US2181260A - Counter - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 28, 1939; H. N. Buss 3 1 2 I COUNTER Filed Aug. 19, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet l 5e! 34 e2 ea 54 ea F Nov. 28, 1939.

H. N. BLISS COUNTER I 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 19,- 1935 I FIG. 5.

FIG. 7a.

H. N. BLISS COUNTER Nov. 28, 1939.

Filed Aug. 19, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3' 3 hand unit in Fig. 2;

Patented Nov. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COUNTER Connecticut Application August 19, 1935, Serial No. 36,795

11 Claims.

My invention relates to counters.

It has among its objects to provide an improved counter of the predetermined counter type adapted to be set to count up to a selected numoer, and then operative to control an associated device or circuit. A further object of my invention is to provide such an improved counter having improved setting mechanism whereby the counter may be set from the outside of a closed casing. Another object is to provide such a counter having improved setting mechanism whereby the setting may also be changed at any time even when the counter is in-operation. A still further object is to provide improved setting mechanism whereby the setting is indicated at all times, and clearly indicated in such manner as to be wholly distinct and free from confusion with the reading of the counter. Other objects of my invention include the provision of an improved construction and arrangement of counter units and also of the setting and resetting mechanisms therefor, with the counter units operatively connected in an improved manner and having both setting and resetting mechanisms operatively associated therewith in an improved manner to enable the above new results to be obtained and produce an efiective predetermined counter adapted to use in any of the desired uses for such counters, while also having improved mechanism associated therewith and operative after a predetermined count is reached and controlling a control memher in an improved manner. These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a counter constructed in accordance with my improvement;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig; 1, but with the casing in section to show the several units of the counting mechanism and the transfer mechanism between the same;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View on line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line 4--4 of Fig. 2;

Fg. 5 is a sectional view on line 5--5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail view of the right Fig. '7 is a sectional view on line 1-7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 7a is a View similar to Fig. '7 but looking.

in the opposite direction;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 88 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on line 9-9 of Fig. 6 with a part broken away to facilitate illustration;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view on line Ill-l0 of Fig. 6, with a part broken away to facilitate illustration;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view on line tl-ll Fig. 8, and

Fig. 12 is a sectional View on line l2--l2 of Fig. 3, the transfer pinion being shown in side elevation.

In this illustrative construction, I have shown a predetermined counter including a plurality of operatively connected counter units A, B, C and D having associated coaxial controlling mechanism a, b, c and d, with both sets of mechanism 15 enclosed within a suitable casing, generally indicated at I; the several units being operated from a driving member 2, and the mechanism being adapted to be set for any predetermined number by means of adjustable setting members 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d disposed outside the casing, and further being adapted when the predetermined number is reached to actuate a switch 4 to change the circuit connections in a circuit, indicated at 5, while the several units A, B, C, D are reset by 'a single reset operating member 6 likewise operative from outside the casing, all as hereinafter more specifically described.

Referring to the units A, B, C and D, it will be noted that these are disposed in parallel relation with their axes in alignment and herein on upright axes with the second unit upside down or reversed relative to the first, the third disposed like the first and the fourth disposed like the second. Further, it will be noted that, apart from the above and resultant differences, including reverse arrangements of the parts 20, 2|, 9, etc., and of the figures on successive wheels, to permit reading from the same side of the counter, as shown in Figure 2, each of these units is of the 46 same construction, and operatively connected to transfer mechanism arranged in a new staggered relation thereto. As shown they are also disposed in a novel relationship with the controlling mechanisms 11, b, c, and 03, their setting 5 members 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and the reset operating member 6; the several sets of units, controlling mechanism and setting members herein being coaxially disposed in a series of four aligned devices, with the members to, 3b, 3c and 3d pro- 50 jecting'up from the top of the casing l and the reset member 6 depending from the bottom midway between the ends of the casing.

More particularly considering the unit A, it will be noted that the same is driven from the 56 shaft 2 which is journaled in bearings I and carries a worm 8 which meshes with a worm gear 9 at the bottom of the unit A. Further, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8-10, it will be noted that this worm gear 9 is the driving member for the unit A and is rigidly connected to and spaced below a member ID, corresponding to the driving gear of a standard unit but herein without teeth, while the rest of the mechanism of the unit is of standard construction. Thus, as l0 rotates, it carries around pawls M which are pivoted thereon at l2 and acted upon by a common spring l3 to hold these p-awls in notches E4 in a cooperating ratchet member I5 fixed within a number wheel I6, while the members l5 and I6 are fixed on areduced portion of a sleeve I'I rotatable on a reset shaft l8, and the member ID is freely rotatable as at l9 on the reduced projecting end of this sleeve l1. Moreover, it will be noted that a locking disc 26 and usual mutilated transfer gear 2| are fixed by pins 22 to the opposite side of the number wheel [6 from the gear 9, while a reset pawl 23 is pivotally mounted in the. disc 20 and normally acted upon by a spring 24, likewise disposed in that disc, to press the pawl through a usual slot in the sleeve l i into engagement with the periphery of the shaft it, so that the pawl will engage in a longitudinal reset slot 25 in this shaft upon rotation of the latter in a resetting direction, to cause the entire unit A to be rotated into its reset position in a usual manner.

Operatively associated with the unit A thus described is improved cooperating control mechanism therefor. Herein, this includes a disc 26 which is fixed to and rotatable with the sleeve El and spaced from the member 26 by a spacer 21. This disc 26,, in turn, is provided in its upper otherwise flat face with a socket or notch 28 adapted to receive a ball 29. Herein, the ball 29 isdisposed between the disc 26 and an upper cooperating setting disc 36, herein another number wheel, in a notch 3! in the latter similar to the notch 28, and is adapted also to be received in the notch 28 in one position of the parts, the ball 29 in all other positions engaging the unnotched portion of the top surface of the disc 26. It will further be noted that the member 36 is provided with suitable opposite vertical slots 32 adjacent its axis which are adapted to receive the ends of a transverse pin 33 projecting from a point just above the lower end of a vertical shaft 34 which is coaxial with the shaft l8 and extends down through the member 30 and into the open upper end of the sleeve l1, thus enabling the setting member 30 to be vertically movable relative to the shaft 34. Here it will also be noted that this shaft 34 is provided with a reduced axial portion 35 on its lower end slidable in a corresponding bore 36 in the upper end of the shaft l8. Thus, the member 26 and shaft l8 may rotate relative to the member 30 and shaft 34, and the shaft 34 may be rotated at will relative to the shaft [8, while the shaft 34, when rotated, will rotate the member 30 therewith. Further, the latter may be rotated to bring the ball 29 into different angular or setting positions, while the member 30 will be free to drop down whenever, during counting, .the notch 28 is brought opposite the ball 29 by the rotation of the member 26 with the counter unit A.

Operatively associated with shaft 34 and member 30 are. improved means for adjusting the same from the exterior of the casing 8, herein through a removable top plate la the eon. As

shown, the upper end of the shaft 34 is rotatably mounted in a depending bearing lb on this plate la while a spacer sleeve I0 is provided on the top of the disc 30 between the latter and the bearing lb, and a reduced upper end 31 on the shaft is pinned by a pin 38 to the adjusting knob 3a having a knurled end'39. Further, it willbe observed that the knob 3a is provided with an enlargement 40 of its bore 4|, receiving a screw 42 threaded into the upper end 31 on the shaft 34, and that a coiled spring 43 acts between the head of the screw 42 and the bottom of the enlargement 49, to force the knob 3a downward and thereby cause a downwardly extending projection 44 on the bottom of the knob to be held in any selected one of a series of holes 45 in the plate Ia which is disposed radially around and beneath' the bottom. of the knob 3a. Thus, by merely pulling up the knob 3a, the same may be released and the shaft 34 and member 36 may be lifted and rotated angularly as desired to change the setting of the unit A which is determined by the angular position of the controlling mechanism a and of the ball 29 relative to the shaft axis, and thus change the count required to bring notch 29 into position to receive the ball.

Next referring to the unit B, it will be noted that it is the same as the previously described unit A, save that it is reversely disposed, i. e. upside down as compared with unit A, with its locking disc 20 and mutilated transfer gear 2| beneath rather than above the number wheel l6, and the driving gear 9 above the number wheel l6 rather than below it. Moreover, it will be noted that a usual transfer pinion 46 is provided between the members 28, 2! of unit A on the one hand and the gear 9 of the unitB on the other. This transfer pinion herein is rotatably mounted on a vertical axis on supporting means 4'! inside the casing and operating in a usualmanner to advance the unit B through one tenth of a revovlution for each complete revolution of the unit A.

Further, it will be noted that this unit B is provided with cooperating controlling mechanism b similar to the mechanism a previously described and is further provided with a knurled adjusted knob 3b, corresponding to the knob 3a previously described. Thus, with the numbers on the wheel l6 of the unit B similarly disposed relative to the numbers on the wheel l6 of the unit A, in spite of the end for end reversal of the unit B relative to the unit A, it will be evident that the units A and B will form cooperating lower and successively higher units of a counting mechanism driven from the shaft 2 and adapted to be individually set by suitable manipulation of the operating knobs 3a, 3b to form a predetermined counter having the setting indicated on the members 30 thereof and the count on the members [6.

It will also be noted that the unit C is'disposed reversely relative to the unit B, i. e., similarly to the unit A, and that this unit C is operatively connected to the unit Bby a transfer pinion 48 similar to 46 but disposed at the bottom of the units B and C. Also, the unit Dis disposed reversely relative to the unit C and similar to the unit B and connected to the unit C by a like transfer pinion 49; this transfer pinion 49, however, being disposed at the top similarly to the transfer pinion 46. Here also it will be understood that the units C and D are also provided with the controlling mechanism 0 and d corresponding to the controlling mechanism a and b and adapted to be set by manipulation of controlling knobs 8c and 8d similar to knobs 8a and 3b. It will also be noted that the numbers on the number wheels I and 38 of each controlling mechanism a, b, c and d and of each counter unit A, B, C and D are similarly disposed and are exposed through suitable apertures 88 and SI, respectively, provided in the front face of the casing I and here also in a plate -82; .the several apertures III being disposed in alignment at the top, while the apertures II are similarly disposed at the bottom in parallel relation to the apertures 50, all in such manner as to cause the predetermined number for which the device is set herein, for example, 22, to be constantly visible through the upper apertures 88, and the changing count to be visible through the lower apertures and both to be readily readable at a glance without danger of confusion.

Operatively associated with the several units is also an improved controlling mechanism which is operative when the predetermined number has been reached, 1. e. when all the balls 28 are received in all the notches 28. This mechanism herein includes a rocking member or lever 58 pivoted on a horizontal pivot rod 54 which is carried in lugs 55 depending from the top. As shown,this lever 88 has a series of operating arms 56 notched or slotted at their extremities and extending on opposite sides of the several shafts 84 and resting on the several setting wheels 30. Further, it will be noted that this lever 58 is provided with a single rearwardly extending arm 51 at one end thereof which is, in turn, engageable with an operating button 58 of the switch mechanism 4, herein a usual snap switch type adapted to control the circuit 8 and be automatically reversely operated upon release or depression of the button 58. Moreover, it will be noted that an upstan 51, and that this lug 59 has a spring 88 operating between the same and a suitable depending abutment 6| carried on the cover Ia. Herein, the member 58 is in the position shown in Figure 4 during counting, with the arms 5& resting against the tops of the setting wheels 88 and the spring 6B tending to press the arms ii down whenever the members 30 permit. Thus, whenever the predetermined number is reached and all the notches 28 receive their cooperating balls 28, the member 58 will then be movable downward as all. the setting wheels 30 are then free to move downward, while the switch controlling arm 51 will be moved upward in such manner as to release the button 58 and, accordingly, change the circuit connections of the snap switch 4.

Operatively associated with the several units A, B, C and D is also an improved resetting mechanism therefor operated by the resetting member 6. Herein, this resetting member 6 depends below the bottom of the casing I and is in the form of a. rotatable knurled knob, generally similar to the knobs 3a, 3b, etc., and suitably journaled in the bottom of the casing I. As shown, this knob is provided with a shaft 62 and operative connections actuated by this shaft and within the casing ng lug 58 is provided on the member 53 near its pivot and adjacent this arm in turn, meshes with pinions 64 and 85 coaxial pinions 68 which, in turn, mesh with pinionsi'l,

and 88, corresponding to the pinions 64 and 85 above described, and, respectively, fixed to the resetting shafts I8 of the units D and A. As a result of this construction, it will be noted that by rotating the knob 8 it is possible to reset all of the units A, B, C and D to zero position in a single operation.

In the operation of my improved mechanism it will be observed that the mechanisms a, b, c

and d, may be set for any desired setting, as, for

example, for a count of 22, by suitable adjust ment of the knobs Ia, 3b, 8c and 3d; it only being necessary to pull up these knobs and rotate them .to bring the desired numbers on the number wheels 30 into exposed position in the apertures 50. Thereafter, with the device thus set for the selected number of operations, the same will count up to the selected number as the driving member 2, is rotating. Further, when that number is reached, all of the notches 28 then receiving all the balls 29, all of the members 30 may be lowered, and the arm 51 on the member 53 will also then be raised in such manner as to release the button 58 of the switch 4 and, accordingly, change the circuit connections of the latter.

Attention is directed to the fact that as a result of my improved mechanism it is possible to set the same from the outside of the casing; all necessity for opening the casing to permit setting being eliminated. Further, it will be noted that the construction is such as to enable the setting ,to be changed at any time while the counter is in operation, all necessity for shutting down the counter; or the machine to which it is connected, in order to change the setting, likewise being eliminated. Moreover, the setting is indicated at all times, the predetermined number always being visible through the apertures 50. .As a result, it will be evident that there is markedly less chance of confusing the reading of the counter with the reading of the setting wheels, than is the case where both readings change continuously during the counting operation. These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will, however; be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

- While I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is used for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patents is:

i. In a predetermining counter, operatively connected counter units, predetermining mechanism operative when said units reach a predetermined count and also including adjustable setting mechanism, a closed casing enclosing said elements, and means for adjusting said setting mechanism while said casing remains closed, said adjustable setting. mechanism including a rotatable setting controlling member for eachunit axially actuated when the predetermined count is reached and said means for adjusting said mechanism including an adjusting member for each controlling member.

2. In. a predetermining counter, operatively connected counter units, predetermining mechanism operative when said units reach a predeterjustable member for each unit stationary during counting.

3. In a predetermining counter, operatively connected counter wheels, and predetermining mechanism operative when said wheels reach a predetermined count and including adjustable setting mechanism, said adjustable setting mechanism including a plurality of number wheels coaxial with said first mentioned wheels and having means for enabling said number wheels to indicate constantly the setting thereof throughout the operation of said counter wheels.

4. In a predetermining counter, operativelyconnected counter units, predetermining mechanism operative when said units reach a predetermined count and including adjustable setting mechanism, and mechanism for adjusting said setting mechanism at will comprising a plurality of sets of cooperating setting members each including a number wheel, one set for each counter unit and each set having one cooperating member rotatable with its unit and another stationary during operation of its unit and adjustable at will and both coaxial with said number wheel.

5. In a predetermining counter, operatively connected counter wheels, and predetermining mechanism operative when saidwheels reach a predetermined" count and including adjustable setting mechanism, said adjustable setting mechanism including a plurality of number wheels coaxial with said counter wheels adjustable at any time in the operation of any unit and also having means for enabling said number wheels to indicate constantly the setting thereof throughout the operation of said counter wheels. 6. In a counter, a plurality of operatively connected counter units, said counter units each including a counter wheel and each also having a predetermining mechanism including an adjustable normally stationary predetermining number wheel and a cooperating coaxial member coaxial with the latter and rotatable with said unit, and

normally non-registering operative connections between each of said sets of coaxial members and movable into registry when the predetermined number is reached by said units.

7. In a counter, a plurality of operatively connected counter units, said counter units each including a counter wheel and each also having a erating coaxial member rotatable with said unit, normally non-registering operative connections between each of said sets of coaxial members and movable into registry when the predetermined number is counted by said units, and an actuating member cooperating with all of said mechanisms and operative when said count is reached.

8. In a counter, a plurality of operatively connected counter units each rotatable on a parallel and predetermining mechanisms each includinga controlling element normally stationary during counting and rotatably adjustable to vary the setting at will and actuated. axially when said units reach a predetermined count.

9. In a counter, a plurality of operatively connected counter units each rotatable on a parallel axis, and a plurality of predetermining mechanisms, one at the same end of each unit and each having a rotatable controlling element and a cooperating element actuated axially when said units reach a predetermined count, and each also having an independently adjustable normally stationary setting member adjustable to vary the setting of said cooperating element at will.

10. In a counter, a plurality of operatively connected counter units each rotatable on a parallel axis, and a plurality of predetermining mechanisms, one at the same end of each unit and all operative upon reaching a predetermined count, and each having an independently adjustable setting member stationary during operation of said units and also having means including elements between said setting member and its unit and coaxial with both for enabling adjustment of said predetermining mechanism while its unit HARVEY ,N. BLISS.

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