Patent GB-693563-A (GB)
Title: Improvement in electric counting apparatus
IPC: H03K21/00
Filed: 1950-01-27
Abstract: 693,563. Counting-apparatus. BERGER, J. Jan. 27, 1950 [Jan. 28, 1949], No. 2207/50. Class 106 (i). Electric counting apparatus comprises a plurality of step-by-step switches and means for operating them sequentially each through a count having a predetermined number of steps. With two step-by-step switches operating alternately, one is initially offset relatively to the other to the extent of the count and this offset is alternately neutralized and re-established at successive counts. In Fig. 1, pulses generated by contacts 50 are counted by rotary stepping switches 10 and 20, brought into action alternately under the control of relays 30 and 40 and initially offset relatively to one another a number of steps equal to the count required. The initial offset is made under the control of contact levels 13 and 23, level 13 being connected to contacts engaged by an adjustable notched disc 71 which, together with all but the " 1 " contact of level 23, is adapted to be grounded by a homing switch 60. The count by switch 20 is controlled by directly interconnected levels 15 and 25 on the two switches, whilst that of switch 10 is controlled by levels 14 and 24 with interconnections offset according to the count by an adjustable commutator 80, 81. In operation, the disc 71 and commutator 80, 81 are adjusted to the count, and the homing switch 60 operated to complete circuits to ground through the disc 71 and contacts of level 23. This energizes the windings 11 and 21 of switches 10 and 11 which thereupon rotate step-wise, under control of inter rupters 12 and 22, until the circuits to ground are broken; as regards the switch 10 this occurs when the wiper of level 13 reaches the contact corresponding to the number preset, this contact being open-circuited by a notch in disc 71, whilst with the switch 20 this always occurs at the " 1 " contact which is permanently open-circuited. With the switches 10 and 20 so adjusted, a circuit is completed between the wipers of levels 14 and 24 so that relay 40 is energized when the homing switch 60 is restored. Relay 40 holds over contacts 42 and closes contacts 43 to deliver pulses from the counting contacts 50 to the winding 21 of switch 20 which consequently steps forward to count the pulses. When the preset count is reached, a circuit is completed between the wipers of levels 15 and 25 (that over 14 and 24 having become broken) to energize relay 30 which first breaks the holding circuit of relay 40 at contacts 32, so that switch 20 is imme. diately arrested, then completes a holding circuit for itself at contacts 31 and finally closes contacts 33 to apply the pulses from the counting contacts 50 to the winding 11 of switch 12 which thereupon commences the next count. This alternating action of the switches 20 and 10 is repeated as successive counts of the preset number are made, the switches continuing their rotation in the same direction. Additional contacts, as 34 and 44, on the relays 30 and 40 exercise any required control at the completion of each count. Alternatively, control circuits may be made through the wipers of additional levels 16, 17 and 26, 27 on the switches 10 and 20. The levels 16 and 26 are interconnected by an adjustable offsetting commutator 86, 87, whilst the levels 17 and 27 are directly interconnected. These levels 16, 26 and 17, 27 may, alternatively, be used to short-circuit the windings 11 and 21 at the completion of each count to avoid delay due to slow action of relays 30 and 40. In a modified arrangement (Fig. 2, not shown), a further pair of stepping switches is provided to take account of a tens order in the count. Switch levels associated with the units stepping switches, and similar to the levels 16, 26, 17 and 27 of Fig. I, apply tens carry pulses alternately to the tens order switches. The latter have contact levels interconnected in the same manner as the levels 14, 24 and 15, 25 and these levels are included in the energizing circuits of relays 30 and 40, together with the corresponding levels of the units switches, so that the relays only operate when both digits of the number have been counted. In Fig. 3 control circuits are also energized at preset intermediate points in each count; 210 and 220 are the two stepping switches, and 230 and 240 their control relays, the contact levels 213 and 223 controlling the initial offset of the switches. The levels 214 and 224 correspond to levels 15 and 25 of Fig. 1 and the levels 215 and 225 to the levels 14 and 24. The intermediate counts are provided at terminals U-Z connected to the wipers of additional contact levels 216-218 and 226-228 of the stepping switches. The levels 226-228 are connected through adjustable commutators 268-273 with the main counting levels 214, 224 so that the terminals U, V and W become energized at intermediate counts determined by the adjustment of the commutators. The levels 216- 218 are connected between commutators 260- 265 arranged in series between the main counting levels 215, 225 and the terminals X, Y and Z become energized at counts determined by the commutators 260-265, a further commutator 266, 267 enabling the total offset of the series 260-267 to be brought to the main count. In Fig. 4 there are four stepping switches 300, 310, 320 and 330 for presetting three numbers which are counted in repeated succession. Each switch has three contact levels and a control relay 340, 350, 360 or 370. One contact level 303 homes switch 300 to the " 1 " position, and levels 313, 323 and 333 the switches 310, 320 and 330 to positions determined by contact discs 394, 395 and 396 adjusted to the three numbers. A commutator 397, 398, from the level 334 of switch 330 back to level 305 of switch 300, is adjusted with the disc 396. With the switches homed, relay 340 is energized and closes the counting contacts 380 to switch 300, relays 350, 360 and 370 subsequently transferring the counting contacts to their respective switches 310, 320 and 330 as circuits are made successively over the levels 304 and 314, 315 and 324, 325 and 335 as the three numbers are counted in turn. After the first of the numbers has again been counted a circuit is completed over levels 334 and 305 back to relay 340 to continue the second cycle. Counters according to the invention may be used for counting-out small articles for packaging. In some applications, actuation may be by timed pulses derived from the supply mains or other stable source and applied directly to the stepping switches.