US405910A - Coin-controlled power-testing machine - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.) '3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

W. S. REED. GOIN CONTROLLED POWER TESTING MACHINE. No. 405,910. A Patented June 25, 1889.

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(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

W. S. REED. 00m CONTROLLED POWER TESTING MACHINE.

No. 405,910. Patented June 25, 1889 William Reed N. FETERS, PMlo-Liihographln Wanhinglun. Dv L.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

W. S. REED. COIN GONTROLLED POWER TESTING MACHINE.

No. 405,910. Patented June 25, 1889.

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Sqvwemtoz William, ,5. Reed 1 QM N4 FUEIIS, Pmwmho n hur. washm mm D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

\VILLIAM S. REED, OF LEOMINS'IER, MASSACHUSETTS.

COIN-CONTROLLED POWER- TESTING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 405,910, dated June 25, 1889.

Application filed June 6, 1888.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ILLIAM S. REED, of Leominster, in the county of \Vorcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Coin-Controlled Power-Testing Machines, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification.

My invention relates to that class known as machines or apparatus for testing, indicating, and exercising certain muscles of the human body, which machines or apparatus are so constructed and arranged as to be put in operative condition only by the deposit of a coin or other chosen token in the coin-receptacle of the said machine or apparatus; and my invention relates more particularly to appliances of this character in-which the weight of the coin or other token introduced serves to operate and unlock interior mechanism controlling the operation of the part or parts employed by the operator to test and exercise his muscular power.

In explanation of one of the essential features of my invention I desire to here state that although different machines, all relating to this one general class, have been manufactured and used for testing and exercising different muscles or sets of muscles, I am not cognizant of any existing device of this description adapted by its construction to serve as a common medium or instrumentality for testing two or more independent and distinct powers or muscles-that is to say, although it is acknowledged there exists a machine of this class for indicating weight, another for testing the gripping-power of the hand, and yet another for registering the force of a blow, I am not aware of any single concrete device embodying a plurality of instrumentalities for testing the same or different muscles or powers through the medium of a common mechanism controlled in one instance by the weight of a single coin deposited by the op erator for permitting the use of any selected one of the powertesting instrumentalities present in the machine, and controlled in the other instance, severally, by all such instrumentalities for indicatingthe extent oramount of power exerted by the operator upon any particular power-test.

My invention therefore has for one of its Serial No. 276,216. (No model.)

objects to combine in one single machine or appliance of the character hcreinbefore mentioned a pluralityof instrumentalities whereby the power of the diiferent muscles exerted by the operator maybe indicated, and whereby the difference of power exerted by the same muscles upon different instrumentalities may be indicated,thus increasing the attractiveness, utility, and commercial value of the machine, and consequently augmenting the earnings thereof.

An additional object of this invention is to reduce the friction attendant upon the operation or movement of the several parts of the machine, and to provide an appliance for the purpose specified which shall be accurate and reliable in operation, cheap in cost, manufacture and maintenance, and durable in use.

For the attainmentof these several objects my invention consists in certain details of construction, arrangement, and combination of parts, all of which will be fully and accurately described and claimed hereinafter, in connection with the drawings forming a part of this specification, so that any competent mechanician skilled in this artmay construct and use the invention herein disclosed.

Such parts or features of my invention which I consider novel and patentable over and above the prior state of the art will be pointed out particularly in the claims appended hereto.

In the accompanying'drawings I have shown adequate means for successfully carrying out my invention in practice. However, I desire it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the particular construction therein illustrated, as numerous departures maybe made therefrom without in the least deviating from the spirit and principle of my invention, as covered by the claims annexed to this specification.

I11 the drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of my improved power-testing machine,

to disclose the arrangement and construction of the interior mechanism. Fig. 2 is a cenisa Fig. 3

the adjacent side of the casingbeing removed IOO vertical transverse section taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 1.. In this viewv is shown means for exert-ing the twisting-power of the thumb and perspective view with parts broken away,

showing the rock-shaft of Fig. 5 formed in the shape of a sleeve or collar, mounted and revolving upon a rigid support; Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the machine, showing an indicating hand or pointer controlled by the rockshaft and registering upon an arc-shaped graduated dial on the exterior of the casing. Fig. 8 is an end View showing a modification of the dial shown in Fig. 7, andalso illustrating different means for testing muscular power. Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are detail views of different forms of handles that may be attached to the rock-shaft. Figs. 12 and 13 are detail views of modified forms of adjustable locking mechanism for the rock-shaft. Fig.

:14 shows a modification of the lifting-lever shown in Fig. 8.

Like numbers of reference refer to like or corresponding the drawings. v j

Referring to the drawings by numbers, 1 indicates the casing of the machine of any suitable or approved shape or configuration, and made either of metal or ofsome durable parts in the several views of j and ornamental wood, as may be desirable.

However, I prefer to form the same of metal to insure durability and strength. The bottom plate2 of this casing projects out beyond the plane of the sides thereof, and is provided with suitable perforations near its edge, through which screws or bolts maybepassed for securing the machine toits stationary support, such as a counter, shelf, or 'table. (See the interior shape and construction of the easing 1 is so arranged as to readily accommodate and support the several parts comprising the operating mechanism of the apparatus.

Referring now more especially to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, 3 represents a coinchute open at the top and bottom and secured permanently in a fixed and relative position in any suitable manner or by any desired means. ceiving and guiding a coin in its descent, after the same has been depositedthrough a transverse slot 4, formed in the top plate 5 of the casing 1, which slot is of the requisite shape and dimensions to readily permit the insertion of the designated coin. Thus it will be seen that access cannot be had to the coinchute from the exterior, except through the coi'n orifice 4 in the plate 5. The shape and dimensions of the coin-chute 3 is such that if Of course it will be understood that This chute is for the purpose of rea coin is deposited therein it will be guided edgewise in'its descentuntil itis arrested by a device hereinafter described. It will also be seen from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 2 that there are two elbows 6 and 7, formed by the walls of the coin-chute, the object of such construction being to prevent any rigid instrumentsuch as a wire or stickwhich may be inserted through the slot 4 from following the course of the coin and reaching the support upon which the said coin lodges. Thus should it be attempted to trip the end of the lever supporting the coin in the position shown in Fig. 2' by inserting a wire down through the coin-chute, itwill be clear that the end of said wire could not followthef devious route through the chute, but would, on the other hand, project out through the perforation 8, formed for this purpose. in the wall of the chute 3, as shown clearly in Fig. 2.

As is well understood, the object of dropping the coin through the coin-chute 3 isfor the purpose of releasing the mechanism normally locking the'parts, so that thelatter will be in operative condition immediately after the said coin has been properly deposited. Therefore I will now proceed to describe in detail the construction and opera: tion of such locking mechanism.

or near its center uponany suitable fulcrum -such as shown at 10, Figs. 1 and 2 and carrying atone extremity (in this instance calledthe F forward extremity) a ICO check or locking-pawl 11, designed to engage, 1

disengage, and controli the rotation of the toothed ratchet-wheel 1 2. Theother free end of lever. 9 projects rearwardly under the i lower mouth of the coin-chute3 in such man: ner that said rear end acts as a lodgment or f support forthe coin, thereby arresting the descent of the latter when it falls into the po sition Shown inFigr2, the di tance from the upper surface'of the rear end of lever 9 to to the adjacentmouth of the chute 3 being 'suflicient to allow a part of the coin there lodged to protrude a certain distance below the mouth of the chute, yet not such a dis- 1 tance as to permitsaid coin to escape from its seat, as will be -understood hereinafter.

The forward end of the lever 9 is madeheav ier than the rear extremity, so thatthe pawl.

11 will rest in engagement with the ratchet-' wheel12 until some counter-weight or displacing agency is exerted upon therear end of lever 9. However, the difference of weight between the forward and rear portions of said lever 9 is so slightthatthe added weight ofa coin falling upon the rearendof said lever will counterbalance and uplift the forward arm,thereby disengaging the pawl. 11 from the ratchet 12.-

13 represents an arm preferably formed integral with the lever 9, and projecting substantially at right angles therefrom and carrying at its free endasmall laterally-project- 95 d 9 designates a lever pivotally supported at f ing stud or finger 14. As the lever 9 oscillates about its axis 10, the arm 13 describes an arc of a circle in its vibratory movement.

15 is ashortlever pivoted at the point 16 and carrying at its forward end the weighted detent 17, and formed at its rear extremity into the stud or finger 18, similar to that of the arm 13.

19 is a limiting pin or stop for preventing the rear end of the lever 15 from swinging beyond a certain point in one direction, and for holding the same in its normal position in line of engagement with the stud or finger 14 when the latter is in the position shown in Fig. 2, the weight'of the rear portion of the lever 15 being greater than that of the forward portion, so that the former will normally rest against the limiting pin or stop 19. The detent 17 is provided with a depend-ing weight 20, and is designed to engage with, yield to, and slide over the teeth of the ratchet-wheel 1.2 in both directionsthat is to say, slides over the ratchet-wheel, no matter in which direction the latter is rotated. However, when the ratchet-wheel is rotated in the direction of the unfeathered arrow in Fig. the weighted dog 17 is forced by the teeth of said ratchet-wheel to engage with and shift the detent-lever 15 into the position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 2, thus throwing the stud 18 out of line of impact with the stud 14:.

The ratchet-wheel 12 is rigidly keyed or formed integral with a horizontal rock-shaft 21, which in turn is suitably j ournaled in fixed bearings in the casing of the machine.

22 (see Fig. 1) is a hand-lever, also rigidly mounted upon the rock-shat t 21 at an y suitable point thereon, (which point may be within or out of the casing,) and having its free end projecting out within convenient reach, and so formed as to be readily and comfortably grasped and manipulated by the operator. So it will be seen that by oscillating the handlever 2 in either direction the shaft 2]. will rotate accordingly.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 5 of the drawings, 23 is a metal plate or casting consisting of the collar or sleeve 24, the stem 25, and the bifurcated portion 26, having the arms or prongs 27 28. The metal casting 23 is rigidly affixed to the shaft 21 by the collar 24 and the keypin 29. 30 is a closed helical spring of the desired strength, length, and size, and elasticity, one end of said spring being fastened to the arm 28, while its other extremity is attached firmly to the casing 1, at any desired point and in any suitable manner, such as that shown in Fig. 1. Thus by this construction the oscillation of the castin and consequently the rotation of shaft 21, is controlled by the Spring 30.

The operation of the parts. the construction and arrangement of which have just been described, will now be explained, as follows:

The several parts being in their normal locked position, as shown inFig. 1, should a coin be dropped through the coin-orifice 4 into the chute 3 the same will continue to descend until it strikes the rear end of the lever 9, thereby depressing the same to the position shown in Fig. 2, and consequently uplifting the pawl 11 to a position out of engagement with the teeth of wheel 12, which posit-ion is also shown in Fig. 2. The weight of the falling coin depresses the rear end of the lever until the stud 14: of the arm 13 makes impact against the finger 18 of the detent-lever 15, which impact prevents further depression of the rear end of lever 9, yet permits the coin which now rests upon said lever to protrude partly below the mouth of the coin-chute, in the manner shown in Fig. 2. Now it will be understood that as long as the coin remains on the rear end of the lever 9 the pawl 11 will be out of engagement with ratchet-wheel 12. The ratchet-wh eel 12 being now free to rotate, the operator grasps the hand-lever 22, and by exerting his utmost strength succeeds in moving said hand-lever to the position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 1. By this action on the part of the operator the shaft 21 and its attached ratchet-wheel 12 and collar 24 are rotated in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1, thereby shifting the casting 28 into the position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 1, which action manifestly expands or dilates the closed spring 30. During such rotation of the ratchet-wheel 12 the'weighted dog 17 slides over the the teeth of said wheel, and the lever 15 remains in the position shown in Fig. 2 still in engagement with the arm 13. Upon removal of the hand of the operator from the hand-lever 22 or a diminution of the power exerted upon said hand-lever the retractile agency of the spring 30 restores all part-s to their normal inactive positions, as shown in full lines, Fig. 1. At the very moment the retracting agency of the spring 30 begins to rotate the ratchet-wheel 12 in the direction of the unfeathered arrow in Fig. 2, the lever 15 will be shifted by the first tooth coming in contact with the dog 17 into the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, thus permitting the weight of the coin on the rear end of the lever 9 to move said lever 9 and its attached arm 13 to the position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 2, which position places the rear end of lever 9 a sufficient dis- IIO tance below the mouth of the coin-chute for l restore pawl 11 to its position in engagement I with the teeth of wheel 12.

It is necessary to here state that the pawl 11 of lever 9 is so formed as to permit the free rotation of the ratchet-wheel 12 in the direction of the unfeathered arrow in Fig. 2,'bnt will prevent the said wheel from rotating in the opposite direction.

From the foregoing description of the construction and operation of the parts mentioned it will be readily understood that after the coin has been deposited and the operator has exerted his utmost strength the removal of the hand from the lever 2, ora de crease in the power already administered, will ing mechanism need not be constructed and operated in strict accordance with the one:

justdescribed, because numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the fundamental principle of such locking mechanism. To'sustain this position, I have shown in Fig. 2 a wheel 12, provided with ratchet-teeth, serving the'same purpose as the cog-teeth of the wheel 12 shown in Fig. 1. Again, as shown in Fig.

12, the forward extremity of thelever 9 may be provided with an adjustable retractingspring 31, instead of making the same heavier than the rear extremity; or, in other Words, instead of operating by gravity, the pawl 11 may be controlled by the spring 31. Moreover, in order that the lever 9 may be tripped by either of two coins of different avoidupois, I have shown means in Fig. 13 whereby the difference in weight between the forward and rear portions of lever 9 can be made a variable quantity. I effect this end by forming a longitudinal slot 32 in the forward arm of the lever 9, in which slot the weight 33 may be adjusted by the thumb-screw 34.. Thus if it is desired to have the same lever 9 operated severally by two coins of different sizei. 6., use the same locking mechanism for two different machines operated by different coins the weight 33 can be adjusted in the slot 32,

- so. as to render the forward arm carrying the pawl 11 slightly heavier than the rear arm, yet lighter than the combined weight of the rear. arm and that of a given coin resting thereupon. Instead of employing the device shownin Fig. 13 for this aforesaid purpose, it is obvious that the adjustable spring 31 (shown in Fig. 12) may equally Well be utilized. Furthermore, the shaft 21'may be formed in the shape of a sleeve or hollow journal and arranged to rotate upon a fixed support. This latter construction is shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. 1

The mechanism for registering and indicating the amount or extent of the power exerted by the operator may be of any well-known 0r ordinary construction. However, I have shown in the drawings a certain arrangement of in dicating mechanism which is peculiarly adapted to co-operate with the other arts of this invention, and which I will now describe.

Referring to Fig. 1, a crank-arm 35 is rigidly attached at one extremity to the arm 28 of the casting 23, while its other end is loosely hinged or jointed to the lower extremity of without depositing another an index-lever 36, fulcrumed to a lug 37, and having its upper free end shaped in the form of an index-hand, which engages with and moves a sliding indicator 37 moving in'a slot in the top of the casing 1. A plate 38, having a horizontal slot therein, is secured upon the exterior of the top of the casing 1, with its slot coincidentwith a similar slot in said casing. The edges of the slot in the plate 38 p the ways shown in Figs.'7 and 8 of the drawlngs.

In. Fig. 7 I have shown the index-hand37 attached to the end of the shaft 21 in such manner that its freeend points around a sector-scale 38, painted or otherwise delineated upon the sideof the casing.

In Fig. 8 the index-hand37 is shown bodily attached to the hand-lever 22 and registering with a graduated scale 38, placed on the curved surface of the casing 1.

As before stated,-an especial feature of my invention is the provision of a plurality of inable to test and exercise various powers, or the same powers upon diiferent-instrumentalities. Accordingly, before entering into a detailed, description of the various means which I have shown for this purpose, I wish to lay stress and emphasis upon the following facts, viz: that by providing a plurality of ways for testing the same or different muscles, the machine, being usually located in public places, is rendered more attractive and popular by reason of the adaptability for different muscular tests, and is therefore more valuable as a source of profit than any one machine having only one way for amusing orinterestin g the public. Any person having deloo 7 strumentalit-ies whereby the operatormay be 5 l IIO posited the necessary coin for testing some v particular power would in nine cases out of ten be persuaded by presence of some untried power-test to deposit another coin for the purpose of further amusement. Therefore I wish it to be understood that I regard the presence of a plurality of power-tests in any machine of this character of great importancean-d of commercial value. 1

Now to describe' such different forms of power-testing devices as are shown in the accompanying drawings. The hand-lever 22, previously described, is designed as a fin gerpullthat is, the hook-shaped end thereof is formed for the purpose of accommodating the finger of the operator. In Figs. 1 and 3 the finger-pull is mounted on the extreme end of the shaft 21, while in Fig. 8 it projects out centrally through a slot in the casing, which at this point is curved to conform to the are described by the pointer attached to said finger-pull. Either arrangement of the lever 22 may be adopted, as desired.

dhe next power-test to be described is a handle, (shown in Figs. 3,4, 5, 8, f), 10, and 11,) and consists of a handle 39, attached to or formed integral with the shaft 21 and projecting out laterally from the end of said shaft and in the same vertical plane therewith in convenient position for use by the operator, who can readily grasp the same, and by twisting it can ascertain by the indicator the amount of power exerted. In Fig. 4 I have shown the handle 30 provided with curved recesses or corrugations to insure the tenacity or hold thereupon. In Fig. 9 this handle is made in the form of a gimlet-handle, in Fig. 10 in the shape of an open ellipse, and in Fig. 11 like a knob.

I11 Figs. 7, 8, and 14 is shown what may be termed a lift, consisting of a hand-lever 40, the outer end of which can be grasped and lifted by the operator against the tension of the spring 230, as any movement of the shaft 21 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figs. 1 and 14, caused by the rotation of the collar 42 in accordance with the pressure applied to the lever 40, will cause the spring 30 to be expanded. Two forms of this lift are shown one in Fig. 8 and the other in Figs. 7 and 14. In Fig. 8 the lever 40 is formed in one piece with the gripping-handle 30, and projects out at right angles with said handle 39 and terminates in a curved hilt, which is in a vertical plane below that of the handle 89. Thus by grasping the lever 40 the operator turns the shaft 21, the subsequent operation being identical with that described with reference to the lever 22, (finger-pull.)

The arrangement of the lift shown in Figs. 7 and 14 is somewhat different, although the operation is practically the same. In these views the lever 40 is fulcrumed on a shaft 41, (see Fig. 14,) having its outwardly-projecting arm formed into the shape of a handle and its inner portion passing through a slot in the casing 'and terminating in a beveled point resting in a recess 42, formed in the tread of a collar 43, which latter is mounted fixedly upon the shaft 21. The recess 42 corresponds in shape to the contour of the beveled point of the lever 41, so that a greater vertical play of the latter is permitted. If the handle of lever 41 is lifted in the direction of the arrow Fig. 14, the inner end thereof impinging against the wall of the slot 42 will rotate the shaft 21 in the direction of the arrow, and will consequently effect a further operation inv exactly the same manner as that described with reference to the finger-pull 22.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 5, 44. is a device on one end of the shaft 21, whereby the operator can exert the twisting-power of his thumb and forefinger.

In Fig. 5 I have shown several different forms of power-tests not yet described.

45 indicates a hand-lever fixed to the shaft 21, intermediate of handles 39 and ratchetwheel 12, whereby the pulling-power of the arm may be applied in the same manner as the finger-pull 22 is operated, and 46 is a device for testing the strength of the thumb and consisting of a horizontal rod 47, secured at one end to the arm 27 of the casting 23, and provided with a button or head 48 at its outer end. aperture in the side of the casing 1, and is supported and guided in its reeiprocatory movement by the perforated bracket 49. (See Fig. 1.) By pressing on the button 48 with the thumb the casting 23 is displaced against the tension of the spring 30.

It will be quite apparent that the casting 23, shaft 21, ratchet-wheel 12, and handles 39, 40,45, and 22 may be cast in one single piece, if so desired. I

The number, location, arrangement, and construction of the different power instrumentalities may be Varied to suit requirements without departing from the spirit of my invention. Operations common to the use of all the seve 'al means shown and described for permitting the test and exercise of the same or of. different muscles may be thus enumerated: The same spring is displaced by the operation of any one of said means; the same spring restores any one of said means to its normal position; the deposit of one coin permits the use of anyone single in strumentality; the same locking mechanism locks and unlocks each instrumentality, and the same indicator (that shown in Fig. 1) is controlled by each power-test. Since the same spring 30 is displaced by the operation of any of the handles before described, it will be obvious that such displacement increases the resistance of the spring, and therefore the application of force to any of the power-handles serves to indicate the resistance of the common spring 30. o

By the use of the generic term power-testing handle in the following claim I intend to convey the idea of any mechanical device capable of receiving and transmitting power to any mechanism for measuring the power applied to such power-testing handle, and therefore I desire it to be here understood that the use of the term power-testing handle as forming a part of power-testing appliances of the character described is not in tended by me to cover any device forming a part of any machine or appliance not capable of measuring the power so exerted.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

In a power-testing machine of the character described, the combination, with an oscillatory power-testing handle, of a coin-operated mechanism controlling the movement of said The rod 47 passes through an elongated power-testing handle and comprising a pawland ratchet-wheel normally locking the said power-testing handle against movement in one direction, and so constructed as to permit the free movement of said testing-handle in the other direction, a fulcrumed pawl-lever 9, controlling the action of the locking-pawl and arranged to release the latter from the ratchet when tripped by the weight of a coin,

a lever 15, normally in such position as to limit the movement of the pawl-lever when the latter is tripped by the weight of the coin, a pawl-dog carried by said lever 15 and arranged to slide in both directions over the ratchet and to displace the normal limiting 15 position of the lever at the moment of rotation of the ratchet in a direction similar to that in which the locking-pawl permits said ratchet to rotate.

In testimony whereof I have signed my na e 2 o to this specification, in the presence of two su scribing Witnesses, on this 18th day of May, A. D. 1888.

WILLIAM S. REED.

WVitnesses:

F. R. HARDING, H. A. LAMB.

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