Patent GB-587716-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to mechanical progress tell-tale devices
IPC: G07C3/12
Filed: 1945-01-09
Abstract: 587,716. Displaying information. WEBB, H. F. Jan. 9, 1945, No. 726. [Class 118 (i)] A progress tell-tale device for use in conjunction with a preplanned time schedule of operations, comprises a charting element, a tell-tale element and a cursor element, each relatively movable with respect to the other two and means for changing the appearance of indicators disposed on the charting surface as each stage of an operation is completed. The charting element comprises a drum 1 having a multiplicity of slot-shaped holes 19 arranged in rows and columns into which can be sprung bifurcated data holders which hold data cards by means of flanges. Date holders with date cards are attached to the top row of holes 19 thus allocating a date to each-column, the "dates" being equal intervale of time; e.g. hours, days or weeks. Pairs of triangular tongues on each data holder abut the drum surface and provide a clearance between those hung in close proximity while any one can be exposed by lifting the overlapping holders pivotally about their holes 19. Progress tallies, in the form of pieces of transparent celluloid of various colours to correspond with stages of progress, are placed in the data holders in front of the lower part of the data cards as and when appropriate. The drum 1 is freely mounted between flanges 5, 6 on discs 3, 4 which are screw-threaded on a central hub 2, the upper disc 3 being retained against an annular holder 1.0 on the hub by a handle 9 screwed thereto and bearing on a washer 8 in contact with a central boss 7 while the lower disc 4 is retained against a lock-nut 12 by a nut 13 screwed to the hub and bearing on a central boss 11, a washer 15 and circular foot 17 being freely mounted between a flange 14 of the nut 13 and the boss 11. A series of holes 37 are formed in the two flanges 5, 6 of. the discs 3, 4 corresponding in number and spacing with the columns of holes 19, but staggered so that each of a series of tell-tale cords 32 to 36 anchored between corresponding holes in the two flanges lies between two adjacent columns of data holders, each of the tell-tale cords being positioned in accordance with the schedule to mark the end of a significant period. The charting element is moved stepby-step relative to the tell-tale element, which comprises the tell-tale cords, discs and parts relatively fixed thereto, by means of a lever 39 inserted in one of a row of holes 40, round the lower periphery of the drum, each aligned with a column of holes 19, and pivotally threaded over a stud 41, upstanding from the disc 4, and working between two similar stops 42 thereon. A cursor frame 44 to 47 is mounted with ball bearings located in holes in flanges of top and bottom plates 46, 47 and bearing on the top and bottom discs 3, 4, the frame, due to the spring of the metal, being sufficiently free to rotate about the axis of the hub 2, while being self-retaining in any position to which it is set by manipulation of the handles 56. The bars 44, 45 of the frame have lugs 57 which co-operate in pairs with slots in each index holder forming fulcra about which the holder may be turned against the action of springs to facilitate inspection of an index card, which is accommodated in the holder by four holes therein co-operating with the two lugs 57 and two further lugs, by bringing a row of information on the index card into contact with the row of data cards to which it provides an index. The drum may be stepped round by clockwork, the cursor frame may be single sided and the collective index cards may be replaced by individual index cards mounted in holders similar to the data holders and sprung into holes in the cursor bars. In the place of cards mounted in holders, the various "indicators" may take the form of plates or discs, with suitable coupling means, detachably mounted directly upon the relevant part of the device ; or the "indicators" may take the form of pegs inserted in the holes, each bearing code marks for use in conjunction with a subsidiary card index system. In the modified form shown in Fig. 13, the charting surface is stationary and of endless-belt form, while tell-tale cords 73 to 77 are anchored top and bottom to arms projecting laterally from links 79 of endless chains 80 meshing with sprockets 81 interconnected to move in unison, step-by-step at a predetermined rate. The cursor element comprises a frame 82 carrying index elements 83 and pivoted at 84 at top and bottom to carriages on guide rails 85 so that it can swivel round the ends and register not only with the two side portions 70, 71 of the charting surface, but also with the rounded end portions 72. This form of the device may be used as a single unit or as a plurality of units hinged to a supporting frame, opening out from a nested position for manipulation and inspection.