Patent GB-190703939-A (GB)
Title: Automatic Apparatus for Registering the Arrival of Homing Pigeons.
Inventor: HANEUSE HECTOR
Filed: 1907-02-16
Granted: 1908-02-13
Abstract: 3939. Haneuse, H. Feb. 16. Timing pigeons.-Relates to the type of apparatus in which the time of the insertion of the pigeon ring into one of several receptacles is recorded by pricking rotating paper dials which indicate hours, minutes, and seconds. In the base of the apparatus is placed a rotating circular case 15, Figs. 2 and 4, provided with a number of ring receptacles 17 round its periphery and urged to rotate by a clock spring 19. Rotation is prevented by a pawl 4, Fig. 3, which engages the teeth on a ratchet-wheel 7 fast on the spindle 16<1> of the ring case 15. At the bottom of each receptacle 17 is a plunger 18, which is depressed when a small box containing the pigeon ring is inserted through a hole in the outer case of the apparatus, into the receptacle 17 which is in register with it. This moves a slide, to the further end of which a rod 41, integral with the pawl 4, is attached, and so releases the pawl 4 from engagement with the wheel 7. The ring case then rotates rapidly under the influence of the spring 19 until the pawl 4 catches the next tooth of the wheel 7. A slide 5 mounted on a rod 22 is depressed by the action of the wheel 7 on a detent 9, pivoted at 21 to the slide 5. A book 5<1> on the slide 5 strikes a pivoted catch 6, and releases a slide 8 which is drawn down by a spring 24, and the needles a, Figs. 2 and 3, pierce the paper disks p, thus leaving a record of the time of insertion of the ring. The slide 8 strikes a piece 10 pivoted at 21<1> to the slide 5 and causes it to disengage the detent 9 from the wheel 7. The slide 5 being thus released, rises under the influence of a spring 25 and pushes the needle carrier 8 back to its former position. The clock-mechanism, of the usual kind, together with the paper disks p, is mounted on a frame F which slides vertically on a rod 33. A projection from the frame F engages a worm w on a cylinder 11 fast on the spindle 16<1>. As the ring case 15 revolves, the clock is lowered by the worm w and causes the punctures in the paper disks to be made further from the centre as each successive ring is introduced. The mechanism is enclosed in a metal case K which is locked to the base A by bolts 12<1>, 12", Fig. 4, attached to the ends of a rocking lever 12. The ring case 15 operates the lever 12 so as to withdraw the bolts 12<1>, 12", and permit the withdrawal of the case K when the case 15 has made'a complete revolution. A pawl 1 prevents the case 15 from being turned in the reverse direction while the case K is closed, but can be pulled back by hand when the case K is opened, so as to allow the ring case 15 to be turned back ready for re-use. A needle 31, Fig. 2, operated by a lever 31<1> and an arm 29<1> on the case K, punctures the hour and minute dials when the case is opened or closed. The metal case K is enclosed in a wooden case which is closed by a slide 38, Fig. 14, formed with a circular recess 39 and a notch 39'. When the ring case 15 is in its initial position, the slide 38 may be moved into place, since the projections 37, Fig. 15, by which the ring case 15 is turned, can pass through the notch 39<1> and are then free to rotate in the recess 39. As soon as the ring case 15, has rotated from its initial position, the slide 38 becomes locked, since the projections 37 do not come in line again with the notch 39<1> until the ring case has made a complete revolution. To prevent fraudulent acceleration of the clock movement, the balance wheel is fitted with a pin, which, if the amplitude of vibration becomes excessive, engages with a spring catch on the anchor and becomes locked.