APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS CONTROL OF THE DRIVING STATE OF A HORSE RACE CARRIAGE

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in connection with trotting races for continuous determination and control of the driving state of the carriage, said apparatus comprising a pulse generator positioned on the wheel of the carriage and transmitting pulses to an electronic apparatus calculating and displaying the velocity of the carriage. The apparatus comprises one first part with a display continuously showing the average speed in time per distance for the any time travelled distance from a starting point, and one second part with simultaneously and continuously on a second display is showing the instant speed likewise given in time per distance, and that the beforementioned two velocity values are displayed numerically on practically equal displays (respectively D2 and D3), located one above the other in the apparatus such that those at any time displayed two numeric values, and the difference therebetween, if any, can be perceived by the driver in one single glance and enable him to determine the driving state of the carriage.

Description: TITLE: APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS CONTROL OF THE DRIVING STATE OF A HORSE RACE CARRIAGE. The present invention relates to an apparatus to be used in connection with horse racing in the form of socalled trotting, i.e. a horse dragging a carriage with driver, for continuous determination and control of the travelling or running state of the carriage, hereby enabling the driver to obtain continuous control of the driving state of the carriage during the race. It is well known that in order to win trotting races it is not merely imperative to possess the fastest and best horse on the track. Very often it is still more important to use the correct tactics and not the least to utilize the available power of the horse in the best possible way. In order to utilize special capacity of the horse one must among others know the particular characteristics of the horse, for instance the spurting capability both in the ' starting phase and the final phase of the race, or possibly special capabilities of a horse to maintain a high, even average speed. If the driver is for instance having a horse with especially good spurting powers, it will frequently be an advantage to attempt to keep the field in relatively moderate speed towards the final part of the run and then put in a hard spurt. Another horse may be clever to maintain a high average speed but does not possess particularly good spurting capabilities. With a such horse one is interested in maintaining high average speed during the entire race, and one must by all means not keep a too low speed either one is leading the heat or not, because then one will be beaten on the spurt towards the end. If the driver on the other side is having a spurting " strong horse, he must still not wait too far back in the field, because in such case he will still not be able to spurt fast enough in order to win the run. In connection with trotting one has attempted to use velocity meters as well as distance meters, but such auxiliary means have not gained any foothold in the trotting sport, probably because the obtained information regarding velocity and distance has not proven sufficient for continuous control of the driving state of the carriage and the state of the horse. It is thus not sufficient to know the driving state of the carriage if the state of the horse is not known. The main object of the present invention has been to provide an apparatus which makes it possible for the driver to obtain a continuous determination both of the driving state of the carriage as well as of the driving state of the horse. The apparatus in accordance with «the invention is of the kind comprising a pulse generator positioned on the wheel of the carriage and transmitting pulses to an electronic apparatus showing the velocity of the carriage, and the apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that said apparatus comprises of one first part with a display continuously showing the average speed in time per distance for the at any time travelled distance from a starting point, and one second part which simultaneously and continuously on a second display is showing the instant speed likewise given in time per distance, and in that the beforementioned two velocity values are displayed numerically on practically equal displays, located one above the other in the apparatus such that those at any time displayed two numeric values and the difference therebetween, if any, can be perceived by the driver in one single glance and thereby determining the driving state of the carriage. By means of an apparatus in accordance with the invention the driver can receive continuously information regarding the average speed based on the travelled distance from the starting point, and also the instant velocity, both values displayed in time per distance. On basis of these two values given side by side the driver can on background of his knowledge of the particular horse, know how much of the power of the horse which is still awailable or reserved. This situation is due to that both in regard which particular race tracks and the race horses, respectively, the drivers are well informed in regard the different so- called "kilometer time", i.e. time used in minutes and seconds for each 1000 meters, both in regard the different tracks and the different horses. One in itself small _ detail, but still very important feature of the invention is that due to that the two speed values are given numerically in the same fashion on two suitable identical displays positioned one above the other, both these values can be read or registered visually simultaneously. Practice has shown that thereby the driver may with one single glance on the displays determine whether he is positioned ahead of or behind schedule. An important feature of the apparatus in accordance with the invention therefore consists in that the driver can not only determine the said two numerical values, but in " reality three values, since the driver will automatically mentally register the difference between the two displayed values. Through this registration the driver can at any time know whether he is travelling too fast or too slow, or, hopefully, is maintaining ideal speed. The velocity is as mentioned suitably shown in minutes and seconds per 1000 meters, since a race track horse is usually evaluated on basis of the socalled "kilometer time". An apparatus in accordance with the invention will basically, consist of the following parts: 1. A pulse transmitting unit mounted in connection with one of the wheels of the sulky, thereby registering and transmitting pulses proportionally with the rotational speed of the wheel. 2. A distance meter which can be adjusted to the distance of the particular run, for instance 2000 meters, and also provides information regarding the remaining distance of the run. 3. A computer with a time watch which continuously calculates and displays the average kilometer time, i.e. minutes and seconds per each 1000 meters of travelling distance. 4. A velocity meter or speedometer displaying the instance velocity in minutes and seconds per kilometer. By means of an apparatus in accordance with the invention the driver can at any time evaluate the driving state and can on basis of the given information decide whether to increase , respectively reduce, the speed in order to maintain the best possible position in the field in relation to the running capability of the horse. If the travelling takes place with constant speed during the entire race, the two velocity meters will show the same value. With increasing velocity the display 3 will show higher values than display 2 which thereafter, however, gradually will approach the value shown on display 3. And oppositely, if the speed is reduced, the value on display 3 will fall below the value on display 2 which again slowly approaches the value shown on display 3. A number of different situations may, however, arise during the race, and which the driver keenly ought to watch in order to consider an adjustment of the speed. An embodiment for an apparatus in accordance with the invention shall be further described with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is showing a practical embodiment for the apparatus, and Figure 2 is showing a practical embodiment for the apparatus, designed to be mounted on a sulky or the like. In the diagram shown in Figure 1 the apparatus is for sake of clarity divided into three sections, namely a section I providing remaining distance, a section II which calculates and displays the average speed or average time per kilometer, and a section III. which displays the instant speed, that is time in minutes and seconds per kilometer. Section I comprises a counter 20, suitably with push-buttons 21 as shown, whereby the driver manually can adjust the meter to the distance to be travelled, for instance 2000 meters. Further, an adjustment or scaling computer 24 and which syntacts the distance travelled as received from the counter 20 to the distance which at any time during the race is travelled and which is showing the result on the display Dl. The information regarding the race distance is received via a conveyor 23 from section II. Section II comprises a counter 30 which receives pulses via a wire 31 from the pulse transmittor 32 which in a suitable way is attached to the wheel of the sulky, and further a time measuring device or watch 34. The letter S designates a control means, preferably in the shape of a pedal or a manually operated knob or the like. By means of this pedal or the like the apparatus is put back to zero, and the same pedal is used for starting the apparatus. The output from the counter 30 is transmitted to a scaling unit 36 and from this firstly to a distance computer 34 in section I via the said wire 24, and secondly, to a computer 38 which likewise receives time pulses from the watch 34, and on this , basis calculates, more specifically divides travelled time with travelled distance and displays the average time per kilometer, covering travelled distance and displaying the same on a display D2. Section III comprises a velocity meter which calculates and displays the instant speed in minutes and seconds per kilometer on a display D3. The instrumentation also in- t * he section*will inclu*de counters 50 arid 52, for minutes and seconds, respectively, and further a computer 54, scaling units 56, etc. All parts in section III can be of conventional type and should not be necessary to describe in detail. The velocity meter in section II receives distant pulses from the pulse transmitter 32 via a wire 57. The circuit shown in Figre 4 illustrates the wiring with arrows between the separate parts in the apparatus and illustrates the coupling between the various parts in the system. The apparatus is based upon electronic prosessors for carrying out the various calculating functions etc. The socalled scaling units designated with the numbers 22 and 36, are utilized for adjustment of the mechanical and electronic values, respectively. A detailed description- o the various parts in the system and the circuit as such, are con- sideres unnecessary to describe since these belong to conventional technique for a man skilled in this art. An apparatus in accordance with the invention is used in the following fashion: Before start of the race the counter 20 is adjusted to the distance of the race, for instance 2000 meters. The control means such as the pedal S is pushed in, having into effect that the counter units, the caluclators, the display D2 and the time watch are put back to zero. When the trotting race has started and the driver is passing the starting line " , he presses the pedal, having into effect that the entire apparatus is actuated and operates on basis of the distant pulses received from the pulse transmitter 32 and the time watch 34. The pulses are received by the counter 30 and thereafter transmitted to the calculators 8 and 38. Thereby the remaining distance will be displayed on the display Dl, while display D2-is showing the average kilometer time, the calculator or computer 38 dividing " the time pulses received from the time watch 34 with travelled distance and displays the average velocity on display 2. Section III will, independent of sections I and II, simultaneously receive distant pulses via a wire 51 from the pulse transmitter to a counter 50 and via a computer calculates the instance speed and is showing same in minutes and seconds per kilometer on display D3. On basis of those at any time specified values in displays D2 and D3, the driver receives information which both separately and when evaluated in combina¬ tion, can be used for continuous evaluation of the driving state of the carriage. Display D2 which shows average velocity per kilometer, will give the driver information regarding the average time, which again will give an expression of how much of the total energy possessed by the horse has been utilized. In this connection the driver will on display Dl see distance to the goal. The reason for that the average time is so important is that all race horses possess a certain average time per kilometer, for instance two minutes per kilometer. If the driver observes that he indeed he is leading the heat, but that he has used too low average time in relation to the capacity of the horse, it may be advisable to lower the speed somewhat, possibly give away the lead, in order to spare the power to the final spurt. If the driver also looks at display D3, which is showing the instant speed, and observes that the speed is relatively low in spite of that he is leading the race, the driver ought to consider increasing the speed rather than reducing the same, all considerations taken,in dependence upon the spurting power of the horse. A driver who is leading the field with- relatively low average time, will as' far as possible try to maintain his lead with just the average time, such that the horse can save energy to the spurt. If the carriage is positioned somewhat back in the field, the consideration will be different. The driver will then consider the average speed and the driving speed on displays D2 and D3, respectively. If the driver observes that the average speed is somewhat low, the driver ought to increase the speed generally in order to increase the speed of the heat in order to prevent that he remains "back in the queue". Otherwise the driver will, even with a spurting strong horse, not be able to pass the heat in order to win the race. If a driver who is positioned somewhat behind in the field on the other side notes that the average velocity is rather high, he will in dependence upon the travelling conditions possibly find that it is better tactics not to press forward because it may be difficult for the leading horse when keeping the high speed to have sufficient powers left in order also to have sufficient power left for the spurt. Another typical race situation is that most drivers will attempt to get a quick start in order to take the lead in the field, because most often it is an advantage to have the lead. Thereafter the driver who takes the lead will attempt to control the race in a socalled practical speed in order to reserve power for the spurt. One must, however, not at any price attempt to take the lead, since then one may consume a too great part of the power of the horse in order to carry through the remainder of the race with reserve powers also to carry through a finish spurt with success. In a such case the driver must continuously observe the average speed during the first part of the ^ race and adjust the instant speed suσh that the average speed neither is getting too. high or too low. A typical -field will always consist of a rather different group of horses, some with a good average, and some which are able to maintain a rather high average velocity, and finally some which are especially strong in the finish or spurt. By means of the apparatus in accordance with the invention the driver is able to adjust the average speed and also the instant speed in dependence upon the strength of the field, the driving conditions and the general pattern or distribution of the field during the development of the race. An apparatus in accordance with the invention may optionally also include a digitalic watch showing used driving time in minutes and seconds on a fourth display D4. A such time watch is primarily useful in connection with the training of the horse. A practical embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figure 2. With exception for the pulse transmitter 60 with attachment wiring etc. 63 which is mounted adjacent to the wheel 61 adjacent to the sulky, all parts of the apparatus are positioned in a housing 62 which is provided with a window or screen including the displays Dl,D2,D3 and possibly D4. A further push-button 64 for adjustment of the keys is positioned in the distance meter 20. In the housing is also positioned a dry battery providing power for the apparatus. For zero¬ ing and starting of the apparatus is as mentioned uti¬ lized a pedal 66 which for instance can be attached to one of the support arms on the sulky. Alternatively can be used a switch means adapted to be kept by hand.

Claims: P a t e n t C l a i m s 1. Apparatus to be used in connection with trotting races for continuous determination and control of the driving state of the carriage, said apparatus compri¬ sing a pulse generator positioned on the wheel of the carriage and transmitting pulses to an electronic apparatus calculating and displaying the velocity of the carriage, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said apparatus comprises one first part with a display continuously showing the average speed in time per distance for the at any time travelling distance from a starting point, and one second part which simulta¬ neously and continuously on a second display is showing the instant speed likeways given in time per distance, and in. that the beforementioned two velocity values are displayed numerically on practically equal displays (respectively D2 and D3) , located one above the other in the apparatus such that those at any time displayed two numeric values, and the difference therebetween, if any, can be perceived by the driver in one single glance and thereby determining the driving state of the carriage. 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes one part Dl which can be adjusted on the distance of the actual race during the race continuously displaying remaining distance of the race. 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 and/or 2, wherein the apparatus includes a control means, preferably a pedal S or manual knob whereby all functional parts of the apparatus can be operated, with exception from the distance part Dl, can be set to zero, and further be initiated simultaneously. 4. Apparatus in accordance with any of preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it as a supplement includes a part which displays used driving time from a starting point, suitably given in minutes and seconds. 5. Apparatus as described in the attached specification and shown in the attached drawing.

Inventors: SCHOENNING HALVORSEN JACOB, TONNING ERLING, SCHOENNING HALVORSEN, JACOB, TONNING, ERLING
Applicants: BANKERS AS, BANKERS A/S
Application year: 1986
Main classification: G01P3
IPC codes: G01P11