINED INPUT SPEED TO RANDOM OUTPUT SPEED Filed Jan. 28, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l MECHANISM FOR CONVERTING PREDETERMINED INPUT Jan. 17, 1967 H. H. TQRMOLEN 3,299,228

SPEED TO RANDOM OUTPUT SPEED Filed Jan. 28, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mechanism.

cycle to the next. 'wide variety of uses exist for a mechanism capable of of rotation.

United States Patent F 3,299 228 MECHANISM FOR COliVERTING PREDETER- MINED INPUT SPEED T0 RANDOM OUTPUT SPEED Hans H. Tormolen, 3142 Sumter, Dallas, Tex. 75220 Filed Jan. 28, 1965, Ser. No. 428,801 20 Claims. (Cl. 200-18) The present invention relates to a random operating In a more specific aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for converting a constant speed of rotation to an irregular speed of rotation. In a still more specific aspect, the present invention relates to a mechanism for operating a plurality of switches in a substantially completely random fashion.

In the operation of present-day electrical advertising signs, animated devices, or other mechanisms utilized in the advertising art, the toy art and other like-areas, it is known that such devices can be operated at substantially constant speeds, or can be turned off and on at predetermined irregular intervals on a repetitive cycle. However, there has heretofore been no mechanism by which a device can be operated at an irregular speed by a drive means operating at a constant speed and, particularly, at an irregular speed which is essentially non-repetitive.

.It has also been heretofore impossible to provide random operation of switching devices and the like at irregular intervals which are substantially non-repetitive from one It is, therefore, quite obvious that a converting a constant speed to a random speed or switching operation. The number of such uses within the advertising, toy and related fields are far too numerous and obvious to mention more than a few examples.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for converting a constant speed of rotation to an irregular speed of rotation.

Still another object of the present invention is to prorotation to an irregular and substantially random speed Another and further object of the present invention is 'to provide a mechanism for operating a plurality of invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded view, partially in section, of

a random switch mechanism in accordance with the pres-. .ent invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view, partially in section of the cam means utilized in the device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURES 3 and 4 are elevational views of the pulleys utilized in the device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view, partially in section, of a modified switching mechanism which may be used in the device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of still another switch element which may be used in the switching device of FIGURE 5; and

ice

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view, partially in section, showing an animated device operable by the mechanism of the present invention.

In accordance with FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the random control device of the present invention is shown operating a switch means for an electrical light system. In FIGURE 1, the operating mechanism is supported by

upstanding frame sections

10 and 12, respectively.

Frame sections

10 and 12 are held together by elongated bolts 14 and nuts 16 adapted to fit on the ends of bolts 14 in clamping engagement with frame section 12. Passing through

frame sections

10 and 12 near the bottom thereof, is drive shaft 18. For ease of operation, suitable bearings 20 and 22 may be mounted in

frame sections

10 and 12. Bearings 20 and 22 can be conventional roller bearings, nylon hearings or the like. Coupled to drive shaft 18 is motor 24. Motor 24 can be of any variety or type. Although electrical lead lines are not shown, motor 24 in the present instance is preferably an electrical motor. Fixedly coupled at one end of shaft 18 adjacent motor 24 is irregular pulley 26 and fixedly coupled to the other end of shaft 18 .is irregular pulley 28. Pulleys 26 and 28, as will be pointed out hereinafter, may take any irregular shape, such as, the irregular pentagon shape of 26, the irregular triangular shape of 28, or the like. Fixedly attached to frame section 10 on the interior side thereof is switch disc 30. Switch disc 30 carries

switches

32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 spaced thereon adjacent its periphery. Switches 32 through 40 may be any appropriate switch. In the example shown, these switches are normally-closed microswitches having protruding buttons 42 through 50, designed to break the circuit through the switch when the button is pushed. Switches 32 through 40 may be multiplied in number and, preferably, there should be a large number of such switches. However, only 5 switches have been shown for convenience of illustration. In addition, the hereinafter mentioned random operation of the switching device can be further varied by spacing the switches at different angular locations on disc 30, rather than at equally-spaced angular locations. Connected to switches 32 to 40, in a manner known to those skillw in the art, is electrical supply line 52 leading from one side of a suitable source of electrical energy 54. The other side of source 54 is connected to line 56 which is common to each of

lights

58, 60, 62, 64 and 66. Leading from

lights

58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 tothe other side of switches 32 through 40 are

electrical lines

68, 70, 72, 74 and 76, respectively. Passing through and rotatable in frame section 10 and disc 30 is drive shaft 78. Drive shaft 78 has a cylindrical hole bored through its right hand end for reasons which will be pointed out hereinafter. Keyed to and therefore rotatable with shaft 78 is disc 80. Disc 80 has formed therein on its inward surface radial slot 82. Passing through support 12 as by means of bearing 84 is shaft 86. Shaft 86 is of a size such that it will fit inside and rotate within the cylindrical bore in the end of shaft 78. Thus,

shafts

86 and 78 form a split shaft and each section can rotate at a different speed. Keyed to shaft 86 and rotatable therewith is cam means 88. Cam means 88 includes off-center circular disc or cam 90, which is keyed to shaft 86, and operating lever or cam follower 92, which surrounds olf-center cam 90 and within which cam 90 may rotate. Follower 92 has formed on one side thereof, facing disc 80, dog element 94. Dog element 94 is sized and shaped to fit within slot 82 and slide along this slot. It is obvious that if disc 80 were held stationary, and dog 94 'back and forth toward and away from the periphery of disc 30. Now, if disc 80 is also rotated, follower 92 will depress one of switch buttons 42 through 50, depending upon the angular location of follower 92 at the time operating arm 92 is in its extended position. Thus, means is provided for periodically opening the circuits to lights 58 through 66.

Fixedly coupled to shaft 78 is regular circular pulley 96, and fixedly coupled to shaft 86 is regular circular pulley 98. Pulleys 96 and 98 can also be irregularly shaped as is the case with

pulleys

26 and 28. Passing over

pulleys

26 and 96 is flexible elastic belt 100, and passing over

pulleys

26 and 98 is a similar belt 102. Belts 100 and 102 constitute any flexible elastic transmission means, such as, rubber bands, spring cables, elastic plastics or the like, the only criterion being that belts 100 and 102 stretch to accommodate the enlarged or irregular corners of

pulleys

26 and 28. Preferably, belts 100 and 102 are rubber bands. As motor 24 operates at a constant speed, the irregularity of pulley 26 will drive shaft 86 at an irregular speed. Similarly, the irregularity of pulley 28 results in shaft 78 also being driven at an irregular speed, and since 26 and 28 differ in shape, the speeds of

shafts

86 and 78 differ with respect to one another. The combination of the irregular speeds results in a completely random or irregular operation of the switching mechanism. The randomness of operation can, of course, be varied even more by using irregular pulleys for

pulleys

96 and 98 and distributing switches 32 through 40 at random distances around the periphery of disc 30 or by any one of a variety of other means. Also by using rubber belts 100 and 102 a certain degree of randomness or irregularity of operation is caused by changes in temperature or humidity. The rubber belts have a tendency to slip under normal conditions and this is often accentuated by changes in atmospheric conditions.

FIGURE of the drawings illustrates a modified version of a switching device useful in accordance with the present invention. In the switching device of FIGURE 5, shaft 78 is keyed to disc 80, and slot 82 is formed in disc 80, as in the device shown in FIGURE 1. Also as in FIGURE 1, shaft 86 passes through an appropriate cam mechanism. However, the switches and the cam means differ in the present embodiment. In accordance with the present modification, a disc 104 of an insulating material is held in a stationary position, with respect to rotatable shaft 78, by means not shown. Disc 104 has embedded in it'electrically

conductive rings

106 and 108. Connected to

conductive rings

106 and 108 in the rear of disc 104 are appropriate

electrical lines

110 and 112, respectively. While only two conductive rings are shown in the present invention, it is quite obvious that many more should preferably be used in order to operate a large number of electrical devices in random fashion. Keyed to rotatable shaft 86 is off-center circular disc or cam 114. Slideably surrounding and rotatable about cam 114 is cam follower element 116. Cam 114 is made of a suitable electrical insulating material, whereas cam follower 116 is made of a conductive mtaerial. Cam follower 116 carries projecting dog 118, which is adapted to fit within and slide in slot 82. Also appropriately mounted on follower 116 is contact 120 which is likewise made of an electrical conducting material and is adapted to alternately contact one or both of

conductive rings

106 and 108 when shaft 86 is positioned in shaft 78 and dog 118 is in slot 82. The other side of the electrical devices being operated by the switch mechanism are connected to common electrical line 122. Line 122 is, in turn, connected to electricallyconductive wiper 124. Wiper 124 is mounted on insulating ring 126 which, in turn, is mounted on shaft 86.

' Wiper 124 is held in a stationary position in contact with follower 116, by means not shown, and shaft 86 rotates with respect thereto, as does follower 116. Electrical contact is thus maintained between rotating follower 116 and are not shown in the drawing.

wiper 124 so that the circuit to the elements being operated may be completed through follower 116, contact and one or more of

conductive rings

106 and 108. The

shafts

78 and 86 of the switch are rotated in the same manner as previously described in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 illustrates still another form of a stationary plate or disc for a switch such as that of FIGURE 5. In accordance with FIGURE 6, disc 128 is made of a nonconductive material. Embedded in disc 128 are

conductive segments

130, 132, 134, 136, 138 and 140. Segments through 140 are appropriately connected to one side of an equal number of electrical devices to be operated by the switch. For simplicity, such connections The disc of FIGURE 6 would operate in cooperation with the same type of cam means shown in FIGURE 5, the only difference between the two being that the conductive segments 130 through 140 replace conductive rings, such as 106 and 108 which form a complete circle. Thus, more electrical elements can be randomly operated and the degree of randomness is further accentuated in the device of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 7 illustrates still another use to which the irregular speed drive of the present invention may be put. In FIGURE 7 an animated device, shown in the form of a dog, comprise-s a body member 142, a tail member 144, and a head member 146. Tail member 144 is pivoted on body member 142 by pivot 148. Similarly, head member 146 is pivoted on body 142 by pivot 150.

Pivots

148 and 150 provide the primary attachment of tail 144 and head 146 to body 142. Pivotally connected to tail 144 is connecting rod 152. Connecting rod 152 has its opposite end pivoted on rotatable disc 154 adjacent the periphery of disc 154. Disc 154 is, in turn, mounted on a rotatable shaft 156. Also mounted on shaft 156, but not shown, is a conventional round pulley. Passing over the round pulley and therefore turning shaft 156 is elastic belt 158. Elastic belt 158 also passes over irregularly-shaped pulley 160. Irregularly-shaped pulley 160 is, in turn, driven by a constant speed motor (not shown) through shaft 162. In like manner, connecting rod 164 is pivoted on head member 146 and is pivotally connected to rotatable disc 166 adjacent the periphery thereof. Disc 166 is mounted on and rotates with shaft 168. Shaft 168 also carries a conventional round pulley (not shown). The elastic belt 170 passes over the round pulley and also over irregularly-shaped pulley 172. Irregularly-shaped pulley 172 is mounted on shaft 174 which is driven by a motor (not shown). The motor drive for shaft 174 is preferably the same motor utilized to drive shaft 162. From what has been previously discussed, it is obvious that the operation of a motor at a constant speed will cause disc 154 and disc 166 to rotate at two different irregular speeds. These irregular speeds of rotation are converted to irregular reciprocating movement of connecting

rods

152 and 164 and these connecting rods, in turn, transmit irregular reciprocating movements to tail member 144 and head member 146. In addition, as is obvious from the previous discussion, the irregular movement of tail 144 will be completely different than the irregular movement of head member 146. It is also quite obvious that a cam or other mechanism which will add to the randomness of operation can be interposed between the element being operated and the operating means in the same fashion as is done in the switching devices of FIGURES 1 through 6, and that irregularly-shaped pulleys rather than round pulleys can be mounted on

shafts

156 and 168. 7

While specific devices have been shown for purposes of illustration and specific examples and alternatives have been suggested, it is to be recognized that various modifications and variations of the present invention will occur to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A randomly-operable switching device, comprising:

(a) a stationary frame member;

(b) an electrical motor;

(0) a horizontally-disposed, elongated driving shaft operatively connected to said motor;

(d) first and second irregularly-shaped pulleys, having at least three straight sides defining their periphery, coupled to said drive shaft and spaced from one another thereon;

(e) a first vertically-disposed disc fixedly attached to said frame member;

(f) first and second horizontally-disposed driven shafts,

parallel to and spaced from said driving shaft;

(g) a first of said driven shafts passing through and rotatable in said first disc and one side of said frame member and the second of said driven shafts passing through the opposite side of said frame, and said driven shafts being coupled together in a manner to rotate independently of one another;

(h) first and second circular pulleys coupled to said first and second driven shafts, respectively, and laterally opposite said first and second irregular pulleys, respectively;

(i) first and second elastic belts operatively coupling said first circular pulley to said first irregular pulley and said second circular pulley to said second in regular pulley;

(j) a second vertically-disposed disc coupled to said first driven shaft and rotatable therewith;

(k) a third disc coupled to said second driven shaft off-center to produce an off-center cam action when rotated by said second driven shaft;

(1) a cam follower, carrying an operating arm, operatively coupled to said second disc to rotate therewith and operatively following the movements of said third disc to reciprocate in a slot in said secgnd disc in response to the movements of said third isc;

(m) a plurality of switches mounted on the face of said first disc and spaced about the periphery thereof at radial distances such that said switches are individually-operated by said operating arm when said operating arm is in its most extended position and in 51 radial position adjacent the switch in question; an

(n) a plurality of electrical lighting elements, equal in number to the number of said switches, electrically connected to said switches and adapted to be turned off and on by individual ones of said switches.

2. A randomly-operable switching device, comprising:

(a) a stationary frame member;

(1)) an electrical motor;

(d) first and second irregularly-shapedpulleys, having at least three straight sides defining their periphery, coupled to said drive shaft and spaced from one another thereon;

(e) a first vertically-disposed disc fixedly attached to said frame member;

(f) first and second horizontally-disposed driven shafts,

parallel to and spaced from said driving shaft;

(i) first and second elastic belts operatively coupling said first circular pulley to said first irregular pulley and said second circular pulley to said second irregular. pulley;

(k) cam means, including an operating arm, adapted to convert rotational movement of said second driven shaft to radial, reciprocating motion of said operating arm;

(1) said cam means being operatively coupled to said second disc in a manner such that said operating arm rotates with said second disc;

(m) a plurality of switches mounted on the face of said first disc and spaced about the periphery thereof at radial distances such that said switches are individually operated by said operating arm when said operating arm is in its most extended position and in a radial position adjacent the switch in question; and

(n) a plurality of electrical lighting elements equal in number to the number of said switches, electrically connected to said switches and adapted to be turned off and on by individual ones of said switches.

3. A random operating mechanism, comprising:

(a) a driving means adapted to operate at a predetermined rotative speed;

(b) a driven means adapted to be driven at a random rotative speed differing from the predetermined rotative speed of said driving means;

(c) at least one first pulley means operatively coupled to and adapted to be rotated by said driving means;

(d) at least one second pulley means operatively coupled to and adapted to drive said driven means;

(6) at least one of said pulley means having at least two points on the periphery thereof spaced different radial distances from the center of rotation of said one pulley means; and

(f) at least one elastic belt means operatively connecting said first and said second pulley means.

4. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the driving means is an electrical motor.

5. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the predetermined rotative speed of the driving means is constant.

6. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the driven means is a rotary switch means.

7. A mechanism in accordance with claim 6 wherein the rotary switch means has a plurality of individual switching elements adapted to make and break the circuits of an equal number of electrical devices.

8. A mechanism in accordance with claim 7 wherein the electrical devices are light means.

9. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the driven means is a mechanically rotated device.

10. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein rotative movement of the driving means is converted to reciprocating movement in the driven means.

11. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the driven means includes two operatively connected parts capable of being driven separately.

12. A mechanism in accordance with claim 11 wherein the two parts of the driven means are driven at differing rotative speeds by adding a second set of first and second pulley means and a second elastic belt operatively connecting said second set of pulley means and operatively connecting said second set of pulley means to one of said parts and operatively connecting the first-mentioned set of pulley means to the other of said parts.

13. A mechanism in accordance with claim 12 which additionally includes link means operatively connecting one of the parts of the driven means to one of said second pulley means, whereby the rotative movement of said one part of said driven means is converted to reciprocating movement.

14. A mechanism in accordance with claim 12 which additionally includes first and second link means operatively connecting the two parts of the driven means to the first and second of said second pulley means, respectively, whereby the rotative movement of both of said parts of said driven means is converted to reciprocating movement.

15. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the periphery of at least one of the pulley means is defined by a plurality of substantially straight sides.

16. A mechanism in accordance with claim 15 wherein at least two of the straight sides of the pulley means differ in length.

17. A mechanism in accordance with claim 15 wherein all of the straight sides of the pulley means differ in length from one another.

18. A mechanism in accordance with claim 15 wherein the periphery of the pulley means is triangular.

19. A mechanism in accordance with claim 15 wherein the periphery of the pulley means is defined by more than three straight sides.

20. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein the elastic belt is a rubber belt.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 1867 Great Britain.

5 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

I. R. SCOTT, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

3. A RANDOM OPERATING MECHANISM, COMPRISING: (A) A DRIVING MEANS ADAPTED TO OPERATE AT A PREDETERMINED ROTATIVE SPEED; (B) A DRIVEN MEANS ADAPTED TO BE DRIVEN AT A RANDOM ROTATIVE SPEED DIFFERING FROM THE PREDETERMINED ROTATIVE SPEED OF SAID DRIVING MEANS; (C) AT LEAST ONE FIRST PULLEY MEANS OPERATIVELY COUPLED TO AND ADAPTED TO BE ROTATED BY SAID DRIVING MEANS; (D) AT LEAST ONE SECOND PULLEY MEANS OPERATIVELY COUPLED TO AND ADAPTED TO DRIVE SAID DRIVEN MEANS; (E) AT LEAST ONE OF SAID PULLEY MEANS HAVING AT LEAST TWO POINTS ON THE PERIPHERY THEREOF SPACED DIFFERENT RADIAL DISTANCES FROM THE CENTER OF ROTATION OF SAID ONE PULLEY MEANS; AND (F) AT LEAST ONE ELASTIC BELT MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID FIRST AND SAID SECOND PULLEY MEANS.