USRE14403E - Recording electric meter - Google Patents

Description

A. HERZ.

nsconnmq fLECTRIC METER. APPLICATIONFILED JUNE 2! I917.

Beipsued Dec. 4, 1917. 14,403.

2 SIIEETFSIIIET I Hy. 4 27 45 ,4 28 36 I WlTNESSESi I mvsmon 5a I Alfred Herz.

. ATTORNEY A. HERZ.

nsconome uzc'mlc Mayan APPLICATIOI FILED IKE 21'. I911- 2 SHEETF-SHEET 2 Roissued 1m 4,1917.

WITNESSES: v INVENTOR QUJM' A/fred Herz.

UNITED STATES PATENT oEEIoE;

ALFRED HERZ, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

RECORDING ELECTRIC METER.

Specification of Beissued Letters Patent. Reissued Dec. 4, 1917- Original No. 1,156,228, dated October 12, 1915, Serial No. 644,240, filed August 15, 1911.

Application for reissue filed June 27, 1917. Serial No. 177,370.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED HERZ, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Recording Electric Meters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improved recording device for meters, and is particularly adapted for use in connection with electric meters. 7

An object of my invention is to perfect a recording device, or attachment for use with electric meters by means of which the period of maximum demand can be readily determined.

A further object is to make a record of meter readings m which the indications are in the form of successive steps or angular blocks.

A further object is to make a recording mechanism for making records on a movable tape by which the reading recorded may be greater than the width of the tape.

A further object of my invention is to'provide means for recording the number of' revolutions of a disk without subjecting the same to any'friction or external load.

A further object of my invention is to control the action of meter recording devices by the effect of light upon selenium cells, or other variable reslstance elements.

Other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the particular arrangements and combinations ofparts hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this specification, Figure 1 shows a plan view of the apparatus; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig. 1 lookin in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 4 is a etail view of the ty e recording disks; and Fig. 5 is a detail of t e record tape showing the form of record and the time tamped thereon.

Throu hout the various views the same element is indigated by the same reference numeral. 1

Referring more particularly to the drawings, 1 is a revolving disk which may be carried by a shaft of an of which it is desire to record. This may be part of an ordinary watthour meter, or be driven from the mechanism of a gas or water meter the revolutions meter. As shown, the body of the disk is colored black, with the exception of white spaces marked 22. In use, a light is arranged to shine on the face of the disk. It will be obvious that only unblackened portions will reflect the light.

4-4 indicate selenium cells which ossess the known property of reducing their electrical resistance when under the influence of light. Consequently when the unblackened portions of the disk come opposite the cells 44 the resistance of these cells will be reduced. It is evident, however, that other ways of periodically throwing light upon the cellsto be affected may be adopted, such for instance'as placing the cells on the opposite side of the disk from the source of light and cutting away openings to permit the light to pass throu h. Other relative arrangements of the ight and the disk, or

other means of periodically casting the light on the cells to be affected may be adopted.

The cells or other variable resistance elements 4-4 are a part of two parallel circuits 33, having a common source of energy as 5. Each circuit 3 also contains a solenoid winding 6. The movable cores of these solenoids are connected by a rod 7 working in suitable bearings as shown. Attached to the rod 7 is a spring pressed pawl 8, engaging with a notched wheel 9. When the light falls on one of the cells 4, its resistance is reduced and current flows through the corresponding solenoid actuating the rod in one direction. The second cell will be affected by the light shortly after the first, and by a corresponding action of the other solenoid, the rod and pawl will be returned to their original positions. By this meansthe wheel 9 will be turned one notch for each reciprocation of the rod 7, which corresponds to one revolution of the meter disk. The wheel 9 is rigidly attached to a shaft 10, journaled in suitable bearings as shown. .The shaft 10 also carries a loose wheel 11 which meshes with suitable teeth carried on a rack bar 12. Carried on the shaft 10 is also a clutch 14 which is adapted to alternately engage and release the wheel 11 for the purpose of operating the bar 12. Attached to one end of the bar 12 is a spring 40 whichpulls the bar in a direction op os1te to that in which it is moved by the wheel 11. A dog 13 is provided in connection with the wheel 9 to prevent the spring from returning the bar to its zero position, except when the clutch 14 is thrown out of engagement with the wheel 11.

It thus appears that the revolutions of the disk 1 alternately reciprocate by electrical mechanism for moving the bar 12 in one direction, and that means are provided for rethe bar 12 is notched forward in the manner previously described, pen 15 moves in a straight line parallel to the axis of the wheel or cylinder 25, making a line on the tape as shown at 41 in Fig. 5. Since the range of movement transverse to the tape is evidently limited, it is desired to return the pen to the zero position atthe end of a predetermined interval. This result is accomplished by releasing the clutch 14 so that the wheel 11 may slip on the shaft 10, whereupon the sprin pens ack to their original positions. The means for releasing the clutch are controlled by a clock circuit in which is the solenoid winding 18. Associated with the winding 18 is the plun er 19 bearing on which is a spring 20. pposite the spring 20 the plunger 19 is connected to a rod 21 carried in suitable bearings and pivoted in turn to a lever 26. The last named lever is supported intermediate its ends as shown, and carries at the end opposite 21 the arm 27, which operates the clutch 14 in an obvious manner.

Carried on the shaft 21 is a s ring pressed pawl 22 which coiiperates wit the ratchet wheel 24. A spring pressed ratchet 23 allows the wheel 24 to turn in one direction only. Wheel 24 is carried on the same shaft as the. tape wheel 25. When the solenoid winding 18 is energized plunger 19 moves toward the left in Fig. '3 in opposition to the spring 20 and draws the rod 21 with the pawl 22 in the same direction. Consequently the wheel 24 will be moved up onenotch and i at the same time the tape which moves with wheel 25 will be drawn along causing one of the ens to make a stroke as 42 in Fig. 5. At t 0 end ofthis movement of rod 21 the levers 26 will be operated sufliciently so as to disengage the clutch 14 from wheel 11,

allowing the sprin 40 to return the bar 12, and consequently t e pens, to the zero position. This last movement causes the pen to make a stroke such as 43 in Fig. 5. The mechanism is now in a position to repeat the cycle just described. In case thereadi'n of the meter during the succeeding perio is greater than that of the first one, the line awn longitudinally of the tape will lie farther from the zero line than in the first case, but when the reading is less the line 40 draws the bar and its associated parallel to the zero line will lie closer to it.

But in any case the readin of the meter during any period is proportional to the distance between the zero line and the line drawn parallel thereto at the end'of such period.

The cycle of operations just described 7 makes a record in the form of successive blocks or steps as shown in Fig. 5. It will be obvious that the length of step made by the tape will be constant, or nearly so, and

Fig. 2 this is accomplished by mounting the pens one on each side of a pivot 'on the operating bar and providing a ide as 17 which is; supported parallelto t e wheel 25 and as the rod moves forward from zero the first pen is thrown by the guide down against the tape. Now the distance between the pens is equal to the width of the record from the zero mark to the edge of the tape and as the first pen reaches the edge of the tape the second one contacts with the guide and is throwninto position for making a record,

at the same time lifting the first pen in the air. In case the second pen is brought into play in this combination the record assumes the form shown at 44 of Fig. 5 where to obtain the true reading the distance between the line and the zero mark must be added to the distance between zero mark'and the upper edge of the tape. If desired, the pens.

may be provided with difl'erent colored mks or other means may be adopted for distinguishing the mark of one from that of the other. As shown in Fig. 5, the tape has the time stamped along the edge at five minute intervals. The particular interval at which the time is recorded is of course a matter of choice, and mi ht be effected by means other than that use for making the record, and

the length of the intervals at which the time is stamped might differ from those at which the recording mechanism is actuated. However, I prefer to stamp the time onthe tape at the same time at which the recordin mechanism is returned to the zero point and make use of much of the same mechanism for this purpose. a This time stamping attachment appearsin Figs. 1, 2 and 4, and consists of two concentrically mounted type wheels 29 and 30. The face of these wheels is illustrated in Fig. 4. As shown each wheel is slotted from the edge toward'the 1 80 center and its outer rim has a flat printing surface graduated as desired. The lever 26 carries a projection 28 which is designed to make contact with the wheel 30 whenever 6 the lever 26 is operated by the solenoid 18.

In this Way the section of the wheel 30 and consequently the underlying section of the wheel 29 is thrown into contact with the wheel 25 whenever the clutch 14 is o erated, and by means of a typewriter ribbon y simi lar means not shown the time may be stamped on the edge of the record tape. The slots, above mentioned give the individual segments of the wheels sufiicient elasticity sothat the segments may be thrown into contact with the wheel 25 without disturbing the mounting of the type wheels as a w ole In the articular embodiment of my invention own and described, the mechanism is designed to record in five minute intervals and the time is stamped at the same time. Conse uently, the outer wheel is used as an hour 1; eel and numbered from one to twenty-four, whereas the inner wheelis used as a minute wheel and numbered from five to in five minute intervals. As best shown in Fig. 1 wheel 29 is mounted on a shaft 45 geared to the shaft of the wheel 25. When the wheel 29 is moved forward by the solenoid 18 wheel 29 is revolved by gears 31 and 32 to the extent of one segment. Since there are twenty-four hours in a day the outer wheel 30 should revolve only once in twenty-four hours. To accomplish this wheel 30 is mounted loosely on the shaft 45 but is rovided with 24 holes at equal intervals. garried on the under side of wheel 29 and revolving therewith is a spring plate 33 embracing the shaft 45. Beneath the wheel 29 is a fixed guide or cam 34 with which the spring 33 comes in contact once during each revolution of the wheel 29. Spring 33 carries a point 46 which lies immediate y below an aperture 47in the wheel 29. However, when the spring 33 comes in contact with the glide 34 it is thrown into such a position t the point 46 projects through wheel 29 into one of the apertures in the wheel 30- locking the wheels together and causing the latter wheel to move orward the distance of one segment. The distance through which the two wheels are thus locked to etlier obviously depends upon the length 0 time the ide 34 is in contact with ring 33 and is etermined by the shape 0 t the guide 34. This is desi ed so that wheel 30 shall move forward 0 y one twenty-fourth of a revoluwith wheel 25. At the end of a predetermined interval a circuit separate from that of the meter is energized to move forward the tape, making a straight line thereon and approximately at the-same time to release the wheel 11, so that the pens may be returned to zero position, and to print the time upon the side of the tape.

It will be understood that wherever light is spoken of in this specification that the non-luminous radiations which follow the laws of light in the way of reflection and refraction are intended to be included. It further will be understood that wherever the word cell is-used that any element which may vary its resistance under the action of light or heat is intended to be included.

It is obvious that while the arrangement described herein and shown in the accompanying drawing is the preferred form of my device variations and rearrangements thereof may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a recording meter in combination, a

plurality of selenium cells, means for varying the resistance of said cells in definite successlon, and means for forming a record governed by the varlatlons 1n reslstance of sald cells.

2. In a recording meter in combinatiom-a reci rocable shaft, a lever pivoted to said sha t having a pen on each end, and means for depressing first one end and then the other end of said lever.

3. In a recording meter in combination, an arm, a lever pivoted to said arm having a pen at each end, and means for depressing first one end and then the other end of said lever. I

4. In a recordin record receiving bank, a plurality of tracing means for cooperating therewith, and means for engaging said tracing means with said blank one after the other.

5. In a recording meter in combination, a revolving shaft, a reciprocating element, two selenium cells, and means controlled by said cells for .roducing a complete reciprocation of said e ement for each revolution of said shaft.

6. In a recording meter in combination, a revolving shaft, a reciprocating element, solenoids for operating said element, cells connected in circuit with said solenoids and means for varying theresistanceof said cells.

7. In a recording meter in combination, a rotatable element normally rotating in a given direction, meter mechanism operated in response to the rotations of said element, an electrical device for operating said mechanism, and a selenium cell for governing said device. 7

8.' In a recording meter in combination, a.

meter in combination, a

rotatable element normall rotating in a given direction, meter mec anism o erated in response to the rotations of said e ement, a solenoid for operating said mechanism, and a selenium cell for governing said device. j

9, In a recording meter in combination, a

a record receiving blank, duplicate tracing device for cooperating with said blank, and means for alternately engaging said devices with said blank. Y a

10. In a recording device in combination, a reciprocating element, a solenoid for opcrating said'elenient, a record blank a tracmg member normally in contact with said blank, and meansfor advancing upon each reciprocation of said element,

11 In a recording meter in combination, a tape, a tracing device, means for advancing said device transversely of said ta means for moving said tape longitudina ly'while said device is at its outmost position, and means for returning said device to its orig-. inal position, said tape moving means being stationary forequal intervals of time intermediate its periods of movement, and the flexible materiahhaving radial j center. a

pposite movements of said .device being parallel. a Y

a recording device in combination, a tracin member, a normally stationa blankho ding mechanism having a reco blank cooperating therewith, printing means normally out of contact with said blank, and

a single device for operating said mechaas nism and said printin means.

13. In a recording evice, a ty -wheel of ots extending from the circumference toward the 14. In a recording meter in combination, a'rotating element normally rotating in a given direction, electric mechanism for making a record of the rotations of said element,'and a selenium cell for controlling the action of said mechanism, a 15. In a-recording device in combination, a record blank, means for trac' acontinu- 1 ne line on saidblank mechanism for advancmg said means in a succession of definite steps, means for movin' said blank -a definite distance at the en of a definite interval-of time,'and means for returning said -fl\16..In a device tracing means to its ongiild' ition after 1 the movement of said b been inihated.-

' i l of the class described in I r combination, a reciprocating bar, a rotatable ically 17. In a device of the class described in combmatioma rsaiprocable ber, an oscillat- "shaft driven from said bar, a. gear operated *bysaid shaft, a' clutch for controlling the said shaft, a rack operation of said gear b driven b sa d gear am; means for periodeasmg saidclutchl member piv tosaid bar, said memher having a pen at each end, and a guidepiece for engaging first one end and then the other of sa1d members in order to depress the same. a

18. In a device of the class described in combination, a movable record blank, tracing means for making a record on said blank, a --reciprocable member for advancfor driving saidmember, a clutch for controlling said element, agrinting device for stamping the time on-sa blank, and means for simultaneously operating said device and releasing said clutch.

i 19. A recording meter comprising a tracing member having a definite zero position, means for advancing saidmember repeatedly in a straight line from its zero position, a normally stationary record blank cooperating with said member, means for moving 'said blank at definite intervals at right angles to the path of movement of said member, and means for returning said member to zero position in a line parallel to its ad- Vance movement immediately after the movement of the blank, said return move-.

ment occurrin immediately after the movement of said lank and while said blank is stationary.

20. A recording meter comprising atracedly me straight line from its zero position,

a normally stationa said blank at definite intervals at right angles to the path of movement of sald member, and means for returning said memher to zero position in a line parallel to its advance movement immediately after the movement of the blank, said return moveing said tracing means, a rotatable element ing-member having a definite zero position, means for advancing said member repeatrecord blank 'cofipeh ating with said mem r, means for moving ment occurring immediately after the blank I a is stationary, and said tracing member advancing on a' repeat movement along the line of the precedin return movement.

21. In a reco g meter in combination, a wheel for moving a record blank, an arm, tracing means carried by said arm, means operating said arm to carrysaid tracing means over the record blank, a clutch means controllin said operating means, and a single device having connections for moving sai wheel and releasing said clutch.

' 22. The method of operating meters which consists in advancing a hllwllllfi member in a given direction over a reco blank -from a zero position in a series of successive stc s, moving said blank at fixed ind1rection substantially at tervals o in a right angles to the direction of movement of tracing member to zerosubstantially at the said-tracingfmember, and returning said time when said becomes stationary-n iso a record blank, two tracing members for acting upon said blank, a single bar upon which said members are supported, means for moving said bar to carry said members over said blank, and means for throwing said members into contact with said blank one after the other.

24. In a recording meter in combination, a record blank, two tracin members for acting upon said blank, a single bar upon which said members are supported, means for moving said bar to carry said members over said blank, and means for throwing one of said members against said blank on the line made by the other of said members.

25. In an electrical measuring instrument, the combination with a marking device, and a record sheet, of means for periodically advancing the record sheet and for resetting the marking device after the record sheet has advanced, whereby said markin device is caused to trace a series of figures t e sides of which are equal distances apart throughout, their lengths.

26. A measuring instrument comprising an electro-responslve device, a marking device actuated thereby,-a record sheet, and means for advancing the record sheet periodically and for resetting the marking device to its zero position immediately after each advance of the record sheet.

27. A recording instrument comprising a marking device, a record sheet, and means for advancing the record sheet periodically and for resetting the marking device to its zero position immediately after each advance of the record sheet.

28. A recording measuring instrument comprisin a record blank, means for periodically a vancing the said blank, a marking device for tracing a line on the record blank that is indicative of the value of that which is measured, means for advancing the marking device, and means for resetting the 29. A recording measuring instrument comprising a record blank, means whereby the blank 1s periodically advanced and, alternatin with the advance movements, 15 permitte to remain stationary, a marking device, means for advancing the same to trace 68 a line across the record blank, when it is stationary, that is indicative of the value of that which is measured, the marking device serving to trace a line longitudinally of the record blank during the periodic advances of the latter, and means'for resetting the marking device immediately after the periodic advances of the record blank, the ad vance movements of the marking device being along the same lines as the immediately preceding reset movements.

30. In a measuring instrument, the combination with a markin device and a record sheet, of means for a vancing the marking device transversely to the direction of movement of the sheet, means for moving the sheet longitudinally while said device is at its most advanced position, and means for returning the said device to its original position, the record sheet remaining stationary for equal intervals of time intermediate its movements.

31. A recording instrument comprising a 'marking device, a record sheet, and ,means subscribed my name this 11th day of June, 86

ALFRED HERZ.

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