Patent GB-769562-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to devices for indicating the number of persons who have travelled over a particular path
IPC: G06M3/14
Filed: 1954-01-02
Abstract: 769,562. Counting apparatus; indicating vacant seats. MILLER, F. H. March 21, 1955 [Jan. 2, 1954], No. 92/54. Classes 106 (1) and 106 (3). A device for indicating the number of persons who have passed over a particular : path, e.g. a bus stairway, in both directions so as to show the number of vacant seats, comprises an indexing apparatus, Fig. 3, switches 3, 5, 7 on the stairs &c. and a selector for determining the direction of operation of the indexing apparatus, means. being .provided to ensure that the indexing means and the selector cannot be operated at the same time. False treads are attached to three successive steps on a double. decker bus, each operating one of a series of three switches 3, 5, 7, the switch 3 being operated by the lowest and 7 by the highest of the steps. Each switch when closed completes a circuit containing one of three electromagnets 33, 29, 31 and a resistance 25 is incorporated so that not more than one, electromagnet can be energized at one time. A spindle 203 carries a ratchet-wheel 205 and has at one end a contact 37 for an arm 57 which always engages one of the contacts 39, 41 ... 53, 55, thus lighting one of the lamps 93, 95 ... 105, 107 or the pair 89, 91. When a passenger places a foot on a step closing the switch 3, the circuit including the electromagnet 33 is made. The magnet attracts an arm 233, pivoted to. the casing 201, which operates a member 239 sliding on pegs 241, 243 and having arms 249, 251. Pawls 265, 267 pivoted at 261, 263 to a plate 225 are joined by a leaf spring 269 and one or other is moved into engagement with the ratchetwheel 205 according as the arm 233 is attracted by the magnet 31 or 33, the arms 249, 251 on the member 239 pressing against projections 253; 255 on the pawls. In this case the pawl 267 engages the ratchet-wheel 205 as in Fig. 3. On the passenger's foot pressing on the next step, releasing the switch 3 and depressing the switch 5, the electromagnet 29 attracts the plate 225 which moves relatively to the spindle 203, lifting an escape lever 211 which has a detent 213 adapted to engage the teeth of the wheel 205. The pawl 267 turns the wheel through one tooth moving the contacting arm 57 accordingly. When the switch 5 is released the bracket 209 returns to its original position and the detent 213 engages the wheel. When the next switch 7 is depressed the magnet 31 is energized, attracting the bar 233, causing the pawl 265 to engage the wheel. Thus on one more passenger ascending the steps the wheel has been advanced by one increment causing the contact arm 57 to advance accordingly over the range of contacts shown in Fig. 2. The wheel can be adjusted manually by pushing the knob 277 to bring both pawls out of engagement and turning the wheel by hand. When only five seats remain unoccupied the arm 57 will have reached engagement with the contact 43, and so step by step to the overload contact 55. The process when a passenger descends is the. same as for ascent, but with the pawl 265 engaging. the wheel, turning it in the reverse direction, the magnet 31 being energized, thus regressing the arm 57, and giving a corresponding indication.